Role Play W/ K. Howard

[Trots]

Not a threat but more of a warning. Lincoln didn’t want to see another man dead or a man who could never be who they wanted to be. The ship was really a land of lost hope. But they had each other, and that’s all that mattered now. But when new comers approach they hope they’d leave. They don’t want another lost soul. “Hmm? Well. It reminds us of the times we enjoyed them. It’s hard to enjoy it now. Too many memories.” He explained, grabbing a bottle of rum that was on a shelf. There was quite a bit of it. Not many sailors drank it but when they did they’d be rather foolish and do things they’d regret in the morning... so they refrained themselves. “You can sing if you’d like but not too loudly. I know Amelia likes it. I still do, too. You just need to find the right sailors and they’ll sing along.” He encouraged with a small smile. “Don’t act too tough or strong though. You aren’t going to impress anybody.” He mused and handed James a Glass after filling it.

[wait for me.]

James gave Lincoln a grateful nod and took a swig from the glass. The taste of rum hit his mouth and slipped down his throat, warming his innards. The taste wasn't what he had come to get used to on The Queen of Sheba, but it wasn't bad, just different. He sighed at what Lincoln said, "I understand. There are some memories I'd rather forget, too. I think singing helps more than it hurts, but I get that need to leave certain things behind." He took another sip from the glass, paused, then finished it off, "Are there any people you can think of that I ought to avoid? I don't want to ruffle any feathers, y'know?"

[Trots]

“Hmm.” Lincoln watched the boy drink and he carefully refilled his glass once it got to an emptier state. “Yes... well. No one is going to hurt you for singing. They will not all be pleased but you should also sing... something that brings people joy. Good memories instead of the bad.” He recommended before scoffing. “People to avoid? Well heck. What do you think we are? Look, ain’t no one on this ship you need to avoid. Not one. I’d let you know why but it wouldn’t help. You can talk to anybody your heart desires, but keep that desire away from Amelia for your own good. She has nothing wrong with her, but she isn’t ready.” He decided to say slowly and shrugged.

[wait for me.]

James grabbed the glass and took another drink. It was beginning to taste a bit better, and he felt a familiar, satisfied buzz behind his eyes. This would be his last glass. Seems they brew theirs strong around here. "She isn't ready? What do you mean by that?" From what he had already seen of her, Amelia looked more than capable. She could take care of herself, he imagined. She had held that dagger with a certain amount of strength, enough that it suggested familiarity with it.

James supposed the crew was entitled to keep him out of certain secrets, but surely there was something going on, just below the surface? What was that thing that kept them all silent, but bound them all together like a family? It was as if they had been stuck together and could no longer sever themselves. The fierce protection of Amelia seemed to be a part of this. Were they keeping her out of it, too?

[Trots]

Lincoln examined James befor shrugging. “Nothing serious or too bad I suppose. She simply isn’t ready for what is to come. She can’t be in... she can’t be with anybody at this time, making a relationship or trying to. It will distract her from her duties. So please keep wary.” He warned, looking about the deck curiously. “We off to get down. The storm is coming in. Everyone else is down.” He murmured and ran his hand against his cheek that was people covered in little drops of water appearing from the sky. They were becoming larger by the second and the winds were powerful.

[wait for me.]

"Yeah...alright." James stumbled to his feet. He felt heavy drops on his hair and the peak of his nose, so he followed Lincoln's advice and started to head toward the passage that led below-deck. He was a bit bewildered by Lincoln's implication that he might try to persue a romantic relationship with Amelia, or that she would try to persue one with him. They had only just met. He wouldn't leap so quickly into something like that. Indeed, it would be folly to even entertain the idea so early into their acquaintance. The thought crossed his mind that Lincoln was trying to protect Amelia for his own interest, but he swept that idea away. The age gap was too significant, for one. Their relationship seemed more fraternal, for another. Once he was below deck, he settled into a corner, positioning himself on a crate labeled for sugar, but probably emptied by now.