Irayo, the Cook ~ by SaralynArati

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It is a torch with a star at the top, sending out a long, serpentine, comet's tail: Shooting Star's Firebrand. How it manages to look both ethnic and classically heraldic, Silver Fox isn't sure, but he knows that he likes it. And after this fight, the captain descends below decks, ostensibly because swordplay, and net-casting, make her very hungry. True to her word, Shooting Star eats like she's starving. "So," she asks Irayo, totally ignoring Silver Fox's existence, "how's the new recruit?"

10 years ago

SaralynArati

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Everyone, Irayo included, grabs his sword and rushes up on deck. Silver Fox amuses himself fretting about the safety of his beloved stranger and his new friend, and pumping out the bilges. But, yet again, none of her crew are seriously hurt! The woman must have phenomenal luck, because not even the combination of her skill and the fear she inspires in normal pirates can account for it. She does not fly any variation on the skull and crossed bones or sabers, but a flag with her own design.

10 years ago

SaralynArati

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"My half-sister is a shaman of the steppes," Silver Fox explains dreamily. "When I asked my sister where to go, she said to come here. But I confess that Shooting Star's name was never mentioned." "Still, this is a serious thing," says Irayo. "Perhaps, if you cannot be allowed to go up, she might be induced to come down. Why else bring you here?" "But for now, set that dried meat to soak," and they are back to the world of cookery. Then, the next day, the ship is involved in a sea battle.

10 years ago

SaralynArati

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For several days, Irayo is Silver Fox's only friend, that he knows of, aboard the Firebrand. But the big man is impressed by the fact that this obviously Eastern young man is not prejudiced against Irayo's dark skin. And when told to chop tubers, he chops tubers. Gradually the cook warms to the self-professed unrequited lover. "Why is it that you think you love our Shooting Star?" he asks one night. Silver Fox, feeling whimsical, tells the huge man, "Because my sister danced on it for me."

10 years ago