Jak Ravenfall
Relationships
Maps with Rum!
“In the end this is good for you and all of Swanport Jak. She was a demon… Evil. And, as your friend, I will make sure the courts understand that you had no idea the true nature of your landlord and business partner.”
He remembered not saying a word and grabbing the first horse he saw. He needed to get back to Swanport as fast as he could. He hoped it wasn’t too late. That was a few days ago.
Jak ignored the people’s yells as his horse as he bumped them aside. The crowded docks made it difficult for him to lead his horse to the Leather Feather, but he didn’t care. As he started to see the smoke billow over the rooftops of the fisheries and business that littered the waterfront of Swanport, he decided to dismount and run. It was faster by foot and he knew the shortcuts.
As he finally made his way to the familiar building, he called home, it was evident now where the smoke was coming from. The building was in shambles. It looked as if a fiery explosion occurred. The main structure stood, but most looked burnt or crumbed at the edges.
Jak stood for a few minutes, letting the sight sink in. Showing no emotion, he approached the entrance, which was currently being guarded by Fazal. Fazal was a local boy of the docks who joined the ranks of the Swanport guard. They grew up together and always had a mutual respect.
Jak stood in from of Fazal but did not look him in the eye. He just stood and waited. Fazal always felt for Jak’s situation, not having a family. He knew that Luna was the only family he had. And now?
Fazal stood slightly at attention, then looked to his right and left. Relaxing a bit, he looked away from Jak, as if not noticing him and took a step to the side. Jak gave a short nod and entered the building that housed all his childhood memories.
As he entered it was obvious that the city had confiscated everything of value. Swanport had been hurting after the war so of course they would seize anything they could to recoup their losses. Looking to the empty areas that once held the tables and chairs, to the empty bar that once filled the gullets of Swanport’ s lustiest, he came to the spot. With not a word he looked to the blackened spot on the floor where his friend… His family had been banished. Not killed… Banished!
Turning his head with still no emotion, Jak found a decent enough chair to sit on. Taking out his personal flask of rum, he sipped it with hopes it would jar a long-forgotten memory of this place. When nothing came, he sipped some more until finally a deep breath took him over with too many memories to keep back his tears.
Not letting himself billow with grief, he wiped his eyes with a sniff and looked to the bar. Of all the memories, the one of Luna’s secret Wine hold came to mind. He remembered how it was the only time she threatened him when he discovered it. So, out of respect for his health, he kept away. He knew only the good stuff was there.
Getting himself up and calmly walking to the remains of the bar, he looked for the board in the floor. It looked as if it had not been molested. So, he knelt and looked for the button that activated the small hatch. Finding it, he pushed, releasing the board, and relieving its contents. Two bottles… One was a brandy… Very old. The other though, it was empty. Of at least he thought it was. Picking it up he noticed there was what looked to be a map! Jak finally let a smile take his face as he thought about all the old pirating stories Luna would tell him as a younger man. This was classic Luna. A treasure map, in a bottle.
Jak took both bottles and walked back to the chair. Setting the rum to the floor, he opened the wax seal on the bottle with the parchment rolled up in it. Letting it slide to his hands he unrolled it and quickly recognized Luna’s handwriting.
Jak,
If you are reading upon the parchment, then you seek death by my hand, or I am dead. Or worse, banished from my home.
If You are reading this and I am still alive my sweet boy, please take a long drink of the run I have provided and remember it’s taste. For it will be your last.
If I am no longer here due to the discovery of my birthright, then you will need to know a few things. First, I leave all that is mine to you. Everything I have earned and built will be passed to you in hopes you will do the right thing. I will miss you Jak and I will yearn to see you in passing. Until then know that the coin and property the city will no doubt take from you is nothing compared to what I have saved for you. Follow the map below and it will lead you to what you will need to make your family whole again.
Remember Jak, I have only trusted you with my secrets. You are connected to me in ways others will never understand. Use that to inspire greatness with future choices you will make.
From the one who most adores you,
Lunazilannya
Looking up he examined the room again and for the first realized just how empty his world had become. Jak read the letter again, as if reading it would bring her back, he saw a map at the bottom of the letter and shook his head. His heart melted a bit at the thought of Luna leaving him a treasure map. But, just as the emptiness of it all was about to consume him, a realization hit him!
Looking at the letter again and again he smiled. This time it was not a smile of lost memories masking his sorrow. But a smile of discovery and purpose. Taking another drink from his flask he looked to the parchment again and whispered,
“Lunazilannya”.
JAK?!? Where’d you go?!?
As Jak made is way through the streets with his compatriots, he thought about the map and how they were about to enter the shitter pipes of the tower they needed to infiltrate. He was not looking forward to this. For once he may have to take Livania up on that magic spell she always uses to clean herself with. Making sure they weren’t being followed, Jak was surprised when he seemed to bump into an individual who just happened to be in his way.
Grabbing the person’s arm, trying to keep the impact from knocking them to the ground, Jak met the gaze of a very beautiful woman… Err... Well, probably the closet thing that would pass as a woman. It was hard at times to tell the difference in this fair realm. Her smile was warm but seemed to have a purpose, “Pardon me! I should look where I’m going. Are you alright?”
Jak’s concern seemed to create a haziness to his surroundings that only seemed to accent this stranger’s purpose.
“Oh, thank you for your concern. I am fine and I think it was me who should be looking where she is going.” The woman laughed softly at the situation.
Jak released her arm and smiled with an inquisitive look,
“You… You look familiar. Have we met?” Jak continued the conversation with charmed interest as he didn’t even realize he was now standing in a completely new setting.
As their conversation finished Jak ended it with a charming joke. He then looked around and noticed he was not where he was supposed to be. The forests around them seemed to shimmer and fade in and out almost mocking Jak’s ignorance. He did his best to hide his shock and frustration as he realized he had been fairy’d again.
“So… What do you want?” Jak’s tone switched from charming to direct.
The creature suddenly started to look around, avoiding eye contact as if she was hiding something.
“Oh, I thought it would be nice to have a private conversation.” The creature ended her sentence with an innocent look towards Jak.
“I’ll say this again, and know it is the last time I will say it, what do you want?”
She could hear Jak’s words get angrier as his patience seemed to wane. She smiled and swayed back and force with her slim form, “Oh Jak, it’s not what I want…. It’s what you want. I know what you and your fiends are looking for. I can help you get it. But for a price.”
Jak relaxed a bit as he knew now this was going to be a barter of goods. “And what is it you think I am needing? Once I know that, I can estimate a value in trade.”
Her smile widened and she began to circle around Jak like a playful child, “You are looking for your friends’ memories. And I know how to get them.”
Jak stood in silence for a long bit of time as he thought about what this creature was offering him. It knew his name and his purpose for being here. He was at the disadvantage in these negotiations. But if he learned anything while being in this crazy realm is that you just never know.
Jak crossed his arms and raised a curious brow, “Okay. So, you know what I want. What is your price?”
The creatures smile seemed to curl up, making her words a bit more sinister, “You will owe me a… Favor.”
She was about to giggle and react as if her words would have a moment of surprising declaration! But, before she could experience this the delightful and scary moment, it was interrupted by a boisterous,
“DEAL!”
Jak quickly held out his hand to solidify the agreement! “You get my friend’s memories back to me and my friends safely, and I will owe you a single debt to be called upon anytime as up until my death.”
She looked at his hand almost thinking she was not getting the better part of the deal. But slowly and carefully she extended her hand until they were in a hand-locked agreement. Her smile started to reappear as they stood facing each other. With a soft turn she pulled her hand away and began to walk into the misty backdrop of their woodland surroundings.
“WAIT!” Jak stammered as she was about out of view, “You know my name, but you never told me yours!?! And can you show me how to get back to my friends?”
The creature turned with an echoing laugh, “You are with them. And you’re right… I never did.”
With a fade she disappeared as did the woods around them. Jak now stood with his friends.
However, it was obvious now to Jak that time had passed, and it looked like his companions had completed their task of storming the tower.
As They stood staring at each other, Livania sternly directed her attention to Jak,
“JAK!?! Where’d you go!?!
FINE!
Jak exited the Archives and looked in the direction of his home. He was a little upset that his first job working for the Archives turned out to be a test! The entire mission was to determine his loyalty and dependability. The nerve of them… Testing his resolve. Then reality pushed aside his pride and he began to nod as he made his way through the streets of Swannport. Jak admitted to himself and whispered with a chuckle, “I wouldn’t have trusted me either.”
With a smile, he stopped for an apple for Sahm’s Produce cart, and out of habit, a quick look at the Local Posting Board. Greeting folks as he went, Jak was mindful that usually when he was in a good mood, something would come along and snap him out if it. But, until that happened, he was going to enjoy this.
Jak almost caught himself skipping. This was a good day. He now had the coin to pay off his landlord. He wanted to see the look on Lunna’s face when he paid his tab. It had been a year and two months. She was a very forgiving landlord. Looking back, Jak realized just how much she helped and supported him. Especially in his failures. And there were many. Lunna was the best. And now, he could make sure she got the coin she deserved. Plus, he had enough to secure his hovel for the remainder of the year.
As he made his way into the docks, he pondered this new feeling sweeping over him. This job with the Archives gave him something he never had before… Security.
Walking onto the docks, he bobbed and weaved around sailors, merchants, and other folk mulling about. As he turn around the first block of fisheries, he saw his home. Well, his apartment above the brothel. Yes… Lunna had another job besides being a landlord. There were seven apartments, mostly add-ons over the years that allowed her the luxury of making coin, other than collecting from clients. It was more secure and stable. That was if her tenants paid their rent.
Jak entered the tavern side of the Leather Feather and made his way to the stairs in the back. Jak just wanted to get to his room, unpack and pay for a hot bath. Just as his foot was about to makes it first push up the stairs, Jak hear the familiar voice of Lunna, “I really hope you have coin in that cod piece of yours… I’d hate to threaten a strip search again.” Jak smiled as he turned, “Luuuuna! My favorite most, understanding friend!”
Lunna was about to respond with a sarcastic response when she was sudden struck silent. She was confused. The smile on Jak’s face was different. It actually looked, sincere!
“What’s wrong Jak?!? What did you do!?!” Lunna just assumed this new look on Jak’s face meant that he had caused certain doom somewhere.
“WHAT?!? Jak looked surprised at the outburst.
Lunna walked purposefully right up to Jak and whispered, “You seem… Different… Off… not familiar. You seem…?” Lunna got another look of surprise on her face then quickly moved her lips to his ear, “By the Goddess! You have coin!!!”
As she pulled away to see his response, she sudden felt a weight on her hip sash she did not have before. The heavily weight coin pouch hung from it as if it had been the whole time. Looking back up to Jak he was already starting to speak, “I think that was the first time I ever GAVE someone a coin purse…”
Lunna quickly opened it, making sure it wasn’t another ploy of Jak’s with fake iron bits or something less worthy. When she saw that it was indeed filled with gold and silver coins, she leaned back on her right foot and grinned, “I think this deserves a drink!” As Lunna hid the coin pouch in a layer of clothing, she took Jak by the hand and led him to the bar.
“Buy a poor girl a drink Jak?” Jak laughed at the irony of that statement since she had just came into a large amount of coin. He was about to mention such things but then saw her over acted attempt at bating her eyes at him. Many seconds went by at a small contest of wills began. It finally ended as they always did with Jak rolling back his eyes with a loud, “Fine!”
Under the Swann
His first mission as a Collector for the Archives was an easy one. They said it was meant to test his ability to be resourceful and capable. Jak thought it more a test of whether or not he would leave and skip town forever. Admittedly, Jak thought about it. Leave everything behind…. Start fresh. But, Swannport was his home. And, this new job intrigued him. And more importantly, they paid his rent. Granted, Jak's apartment was in a struggling neighborhood with a nightlife that required one to be heavily armed, but it was his home. What he wasn’t sure about was the work of being a collector.
His first important collection was to take a sack of 500 gold coins to a small dwelling a good few days outside of Swannport. Making the trek was easy enough. Nothing in those two days wanted to eat a scrawny rogue, so he had luck on his side. At the small cottage, a mysterious robbed figure who answered to the name Brathson, peeked through the door. The figure never invited Jak in. In fact, he held the door just open enough to allow for a hand to hand transfer of the coins for the item Jak was assigned to collect. After a few seconds of realizing he was not going to be welcomed into a nice warm hearth, he held out the back of coin to Brathson. Brathson grunted and grabbed the bag. As Branson pulled back with the coin, he realized Jak's hand had not let go. Brathson tugged on it again... and again! Until finally Jak let go of his one opportunity to run off with a fortune. Brathson took the coin then turned briefly out of sight to gather that ever it was Jak was to collect. Jak turned around to check and make sure there was nothing lurking behind him. As he heard this Brathson come back to the door, he looked to see what it was he gave 500 gold coins for. Brathson held out his wrinkled hand and dropped a small box in Jak's hand. As quick as he completed the transaction, Brathson slammed the door with only a few words of instruction, "DON'T PUT IT ON!"
Jak stood there holding the small box. An awkward minute passed until he finally turned back toward the direction of Swannport. Looking down the path he could feel the tingling of curiosity start to devour him. Looking at the box he finally gave in and opened it. He was shocked to see a rusty old iron finger ring. Examining it further, he finally came to the conclusion that the Archives just got ripped off. Closing the box, he tucked it away and started his two day trek back home. As he mad his way back to the main road, he heard the sound of distant thunder. It looked like his luck of easy travel was now a think of the past.
Enjoying a day of heavy rain and another of muddy roads, Jake was glad to be back. Smiling, he made his way through the northwestern gate of Swannport. Veering towards the Archives with his five hundred gold piece iron ring, he passed by familiar vendors and town folk. He grew up here and knew a number of folks by face, many by name, and few as strangers. Before he had become a Collector for the Archive, Jak was a self made business man. And, it was good for business to know who was who and the wheeling’s and dealing of Swannport. On the streets, it was known that if there was some crazy deal going on, Jak Ravenfall was involved.
But now! Word on the street was, young Jak had a legitimate gig! Jak knew this knowledge had it's perks. But it also had it's reservations. He now found that the honest business folk of Swannport treated him with more respect! Nice even! Folks like the Halowfax the Smithy! Or, Deatrah the Tanner! However, those who's reputations were not so untarnished, they saw Jak's situation as an opportunity. Even if Jak did not think so. So, Jak made his way to the Archives with a quiet hum at his lips. Approaching the entrance and pulling out the ring box he was suddenly shocked to have the main door open! Standing before him was the irritable Lord Brathson! Jak stood their with an obvious look of confusion. But, before Jak could ask the obvious question before him, Brathson grabbed the box from Jak. And, with a quick puff he blurted,
"Good! You passed!"
In Chains
Jak watched the light’s reflection on the stone floor move from crack to crack. As the sun’s rays pierced the small barred window in his cell, he thought about his life and how he was going to escape this. He had assaulted a guard of Swannport. That meant a punishment he was not ready for. He was too young! He had a life to live! How was he to know, the woman was married!?! And, he was a guard for Swannport! He was just defending himself! He thought that was a good defense. Why didn’t the Provost see it that way too? Jak shook his head at the injustice of it all.
Just before the light made it to his bare feet, the sound of armored footsteps approached the door. Looking up he managed to stand, even though the shackles and chains fought his every movement. The clanging of metal keys echoed in his cell as he heard the lock click and the door swing open with a grown. At the door stood two guards and a robbed figure. Parting, the two guards moved to let the third man in. The strange figure gave the two guards a glance. They nodded and turned, heading out the cell and closing the door behind them.
Jak just stood there in his skivvies and raised a brow at the stranger. The figure gave a small smile then looked about the cell. “Jak Ravenfall… This is a terrible situation you have found yourself in.”
Jak looked around the cell as well, as if looking to see if the stranger saw something he did not. “This is NOT my fault!” Jak blurted out, still looking about in a rather mad motion.
The stranger gave a polite chuckle then looked to Jak. “I am Chief Librarian Ogarth. I am associated with the Archives. Are you familiar?”
Jak stood there for a moment, like he needed to process the man’s words before answering. “I am? I mean… I am!”
The man nodded, “Good. Then hear me well for I will not repeat and this will be your only opportunity to leave this place. I understand your situation. I know the truth of what happened. However. The truth in this situation will not set you free. Only this offer can. Nod if you understand me so far.”
Jak stood still in an awkward pose of chains. Thinking a bit he nodded back to him.
“Good!” The Librarian looked back slowly to make sure the guards were not too close to hear on the other side of the door. “The Archive is always on the lookout for potential Collectors. Your name is rather synonymous for one who can get things. We at the Archives under the approval of the Head librarian, a here to offer you a position within the Archives. We would like to hire your services as a Collector. Again, nod if you understand.”
Jak stood there. This time he needed a bit longer to think about the man’s offer. Questions swirled around his head but he felt like one wrong word and he would lose a possibility of leaving this place. The librarian could tell there was some confusion with Jak as he stood in silent pondering. After a long awkward minute, Ogarth sighed heavily, “Do you have any questions?”
Jak’s body relaxed with the sudden relief he could speak, “Yes… Just one. What is a Collector?”
The Librarian stiffened up as he seemed to have this answer prepared. “The Collector is one of THE most important aspects of the Archives. Collectors are those who adventure, seeking lost artifacts and ancient knowledge. These are returned to the Archives. The Collector is paid of course a fair stipend and, the opportunity to find wealth for themselves.”
Jak stood silent again. The Librarian could see his body tighten up again with anticipation. Another heavy sigh came from Ogarth, “Another question?”
Jak relaxed again and looked confused. “So, are you saying, that if I take this job, as a Collector, I will be set free of here?”
Ogarth nodded, “Yes. And, if you decide this is not for you, then you will remain here until the time of your punishment. And please, I have other engagements. So, I need an answer… “
“I ACCEPT!” Jak did not let the Librarian finish his sentence.
Ogarth smiled, “Excellent choice. I shall have freed here shortly then we shall gather your things, and I will have a chance to explain the rules of which you will be expected to adhere to while under our employ.”
Jak nodded as Ogarth called for the guards to open the door. As he was allowed to leave Jak though about this new job and… and then the Librarian’s words hit him like a rock the head.
“Rules?!?”
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