There is no surprise at the punishment meeted out to the thief.  She had almost expected as much... For a girl raised in the harbors, her knowledge of pirates is quite limited-- the muddled stuff of myth, a healthy mix of fear and fantasy.  But clearly the tales of their barbarism, their intimidation tactics, their shocking cruelty and their bloodlust were true... at least, that is, in the case of the Captain and his cronies.  But when they lay the bloodied body of the dead man on the deck-- his tissues weeping saltwater and blood from where the barnacles scoured his flesh, she feels a genuine pang of fear.<br/>*<br/>At the meal, Mathle carefully picks over her food.  Of course, she's famished from the constant exertion of working the rigging, but she's keeping her wits about her.  Ships were simple, she thought, studying their faces with cold, thinly veiled spite... constructions of wood and rope, easy enough to handle, like tough, hulking insect husks.  No, she didn't despite ships.  She liked them, in a way... except that they brought the cold, calculating machinations of man to the sea, where otherwise the only cruelty was in nature's design.<br/><br/>She could smell the cane liquor in its clay cup, and it turned her stomach.  The reasoning for its provision was obvious.  Mathle had consumed alcohol... its effects could even be pleasant.  But she'd seen first-hand what a vile person could do with it, and what a weak person would do because of it.  She swirls the full cup, fighting back a surge of anger that she could not even manage a spell now...but soon.  She drinks the terrible stuff, suppressing a sputtering cough<br/><br/>Noticing the gnome eyeing Beriana, she leans over and gives the gnome a nudge with her elbow.  She remains erect in posture, not giving the least sign of aggression or teasing.<br/><br/>"Nice hat," she says softly.  If no one engages her in conversation quickly, she keeps to herself and will retire as soon as they're allowed... she's careful not to be alone with anyone, and her main concern is to focus on reconnecting with nature, to reach out into her connection with the sea and beg for some of its power, for spells could mean freedom.<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">Drink: 39876   Noone or Anyone   2012-07-17 07:00:07   At 2012-07-17 07:00:07, icsyhyat (uid: 768) rolls: 1d20a4 Result: 13 (http://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=39876)<br/>Not sure how to roll for influence.  She's weak in diplomacy, but knows that... well... gnomes are quirky.  Maybe he'll take a compliment.</div></div><br/>