Consorting with the Enemy

The flames had flickered out, and the column of thick smoke was beginning to thin. Colette turned, feeling flecks of ash dot her arms like warm snowflakes. Her crew and family were bustling around, and already the damage was being slowly cleaned up. That whole ship was a wreckage, but a few items here and there poked through the ash and rubble. "Can anything be saved? Anything?" She bit her lip, hands itching to wrap around her whip and find the twins, give them a sound lashing.

Colette touched Alexandra's shoulder lightly before heading over to the bucket crew and addressing the small worried-looking gathering. "My friends," she began, "This was no accident. However, we shall not leave Orleans ahead of schedule. The Hirondelle is a pest, that is all. The other night, some members of our crew encountered some members of theirs, and certain words were exchanged. Today, we see the result of my--and I take full responsibility--indiscretion." Colette cast a glance at Asmodeous, and she paused at his meaningful, yet silent expression. "Our family is stronger in our own camp, when we can support each other. One man alone is too easily silenced. Please... be careful. Don't venture out alone or unarmed." Colette frowned, not knowing how much to say. "I know the man responsible for la Hirondelle and he is ruthless. He abides by no code of honour." She swallowed. "We have to beat him at his own game. And that means in the rings. Not out here, not like this. Tonight, we'll put on a show la Hirondelle could never hope to rival." Unable to think of a dignified way to end her impromptu speech, she let her hands drop, and added. "Someone establish a guard rotation to secure the camp perimeter. Check in with me when it's finalized." Stepping away from the little crowd, she motioned to the man who had first worked to stifle the flames.

"Asmodeus! A word, if you will." The magician had smears of black ash on his fingers and cheeks, and he looked less placated by her words than most of the crew. "Asmodeus..." She spoke quieter now, a bit of her bravado fading. "I'm not sure that I can do it." She crossed her arms more tightly, feeling a chill even in the warm, acrid-scented air. "I don't know how to win against a man who fights so unfairly."