Jace/Vraska

The question hung in the air as Vraska looked upon Jace, the mage meeting her gaze without fear, but turning his head away in shame.'He recognizes me at least,' the gorgon noting the familiarity in his eyes. She took the silence as a chance to inspect the man more closely, noting his disheveled clothes. When had his muscles had gotten so firm, how long had he been on this desolate rock? Their last meeting had been less than ideal, Vraska's look of concern showing a hint of anger as she recalled how Jace had foiled her plans in the city of Guilds. It was a defeat that still lingered in her memory, though it had given her a level of respect for the telepath's skills. Right now, that respect was waning, the woman despising signs of weakness in her followers and crew. However, it was clear that a spark of his willpower still shone brightly, and it was likely his talents had not diminished even if his mind had been lost.
"Do you recognize me, Jace?" she asked in the warmest tone she could muster, ignoring the looks of bewilderment given by her crew. She was a harsh captain to them, so seeing such a show of empathy was new to them without a doubt. She resolved to correct them later, her thoughts now focused on a more important prize. The mind mage himself took a moment to take in the gorgon's appearance, a strange glow in her eyes, much like his own reflection, he noted. Her hair writhed in the wind, his mind going over the phantasms he had noticed on the island. Idly, he conjured on that matched one he had seen before. The hands of Vraska's guards went to their blades as the castaway weaved his magic, though were halted at their captain's raised hand. She knew full well that an actual attack by Jace would not be so obvious. Besides, he had no reason to strike at his supposed salvation. In a few moments, an image stirred to life, a faint memory of Vraska beckoning him into the darkness, her figure cloaked in shadows.
"So you do recall, both your skills and myself," she noted, a bit terse and worried that perhaps he remembered more than simply that, "But tell me, do you remember...us?" The frustrated look on Beleran's face said more than words ever could. While he may recognize the people from his past, he was struggling with what they meant to him.
"Perhaps this will refresh your memory," the woman continued with a sultry grin, moving in close to the man. He stepped back, perhaps on instinct, though not quickly enough to avoid her intent. He could feel a distinct softness as her chest pressed against his toned body, the coils of her hair caressing his face in a loving manner as their eyes met, their lips close enough to feel eachother's breath. The gorgon's keenough senses were able to pick out his reaction immediately as his heart raced and his bosy grew warm. He gave her the look of someone who had been alone at sea for far, far too long. Perhaps longer still than when he came here. Her lips softly brushed against his, the barest of kisses to let him know she was very real indeed. Then, just as his hands began to move for her, she drew back, skillfully taking his hand in hers with a smooth motion to guide him back to their boat.
"There will be time for that later," she assured him, leading the lovesick sailor along. The trip back to the sip was filled with ligh conversation as she quizzed him on others she thought he might recognize. Sure enough, there were many among the guilds he still new, though Vraska was always quick to try and sour the memory by dredging up the worst aspects of their members. As the man's questions turned to a woman in purple who had spoken down to him though, she drew a blank, only able to point out that someone who would speak to him in such a way would certainly not be a friend. Before long, they'd arrived at her vessel, the crew staring at the strangely dressed man with some interest. A threatening glare from their captain was all that was needed for them to back off however, offering the two a moment of privacy.
Her room was what one would expect of a captain with her talents. The room was dark and dreary, the lighting reminiscent of the undercity. Strewn about were many treasures and baubles, obviously there more to impress guests rather than for herself. Vraska was only worried about one treasure from this world. More from was the array of lifelike stone heads that lined one of her shelves, clearly the product of her talents.
"Impressive busts," Jace murmured, deciding to not anger his host by complaining about how messy her living quarters were.
"You can take a closer look if you like," Vraska replied, taking his chin in her hand. The woman had removed her jacket while his head was turned, her own chest more visible in the breezy buttoned shirt she wore, "But first, we should get you out of those. It'd be embarrassing for Jace Beleran of all people to catch his death from wet clothes. The mind mage was unable to must more than a nod in response, his time on the island hampering his already lackluster social skills further. Compared to when he ripped his clothes off earlier, the way the woman carefully undid every buckle and clasp was quite calming. Her hands rubbed gently against his chest once it was bare, giving him that same sultry smile that caused his cheeks to burn.
"Please, lie down," the woman said as she guided him over to the bed, taking his pants away and leaving only a single layer of fabric covering the obvious reaction he was having to her presence and tone.
"Now, where did we leave off," the woman asked, sliding up to straddle his chest, leaning in close with that same seductive look, "I know you don't remember much, but hopefully that will come with time. But, if you want, I can give you a place on my crew, as long as you agree to certain conditions."
"What's the catch?" Jace asked, his mouth feeling sry as he glanced at the cleavage pressing against his chest, unable to help but look.
"No catch, just the same rules I give the rest of my crew. You sail with me? You earn your keep. I don't take stragglers. For you though, that could mean a few things. Depends on if you'd rather spend your days tugging rope, lifting crates, and freezing at night in the crow's nest...or being my new cabin boy."
"I'm hardly a boy," Jace chuckled in response, easily able to see what Vraska was getting at even in his addled state."
"I know," Vraska replies, planting another soft kiss on his lips as her hand trailed dangerously low, "But how else am I supposed to have you all to myself?" The man shuddered at her touch, breathing heavily. Her selfish and seductive requests gave him a strange sense of nostalgia. Perhaps he had known her more than he realized?
"...alright," he replied, pulling away from the tantalizing lips for just a moment, "But only if you promise to help me get my memories back."
"Don't worry Jace. I'll help you however I can," Vraska grinned, almost feeling bad about lying to the poor man. Almost.