"Adular may appreciate the atmosphere, bein' o' Taldan tribe and taste. How's about that? We'll skip making a raid, and be back here within the week. With the added numbers and weapons from the Valoshka, i can bear to part with my lands for a few days. DOn't want to become a sedentary lord, do I?" Dhaavna suggests as a convenient solution to the issues, recalling the possibility. Although Agasta may be Annoyed if Abandon her as she suggested it as a holiday destination, I'll have to make it up to her... Hmmmm he thiinks a moment distracted then slily smirks as he devises devious diversions in his devilish mind.
Adular laughs, "Tis true, we of Taldan blood are among the finest of people, you have but to ask us to know that it's so. Worse ways to spend a few days I suppose. Thank ye."
"I don't see a reason to mistreat the men. It's just that Sir Horatio, and a his have suffered much due to slavers and having crew of a slave-ship is not something he comfortable with. Makes it easier all around." Dhaavan says with a shrug. Not that he much cares where the folk served it's really not worth getting bent out of shape over either way to him. "Rain seems to think they're trustworthy and she's not a particularly trusting woman, so i figure they're fine, otherwise I'd keep em on the lady ta watch em closer."
Dhaavan spends the next three days often among the people. Having spent the better part of a week among the populace of the Island getting to know the two-score residents. The next three days are devoted to managing an motivating the workers as they construct watch-towers, getting to know the freed slaves, listening to their stories and being generally Lordly in a very "man of the people" sort of way.
He also spends downtime with his inking, making tattoos for new crewmen adn the freed slaves, turning their slave-markings into personalized works of art rather than symbold of ownership.
for the week
His work is good, not quite masterpieces like what he gave Sandara, but still very fine work.
With no crafting components, that's really what there is for Dhaavan to do. Yay building and people-ing
with the new people to get acquainted and on good terms with his subjects.
- Dhaavan is a resplendent Lord who rules through the devotion and adoration of his people and fosters a warm and joyful community with a sense of unity and purpose.
Adular will spend time with Sandara and Belle. He's curious how they're getting along, and for that matter, how each is getting along with him.
Once the meeting is done, Seijiro slips off to be with his father again, watching over the elderly man with concern, though less worry than before.
Adular also tends to Jiro's father, praying for yet more remove disease spells, and casting them again.
Seijiro bows when Adular arrives and watches with anticipation as he casts his spells and checks out the elderly kitsune's condition.
"He seems to be resting easier... though he still seems so frail and weak. What do you think? Is he truly on the mend?"
"I have a good feeling about that last one, but we'll see. Truth to tell, Jiro, there's a lot I don't know about Kitsune. Elves can be on the fragile side, not that I'd dare tell me mother that, and dwarves are hardy as hell. I assume Kitsune are somewhere in between?"
He looks over the man for signs of recovery
Agasta mearly rolls her eyes at the tattooing, but it is more in a fond way. She actually enjoys the fact that your aren't a typical lord and has skills beyond the political.
The last spell seemed to do the trick. The kitsune's ears twitch and his eyes flutter open, clear and bright for the first time. Looking around he appears confused for a moment before saying Seijiro? I thought I was dreaming. Thank the gods I found you...or should I say...thank the gods you found me. His voice is much frailer than you remember but even now seems to be getting back some of his strength.
"Ah, now that's grand to see and hear. He should be fine now."
Still, just to be smug, Adular casts one more spell on the man, lesser restoration ,"Twould appear your da is a tough ole bird."
Seijiro grins widely when his father speaks and he turns to Adular with tears in his eyes, bowing deeply. "Between you and Flynn and the will of the gods, my father seems truly on the mend. I cannot thank you enough."
He turns back to his father and speaks to him in Minkaian, reassuring him that he is getting the best possible care and to rest and recover his strength before trying to speak too much. Realizing he is excluding Adular, he switches to Common halfway through. Though he is aching to hear his father's tale, he doesn't want to tax the old fellow's strength yet.
"Tis no problem, we've beat the sickness, and between you and me? I like winning. Bit of a gloater I am," Adular chuckles, "if ye'd like a little time alone with your da, I can leave ye be. No harm done to me pride there."
"To be honest, I have no idea what brought him here to the west, and I fear for the fate of the rest of my family if my father is here alone. He has obviously been here long enough to learn some of the Common tongue spoken in the West, which also concerns me. I wish he were strong enough to talk at length, but I am afraid to cause him any stress that might result in a relapse, so I will wait until he feels strong enough to speak. I don't think he needs privacy to speak, especially in front of a healer, but if there are private family matters to discuss, he might feel more inclined to speak openly if it is just me here to listen. I mean no disrespect, but yes, a little time alone with my father might be best, thank you Adular-san. You are very understanding."
"Besides, you have concerns of your own to attend to, eh? What with the delicate balance to maintain between new love and old... I hope all is going well on that front. You are lucky to have two fine women who both love you. How are things going with that situation, eh?"
"You're too kind, and love might be a bit much on either. Sandara seems fond, VERY fond..." He smiles, "And Belle? Well, twas youthful passions I thought. Hard to say how things are going. Sandara's not too forth coming... and Belle? Ah, she's been through a lot. We'll see." He tips his hat, "Better days to you and your da." and withdraws
Horatio will begin the supervision of the deconstruction of the ship.
When he has time he’ll move over the island with his journal, noting specific points and making other observations and continuing to write things down.
He shall also spend time talking to the boy Mardus; watching him work and observing his tasks, and generally speaking to him about his plans and thoughts.
During this time, as Dhaavan is preoccupied with his wife, Amen-set will shadow Horatio as a sort of bodyguard; trying to lend him status.
In the evening Horatio will meet with and discuss things with Lady Fellwind; specifically asking her about his formal duties – such as they are.
After that he will prepare some specialized cha for Seijiro’s father and meets with him to speak to him when he can, looking in on him.
During these times with Seijiro’s father, Horatio speaks exclusively in the Minkai language. For anyone who sits in during these conversations, and anyone who listens in on the conversations, Horatio speaks with a strange and rather in depth knowledge of the culture which he has not shown before.
As he talks to the elder kitsune, he will behave in a manner consistent with most of their culture.
He informs the elder that he had a sensai from Minkai, and mentions the name Matsudaira-noh-Uraga. He shares cha with the elder kitsune for the most part and says little, though if the elder is open to it, he shares some haiku with him.
But in general, he’s pretty busy with his work.
I should have been a bit more clear earlier about talking to your father.
Specifically Horatio came to bring him cha and look in on him.
If your father seems interested and willing to talk, Horatio will speak softly and gently in the Minkai tongue. He does not intend to intrude or be offensive, mainly just sit next to the elder for companionship when you are busy and to make sure he's healing well.
If, and ONLY if the elder is interested in chatting, Horatio would happily respond; but gently and in a way so your father doesn't overtax himself.
Finally, Horatio does not intend to pose him any questions that may stress him out.
The only thing he'll do is give him some entertaining tales or poems to pass the time; generally Horatio would focus specifically on your bravery and sense of honor and commitment to the harmony of the group, doing what he can to make your father feel good emotionally as well as physically.
But that was pretty much all he would talk about, if there was even time to talk.
The thing is, I re-read my post and thought it may have come off a bit more pushy than I meant, so I wanted to put up this disclaimer.
Hope it helps explain things a bit better.
Okay, that's pretty much it :)
Shinji Hakamura sits up with a force of will in the feather bed Lady Agasta procured for him in the guest quarters of the Rock. He has regained much of his old strength, his form returning to that of the gnarled hardwood it once possessed. He looks first to Adular and says in understandable but slightly halting Common Domo Arigato, Adular-sensei. Thank you for much help in returning me from the doorway of Fumeiyoshi. It is not time for he and I to do battle for my soul in the afterlife I do not think. Turning to Horatio he says ...and to you, Horatio Flynn-hakase, Domo Arigato. Seijiro-kun tells me how you both worked together to fixed me. My feelings are much gratitude.
You can tell he is making an effort to speak Common so as to be polite in Adular's presence. I would be liking to speak with you...but first I must speak to my son on family matter of greatness. Bowing from his seat on the hammock, he gives you an apologetic look before you leave.
Watashi no musuko wa, sore wa anata o miru koto ga totemo yoidesu. Watashi wa anata ga watashi ga koko de yatte iru, sekai de nani ga gimon ni omowa reru hitsuyō ga arimasu shitte iru. Aete iunara, anata no kyōdai ga ketsuraku shite imasu. Wareware wa 2-nen chikaku de kare o miteinai to anata to wa chiga~tsu te, kare wa kare jishin no sentakude wa arimasen. Anata no okāsan wa jibun ga byōki shinpai shi, saishūtekini wareware wa nani ga okotta ka no yōna toiawase o tsukuri hajimeta. Sore wa, kare wa yakuzagurūpu Shanxia to ni ochita yō de,-dō wa tsumetai hashitta tokoro sorehadesu. Wareware wa kare no ta no nin'i no genkyū o mitsukeru koto ga dekimasendeshitaga, watashitachi no shitsumon ni wa kidzukanakatta. Anata no okāsanha... Watashitachi no shitsumon ni chinmoku ni chūi shita. Watashi wa Bloodcove suru tame ni sorera o tsuiseki suru tame ni kanri ga, watashi wa tōri ni machibusete ita to watashi wa, watashi o shitteita-ji no koto wa, sono fune ni notte ita. Watashi wa shikashi osowareta mae ni, watashi wa kanojo ga pōto jaaku ni tsurete ika reta koto o shiru koto ga dekimashita.
My son, it is so good to see you. I know you must be wondering what in the world I am doing here. Suffice it to say, your brother is missing. We have not seen him in nearly two years and unlike you, he did not leave of his own choosing. Your mother worried herself sick and eventually we began making inquiries as to what happened. It seems he fell in with a secret yakuza group named Shanxia and that is where the trail ran cold. We were unable to find any other mention of him but our questions did not go unnoticed. Your mother...was taken to silence our questions. I managed to trace them to Bloodcove but I was waylaid in the street and the next thing I knew I was on that ship. Before I was attacked though, I was able to find out that she had been taken to Port Peril. A fire begins to burn within him and you as he speaks and the steel that has always resided in your father comes back as you watch.
Adular, Sandara comes by as you are walking out of the room with Horatio. Stepping up to you she grabs you by the collar and begins walking you to an open pantry. Pushing you up against the wall she looks at you with her hands on her hips and says Well?! What do you have to say for yourself?! Nevermind! I don't want to hear it! You are mine and that is that. That trollop can't just waltz in and ruin things just because she got herself made a slave and I won't let her. She actually stamps her foot at this point. Now, ye will be perfectly sweet to the girl. She's been through a lot so you let her down easy you hear?! Now come by my quarters later and I'll make sure ye forget her proper like. With that she sways away, her hips rolling like the ocean she has spent her life on.
Mr. Flynn! Mr. Flynn! Mardus comes bounding up toward you while you are supervising the stripping of the Valatroika. I wanted to come and thank you for saving my life. My grandpa says I need to "Pay me debts" to you and all that so I'm here to start that. Since you saved my life, I guess that means that my debt doesn't end until I save yours. Now I know I don't have much in the way of power to be saving a man like yerself, nor do ye need it, but I am working on getting better so'n I can help the Dread Lady. I'd love to be able to come on it as a member of the crew at some point. Any ideas on what I can do to help me chances of getting such a thing going?
Shinji Hakamura sits up with a force of will in the feather bed. Turning to Horatio he says ...and to you, Horatio Flynn-hakase, Domo Arigato.." ** spoiler omitted **...
Horatio stands and bows before the elder kitsune.
"Sore wa nani mo nakatta," he says quietly and with dignity; his tone and attitude far different that what has been demonstrated before among his own people.
He bows also to Seijiro, though not as low as to the bow to his father; then exits unobtrusively.
Rain, Neko comes to you at some point that first day back and you hear Stupid elf...maybe not...as I thought. He...potential...good... All of a sudden her thoughts come through crystal clear. I still think it's scandalous for you two to share quarters much less a bed when you're not married but at least he has made the effort to contact your grandfather. Then almost as if a wall was slammed back into place the voice stops except for a faint whisper that sounds like ...hope...continue...path...marriage.
I'd love to be able to come on it as a member of the crew at some point. Any ideas on what I can do to help me chances of getting such a thing going?
Horatio’s eyes widen in surprise at the sudden presence of Mardus and he nods politely to the boy, a friendly smile on his lips.
Clapping his hand over Mardus’s shoulder he leads him from the tower to take a walk down to the shore to give Seijiro’s dad some privacy.
”Well, I’m not looking for mere hired thugs or fishermen – instead I look for a companion who is clever and resourceful, no matter how well he can use a blade or bow,” he pauses, thinking a bit. You see, lad, the journeys we make aren’t voyages of exploration or for mere sight-seeing; there’s hard work in store for you if you come with us, and things can be fairly dangerous. Do you think you’re up for that kind of challenge?” he asks seriously, gauging the boy’s reaction.
Horatio nods then, giving Mardus a look of muted pride at his courage.
”Well spoken! Now, before I can make any kind of recommendation on where you’d fit in, I’d need to know where your skills lay already,” he adds rubbing his chin and examining the boy for a moment, thinking about him for a bit.
”Have you sailed before? Can you fence, or fight, or shoot, or swim?” he asks, curious to know what skills he has and where his own interests lay.
”Are you faithful to any gods, and if so, who? And finally, if you are not skilled with steel or iron; are you apt to the acrance studies?” he asks, looking at the boy for a moment.
Papa, watashi wa anata ni futatabi o mite ureshiku omoimasu. Gomen, watashi wa jitaku totemo wakaku dete, anata to haha o shinpai shite imasu. Shikashi, watashi wa tan'ni umi ni ikanakereba naranakatta. Sore wa watashinojinseidesu. Shikashi, watashi wa futatabi oaidekiteureshīdesu shi, saigo ni yoi mite. Wareware wa byōki anata ga sō shibito mitsuketa toki watashi wa totemo shinpai shite ita.
"Papa, I am pleased to see you again. I am sorry I left home so young and worried you and mother. But I simply had to go to sea.. it is my life. But I am glad to see you again, and looking better at last. I was so worried about you when we found you so deathly ill."
Chichiyo, watashi wa kono nyūsu no subete ni shokku o ukete imasu. Yakuza ni sanka suru ni wa, moji Hijiro kara dete iru yōda. Watashi wa kare ga sorera ni yotte tora rete hahaoya ni tōjisha ni wa dekimasen kakushin shite imasu. Shikashi, kono Shanxia gurūpu ga Ōbei de koko de nani o yatte iru, e? Watashi wa kanojo no kōsu o kettei suru koto wa dekimasen'node, doreddoredi no kyaputende wanaidesuga, watashitachiha hahaoya o mitsuke, karera no kuratchi kara kanojo o kyūshutsu ni iku, to Hijiro o dōyō ni mitsukenakereba naranai.
"Father, I am shocked at all of this news. To join the yakuza seems out of character Hijiro. I am sure he cannot be a party to mother being taken by them. But what is this Shanxia group doing here in the West, eh? I am not the captain of the Dread Lady so I cannot determine her course, but we must go find mother and rescue her from their clutches, and find Hijiro as well."
Kore wa Shanxia no ichizoku wa shibarakunoaida watashitachi no senchō to norikumiin no soba ni togete kita koto o, osoraku gūzendearu. Sore wa watashitachi ni kyōtsū no mokuhyō o ataemasu. Saki hodo soko Shanxia no dairinin ni sōgū to shite, karera wa Bloodcove ni aru to iu nyūsu wa, watashitachi ni wa kimyōde wa arimasen. Shikashi, karera wa dōyō ni pōto no kiken ni sarasa rete iru koto wa machigainaku chūmoku subeki nyūsudesu. Watashi wa, karera ga kono ichizoku to no senchō no kankei no haigo ni aru shinjitsu o tsuikyū shinagara, watashitachiha haha no jiyū o tsuikyū suru koto ga dekiru yō ni sorera o sayū suru watashitachi no yakuin oyobi tabun ni kono monogatari o tsutaetai to omoimasu.
"It is perhaps fortuitous that this Shanxia clan has been a thorn in the side of our captain and crew for some time. It gives us a common goal. News that they are in Bloodcove is not strange to us, as we encountered agents of Shanxia there earlier. But that they are in Port Peril as well is definitely noteworthy news. I would like to tell this tale to our officers and perhaps that will sway them to allow us to pursue Mother's freedom, while they seek the truth behind our captain's ties with this clan."
Anata no monogatari ga katara reru hitsuyō ga arimasu. Anata wa sore o jibun de itte made kanjideshou ka? Matawa anata wa watashi ga hokanohito ni sore o motte shitaidesu ka?
"Your tale will need to be told. Would you feel up to telling it yourself? Or do you want me to bring it up to the others?"
Shinji Hakamura sits up with a force of will in the feather bed Lady Agasta procured for him in the guest quarters of the Rock. He has regained much of his old strength, his form returning to that of the gnarled hardwood it once possessed. He looks first to Adular and says in understandable but slightly halting Common Domo Arigato, Adular-sensei. Thank you for much help in returning me from the doorway of Fumeiyoshi. It is not time for he and I to do battle for my soul in the afterlife I do not think. Turning to Horatio he says ...and to you, Horatio Flynn-hakase, Domo Arigato. Seijiro-kun tells me how you both worked together to fixed me. My feelings are much gratitude.
Adular takes his hat off in a bow, "The white time is indeed not upon you yet, honored father of an honored friend. Your son is modest, so would not tell you much of his own heroism and exploits, but without him, you and others might never be freed. I have seen the fruit that he is, and so must assume great things about the tree as well. Rest well, and heal yet more. Your strength will not be a stranger to you for too much longer."
And with that, he withdraws so the son and father can talk.
-----------
Adular, Sandara comes by as you are walking out of the room with Horatio.
"Well, hello lovely lady..." He smiles but then...
Stepping up to you she grabs you by the collar and begins walking you to an open pantry. Pushing you up against the wall she looks at you with her hands on her hips and says Well?! What do you have to say for yourself?!
"Say for meself?M" Confusion crosses his features, then "Oh, you misunde..."
Nevermind! I don't want to hear it! You are mine and that is that. That trollop can't just waltz in and ruin things just because she got herself made a slave and I won't let her.
Adular stammers, "O course it were just..." but it would seem she's still got more to say.
She actually stamps her foot at this point. Now, ye will be perfectly sweet to the girl. She's been through a lot so you let her down easy you hear?! Now come by my quarters later and I'll make sure ye forget her proper like. With that she sways away, her hips rolling like the ocean she has spent her life on.
What a woman!
Adular gapes and watches her stride off, mesmerized.He looks seaward and mutters to his goddess, "You're having fun with me, I can tell."
And with that, he moves off to find Belle. "Belle, lass? Tis me, Adular. Just seeing how you're doing after all these trying times. And then I'll be off to see my lady." he tries to slip that last in to let her know how it stands without offending.
Mardus looks at you when you start asking questions and then says Umm...I can herd sheep...animals seem to like me. Other than that no to pretty much all of them questions except for swimming. I can swim fairly well. Don't know much about sailing or fighting though.
I don't believe your brother is still with them, nor do I believe he joined them of his own free will. I think he managed to get out at some point otherwise they would not have needed to take your mother. They could have just threatened us with his life. Since they did not, logic seems to dictate that he is not in their clutches. As for speaking to your "crew", I am strong enough. I must say I cannot agree with your choice of professions. That said though I am proud to see you have grown into a man and one of much honor it seems.
Shanxia, is a powerful syndicate of assassins, criminals, and for lack of a better term, businessmen. They are absolutely ruthless and extremely secretive. So far as I know, not a single full member of the group has ever left them alive. They have their black gloved hands in everything from political assassination, warmongering, arms dealing, drugs, slavery, and other more nefarious endeavors. They also have a powerful business sector with legitimate businesses that work as fronts for their criminal dealings. I only recently learned that they have been active in the Shackles. I traced them through Cheliax before coming here. Fear not for your mother though. They will not harm her unless they think they can no longer profit from her and as long as I am alive, they can still profit.
Mardus looks at you when you start asking questions and then says Umm...I can herd sheep...animals seem to like me. Other than that no to pretty much all of them questions except for swimming. I can swim fairly well. Don't know much about sailing or fighting though.
Horatio ponders a moment longer.
"I see..........." he says after a long moment.
"Well, swimming is a good thing while you're at sea," he says trying to be encouraging.
"Can you read or write? Do you know any languages other than the Common tongue?" he asks, guessing that shepherds would probably at least have time to read during the quiet solitude of their work.
Adular, Belle answers the door and throws her arms around you. Adular! It's you! Thank you so much for everything you have done to rescue me. I am sorry for going to pieces before but you know...being potentially sold into slavery can do that to a person and... at this point she begins to chatter as you remember she can do for hours if you don't head her off. She seems to have gotten back to her old self. So your Lady huh? she says, winking at you. You haven't changed a bit have you Adular. A woman in every port and all that. Well just so you know, I'm an engaged woman. Seeing your look and mistaking relief for disappointment she says Now now Adular. I won't allow you to mess around on such a fine upstanding woman as that Sandara seems to be. You better keep your nose clean or I'll give you what for! Turning on a dime she then says But it was so nice to see you again!
Oh I can definitely read. Lady Agasta herself taught me my letters even though she had a hard time keeping me at my desk. I was always off in the woods of the isle or some such thing. I love being outdoors.
Oh I can definitely read. Lady Agasta herself taught me my letters even though she had a hard time keeping me at my desk. I was always off in the woods of the isle or some such thing. I love being outdoors.
"Good, good," Horatio says smiling again.
"Reading is a good start," he says.
"Alright then," he adds, thinking a moment.
"You say you love being outdoors, eh? And you're good with animals, too? Well, we have quite the menagerie in our ship; two birds, a monkey and a cat. Hmm... we almost had a hippogriff once... but no! Tell me, what type of animals are you friendly with?"
"And as you've spent time in the outdoors, can you hunt, or fish, or trap?"
"Papa, I am ashamed you don't approve of my profession, but until recently I was just a sailor. This life of piracy has only been the past few months since I was shanghaied aboard a pirate ship. Until then I served mostly on merchant vessels, though some of them were well armed, they weren't pirates. I am very pleased to say I am an officer on our ship. I am in charge of, I guess you would say, logistics. It's my duty to make sure we have enough food and water aboard and that plunder we recover is well stored until we can sell it. It is an honorable job that I do, even if our method of acquiring wealth is perhaps not so honorable. My fellow officers have the highest of morals and honor, and our crew are all valiant sailors and fighters."
"I am not the young rascal I was when I left home five years ago. I have been missing you and mother and Hijiro much since I took to the sea, but my duties and jobs have kept me too busy to mope over my losses."
"I don't know anything about Hijiro's fate, except once, I felt him, as if he were with me in the same body. I felt him take a terrible blow, but I somehow know he did not succumb to the wound. I know i would have felt it if he did. I am sure he lives, but I have no idea where he is. Whatever bond we might share, it doesn't tell me how far he might be."
"Our priority now must be to find and free Mother. Since the Shanxia clan is somehow tied with the origins of my own captain, it seems fate has brought us all here to this nexus to find each other and proceed together. Our goals are now truly one. I hope the others share my concerns though. If they are not willing to try to help free Mother, you and I will have to leave them and continue on with that task on our own. I hope they see the wisdom of our mutual goals. "
Adular, Belle answers the door and throws her arms around you. Adular! It's you! Thank you so much for everything you have done to rescue me. I am sorry for going to pieces before but you know...being potentially sold into slavery can do that to a person and... at this point she begins to chatter as you remember she can do for hours if you don't head her off. She seems to have gotten back to her old self. So your Lady huh? she says, winking at you. You haven't changed a bit have you Adular. A woman in every port and all that. Well just so you know, I'm an engaged woman. Seeing your look and mistaking relief for disappointment she says Now now Adular. I won't allow you to mess around on such a fine upstanding woman as that Sandara seems to be. You better keep your nose clean or I'll give you what for! Turning on a dime she then says But it was so nice to see you again!
Adular wonders if any woman will give him much time to get more than three words in edgewise, but he takes it in good stride and chips in what he can.
"Understandable. Slavery would put me off my feed for a week...""Oh.. not EVERY port. I haven't been to EVERY port," A grin.
"Engaged? Who's the lucky fellow?"
"I'll behave meself, paladin's honor," he faux swears with good humor, knowing she'll know he's no more a paladin than she is the queen of Andoren.
"And it was good to see you. I must be tending to Sandara, lest ye and she both grow wroth with me. Best blessings on your coming wedding day." he doffs his hat, and wishes her good eve before departing.
Indeed, he picks up the pace. Somewhere there's a redhead who wanted to show him why now is better than 'then'.
Rain, Neko comes to you at some point that first day back and you hear Stupid elf...maybe not...as I thought. He...potential...good... All of a sudden her thoughts come through crystal clear. I still think it's scandalous for you two to share quarters much less a bed when you're not married but at least he has made the effort to contact your grandfather. Then almost as if a wall was slammed back into place the voice stops except for a faint whisper that sounds like ...hope...continue...path...marriage.
When the telepathic link was crystal clear, it felt good to hear all of Neko's thoughts, uninterrupted.
Rain sighed inwardly. The logical Rain understood Neko's hard stance on deep, physical intimacy. In a perfect world, she would have marriage before bedding, but she did not live in such a world. And when others partook of such intimacies all around her and she had to refrain and restrain all her natural impulses, it felt like the imposed celibacy was a trial designed to test her true strength of character and will. Or Variel's.
Rain looked over at Variel, speaking to some citizen of the Isle, and she wondered how he would take the extended restriction and whether he even desired to continue with small gestures - hand holding, kisses, embraces with no carnal gratification.
Through their mutual link, Rain responded to Neko, //I hope I can continue on this path, as well. I know it has validity, but the heart still yearns, Neko. I hope Variel can walk this path with me.// She knew Variel was not ready for wedlock for he had said as much to her. He had other concerns which took precedence. How many years would Neko insist they carry on as chaste lovers?
Once Variel had completed his tasks and conversations, Rain made her way over to her lover. She hooked her arm in his and suggested they stroll along the shore so they could talk privately.
Neko gave them some privacy as per Rain's emotional messages sent through their link.
Rain scanned the water, looking at the most distant point and then she turned deep turquoise eyes on Variel, standing face to face with him.
"I spoke with Neko and she has advised me that we may continue certain acceptable forms of intimacy but not all, especially not gratifying our carnal desires. She would rather we did not share quarters or a bed until we are lawfully wed. But she conceded that if we sleep in bed and not couple, then she will allow it since you have shown respect in writing to my grandfather. What I need to know is, can you accept these restrictions and impositions? Neko hails from a more traditional period in time where matrimony comes before bedding and governesses ensure it, and she will not see my honour impugned."
They had spoken on this subject when Neko first came to them and she aligned herself with Rain. And here Rain was again, asking the same question and hoping Variel would not give up on her or them. But this time, she would allow him to make up his own mind and would not sway his thoughts and intentions with her emotions and desires.
1. I’d like to more Social RP with Mardus; but maybe we could do that on the Social Thread? It could happen over time, but it wouldn’t all need to be done right away, so we could stretch it out as necessary without too much chatter on the main board.
Please let me know if that is okay.
2. Horatio will do all he can to dissect the ship and haul the lumber onto the land near the ship. As far as he knows it’s “Company Property”. So basically he’s assuming that everyone in the group will just take their cut of it as they earned it. But as there are no specific plans for it (only suggestions) he’s not going to build anything with it because it’s not technically his “property” and he doesn’t know how much to be used, or how much NEEDS to be used (as in – if we made a guard tower; how much resources/money would that take).
3. As the others are off on their own errands; Horatio will do what he can to work with Mardus specifically. He will also meet again with Seijiro’s father when he can. But always with respect and dignity. Again; with the elder kitsune Horatio is clearly behaving much more differently than he normally does; he seems to have a knowledge of the customs and culture of the Minkai folk that he hasn’t expressed or shared before, not even with Jiro that he clearly had kept hidden or secret for some reason.
4. Horatio will go to Agasta and ask her what – if anything – she expects him to do as a formal “Knight” of this place.
He will also ask her if it is possible for him to build a more permanent home here; something like a house. If so, he’d ask her if she will allow him to set something up – how much land he is able to build on, and so on.
When/if that is allowed, he’ll go off and mark the measurements for the land on his map. He won’t build anything there, just mark it off for later.
Please let me know about that, too.
Thank you!
Amen-set is kind of in the same quandary as Horatio.
As Dhaavan is with his wife and they are not communicating; she will continue to give him space so he isn’t disturbed.
As Rain, Variel are spending time doing what they do; and Adular is with his new ladies, and Jiro is with his father, and Horatio is really busy with the carpentry stuff; Amen-set doesn’t really have anyone to talk to.
During the day she is up on the high hill watching the sky.
She also built a small cairn of rocks on the highest point of the highest hill about three feet in height.
Slightly before the dawn on the second day there is what looks like a pretty big fire there and some unusual lights.
If anyone wants to try taking a look, I’ll RP that out. Otherwise, that’s pretty much all she is able to do, since there’s not much else for her to do.
** spoiler omitted **
I'm up for social RP. Given what everyone else is doing, Amen-set is pretty much keeping to herself unless someone approaches her to talk.
If Rain does approach Amen-set, for the most part she's off by herself; the only point of note is "when" you approach Amen-set. That may effect how the social RP goes.
Other than that, I'll happily RP it out with you on the social thread, even if we have to ret-con.
Just let me know what you're interested in regarding what time and so on; as that might be important. Other than that, I'll see you when you're able :)
After speaking at length with his father, Seijiro bids his father rest and leaves the room, looking for Variel. When he finds him, he asks for time for a little private conversation, to be spoken of only with Variel and any other officers of the Lady who might be present. .
"Variel, my father came bearing a tale that involves Shanxia... what it is and more about it than that. Since it seems my fate and yours intertwine in this regard, we share even more than just our lives aboard the Lady. I think we need to convene an officer's meeting so my father can tell his story to all of us at once. It might be easiest on him to hold it in the chamber where he is resting, but if you feel that might not be secure enough, he is stronger than he was. He can probably get about to meet elsewhere, too."
Seijiro seems quite animated and his eyes are bright with excitement, though he does manage to contain himself enough not to pass on the tale himself.
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Straightening, he looks at you with clear eyes and says You are correct, we need to rescue your mother but first we must plan. We will only get one attempt and I will not have her life put in jeopardy over our impatience. There are some things about me that I have kept from you over the years. Things you may see over the coming weeks from my past. I hope you will not think less of me but know that I will do whatever it takes... and he looks at you dead in the eye at this point ...whatever it takes...to get your mother back. He sighs for a moment and is back to the gentle but strong man you have always known. Now go and see if you can arrange a meeting with your Captain and other officers and we can see how to get started.
"So what happened aboard the Valatroika? It got pretty heated at the last meeting and things seem a li'l off and have since we came to the rock. While Flynn's always a little... tense, as it were, Amen-set's not seemed like her usual self, and Rain's been more on edge. Are things alright?" Dhaavan asks, concerned. "I really got no read on the woman, and seem ta have a knack for getting under her skin, but even though we ain't particular friendly-like most o' the time that don't mean I don't care how she doin. Not prying, but I am yer Mate, an' I been pretty remiss in my duties ta the officers."
He pauses for a moment, "Oh, gods, i think Agasta may be havin a good influence on me," he teases, as he's trying to get a little more involved where, till this point, Dhaavan's really been all about smiles and revelry.
after speaking with the Captain for a while, Dhaavan notes Sejiro's approach, "Oye Jiro! How goes it?" he asks, listening to Sejiro's news.
"Now that's mighty interesting. I'm interested in hearin what he has ta say, but I'd hate ta have him moved. I'm sure Jack an' one or two o' the Furies'll stand guard and yer old man won't have ta move." Slapping Variel on the back jovially, he says, "Finally a lead, eh Cap'n. An we'll be able ta help out Jiro and have some answers all around," aiming to encourage a high-spirited response from Variel who often gets pensive and concerned when this mysterious Shanxia comes up as the word has been a source of danger for he and the crew. Dhaavan wishes to keep his fellows at ease as he can.