Yes it appears this woman has an eye for my brother.
I don't think she is thinking of the eyes on her face I think she wants Karthan's---
Lalalalalala-I am blocking you out!-lalalalalala
---sunk to the base of his---
Lalalalala-Okay you can stop now-Lalalalala
-you know like some kind of demented tripod-
lalalalala-seriously Thor-Lalalalala
-and then pick up the cup and spit it-
lalalalalala-Gross! How could you even come up with that!
-and the flip back over to finish off by-
I don't know where you came up with those images, but that definately takes the cake and just wow! Signing off for a little while and taking a break because we are in a temple and I do not currently have a protection from lighting spell avalible.<snip>
Well pardon me miss priss, maybe you should filter you dream sends all little then Huh? <sniff> She'll be back. Now if this first mate was a tiger . . . First I would need some peanut oil and two buckets of hot soapy water . . .
"A sound policy when thinking of the plagues this ship could carry, but I am willing to guess the ship is vacant for other reasons." Karthan replied. "Sometimes suppression of ones desire makes the fruit of it seem all the sweeter."
The Windsinger shrugged, a touch of disappointment in her eyes. Another one of those "patience is a virtue" sort of elves. Great... "Waiting's for chumps, Dawnsetter. There are better things to do with one's inklings than keeping them hidden all day." Onura eyed the small of Karthan's back where she'd brushed the hilt of the dagger. "The sea is a cruel mistress. Take what you want when you can get it, otherwise she'll swallow you up whilst you savor nothing."
Ahead of them, Coor, with his ever petulant bearing was standing at the door to the temple awaiting Onura to catch up with the rest of the group. Just crossing into the temple, she noted the posture of the Inquisitor had tensed somewhat. Perhaps the Paladin had just finished conveying to him the same news Onura had to the other elves.
"Hope you have some sea-legs left," Onura warned, gesturing towards the temple. "I'm guessing your resident Inquisitor isn't going to be in the mood to savor anything either. He'll want to leave now."
The Windsinger looked to the skies and smelled the air, her senses sifting through the deluge of city-stink to pick out the elements of the sea. "And we'll need to if we want to get clear of the harbor and the rocks ahead of the incoming storm." With her tone, the growing cloud cover the group had seen on their ride from the Arcanamirium seemed all the more ominous. "We'll be able to sail through the night and hopefully reach the Lydia's Wake just before sunrise tomorrow. We play our cards right, we can be back inside of 3 days before the seas get really choppy."
"Go ahead you quill chomping dandy," she called to Coor. "Get yourself inside and we'll be along directly."
The thin historian nodded once and disappeared into the temple.
Pausing at the foot of the stairs, Onura turned to the elves and raised an eyebrow. "Things are going to go pretty fast in there, not going to be a lot of time for questions. What questions do you have and I'll address them here and now."
"It seems we do not have the luxury of time so I will ask how it is that you are affiliated with the temple? I know you said that you took the mission and your captain was none to happy, but I am guessing that the temple chose to come to you for one reason or the other."
Seems like she was genuinely interested in bedding me. I must be careful though, more than one fool has been led to the grave thinking he was being led to bed. This elf intriges me. How many times have I felt like time is of the essence? i wonder if she finds exhilaration in the sea because of her outlook on life or if she found her outlook at sea. I would like to see what's under her mainsail!
"The temple?" Onura laughed at the thought. "Why would I shackle myself to such nonsense? Justice?" She patted the basket-hilt rapier at her hip. "Vendetta here is all the justice I need. No, no affiliation. Stoneanchor's angry because he'd rather I was running things from the docks...keeping the ships in line."
She shrugged, her long, raven locks catching in the breeze. "But this she-elf was meant for the seas. I'm just responding to the call for a salvage operation so I can get the decks of my ship under my boots."
"As for why we're here? The temple had a standing watch request for the ship, as I said before." She eyed Zandra with curiosity. "What's so special about this cargo anyway? Some kind of relic? Normally, if the merfolk came to the Harbormaster's office with a stink & sink, he just let's them have it. But..." Onura winked at the elves. "Give, huh? I'd like to know what I'm sailing into."
"The ship was supposed to be bringing three clerical members of the inquisitors order. They are believed to have an important connection to someone in the arcanum. We are here because I owe a debt of sorts to the inquisitor. My sister and I have come into all of this because of our connection with a certain Caleb the Scroll. Perhaps you have heard of him?"
Onura arched an eyebrow. "The Scroll you say? Impressive credentials. In Absalom only a short time and you find yourself in such excellent company.” She rested her hands on her hips and thought back with a smile, eyes closed, her chin tilted up to reveal some of her neck. ”Caleb’s voice is a soothing balm. I've only met him in passing twice, but he remembered me on the second visit. The man has a great memory."
Then she frowned slightly as she reopened her eyes and looked to Karthan. ”Clerics? Well, I don’t know how pleased your Inquisitor is going to be when we pull alongside. The merfolk were quite clear in their description. They found Lydia’s Wake adrift. And when they weighed her anchor, there was no stirring of crew or passenger.” The sea captain shrugged, lips pursing. ”But they didn’t board the ship per se in order to drop the anchor, so these clerics of his could be hiding out somewhere aboard.”
Karthan watched the self confident and sultry elven vixen as she reacted to his words.
Her name, Onura, it must mean Alluring in some language. Is she purposefully performing like this or is it just natural for her to be like this?
She rested her hands on her hips and tilted them back ever so slightly, but in a way that made him fantasize about being behind her hands over hers. A thought crossed her mind and a slight smile graced her full lips, she must be aware of her effect on him if not all straight males. Her eyes closed inviting his to wander and take her all in. Her chin tilted up and to the side, revealing some of her perfectly formed neck framed with rivulets of her ebony locks. Karthan day dreamed of leaning down to kiss that sliver of skin and to breathe in her smells as exotic as the seas she sailed.
"Thank you for the complement. We were set to dine with him at his home tonight. I do not have an escort, if we were to not have to leave immediately perhaps you would entertain the thought of accompanying me. Would you happen to have an evening dress available at such short notice." Karthan spoke grateful that her overpowering charisma had not robbed him of his ability to speak despite of the lump in his throat, and elsewhere.
As her eyes open so do Karthan's retreat to more socially acceptable areas.
In response to Onuras observation about the clerics Karthan answered, "I have reason to believe it is possible that the clerics had protections placed on them, but I do hope that we do not find anything more dire than an abandoned ship on board, if we do not find those we seek."
"Well, well, well. You certainly know how to make acquaintances, Karthan." The doors to the temple reopened, drawing their attention aw Coor stuck his head out. A quick flicker of brow movement and then he nodded towards the harbor.
Hmmm, dinner will have to wait... She sighs, but not out of disappointment,. Onura's heart quickened because Coor's gesture meant they were leaving tonight! Right now in fact.
"Sorry my willing escort, but the sea beckons." Onura turned back to the others and brandished her most wicked and dangerous grin. "Better head inside and acquire you some supplies from Leberios, looks like we depart before sunset."
The elf sea captain leaped forward with a mirthful laugh and planted a deep and passionate kiss upon the ranger then gave his tail a squeeze. "You all are dining in my officer's hall aboard the Lucky Slip as my personal guests."
With that she whistled her way back towards her carriage, calling out orders to the groomsman interlaced with some of the most colorful language the Dawnsetter siblings had ever heard.
As she neared the elaborate carriage, a capuchin monkey bounded from one of the door windows to land on Onura's shoulder. The elven seafarer reached up and scratched the creature under the chin.
Sense motive
sense motive
Karthan flushed from both excitement and embarrassment. She certainly was forward. It was a turn on, intimidating and off putting all at the same time. He couldn't help but watch how she moved away any out of sight. A swish of hips, clicking of heels, a storm of confidence and a swash of colors.
"Well I suppose confronting the Elven Court element here in Absolom will have to wait. This adventure has become like a runaway horse through a valley of volcanic glass, no where to get off and you are in as much peril if you got off as if you remain on."
"A shame really that we will miss dinner and . . . ."
Zandra erupts in suppressed girlish giggling laughter
Going back to sea so soon is not a laughing matter, glad you find yourself so entertained by the idea.
I am not laughing at that I am not. Just look at my brothers face. I don't believe that he has ever found himself groped like that before. He looks like a lost kitten entangled in yarn all tangled up and not sure what to do.
mmmmmmmm, yarn . . . . . . . .
"Should I take offense that your laughter comes at my expense." Karthan said indignantly as his face turned evermore red. The burning in his butt cheeks from being pinch similar to the burning sensation in his loins and cheeks.
"Nice allegory Karthan, but who is the horse and who is the rider?" Lol
Karthan went from crimson to vermillion.
"Oh do relax Karthan. You are a good looking Elf and strike quite a handsome figure. Many elf maidens would make your aquaintence. I just don't think you were truly prepared to hear what many women think in their head about you be said out loud. Let alone act on their urges. I wonder if mother and father were like you two? Father was quite formal at times and mother was the warrior."
"It was just a polite offer to have her to dinner so that we might get to know her a bit better and perhaps get some guidance from Caleb."
"Wow, I've never known you to be so aroused by human fare before, good thing it was just dinner and not a full 7 course meal. And desert afterwards I'd guess. Lol "
<sigh>"You are not going to let me win this one are you." Karthan tried to maintain his dignity, but finally had to start laughing at himself as well.
"Ah ha, well um, that was interesting. I must say I have never known anyone quite like her."
"Well I would say you will know her soon enough." Lol
"Okay you got me I will stop while I'm ahead. . . Ah, don't you dare say it!"
Still laughing a little the siblings prepared themselves for what would come next.
The siblings thought on the woman of the sea as she yelled orders too the groomsmen and saw to the carriage. Karthan saw a more than competent elf as well a the physical attraction. But his insights also gave him pause, because he could sense that Onura's heart belonged to another...
Zandra sensed those things, but saw just what held Onura' heart. The woman was a child of the sea, and it was apparent that nothing would come between her and that love.
The last thing, they both noticed (at last) that Fir'umil had been utterly silent.
Zandra cleared her throat and Karthan quickly took stock of himself. Noticing Fir'umil as if for the first time he had found himself so taken off guard by Onura.
"Well cousin what do you make of this. I hope my answer to her did not reveal too much. It was the truth without revealing too much depth and detail."
"Do you actually think it wise to travel by ship? Your master is an expert at teleportive magics, or perhaps Beleg could arrange magic transport? Something foul is afoot. My over imaginative mind is conjuring images of the clerics being used as incubation vessels for some evil that has sprung forth. So happens in nature so happens in life."
Fir'umil silently observed the interactions, curious as to how his cousin would react to Onura Limnestti's attentions. He'd not given much thought to his cousins interacting on a more mundane level with Absalom prior to right then. It was somewhat amusing to see his cousin so uncertain and off guard, but he thought Karthan acquitted himself rather well considering what Fir'umil knew of the lusty captain's history.
With a grin that unfortunately looked more menacing than he intended, Fir'umil shook his head. "I don't think you revealed more than was necessary, cousin. All things considered I think you offered the information needed without seeming too secretive or...rigid." He grinned at his cousin and then continued. "It was enough for the fair Windsinger to do her job safely and kept our business where it belongs."
He glanced over and saw Onura playing with her monkey. What a filthy creature! Why would one choose to... He wiped the growing sneer from his face as Zandra asked her questions.
"Despite his no doubt, exceedingly high level of aptitude, I don't think asking Master Tabir for such help would be in our best interest. Right now. Master Beleg has his hands full keeping him..." He frowned, seeking the right word. "...sedate? Besides, teleportation to a location unknown to the conjurer is a tricky business at best. If the spell goes awry, we may end up 200 feet under the ocean's surface and that would end our little adventure too quickly for my liking."
"As far as magical transport of other sorts," Fir tucked the bearskin tome into his book bag and continued. "Airships are a rarity here, I doubt even the somewhat considerable influence of our benefactors would be able to acquire one for our service. But I can't say we'd need much more support than Karthan's new object of interest. If rumors are to be believed, she's among the most capable sea captains in the Harbormaster's employ."
The wizard leaned upon his staff and thought for a moment, considering all of what Zandra had expressed. "I too find it worth a great deal of concern that the Lydia's Wake was found drifting. Is there a possibility that something wicked dwells beneath her decks?" Fir'umil shrugged, not really attempting to cover up his inquisitive bent towards the subject. "...is it more likely that someone waylay the vessel and stole it's contents? I don't know. What I do know is that magics behind these clerics shared malady are still at work and must be stopped."
Fir'umil looked to the temple and saw that Sacerdos and Olivia were exiting. The appeared to be in deep conversation, the Inquisitor growing more and more animated.
Before they hit the stairs, Fir'umil inquired of his cousin. "Was there something else you had in mind for transport, Zandra? Something I've not considered?"
"No, I think that covers it. I think I shall commune with the green man for spells that may be of greater advantage to us in the ocean. That ship must be worth a fortune. I am surprised the Harbormaster wouldn't try and salvage it. I hope we find someone aboard, or at least some clue as to where they have gone . . . Sacredos must be lost right now, his sense of duty and purpose is so linear."
"What do you know of Onura, Fir'umil? Does she represent any factions I should steer clear of? Also, do you know how the Elven Court I'd represented here?"
"Be careful of where your heart wants to lead you Karthan. Onura's heart belongs to the sea and none other. If I surmise her correctly, her affections change as regularly as the tides."
Karthan shot his sister a look.
Zandra accepted it with a serene look on hers. She expressed no scorn or malice.
"I think Onura's use of title "Salvage Operation" may go a long way to outlining the real reason the Harbormasters are so eager to go along with the temple's request for the Lydia's Wake." Fir grinned at his cousin. "I agree, there is a fortune to be had on a derelict ship. It just so happens that the Temple's standing request for the boat happened to match with that goal." He held up a hand. "My guess, I'm not Mal'undil or Caleb."
He agreed with his cousin, Zandra. Fir'umil would also need to consult his spellbook to gather the appropriate magics for the journey. "As for Onura herself, she would be loyal to the 2nd Harbormaster Ptarnex Dexarion. Rumor has it, though, her loyalty is only matched by her recklessness on the open seas. If they are to be believed, Onura Limnestti is responsible for the sinking of 3 ships in a single engagement...the last by ramming." Fir'umil waved over Sacerdos and Olivia, seeing that they were still conversing at the top of the stairs. "Other factions, though? I don't think so. I think Onura Limnestti is her own faction."
Sacerdos and Olivia descended the stairs, the inquisitor looking eager and agitated.
"The only reason I know these things, cousin, is that her ship, the Lucky Slip was on a short list of vessels Mal'undil researched for a trip to the mainland when he, Hal'dorel and Kheegan traveled to Isger." Fir shrugged. "They went with another vessel because Onura's was out of their price range."
He looked to Karthan regarding his other question. "As for an elven court representative...Fahtima Ishbellana is who you seek. She has a residence in Green Ridge. Her and her retinue hold audience once a month. But she is open to free audience given enough time to prepare."
Olivia followed close behind the Inquisitor, not certain how she felt in regards to his ill-tempered response. She wasn't sure if he simply didn't want to understand the difficulties of dealing with a ship the merfolk had declared off limits...or if he just didn't care. The man was dedicated...resourceful...a lot of things. But his directness was somewhat irritating.
Fir'umil waved to them to join their discussion, Olivia waved back and looked to the inquisitor. "Sacerdos, we will depart as soon as is safely deemed. You know you have my sword and the support of this temple. We will reclaim your clerics and bring them to the Arcanamirium as you've requested."
"It is not a request, Chaplain-protector," he responded simply and turned to descend the stairs, grey and red cloak swirling in his wake.
Olivia sighed and followed. She caught up with the man's steps as he reached the elves.
Sacerdos spoke simply and brusquely. "I am prepared to depart now. If you are attending, I suggest you gather what supplies you require and meet me at the docks."
With that, he swung away from the group and headed for the carriage where Onura was preparing for departure. His irritation was not with any of the party, but he was in line now with his original mission to aid his brethren. With that in sight, he was javelin loaded in a ballista, ready for firing.
"He's going on ahead." Olivia offered, sighing with a calm frustration. "We have some time to gather what supplies you may need, but not much. According to Captain Stoneanchor, Windsinger Onura will be departing in the next 2 hours."
Oh great a female paladin on board is going to make this trip real fun.
"Sacredos, a word if you have time. Was this ship hired by your order? Do you know what the complement was on board or anything about how the clerics were being transported? We will be coming with you, for what it's worth."