Chell takes her leave of the others wishing to speak with Father Zalen once again. Her thoughts obviously still distract her and she deflects if anyone asks about it. She needed to confirm something first. She heads back to the Quell chapter house and seeks out Father Zalen when he is alone. She approaches him, obviously nervous and tense. "Father Zalen, is it safe to speak frankly?" she asks hinting that she is nervous he might be being watched.
Sorrin gives Astrianna the map, he didn't care who carried it. He is tight lipped until they exit.
When they are an acceptable distance away from the establishment, he addresses Astrianna.
I understand that you are fond of words and your own voice, and others should perhaps be fond of it too... At times it works for me, I'll admit.
But, can you please not advertise our next moves, plans, agendas and who or what we are to the world? Stop calling us by what we do. Perhaps it was a fun little lovers' game between you and Adriel, may he rest in peace if he is indeed dead. Songbird, Magus, Priestess... No one needs to know.
He's silent for a short lull, perhaps collecting his thoughts. It gives a possible enemy or agent of any sort too much information. It helps with their strategy and decision process. The less information anyone besides us knows, the better.
And, no one needs to know where we're going or what we're doing, especially not when. There are eyes and ears everywhere. I say this because I genuinely care for your safety and that of the others. Mine, too. I told her the truth, I never lied or swayed her. I gave her what she needed to know to produce the map we needed and the truth about my ambition.
But, none of it gives away any part of a plan. You are a smart girl... a smart woman, but have a care. Do not think yourself, too smart. This might sting, but it is advice from an... ally.
And, are we clear about the killing and slaughter of the defenseless? Whatever fear drives you to act in such a manner, speak it.
We are traveling together now, and i will not have my reputation sullied by base behavior. Additionally, I will work to defend you, protect you... but, if you fiend for slaughter it does not bode well. You will not be trusted.
Astrianna endures Sorrin's latest lecture with a bored look on her face. When he is finished, she sighs. "Look. There is something called trust, and you can give it to some people. This is how you make friends and contacts. Most of time I can tell just by looking at someone whether or not they can be trusted. I agree with you that not everyone should know what we're doing. But, Jasmine is one of us- she's an adventurer, and she is obviously an expert on the Tulita. You give a little information, share stories, everyone comes out ahead. Do you truly believe she will put all the pieces together and somehow rat us out in the span of the next ten hours? Maybe you're new at this, but outside of a job most freelancers, explorers, and mercenaries look out for each other. After all, who will watch our backs but each other? The world is not as evil as you make it out to be."
She crosses her arms over her chest. "I am proud of my work and I aim to build a reputation for success and success alone. I get the job done. Just so you know, if you kill someone or something no one cares about, surprise, no one cares you killed them. In fact, you're the only one who cares those smugglers were killed. Not even Redd cared! If you don't have the stomach for it, then don't do it. I eliminate threats as quickly as possible, because I have no desire to meet Pharmasa any time soon."
The half-elf points a finger at him, then back to herself. "I'm my own person, as are you. You do your job, I do mine. We all get paid, the world is a better place, et cetera, and so on, blah blah blah. I'm tired of having these arguments with you, you remind me why I left Taldor in the first place."
The world is not as evil as you make it out to be."[/b]
For all your skill and innate ability, Mockingbird... you will never genuinely be trusted and therefore never truly lead. I was born to this, and perhaps I've turned my back on it for too long.
Leaving the field to poseurs. Dawnflower, forgive me.
He watches the mockingbird, using its voice, its call to lure others to their end. Chaos, bordering on Evil.
Grow a thicker skin, waif. I'm not some prancer-Magus, your Magus, following your orders... and now dead because of it, to be shooed away. His familiar had more soul than the two of you combined.
We shall see who is new to what.
Getting his mind back to business. Let's scout the cove area... Have the Captain take us out in the sloop. Maps are good, but nothing can replace seeing for yourself.
Some fishing poles, nets, bait and we're set. Who's up for some fishing?
Chell is able to find Father Zalen when she gets back to the chapterhouse. He is hurried but has a few moments to speak, "Yes...we can go in my office, I'm quite sure it'll be private there."
The world is not as evil as you make it out to be."[/b]
Astrianna simply laughs at his attempts to raise her hackles by mentioning Adriel. She will not fall for such tactics. "I don't care what you were born into, and everyone but you trusts me on this team. But guess what? I will watch your back, even if I don't like you, because we are a team. On this team we are all equals and everyone gets a voice, a fair cut, and can disagree on a plan. This team has no leader as far as I'm concerned."
She waves a hand dismissively at him. "I'm done arguing with you. We are not going to reach some kind of understanding, accept it and move on. I'd prefer we all go back to the Inn, it's getting late if you want to move out in the morning."
Sorrin tags along, looking for additional opportunities to badger Astrianna... or spy a glimmer of humanity. Doubtful.
Chell follows the chapter leader back to his office and fidgets by the door. She seems to be trying to get her emotions and thoughts under control. When it finally seems she has, she takes a deep breath to calm herself. "I don't think you missed Archibald's note either. Tell me, honestly, how bad is it here? Dajobas and Harthagoa? What do they want here? Is there anyone we can trust? Is that why Archibald is missing? Did the Dragoons kill him for seeing the Mark of the Kraken? How far gone are the Dragoons? Is that why you are helping these four? I don't see how we can stand against such odds. I don't even know if they are heroes like you asked," she says pacing the room on the verge of tears. "I don't even know if I could call them friendly the way they argue. I want to help but I feel so useless," she says collapsing into one of the chairs.
Torgue will head to the inn with the others to listen to the bard fiddle before getting directions to the dock and returning to his shack for sleep.
Astrianna enters the inn and takes a quick glance around to gauge the mood, making for her room. She would reappear a short while later, dressed in the fabulous green and gold silken dress she had purchased some time before, violin cradled in her arm.
She procures a chair easily enough, settling in and silently tuning The Brightening with a great amount of care. The bard places the violin upright, resting between her knees in the chair, bow held perpendicular to her body and fingers arching downward on the bridge instead of across.
To the uneducated it would seem she is playing the instrument wrong, as if it were a cello, but as she starts to slide the bow across the strings it is clear the half-elf knows what she's doing.
She begins to sing simultaneously, and it becomes clear that she was not in the mood for the usual lively fiddling. Instead the songs are full of emotion, slow building, speaking of gentle power. Occasionally she holds her bow between thumb and little finger, plucking at the strings of her violin to produce sharp twanging sounds reminiscent of a sharp mandolin. She makes tuning adjustments on the fly, delicately twisting the knobs on the bridge to produce the desired ranges.
Her voice is a low, throaty contralto, projecting over the din of the tavern while maintaining the soft caress of voice intended by the Kellid Skalds that penned the music. She sings from the heart, attempting to touch the souls of all the patrons who come to drink their sadness away, promising moments of greatness still left in all of their lives.
She plays for an hour or two, with a break for dinner and a glass of wine before deciding she should get some sleep for the 'morrow's raid.
Chell follows the chapter leader back to his office and fidgets by the door. She seems to be trying to get her emotions and thoughts under control. When it finally seems she has, she takes a deep breath to calm herself. "I don't think you missed Archibald's note either. Tell me, honestly, how bad is it here? Dajobas and Harthagoa? What do they want here? Is there anyone we can trust? Is that why Archibald is missing? Did the Dragoons kill him for seeing the Mark of the Kraken? How far gone are the Dragoons? Is that why you are helping these four? I don't see how we can stand against such odds. I don't even know if they are heroes like you asked," she says pacing the room on the verge of tears. "I don't even know if I could call them friendly the way they argue. I want to help but I feel so useless," she says collapsing into one of the chairs.
Zalen leads you into his chambers and pours two goblets of wine, he thinks about his words as he motions for you to sit down.
"I did not miss Archibald's note." He sips his wine. "I've found evidence that both Dajobas, the shark god, and Harthagoa, the demon down below, are strengthening." He exhales deeply. "Although both appear to be at work casting their wickedness upon the Razor and Port Shaw, I've found no evidence that they are working together." He offers that as a glimmer of hope. "Quell protect us if they do." He drinks from his goblet. "Certainly some Dragoons that have been swayed and converted but I don't think it has run it's course at every level. Although some of the better officers like Major Roland Lawrence were severe set-backs when they were released." He pauses and finishes his goblet then refills it. "I don't know how deep their jaws and tentacles reach, Is commandant Bonedeuce involved? He seems upstanding." He shrugs. "I've heard rumors that Elder Barrison Hargrove and his hatred for the Tutila has grow to new depths of loathing. That man alone could bring ruin upon this port given his wealth. Economically, he doesn't need anyone or thing, so I don't know if it extends to him."
"This city, no this region, needs a few exceptional leaders to step up like the old Wave Riders that my father led. My father, Solomon Traflgar, died trying to defeat the Kraken five years ago. With his death the soul of the Wave Riders cracked." He stares at Chell, his unasked question lingers.
As Astri settles down and begins to play the room goes silent, feeling her mood, the patrons even begin to time their orders and refills to pace and and breaks of the ballads. When Astri breaks for dinner she finds along with her companions that their meals and drink have been purchased by the patrons. During the break there is rush of newcomers to the inn as it becomes standing room only. When she finally finishes there is loud ovation and cheers.
Sorrin, sits suffering from a bout of melancholy. He nibbles on cheese and sips on crisp cool watered mead. The masses, the cult of personality. This is what he'd run from, sort of.
He'd never wanted to sway the crowd, less so an individual. It always seemed manipulative somehow. The understanding of language and nuance, the turn of a phrase. The subliminal response evoked by well crafted expression.
But, mother was right. Whether we participated or not, it was there. You did not have to be a "pusher". You could use the power to help society, people or an individual. You can be a force of good and decency. The world is not black and white, but infinite shades of grey.
I hope you are well, Mother. Come to me in my dreams, teach me... Up from the earth and across the glass moonlit lake. Upon a white mare, come and remind me. Teach me the lessons I've already learned and rashly forgotten. If I am to become a leader, fighting... physical prowess is not enough.
Astrianna is pleased to find their meals and drinks payed for, and is simply glad everyone is enjoying the show. As the Inn begins to fill up it turns into her concert hall, and she relishes the attention given to her. The applause is always a wonderful reinforcement that her work is appreciated and enjoyed, but what she truly enjoys is the utter silence during her performance. The attention is solely on the sound of her voice and violin, and the silence tells her she is moving the silent part of the spirit- the soul.
On her last song she stands up and bows to the room, a large smile blooming across her face as they erupt into ovations. The half-elf makes her exit while they are still cheering, turning to blow the crowd a kiss as she begins to ascend the stairs.
Entering her room, the bard locks the door behind her and lays The Brightening gently on the bed, going about polishing the wood readying herself for sleep. After tomorrow's raid, and the subsequent capture of Garreg, I'll be singing at The Kraken's Gullet... soon.
Torge taps his foot as Astri plays her music and nods. He rarely listened to any bards in the inns, preferring to sip in silence after a day's work at the docks but the free drinks and food kept him from heading into a quiet room for the evening and he found himself rather enjoying the change in routine. Perhaps he would drink a bit slower in the future and see what the bards belted out.
Sorrin's face brightens a little when seeing Chell return. He gets her what she needs to eat and drink, enjoying her presence.
Either before or after the performance, he asks Chell... What news?
Chell sits and listens with nervous apprehension. She pales significantly at the thought of the two cults working together but later breaths a sigh of relief to hear that Bonaduce is probably not involved. But if an elder is that wouldn't matter much.
"I have heard Astrianna talk about the Tulita and from what she says they don't seem like they deserve Elder Hargrove's ire. Is there a reason behind it?" she asks.
When he mentions the Wave Riders she becomes solemn. It must be hard for Zalen to talk about them after what happened to his father. She sits there for a moment, a confused look in response to his questioning one. Then, after a moment, she gets it and looks surprised. "Us? she asked hesitantly. "I don't...I don't know. I mean we certainly can't compare to the Wave Riders. They faced the Kraken itself. I am just trying to not get abducted like the rest," she says looking down. "But its my duty to do what I can to help," she says raising her voice and head higher. "Even if it isn't much. I don't know if they can handle both but at least they are doing something. And they seem to be the only ones doing anything, especially if the Dragoons are..." she trails off, not willing to admit that the authority in the area might be working for the demon down below. "First things first though. We have a drug problem to deal with. And someone might get hurt." She smiles at Zalen as some of her confidence returns. She thanks him for the information and heads back to the inn, just in time to catch Astrianna's last performance.
With standing room only she is forced to congregate near the back but the sound carries well enough. Its not the usual upbeat and fast songs she normally plays but it gives her courage. The courage to keep going with her head held high and to hope for a better future for Port Shaw beyond the one it seemed to be heading for. An angry elder out for blood, a demon lord of the deep, a cult of were-sharks, drugs to dull the minds of the populous. Any of them alone would be enough to worry but Chell wasn't thinking about them. Listening to the song, all she thought about was feeling she got when putting in a good days work. Or the smile of child as she healed a minor wound. Or the relief in an elders eyes as positive energy washed of them and relieved some of the strain on their old bones. The little things that made doing Quell's will worth it.
"Elder Hargroves hatred of the Tulitans is story for another time." He winces, "Safe to say his mother ruined his childhood when she ran away from his father and into the arms of a local Tulita man."
"Elder Hargroves hatred of the Tulitans is story for another time." He winces, "Safe to say his mother ruined his childhood when she ran away from his father and into the arms of a local Tulita man."
The next morning your group meets up with Jenkie and capt Donovan at the at the pier. The Vintage is there listing slightly. The Capt is using leaning over the sloop knocking some barnacles off with his scrapper.
He appears sober. "You dogs ready? He bellows.
Torgue show sup dressed in his new studded leather, having packed his breastplate away in his haversack. His new bow is slung over his back as well.
Aye aye! He says cheerfully as he strides up the gangplank.
Aboard the sloop you all notice lists to port but it's not quite so pronounced for those who have been on the ship previously. The mainsail is full, and the Jenkie puts out a small jib and the ship travels a touch faster.
Standing at the helm the Captain yells, "Show me that map."
Sorrin, as has become custom helps Jenkie with sailing. Astrianna has the map, Sir.
Captain, let's be clear... There is danger in what we do, this day. You drop us off and go home. Don't look back. There should be watercraft there we can use for the return.
"Sure thing."
Astrianna steps onto the gangplank and onto The Vintage, taking a moment to find her bearings on the listing ship.
She pulls the map from her haversack and summons four cool orbs of floating light to study it by with the Captain.
"We believe the bluff to be around this area... and behind it, a cove. We assume there is a dock hidden in a channel, or something."
She frowns at Sorrin. "Your confidence is inspiring, but if things start to go poorly I want a place we can retreat."
The captain chuckles at Astri's comment. He examines the map, "Yeah, lots of little hiding spots in that area." The large vessel makes good time with full sails.
Captain, let's assume at least three war canoes need to dock there, along with a barge... Maybe twenty feet across by sixty long. Not certain of dimensions or the presence of other craft... Any of that help?
Astrianna, dearest. Knowing there's no retreat keeps people from doing stupid things. It reminds us to focus, not bite off more than we can chew and conserve our resourses. This will be an operation, not some bluff on the docks. Real danger. Slow is steady, steady is fast.
Sorrin grins as he works the lines.
I'm bringing you back, no worries. Folllow my lead and I shouldn't have to be carrying you.
We concentrate our attacks, bring them down one at a time. Silence is good. I need Torgue to use positioning, shift... Flank the enemy. We'll need divine assistance and fiery gazes. And, please don't slit any throats or kill the defenseless.
Don't really do quiet, but I can be a big beat-stick that people can use to flank while they focus on me. I also have a few special potions to make me extra-large and keep the nasties at a distance.
Astrianna shakes her head in disbelief. "How in the nine hells have you survived this long? Last night was real danger, I nearly got my colon perforated and we have no idea what we're getting into you fffph... ugh." She refuses to let him get her worked up, sighing and crossing her arms.
"You don't run this show. Let everyone here decide if they want to have their only means of escape cut off." She says, sweeping her arm across the gathered company. "My vote is no, and for the record, we're a team, everyone here pulls their own weight."
Then they need combat pay, 300gp. They stay close enough to see if we signal, but far enough not to draw fire.
If you're scared just say it. We can turn around.
Chell, what's the good word from on high? Trafalgar pass on any insight? I can't tell if we should trust and through in with him. He... Well, until he does something cross, I won't bad mouth the ordained.
Dawnflower, forgive me. If I die, today... It is in service to the people of the Razor Coast. Your judgement will be evident in our seeing another dawn.
Astrianna laughs, placing her hands on her hips and she calls his bluff. "Oh, really?" She mockingly feigns fright, her voice raises a few octaves. "Oh, I'm so scared Sorrin. Let's go back to the Shaw where I can hide from all the bad men in the Inn."
She quickly drops the act and looks at him incredulously. "Do it. Try to turn this ship around, and you'll see that you don't control any of us. Even the Captain and Jenkie are here because they want to be, coin only motivates so much. How about instead of assuming the Captain and Jenkie need your mothering, we asses the situation when we bloody get there and ask them if they want to stick around?"
You seem to dislike commitment. Everything is if, maybe... and let's see.
Astrianan shrugs. "Being too rigid means one may miss future opportunities. Planning is invaluable, but plans are worthless. Just go with the flow."
Sorrin pulls hard on a line.
Went with the flow a couple of nights ago. Your turn, love.
Now, please let Chell speak. She can be so shy at times.
Chell sighs and watches her confidence slip away with every passing barb between the bard and the swordsman. Just looking at the gods they respect she could see why they wouldn't get along. The Dawnflower, swift justice for those that deserve it and redemption for those that truly want it. Even when slaying evil they do it as swiftly as possible to reduce the time they have to suffer and offer mercy to those that ask for it. And then there's Calistra, Shelyn and Cayden Cailean. Gods of revenge and lust, the arts, and the accidental god. Quite the portfolio but a good look into both of them. Sorrin devoted himself to one and Astrianna to many. He was simple and her complex. It was no wonder they were at each others throats all the time. But this was the open sea. This was Quell's domain. And as such she should step forward.
"Enough please," she says standing between them. "Both of you are very headstrong individuals but if you intend to butt them together we are never going to get anything done." Then, turning to Sorrin, "I know you want to keep Donovan and Jenkie out of trouble but I think that it is for them to decide. And I for one would prefer to have a means of escape should things look grim. We managed to get out of that warehouse only because they lost their leader. Had they not left a few of us might not be here." Then turning to Astrianna. "Sorrin is merely advising caution not retreat. This is a raid not a negotiation yes? Then, I think this is his area of expertise not yours. So I would listen to him."
She then steps out from between the two and gives them both a confident look. "This town needs people like you step and do what is right. More than you currently know." The tone in which she says this implies that she is holding something back but doesn't wish to say it yet. "Father Zalen believes in you and I believe in him. It is my duty and honor to help such people. There are going to be many trials ahead and we cannot face them alone. You will need people you can stand beside," she says looking to others as well now, "and people who will stand beside you. People you can trust. They may not see eye to eye with you on some things but that is not what is important. What is important is that they always have your back." As she finishes she reaches out for Sorrin and Astrianna's hands and brings them together in a friendly shake. She looks back forth nervously between them, hoping to have diffused the situation a little.
Father Zalen's words still hung in her head. Port Shaw needed heroes. If they couldn't find any, then someone would have to step up. He saw something in them apparently, and maybe even her. Something on par with the Wave Riders. A great evil loomed over them and they needed to stand together or they would all fall alone.
Sorrin accepts Astrianna's hand, shaking firmly, but not overly so. His smile is genuine and professional.
Captain Donovan listens to the two butt heads, half grinning and smirking, "You two married?" He says in a sardonic tone. Then Chell stands up and wrestles control with soothing wisdom. Her words are met with three simple claps along with, "Here, here."