As they close in, she answers her own question. "War. I hope not with us. We can't hope Soraya can talk down a wall of ballistae." She points at where she looks.
Finally seeing all the hubbub he makes his way to the others and watches the lone ship.
"These arent Kellish lands right, We've nothing to worry about. We are far too many here for them to come here and make trouble what with Harkann's folk and Fendir's people. If they stop we offer them food drink and respite from the sea. Perhaps the next time their naval colors darken our sky it will be a trading vessel..."
He suggested not having too much knowledge of the ship or its inhabitants.
Sure most of the folk here were settler's not warriors, but he figured they had enough strength of arms to deter such shenannigans. Maybe not if they came back with an army, but what could be done about that now? Not much besides run away again to try and settle somewhere else... but he didnt want to do that.
"Let us try jaw-jaw first. Then war-war."
The Kelish ship draws closer to shore, sparking a commotion among the settlers of Haven. Many are fearful, based on the empire's reputation for expansion and the history of conflict between Qadira and Taldor. Harcourb, the caravan master, instead preaches optimism - speaking of the potential for trade with the Kelishites.
The patrol ship soon drops anchor and dispatches a ship's boat, laden with a landing party. In response, Viscount Aristide asks you to accompany him and serves as envoys.
"And defenders, if it should come to that," he adds with quiet solemnity.
"Of course, Aristide. Can you speak the Kelish tongue yourself?"
"Of course, Aristide. Can you speak the Kelish tongue yourself?"
"Unfortunately, I cannot," Aristide admits, looking a tad sheepish. "I studied the Shoanti tongue during a brief spot of adventuring on the Storval Plateau in my youth, and I am well versed in the Dwarven language, as my long friendship with the Brightshield twins might suggest.
"In fact, up until now, I've never had significant dealings with anyone of Kelish descent," he speaks from his chair, watching the distant rowboat closing with the shore. "I believe it would be prudent to defer to you, my cosmopolitan friends, in this meeting."
Kalig simply nods at Aristide, ready to be prepared and alert.
"Certainly, Aristide. I will endeavour to do my best to keep the peace."
He adjusted himself to look as proper as he could and nodded when he was ready. He didnt think this would lead to a fight... but it might. He cautiously but quickly checked to make sure he had his hidden daggers in place before laying his hand on the hilt of his rapier.
"Do we meet them on the beach or here in town?"
"I say on the beach. Welcome them at the shore. It also gives the message that we are not caught unawares."
You march down the hillside, sloping towards the river's edge, then follow its bank east towards where it meets the sea. There, along a narrow sandy beach in the shadow of the Kaskkari ruins on the promontory above, you meet the Kelish landing party. Six sailors, clad in light leather cuirasses reinforced with steel, are dragging the boat onto shore as you arrive. Uniform scimitars sit securely at their hips, but they thankfully remained sheathed. Nevertheless, the sailors eye you warily albeit silently.
Their leader, a woman in ornate mail accented with brass, takes up a harpoon from the rowboat. She grips it like a staff and uses it to secure her footing across the sands. She stops approximately twenty paces from the foremost among you.
She pauses and offers a half-bow, bending stiffly from the waist.
She pauses again, this time awaiting a sign of understanding.
Dorick takes a moment to think about an appropriate bow to respond to the Kelish, taken from his field experience. And any idea of the family of whom he speaks with.
With no other insight, he bows as if he would to a Taldan ship captain. And speaks:
"Greetings, Captain al-Shirin. I am Sir Dorick Granstead of Taldor. We stand near the recently established settlement of Haven, led by Lord Valdemir Aristide of Galt. We seek to build and live here in peace, and trade with neighbours. Does any reason in particular bring you from the west?"
Mia shifts uneasily as the woman speaks. Unable to understand her words. She quietly and quickly glances in the direction of the warship and back to the group here.
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Soraya quickly translates the woman's words to the Baron (and anyone else).
Captain al-Shirin offers a nod, accentuated by the hint of a smile. Perhaps she is pleased by the peaceful first contact and show of decorum, or perhaps she is simply relieved that there are those among you who speak Kelish.
"While our mighty galleons protect the home waters, shielding our merchants and citizens from corsairs and sea monsters, our patrols range farther along our coasts to hunt down pirates and other threats that might try, in vain, to hide from justice."
While you believe that her ship serves as a pirate hunter, you suspect that such patrols also serve to exert influence beyond the empire's official borders. Of course, it would be a delicate prospect to point out such an issue.
After a brief pause, allowing for Sir Dorick and Soraya to translate for their fellows, Captain al-Shirin speaks again.
"I can see to maybe making a hot fresh meal for the folks on that ship if you would like Lord Aristide, unless of course that thing holds hundreds."
He asked quietly not wanting to interupt the proceedings.
Dorick translates Francoix's offer, word for word, and then adds:
"Ah, I misspoke, Captain al-Shirin. We have already faced off against local threats, and I can assure you that pirates will find no safe harbour in Haven. You and your crew also show valour. You are many leagues north of the Windswept Wastes."
Sir Dorick's translation and appeal elicit a tilting head nod from the captain, seemingly pleased with the exchange.
Kelesh does not expand its holdings through conquest, contrary to what past armed conflict between Qadira and Taldor has led many in Avistan to believe. In truth, the empire attracts new vassals with demonstrations of the rewards that fealty brings.
Dorick smiles as he responds.
"Good captain, pleas allow us a spell to consult."
He turns to the others.
"Kelesh does not normally expand through conquest, but through diplomacy. They offer to host us for a meal aboard their vessel. I believe that we can and should offer to host them in Haven instead. What say ye?"
Kalig nods in agreement with Dorick. "Treat them to Francoix's skills."
Soraya let's Dorick handle the niceties. "Just make sure it's a good meal, Francoix. We'll be... judged."
Captain al-Shirin offers a wry, satisfied smile when the invitation is extended. She nods to one of her sailors, who then invokes a simple cantrip that shoots up a spark of blue light - evidently a positive signal for the ship sitting just offshore.
Another pair of ship's boats come ashore, bringing another dozen crew members from the Zalfir. If this represents half the crew, then rather than hundreds of Kelesh sailors, you simply have to host about thirty in total. The climb the sloping landscape alongside you, cresting the grassy seaside plateau that cradles both old Kaskkari and your new Haven.
"Half the crew at a time. Indeed. Francoix, you'll have a task ahead!", Dorick quips.
He makes sure to stay near the Captain, making niceties.
"Oh joy... pressure then. I better get to work."
He began offering a half bow.
Kalig asks Francoix if some fresh local wild mushrooms or berries might help make the meal suitably exotic to the Kelish.
If so...
If not she will help others make preparations.
Mia offers to help with the cooking.
Back in Haven, Francoix ensconces himself at his cabin and the half-built kitchen to prepare a suitable luncheon for the settlement's visitors. Mia and Noemie also pitch in, although the cook's wife focuses as much on keeping her husband calm and confident as much as preparing the oven and cookfire.
Kalig collects some fragrant wild grasses that serve well to accentuate soups and simmered dishes, while she also locates some barely tart berries that would work well with one of Francoix's sweetly baked goods.
Aristide orders some of the split and halved barrels brought out as ersatz benches, previously repurposed from containers that were too damaged. Captain al-Shirin accepts such a seat with a show of gratitude. The settlers eye the Keleshites with a blend of awe, curiosity, and wariness. Harcourb practically dotes over them, inquiring about their families and accomplishments.
For now, the captain sits quietly and listens as your caravan driver speaks and her crew also whisper among themselves.
"Excuse me, Captain. I must inform my Lord of what we discussed."
Dorick makes his leave, and approaches Aristide, to inform him of just that.
In Kelish, Soraya asks the captain if there's anything else the people of Haven can do to make them feel more comfortable during their shore leave.
"You are Taldor, yes?" one of the sailors asks in simple Common Taldane, spoken with the hesitance of a student still learning a language. "Help, yes?"
The sailor also turns to Captain al-Shirin, looking for confirmation, which he receives with a nod. The captain herself then responds to Soraya.
Meanwhile, Aristide is pleased with Dorick's report on how the welcoming party have handled the Keleshite visitors. He emphasizes how this could lead to bringing traders to Haven in the future. However, he also cautions against the empire's zeal for expansion, even if not by conquest.
"Certainly, Aristide. Would you like me to translate for you in person? Or return myself?"
Dorick's liege mulls the idea carefully, rubbing his closely shaven chin as though considering the next move in a game of chess. His eyes remain upon Captain al-Shirin, who in turn also eyes the viscount.
"The good captain has her eyes set socially upward," Aristide muses quietly. "She hopes to either secure a new vassal for the empire, or at the very least a new trading contact for her family, and earn prestige for herself in the process."
Aristide turns a wan, knowing smile to Dorick and the other nearby party members.
"She puts on airs, hoping we believe that she speaks from a position of power." Aristide shakes his head. "She and her crew pose no threat, so don't let her subtly insinuate otherwise. Nevertheless, I would hope that we can establish a cordial working relationship.
"I will let you and your comrades continue the overtures with Captain al-Shirin," Aristide instructs Dorick and the party. "I believe you have already established a rapport with her, and I would like you to practice your diplomatic talents. If we're to come to the attention of Keleshite, Vudran, or even Tian traders and travelers, I will likely have need of your future services as envoys."
"Certainly, Aristide. We shall return to our guests."
The young man was a whir of motion for much of the proceedings, mixing and stirring different batches of breads and stews. More than once he hissed out slightly in his hurry to feed so many led to a slight burn but almost every time just as quickly his wife Noemie arrived with a quick kiss and a kind word that settled him down.
"You know whom would be a great boon to this town in future."
He began taking a seat just for a moment to catch his breath, wipe away some sweat with a towel and take a long pull from a pitcher of water.
"A good brewer."
He glanced over the gathered folks fast in feasting with a praticed eye to see if anything looked amiss or if anything looked low.
"Thank you for your aide Miss Mia, This whole thing would have been a complete mess without your help."
The young chef offered the nice woman a smile and a head nod before rising back to his feet.
"Those tarts should be just about ready I think... A shame there was no time to make a good creme to top them with eh?"
He said to no one really but himself.
Its... its no problem, Just trying to help, in what little ways I can. Besides food tests better the more people helping and sitting around the table. she responds quietly, as she finishes a large communal bowl of salad and coated with oil.
Soraya whips up a little alchemist's kindness, just in case (eliminates hangovers).
Dorick approaches the Captain and resumes speaking with her. After some more pleasantries, he makes note:
"Good captain, I hope you are enjoying the meal? And this is what we can accomplish with limited resources. With growth and trade, the meals here will improve significantly. As will our position as a trade hub for our friends and allies."
"Did the sailor want help with something?" Kalig asks quietly.
Dorick relays Kalig's question also.
The delights whipped up by Francoix, Mia, and Noemie prove to be a profound hit among the Keleshite sailors. Furthermore, they are quite pleased by the alchemist's kindness that Soraya provides. Of course, this may encourage them to drink more deeply of Haven's currently limited stores of ale and beer.
The sailor attempting to practice his Common makes for a brief period of confusion, but it soon becomes clear that he is not requesting help but offering it. He would like to assist his hosts with fetching wood, cleaning utensils, or whatever small tasks may need completing.
Dorick's words land like a keen lance strike - at least, that's the first metaphor that comes to mind as he speaks with Captain al-Shirin. He can sense that she is impressed by his subtle ability to launch into a discussion of future trade, which is exactly what she herself hoped for.
She pauses to take a sip of ale from the Viscount's personal stores.
Dorick takes a sip of his own ale as the captain speaks, then smiles before he replies.
"In that case, Captain, it would be a wasted opportunity for us both should we not proceed with future meetings and trades. Trade with the Empire would be a boon to us, and ties to us would benefit you and your wider family. What say you, Captain? Shall we toast to ties that are a blessing to both?"
He looks about for one of the better wines.
Although Dorick has put Haven's proverbial foot in the door when it comes to Keleshite trade, the conversation seems to wear upon the captain.
<"Oh, but it is quite gauche to discuss business over a meal,"> Captain al-Shirin says with a wave of her hand. <"I've shared tales of my own family's good fortune. I would adore hearing of your own kin,"> she asks, indicating not just Sir Dorick and Soraya but their companions as well.
<"I would especially love to pass along my compliments to your cook. I would expect such talent from a bustling city back home, but to find this quality out on the frontier is uncanny. If he tires of the hardships of frontier life, I'd certainly welcome him aboard the Zalfir, if nothing else.">
Dorick smiles.
Dorick is saddened when talk goes to his own family.
<"But of course, Captain. We can discuss business at a more opportune time. As for my family, House Granstead are of ancient provenance. Strong ties to the Taldor Horse. And our cook is indeed a talent.">
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Sera sits and enjoys the amazing meal. She does her best to follow along with the conversation, but truth be told most of not all of it was foreign to her much like the Keleshites were. She’s was not well versed in the topics of trade customs and lineage. If it were about art she may be better equipped to provide her input
She continues to eat, but actually sits back from the table. She takes the time pull her her drawing supplies and tries to sketch a image of their honorable guests. Not so much as to impress her, but she has always used art and sketching to calm her nerves.
Kalig mostly listens and observes while the Keleshites are around, although of course undoubtedly at some point she will put her oar in.
For the coming week, Kalig puts in some time on her garden around the shrine, now that she has a good collection of seeds, before going back to working on helping build a bunkhouse for those still without a solid roof over their heads.
Once all the hub-bub is over, Soraya goes back to her alchemical work, trying to make sure the little colony is set up for various emergencies.
Mia leaves the talking to others, as she is want to do. She does allow herself to enjoy her meal, and soaks up the jovial atmosphere. She leans back and enjoys the hum of several conversations going on around her. she offers the crew members a few potions to aid them on their way at the end.
After the excitement settles down, and things more or less return to normal Mia continues her work towards finishing her small home and shop tending her small garden of berry bushes, herbs, and flowers alongside her apprentice. Having not needed potions recently, she provides them to the town more freely.
He was absolutely exhausted by the time the dinner was over but the smile on his face seemed plastered on. The truth of it was... He was ecstatic. It was the same rush of pleasant emotions he got after he stole a fat purse before he was pulled from the streets, only this was legal and better.
The first rotation of sailors reluctantly leaves Haven to return to their ship and make way for the other half of their fellows, allowing them a chance for the settlement's hospitality and Francoix's cooking. A few of them are more fluent in Common Taldane and speak with the settlers, slowing wearing down the wariness that each side carries for the other.
Through it, Captain al-Shirin remains to talk. She seems a bit disappointed that the rest of the party, whom she clearly sees as delegates from Haven, are less apt to speak freely. Nevertheless, she enjoys conversation with Sir Dorick. She turns talk away from the cavalier's family and speaks of her own.
At last, the remaining crew of the Zalfir returns to their vessel to continue their patrol for pirates and sea monsters. Captain al-Shirin suggests they may stop back at Haven on future patrols, although she promises they were act more like customers than unexpected guests next time. She also insinuates that this may be the start of other ships visiting your new town.
Every once in a while, Soraya gives Dorick significant glances during his conversation with the Captain. It sounds like the whole deal of being able to start a trading relationship with the Kellids seems good all around.