"Am I doing this at least moderately right?" - he asks her.
Ella turns from Stefan and saunters over to you, almost drawn to your dulcet tones and manful handling of the ropes.
She watches you tug the ropes with a somewhat critical eye, observing how you handle the ropes and move them with almost practiced ease – which may or may not be augmented by your smooth talk and charming personality.
”Hot damn, son! You got a fine way of moving your fingers, I’ll say,” she says watching your skills with an impressed look on her face.
”You ever done this kind of thing before sweet cheeks?” she says watching you carefully.
”If so, I’ll believe it! If not, than colored me im-pressed,” she says with a friendly nod.
”When we get below remind me to give you a little something hot and sweet to keep you warm at night – oh, and I’ll also have some grub for you, too,” she adds with a grin.
Turning her head to the quarterdeck, she calls out –
”Oye, Johnny – this lad’s been working the ropes before; either that or he’s angling for a promotion,” she says with a friendly holler to the captain.
"First time around sailing a boat, believe me" - Polux retorts, still rubbing his hands to remove the numbness, an irritated look in his eyes that lights up at the gnome's jest somewhat - "I will take you up on that hot and sweet something for sure" - he grins - "I am not garbed appropriately for this weather, and it is freezing my bones"
The man really goes all out to make sure his teeth do not clatter at the biting winds, and again scolds himself for being so unprepared, then turns to Ella again - "Say... You wouldn't happen to have any spare winter clothing that I could use for the time being? I am willing to pay for it"
"Then maybe you can tell me where I am the most useful in helping to man this ship"
1d20 + 6
1d20 + 6
Fort saves:
Asan walks about the deck smiling and observing the others. After a while he begins to feel the chill, and bundles up further, after taking a bit too much of the cold.
"To want to die for another is a deep and abiding conviction. The Spirits brought you together and must be pleased by such friendship."
Ren grins a bit.
”Well, I’m not saying that I want to die for him; I’d rather we all live. But he’s my friend – when it comes to a friend… if you’re not willing to fight for them or die for them… I don’t know… it just doesn’t seem like a real friendship.”
”But with Johnny – he kind of inspires it; you can’t help feeling that way, generally.”
He thinks a moment, his face becoming a bit serious.
”It’s funny you say that about spirits and all that. Johny’s mom – she was kind of into faith and so on – a priestess to the goddess Nise – he’s still got his mom’s holy symbol… but I think that’s more sentiment.”
”Anyhow, when we met finally with the priest who sails with us – the thing is... he follows no god as much as Fate in general… Made me wonder how much of Fate is playing a hand in all of this…” he says pondering that for a moment.
"I passed through Andoran when I was 19 summers old. I met my beloved Daya, a mere hatchling, where the Verduran Forest straddles the Andoran border. A fair happenstance that you and Captain John bode from there. I hale from a hamlet in Nirmathas."
Ren nods, comfortable with the sudden change from the subject.
”II don’t know much about the forests and so on. I lived down by the docks and when I was a kid I spent most of my time stealing food and such until I got older. Then I did some work hauling freight for a few summers… but I never really went too far inland.”
He thinks a moment.
”Johnny got it into his head that we could make good money on the sea; a captain keeps what he takes and all that.”
”We planned on shipping down toward Sargava – around that area… but when we came past Cheliax we did a few seasons there; you know – gun running to some freedom fighters – smuggling in medicine to a few resistance cells; and sometimes we’d do mercenary work to bust up slavers and so on.”
He shrugs, not unpleased with the adventures.
”We always talked about heading south – but the rumors there were that folk that way were too nasty – all about killing and piracy to the point that’d make a decent man sick,” he adds with a scowl.
”Then one time we did some work on busting up a slaver... out of Rahadoum, I think. Anyhow, she had a strange mix of folk in her hold that we saved, in fact, that’s where we met the priest, by the way. The priest, he was from Cheliax initially, but he was sold as a slave when he was a boy down to folk in Mwangi… Oh, but the point is that one of the other lasses we saved in that hit was the daughter of some a lord out of Absalom.”
”We were on some pisspot of a carrack at the time that we pinched from some lads out by Osirion – but anyhow… when we got the lass home her dad was so happy that he gave us this ship in reward – said we brought back his daughter home to him, it was the least he could do.”
”Of course, Johnny being Johnny insisted the lord keep our old ship – said it weren’t a fair deal to take a new ship just for bringing his daughter back…” he rolls his eyes as if such an action was foolish – but it is clear that on some level he is both proud and pleased that his friend made that call, never mind the loss of money.
”So we got this ship and Johnny's kept for this whole time - she’s a new class, by the way. They call her a “corvette”… not too tough, not good to pirate other ships or that kind of thing – but she’s fast. She’s damn fast, and she handles really well, too. Good for smuggling, and delivering goods quick and discreet. She won’t hold much; not like the bigger ships – not guns or gear – but like I said, she’s fast, and she’s a beauty,” he says with admiration, his hand sliding gently over the bulkhead.
"Fate goes ever as she shall."
He turns and gives her a grin.
”Damn! You sound just like the priest! Well, I mean – the part about Fate and all that… I wonder what you’ll think of him when you meet?”
”I got to warn you – he’s a bit odd… kind of offputting – but he’s a square guy. I think he’ll like you, though. You know – because of your faith,” he adds.
”But anyhow, if you’re right and he’s right – then it looks like destiny brought us together for a reason; I’m damn happy with that,” he adds with a sincere smile.
" "Daya, cold. Daya, no kill. Daya, fierce. What, you?"
There seems to be a pause, as if the other animal is digesting this news.
Then –
”I am strong. I am very powerful. I am very brave; my Companion – she says I am also very smart.”
The creature pauses a moment, as if thinking.
”You are nice. I like you. I will not destroy you because you are good. We should be friends,” he adds with a sincere tone, continuing to hide from something that could probably make a mouthful of him.
"First time around sailing a boat, believe me"
The gnome watches you for a moment as you struggle to work.
”No worries, doll – you don’t have to tell me twice,” she says with a grin.
"I will take you up on that hot and sweet something for sure" - he grins – "I am not garbed appropriately for this weather, and it is freezing my bones"
Ella turns a glance at Stefan and pouts a little.
”Damn! Captain ‘Tight Pants’ over there was calling my name, too – still, I ain’t the kind of gal that turns down the chance to get a fella’ hot – especially if he’s going on about a bone that needs warming up,” she says with a fresh smile at Pollux.
As you have completed your duties, she turns to the quarter deck.
”Oye – Johnny – this one’s worn out – should I take him below? He’s worked the lines good but he seems a bit poorly on account of the cold,” she calls out.
”Yeah – go for it,” John answers from the quarterdeck.
She nods.
”Alright, bub – let’s get things heated up,” she says briskly, and a bit more businesslike, then leads you below.
Once there she moves your gear over to one of the hammocks on the side of the ship and gets it stored underneath. Then she leads you back to a large cage-like structure that she promptly unlocks and leads you inside.
Once inside you see a comfortable looking bunk that is clearly meant for those with injuries. She instructs you to get on it, and once you do – she takes out a small bottle from her pouch and pours some liquid into her hands, rubbing them together.
At this time she begins to give you a thorough massage. Her fingers are very skilled; they unlock certain pressure points and quickly gets your blood flowing and at the same time she eases your sore muscles considerably. It feels both soothing and invigorating at the same time and you quickly start to feel better.
As she works she says nothing, but hums a little tune to herself. However, despite her earlier comments – she’s all business at this point; no hanky-panky.
When it’s done she pats you quickly on the backside then has you sit up.
"Say... You wouldn't happen to have any spare winter clothing that I could use for the time being? I am willing to pay for it"
She looks at you skeptically and shakes her head.
”You might be willing to pay for ‘em – but that ain’t how we do stuff on this packet,” she says.
Moving to a small locker near the bunk, she opens it and begins to take out a log set of wool trousers, a wool tunic and a heavy wool frock coat. She also has a long scarf and some warm fingerless gloves and tosses them to you.
”You’re on the ship, you sail with us – of course we got spare gear here. What’d you take us for?” she says shaking her head.
”You know – not for nothing, but you all had lots of time to ask questions when you were tugging the ropes – I’m kind of surprise you didn’t ask for this stuff sooner,” she says with a grin.
”Now come on – the others’ll be down soon and I want some grub,” she says leading you forward out of the small room, then locks the cage door behind you.
As she moves out she sees Daya watching something in the corner of by the stove.
”Kit? Kit,” she calls out at the small area by the stove.
”Get out here, mister – we got company. Stop hiding back there and come say “Hi”,” she says sternly.
As she waits for the mysterious “Kit” to come out, Pollux ventures another question.
"Maybe you can tell me where I am the most useful in helping to man this ship"
Ella turns to watch you thoughtfully.
”Don’t know – that’s up to the captain, but he’ll be down in a bit to tell us what he thinks and where we wants you,” she says.
"In the meantime – let’s get some grub, hey?” she says, then stomps over to the stove and puts a kettle on the burner and peers below the table muttering something about the mysterious “Kit” who continues to hide.
Fort saves:
1d20+8
1d20+8Asan walks about the deck smiling and observing the others. After a while he begins to feel the chill, and bundles up further, after taking [dice=NonLethal]1d6 a bit too much of the cold.
Watching you have some trouble with the cold, Khal looks at you.
"There is no harm in going below, southerner," he says in a neutral voice.
"The north if very cold; perhaps too cold for some. Below there is fire and light and warmth."
"You have done your duty well enough for now. The ship is moored and we shall post a deckwatch," he adds.
"You have done well for yourself this night. Eat, drink, rest - tomorrow there will be much that shall bite harder than the chill air; rest would be good," he says nodding his head.
Asan musters a weak smile through slightly chattering teeth.
"It seems I didn't prepare myself quite as well as I should have. You are too kind as to my being useful. I think it may be some time before I can truly be called a sailor."
He nods to Khal,
"Yes, food and drink below would be much appreciated. Perhaps while there you can tell me about your homeland, no?"
Uraga nods.
"You say "ice" - that is word," he says watching her."It can be hard; ice on lines mean we have to cut it with blades, or maybe ropes break," he says.
"That is good, though. Baka wako from Riddleport don't sail in winter much. Most folk don't."
"Water be bad to sail in."
"But we sail in it - but captain-sama; he have very good luck, so we not die on water, I think."
"But maybe die in battle," he says thoughtfully and studies Sunny for a moment.
"You have good lines," he says, taking another pull on the cigarette, nodding to himself.
Suny nods and smiles at Uraga's words as she continues at her allotted tasks.
"Thank'e. Though, I've a noticed with lines, some folks...They's turn th'a rope coils to tha' right...an' some folks...They's turn tha' coils to tha' left." She huffs a tad more in the cold night air.
"Me? I jus' tend ta' follow tha' coils as I seen 'em on deck..." (^_^)
"Yes, food and drink below would be much appreciated. Perhaps while there you can tell me about your homeland, no?"
Khal grins and claps a heavy hand on Asan's shoulder.
"Aye! I will tell you of the Æsir and fighting with giants in the frozen north. I will tell you of slaying pirate scum on the gray seas and the shrieks of battle and the screams of passion from beautiful women," he says easily.
Then he leads you below where you find Pollux, Daya and Ella gathered around a warm stove with a few dim lights in the form of swinging lanterns hanging from the rafters.
"Come, little one - my friend wishes something to heat his bones. Give him a drink," he says to Ella with a hearty grin.
Though the night grew colder still with the open sea and cloudless night, Taissa managed to stave off the chill and continue working alongside Ren.
She wasn't much of a conversationalist but the past two months with Kostin and Gianya had pried her lips and taught her to use words instead of sounds to communicate.
"Nise? I've not heard of this goddess. I'll ask the Captain to tell me about her. I honour Nature and the Spirits which inhabit all."
When Ren mentioned carrack, the word was unfamiliar and Taissa looked perplexed. But when Ren mentioned corvette and it being a fast sailing vessel, she realised it was another kind of ship. She listened intently, trying to learn more about ships and sailing. The Water Spirits would smile kindly on her attempts, she was certain.
"I have much to learn about ships, Ren." She rotated the lantern to the other side to get a better view of the water.
When talk turned to the strange priest aboard the ship, Taissa shrugged, her bulky cold weather gear encompassing her petite frame. "He has the Sight. He must be touched by the Spirits. I'll not mock him. I will listen to his words." She gave Ren another awkward smile for she was not used to such ease between her and another.
"Thank'e. Though, I've a noticed with lines, some folks...They's turn th'a rope coils to tha' right...an' some folks...They's turn tha' coils to tha' left." She huffs a tad more in the cold night air.
Uraga watches you with a perplexed look; it's as if he's trying to follow your talk by reading your lips, and clearly is not doing well as your words do not make much sense to him.
Obviously he has a difficulty with the language in any case, especially as it is not his native tongue.
"Me? I jus' tend ta' follow tha' coils as I seen 'em on deck..."
His eyebrow quirks at the comment.
"Ah! No - I meant you have good lines; your form is well shaped and also you have spirit and energy," he adds thoughtfully, taking another pull from his cigarette, thinking a moment, studying your features but especially your hair.
”You are nice. I like you. I will not destroy you because you are good. We should be friends,” he adds with a sincere tone, continuing to hide from something that could probably make a mouthful of him.
Daya cocked her head to the side as she listened to the creature.
"Small. Daya, not eat. Come. Taissa friend. Daya cold."
Daya moved closer to the stove to warm her chilled feathers and watched as the people came below, and stood close by.
She gave one short, low screech and then was silent, waiting for Taissa to come below.
Taissa, noting the lack people on deck, turned to Ren and asked, "Time to go below? I would check on Daya."
Uraga watches you with a perplexed look; it's as if he's trying to follow your talk by reading your lips, and clearly is not doing well as your words do not make much sense to him.
Obviously he has a difficulty with the language in any case, especially as it is not his native tongue. His eyebrow quirks at the comment.
"Ah! No - I meant you have good lines; your form is well shaped and also you have spirit and energy," He adds thoughtfully, taking another pull from his cigarette, thinking a moment, studying your features
Suny laughs and smiles, then looks down at herself.
"Rilly?" Tying off whatever it is she was 'roping' for the moment before she gives herself a 'bounce',
"Gee...I din't rilly think about m'self like that." She continues to 'bounce' herself for a few more moments.
"Now Taissa...there be a lot more of her in'a jiggle." And Suny looks at Uraga as thoughtfully, "Y'know...now that ye mention it? Some lassy folks, they do has more girth in they's gussets." Suny admits with a slight frown.
"Like tha' lassy's whut are more robust across tha' shoulders...Um, tha' gals with tha' teeth like Master Polux." Suny looks thoughtful,
"Maybe it's havin' more exercise...?" She suggests, then shivers under the effects of the cold.
"Nise? I've not heard of this goddess. I'll ask the Captain to tell me about her. I honour Nature and the Spirits which inhabit all."
Ren nods at her questions about John’s goddess.
”Aye, I understand. She’s not too well known to many. I can tell you a bit about her, if you’d like?” he says after a moment.
After he is done, he continues to work, then notices the others are heading below.
"I have much to learn about ships, Ren."
He nods, but it is sincere.
”Aye; and it’d be good to learn, too,” he says, but not mocking. It’s as if he wants you to learn, and learn quickly.
”I could teach you – I’d be happy to,” he adds.
”The truth is that there will likely be more trouble in the future on the seas rather than while we’re at port. At least, that’s how I see it, but I may be wrong. But anyhow, sailing’s a good thing; gets you work in times of peace and trouble, and the sea grants us something new every day to look upon,” he says thoughtfully, staring away from you suddenly as he thinks about something.
"He has the Sight. He must be touched by the Spirits. I'll not mock him. I will listen to what he has to say."
Ren looks very nervous suddenly.
”Aye – I don’t think you’ll mock him – he’s… well… folk look at him odd, but the thing is – he’s got power, and it’s not natural – it’s power from the gods; that’s not something to jest with. He could curse a man, or do other dark things to a man – I’ve seen him do it – though only to enemies… but I’m always very respectful to him. I mean, even though he’s a friend – well… he’s kind of… the thing is he’s got power that we don’t have and sometimes he gets touchy about weird things,” he says the last to himself.
He laughs, but clearly a bit nervously – the idea of upsetting a caster obviously making him uncomfortable.
”No… I don’t think you’ll mock him, But I guess what I meant is be careful… he’s not the kind of guy you want to upset, even by accident, that’s all,” he adds with a quick warding motion.
He glances to the others heading below.
Now that the ship is anchored and the secure the others are heading below to get some food and rest.
”I normally take first watch – I can see pretty good in the dark… I’ll be down in a bit, though, if you’d like to talk some more?” he says in a voice of forced nonchalance.
”But in the meantime, why not go down and get something to drink and chat with the others a bit. We can talk more later… if you’d like, that is,” he says with a little noncommittal shrug.
"Like tha' lassy's whut are more robust across tha' shoulders...Um, tha' gals with tha' teeth like Master Polux." Suny looks thoughtful.
Uraga looks at Sunny with a confused look.
"I don't understand you very good," he says carefully, so as not to offend.
"I do not know much of this language; I try to understand your words; but they do not make sense," he says.
"It is my fault - I should know better words; but you do not speak like those I sail with and it is hard to understand your meaning," he says eventually.
He frowns in confusion, then shrugs.
"Konbanwa," he says, then bows and heads below.
Suny looks back at Uraga just as confused, blinking as he makes his comment and then bows and heads below. Giving everything she's done and finished a final, quick once over, she too scampers after the fellow to join up with where every one else might have gotten to.
Stefan, as is usual for him, refuses to leave a task unsuccessful so has another go at the work topside.
Giving up in disgust, he heads down below decks.
She watched Stefan labouring at his task, since he was still on deck. Least the man does not give up. She admired such resolve. Though, soon thereafter, he gave up his work and moved below.
As Ren spoke of Nise, Taissa listened and marvelled at the sad tale. "To be so betrayed..." Taissa said quietly as she scanned the water and horizon.
At Ren's offer to teach her about ships and sailing, Taissa gave a nod. "I accept your offer of teaching, Ren. I shall make trade with you so there is no debt between us." She wondered what she could teach Ren in turn and grew silent in the pondering.
Watching Ren ward himself at mention of the priest's darker power, Taissa grew solemn before remarking, "The Spirits are balance: light and dark. I will be mindful of my words in the priest's presence."
Ren would stay a little longer on watch. She could retire below. His casual offer of talk was not unwelcome and she nodded, the fur-lined hood bobbing in the gesture. "We can talk down below. I'll be with Daya. If you need me up here, call my name."
And with a slight pause, she turned on her heel and made her way to the stairs leading down and she felt the welcoming warmth from the top step.
Hack, working away with Khal, begins to tire, and as he sees Taissa go below deck, he joins her.
Time to hit the hay, eh Taissa?
Turning at Hack's now familiar voice, Taissa smiles and shakes her head. "Maybe some food and drink, first?" Come, let us seek warmth."
Aye, been a long day. Let's have a drink, then.
She had a feeling he would opt for drink rather than food and gave a low chuckle in response.
"Drink for you, then. My stomach growls."
Well, then, let's take care of that hunger, shall we?
Polux hesitates a lot at the request to strip from the waist up, but at the straightforward tone of the gnome he complies. His torso is very well muscled and toned, showing multiple slash scars, across his back, chest and stomach.
As he lays down for the massage, he leaves his weapons in close reach. His mind is quickly diverted from them however, as Ella's skilled fingers do their job - the tension in his neck and back giving way to relaxation, the cold almost fully eradicated.
Standing up at the pat, he stretches momentarily, then looks back at the gnome - "Thank you" - he nods, his face ever serious - "That was as pleasant as it was effective" - he adds, rubbing his shoulders.
As she offers him the cold weather outfit, he again nods - "And again, thank you. I know we sail together, but I owe you one and two - it will not be forgotten" - then follows her outside the cage.
At the offer for a meal, Polux sits closer to the stove, trying to weed out the last traces of cold from his mostly recovered body - "I'll accept something to eat yes. Who is Kit?" - he asks, matter of fact.
Well, then, let's take care of that hunger, shall we?
"Aye." Another low, husky laugh ensues. "Daya may be hungry, too. She will cause more trouble than I." And she gives Hack a wink.
Entering the berth below, Taissa spied Daya and watched as her companion seemed fixed on something or someone. Making her way over in long, quick strides, she pushed back her hood and began a series of rapid screeches even before she reached Daya. She noted Polux now garbed in woollen tunic and coat and nodded her head toward him. She knew Hack would be close behind her without even checking. He seemed to have her back. She noted the female gnome nestled between Polux and Stefan. Taissa had come across a fair few gnomes in Nybor. She bid her a quick introduction, "Good eve. I'm Taissa, and this fair bird is my companion, Daya."
Suny peers about the lower deck noting who is sitting where abouts.
Daya had responded to Taissa's questions, pushing her head forward toward the creature under the table by the forge; Daya's golden eyes veiled in the dim lantern light.
Suny skips over and examines what's in'a pot... *sniff...* (^_^)
Taissa spies Suny out of the corner of her eye since her attention is already split between Daya (plus the creature hidden 'neath the table) and the gnome.
She gestures for the elf to come join her and the others.
Suny eventually sees Taissa's waving and skips over to see what there is to see,
"Here...them vittles do smell nice..." (^_^)
Asan seemed lost. He sat away from the others, simply listening, taking in everyone's attitudes. As a start, he thought, it has been a good one. A bit of cold, but it is warm down here. Not only from the fire, but everyone seemed to be very friendly and, considering the "mission" in good spirits as well. He wondered again about providence...the Mother bringing him this far. Another sign he was on the right path.
Coming to sit with the others, he pulled his blanket back, as he was finding himself much more comfortable.
Looking to whoever was closest, he commented,
"Well, I smell warm food, and Khal has said there is drink as well...what are we serving tonight?"
"Aye, it does", Taissa responded to Suny's remark on the food on the stove.
Taissa foraged inside her pack and found the carefully/thickly wrapped remains of a rabbit she had caught and skinned before entering Beacon. She unwrapped the cloth and set it down before Daya. "Here, beloved. Tomorrow, when it's warmer, you may hunt on the sea."
Rising from where she placed the rabbit meat, Taissa draws a ladle of water from the wooden barrel by the stove and washes her hands.
Wiping them on a clean cloth, she turns to face Asan and gives him a gentle smile, waiting to hear what the evening meal consists of.
Suny stands where Taissa has called her over too...slowly letting her winter blanket fall loose as the warmth of the space below decks dispels the chill of the weather above.
Oh! I seen some of them critters afore!" Suny exclaims brightly pointing towards Daya's meal, then frowns a little..."Now.. whut were it peoples call that thing agin...Rat? Raddish?..." She taps her chin, musing in thought, "I know it started with a 'Rrrrrr' sounds....Rattle...."
"Rabbit", she kindly informed Suny, knowing the Elf was learning new words in another tongue.
"YES! That were it! 'Rrrrabbit'." (^_^)
"They taste nice, too...." She grins at the memory. "Since I bin here on'a big land I've bin havin' all sorts'a stuff ta' eat..." And Suny begins to recite her culinary adventures enthusiastically. (^_^)
Up on the main deck, Ren had just offered to aid Taissa in sailing.
She considers it for a moment and makes her response.
"I accept your offer of teaching, Ren. I shall make trade with you so there is no debt between us."
Ren looks a bit surprised.
"No worries - I mean, it's not like a debt; I'd be happy to show you the ropes," he says "you don't have to pay me for it... it'd be my pleasure," he says with a smile.
"We can talk down below. I'll be with Daya. If you need me up here, call my name."
He nods.
"Sure," he says, a bit too enthusiastically, then tones it back a little.
"I mean - yeah, of course. I'll be on watch until roughly eight bells at least," he says.
"But if you're awake, we can talk then?" he says, not trying to push the issue, but clearly enjoying the conversation.
As Taissa heads below, Ren turns back to watch and begins to sing softly in elven.
Making her way downstairs, it seems that all are below enjoying warmth, a meal, and some company; with the exception of John, Ren and the somewhat enigmatic priest who has yet to show himself.
As Taissa gets below she hears Polux talking.
"I'll accept something to eat yes. Who is Kit?" - he asks, matter of fact.
Even as Taissa looks around, she sees Ella stomp over to the stove and stares hard at, as if annoyed that whatever is behind it is still hiding.
”Kit, get your butt out here now; we got company – that ain’t no way to treat folks,” she says sternly.
After a moment a small cat-like creature pokes its head out and moves into the light, and Ella pounces on it quickly, scooping it up rather unceremoniously into her arms and then begins to pet it gently.
In her arms is something that looks like a small lion cub; but it’s clear that he’s actually a baby griffon!
”This is Kit,” she says beaming ”I bought him from a ranch-hand who did work out of some place near the River Kingdoms. I know it sounds crazy, but it’s true,” she says with a bright smile, glancing at over Taissa especially, certain that someone skilled with animals would really appreciate her new friend and confident that no one would ever have suspected that a baby griffon could be someone’s animal companion…
She coos at the little griffon as she pets him, and although Kit seems to enjoy it for a moment, as soon as he’s aware that the others are looking at him, his dignity seems to be offended and he promptly squirms out of her arms and hops to the ground and stalks about as if he’s the Master and Commander of the ship while Ella merely rolls her eyes but can’t help but smile a bit.
Taissa sees the little creature and attempts a more Diplomatic approach…
"Good eve. I'm Taissa, and this fair bird is my companion, Daya."
The baby griffon stops his strutting about and looks at Taissa with a surprised look, then cocks his head and moves over to her and rubs his shoulder against Taissa’s leg.
”You have good leg; makes my shoulder feel good. You talk nice; I like. You smell nice; like good food. Like meat, like rabbit; I like. You did not pet me by my wing. I should destroy you. You are nice, I will let you live. You are good; you can be my friend. Friends are good. Friends also pet me. I am very handsome. I am pleased. More people should pay attention to me. I am glad we are friends. Your leg feels nice.”
Clearly he has lots to say now that there are more people about. While you may have heard rumors about griffons before, and the way they acted; as a Beastmaster now you’ll have the chance to be able to hear the wise thoughts that dance about their heads instead of just watching their antics.
As the griffon continues to rub against Taissa’s leg, Uraga moves over to his gear and unslings his musket and reverently places it on a small rack above his things and adjusts his sword more comfortably. Khal stretches his arms above his head and rolls his eyes at the griffon, used to Kit’s antics.
"Well, I smell warm food, and Khal has said there is drink as well...what are we serving tonight?" Asan asks curiously.
At the mention of food, Suny perks up.
"Here...them vittles do smell nice..."
Ella turns to the stove and opens the pot looking to see what’s in it.
”Well, it looks like the padre cooked more of his fish and lentils,” she says, then turns to the others.
”Oh – the padre – he’s also does the cooking. He’s very good at it, but his food tends to be pretty spicy – he was from Mwangi and they do lots of hot food there,” she says by way of explanation.
By this time the kettle is simmering and she turns to the others.
”Ya’ll want some coffee? It’s pretty damn cold out, you know?” she says to the others and prepares to offer it to any who ask.
Khal grins.
”Give me some mead and I shall enjoy it better,” he says.
Uraga turns a quick glance to Khal.
”Ah! The captain-sama does not wish us to drink while on duty,” he says a bit sternly.
”Aye, but we are not on duty, and with so many others to share watch, I can drink tonight. It is good to drink this night – for tomorrow we may all die horribly; why not enjoy a taste?” he says with a matter of fact voice coupled with a crooked grin.
Uraga seems to digest this, then smiles.
”Hai! You are a wise man. We are not on duty, so we can drink. And tomorrow we may die in battle, hontou; so it is good to drink now,” he says with a nod, then turns to Ella.
”Ella-san, please heat some of my sake to the right temperature. It is better to drink that then the drink of this hairy northman,” he says with a little smile at Khal, who grins at the retort.
Ella shrugs and takes a clay jug from the shelf and pours a bit of clear liquid into a small flask which she places on the stove.
”Anyone else want a drop?” she asks the group.
As she waits for an answer, Uraga frowns.
”So many people mean we can be free of watch duty tonight and are free to drink; yet if they ask to drink my sake I shall have none!” he says with feigned horror.
Khal laughs and slaps his knee.
”Aye – if that is your fate, then you must accept it and be done with it,” he adds with a chuckle.
As the group enjoys the jest, it is suddenly interrupted.
”Who be speaking on da ways of Fate…. Dem dat say dese tings – day best know dat Fate be not someting to be jesting at…” comes a low, dark voice from the stairwell.
Ella, Khal and Uraga turn to look at the hooded figure standing there, the casual humor seems to disappear at his presence, and it is replaced by an expression of respect from Uraga; veiled awe from Khal and a little nervousness from Ella.
”Evening padre… Happy to see you, tonight. This is the new lads here to help us tomorrow… Say, you hungry, thirsty?” she asks in a friendly way as Kit dashes behind her leg to look at the priest who watches the group under veiled eyes.
"I will take a mug of hot coffee. And a bowl of the fish and lentil stew", Taissa called over the various voices and requests.
At seeing the Griffon hatchling and hearing him speak in his animal tongue, Taissa marvelled at the creature and rejoiced that such an animal companion, perhaps friend, would be available to Daya aboard The Seahawk.
With one hand scratching Daya's white-feathered crown and the other petting Kit's small wing (as he seemed to want, based on what he had said), Taissa smiled broadly during the task. "Nice to meet you, Kit." She purred low to the little griffon.
Glancing at Daya, who was now shielding the rabbit meal with her wing, her sharp beak ready to tear the meat off the carcass, Taissa chuckled and advised, "Daya, share a piece of the rabbit with Kit. Be generous, like I know you can be."
Daya stared with unblinking golden eyes at Taissa, not entirely happy with suggesting she share the rabbit with the little bird-cat creature. With one move, Daya's hooked beak and talons tore a chunk of the rabbit and tossed it toward Kit. The rest Daya quickly devoured.
When the strange priest finally made an appearance in the cabin, Taissa turned quiet like the rest, recollecting Ren's caution. She bowed her head a little, in show of respect, for someone with the Sight and in tune with the Spirits. But waited for him to address her or the others in her group before speaking.
Hack nods at the offer of the alcohol.
Aye, serve me up a draught with that stew. I hate to go to the mud without a full belly.
"Nice to meet you, Kit."
"Daya, share a piece of the rabbit with Kit. Be generous, like I know you can be."
"It is nice to meet me. I am very amazing. Everyone likes to meet me. You have red hair. I like rabbit meat. Red hair is very handsome. I am also handsome. You have done well to pet me. I am pleased by your work. I killed a rat today. My companion said I was very brave. She is smart. I protect her. I like rabbit. That is very good to eat. You are very handsome girl. That bird is very big. He is too big to sit on you. I can sit on people. They like that. I am very good to pet," he says in a very matter-of-fact voice.
The priest moves slowly into the room.
Long dark hair hangs down his back and shoulders, it's kinky and tangled and there are small bits of bone worked into a long thin braid hanging down over his left ear.
He is wearing a long black cloak and robe, and the hood hangs loosely over his face. While he spent time in Mwangi, you vaguely recall someone saying he was initially from Cheliax and taken as a slave and sold there before he escaped back to his homeland. His face has a long rust-colored swath painted across, over his eyes and the bridge of his nose.
You believe the paint may be blood.
He clutches a staff made of oak; the crown of it is a skull of some creature that looks like it may have had lizard-like features; but it seems to be larger. Several feathers also hang from near the top of the staff like a talisman.
The skull is from a dragon hatchling. You believe it may have been a green dragon; a type that frequents swamps.
He moves over to Suny and stares at her for a moment.
When he sees Taissa give him a nod, he acknowledge it with an appraising look, then moves to the soup.
"You be wanting food... I be serving you den... da food I make; it be good to eat, it make you very strong... tomorrow you be needing the strength of body and da mind," he says in a slightly less intimidating tone.
Then he places the staff by the stove and deftly serves a large bowl to Taissa, as she asked for it and another to Hack.
He hands one to each of them and watches you both very carefully as you eats.
"What do you tink of da taste?" he says, his tone very intent as he watches you.
Suny smiles back at the fellow who's looking at her. (^_^)
When it comes to the meal, she more than appreciates the warmth in this cold climate, nodding and indicating that the meal is good. The lil' griffon continues to amaze and fascinate her.