Ema listened to what Perrell had to say about herself with interest. Despite the scholar's earlier concerns she could tell the adventure of it all was something this woman was going to enjoy. Ema sat slightly sideways to the table but turned her seat to face Perrell when the other woman sat down after accepting the tea.
Ema considered what to tell the woman about herself, her own story was far more..confused that Perrell's. "I don't really know," she said in an uncertain tone. Ema took a sip of her tea as she further collected her thoughts and continued, "The first thing I can remember is finding myself in Varissia, alone, no equipment, no clothing of any kind, naked and afraid in a land I knew nothing about." Her voice was distant as she recalled what she knew of that time and said, "I was lucky to stumble into a Varissian Caravan and they took me in, gave me food and clothing, even though they couldn't understand me nor I them." She smiled slightly as she remembered the nomadic clan, "I learned their language as we traveled and I stayed with them until we reached Magnimar. By then I had learned the common tongue and started on Ancient Thassilonian from a book one of them had and when I found out about the Pathfinder Society and their library there I could bring myself to leave again."
Ema shifted in her seat, leaning forward slightly to lean her elbows on the table after another sip of tea, "I said good bye to the clan and stayed on as a translator for the Societies' Venture Captain there, and was allowed to study the books to my hearts content. I didn't question the generosity of being given room and bored at the time but now I realize why she allowed that. One of the first books I picked up was an ancient tome of magic that had been preserved from Ancient Azlant, in it's original tongue. No one could read it and make it work...until me that is. I was allowed to keep the book in exchange for translating other texts and began to study magic at the same time as everything else."
Ema gave a little teehee of laughter then as she remembered the next part of her story, "One of the local wizards felt slighted when I corrected his translation of a book, he was young and brash, and challenged me to a dual. It was the dumbest thing I'd ever heard of but I knew I would get no peace so I accepted. He was a conjurer and so we agreed to summon creatures and let the battle be decided by them. We were to limit ourselves to only low level summons, dogs, eagles, etc., but he decided to cheat and went for something higher. Since he cheated I did too and I realized a different means of summoning. Rather than the complicated casting to summon the creature through that takes most people so long I intuited how a summoner does it and burned some of a magical reservoir I always seemed to have to simply tear open a portal and call out my creature, an eagle that stooped down went right for the conjurer." She laughed in delight remembering the wizards anger, "He tried to call foul but was ruled against since he tried to cheat first. The wizards didn't like me much after that though and I knew I would need to leave."
Ema's face clouded slightly as she took another sip of tea or two before continuing, "Not long after I felt a pull to go to Andoran and got a letter of recommendation to the Society there, by then I'd learned Aklo and began working on celestial, which I finished here, and quickly learned of the colony project underway." She sipped her tea some more, savoring the stuff, "I did some more translation work to earn the money to join the expedition and then got a slot on the Talmandor's Bounty." She looked up to see what Perrell thought of her strange story and finally said, "Overall I only remember the last two years of my life, everything before that is...gone."
"Wow," Perrell says softly once Ema has finished her story. The scholar had listened to it with rapt attention, the tea cup cooling and forgotten on the table. "That is an incredible tale. I can't imagine losing my memory, not knowing who I was. It must have been terrifying. A lesser woman might not have recovered from such an ordeal, but you seem to be doing well for yourself."
She studies Ema thoughtfully. "I wonder why you were able to read the Azlanti tome. Perhaps it is related to your appearance? Purple eyes are said to be a sign of Azlanti blood. This island was once part of the shattered continent. Maybe you will find answers to the questions you have about yourself here. At least, I hope you will."
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"You must have been distracted by my heaving bosom. It happens!" Lyra says with a bawdy wink.
Simon arches an eyebrow in puzzlement at the response.
"While I admit that your bosom can be quite distracting, I was more distracted by attempting to remember the proper social protocols to be followed between two people of opposite sex who are only marginally acquainted when one shows up unannounced at the other's door carrying a bottle of liquor.
I can't seem to recall reading about this specific situation before."
Simon calls back over his shoulder. "Kip, Victrix! We have a guest bearing gifts. Come outside with us before we drink the whole bottle!"
Simon settles himself and decides it is time to change the subject.
"So, you are a surveyor. Will you be creating maps of the surrounding territory then?
We have seen some of that now. I'm sure everyone will be glad to share their experiences so that you can pick out important features to include.
I'd also be glad to accompany you on your explorations when I am not busy in the lab. I have some knowledge of geography and engineering and could assist in your calculations."
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Lyra laughs at Simon's response. "Easy, big boy. Just missing with you a bit."
"Yep, I'll be mapping the entire island before all is said and done. You're welcome to tag along if you haven't got any other duties that day. The more, the merrier!"
Once the towels & her clothes have been laundered, Victrix joins Simon & Lyra outside for a drink.
"Hmm... mappin' out the island sounds loike a good pursuit."
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Lyra laughs at Simon's response. "Easy, big boy. Just missing with you a bit."
Simon deadpans:
"Yes, I assumed that you were jesting. I hold a firm belief that I am imbued with a sense of humor even though I have nit been able to empirically quantify that assertion."After the predictable lack of laughter, Simon retrieves a notebook and makes a small entry.
Existential jokes about humor: Not Funny
Simon chuckles at himself then smiles. "You'll forgive me if I seem intense some times. I came here to make a name for myself and am anxious to get started.
I recognize the importance of establishing a colony and seeing it be successful. Your contributions will greatly aid in the future planning of this settlement.
Unfortunately, it all seems like needless delay to me. We should be out in the field attempting to locate and map entrances to the ruins not doing this"
Simon waves his hand about the settlement and returns to his drink.
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Wow," Perrell says softly once Ema has finished her story. The scholar had listened to it with rapt attention, the tea cup cooling and forgotten on the table. "That is an incredible tale. I can't imagine losing my memory, not knowing who I was. It must have been terrifying. A lesser woman might not have recovered from such an ordeal, but you seem to be doing well for yourself."
She studies Ema thoughtfully. "I wonder why you were able to read the Azlanti tome. Perhaps it is related to your appearance? Purple eyes are said to be a sign of Azlanti blood. This island was once part of the shattered continent. Maybe you will find answers to the questions you have about yourself here. At least, I hope you will."
Ema gave Perrell a shy smile and said, "Thank you, but I don't know that it's that big a deal to remember nothing, I don't know any other way. Sometimes I'm not even sure I want to know. I mean, what must have happened to me that I lost everything before that point?"
As Perrell made her observation Ema nodded and said, "I hope I do too. As strange as it is I sometimes feel like this place is familiar, even though I'm sure I've never been here before." She sighed and took another sip of her tea, "Having the Azlanti eyes does indicate that maybe there is something to what you say." She laughed lightly at a stray thought, Teehee, who knows, maybe I'm some sole surviving ancient azlanti adrift in a world I know nothing about? Wouldn't that be interesting?"
"Well, this part is important, too. If itt was up to me, it would be all adventure and excitement, but this more than just an archaeological expedition. This colony is our home now. We have to make sure it is secure and gives us a solid base to come back to. Build houses and raise crops first, delve ancient dungeons later!" Lyra smiles and pours another round of brandy.
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Perrell giggles too. "Now that would be something, wouldn't it? They would have to redact all the history books and rename Aroden 'The Second-to-Last Azlanti!"
She smiles and sips her tea. "Well, Ema, if you ever need any thing, I am here for you. I will do whatever I can to help."
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"Well, this part is important, too.
"Yes, of course. Intellectually, I grasp this. That is why I am attempting to pitch in wherever my skills can be useful so that this community can get set up faster and we can get on with our business.
Idleness is a devil's playground, though. I start to fear that if we don't find ways to keep some of the population occupied, we may soon have infighting.
I'd hate to see this community follow the path of the previous one, over nothing more than vying for the attentions of romantic conquests."
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"Nothing wrong with a little romance. They say it's the spice of life, after all. But I'm sure all of us will have plenty to keep us busy over the next few weeks at the very least. Hopefully, we can keep the drama on hold until then."
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"Nothing wrong with a little romance."
"I am sure Helen and Paris said much the same.
Regardless, I am sure I am overreacting. I usually do."
Simon stands up, and inclines his head.
"Once again, I thank you for the drink. It was a a pleasant respite. However, I really must see to laundering my clothes and myself. From the state of things, that may take the rest of the night.
Enjoy the rest of the evening, ladies."
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Kip's head slowly rose up from behind Lyra's arm rest as he stretched to see everyone present. "Sorry I'm late, we just finished up the laundry. I'll take a small drink, yes, thank you. And honestly, I don't understand you mammals. What's the big deal with bosoms anyways?"
Victrix snickers at Kip's question.
"Oh, if yeh only knew..."
Ema found the thought of knocking Aroden down a peg entertaining and said, "That would be amusing." As the scholar made her offer of anything that Ema needed the lovely arcanist arched on eyebrow and said suggestively trailing a finger down between her breasts, "Anything?" She was fully prepared to laugh her words off depending on Perrell's reaction.
"Well, they are round and soft. Fun to look at, even more fun to touch," Lyra says with a laugh. "Both men and women can appreciate a great rack, for varying reasons. It's like a throat pouch for humans...I think. Does that simile make sense?"
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Perrell follows the trail of Ema's finger, then quickly looks up and blushes fiercely. "Oh! No, I uh... That is to say, um... You are a very lovely woman, and, uh..." She seems to be quite flustered.
Kips eyes widened. "You can inflate them to attract a mate? Do you have to use them both together, or can you alternate them? When is the spawning season?"
Ema gave Perrell a tinkling little laugh as the woman stuttered and stumbled. She decided it was best not to push this one for now and said, "Just kidding Perrell." She took another sip of her tea as she smiled in amusement and after giving the woman a chance to calm down asked, "So did you have anyone special back home? Anyone you wish you brought with you?"
Lyra laughs. "Let's see... Sometimes, one or both, and about once a month."
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Perrell calms down a bit, but she still looks embarrassed. "No, there isn't anybody. There, uh, has never been anybody. I have focused on my studies and never had much time to consider romantic entanglements. It's not that I am not, uh, interested... It's just that I really don't have much experience in these sorts of things."
"Wow...." Kip trailed off, clearly impressed. "Now I understand why you keep staring at her chest, Simon." Kip finished his drink, then excused himself and headed off to bed.
Ema gave young Perrell a sympathetic smile and said, "I can understand throwing yourself into work and ignoring the rest, I did that when I first reached that library." She remembered the times then, "Later I was hesitant because of the interruption a pregnancy might bring." Her expression saddened a bit at a thought she didn't voice and continued, "I've found that all work and no play isn't any fun." Looking up at Perrell again she continued, "Why don't we work on those maps, they aught to be a suitable distraction."
"Alright," Perrell says, grateful for a break from the somewhat awkward conversation. She and Ema work on the maps for a while, but the scholar calls for a break after a little while. It's getting late, and she needs to get some sleep. She bids the arcanist good night.
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The next morning, at breakfast, several colonists speak in awe about spotting a pair of mermaids frolicking in the surf under the setting sun. Antona gives Victrix a slight smile and a knowing look.
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The next several days pass rather quickly, with work beginning in earnest to get Talmandor's Bounty up and running again. As the farmers clear the fields and tend to the crops, the carpenters focus their work on finishing the palisade wall. By week's end, the wooden fortifications are complete, creating a secure barrier around the core of the colony.
At the end of your first week in the colony, Alba Divenvaar approaches the four of you. "Good day, my friends. I have a request to make of you. Simon has been helping me locate raw materials for my alchemical crafting, but I will need to build a larger stock if I hope to open my own business one day and support those in the colony who need my aid now. I have a list of alchemical and curative items the settlement needs for health and quality of life, such as antitoxin, and so I am searching for certain base compounds derived from rare plants, which I can use in a variety of different alchemical weapons, goods, and potions. I have a good lead on where these plants might be found, based upon some scouting performed by Lyra Heatherly. Lyra didn't actually find the plants in question, but her reports on the climate and local flora confirm that the conditions are right for these natural reagents to grow naturally.
"I have a map to the general area. I would like you to head to the location and gather the reagents. In exchange, I will use fifty percent of the value of what you harvest to create whatever you want in the form of potions or alchemical items."
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"Another opportunity to get out in the field? That is honestly all the incentive I need.
Our need for alchemical remedies and potions will be great in the coming weeks, so the offer is greatly appreciated. I'd rather consider this a mutual trade of skills that collectively helps the entire community.
What do you say, friends? Are your feet starting to itch? Victrix, do you want to vent some rage swinging that machete at whatever plants dare to stand in our way?"
Simon will quickly grab his gear and start studying the map.
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Victrix can't help but snicker a little at the mention of frolicking mermaids.
I wonder how long they were watching?
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"Goin' inta the island sounds loike a nice idea fer a trip. I'm itchin' ta get inta a good fight."
And maybe something else a bit later, if Antona's available...
"Sounds good to me. I need a little bit of time to talk to Gerald and get my spells ready, but then I'll be ready to go."
Once you are ready, you depart Talmandor's Bounty, heading east towards the island's interior. According to the map, it should take you about half a day to reach your destination. You travel across a wide stream and through the forest, passing by tall outcroppings of rock.
It is atop one such ridge that you spy an unusual sight. A giant turtle stands there, about 7 feet in length. It peers down from on high, scanning the woods below.
Simon is unable to identify the strange turtle.
"Well why don't we go ask him?"
"Hello, Mr. Turtle!" Kip called out as he waved.
The turtle looks at Kip, then lowers its head and grunts. Suddenly, it leaps off the ridge! A large, thin membrane of scaly skin unfurls between its shell and its legs as it spreads them out and begins gliding directly towards the grippli!
Kip was stunned in awe by the gliding turtle.
Decked out in her breastplate and darkwood buckler, Victrix draws her machete and stands in front of Kip as the flying turtle comes bearing down on him!
Ema spent the next several days moving around town at times flirting, helping, and learning more about their surroundings from those exploring the immediate area. When the offer from the alchemist came up she nodded in agreement and said, "Yes, I think that is a good idea. Maybe we'll find something useful and who knows, we might even find someone hiding out there."
As they traveled she made notes about various things they saw. Of particular interest were any ruins or other signs of previous inhabitants. When they saw the strange turtle Ema was rather shocked, the fact it was up there seemed odd enough, the fact that it could glide was even more disturbing. Worse was the fact her companions instantly attacked it. Luckily they missed.
Not sure what the creature was, and not risking it's disposition, Ema called forth a rune in the air that flew out and burst into a gate above and behind the creature once it had come in range to attack her companions. Her favored celestial eagle popped out of the gateway and attacked the creature from above and behind Victrix, smiting as it did so.
Simon's sling bullet whizzes under the gliding turtle. Victrix steps up in front of Kip, and as the creature swoops close, she slashes with her machete. The blade skips off the turtle's shell moments before it crashes into Victrix with bone-crushing force! The attack shoves the barbarian back.
Emma's summoned eagle appears and manages to score a light hit with a talon.
Victrix's head snaps back, blood spraying from her face as she staggers backwards.
Her head then snaps forward, her eyes burning with anger. She raises her machete, and with a mighty roar, leaps forward to strike the turtle again!
"RAAAAAAAAGH!"
Before the turtle can recover from its ramming maneuver, Victrix leaps forward and brings her machete down on its neck. The blade slices halfway through, and the turtle collapses to the ground, blood pouring from the vicious wound.
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"Wow, Victrix! That was impressive!"
He looks with disgust at his sling. "I think this thing is broken.", he mumbles before putting it back into his pocket.
"So, a giant aggressive turtle that can both climb a ridge and glide. Such an amazing blend of skills.
I wonder if it left any sign of its identity up on that ridge."
While others tend to Victrix's wound, Simon will drop his pack and start climbing up to the ridge.
Simon manages to climb to the top of the ridge and look around, but there doesn't seem to be much of interest up there besides the turtle's tracks.
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While I am up there, I'll look off in the direction we are headed. Anything of interest?
-Posted with Wayfinder
Aside from some low hills and many trees, you can't see much of interest.
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Scrambling down the hill, Simon looks over the scene again, trying to rake his brain for details that escaped him during the heat of battle.
"Nothing up on the ridge except for a weird raven that seemed to be watching me.
Anything else happen down here?
How's that wound, Victrix? That is going to be one gnarly scar.
We should really remember to ask if anyone has a wand of curing available when we get back."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Victrix rubs her bloodied forehead. "Ow... it's pretty bad."
"You saved me! Your reward is....Blueberry time!" Kip exclaimed, pulling out his pouch full of delicious blue magic.
"Eat up! Do you guys think there are other weird animals here? I've never heard of a flying turtle..."
Victrix greedily gobbles the berries down. The bleeding gash on her forehead gradually closes and heals over, but the skin is still raw and red.
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"Do you guys think there are other weird animals here? I've never heard of a flying turtle..."
"This certainly is a land of mystery. Being eaten by a giant turtle is not how I would want to end my time here.
Kip, perhaps next time we should take a more cautious approach. Not every creature is friendly. We could have taken some time to study it in an attempt to learn its motivations before drawing its attention.
Likely the result would have been the same, though I would hate to think that it only attacked because we startled it, or that we happen to be standing right next to its nest of eggs or something.
Nothing to do about it now. Let's continue on as we were."
"Yeah I guess..." Kip said, adjusting his hat uncomfortably. "I just had never met a turtle that was so angry, or that could move so fast." Brightening, Kip added. "Anyone interested in turtle soup? And the shell could be... a big tub or something? Could be useful to bring it back to town, though we might need to butcher it here and carry the meat in pieces."