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Variel looks long and hard at Jiro wondering what he is thinking. Both of them had answered quickly and correctly last time. This riddle was more difficult but it was too similar to the last to give Variel pause for long. The last riddle was a play on the letters in the words and this one was similar as well. Variel reminded himself though to not get caught up in tendencies when she asked her last riddle. Instead Variel answers simply, The letter 'n' for widow and donor.
Seijiro scowls and thinks hard on the riddle, repeating it in his head and then nods... it had made little sense at first but now it seemed so clear when Variel explained it. He grins at the elf and winks at him... then looks to the halfling to see what the last question might be.
The old woman smiles again and says Very good. Very good. Now the final riddle. The prize you seek doth lie within, fortunate are thee to find, from rocks decay has it been, wisdom of the mind.
What am I?
Seijiro looks again to Variel, hoping the elf in his longer-lived wisdom will have an answer for this newest, most puzzling riddle. He shrugs, obviously having no reply of his own to offer.
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Variel remains silent for a while after hearing the riddle. Tumultuous thoughts run through his head. He sees Jiro look his way with a shake of the head. Clearly Jiro did not understand the complexity or trick of this riddle. Variel had an answer but it pertained to him alone and that gave him pause. Most riddles could be solved by anyone not just a single person. Yet as much as he tried to think otherwise, the only answer he came up with was roots. Variel had no roots to speak of and would be 'fortunate to find'. 'The prize within' is his connection to Shanxia. The twist is that tree roots both destroy rocks and can grow in the debris left behind. As far as wisdom is concerned, one needs to be rooted and down to earth to truly be called wise. It is with this logic that Variel opens his mouth and voices the word, Roots.
Riddlebone shakes her head sadly and says Understandable that that is the answer you would see, but in point of fact it is a Pearl that I do be. A pearl is sought within a closed up clam and rare they are to find. Pearls come from irritating sand and what do we call drops of wisdom floating from the mind? Pearls of course and thus do I finish this dreadful rhyme.
She rubs her hands together and continues Now a price was asked and now it is time to pay, so sit back and let's begin, for now it's time to play. A question I shall pose to thee and you must tell me true. Your greatest fear must thy tell to me, what darkness doth scare you? This is my price for you to get your questions answered from me, but know this now and know it well, lie and I shall see. She finishes pointing at her empty eye sockets.
Riddlebone shakes her head sadly and says Understandable that that is the answer you would see, but in point of fact it is a Pearl that I do be. A pearl is sought within a closed up clam and rare they are to find. Pearls come from irritating sand and what do we call drops of wisdom floating from the mind? Pearls of course and thus do I finish this dreadful rhyme.
She rubs her hands together and continues Now a price was asked and now it is time to pay, so sit back and let's begin, for now it's time to play. A question I shall pose to thee and you must tell me true. Your greatest fear must thy tell to me, what darkness doth scare you? This is my price for you to get your questions answered from me, but know this now and know it well, lie and I shall see. She finishes pointing at her empty eye sockets.
Seijiro looks from Riddlebone to Variel. Her words seemed meant for the captain, so he kept silent for now, but he contemplated anyway.
What is MY greatest fear? Do I have one? Lots of little ones I suppose... but a single greatest one? I've never even thought about it before. I am afraid I may never return home to my family, that I might never see Hijiro again, that I might die of drowning, that I might never fall in love or have children... but what is my greatest fear?
He looks puzzled, and gnaws on his lower lip, a tiny scowl marring his expression.
Seijiro, you hear a voice in your mind say Those words were for you Fox-child as well as for the Elf. What do you fear? What sends shivers down that supple spine? With a start you realize that you have not heard her speak aloud at all. She has been speaking directly into your mind!
Seijiro nearly jumps, his skin prickling as the realization dawns that she has spoken into his mind directly. It was bad enough she could see what he was while he was in his human form, her 'sight' clearer than most peoples' obviously, but this development was just... creepy. He looks over at her and purses his lips, and thinks for a long moment... and realizes that his greatest fear is really none of what passed through his mind when he first thought of it... oh, those fears were real enough but none were what he feared the most. Knowing she could see into his mind, he simply turned his thoughts to his greatest fear...
I am afraid I will fail... Fail to live up to what others expect of me, what I expect of myself. He hangs his head as if ashamed of so simple a thing, but it truly was what he feared the most, more than drowning even, which was a pretty big one...
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Variel nods his head in response to her answer. Like all riddles the answer was evident once you knew it. Now it was his turn to give her what she wanted, yet could he trust her enough with a straight answer. Instead he spoke carefully giving her his rhyme for his answer:
Snakes hide from the light,
Panthers prowl the night,
Inevitables have their might,
Demons and devils rule by fright,
Erinyes are death by flight,
ROU'S are quite a sight;
No creature compares to the first of these
The answer is given to solve if you please.
Yet more than creatures is this fear of mine,
A century search with nary a sign.
Variel knew he gave two answers to the Halfling but both were true. One tangible the other intangible yet all the more of a nightmare for Variel because of it.
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The woman cocks her head and seems to be listening to you both. So fear of being a failure and fear of never knowing what happened to your mother. She smiles brightly as if savoring the emotions and says mentally Delicious...now put the body on the table and stand back.
Riddlebone's zombie raises her up and you can see that her legs are withered husks hanging grotesquely beneath her tiny body. Reaching out her hand she lays it upon the Ninja's brow and carves a rune into it's forehead with a sharp black nail. Thrusting her hand forward she plunges it into the creatures chest and you see her begin to squeeze.
With a shuddering inhalation the ninja's eyes flutter open and a keening scream begins to issue forth from his wide open mouth. Riddlebone turns her wide smiling mouth to you both and says Now ask your questions.
Variel looks on with utter disgust before quickly saying Who hired you? looking like he might be sick as he says the words.
The ninja continues its keening scream but beneath the screaming words begin to form One who wishes to do you harm. He who comes from the east. One of your blood!
Riddlebone then says Quickly now, the rest! I cannot hold the connection for much longer.
The words spilling from his mouth, Seijiro says What were your orders?
The ninja's back arches off the table as the keening gets louder. To destroy the son! Kill the Lady's Servants!
Riddlebone continues to pump with her withered arm, saying The last question now!
Variel, looking ashen, says almost with a whisper. What is Shanxia?
The ninja flops to the table looking dead again before a soft feminine voice issues forth. Your birthright...and your doom...
Seijiro ponders the answers they'd gleaned... and nods slowly... whispers to himself. "I thought Shanxia sounded like a Tian name perhaps. An eastern elf then? Elves are somewhat rare in Tian Xia." He looks to Variel and shrugs...
"They did seem to gang up on you specifically. I'm glad they failed at their mission. Birthright, eh? and doom? Another riddle to be solved it seems. But it must be something important or this elf wouldn't be trying to kill you over it. We will need to be more cautious in the future."
He turns to Riddlebone and pauses a moment, then asks, "Do you know if there is an eastern elf in town and where we might find such a person if there is?"
Riddlebone looks at you and says The agreed upon questions have been asked. Should you wish to make another deal we can come to some arrangement. Her thoughts wriggle over your mind like grave worms.
Seijiro looks away, his eyes sliding from those of the disfigured halfling seer. He shakes his head, not wishing to have to reveal more about himself, especially to himself. He tugs gently on Variel's sleeve and takes a step toward the exit.
If Variel wants to learn more, Dhaavan can probably learn anything he needs to know, if it's there to be found.
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Variel is repulsed by the method of obtaining the answers but knows it is necessary. However he can not fulfill the price to continue asking questions as he does not know what questions to ask. Rather all he has is questions without any answers. What questions to ask though he doesn't know. Further would all the answers be so cryptic as the ones he just received. If he asked who the Lady was would he just get another title? Variel does not know and thus remains silent with much to think about.
He nods to the witch and silently turns looking to Jiro. Catching his eye, Variel indicates he is ready to go. Variel is silent pondering what he was told. If Jiro wishes to talk Variel will respond, but for the most part he is I have more questions than when I started but now I have veiled threats against me from my own heritage. It may not be my family who is threatening me but that is only because they are being persecuted as well. I still don't know exactly what Shanxia is though?
Seijiro nods to Variel and heads for the exit with a slight bow to Riddlebone before turning to go. He takes a deep breath once outside, enjoying the fresh air again. When Variel comes out as well, he is quiet at first, but on the way back to the ship, he finally broaches the subject of their experience with the seer.
"As many questions as answers. I'm sorry, Variel, that the answers were not more clear." He leaves the comment hanging, so that Variel can continue to walk in silence if he prefers, or talk if he wishes to respond.
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Variel hears Jiro's voice but it sounds like a great distance is between them so engrossed is he in his thoughts. Physically shaking his head to clear it, he looks at Jiro for a long while as he walks. Sorry, what was that? I was busy thinking and not listening to you. Please do not take it personal just a lot has happened in the last ten minutes. At least I think it was only ten minutes. It may have been an hour or a day for all i know.
When Jiro repeats himself Variel claps the young man on the shoulder with a sigh, It is true, we still don't know what is going on or why. Heck we don't even know who or where. What we do know is that although this may be the first, it will not be the last time I or we will be attacked from the shadows. In a way we are lucky and they are foolish. We survived and learned of a plot against me. They should have sent more people to ensure success. This means they are arrogant. It is something to remember.
Variel conti use talking aloud to Jiro, but it seems more that he is just voicing aloud thoughts now once the silence has been broken. Still if Jiro responds Variel listens to the young Man's thoughts as Jiro may understand more of what is going on than Variel does if it has something to do with the East. Whoever 'He' is wants me eliminated. And 'He' is of my blood. Does that mean a direct blood relation or more figurative as any elf blood. Why I don't know other than I am the son of The Lady. Actually that may not even be right. The way it spoke gave emphasis to servants as well. The son of the lady's servants? That makes no sense as why would you send assassins after a servant's son. Unless the lines are not related. If that is the case then I could be the son of 'He'. As for the Lady's Servant, well I could answer that part I guess. I do worship Besmara and follow her tenants. That could make me her servant but I don't feel that important to be labelled with such a title.
At this Variel drops the musings aloud as his thoughts have jumbled together to much to make a clear sentence. What's clear is that there is more going on than he knows or can suspect. When he gets back to the ship, he will talk with the others and let them know of the results. Not that he expects any answers from them, but that they should be informed that there will be future attempts.
Seijiro sighs and nods to Variel. "As I said, more questions than answers." He is only half-attentive to Variel though, being a bit more concerned than usual about another potential attack from the shadows. Seeing dark attackers in every shade and doorway, he is near to jumping out of his skin by the time they arrive back at the dock.
"Perhaps by the 'Lady's servants' she referred to Besmara, or since we all don't follow that Lady, perhaps even just our 'Lady', the ship?"
He shrugs and continues on. "You are obviously of some import to someone, and by extension to others as well. It is a mystery worth solving, that is sure. If you're to be a target, you should know why and learn more of your heritage in the process. I will do whatever I can to help, though that may be very little."
When they arrive at the ship, he stays silent about their mission, as it is Variel's tale to tell, not his own.
You all are able to make it back to the ship without incident. The horrific sights you just witnessed weigh heavily upon your mind.
You all are able to make it back to the ship without incident. The horrific sights you just witnessed weigh heavily upon your mind.
The hour has indeed grown late – and still Horatio is unable to discover his companion on the horizon.
His eyes narrow at this, and he eventually bites back a curse, for he is weary in both body and mind now and the frustration of the evening has gnawed on him.
Noticing that the crew is suddenly being called to cast off in the middle of the night; he shrugs his shoulders and swings himself to his feet.
Climbing down he knows that it is not his place to interfere with the commands of the others; and he has no desire to try.
Realizing that the ship is going to set sail and leave without Camm he feels a sense of futility trickle through his bones and being.
Pausing on the way to the hatch below decks, he speaks to Risa quickly, giving her a quick set of instructions in a hushed whisper.
Horatio knows his own limitations and does not wish to tax himself further. He’s been awake all day, he endured battle and blood and has little energy to sail now, and if he does he knows he will be fatigued the next morning.
He also knows that others do not need him to sail the ship.
So, feeling worn out, he goes below and knocks on the door to his tiny cabin.
Piper admits him and he grabs his kit and spreads it on the deck; leaving his bunk to his new companion for now. He has Piper lock the door behind him, and promptly goes to sleep.
Dhaavan finished his dealings and made his way to the Captains Quarters, Sending Jack to do a quick roll-call and ensure none of the crew was missing. Taking advantage of the Elves being otherwise occupied on the deck with preperations, the sorcerer removes the doors of the cabinet and sets them up as a table to use as a workspac, then arranges and secures his reagents and supplies on the shelves.
Looking over his workspace as Variel enters, Dhaavan nods to him, "Cap'n, heard ya had an interestin' meetin with that seer, eh? Sorry I missed it but I were finalizin' a deal for them ninja's gear. Yea'll have ta tell me about it tamorrow. I'm just gettin my space ready for tomorrow. Wake me up nice and early, so as I can get an early start and have as much un-interrupted time as possible, yeah?" he says with a yawn as he heads out to his bed. Pausing at the door, he adds, "That item ya asked about what's ta expand yer intelect, I gotta work in an area of expertise for it ta focus on, talents for it ta magically enhance as it were, so what ya want it for?"
Shortly thereafter
Strolling out to the deck, Dhaavan heads towards the officer's quarters.
Seijiro lounges on deck for a while, letting Rain take the helm for the trip out, knowing that when everyone else is asleep, he'll be awake and on watch. He dozes from time to time, until (and if) Variel convenes a meeting of the officers to discuss what happened in Bloodcove. If that happens, he will of course make himself available.
He will give Dhaavan a wave when he sees him, having not seen much of the other young man since the attack in the street.
While relaxing on deck, he plays his harmonica, accompanying the crew at their duties with some appropriate inspirational songs. His playing is quiet and almost reflective in tempo, mirroring his mood. While he sits, he contemplates the seer and the question he had to answer for her... and he thinks about home...
What would otosan think of me if he knew me now? Would he be proud... or disappointed?
Rain will quietly seek Dhaavan out before they sail out of harbour.
"Flynn came aboard with a stranger. The other officers know nothing of this person nor why they were brought on the ship. I think it is best you approach Flynn and ask him to explain the situation. It is ill-advised to have an unknown presence bunking somewhere below deck."
"Huh, now isnt' that interesting." Jack wriggles up out of Dhaavan's collar and flits off after a few strange words from Dhaavan. "What sort of fellow is this gent? Guess I must have missed Flynn as I was settin up shop in the Cap'n's quarters."
He munches away, distractedly on a simple luncheon of water and some crunchy dry bread, just enough to stave off hunger, as he works. Not noticing her fr a few moments when she inters, he looks up from his table and steps over, taking her hand and his and planting a gentlemanly kiss on it, although he barely seems to notice the gesture himself as he works "Oye there gorgeous, had a favor ta ask ya. Flynn's got a mighty slick coat what ya made for 'im, right? Wanted ta know if yea could sew up sommat similar for me. materials are all over there," he indicates a bundle of fabrics in a corner, "Designs and details too. Got fitted in town, but didn't have time ta get the thing made there, and I'd trust yer craftsmanship far more. So how's about it da'lin?"
Details to follow. gotta talk to the GM about pricing =]
"I do not know. Only Jiro saw them come onboard and then the person was hurried below deck. The stranger was cloaked and Flynn appeared wounded and bleeding. So the sooner we know who it is the better."
"Ah, well if you give me a moment..."
Jack returns chittering and Dhaavan nods, "It seems they have retired for the night, and i doubt Flynn would be particularly agreeable at this hour, especially if he were wounded. So I shall call upon then in the morning." Dhaavan says with a smile.
"By the way, Camm been summoned elsewhere. Seemed odd, Skylords, as he described them are a independent sort, 'specially Camm. Yet he apparently got some sort of word about some such'r another and flitted out inna the night!" he adds wit a shrug. Knowing Rain wasn't the biggest fan of Camm, he's jsut putting it out there. "Let the Cap'n know, as he's busy now, and it's time for bed for this one."
The Skylord's sudden departure was strange and Rain was certain Flynn would be unhappy about it. She hoped he would not blame her; for if Dhaavan was correct, a summons had called him back to his own kind and it had naught to do with the heated disagreement the other night.
"Aye, do not wake the doctor. And I will speak to Variel when I see him and will bring him up to speed with what has been going on. Thank you for the news on the Skylord."
"Huh, now isnt' that interesting." Jack wriggles up out of Dhaavan's collar and flits off after a few strange words from Dhaavan. "What sort of fellow is this gent? Guess I must have missed Flynn as I was settin up shop in the Cap'n's quarters."
** spoiler omitted **
Piper eventually will move into see Dhaavan. When she enters the cabin she is wearing her standard gear, and an extra pair of daggers on her. Dangling loosely in her hand is a small sized short sword.
Her eyes are cautious as she moves into the cabin, glancing around suspiciously.
When she sees Dhaavan, she shuts the door behind her and give him an odd look with a curious tilt of her head. Hearing his request for her to make him gear, she shrugs a bit.
”Maybe I can do it,” she says slowly.
”But I don’t know – I got other projects to be working on first. When the Chief got back, he had stuff he wanted me to work on, and other stuff I still haven’t finished before he left,” she says absently.
”Besides which – even if I didn’t have any projects to do – I’d still have to get the go-ahead from the Chief,” she adds, pulling an apple from her pouch and munching on it, her eyes on Dhaavan.
”Between you and me, I think he’s pretty upset though,” she adds, taking another bite of the apple.
”Honestly, I don’t know how much longer he’ll be sailing with you folk – and as I work for him, I don’t know how much longer I’ll be sailing with you folk.”
She comes over and looks at your parts, as well as your sketches, and pulls her lip, contemplating the project.
”Meh – it’s pretty enough, I’ll grant you. But you see here what you did with all this leather and the cloth?” she says gesturing vaguely at your notes ”if you superimposed the cloth using a more subtle cross-stitch padding, and worked a better weave between the fibers – you could theoretically use this cloak to offer you some protection from range weapons, and all sorts other pointy types," she adds, miming a sword thrust.
"It's be sort of like a modest armor against things like that. If you slap on some magic to it, you’d really have something – it’d look kinda like this,” she says making a quick note or two, stepping back to consider it.
”That’s a lot more pricey, but it’s doable – and handy for a spellsligner as you’re in the back and folks use ranged stuff on you. But if you just want a neat looking cloak or cover – like the Chief – I can probably make what you’re looking for.”
She shrugs.
”That’s after I get his things done, though. And – like I said – it assumes he’s sticking around. I don’t know if he is, though. He seems pretty low right now. Anyhow, give me the specifics on what you want, and I’ll start work on your project as soon as I can,” she adds, taking another bite from the apple.
Still moving round and round his table, making marks and diagrams and whispering words into glowing flecks of gems, and placing them into circles each round a jewel, Dhaavan takes a moment and glances over Pipers work. "Aye, although wouldn't the way the fabric is stitched like that leave it a bit tougher? Not much heavier, but the way the leather would hold form cause a slight hindrance to range o' motion?"
"Ain't really sommat I'd expect ya to even be able ta notice, but looks like it'd be enough what it'd mess with my concentration. Gotta be precice, and a piece o' tough fabric holdin' yer arm wrong'll throw off a whole spell. It's a right pain in the ass, trust me on that'n."
Dhaavan almost seems to be half listening to Piper as he works, while speaking about Flynn. Yet, he will mention before she leaves, "Ask Flynn if he'd mind an extra guest for dinner tonight. I gotta keep working right now, but a word later, maybe a drink?"
** spoiler omitted **
As an after-thought, Dhaavan adds, "Horatio did say ta take my word as his this mornin," with a smile. "But really it ain't a pressing matter, just when ya get a chance I'd appreciate yer handiwork."
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Variel will mention a bit about what was discovered in the witch's store. He won't convene an actual meeting with everyone till the next day after they have left Bloodcove. Until that time he will make sure that everyone is accounted for and ready to sail for two hours away from the port town. Once a safer distance away he will have the normal night watch readied as the ship prepares to hold for the night.
Variel checks in with Jiro to make sure the supplies have been stowed appropriately and that he is able to take watch tonight. If not, Variel will let him know that he will split the watch if Jiro becomes too tired.
Likewise on his rounds Variel will speak with Dhaavan and see how he fared with the merchants selling their loot. During the time with Dhaavan, Variel will also inquire
Getting his response Variel turns his attention to other matters. Yes I would still like you to make that item for me when you have the time. Empower it with a bit of your speech and the knowledge of life on the seas if you would. Thanks Dhaavan for this and understanding whati asked for earlier.
Dhaavan lets himself crack a smile at Variel's request, "I was already planning on bunking in the Officer's quarters Cap'n. no worries there. Just need the quarters during the day while Jiro's sleepin' and others 'ave the helm."
"I did pretty well with the loot, but sadly managed ta deal with one o' the most shrewd fellas I know. Had to convince him he was takin th' shirt of my back ta get an average cut." he says shaking his head with a sigh.
"Well, I'll be ta bed so i can work in the mornin' and we'll hash everthin' out tomorrow."
As an after-thought, Dhaavan adds, "Horatio did say ta take my word as his this mornin," with a smile. "But really it ain't a pressing matter, just when ya get a chance I'd appreciate yer handiwork."
Piper’s eyes widen a bit, than narrow some.
”Blast! Well – okay, if the Chief says for me to do it – I’ll do it. And I’ll even do it for you without charge – as it’s on his say so,” she adds with a nod.
”Alright – I got a hunch I know what you’re looking for,” she says musing a bit.
”You want something like the Chief – but maybe have the colors cut to fit your style better, eh? Something to put your mark on it?”
She considers for a moment.
”This far south you don’t need much in terms of warmth, I reckon – but anyhow, if you wanted it warm it might do…. The trick is to make something a bit of dash – aye –but then reinforce the underside of it with real thin leather – I recommend calfskin, it’ll bend well, but offer someprotection…”
”The really poxing thing is that you want the bloody thing reversible, eh? That’ll be tricky. The underside will have to be classier – but as a whole, you may be wanting what the boss got – only with our kind of flair? What do you think of this,” she says, rummaging out a loose schematic from one of her pouches.
”Boss had one made earlier – you saw him in it – this is pretty much the same thing, but we could tweak it. If you fetch me the parts, and if the boss is agreeable – I’ll even go so far as to work on it right now. I may be able to get her done sooner, rather than later – but, that depends on my luck, eh?” she adds with a bit of smile, suddenly brightening on a project.
”We still got cloth left over from those sails we took – this’ll do us fine,” she adds, the idea taking shape in her head.
Seijiro confirms that supplies were onloaded and stowed below. "Hai, Captain, I will take the night watch, I've had a bit of rest today, and I should be fine for the night after we've moved out of Bloodcove. If I do get drowsy, I'll let you know and let you take the latter part of the watch. Thank you for offering."
Horatio will come up on the main deck. He’s wearing his weapons belt, and a silk bandana to keep his hair back. No shirt, no shoes, no other armor right now.
Though there is not any dried blood on his arm – there is still a fairly ugly mark on it.
He moves up the hatch and scans the deck, watching the others work. Seeing Dhaavan, he nods once and comes over to him.
Close behind him is another figure – the same one that you had seen before on the ship.
Tall and thin and dressed in desert gear, the lad moves behind Horatio. His face is covered with a thick turban and his eyes stare out with a startling intensity that shines with a strange turquoise light.
Horatio moves away from the hatch and the large falcon suddenly swoops from the same area to bank up high and alight on the Fighting Top, staring down with merciless golden eyes; the face of the bird both proud and haughty.
Moving toward the foremast, Horatio leans against it and fits a tobacco quid into his mouth and crosses his arms casually over his chest, looking at Dhaavan.
”Well, that’s Dhaavan – he’s the First Officer of this package and I guess he’s the lad who looks over picking new folk to sail,” he says languidly to the robed man staring at Dhaavan, watching him carefully.
Hearing this comment, the man places his hands over his breast and bows gracefully before you.
”Oye – none of that,” Horatio barks out.
”You ain’t a poxing slave no more – on this bloody ship we bow to no man.”
”Now, as you need to show respect, that’s different, but if you want to show respect, you tip your cap – or, if you ain’t got one, you pretend you do; they call that a "salute", eh?"
"But there ain’t no slaves on this ship, and we don’t need to bow to another like he’s a bleeding ‘toff, savvy?” he adds with a bit of a growl from his position as the falcon suddenly turns and fixes Horatio with a fierce stare.
Horatio sees the look of the bird and mellows a bit under the stare.
”Just saying there ain’t no slaves for the sake of all the gods…” he mutters to himself.
Shuffling his feet for a bit, he turns to Dhaavan.
”Well – now what?” he asks the youthful sorcerer.
"Well, some in, i've got work to do!" Dhaavan says, entering the Captain's quarters to get to his crafting.
Returning to his table, Dhaavan begins his spellcraft, absently dpeaking to the man, as Jack scrutenizes him. "Well, ya got a name, yeah? and if ya don't ya get ta pick one" remembering slaves he's encountered before and how they are given slave names which they loath, or are stripped of their names.
"Tell me about yerself, eh? Where ya from wiht that dress ya got, what do ya do?" then giving a brief example, "Me, First and foremost I'm an artist, do Tatts," he says bearing his arm with the symbol of the Dread Lady "And then o' course is my arcane talents. I can work magic and put it into objects, what ya see here. First Mate, as Flynn said, so it's my job ta try ta keep our family happy as i can and workin together well, huh? From Varisia, don't call me a Chell, and don't worry about the sulpher when i'm fighting. I'm on yer side." At that remark he gives the man a smile, to tell him that it is definitely good for him that Dhaavan's not his enemy, and very much a bad thing for his enemies that he has Dhaavna as a friend. Somehow what could be a rather threatening gesture comes across as genuinely friendly, and is strangely confortig to the newcomer.
"Well, some in, i've got work to do!" Dhaavan says, entering the Captain's quarters to get to his crafting.
Returning to his table, Dhaavan begins his spellcraft, absently dpeaking to the man, as Jack scrutenizes him. "Well, ya got a name, yeah? and if ya don't ya get ta pick one" remembering slaves he's encountered before and how they are given slave names which they loath, or are stripped of their names.
"Tell me about yerself, eh? Where ya from wiht that dress ya got, what do ya do?" then giving a brief example, "Me, First and foremost I'm an artist, do Tatts," he says bearing his arm with the symbol of the Dread Lady "And then o' course is my arcane talents. I can work magic and put it into objects, what ya see here. First Mate, as Flynn said, so it's my job ta try ta keep our family happy as i can and workin together well, huh? From Varisia, don't call me a Chell, and don't worry about the sulpher when i'm fighting. I'm on yer side." At that remark he gives the man a smile, to tell him that it is definitely good for him that Dhaavan's not his enemy, and very much a bad thing for his enemies that he has Dhaavna as a friend. Somehow what could be a rather threatening gesture comes across as genuinely friendly, and is strangely confortig to the newcomer.
Horatio nods his head and juts his chin to the cabin – indicating that the lad should follow.
The lad nods and raises his arm and the falcon flies down to land upon it.
With a purpose, he moves forward into the cabin and shuts the door behind him.
Looking at you for a moment, and hearing your words, he speaks in flawless Osirioni –
”Em hotep nefer weret .”
The figure raises their hand to the heavy scarlet hood and turban and drags it from her face.
As the cloth falls aside you see that this is no man, but a woman!
You would guess her young, possibly no older than you; perhaps sixteen or seventeen, but you are not sure. Though her features are very young, her eyes look very ancient.
Further, despite her words – she does not look like any lass from Osirion that you have ever seen before. Her eyes are, in fact, turquoise in color and her skin is fair, though it seems tanned to an almost golden color.
Yet her hair is what strikes you the most unusual. At first glance it seemed almost like gold – but on closer inspection – you are not sure. You do not think “gold” is the right color.
Instead, it seems to have a more brassy look to it, if that is the right color – and even more startling is the almost metalic sheen that shimmers in it.
She regards you a moment; her face is bold, fearless, and proud – but her eyes bespeak a startling tenderness and seem somehow very gentle.
”I am called Amen-set Neitaker. I come from the east,” she says in a tender voice that is both melodious and almost musical.
”I was saved only yesterday by my hatey-a' - called Horatio; of the House Flynn. Though he does not prefer such titles,” she says a bit uncertainly.
”In any case," she says shaking her a head a moment and continuing "He has told me that you are a man of power on this vessel? I was told to speak to you specifically, for my hatey-a' wishes me to journey with him. Yet to journey on such a vessel I am told that all must perform tasks for the greater good.”
”I am willing to do so,” she says, raising her chin proudly, though her wide eyes regard you somewhat uncertainly.
”So, sir - what is it that you would have me do?”
The sorcerer reclines in one of the captain's finer chairs, leg thrown over the armrest, arm over the back, lounging comfortably, "have you..."
THWACK!
Dhaavan's question is interrrupted by the sound of something hitting the door. The sorcerer whinces slightly and shouts a few harsh syllables in a language that sounds somewhere between Infernal and Varisian, but sound like no actual words in the vocabulary, to any familiar with those languages. "Sorry 'bout that, I'll have to introduce you to Jack shortly. Anyway, as I was saying... Have ya any skill at sailing? Been on a ship's crew afore? Or are you a fighter, an infiltrator? Something more fun?" inquiring as he regains his composure, and grin.
She can't quite figure out this young man, how quickly he changes his tone, for what he is appraising her with his hungry eyes. For the first time he makes actual eye-contact, relaxing his squint. His words, "I'd like to know where your talents lie, and what I would teach you," are only half heard as she looks into the deep sulferous pools of Dhaavan's eyes
Like a bullet, Jack whips up from below decks, past Horatio, and slams into the door to the captain's quarters. Dazed for a moment, strange words come from behind the door, settling the bird. He then gives Horatio a questioning look,
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Gathering the officers the first full day out from Bloodcove, Variel asks Sandara to take the helm while the rest discuss some matter of import. Getting her assurance that she will keep the ship safe and the crew in line Variel asks the rest of the officers down below to share with them what him and Jiro discovered.
I wanted to let you guys know a couple of things that we found out. Nothing is definitive nor do we have any real specifics. Apparently there is a plot against me from an unnamed foe from the east who is of my blood. The assassins were to eliminate the son, kill the Lady's Servants. When asked about Shanxia all we got was it is my doom and birthright at the same time.
Variel shrugs his shoulders, That is the extent of the information. Now I have given some thought to this and understand very little. In fact the only thing that seems to make sense is the Lady's Servants. Clearly that is in reference to Besmara. Beyond that though I am at a loss. I tell you this that you may understand what is going on. Likewise it is clear that whoever this person is who is after me will not stop and will make future attempts. With that in mind I have given thought as to our next move. We talked about this Tidewater Rock. I believe that we should still make our way there after hitting the shipping lanes to gain some loot. Beyond that I am up for suggestions and input. Both about what we should do with this unknown menace and how to crack the rock.
After handing over the wheel to Sandara with her own instruction, Rain looks across the water one last time before making her way to the Captain's cabin, where the officers would be meeting.
"Variel, can you or Jiro, looking across to the kitsune momentarily, remember the exact words spoken by the dead assassin? I think the wording could give us another indication of the meaning so we can decipher it a little deeper."
If they could not remember verbatim, then it would not be the end of the world. But Rain believed hearing the words as they were said aloud proved more beneficial to the interpretation.
Seijiro listens and nods slightly at Variel's account of the information gleaned by visiting the seer. He shrugs when Variel asks for suggestions and input.
"We need to stay on our guard, and watch for future threats, especially when we arrive in ports, of course. You, especially, Variel, probably shouldn't be alone when we go to towns. As for the Rock, it sounds to me like the best way to 'crack' it, since we know it's inhabited, might be using Dhaavan's silver tongue to persuade the residents to either give it up or share it. Other than that, what are our options other than a fight?"
Listening to Jiro advise on a more peaceful solution to the predicament of the Rock, Rain nods her assent. "When the time comes, the current owner, the widow Smythee, may be persuaded by Dhaavan's words. I agree that a peaceful method should be employed first before we attempt to take the Rock by means of force." Rain did not feel right immediately attacking (and possibly killing) a determined widowed woman with a small guard detail and family on the island.
Rain is concerned there is this impending threat hanging over on Variel's life. She and the others would have to be more vigilant for further attempts.
Seijiro closes his eyes a moment and goes into a sort of moment of meditation and thinks back on the conversation with the corpse. He answers Rain as best he can remember.
He answers in almost a sing-song voice, as if doing so lets him recall the words better, "When asked who hired him, he said 'One who wishes to do you harm. He who comes from the east. One of your blood'."
Again, he speaks in that odd half-singing voice: "When asked what his orders were, he answered: 'Destroy the son! Kill the Lady's Servants!'."
"And last, when Variel asked 'What is Shanxia?', the dead man said in an odd female voice: 'Your birthright...and your doom...'."
He shakes his head, his little bardic performance, including mimicking voices, over.
She bows her head in thanks to the kitsune. Rain is quietly impressed with Jiro's recitation of the dialogue and contemplates the words silently for a time.
Then turning to Variel, she gently enquires, "I recollect you mentioning that you have an image of a red-haired Elven woman who could be your mother. But do you know anything of your father? I wonder if this birthright and impending doom comes from your paternal side. Could your father be alive and you pose a threat to him? Or possibly his successor believes you may yet lay claim to what is rightfully yours and he does not want to lose what he has claimed for himself?"
The Lady's servants ... "The Lady's servants could be one of the following, or possibly none. The followers of Besmara among us, all aboard the ship which we aptly named after the Lady herself, or lastly your mysterious mother's loyal supporters? The pendant you have, Variel, inscribed with Shanxia. Does it have a secret compartment or some hidden map leading the way perhaps?" She did not doubt that Variel would have checked for such things a long time ago but still she had to ask because all in all she knew very little about him or the others she sailed with.
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Variel nods when Jiro gives his recital. It is eerily accurate. He listens to the group weigh options and discuss options. The one thing he does not want to happen is them thinking he needs to be protected and have a body guard. I thank you for your concern, but no threat perceived or real is going to prevent me from doing what I want to do. If I want to go into town I will. You may accompany me if you wish, but I don't want a bodyguard wherever I go. End of discussion on that. We can talk about other things.
When Rain mentions his amulet and a possible secret map or compartment, Variel has to stifle a remark. Of ourselves he has student the amulet. He knows Rain is trying to help and they had just reconciled a prior misunderstanding. Instead to slowly reaches up and draws the amulet forth. He does not unclasp it. Instead he stands up and walks over to Rain for her to look at it. If you can find something on it take a look. However I have not taken it off for someone else ever.
Horatio is currently standing in the meeting, he is listening, but he is leaning on (or near) the doorway to the cabin, devoting much of his focus to seeing if anyone is listening to him.
The theories about the origin of Shanxia seem plausible; but as he knew from experience, even a logical and well thought out hunch doesn’t always reveal the right answer.
There may be something else going on relating to this Shanxia that has not been considered.
As he listens to the others talk, and keeps his attention on the door, his mind ranges over possibilities as he wracks his brain for lore on the subject.