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The ring is a ring of Protection +2 and the headband is a headband of Unshakable Resolve.
"Well, least that's a little reward for taking on this blubbery thing's magical bewilderment."
"I'd like the ring, if no one is opposed to it." She made no immediate move to take the magical ring and waited for the others' assent.
Just the large ogre hook but it's pretty worthless in terms of selling it.
After Seijiro’s impressive strike Horatio turns to him with a pleased grin.
”Bansai!,” he calls out, then bows low before Seijiro with respect.
Amen-set flings herself from the summit of the Fighting Top and flies down to him somewhat awkwardly, the burning flame still hot in her hand as she looks around.
Horatio turns to her and claps her on her back.
”You did good, kid,” he says with a somewhat fatherly smile which she acknowledges with a bit of a blush and the straightening of her back.
He glances around for Variel, then turns to Amen-set.
”Mind the captain,” he tells her and she nods briskly.
At this point he turns to the body and notes that Seijiro and Rain seem to have interest in the gear and are even now collecting it.
Saying nothing at their finding at this point, he instead takes out his mother’s dagger and pries open the mouth of the dead creature and seeks for the canine teeth. Using the butt of his dagger he bangs them loose a bit, then flipping the dagger around he begins to cut the teeth from the gums and then pulls them from the upper jaw.
Wiping the carmine from them with an errant scrap of cloth he grins to himself and is about to put the teeth in a pouch at his side when he suddenly looks up at Seijiro and Rain.
”Unless either of you want them?” he says, not sure if either of them would like the teeth for their own, or not…
After that is resolved he sticks his blade into the corpse of the villain and digs into the chest until he can find the heart. Once he does so, he cuts it from the torso and tosses it to Brightscale.
"This kill you made; mighty it was. We all lent our skill to the killing, but it was you who laid our enemy low. Taste, then, the heart of your conquest and let its strength become your strength. Thus do we honor your skill and courage."
He nods to the dinosaur, acknowledging the beast's work, his voice switching to the language of the natives near Mwangi who had used that tongue. Not knowing if the dinosaur spoke the language, but certain that many natives in the region the dinosaur grew up did, he does his best to offer the beast a touch of praise from a language near its home.
As for the heart?
Everyone knew that many ju-ju men as well as priests of the plains believed that feasting on the heart of a fallen enemy was a great honor. What better way to honor the one who slew their enemy then by offering the heart?
”Mind the captain,” he tells her and she nods briskly.
Amen-set quickly sends her Air Elemental over the side of the ship to locate Variel and extinguishes the flames from her hands.
When he is discovered she tosses him a rope (assuming he cannot still fly and that he has not already come aboard) and will help to haul him in. At this point she takes the musket from her back and begins to reload it, humming softly to herself as she does.
The sight of the eviscerated corpse and the casual removal of body parts for trophies (or some other purpose) does not seem to effect her at all. Indeed, a duel was offered and accepted; such things were completely Lawful. Further, her mentor and her friends triumphed over an enemy who was certainly a killer and a dark threat and this, to defeat such a creature was certainly a Good thing.
She smiles grimly to herself at those thoughts as she turns from the corpse and watches Dhaavan thoughtfully for a moment, then puts her musket back over her shoulder and waits for the next order from her hatey-a'.
Rain looked at Flynn as he extracted the canine teeth and asked if she or Jiro wanted them.
"Nay. They are yours."
Then he cut the chest open and pulled Fishpork's heart and offered it to Ana's pet. Rain kept her thoughts to herself and collected the magical ring and placed it on her thumb, for none had contested her claim thus far and she would wear it until, or if, someone did.
Brightscale snaps the heart out of the air and swallows it whole.
Seijiro shakes his head 'no' to Flynn's question/offer... and nods to Rain when she dons the ring... "If it offers some protection, you should by all means wear it."
He waits to hear if either the cleric or druid wants or needs the headband.
The huge dinosaur shrinks back down to show Anasrianna, looking irritated. Well my shapechanging sure didn't help much did it. I need to be a bit more precise in what I pick to fit the situation. When offered the headband she says No thank you for now. The good priest needs it much more than I. Such a treasure should go to the one who keeps us alive.
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Variel breaks the surface of the water and flies up to the rest of the group. Thanks for the offer of the rope but healing is what I really need. after Adular channels Variel stretches his muscles and rolls his shoulder a few times to work out the lingering effects of the damage. Thanks Adular!
After the items have been identified and spoken for by some Variel nods with the assessment of them. They both seem like potent items and should be used accordingly. I have no qualms about who claiming them.
As Tsadok leaves Variel calls out, We look forward to seeing the Hurricane King and treating with him this evening. Send our regards and thanks. Where are we to meet him though?
"Nay. They are yours."
Horatio nods to her and then puts the teeth in his pouch; whatever his plans are with them, he certainly doesn't make it clear at this time.
At which point he cuts a scrap of cloth from the creature and uses it to wipe the gore from his fingers then stands up.
Then he glances to Brightscale to see what the dinosaur thought of the heart.
Brightscale snaps the heart out of the air and swallows it whole.
Horatio grins broadly at the dinosaur and then tips his forelock to the beast and then he moves to the hatch and calls to the men below.
"Oye; I need four stout lads up here double-time," he says.
He points to the corpse laying on the deck.
"Get that hash overboard. I want a man on the Top as lookout; just in case. Also, tell Piper to get a team below to check the hull for any cracks or breaks in the timbers. I don't want to find the ship's got the bloody cable to our rudder cut, or that we're listing later tonight when we find one of the beams was cracked without our knowing," he says to the mate.
Then he leans back and lights up a smoke and takes a long, relaxed pull.
When offered the headband she says No thank you for now. The good priest needs it much more than I. Such a treasure should go to the one who keeps us alive.
Amen-set bows before Ana.
"For this I thank thee; though, in truth, I am a priestess, not priest," she says graciously.
"But it is a truth that this ship is strict in its policy to divide wealth to the lowliest shekel; even now my senet must be reduced to haggling for a boon that would, assuredly, aid her in her efforts to defend us all," she adds with a nod to Rain.
"Thus I must say; as I am without funds I must decline thy offer, though, assuredly, I shall not forget thy courtesy," she adds with another bow to Ana.
Ana raises an eyebrow and says Oh my apologies I was referring to Adular. Though you definitely helped as well. He just is a bit further along in the healing arts. Ana isn't trying to be mean...she can be a bit blunt though from living among dinosaurs.
"I'd like the ring, if no one is opposed to it." She made no immediate move to take the magical ring and waited for the others' assent.
As Horatio leans against the gunwale Amen-set nods to Rain.
"Thou would ask to claim this ring? I say take it, senet," she says to Rain, but with a loud voice as if to make it clear that if Rain has to argue with anyone for this ring, that she - Amen-set - will back her in claiming it.
"Thou are not a ranged fighter as my hatey-a' and thou often stand where the blows falls the heaviest. I say, then, that this ring is best suited for thee and thy needs."
She leans closely to Rain and speaks softly -
"If thou cannot afford this thing, I shall offer what coin I have to help cover thy funds. Thou art my senet and I shall do what I can to aid thee."
Then she leans back and fixes the others with a cool and appraising stare.
As Tsadok leaves Variel calls out, We look forward to seeing the Hurricane King and treating with him this evening. Send our regards and thanks. Where are we to meet him though?
Horatio takes a long drag on the smoke and watch Tsadok leave as he listens to Variel's comments.
Flicking his ash off the smoke he leans in to Variel.
"This Tsadok fellow already said no one sent us an invitation to meet. We come into town and ask to meet his boss and he tells us that his chief is unfortunately out of town for some reason."
"Then he has us do this poxing test and after we manage to beat that basterd against all odds suddenly we're invited back to the private home of this "King" tonight?" he says softly.
"Maybe the Pirate King suddenly just got back from a long cruise only a few hours ago and just pulled into port. If that's true than I got a hard time thinking that the first thing on his agenda after getting home is to make an appointment with some never-before-heard lads who show up without an invitation and make us his "gracious guests"."
He watches Tsadock disappear and spits a stream of tobacco juice off the deck as he watches him go.
"On the other hand, maybe if we go to this Pirate King's house tonight to meet with him there might be trouble," he adds to Variel, then he leans back.
"Who knows; I could be wrong, but I figure it won't hurt to be careful."
Ana raises an eyebrow and says Oh my apologies I was referring to Adular. Though you definitely helped as well. He just is a bit further along in the healing arts.
Amen-set turns to Anasrianna with a somewhat surprised look, though her tone belies it.
"If in a contest between two allies one is, by thy reckoning, more "advanced" than the other, than logic suggests that it would be wisest to offer boons to he that lags behind, lest in such a contest he should stumble and be lost forever," she says with a cocked head, peering at her for a long moment.
"Indeed, it is a certainty that my skills fall ever short of my hatey-a', my senet and all others who sail with those two; but fear not, I shall not make claim to this thing! Aye! Though Death should come to take me without it then I shall accept my Fate with courage," she says with a proud voice.
Horatio gives her a stern look and she sees it, then shakes her head and looks at Anasrianna with a somewhat more contrite expression.
"Your pardon, lady... The fire of battle still stirred my blood; my apologies, for it is a certainty that I spoke somewhat rashly. I thank thee for thy courtesy and honor thy wisdom. Please, then, I ask that thy might forgive my discourteous tone," she says with a bow to Anasrianna as Horatio gives her a nod as she modifies her words to be more polite to their new guest, hoping that the druid can forgive her usual brash and somewhat melodramatic way of speaking.
Seijiro almost but manages to suppress the rolling of eyes at Flynn's follower's assumption that the headband was meant for her... He just shakes his head and sighs... She was a hot-head and often assumed a role far above her station on the ship... She never seemed to learn from her mistakes either and Flynn didn't seem to counsel her in that regard... she might never learn at this rate.
Instead, he turns his attention to the ship and her condition, releasing Tomo into the rigging and climbing down over the stern to examine the rudder for any damage Fishpork might have done while he was climbing up. He will climb back up and report anything he sees to Variel, either a damage report or the all-clear...
Seijiro almost but manages to suppress the rolling of eyes at Flynn's follower's assumption that the headband was meant for her... He just shakes his head and sighs... She was a hot-head and often assumed a role far above her station on the ship... She never seemed to learn from her mistakes either and Flynn didn't seem to counsel her in that regard... she might never learn at this rate.
Noting that Seijiro had deliberately ignored him when he had bowed before to praise the native of Minkai and - further - ignored his attempt at courtesy to him by cheering him on in his own language, he did his best to shrug it off. However, when he saw the look given to Amen-set his eyes narrow frostily and he spits a stream of tobacco juice to the leeward.
However, he doesn't bother to offer a comment at this point.
Instead, he turns his attention to the ship and her condition, releasing Tomo into the rigging and climbing down over the stern to examine the rudder for any damage Fishpork might have done while he was climbing up. He will climb back up and report anything he sees to Variel, either a damage report or the all-clear...
Horatio shakes his head at Seijiro; knowing that there are already crew members doing this very thing he wondered why the kitsune didn't just offer to help them and wondered if there was some specific reason that Seijiro had chosen to ignore those efforts.
Horatio turns to Variel and speaks to him openly so that any nearby can hear.
"You know, I got to admit I was pleased that when I went out on the docks to fight that scum when I knew you were next to me," he says slowly.
"I'll say this, too; we had our disagreements in the past but I figure that's behind us. You're a good guy in a fight and you've been a good person, and - if you don't mind me saying it - a good friend."
He sighs and watches the waves for a while.
"You're the Captain of this crew so I'm coming to you because I did my best to be courteous and friendly. I bow, I offer praise in his own lingo, and I do what I can to be nice and so far all I get is the cold shoulder."
He flicks some ash over the side of the ship and frowns.
"I can stomach that, but I tell you this; I sure didn't like the nasty looks at my ward, there's no call for that."
He takes another drag from the smoke.
"Meantime, I already called folk out to search the ship for damage; he knows it and he ignores it, that kind of bothers me, too," he says after a moment.
"Anyhow, that being the case, I'm asking you to do what needs getting done to settle things, if you don't mind?" he says to Variel, then he tips his forelock to the Elf and flings his smoke over the side of the ship and then heads below.
Having heard Variel's declaration that he held no objection to her claiming the magical ring, or any other claiming the magical headband, Rain cleaned the ring from Fishpork's particular odour and any residual grime and placed it upon the thumb of her left hand -- the ring fit a little more firmly there than her other, slimmer fingers.
"Thank you for not opposing my claim", she said to her Captain, her look lingering on Variel a second longer than customary; glad he was alive, happy they all were. It was a close call -- she almost lost Neko because of the foul Fishpork's magic which confused the senses and overpowered one's will.
Before Rain could speak on how she would pay for it, Amen-set spoke up in support of her claim on the ring and then leant in closer to assure her that she would aid in paying for the item in question if Rain's funds were diminished.
Openly and steadily, Rain acknowledged Amen-set's reassurance, "Thank you for your support, little sister. Such a ring will help to protect me further in battle, for every little bit of protection is a boon in close combat."
A slight flush flamed her cheeks and then she responded to the girl in lower tones, for her ears only.
"As to how I shall pay for the ring, I will make a trade -- my personal store of reagents for the ring. I have enough to cover the ring and have some remaining for my singular use at a later time. All is well, Amen-set. I thank you for your kind offer, but will not need to accept it at this time. However, I have noted your generosity."
Rain gave the girl a gentle smile -- the fight with Fishpork had turned her spirits a little darker -- and having almost lost Neko in such a way -- Rain was still managing her thoughts and emotions on the matter. Rain's eyes glanced across to Flynn before returning to Amen-set and the group. She would have a quiet word to Variel after -- to advise him on how she would recompense the ship's coffers for the ring.
She had heard Flynn's order to the crew to be rid of Fishpork's bulbous body and clean the deck, and, watched as the task was completed.
The matter of who held best claim to the magical headband seemed to weave around her -- between Ana and Amen-set -- and as yet the priest, Adular, had not moved to take it or acknowledge it. Amen-set made a valid point about the weakest in need of such items moreso than the stronger. Rain had no breath with which to argue the matter and hopefully if Adular did not lay claim to it, then Amen-set could. Quietly, she gave her position on the matter, "Perhaps you and Flynn may speak with Adular and between you determine who would benefit the most from the item in question, little sister. There is time for such matters." And gently nodded at Amen-set.
Then out of the corner of her eye, Rain noted that Jiro went over the railing at the stern, using the rope. Does he worry over the rudder? Rain had not seen Fishpork impair the rudder when she first dove into the water and swam toward him. But unfortunately her observations were more on him than the ship. She had faith in Jiro's skill as a sailor to determine if damage was done and how they would repair it. She silently berated herself for not thinking of it - to check the rudder -- and was content that Jiro had the foresight.
She listened as Flynn postulated on the motives of the Hurricane King and their mysterious summons. Rain had no idea who had instigated it and why the ruse and games. But Flynn may be right and they should be prepared for trouble or ambush.
"We can be prepared in case we are set upon in this meeting. Whatever the summons was and why it played out as it has, I suppose we will discover the reasons during the course of the evening, one way or another."
Then she heard Flynn's request for Variel to intervene in regard to Jiro's reaction to Amen-set and some supposed rebuff. She had not seen it and could not say for certain what was going on. Variel would deal with the matter, if there was a deeper issue, she was certain of it.
Openly and steadily, Rain acknowledged Amen-set's reassurance, "Thank you for your support, little sister. Such a ring will help to protect me further in battle, for every little bit of protection is a boon in close combat."
Amen-set nods at Rain.
”Aye! And I tell thee, truly; such a ring is best to aid those who stand in the thick of blood and slaughter and with that ring the more ease they have to rest their boots on the bodies of those they slay,” she says to Rain somewhat wistfully.
”Would that I would stand besides thee to hew flesh from bone with sword or spear, yet it is not to be. My hatey-a' has ordered me to stand post in the rear of the company so that I am not butchered.”
”Though it is true I do not fear Death, neither do I embrace it foolishly. Further, I obey the orders of my hatey-a' and do as he has commanded."
"What, then, should I need this ring for if I am to be regulated far behind the others?” she says with a little shrug.
"As to how I shall pay for the ring, I will make a trade -- my personal store of reagents for the ring. I have enough to cover the ring and have some remaining for my singular use at a later time. All is well, Amen-set. I thank you for your kind offer, but will not need to accept it at this time. However, I have noted your generosity."
Amen-set waves her hand somewhat expansively.
”Between us there can be no talk of such things. What? Should we two be reduced to naught but some miser or mountebank, scribbling in ledgers over the value of this thing or that? Ha! We two are good, honest warriors, senet. Such trivium is beneath us. Know only that I offered thee the balance to assure thy claim on it, though it rankles me somewhat that we do not simply take what is thy due with a coin that is better understood than mere gold,” she says as she pats the haft of her blade and smiles at Rain.
”Yet this is not how things are done here, so I bow to that great wisdom and accept it,” she says with a small sigh and reaches down to stroke Neko’s golden fur, purring softly to the cat as she does.
"Perhaps you and Flynn may speak with Adular and between you determine who would benefit the most from the item in question, little sister. There is time for such matters." And gently nodded at Amen-set.
Amen-set does not pause from rubbing Neko’s fur, but looks up at Rain.
”Nay, for myself all arms and armor are provided to me by my hatey-a' alone. And whereas the gods give great boons to protect the gifts they have provided others with; my hatey-a' is forced to quibble with merchants to be able to afford even the meanest gear to equip me. Thus, he cannot afford the cost to equip me with this ring, and so that is the way of things.”
She shrugs.
”Who can debate with the gods, eh? If this, then, is the Fate I am to be reduced to then I must accept it manfully and without complaint. And though the injustice of it does vex me greatly, I deem that the blood of my hatey-a' is boiled more than I. Yet what can be done?"
"For now I shall be content to know that thou shall be my bastion. With thee before me why, then, should I need some mere ring to protect me, eh?” she says with a more jovial voice.
Then she looks at the others and the joy goes from her eyes.
"For now I am not as concerned with this ring as I am with being ignored," she says with an edge to her voice.
”Who was it that wounded that scum with their ‘musket’? Who was it that caused fire to burn the flesh of that villain? Who was it that called forth the creatures of the Air to alight in the summoned fog and remove it from the deck and so allow others to strike at this thing with ease?” she says in a tight voice.
”And after these actions who was it that is brushed aside? No thanks; no praise; no honor; no courtesy. Indeed, my efforts were ignored,” she says bitterly and turns away.
Then she stands up a little away from Neko and her hand tightens into a fist and flames lick from it suddenly.
She turns back to Rain.
”Yet it seems that is the way of things on this ship,” she says to Rain.
”When my hatey-a' called men to come aloft to dispose of the very corpse that dripped blood and gore from its insides; when he called men to man the watch post above; when he called for his Halfling friend to check the cables to the rudder and make sure none of the timbers were bent or broken when that giant swam beneath us, or the weight of it stood upon the quarterdeck, coupled with the weight of those two great beasts, consider the response of the one called Sandara, and all the rest of the ship’s company who he reigns over as “officer”.”
”Checking the condition of a ship is the job of a carpenter or one skilled in the crafting of a ship; not one who is merely a sailor. Yet what happened when he made those orders?”
”He was ignored,” she says with a flat voice.
She stares hard at Rain, then jerks her head at Seijiro.
”After this battle was done my hatey-a' bowed low and spoke the tongue of that one, as is the custom of their folk, to honor him for his mighty blow. He praised him as a companion and someone of great talent and was, indeed, impressed with the attack. What happened then?”
”He was ignored.”
She sweeps the main deck with her eyes then turns back to Rain.
”I tell thee truly, senet; I know my hatey-a'. I fear that if folk continue to ignore his words he will likely ask them in a matter that will get their attention more readily; and such a conversation will be far from pleasant,” she says with flinty eyes as her hand grips her weapon hilt tightly.
Dhaavan pinches the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger as his companions try to keep fighting, and he summons an extra bird to shake sejiro's apparent bloodlust...
Glancing at the crowd, he really doesn't see a way to make this one look good for us.
After the body is disposed of, the sorcerer looks over the items and takes a particular interest in the headband, Yeah, I think I can work out how to make one of these, actually. See the weaving of the enchantment here? he asks, pointing, eyes aglow with arcane sight it acts to bolster she wearers resolve by creating a mental resonance with the enchantment that strengthens their will
He very tactfully avoids the apparent tension... His job is to keep the crew in line, not the officers since he's only technically any of their superior and doesn't pull rank.
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Variel's blood had been boiling during the fight but after ward s and with the healing it had cooled significantly. It was thus that he was able to listen to Horatio's words and try to meet them with a voice of calm reflection. I do not know what game is being played with us as the pawns. However wemust see this through to discover who is pulling the strings. I do not think that this is the Hurricane King's doing nor Tsadok's. Rain's grandfather hinted at trials to prove ourselves and the bride needed to treat with the King. All of this seems more like pomp and ceremony than anything else and is to be expected. I do not expect a trap tonight as that would undermine the Hurricane King's practices. At least I do not fear a trap by him or his followers. The real question is who sent for us and do they have something against us that we must worry about.
Variel then gives Horatio a clap on the shoulder, Fear not though as you have said, we stand together and I will fight for all of you and you all for me. I will stand at the front as we did just now to allow you to fire at your foes. I have used some magics during the fight but not all. I still have plenty of abilities at my disposal should someone try to trap us.
As to your last inquiry, I do not know what to say other than you should talk to Jiro yourself about the matter. I was talking to Tsadok at the time and did not comprehend what was fully going on. Bring your point of view to him and work it out. It could well be that he took your instructions to search the ship as something he could aid with not overriding your orders. As for the rest, you will have to talk that out with him. I trust both of you to do what must be done on this ship for the safety of all.
Variel breaks the surface of the water and flies up to the rest of the group. Thanks for the offer of the rope but healing is what I really need. after Adular channels Variel stretches his muscles and rolls his shoulder a few times to work out the lingering effects of the damage. Thanks Adular!
"I'll take half the thanks and pass the remainder on to the saucy Pirate Queen that I serve, Cap'n," Adular looks pleased at their victory.
When Ana offers him the headband, only to have Amen-set mistake it as talking to her, the half elf cleric looks slightly amused though the full source of that amusement is hard to say.
To Ana, he says, "if none else want it, I shall be happy to take it. Having a healer driven away by fear, magical or not, could prove to be a problem to the crew... nevermind embarrassing for the healer when he or she has to explain it to the survivors. Thank ye. If another does want it, well, I've been considering saving up for a magic rapier that sings sea chanties anyway."
Ana looks at you all and says I will leave you to your discussions. I am going to scout and see what sort of information I can gather at the Fort over yonder. She then transforms into a tiny tropical bird and circles the ship once saying Brightscale, guard the ship! Before winging off to see what she can find out.
The real question is who sent for us and do they have something against us that we must worry about.
Horatio glances to the docks, then back to Variel.
"Remember those assassins we dealt with on the rooftops in that city a while back? Well, someone sent them; they didn't kill us, they may got business to finish. They may decide to come back and finish the business at some point and try to make a move against us here."
"Remember, too; the ship that left The Rock wasn't sunk? Who knows what further game they got to play..."
Fear not though as you have said, we stand together and I will fight for all of you and you all for me. I will stand at the front as we did just now to allow you to fire at your foes. I have used some magics during the fight but not all. I still have plenty of abilities at my disposal should someone try to trap us.
Horatio nods thoughtfully at that.
"Aye, I hear you. And I got a few tricks up my sleeve, too..." he says patting his pistol.
"Still, I reckon it doesn't hurt to keep one's eyes open," he says with a wry grin.
As to your last inquiry, I do not know what to say other than you should talk to Jiro yourself about the matter. I was talking to Tsadok at the time and did not comprehend what was fully going on. Bring your point of view to him and work it out. It could well be that he took your instructions to search the ship as something he could aid with not overriding your orders. As for the rest, you will have to talk that out with him. I trust both of you to do what must be done on this ship for the safety of all.
At first he frowns a little and looks like he might say more, but instead he thinks a moment and tries another course.
"Well, the thing is, I tried that and I failed. So afterwards I came to you because I figured that maybe someone like you could smooth things out."
"If you can't, well - that's alright. I'm hoping those things just stop; but if they don't, next time I'll deal with them direct," he adds, his fingers squeezing the butt of the pistol.
He sighs a little, then offers Variel a grin.
"Anyhow, I think I'm going to pry my ward away from your betrothed. Amen-set's got a good heart, but sometimes she doesn't know when to shut up," he says to Variel, then moves over to make sure Amen-set isn't creating anymore trouble with her long speeches.
As Amen-set stroked Neko's golden fur and continued to speak and then stood and produced a flicker of flames around her curled hand, Rain attempted to soothe the girl's more passionate nature.
"I am grateful for all that you and Flynn did to protect us from Fishpork while those of us were under the dreadful confusion spell." Talking about it angered Rain anew for she did not like her will supplanted in such a foul manner. "I am certain the others have noted your good efforts, and that of Flynn's, and are simply occupied with other matters at present. It may feel otherwise, and I cannot speak with any certainty on another's motives and feelings, but give it time, little sister." The Elf gave a reassuring nod and smile. They had much to contend with and fighting between themselves would sort nothing and only draw the wrong attention of the Hurricane King and his lackeys.
"Now, let us see what we have to do before the meeting with the Hurricane King this night." Rain made to move toward the other officers, hoping Amen-set would come along. Neko stood, licked her paw, and followed Rain.
"Now, let us see what we have to do before the meeting with the Hurricane King this night." Rain made to move toward the other officers, hoping Amen-set would come along. Neko stood, licked her paw, and followed Rain.
As Rain leads Amen-set over to the others Horatio turns from Variel and moves to the two of them.
"Begging your pardon, Pilot-Major; is she bothering you?" he asks Rain, his eyes fixed on Amen-set who turns away from his gaze and bends down to quickly rub Neko's back and shoulders.
Seeing that Amen-set has quieted somewhat and that she doesn't seem to be bothering Rain, he grunts in assent and turns to look around the empty deck and shakes his head.
Then, hearing Rain's words about meeting and discussing things, he glances north toward where Anasrianna had moved off to with a hard look, then turns back to Rainn and Amen-set and nods.
"Sounds good; what's the plan, then?" he says asking her.
"No, Amen-set is fine", hoping to still any further issue between Flynn and his ward.
At Flynn's question regarding a plan, Rain responded, "Did Ana say she would scout and gather information? That is good. The more we know before entering this meeting, the better, I believe." As to other, formal plans, that was the purview of Variel as Captain of the ship and she had not overheard much of what was spoken between her betrothed and Flynn.
"What have the others said in regard to what they will do? I have some spells remaining this day as has Neko. However, I would not want to cross paths without another who has Fishpork's ability to befuddle and incapacitate so readily with magic in close quarters." Her hand clenched for she had proven useless against Fishpork when it counted.
"No, Amen-set is fine", hoping to still any further issue between Flynn and his ward.
Horatio nods at Rain's comments and Amen-set seems to be somewhat more at ease.
"Did Ana say she would scout and gather information? That is good. The more we know before entering this meeting, the better, I believe."
Horatio shrugs.
"Yeah, that's what she said. But I don't really know what she'll find out. I mean, this guy lives in a fortress? Okay, so we get a rough sense of what the outside of his house looks like, but what else will we learn? I don't know... I guess we'll see."
"What have the others said in regard to what they will do? I have some spells remaining this day as has Neko. However, I would not want to cross paths without another who has Fishpork's ability to befuddle and incapacitate so readily with magic in close quarters."
Horatio thinks a moment.
"I wouldn't figure this "King" guy has magic powers; but it's likely he's got some kind of magical back-up to aid him. You know, maybe some kind of witch or sorcerer on the side to offer him help, or just to impress those who visit him."
"But I don't reckon that's going to be much of an issue. The way I see it, we beat the tests and we proved ourselves. I'm hoping this "meeting" is nothing but a formality for him to show off how impressive he is as king and give us the "opportunity" to kiss his ass or something."
"In which case we just smile and play along and we should be fine, at least, when we meet with him direct."
"Me personally, I'm more worried about the folk in the town itself that might be a problem. But I guess we'll see how things turn out," he adds with a shrug, then glances around to see what the others will say.
"I'm going to the Shrine for a bit to thank Besmara for our victory. I'm still not sure what's moving behind all these curtains, but I do know having her on our side at least remains in our best interests." Adular says, "Unless anyone needs me for anythin' else?"
Well, I for one would do with an escort while I hit the beaches. Whoever called us out here may well have a ship at port. I'll make me some inquiries. Rain, if you would be willing to accompany me, mahaps Adular or Amen-set as well, at the very least. he wants at least one fighter and one healer with him, and Rain's pretty imposing with her pike, whip, blade, and Zul.
And we can catch up with yer Grand-da, and see what he knows about them, seeing as he was sailing with em for a few days. he adds to Rain
He also gives Flynn a glance, Dunno if we want another group rolling through town too. Keepin it to public places where we can get lost in the crowd
[b]Cap'n, yea mind if I borrow a blade, perchance? Rolling through town unarmed may give a little too much away, but if I could say Dhaavan has the sword we got from Plugg, he can at least use the ability, and it's an intimidating blade.
Dhaavan will be out with whomever comes along and mention the ship that delivered our "summons" to port peril, saying things like, There we were, see this fat merchant out of port. Headin in the wrong direction, but we figured a couple days delay could be worth it. /shrug Now, the current was against us and they had a whole mess o' slaves at their oars. Sure we'd have caught em eventually but our scout sees this ship... . Takes the Merchant and scuttles the damn thing. Was a wast o' time to keep chasing at that point, and I'd catch hell from the wife if we delayed any longer. and other such stories.
He also uses whatever information rain's grandfather can give us as well.
Well, I for one would do with an escort while I hit the beaches. Whoever called us out here may well have a ship at port. I'll make me some inquiries. Rain, if you would be willing to accompany me, mahaps Adular or Amen-set as well, at the very least. he wants at least one fighter and one healer with him, and Rain's pretty imposing with her pike, whip, blade, and Zul.
"Well, always happy to lend a hand, First Mate. Sure, I'll come with ye. Gives me more to do."
"Me personally, I'm more worried about the folk in the town itself that might be a problem. But I guess we'll see how things turn out,"
Rain felt that was a curious statement to make and wanted Flynn to explain it further, "Why are your concerned about the townsfolk at this time? Is it a specific concern?"
As she waited for Flynn to answer, Adular made it known he would travel back to the Berth of the Sea Wraith and pray to the Pirate Queen.
"Whoever called us out here may well have a ship at port. I'll make me some inquiries. Rain, if you would be willing to accompany me, mahaps Adular or Amen-set as well, at the very least." he wants at least one fighter and one healer with him, and Rain's pretty imposing with her pike, whip, blade, and Zul.
Dhaavan desired to gather information regarding the docked ships and when he spoke of her grandfather and joining him, she responded, "My grandfather was leaving forthwith, so I do not know if he is still in Port Peril. As to accompanying you, aye, I'll join you, sorcerer." It was then she heard Adular say he would accompany them as well. Variel retired to his cabin to work on his armour for the remainder of the day.
Her clothes and hair were still wet from the two tumbles into the sea. They would soon dry as they walked. Her new protection ring was on her thumb and her protection amulet (the one Dhaavan had gifted her) was around her neck. She checked that all her weapons were still on her, adjusted her mithral shirt and then looked to Neko. Anyone watching them and the look upon each of the faces could see they were having some internal dialogue, via their telepathic link. Something had been settled between them and as Rain stepped up, next to Dhaavan, ready to disembark, Neko moved on thick paws to stand beside Rain. Looking to Dhaavan, she simply stated, "Neko is coming, too."
Standing a little before the sorcerer and the priest to ensure they weren't readily set upon as they walked, Rain kept an eye out in front while Neko remained in the back, guarding the rear and being watchful from her place.
Whenever Dhaavan stopped to make enquiries and gather information, Rain did her best to aid his endeavour, but her responsibility in main was to watch and protect.
Seeing most of the officers heading out, and Variel retiring to work on his armor, Seijiro settles himself on a barrel, sitting cross-legged while he plays softly on his harmonica. He sends Tomo up into the rigging so he has both his own eyes and Tomo's from an aerial vantage point to watch the ship.
Rain felt that was a curious statement to make and wanted Flynn to explain it further, "Why are your concerned about the townsfolk at this time? Is it a specific concern?"
Horatio frowns a moment as he thinks.
”I’m not entirely sure; call it a hunch…” he says after a moment
”But the thing is; we got invited here by the Hurricane King – but he’s not in town and his lackey’s don’t seem to know anything about that invitation. To me, that’s a little suspicious.”
”Meantime, I seem to remember a time when we were in town and attacked on the rooftops by some assassins. I can’t believe that their efforts to get us have suddenly stopped just because we beat them that one time. The Shackles are a big place, if they have agents who want to do a ‘hit’ then I’d gamble we’d at least stumble across a few of those agents in a town this large and populated.”
He scratches his chin as he thinks.
”Also, I guess maybe not as worried about us,” he says, with a glance at the officers ”as much as I’m worried about the crew. You know, they go into town, have a few drinks; maybe they say the wrong thing to the wrong person and suddenly we got trouble.”
”In this place there’s likely a lot of lads looking to make a name for themselves. Well, what better way for them to do it then by attacking the crew of the newly arrived ship that is now under personal invitation of the “Pirate King”.”
”I mean, you’re some hot shot kid who wants to brag to prove his skills and you run into Fishguts or Aretta, or whoever, alone and getting a few drinks and then you decide you’re going to kill them just so you can brag to your mates… Well, I mean, sure, we can handle ourselves, probably; but I’m not sure about them… and I’d not like to lose any of them…”
”That’s why I’m glad that they’re staying on board; just in case.”
A sudden thought crosses his mind and his eyes light up.
”Although, I reckon if we were with those lads or lasses, then maybe they’d be alright…” he muses slowly as he considers something.
He looks at Rain.
”Yeah; well, if my guess is correct, I guess maybe I could take one of the lads or lasses for a back-up job, so long as we all stick together. But we’ll just see how things go…” he says to her with a grim smile.
”Also, I guess I’ll take Amen-set with me, too. Maybe I can help her stay out of trouble,” he adds with a glance at her.
Horatio bows briefly to Rain and then moves to the hatch and calls down below –
”Oye! Rosie Cusswell! I got some errands to run and I figure you might be able to lend a hand,” he says.
Then he turns to Variel –
”With your permission, captain,” he says tipping his hat to the Elf.
Sandara comes up to you officers while you begin to head off and knocks on Variels door. Once you answer she gets right to it Cap'n, I know yer having some concerns about the crew leavin the ship but this be Port Peril and having a bunch of scallawags sittin on a ship like they're afraid of mixing it up with their pirate kin isn't going to work too well. Also, the crew'r gettin restless and if'n ye don't let them stretch their legs ashore then ye might have a bleedin' mutiny on yer hands. Especially if'n yer lettin' Rosie off the ship, whatever the reason.
She waits to see what you say before heading back with the crew.
Pfft, wow, I must be distracted... Dhaavan says, fingers flitting about as he casts a message. TUrning for a moment he whispers, We been cooped up here for a night, which was what we said. Time ta give the crew shore-leave, but tellen em there's something us and to stick together. we got a few people's attention an' don't ant ta have to go hunting down somebody that jumped one of ours. Be a pain, it would to the officers before we head out.
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With the officers, Dhaavan is right. We told them not to go a shore the first night. We never said anything about staying the second. I will speak to the crew and give them an option but I will not hold back reform what was agreed to them if they choose it.
Moving out to the crew Variel starts talking to them. Crew, we are here in Port Peril as you well know. On shore there are plenty of ways to enjoy yourselves and have a good time. However there is a plot involving us and we are not sure why. I told you that you would need to stay on board last night till we knew what is going on. You have complied and earned your leave. However, with this plot I am concerned for all of our safety at this time. I ask, not order you to stay one more night on ship. If so I will have brought aboard drink and pay you each 2 gold for the time spent here. Even then once we treat with the Hurricane King it is possible to spend the night in town.
Will you give us till after our meeting before you head ashore?
Diplomacy check
Will you give us till after our meeting before you head ashore?
Horatio turns a surprised look at the captain after hearing Variel's response after Sandara saying that the crew had threatened mutiny.
Instead he looks Sandara squarely in the eye.
"So you're saying that we've been at sea for less than two days and now we've been in town for less than thirty hours and suddenly our crew's threatening mutiny if they don't get their way?"
He nods his head, looking up as if considering this.
Then he turns and looks at Variel again for a long time, as if he's still thinking.
After a moment he shrugs.
"Okay; well, that said I think I'm just going to just head into town. Also I guess Amen-set and Piper will come, too. We all got to run some errands."
"We'll see you all when we get back," he says with a nod.