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A peculiar twinkle enters Variel's eyes as she agrees to wait till her grandfather gives approval. I am glad that you are at least acceptable to waiting till your Grandfather gives his blessing. I would not want to cause a rift between you and him. As for when that may occur, fates are strange and it may be sooner than later that we come across him.
Rain then dives into the story of Neko and her past. Variel listens with attentiveness trying to understand just what it is that drives Neko so in preventing him and Rain from any physical intimacy. When Rain is done and has siad her peace Variel looks at her. I can fully see why she might have a hatred towards men even if she says she does not hate me. What are our options though? I mean part of what I said last night holds true, I am not her jilted lover and my own person. I have made my promise to you which you just heard. IF that is not enough how can we convince her that this situation is not the same as hers?
Rain wondered at the look in Variel's eyes but gave no further thought to it as soon as he asked her how they would make Neko understand their love was not going to end like her own had, hundreds of years ago.
"We may need to keep reassuring her that it is different until she can have faith in you as she does in me. Please be patient with her, for she is a part of me now and a part of us." Rain understood his frustration with the cat. They were all frustrated one way or another.
"I will summon her to join us, via our mental link. Best we start now so it will not take all night. You should rise from the floor and sit by me."
Rain, in her mind, called out to Neko, //Join us please, Neko.//
Neko joins you both and says through the mental link. //I heard your discussion. I am glad you have decided that you want to wed. It makes me happy that you have both come to your senses and determined what is proper. Now that that is out of the way the preparations can commence. You may stay together until you are wed, I concede you that, but there can be no physical...intimacy until you wedding night. Consider it a test of your love. If it be powerful enough to halt your hormones for a period of time more then your wedding night will be all the more special.// With that she nods and says //Good talk before sauntering back out.//
About going to Tempest Cay
> have never seen an elven wedding before, but knowing what I do of elves, which is admittedly little, I would guess there'd be more song and dance than fighting. The only weddings I've ever seen before have been among my own folk or weddings at sea. Among my people, weddings are very brief affairs of vows followed by a night of revelry, most of which young folk were sent to bed before... I left home at a very young age. But I'd sneak and peer at the goings on as kids are wont to do. Most of it involved drinking too much sake and song and dance and gossip, occasional fighting. No deaths."[/b] He pauses.
"weddings at sea are quite different, usually just the Cap'n saying 'you're married', the couple going off to be together, while the crew were left to drink whatever was,allowed and make crude comments as but what was likely happening." Seijiro blushes furiously.
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Variel looks at Rain as Neko speaks to them wondering her thoughts on the matter. Not wanting to start a fight Variel still had to comment. Neko, you told us you would give us privacy and now you say you listened to our discussion. How are we to trust you when you blatantly admit to breaking your word? As for the rest, we have not agreed to anything yet and at no point has this been a discussion with you. I don't kno what you are expecting but coming in after eavesdropping and issuing demands is no way to get anything accomplished. Variel stops there before going on further as the rest of his thoughts are definitely more accusatory and would start a fight with Neko. Thoughts along the lines of 'if you break your word so easily then perhaps I can see how your love broke his word to you' spring to mind but remain unuttered.
//If you recall I made no such promise. I was asked to wait outside and so I did. Do not try and impugn my honor and trustworthiness by saying I made statements I did not. You were alone. I did not interject at any point until called and was not in the room. Think twice before making such a claim again.// Neko continues to walk away and says to rain only //perhaps I should take it back. He seems intent upon causing an issue. Such anger in him it seems.//
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Variel waves a hand at Neko in dismissal at what she is saying. I saw you walk across the deck to go to Amen-set. I thanked you for our privacy in this matter. You did not respond at all other than to continue walking. If you came back to listen then I do say that you were eavesdropping. If you did not come back then you tried to listen in our conversation using your telepathy. Either way by your actions if not your words it was deceitful, leading me to believe we had privacy. Variel sighs for lack of something better to do than wanting to strangle Neko he gets a drink of water.
Even with her high-handed and heavy-handed ways, Neko was finally going to stop with her suspicion of Variel and Rain was relieved. The no physical intimacy would prove difficult, as Rain did not when they would marry.
Then Variel, whether he intended to or not, started the fight anew between them and Rain wanted to pull out her hair.
As he moved to pour water into a mug and drink, Rain moved beside him and through hushed whispers said, "Please do not fight with each other. This is a delicate situation and saying Neko was deceitful does not help us. Perhaps, with her advanced magic and telepathy, Neko is able to tune in to our words naturally - we do not understand the depth of her ability."
And turning to Neko, she continued, "You should have made it known to us that you could hear our conversation. I am not familiar with the scope and breadth of your magic, but if the mental link allows you to listen to our conversations, it is something we should be aware of."
To both, "Now, no more of this discord. I told you I will not be placed in the middle as arbiter of your quarrels. My patience is growing thin. You will try to get along. Veiled anger has no place between us. Neko, you may go and play with Amen-set if her duties are done for the day. And please refrain from listening in unless I ask it of you. Variel, you and I will remain here and rest awhile before we find some supper and join the others."
She waited until Neko moved back outside and was distracted by Amen-set. Rain closed the door behind her. Then she turned to Variel and watched him as she leaned back against the door. "It's time to rest, love. Come, lie beside me a while. I need some peace. And so do you." And with that, Rain moved to the bed and lay down on her back and closed her eyes for they felt gritty from the lack of sleep the night before. She opened them and hoped to see Variel come join her.
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Whispering back to Rain, I understand that but I am not one to be dictated to nor have my privacy interrupted. I will let this pass if Neko agrees that when we ask to be alone that means that she is not in the room, listening at this door, eavesdropping with her telepathy, or any other means of infringement. she has both of our words that nothing will happen.
Variel agrees with the time of rest and gladly be finished with this issue.
Neko looks over and says //when it comes to your thoughts rain, I cannot always control it but I will try harder.//
Varyan sits down and looks at Rain and Variel and says Ok so ye got me here. What's this all about? The look of mirth from before on the docks is gone, a deadly serious narrowing of the eyes and sharp focus replacing it.
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Variel looks at Rain before he looks back to Varyan. Well sir, I don't know what the exact message was that Adular sent you but I am the one that requested your presence. The reason for the sending is quite simple. Reaching over and grabbing Rain's hand is his he continues. Over the last few months I have found myself falling in love with your granddaughter and thought it would be only appropriate to speak to you first before proceeding further. The reason for the sending was that I knew it would reach you wherever you were while traveling to your home would not guarantee a meeting.
Rai has told me quite often how you took care of her and raised her, Of how much her family means to her. After hearing that I knew that I would have to speak with you regarding Rain and my future as I would not wish to keep you out of the loop in such an important matter. Variel waits to proceed any further as he is wanting to see Varyan's reaction and hear his comments.
Varyan waits silently, giving nothing away until you proceed.
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Well at least he hasn't blown up yet. Better keep going. Variel thinks to himself. Reaching the focal point Variel plows ahead without further preamble. I am hoping, that with your permission, that Rain and I would be wed at a time that is mutually agreeable to all of us. Rain and I have discussed the matter at length already on numerous occasions, the most recent was the day after I asked Adular to send for you. If you have any questions please ask as I wish to not keep anything from you at this time in regards to myself.
Varyan looks at you both for a moment, the force of his look almost pushes you back in your seats but you manage to keep your eyes on him. Finally he looks at you both and says How long have you two been together? How long has this been going on?
Rain watched her grandfather's face as Variel grasped her hand and spoke of their love and desire to marry. She wondered at the intent look, for it was not an unfamiliar one, yet inscrutable all the same.
When Variel answered Varyan as to how long they had felt this way, Rain added her own answer,
"Love cannot be counted by the days, months, years, Grandfather. Yours and grandmother's courtship was a matter of months before you sought her hand. This life on the sea we lead can be hard and when one finds love and desire they should not squander it to the wind, even for long-lived Elves. Variel and I have worked, fought and loved beside each other and do not want to be parted. You know I have never felt this way for another -- any Elf who got it in his mind to have me was dispatched with little consideration. I choose Variel as my life mate. We seek your understanding and approval." Her words were low and steady as she spoke earnestly in order for her grandfather to understand. Then she waited for his reply.
Varyan doesn't say anything for a good minute before looking at Rain and saying If you are sure and this is what you desire then who am I to say no to love. I will say this though. I will not be a part of any wedding if your grandmother is going to miss it. He shudders a bit and says with a smile, That is not a conversation I would expect to have and keep my skin intact. So an elven betrothal period is standard for one year but I think we can dispense with that length and make it 3 months instead. That way we can find a time and make sure your grandmother is able to be there as well.
Looking at Variel his expression becomes menacing for a moment. Despite your power you get the sense that this is not a man to trifle with. Looking at you hard he says I will only say this once and then we will never speak of it again if everything goes as it should. Should you hurt or dishonor my granddaughter in anyway, I have friends throughout the Shackles. There is no island so remote, no sea too distant, that I could not find you. Should that happen you'd be better off slitting your throat than allowing me the pleasure of gutting you. He continues staring at you for a moment to make sure the message sinks in before finally smiling as if nothing had happened.
What a joyous occasion this is. Your grandmother will be ecstatic. She has always wanted to see you properly wed. He then stands up and gives Rain a fierce hug and shakes Variel's hand. When he does you can tell he has an extremely firm grip, well callused from ropes and, you suspect, sword work.
Rain was momentarily stunned by her grandfather's ready acceptance and approval.
"I would not marry without you or grandmother. I love you both more than the ocean." Ever since she was child, Rain had an abiding love for the sea, yet her feelings for her grandparents were so much deeper that she had begun telling them she loved them more than the ocean. It was a declaration often spoken between them (a familiar and warm sentiment).
When her grandfather's disposition swiftly changed and he warned Variel of any ideas of betrayal, Rain smiled inwardly for this is the Elf she knew -- the power of the elder and the extreme loyalty, especially to his family. Also, Varyan had not been exaggerating when he said he had connections throughout the Shackles -- that was no idle threat. Rain wondered how Variel would respond to the force of Varyan's intent and promise. And then her grandfather smiled and embraced her fiercely. She returned the hug; Rain's relief, happiness and joy conveyed through the contact.
She looked on as her grandfather shook Variel's hand and that was also a good sign. Smiling across to Variel, hopeful, she quietly stated, seeking his acceptance of the terms and firm clarification, "So, we are formally betrothed? And you would wed me in three months hence?"
Neko had observed the conversation, seated and silent; the only motion being her golden tail which swished back and forth. She watched as the young Elves put forth their case to the Elven elder, noting their anxious desire to please, and she approved of the respectful gesture as Varyan Taneththir was the head of Rain's family.
When the grandfather threatened the young Elven Captain with physical harm if he betrayed his granddaughter, Neko smiled inwardly -- satisfied with his right to lay down the law and exact just punishment if the young Elven male proved false to Rain.
She licked her paw, before sending all three Elves a telepathic message, reinforcing the elder's threat, //Young Captain, I second what the good Grandfather has said, no harm will befall you if you treat Rain with respect, love and loyalty. If, on the otherhand, you prove to be most false, then, in addition, you will know my brand of justice.// The cat almost contentedly purred at the end of her declaration, yet refrained as the elder had sealed the arrangement with a firm handshake.
I know you are ready to sail immediately but last night we saw that the construction was going well on the watch towers. Perhaps during the hour you could double check the construction to make sure they are sound? I am sure that Lord Dhaavan would appreciate your skills in assessing the structures.
Horatio looks at Variel and then at the new Elf and finally shrugs and wanders off.
Horatio will approach Variel at another time and speak to him directly and privately. He slides a smoke out and offers Variel one, if the Elf would like it, then he lights one for himself and takes a long drag.
”You're a good guy, by the way. I know we've had our problems in the past, but I've been thinking about - when you were toe-to-toe with that thing in the caves that could have been you, not Dhaavan, that went down. But it didn't stop you from showing some balls and steppiing up. Anyhow, my point is; I'm glad we're sailing together," he says as he takes a pull from the smoke, then looks out to sea.
He squints a moment, then glances at the sky.
”I looked at the towers a day or so ago; I didn’t bother doing it again now. I’m more interested in working on the ship.”
He thinks a moments, then clenches the smoke in his teeth and slides out a parchment for Variel to look over.
”This is a sketch I made of the ship – it’s basically the same that we had before, only this one has coordinates on it to be more precise on where we put things. That way, if you want the cannon somewhere, you could say - Put it on E:7 - for example. Makes things a little easier for me is all," he adds, offering the sketch for Variel to look over
He takes another drag from his smoke.
He looks like he might want to say more, but he shakes his head.
”I’ve studied Pegsworthy’s charts – Port Peril I tucked away in a cove to the North East of us. It’s many leagues beyond that damn island we were on,” he adds thoughtfully ”so I’m not sure how we can get there in four – even five days; but whatever.”
”Point is; the closer we get to that place the more likely we’ll have ships that are better armed and more dangerous.”
”I wanted to move fast with that other ship; not necessarily because I’m so eager to get to Port Peril as I’m eager to be in the wake of a ship that’s better armed than we are. I figured the ship that delivered the message could be our de facto escort back north; safer for us, I figured. You know, being that if the “King” of this place has heard of us and knows where to find us, well – you can be damn sure that others have also heard of it, too.”
”Didn’t think that making my plan clear of hiding in the wake of another ship was a good idea; you know, using the other ship for cover… Makes us look more like cowards in front of your soon-to-be Grandfather-in-Law; the guy seemed like he had connections. Admitting we’re hiding in the lee of another ship didn’t sound like it’d be good for our reputations is all.”
He turns back to Variel.
”I’m not eager to go into a joint like that place without new or better armor; I really would like it if we got that done sooner, rather than later, if we’re going to sail there,” he says as he pauses to take another drag from his smoke.
”I also need better armor for me, and for my girl Amen-set; if we don’t got protection from what might be ahead, then I don’t think we’ll be much use.”
”Don’t worry, I’ll pay for it out of my cut; but I’m saying that we need it. What can be done to make that happen?’ he asks, looking at Variel thoughtfully.
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Ironically Variel didn't bat an eyelash at the stern demeanor and threat coming from Varyan. While it was entirely possible that the elder elf could hunt him down that was of no consequence. Smiling up at Varyan with what could be considered a smirk Variel answers the threat. And that is as it should be. I would expect nothing less rom Rain's grandfather. However the threat is unnecessary as it will never come to that.
Turning to Rain on one knee, Yes my dear, if you would accept then I would be formally betrothed to you here and now.
As for waiting 3 months, Variel muses a lot can happen in that time. Why can we not send for your wife to meet us at Port Peril? We can have a simple wedding and then in 3 months have the formal affair that you wish?
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As Flynn shows the sketches of the Dread Lady Variel looks on curiously. If that helps you to plan and coordinate the defenses of the ship and can train the gunnery crews better then go for it. Such a system could be useful as well for supply storage.
When shown the maps and the location of Port Peril Variel shrugs. If Rain and Varyan say it can be doen in 4 days I will not doubt them. After all look at how accomplished they are. Also I did not send for Varyan but 3 days ago. That means that it can be done. I plan on stopping though to procure supplies before we get there. Little Oppara sounds like a port that can provide waht we need.
When shown the maps and the location of Port Peril Variel shrugs. I plan on stopping though to procure supplies before we get there. Little Oppara sounds like a port that can provide waht we need.
Horatio nods to Variel.
"Fair enough; but I seem to recall that we can break down the loot we got into components on our own, seeing as we have a lab on board the ship and the know-how," he adds thoughtfully.
"If we're able to do that, we may be able to get some work done on specific gear between here and there, if it's possible, that is," he says, regarding Variel curiously.
Both the towers and ships are as fixed as well as can be; and with little else to do, Horatio has decided that the will attempt to go find someone to talk; hoping for information.
That says, he goes and finds Piper and sees that she’s currently down where he saw her last, overseeing the last details of the construction work.
Amen-set is standing about fifty feet off from them. Clearly she’s giving them some space, but with nothing else to do she is currently standing “guard” duty and watching the beach absently.
”Morning Piper, how’s things?” he asks her with a friendly smile as he notes her working.
”So it seems that our next port of call is a place called Port Peril. When we get there we’ll be meeting with the Hurricane King and trying to figure out why he’s got us there.”
”I got to admit; most of time has been back home in Sargava and I don’t really know much about this “Port Peril” as I’d like to.’
”You got any ideas or thoughts on the matter? Anything that you could tell me to maybe help me out?” he asks her.
Piper looks up at Horatio striding toward her and pauses in her work to observe him.
”Afternoon, Chief,” she says cheerily to Horatio, pausing to take a long drink from a cup of cold tea sitting nearby.
”What can I do for you this fine day?” she asks him with a cheery smile.
”So it seems that our next port of call is a place called Port Peril. When we get there we’ll be meeting with the Hurricane King and trying to figure out why he’s got us there.”
”I got to admit; most of time has been back home in Sargava and I don’t really know much about this “Port Peril” as I’d like to.’
”You got any ideas or thoughts on the matter? Anything that you could tell me to maybe help me out?” he asks her.
She nods at him and takes a tea kettle and pours some more cold tea into her cup and drinks it in a gulp, pausing to offer him a drink, if he’s willing.
Then she wipes off her hands and leans back, thinking a moment.
”Well, Port Peril’s the capital of this place; and by "this place" I mean, of course, "The Shackles"... and it's a pretty powerful town, so at least I know that much,” she says with a wry grin ”But from what I hear, this town ain’t exactly peaches and cream, if you understand me, sir?”
”They’re a rough lot there; that’s where the “boss pirate” makes his berth, though I don’t think he lives in the town proper; if you understand me? As for that boss, I seem to recall that his name was “Kerdak Bonefist”. The call him a “King” though I don’t reckon I know why, but anyhow, that’s his title,” she adds then leans back, getting comfortable.
Horatio smiles tightly, but it seems clear that her slow unraveling of news is somewhat dull to him; besides, so far he hasn’t really heard any details that he didn’t already know.
She fishes around in her pack for a bit, then finds a pipe and draws it out and begins to fill it with some tobacco. Naturally, she offers him some, and Horatio – recalling the courtesy of Halflings when it came to matters of the “Small Table” accepts her tobacco politely and fills his own pipe.
Getting more comfortable she takes a long draw from the pipe and sighs almost contentedly.
”Yep, there’s some rough customers there, that’s for sure; but I reckon it’ll be interesting to spend some time there,” she adds with a little nod.
”After all, this port has a good amount of my people; and I reckon that those people are good people, excepting the one’s that aren’t, of course,” she continues with a somewhat slow relish.
Horatio draws a taste from the pipe and looks at her, cocking his eye.
”Ah! Of course, by ‘my people’ I mean folk like me! You know, Halfling folk,” she says with a nod.
”Port Peril’s got a big host of Halflings there; biggest settlement in The Shackles,” she adds.
Tugging on her Pipe for a moment, she regards him thoughtfully.
”You know, lot of my folk were taken as slaves by those ninnyhammers from Cheliax,” she continues, her language still courteous enough for “small talk at the table” though there is a steely glint in her eyes at the recollection of the slavers from the north and Empire of Cheliax as well.
”Those folk that have escaped from slavery tend to head to Port Peril, from what I hear.”
”That being the case, we may end up running into some decent lads and lasses there, which I suspect would be a fine change of pace, no offense to the present company, of course,” she ads with a bright grin.
’But who knows what will happen there?” she adds, brightening a bit.
”Like as not, when we get there I’ll probably be benched with the rest of the sailing folk, at least, I hope you keep them benched when you get there,” she adds, staring at him with a knowing expression.
”Just saying, if it were me then I’d likely say to my mates – Lads, you’re all stuck aboard this here ship until we get back! Won’t be gone long, but no one’s permitted to leave until we’ve returned. You know, something like that,” she adds, continuing to stare at him.
”Just saying, if it were me then I’d likely say to my mates – Lads, you’re all stuck aboard this here ship until we get back! Won’t be gone long, but no one’s permitted to leave until we’ve returned,” she adds, continuing to stare at him.
Horatio looks at her for a moment and nods and then blows a large smoke ring.
”So you say that it’d be better to keep the lads on the ship; not let them mingle too much?” he says, watching her thoughtfully.
”I suppose if we order Sandara to watch them and prevent anyone from leaving the ship that could work. But why go through all that? I mean, who cares if they wander about in the town?” he asks her, curious for more information.
”I suppose if we order Sandara to watch them and prevent anyone from leaving the ship that could work. But why go through all that? I mean, who cares if they wander about in the town?” he asks her, curious for more information.
Piper watches Horatio’s smoke ring drift up for a moment, chewing that over, then turns back to Horatio.
”Now, don’t mistake me, Chief,” she says with an innocent voice.
”But the way I figure it; you got enough lads to sail this ship; but not as much as you could have to do the job as good as you might like to in a pinch,’ she says slowly.
”You let them get into town with plenty of stern drink and the chance to cut loose, well, you may not see half of them come back. Between bar-fights and cutpurses and footpads and so on… Not to mention them that will try to put a drug in your drink and then have you wake up aboard their own ship as a prisoner,” she says, giving Horatio a long look as the doctor winces at this reminder.
”Then when you’re good to sail you’re missing some lads, like as not; and the way I see it, that’s not a good way to start your next voyage; being short-handed and so on,” she adds as she finishes her pipe and knocks the ash out of the bowl.
”And I’ll tell you something else; you’ve been doing pretty good for yourself during these little expeditions, and by that I mean the whole crew on our ship. In other words, you beat plenty of tough odds and tougher chiefs and got plenty of loot to show for it.”
”You really want one of your lads meandering through town, getting a little more to drink than they should be and then deciding to blab to everyone in the "Pirate Capital", as it were, that you’re the biggest “up-and-coming” crew out there and you got plenty of loot on your ship and how every man-jack of you's got gold and jewels in your pockets as they wander the streets to boot?” she adds.
”I already heard one of them other lads saying that the crew’s likely to exaggerate tales a piece. I mean, just saying, Chief; next thing you know you got some big-mouth scalawag deciding to tell everyone under the sun about how your folk defeated the biggest undersea threat this side of the Kraken and your ship’s filled to the bilges with loot!”
”Hate to say it, Chief; you and your boys are good, but you ain’t that good. You tell everyone in that town what you’ve been up to and, well, like as not you’ll be hit hard by some rogues or corsairs as soon as you’ve left the town and are on the open sea; assuming that they don’t try to pilfer some stuff while we’re docked."
"If you got folk coming for you to take what you got, well... maybe you could beat any of those folk who decide that you’re easy pickings, and maybe you can’t,” she adds with a somewhat doleful glance at the ship in the harbor.
”Anyhow, like I said – if it were me, I’d keep them benched while in town. Safer for everybody that way, but of course, I ain’t the one giving the orders, more’s the pity,” she adds with a small grin.
”Anyhow, like I said – if it were me, I’d keep them benched while in town. Safer for everybody that way, but I ain’t the one giving the orders, more’s the pity,” she adds with a small grin.
Horatio rubs his chin thoughtfully and considers this advice.
”I see what you mean…” he says slowly.
”And yeah; that’s not a bad idea, at least while we’re in Port Peril, I guess. I mean keeping the men confined to the ship rather than having them run around town and blab things all over.”
”That being the case, I’ll pass it on to the others and I’ll see what they have to say,” he says with a friendly nod to her.
Ironically Variel didn't bat an eyelash at the stern demeanor and threat coming from Varyan. While it was entirely possible that the elder elf could hunt him down that was of no consequence. Smiling up at Varyan with what could be considered a smirk Variel answers the threat. And that is as it should be. I would expect nothing less from Rain's grandfather. However the threat is unnecessary as it will never come to that.
Turning to Rain on one knee, Yes my dear, if you would accept then I would be formally betrothed to you here and now.
As for waiting 3 months, Variel muses a lot can happen in that time. Why can we not send for your wife to meet us at Port Peril? We can have a simple wedding and then in 3 months have the formal affair that you wish?
With Variel on bended knee, confirming his formal troth, Rain smiled and bent her head to softly kiss him on his lips. "Of course I accept" and suddenly realised she was now betrothed to Variel.
When her intended proceeded to suggest they marry very soon, in Port Peril, she recollected their earlier conversation in the cabin aboard the Lady on the journey to the Rock where she thought their wedding would not happen for some time to come. Now Variel seemed eager to wed as soon as her grandmother could travel.
Turning to her grandfather, "I have no issue with a simple wedding in Port Peril with you and grandmother in attendance. In three months time, we could sail to Tempest Cay and have a marriage celebration there with all of the cousins. What say you grandfather? We can have Adular send word to her from the Rock and we shall set sail as soon as the ship is ready. One of the cousins could sail her down to Port Peril while you journey with us."
Varyan shakes his head and says Unfortunately your grandmother is at sea on a venture right now, and is several days north of Tempest Cay, which would put her at least 10 days from Port Peril. No, better to do things properly. Betrothal for three months during which time your grandmother and I can make some arrangements for a proper ceremony. Besides, Port Peril is no place to hold a wedding.
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I'll want the necessary components on board for my work, but no more. So that's 3k for an AoNA upgrade, and 1k for a new one, and 4 days of work.
No, better to do things properly. Betrothal for three months during which time your grandmother and I can make some arrangements for a proper ceremony. Besides, Port Peril is no place to hold a wedding.
Rain knew that once her grandfather had made up his mind, it could not be changed.
"Alright, Grandfather, as you wish." She kissed the elder Elf on the cheek. Rain glanced across to Variel. Least they were formally betrothed and Neko would no longer plague Variel with her demands of old world proprietary and alike. She hoped.
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With the meeting coming close to an end on a happy note Variel pipes up, Regrettable but understandable. Three months time it is to be determined exactly when and where later, fate of the world and gods pending of course. He looks at Rain at that last bit wondering how to mention to her grandfather what was in store for them. Now ddi not seem like the appropriate time to bring it up though. Before we meet the others for lunch there is one last obligation I have to do. In the message I had Adular send you I promised to pay for your expenses coming here. It was only appropriate that I do so summoning yo so quickly like that. How much do I owe you sir for bringing you here so urgently in such fashion?
It seemed their private discourse had come to an end, bearing a happy outcome.
Rain moved from the two males as discussion turned to recompense - that was between them to settle.
Calling Neko to her side (via their mental link), Rain waited by the doorway and looked outside, industrious with her silent thoughts. Occasionally her hand would brush Neko's head and run through the thick golden fur.
Soon they would meet with the others and sup together.
Varyan says Don't insult me. You owe me nothing. I was happy to come for rain. He then gives you a look that says not to push it with the money. You really don't owe him any thing.
"Otosan, we haven't had a lot of time to talk since your initial arrival. That is my fault, my duties on the Lady have been occupying much of my time. I know you came here with a purpose, and it has been preying on my mind that I've done nothing to help you further that cause since your arrival... And now here we are again, following another path with the ship, and Dhaavan telling us we have some greater cause to follow. Still, I can think of nothing greater than to help you. Please tell me what we must do.. what I can do to assist you."
For now you must continue on as you are but you should ask questions as you go. Make inquiries and see what can be learned about your mother's whereabouts. I will be leaving the ship to make inquiries as well tomorrow. I have recovered much in my time with you and your companions. I must seek your mother out and if possible find a way to free her from her captors. You must be wary however, I do not wish another of my beloved family to fall victim to Shanxia.