"Nay, I do not feel any such effect. Just got knicked by her knife, is all. Lucky for her that's all she did to me." Rain's eyes bored into Harrigan's girl.
With the other coming to deal with Caulky, Rain submitted to Flynn's healing and examination, for the doctor still seemed concerned she had been poisoned.
”No worries, then; but I guess it doesn’t hurt to make sure,” he says as he looks her arm for a moment. Then he peers into her eyes, studying her pupils as if double-checking for any potential effects from possible narcotics that may have been used by the girl.
Then he nods, as if satisfied that there are no ambient poisons in her system.
After Flynn's second heal, the knife cut seemed over completely and her arm was fine. "Thanks for the healing, Flynn. I should have known she had a concealed weapon. She fought like a trapped animal."
He nods at her.
”Aye, she was fierce, but I wouldn’t have thought about a hidden weapon, either,” he says as he adjusts the Cabin Girl's unconscious form over his shoulder as they walk.
As he thinks about the dagger the girl used on Rain, he takes the weapon from his belt.
"Speaking of which; here you go Pilot-Major. The way I see it, it’s yours; after all, you bled for it,” he says, passing over the Masterwork Dagger to Rain.
”Anyhow, she’s clean now. I searched her; she had a vial of poison on her, but it’s not used to coat weapons but the kind of thing you mix in a drink,” he adds, his free hand patting his satchel where the poison is stashed for now.
After he yelled to wake the girl he heads below decks for a bit.
After he took care of whatever it was he was doing below then he returned to the upper deck and looks around.
The sky was dark; there was barely a Quarter Moon in the night sky. He peers at the docks with a scowl, damning the fact that the sailors had been allowed to go out and get drunk. If Harrigan and his scum were in this town they may decide to take action against the crew of The Dread Lady, especially the members of their crew that had served Harrigan in the past…
As he waits for the others to do their thing in Variel’s cabin he orders lights distributed throughout the main deck and has two lads stationed on the Fighting Top, each with a longbow, as well as two more lads; one on the main deck and foredeck.
After the men are posted he leans against the gunwale and takes out a smoke and lights it up. At that point Amen-set comes up from below decks and speaks to him and he nods.
Then, with little else to do, he comes and pokes his head in the door and notices the group gathered around Harrigan’s Cabin Girl.
Seeing that she’s sobbing he rolls his eyes, disgusted at what appears to be an obvious ruse, but says nothing at the moment.
Quietly to him she said, "You're up, sorcerer. Be charming."
Then stepped back to give Dhaavan room inside the cabin.
As he notices Rain step back he beckons her to him so that Dhaavan has room to work.
”Pilot-Major, you got a moment?” he says to her quietly as he glances back to the main deck.
"Speaking of which; here you go Pilot-Major. The way I see it, it’s yours; after all, you bled for it,” he says, passing over the Masterwork Dagger to Rain.
"Although it is a fine dagger, I think the girl could use it more than I. Once the girl wakes and Dhaavan sweet talks her to our side, she will probably need it against Harrigan's wrath."
Rain listened as Flynn talked of the poison Caulky carried to mix in an unsuspecting sailor's drink.
"We were fed the same the night we were shanghaied."
Variel also was interested in finding out what Caulky knew but as she fainted at his threat he decided to leave the sorceror to his work. Seeing that Flynn and Rain had things to discuss he let them talk but not before giving her arm a kiss where her wound had been before.
Rain smiled at the gentle kiss Variel placed on her healed underarm, where Caulky's knife had pierced her flesh earlier in the alehouse. Her fingertips brushed his face ever so lightly as they were not alone and had a prisoner to contend with.
As he notices Rain step back he beckons her to him so that Dhaavan has room to work.
”Pilot-Major, you got a moment?” he says to her quietly as he glances back to the main deck.
Rain gave a nod and moved toward Flynn, who was headed for the main deck.
"What is the matter, Flynn?" Rain asked quietly.
"Although it is a fine dagger, I think the girl could use it more than I. Once the girl wakes and Dhaavan sweet talks her to our side, she will probably need it against Harrigan's wrath."
Horatio rubs his chin and turns and looks back at the girl.
”Aye, it is a fine dagger. A blade like that fetches about 300 gold on the open market. Seems a little odd that this girl who weeps at the sight of blood would be equipped with so fine a weapon…” he says slowly.
”But who knows? She may not be as good of a fighter as she is a thief,” he adds with a shrug.
”Hopefully she’ll answer your questions clearly about her skills; something that would be useful to know. But the more I think about it the more I figure she’s probably more of a thief than a fighter. You know, nimble fingers and all that hash so that she could plant the poison without being seen?”
Rain listened as Flynn talked of the poison Caulky carried to mix in an unsuspecting sailor's drink.
"We were fed the same the night we were shanghaied."
He nods at her words.
”Aye! I remember that, now. Well, in any case, if you want her to keep the dagger then I won’t say anything."
"I mean, the way I figure it it’s not a whole chest of pearls or platinum coins or nothing; just a fancy dagger,” he adds with a shrug.
"What is the matter, Flynn?" Rain asked quietly.
He nods to her.
”I ordered extra lads on the watch,” he says with a nod at the men aloft and on the fore deck and mid-ship.
”I’m willing to bet that Harrigan would have heard we were here and it’s also possible that he may decide to take some action in the night.”
His eyes narrow as he stares at the bay, the magical eyepatch allowing him an uncommon vision to peer over the darkened waters.
”I don’t really know much about how pirate folk conduct themselves; not really. Hell, I figured that my little speech to that Pirate King about sticking it to Harrigan would have gone over a lot better than it did, but it seems that they don’t mess around with that kind of stuff…” he says with a frown.
”That being the case, I don’t know what their ‘policy’ is at attacking ships that are docked in the harbor. Maybe sending a few lads to hit our ship when it’s docked here is nothing; maybe it will piss of the Pirate King as we’re all under his jurisdiction? I have no idea.”
He continues to stare at the sea for a while.
”If I wasn’t allowed to attack a ship in the harbor, and if I was Harrigan, I’d make a big show of taking my gear and setting off the next morning. Then I’d drop anchor a few leagues from the town and wait for our ship to hit the open seas and then attack us shortly after we’ve sailed and aren’t expecting things. Sort of like blockading the port…”
He shakes his head, a frown on his face.
”Ah hell, that’s probably me just being suspicious. Like as not there won’t be any trouble in the night from Harrigan and his lot, nor the next day; especially if he needs to pick up more men…”
He turns back to Rain.
”Anyhow, that leads me to a point I’d like to toss out there, seeing as I’m still a little confused on all this ‘pirate policy’, not to mention I'm still probably a bit more suspicious of things than I ought to be.”
”Right now I gave orders to the lads to take positions on the ship. I’m not the captain, but the way I see it, we’re all in this together. If someone comes up with a good idea, they should act on it without having to be reduced to the formality of making a suggestion and then waiting for the suggestion to be carried out.”
”That being the case, I acted. What do you think of that so far?” he tells her.
He listens to her response about that question and then continues.
”Also, I wanted to thank you for lending a hand with the Halflings. I wont’ forget it,” he says to her with a nod.
”For now I’ve paid so that they can have some proper gear and arms; now they’re below with Piper. But not all of them can sail, and not all of them can fight; and those who can’t are looking to go home.”
”Their home isn’t far off, though; about a day’s journey from here, from what I can tell from the maps. I know I’ll have to put it to everyone eventually, but for now I was curious to know what you thought about just dropping them off there on the way back to The Rock?” he asks.
At the mention of the girl, her finely crafted dagger, and her possible talents, Rain simply shrugged. "Dhaavan and Amen-set are working to get the answers we need. Then we will know how to proceed."
As Flynn continued to speculate on Harrigan's actions, Rain listened without interruption and then simply added, "You may be right that word has gotten back to Harrigan that we are in town and have his girl. As to an impending attack, anything is possible, and he may feel he has something to prove since you told the Hurricane King and his patrons that we bested him. To be frank with you, I would not have disclosed that myself, but that is neither here nor there at present. It is done and we should be prepared for retaliation: whether real or imagined. It does not hurt to order extra watches and be more vigilant in open water. Now that we are Free Captains, we may have a bigger target on our backs - minor Captains with something to prove."
When talk turned to ship duties and the domains thereof, Rain looked out across the harbour and then back to Flynn. She lowered her voice because they were standing on the main deck, "Aye, we are all in this together. Nonetheless, official posts are important as they show and provide order and the crew know who they report to. It is important that we respect each other's commission and show unity through respect. If you are asked to help, then by all means set yourself to the task. But if it is the purview of another officer, and they have not given you express leave, then allow them the command of it. Patience is something we all must strive for." Rain quietly smiled, silently reflecting on her own thoughts and experiences.
After a bit, the conversation turned to the freed Halfling slaves. "You were the one with the vision to free them and your plan bore fruit. It is good and I am glad I could help in some way. It is kindness to provide for each of them as you have. As to sailing the weaker ones home, I do not oppose to such a thing, but I have not heard Variel's plans for our next venture once we depart Port Peril. I believe Dhaavan was eager to swiftly return to the Rock. But if it is only an extra day of sailing, I could simply try and catch a good wind or wave and push the Lady faster so the sorcerer can return home on time." Rain gave Flynn a little wink for she was in no rush either way.
A sudden thought came to her.
"How dangerous are the waters around their island home? What manner of ships sail that way?"
As Flynn continued to speculate on Harrigan's actions, Rain listened without interruption and then simply added, "As to an impending attack, anything is possible, and he may feel he has something to prove since you told the Hurricane King and his patrons that we bested him. To be frank with you, I would not have disclosed that myself, but that is neither here nor there at present."
Horatio winces a little, recalling how things turned out with that dinner, his face looking a bit embarrassed.
”Aye, you’re probably right.”
”On the other hand, I figure that if Harrigan was around it’s likely he would find out about us sooner or later; after all, half of our present crew used to sail with him personally before they decided to join with our gang.”
”I guess I was hoping that if he was going to find out at all then it would be better for him to hear that we’re not afraid of him, as opposed to hiding from him. I don’t know; I guess my hope was that by showing we weren’t afraid of his possible reaction that it may make him – or anyone else – think twice before taking a cheap shot at us.”
”But you’re right; any way you slice it, that’s neither here nor there, now. I guess that’s just one more problem I’ll have to deal with later,” he adds with a sigh.
"…we are all in this together. Nonetheless, official posts are important as they show and provide order and the crew know who they report to. It is important that we respect each other's commission and show unity through respect." Rain quietly smiled, silently reflecting on her own thoughts and experiences.
Horatio looks up at her with a small smile on his face.
”Hey, look who you’re talking to,” he says with a quick chuckle.
”Remember me? The guy who kept pushing things he learned from Royal Navy? You know; watch schedules and formal positions, and duties and formal orders and all that crap?” he adds with a sardonic light in his eyes.
”But that was then,” he says with a small smile.
”As for now, the way I see it is all the officers are all equal on this ship. We want to do something, we put it to a vote; everyone gets a choice, and if one person says we’re doing “X” and the others don’t agree, well then we go with the majority, because we’re all equal.”
”To be honest, I didn’t really agree with that at first, but now that I’ve seen it work, I really like that idea. No kings; no masters; no one to lord it over you here. You’re equal and everyone gets a say,” he says thoughtfully.
”As for the respect thing? Well, I try to be respectful of other folk and I try to do what I can to make sure I’m decent to everyone, but you're right. It's better for moral for us and the crew if all the officers treat each other with more respect for each of our positions. I'll remember that,” he says with a sincere voice.
After a bit, the conversation turned to the freed Halfling slaves. ""How dangerous are the waters around their island home? What manner of ships sail that way?"
Horatio rubs his chin thoughtfully.
”Well, I’m not entirely sure,” he says slowly.
”However, I had a chance to look over the charts lately and I’ve seen that straight west of here is Motaku Isle and the island that’s straight north of Motaku is Bag Island.”
"As of yet I'm not entirely sure about how dangerous those waters are; but tomorrow I'll check my notes and see what my studies can reveal," he adds.
”Since that Pirate Lass who invited us to dinner tomorrow lives on Motaku I figured that after we met with her it would be a good idea to go visit her town and see what it’s like. And if we do that then it would only be a hop up to Bag Island. But worst case scenario is that if we stop over at Motaku we can take the lads who want to get home and hopefully buy passage from one of the captains that might head north, but that’s assuming we go to Motaku island. Personally, I think that’s a good plan, but I guess we’ll see how things turn out,” he adds with a friendly voice, though it’s clear that he intends to be doing everything he can to get the Halflings home, safe and sound.
Having found little information about Sejiro's mother, or if it even was the kitsune's mother an not some other, Daavan changes tact for the day.
We'll see what the Lady Pirate has to say about strange letter we received but first,
Dhaavan will hit the town in the afternoon looking for some finery for trade, wares of craftsmen and corsairs coming to Port Peril to offload their ill-gotten goods taken from the wealthy. He brings along the three most intimidating members of the crew on the ship as backup, I'm thinking Shivikah or Jape, as well as two other tough crewmen that are potential Furies that he wants to get to know better. He picks up a suitable outfit. He's got enough appraise to be pretty close as far as the value of what's he's getting and the quality of the clothing, hoping to dress to impress
At the shops while he looks for some fine blacks, he shops he keeps an eye out for potential recruits, Pirates off-loading fine goods that speak of challenging prey.
He mentions that they've recently received their Letter of Mark, joking about gambling with Tsadok and laughing as he recounts, My officers flew into such a battle-rage in the fight with the the Fishpork and the damn brute went down too easy! I had to call prey from other realms for them to kill till they were satisfied he says with a laugh, making light of the confusion spell. The implication being that magics that would normally cause a crew to tear itself apart isn't jsut something we can handle, but a joke!
Yeah, we're that good.
He also name-drops with potential recruits, It's been a good time out here, but I'll be glad to get home to my wife. Once we make berth back at Tidewater we'll have a feast in celebration of our success here, eh? Daavan says to the swashbuckler with whom he is speaking currently glancing at his crewmen conspiratorially.
They grin at the thought
to recruit.
Dhaavan goes for being social, tries to pick out skilled adventurers that will make a marked contribution that he thinks will be tractable and have a measure of "honor" even if it simply stems from pride.
Adular first goes down to pray for a time by the shrine, and then returns to the side of the ship with a small solitary pearl. It drips holy water as if were recently soaking.
"By your power, Besmara, send me one who knows," He kisses the pearl, and throws it into the ocean.
There's a ripple, and then a hand bursts through the water, no fair nymph this, the creature looks more like a hag made of water. Indeed, the pearl in her hand submerges into her own personal depths until it floats near where her heart should be.
"What do you want, you mewling piece of surface flesh?" The creature asks through irregular and gaped teeth, her eyes only on Adular as if she sees no other "it can't be much for such a pittance!"
Adular bows low, "Ah, fair one. Any treasure thrown you would pale to your magnificence. And the favor I ask is small."
The crone like being actually preens at the flattery, but keeps up the insults, "Well? What is it you son of a whore! Shall I strangle someone in his sleep during the next storm for you if he be stupid enough to sleep during it? Are you hoping for the map to some lusty mermaid whose drunk enough to bed you? Want your name written on the bottom of this ship cursed to have a wretch like you aboard it?"
"I ask your knowledge on a matter, beautiful lady. You pay Besmara tribute and you know her power well. The knowledge involves that power and recognizing it."
"Aye, we respect her, even if she insists on surrounding herself with useless mortals. Ask then, you bilge drinker!" She snarled even as she touched her face as a pretty young thing might while preparing for a suitor.
Adular smiled at that, "I've been changed, just today in fact," He showed his claws to her, careful not to show his complete displeasure "Two great behemoths, the like of which I've never seen, clashed! When it was over, I and others among the officers were altered. Power is building in it, I can feel that. Are these deformities Besmara's doing or the doing of her servants?"
The liquid being rose up and sniffed at his claws, then nibbled one as if tasting it, "Something old indeed, but there's naught of Besmara in it. Remove it as you would any curse if you don't think the sour is worth the sweet, but the power itself lays within you still, by chance or fate I cannot say. All I can say, all I will say, is the answer you have asked. This is not Besmara's doing or by her orders."
Adular drew his claws back as if worried she might bite hard the next time, "Radiant lady, take thy pearl, which cannot compare to your own shine and go with my gratitude."
"Fie on Gratitude! The claws are the only pretty thing about you! Why do I bother answering such ugly trash I never know." The creature, like a pampered princess that doesn't know its in a hag's body, whirls and departs.. the spell done.
Adular wipes his brow, "Well then, good news, it's not my goddess' will. Bad news, I have no idea what true story awaits then. "
Instead, she replied simply with, "Information is worth much, little sister."
Amen-set nods.
”Aye! For do not the prophets say that the gift of gold may shine only for a season; yet the gift of knowledge shall illuminate the heavens? Thy speak the truth, indeed, Nebet-i, for it is clear that thy words echo the wisdom of the wise,” she says with a courteous tone, then bows again to Rain.
Rain checked on Neko and the Wheel ... and spoke to Amen-set briefly about the meaning of nebet-i before retiring.
As the company return to the ship Amen-set sees Rain motion to her and she nods and moves to Rain and bows courteously before her.
When Rain questions her about the meaning of the word Nebet-i Amen-set seems somewhat abashed for having being so presumptuous.
”This that I have called thee; in my native tongue it means… apologies, the precise meaning is somewhat difficult; yet it would be as if thy would call one… Noble Lord. But in this case my tongue names thee rather Nebet-i instead, which means Noble Lady,” she says after a moment.
”Great gifts of the Elder Race have been made manifest in thy blood. Even now the wings of the Dragon have blossomed from thy flesh and thus it is proven with greater ease thy bond to the Elder Race to all with wit to see it,” she says.
”Others who walk with thee have been blessed with such manifestations, it is true. Yet none of our company, even my hatey-a', were given such a bold demonstration of the power made pure. Indeed; their flesh may have altered slightly, or their strength may yet be augmented a trifle; yet none who see thee can mistake the truth of thy nature. For has not thy flesh expanded to conform to thy… thy spirit? Aye, indeed! And thus it is clear to any who lay eyes upon thee that in thy bosom beats the heart of the dragonkind,” she adds with a proud voice, as if she isn’t really that surprised that Rain was given such a blessing among all of the other company.
Furthermore, although Horatio didn’t seem very pleased about the changes the officers went through, Amen-set is not only clearly impressed, but nearly in awe of the changes that make the company seem more “Dragonlike”, especially Rain’s changes which are clearly the most dragonlike in appearance of the company.
You suspect that this awe has prompted her to be a little more courteous with the officers and somewhat more nervous about being “familiar” with the officers, too. As if calling Rain senet may seem somehow disrespectful of one who has such mighty power.
More on these matters can be pursued if you wish to speak to her about them…
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Nodding in understanding at the use of the word Captain Variel keeps his hand on hers. I am sorry for my words and apparent lack of concern. In truth I knew that you could handle yourself and that you had avoided most of the heavy wounds where they had suffered some grievous ones. I was also waiting to tend to you more privately rather than openly. I'm still awkward around you with others present. I don't know why but it almost seems like you are a forbidden fruit that I can only appreciate fully in private. Those are but excuses though and I should have sought you out first.
Rain closed her eyes for a brief moment after Variel had spoken and felt the light warm the lids. She could feel Variel's hand around hers for he had not pulled away. Rain could feel the tiny pulse at her neck beat quickly beneath her skin.
In earnest, she did not know how to respond to Variel's disclosure that he saw her as forbidden fruit, only to be appreciated behind closed doors. Aye, deeper intimacy was best practised away from prying eyes, but innocent intimacy - general concern for a loved one -- she had never known them to be undertaken in such a clandestine manner -- her grandfather had always shown her grandmother love, affection and care before the family and his crewmen. And in truth, she wanted a mate strong enough to show such affection and consideration in public. She did not feel she was asking much in this matter. There had been times when she had been injured grievously and Variel had never approached her the way he had two of the others this day. She had spent too long on her silent contemplations and opened her eyes and looked at Variel. She continued speaking in a discreet manner, meant for their ears only.
"I do not want our love and consideration only played out behind closed doors, Variel. I will not have you hide me away so. You cannot simply strive to be a great Captain and fall short as a lifelong mate. We will marry in a few, short months, and I will be formally your wife. Your duty to me as husband will trump your duty to me, or any other, as Captain. If you cannot put greater consideration into your wife, then we will have much to speak on before the wedding. I will not have a mate who hides his feelings and consideration for me. Such feelings and actions do not harm or undermine your relationship with the other officers. Aye, there are Shanxian assassins tracking you and you must be cautious. As your future wife, I may become a target. But aboard the Lady there are no foreign assassins to be wary of. And if there were, we would settle the threat together and with the others by our side. You may not like Pierce for his high-handed pursuit of me, but at least he has no fear in showing the world what and who he wants. He just strives for it. I do admire him for that. And, I want that from my mate."
How interesting the girl's mind was and the way Amen-set saw the world and Rain's part in it.
"Whether pure whim or some thread of Fate, I have been given these silver dragon wings. I do not expect any higher deference for their presence. You and I are known to each other. I would not see you place yourself beneath me and lay titles upon me that I have not earned. I do not understand the significance of these wings, yet. I must learn how to be myself with them, now. Whether in my breast beats the heart of dragonkind or nay, it does not matter. I am Rain and you are Amen-set. If I must give you formal leave to treat me as you once did, then I give it without condition. Let there be no barriers of formality between us and let us be friends and warriors fighting side by side. Sound good, little sister?"
** spoiler omitted **...
Amen-set naturally shows Rain full respect, but in this case when she sees Rain speaking to Variel privately she moves close to Rain and holds her musket stock tightly, as if she is prepared to do whatever is necessary to formally support Rain's actions.
Amen-set cocks her head and stares at Rain.
”This gift thou were granted by the benevolence of the gods. There need be no other explanation that that,” she says with a simple voice.
”The significance of thy wings is that they merely mirror thy heart. Do not the prophets say – The measure of a Man’s heart is soon made clear by the light that shines from within to without? – Aye! And thus it is with thee. Some cannot mark the presence of the Dragonkin within thee, maybe; yet it cannot be mistaken now,” she adds with an innocent sincerity.
”And do not the prophets also say – How can their be kinship between the lion and the mouse? Indeed! How, then, can I dare call thee senet when we two are estranged, for thou art gifted with true power from the gods while I am but a shadow to thy light,” she adds with a somewhat sad voice.
”If thou would say we are as before I am not able to see how this may be, yet. However, I give thee my word that I shall seek the truth in this and ask the Great Father to guide me in this matter. In truth, I would see thee as before, yet my heart would not dare to do this until I may prove to thee through skill or great strength that I am more worthy to bear that title,” she adds after a moment of thought.
”I would speak to thee further on this matter, if thou would permit it?” she adds, her tone somewhat more relaxed though, a little nervous, as if she’s somehow overstepping her bounds.
It was apparent that no matter the argument she placed before Amen-set that the girl would only see it one way and that is an Elf with dragon wings was of some magnificence - marked by the gods.
"If speaking with your Great Father will be of help, then I will support it. And aye, you may continue to speak with me as I work, Amen."
Horatio approaches Sandara.
”Evening, ma’am,” he says, tipping his forelock to her.
”I got a question – do you got the spell “Detect Alignment” or something that can tell if something is either “good” or “evil” memorized?” he asks her politely.
Horatio is going to study the box and use the following skills to attempt to learn about it.
As of now we know there is no aura from it; it radiates nothing Evil or Good.
There is no Magical Aura connected to it.
The stone box seems hollow with possibly something in it; but there is no indication of a seam or opening.
The box is made out of a black stone which seems to be unique – it is believed that the stone is not from this realm (or at least this planet); and may be from another world or even another Plane.
That said; Horatio would like to know what is in it and how to open it…
Dhaavan, you aren't sure, even with that roll and Flynn's help, but you think this may be a piece of Aucturnian Ore. If so this is perhaps one of 3 or 4 known pieces in the entire world.
Horatio glances at Dhaavan and lets out a long, toneless whistle.
"Well, gods-damn! That's interesting to know..." he says to the sorcerer.
"My thanks, M'lord," he says with a wicked grin at Dhaavan.
"Based on what you said that means it'll be worth something to the right people, that's for sure; assuming what's inside it isn't the kind of thing worth hanging on to instead," he adds.
Aucturn: The Stranger is the eleventh and farthest planet from Golarion's sun. For approximately four months every 56 years, Golarion and Aucturn's orbits align such that they are closest to one another, affecting Golarion's elementals in unpredictable ways, including violent sandstorms in the deserts of Osirion resulting in the frequent uncovering of long-lost ruins. Little is known of the planet itself, although some believe that it is connected in some way to the dark, empty places between the stars.
As the ships prepare to depart, Adular sees to the loading and storage of some of the hard won goods by the crew. Should he see Ana, Ramen-Set, or Sandara he waves her (or them) to come over if they would.
As the ships prepare to depart, Adular sees to the loading and storage of some of the hard won goods by the crew. Should he see Ana, Amen-Set, or Sandara he waves her (or them) to come over if they would.
Amen-set notices Adular’s gesture and glances at Horatio who shrugs laconically and takes another bite of the apple.
Seeing that she nods and turns and moves toward Adular.
”You fought well beneath the waves,” she says to him with a nod of her head in respect ”I honor thee for thy assistance.”
”How may I be of service?” she asks.
"Thank ye, though the tales will rightly give other points for doing more damage than I did against the Aboleth.... nasty creature. Stuff o Nightmares to a freedom loving man like me," He admits, then gets back to the subject, "Tis about a point Rain made, and related to a point you made yourself earlier still. You were kind enough to pray regular for water breathing spells, offering to take that load off. I'm grateful for that. It's something in that vein I wanted to ask others what heal and deal with the divine about," He says pacing a bit, "Now, I've always been of a bent that if our gods, goddesses or patrons...call em what you will, gave us a sacred trust. That what gifts a priest, for example, prays for were his or her own affair and his or her own to dispense. We take requests, surely, but the true authority oer our power is the source that grants it and our own good judgement. Not all would agree, but it's why I'm not going to tell ANYONE 'you must have this spell ready' or otherwise. However, I did think an exchange of knowledge of who is WILLING to pray regular for what might be a good idea, at least those that pertain to undoing poisons and curses and what not. For example, I ended up using restorations o the lesser kind so many times one week that I just started keepin the spell at least once in my noggin out o habit and..." He realizes he's rambling a bit, "Sorry, I should make this short and sweet, but I figured a little coordination between us might help out a touch is what I'm saying; like you did for me with the water breathing offers on the crew. What does each of us carry around of those anyway so we'll know who to send the stricken to first and so on? What do ye think o the idea of a bit of seeing who has what? too personal?"
"Sorry, I should make this short and sweet, but I figured a little coordination between us might help out a touch is what I'm saying; like you did for me with the water breathing offers on the crew. What does each of us carry around of those anyway so we'll know who to send the stricken to first and so on? What do ye think o the idea of a bit of seeing who has what? too personal?"
Amen-set nods slowly at Adular's words.
"Nay, I do not fear the sharing of that which can lend strength to our company," she says, agreeing with Adular's desire to share with the group.
"For myself, I have chosen my spells to aid the party as best as I can; though mostly my skills are designed to augment combat while we are part of it. It is to my shame that during the last battle I was unable to aid thee, but I am from the desert and am not yet a strong swimmer..."
She shakes her head and continues.
"Most of my spells have been chosen to boost the company in a fight and to support them if one falters; I have not given much thought to what happens after the fight is done, though," she says thoughtfully.
"If thy would offer a recommendation for which spells would be best then - assuredly - I shall do what I can to pursue them," she adds.
"You got nothing to be ashamed about, Amen-set. In fact, the idea you were behind to help defend the crew while the officers were under was no small comfort to many of us I'm sure," Adular says, "A lot depends on what Ana and Sandara are willing to carry regularly. I think, and I could be wrong, only myself and maybe Ana can entirely undo venom and the like... but delaying it would surely be in the power of everyone. Undoing a curse might also be wise, but again, I'll need word from the others to see who is willing to do what. Mostly I wanted to make sure I could reccomend and coordinate without offense."
"You got nothing to be ashamed about, Amen-set. In fact, the idea you were behind to help defend the crew while the officers were under was no small comfort to many of us I'm sure," Adular says, "A lot depends on what Ana and Sandara are willing to carry regularly. I think, and I could be wrong, only myself and maybe Ana can entirely undo venom and the like... but delaying it would surely be in the power of everyone. Undoing a curse might also be wise, but again, I'll need word from the others to see who is willing to do what. Mostly I wanted to make sure I could reccomend and coordinate without offense."
Amen-set bows at this compliments.
"This is wise; once we hear more from them than it shall be far easier to plan better, I deem."
"Yet, I should say, I am not as skilled as some in the matter of certain tasks, and my ability to disassemble a curse or poison would be far weaker than others... though I shall do what I can to help," she says, but is still willing to hear more from Ana and Sandara, too.
"Appreciated, lass," The half elf smiles, "I think if Sandara is willing to keep praying for the pestilence problem, that takes a bit worry off folks right there. I'll always have a lesser restoration ready. Up to you, a delay poison might be handy in an emergency if you don't mind asking for it. I want your opinions too, not just your help. If you feel I'm being too paranoid, let me know. I'm just tired of getting caught with me trousers down every other trouble when it comes to what the crew needs. I suppose I could pray for nothing but the fixes, but then..well, what's the fun in that? And Besmara isn't exactly one for healing only always."
When Adular approaches Sandara she says in her typical sweet and gently fashion...Are ye s~+$tin me, me little pointy eared sea puppy? Of course I have that one always prepped! Ye can be sure I gots that one considering how ye all tend to come back from yer excursions. Now I gots some work to do. Yer adorable behind better be in me bunk at 11 bells or yer gonna need a few cure spells yerself! She smiles and then smacks you on your rear end before heading back to her duties.
When Adular approaches Sandara she says in her typical sweet and gently fashion...Are ye s@~!tin me, me little pointy eared sea puppy? Of course I have that one always prepped! Ye can be sure I gots that one considering how ye all tend to come back from yer excursions. Now I gots some work to do. Yer adorable behind better be in me bunk at 11 bells or yer gonna need a few cure spells yerself! She smiles and then smacks you on your rear end before heading back to her duties.
Amen-set strokes her chin thoughtfully as she watches the interplay.
After Sandara returns to her duties she turns to Adular.
"When thy coitus is finished, could thou ascertain what specifics thy lady has committed to her memory on a daily basis?" she asks.
"I mean no disrespect; but vague allusions to generalities do not strike me as a wise mechanism for planning strategy," she adds with a polite voice.
"In short; a list of spells known and ready would be best. And the same can be said for the other who is knowledgeable about such spells," she adds regarding Ana, curious to know where Ana is and when Ana will actually answer, too...
When Adular approaches Sandara she says in her typical sweet and gently fashion...Are ye s+*+tin me, me little pointy eared sea puppy? Of course I have that one always prepped! Ye can be sure I gots that one considering how ye all tend to come back from yer excursions. Now I gots some work to do. Yer adorable behind better be in me bunk at 11 bells or yer gonna need a few cure spells yerself! She smiles and then smacks you on your rear end before heading back to her duties.
"Ha! You're down for the removin o the sailor's visitor then," He grins and watches her go, calling after, "And don't worry, I'm not one for dawdling on duty." A wink.
"When thy coitus is finished, could thou ascertain what specifics thy lady has committed to her memory on a daily basis?" she asks.
"I mean no disrespect; but vague allusions to generalities do not strike me as a wise mechanism for planning strategy," she adds with a polite voice.
"In short; a list of spells known and ready would be best. And the same can be said for the other who is knowledgeable about such spells," she adds regarding Ana, curious to know where Ana is and when Ana will actually answer, too..
"Oh, you two just have a different way of speaking is all. She means she'll take care of havin' at least one remove disease at the ready from here on out," He assures Amen-Set, "Good for us to know. Now your list idea is nice, but Sandara and I are not o orderly bent and neither is our goddess, so we're going to have to play a bit fast and loose. But so far we know this: I have at least one Lesser Restoration at all times; Sandara will have at least one remove disease at all times. And... well, if you're willing to take a slow poison, that's 3 out o the four great dangers we can at least mitigate. I would rather cast curses than remove them, but I may have to take that one on. We'll see. And we'll see what Ana wants to chip in if any. She's got other focuses and I ain't meaning to put too much pressure on any."
" And... well, if you're willing to take a slow poison, that's 3 out o the four great dangers we can at least mitigate. I would rather cast curses than remove them, but I may have to take that one on. We'll see. And we'll see what Ana wants to chip in if any. She's got other focuses and I ain't meaning to put too much...
Amen-set cocks her head and ponders what Adular said for a bit.
"It is not my desire to use what limited resources I have to memorize such things," she says slowly "yet I will certainly do so if it is best for the company," she adds with a bow.
"Yet for now I am less than satisfied with the answers of the other."
"Is she part of this company, or not?" she adds.
"For myself, I do not wholly know. Yet if she is, then it seems to me that she could contribute and at least speak on such matters."
"We commit to memory such things and make our plans and policies clear to all, as is reasonable between allies. Will she not do the same? And if not, why?" Amen-set says.
Adular looks thoughtful, "Law versus Chaos, Lass... the one and many... ancient arguments of philosophy and belief. If you don't want to memorize a slow poison spell, don't. Least as far as I'm concerned because I favor chaos' teachings: No point, to my thinking, to bend others for the 'greater good' to the point where you ask 'good for whom?'. Besides, the winds of fortune may change again and any plans we construct grow mute. Ana is certainly a part of the group, but she's also faced a loss to her and I don't know the full requirements or tenants of her faith. Maybe secrecy is part of her religion? If so, I respect that. Obviously your own faith and belief and mine might differ from hers a lot but in different ways. So I think the best thing is make sure it stays just a request. For my part, I'll try to keep folks a bit more posted on what I might pray for regular."
He looks over the sea waves,"Asides, no plan ever survived contact with battle anyway. I'm just putting out feelers right now."
Adular looks thoughtful, "Law versus Chaos, Lass... the one and many... ancient arguments of philosophy and belief. If you don't want to memorize a slow poison spell, don't. Least as far as I'm concerned because I favor chaos' teachings: No point, to my thinking, to bend others for the 'greater good' to the point where you ask 'good for whom?'. Besides, the winds of fortune may change again and any plans we construct grow mute. Ana is certainly a part of the group, but she's also faced a loss to her and I don't know the full requirements or tenants of her faith. Maybe secrecy is part of her religion? If so, I respect that. Obviously your own faith and belief and mine might differ from hers a lot but in different ways. So I think the best thing is make sure it stays just a request. For my part, I'll try to keep folks a bit more posted on what I might pray for regular."
He looks over the sea waves,"Asides, no plan ever survived contact with battle anyway. I'm just putting out feelers right now."
Amen-set regards Adular for a moment, then she turns to look at the waves, too.
"Perhaps thy speak the truth about the woman, perhaps not..." she says after a moment.
"We shall never know what her feelings are, or her desires, not truly, until or unless she elects to speak to us about them."
She turns to study Adular.
"She has chosen not to speak; she has chosen not to answer... Therefore, she has made her choice."
"That may change in the future, though I doubt it."
"I deem that - to some - certain things simply are not as important as they are to others. We cannot make people care about what is important to us; they either do, or it simply does not matter to them," she adds with a flat voice.
She lets out a deep sigh.
"I shall commit to my memory the spells to expunge poison. That is a wise decision; thus I shall do it," she says with a small smile and a bow.
She turns and looks to the sea for a while, her eyes on the water, then she speaks to Adular in a quieter voice.
"I have spoken to my hatey-a'... He is... displeased... with those whose interest wains on aiding the company."
She thinks for a moment, as if not sure how to proceed.
"Those who do not aid us, yet take from us their cut in wealth as if they were still one of us? We sail to a port; if they do not wish to sail, if they do not wish to help, if they do not want to participate... then they should take their leave at the port and, perhaps, we must find a replacement."
She looks to Ana again for a long moment, as feeling an immense weight, then shakes her head and stares back at the water.
"My hatey-a' has attempted to solve this matter in several ways, amicable ways, but there seems to be little response or... interest..." she says with a tight voice.
"He is no longer satisfied with this lack of interest."
"He deems that more direct action must occur."
She looks at Adular.
"It is written - Those who refuse thy friendship are thus thy enemy."
Her hand tightens and fire licks over the skin, then she shrugs.
"Those who are our enemies must die."
Adular's brow knits with concern, "Now that confuses me. Forgive, but I don't know of anyone who doesn't aid us who is on the ships. Some work hard as able bodied sailors, others offer counsel and advice. A few heal, many fight. Some scout under the waves and risk their very minds and lives on missions by our side. Maybe some fault's on me and others for not catching Flynn's meanings as well as I should, but sometimes things get tabled, put on hold... inaction doesn't mean no thought was put into it. Sometimes it means there are other priorities, or a rest is needed before a true call is made. Enlighten me, who specifically ain't pulling their weight in Horatio's opinion? Because I ain't seeing it so much."
Adular's brow knits with concern, "Now that confuses me. Forgive, but I don't know of anyone who doesn't aid us who is on the ships. Some work hard as able bodied sailors, others offer counsel and advice. A few heal, many fight. Some scout under the waves and risk their very minds and lives on missions by our side. Maybe some fault's on me and others for not catching Flynn's meanings as well as I should, but sometimes things get tabled, put on hold... inaction doesn't mean no thought was put into it. Sometimes it means there are other priorities, or a rest is needed before a true call is made. Enlighten me, who specifically ain't pulling their weight in Horatio's opinion? Because I ain't seeing it so much."
She watches the waves a moment and shrugs.
"Who can say what my hatey-a' truly thinks but him?" she asks.
"I know only this... He is displeased."
"Yet it is not my place to question him, for he is my hatey-a', and my duty is not to question, yet obey; yet I know that he is now resolved in his desires."
Then she sighs and turns to study Adular thoughtfully.
"Perhaps I have spoken out of turn... I know only that my own heart is troubled, but what of that? In any case, a man must not be judged by the choices he considers, but only on what deed he elects to perform."
She smiles up at Adular.
"Meanwhile, do not trouble thyself overmuch. I deem that thou art a friend to all, and a worthy ally."
"Neither he, nor I, shall let harm befall those are our friends."
"You're too kind, lass. And true, a man's thoughts are not his deeds and his deeds aren't always what he thought. Maybe I'll talk to Flynn, see if he's in a chatty mood. He and I don't always agree, but he works damn hard and I'd be a poor mate to ignore him if that's what I've been doing." He scratches his chin, "Thank ye for sharing that concern."
"You're too kind, lass. And true, a man's thoughts are not his deeds and his deeds aren't always what he thought. Maybe I'll talk to Flynn, see if he's in a chatty mood. He and I don't always agree, but he works damn hard and I'd be a poor mate to ignore him if that's what I've been doing." He scratches his chin, "Thank ye for sharing that concern."
As he is leaving, Amen-set bows low before Adular.
"May the Great Father bless thee," she says to him with a smile.
"May the Pirate Queen throw you a line when the storm might leave nothing else," He he doffs his hat to attend to other matters. I suppose I should indeed talk to Flynn.
- DoT -
Dot.
As you move through the entrance you feel your entire line of vision seem to widen to the point that everything you see in front of you is now falling away before your eyes until it seems like a white speck on a horizon of utter darkness. For a moment you feel a sense of weightlessness and suddenly it passes and you start to rush toward the glimmer of light.
Your entire being moves ever faster, as if you were falling. Soon the light grows whiter and brighter and somehow larger… you feel a sense of adrenaline rush through your being even as the light grows brighter and brighter until you feel utterly overwhelmed by it and eclipses your entire vision and you feel yourself pushing through something that feels like heavy fog, even as you tumble forward through it and land with a dull thud on green grass.
You are somewhat disoriented, but you feel no pain.
You pull yourself to your feet and look around.
To south you can see a wide grassy plain stretching for miles. Far beyond the grass you can make out the spur of a long, silver river meandering in the distance.
To the north, about several miles, you see the beginnings of a vast forest that seems to stretch for some distance. You cannot make much of the forest, except that the trees seem very large and very, very old.
To the west you can see another wide river which runs from the north and heads south. Beyond the river are dark mountains. You are not sure, but you think you can see a storm brewing in the mountains, but it is very far away.
To the east you see four men on horseback, they are not far away and they seem to be heading to your company.
As you consider your “company” you look around….
You are not sure who came through the portal after you; but it is not easy to find each other at first, as you seem to be scattered around the grassy plains; it looks like you are roughly two to three hundred feet apart. But for your bright colored gear, it might be hard to notice each other.
Struggling to your feet you can see what looks like Amen-set – she is somewhat north of the rest of you, roughly a quarter of a mile and close to a few trees that are have breached the plains not far from the northern forest.
She seems to have started a fire; the smoke is burning thick and it is rising to the sky like a finger and is possibly what drew the riders. She does not seem to notice you yet, her eyes are focused on the riders to the east.
The riders are moving faster and look as if they’re heading to Amen-set; you guess they will reach her in about ten minutes at most – but you have little doubt that they will be able to find you all quickly, too.
Though as for “All” you do not know fully how many that number may be. As of now, there is no sign of Horatio…
What will you do?
Unable to contain a grin, "Well well well isn't this the serene place I actually thought it would not be. Touché, cursed coin, touché. Now, where are the others?" He looks around and catches sight of Amen-set. Just as he's about to call out, he notices the four riders to the east. As they seem to be on a collision course with Amen-set, Rajah figures he'd better get over there in a hurry just in case. "AMEN-SET!" he hollers as he heads in her direction at a rapid pace, hoping she hears. "YOU'VE GOT FOUR RIDERS INBOUND!"
"AMEN-SET!" he hollers as he heads in her direction at a rapid pace, hoping she hears. "YOU'VE GOT FOUR RIDERS INBOUND!"
Amen-set turns her gaze south at the sound of Rajah's voice.
Seeing that he is only about quarter mile from her, she waves her hands to beckon him to her.
She turns and points to the riders; you cannot quite understand her response, but it seems she has seen them, too.
She turns to the fire and seems to do something; the fire seems to smolder for a moment and then the smoke seems to stop and you think she may have put out the fire.
Despite this action the riders are still moving forward to her.
You do not think they have seen you yet, though.
What will you do now?
As they seem to be on a collision course with Amen-set, Rajah figures he'd better get over there in a hurry just in case.
As you move to reach her you see that Amen-set has indeed smothered the fire.
She dashes up to you with a look of nervousness on her face.
”Thou art here at last!” she says, despite the fact that you had followed her only moments after she left.
”What of the others? Unless my eyes cheat me, I see my senet in yonder fields, as well as the Quartermaster,” she adds with a nod to Jiro and Rain in the distance.
”Yet I have not seen my hatey-a', nor the others…” she says trailing off.
She stares at you for a short while, studying you intently, trying to puzzle some mystery out.
”Why did thy wait so long to follow? I had thought thee would have come soon after, at the least my senet, yet I myself have been on these plains for nearly two hours before thy appeared...”
Taken aback by the news, "Two hours?! Truly?! Now that is truly a bit of fantastic information, milady." He scratches his cheek as he ponders why such a discrepancy. "I say that because I followed you not two minutes after you and Sir Flynn left," he says, nodding matter of factly. After a quick glance toward the riders he turns his vision toward his fellow shipmates, "Good. Rain and Seijiro are here, maybe they can help us understand what is going on. While this place seems to be fantastic in all its beauty, it is obviously much more than it appears."
He then looks back toward the riders, "While it is good to have two more of our team to follow, let us hope Variel and Dhaavan follow suit as well for we may need all the help we can get if these four heading our way decide 'unfriendly' is their word of the day."
Taken aback by the news, "Two hours?! Truly?! Now that is truly a bit of fantastic information, milady." He scratches his cheek as he ponders why such a discrepancy. "I say that because I followed you not two minutes after you and Sir Flynn left," he says, nodding matter of factly.
Her eyes widen in surprise, then narrow as she ponders this.
”There is indeed some devilry afoot, then, for I have been alone at this place for some time... Indeed; when I came to this place I saw none but the grass and sent my friend Horus to scout about,” she says with a nod to the falcon who sits on a rock watching you both.
”His eyes discerned nothing and no one of note for a few miles; yet he did not stray far. I am not skilled in woodcraft and so did not deem it best to wander, in case others may follow… Yet I found no trace my of hatey-a' and thus I crafted a fire and in this way I hoped to use the smoke to draw his attention and so lead him to me.”
She turns and studies the riders.
”It seems I have drawn the eyes of others, though.”
After a quick glance toward the riders he turns his vision toward his fellow shipmates, "Good. Rain and Seijiro are here, maybe they can help us understand what is going on. While this place seems to be fantastic in all its beauty, it is obviously much more than it appears."
She nods and waves her hand to gesture the others over.
”This is indeed a fair place, aye… Yet thy touch now the thought in my mind since I came – where are we, where have we come to, and what has brought us hither?”
He then looks back toward the riders, "While it is good to have two more of our team to follow, let us hope Variel and Dhaavan follow suit as well for we may need all the help we can get if these four heading our way decide 'unfriendly' is their word of the day."
”I would have them both indeed, as well as my my hatey-a'; yet who can say if they, too, are not already in this place yet remain undiscovered? Methinks the dwimmercraft of that stone and coin has brought us to a place far removed from where we stood… yet still, I deem we are not here through error, but Fate.”
”Thus, my heart tells me that though we may travel far from this place as need drive us, if our companions seek to follow us, surely they will be moved to our path no matter where it leads…”
She thinks a moment about his last words.
"If these riders are indeed unfriendly then we shall either kill them swiftly or die in battle," she says with a neutral voice, then glances at Rajah with her wide, innocent eyes.
"Though I do not fear death, surely I deem it my duty to find my hatey-a' before that time. Therefore, if they are enemies, I would rather we slay them rather then perish... if thy are agreeable to that, of course," she adds with a polite voice, then glances south to the others.
Rain stood with Neko, Jiro and Tomo in the field. She pulled her woollen cloak tighter about her, even though her silvery leather wings were exposed to the air. She was grateful she brought along her pack with the blanket inside if needed.
She turned to Jiro and quietly spoke, "This land feels far colder than where we were on the ship. We must be further northward now."
Rain's eyes adjusted to the light and she saw the riders coming toward them.
She nods and waves her hand to gesture the others over.
"Come, let us join the others there, by the barren trees. I would not have us divided when they move ever closer upon us." With a nod, Rain, with magical pike in hand, proceeded to run, Neko by her side, to Amen-set and Rajah.
She looked again and could not see Flynn. She asked Amen-set, "Where is Flynn? He came through first."
Neko looked toward the riders in formation, and, lifting a thick golden paw laid it on herself and cast a spell.
"Come, let us join the others there, by the barren trees. I would not have us divided when they move ever closer upon us." With a nod, Rain, with magical pike in hand, proceeded to run, Neko by her side, to Amen-set and Rajah.
She looked again and could not see Flynn. She asked Amen-set, "Where is Flynn? He came through first."
Amen-set shakes her head helplessly at Rain.
”I do not know, senet,” she says in response.
”After I came here, I did not see him, though I searched. Thinking he may find me with greater ease, I built a fire and hoped the smoke would draw him to me… That was a few hours ago, yet he has not appeared and only now have I seen you and the others appear on the plains.”
”Still; I am well pleased you are here for if we are to do battle then I wish to do so with you at my side.”
Seeing Rain’s weapons at ready, she unslings her musket so it is loose in her hands, but she does not do anything aggressive with it quite yet…
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Neko looked toward the riders in formation, and, lifting a thick golden paw laid it on herself and cast a spell.
As the company waits for the riders they approach steadily until they are roughly fifty feet away. At which point they move in a somewhat wide semi-circle around you.
They are armored in various types of leather or light chain; but over all of their armor is dark green tabard with a golden griffon on it. You can see that one of them is a Half-Elf and he carries a longbow on his back and a sash over his shoulder with the symbol of Erestil on it.
The other three are humans. Two of them have muskets over their shoulders and are holding spears. The last has two flintlock pistols in his belt. In addition, all four have sabers at their side, though the one with with pistols has a more elaborate looking saber. The remaining gear is light, you would guess they could camp on the trail, but they do not look like they packed enough to travel more than a few days at most.
The riders do not look very old (think 18-22); except for the Half-Elf, yet you would still guess he’s relatively young for a Half-Elf (he’d also seem like he was 20 in Human Years).
The one with the pistols in his belt looks at you for a moment, then speaks.
”I am Christopher Ironhorse, attached to Lord Tyrell; you are strangers on the Queen’s Land and I ask that you identify yourself…” he says with a courteous but guarded tone.
Looking quite confused, "Good day to you, Sir Ironhorse. Rajah's the name by the way. Now, the Queen's Land, you say? Fascinating. I must confess that does not ring a bell... Ummm, this may seem like an odd question, forgive me if it's out of place but, where are we, specifically? The Queen's Land is a part of what nation, to be exact," he clarifies.
Looking quite confused, "Good day to you, Sir Ironhorse. Rajah's the name by the way. Now, the Queen's Land, you say? Fascinating. I must confess that does not ring a bell... Ummm, this may seem like an odd question, forgive me if it's out of place but, where are we, specifically? The Queen's Land is a part of what nation, to be exact," he clarifies.
”Oye – we’re asking the questions here, so why don’t…” one of the men with the muskets snarls, but Ironhorse cuts him off with a curt gesture and the man stops his comments, but he still eyes your group suspiciously.
Ironhorse turns his gaze from the man and then looks at you all intently, his eyes linger on Rain’s boarding pike; pausing also to look at your clothes and his eyes narrow.
Without turning his eyes from you, he speaks to one of his men –
”This one’s tongue is layered with the accent of the Varisian folk; and it is a certainty that Varisia is ally to Cheliax. Further, mark well their gear; they have the look of corsairs, if my eyes do not cheat me. Like as not they come to aid the Marquis and so swell his numbers and thus they may better assail us with their cursed reaving from the waterways…”
The other two men stare sullenly at your company, yet the Half-Elf responds to Ironhorse.
”My eyes are keener than yours, cousin; for even at a furlong I could see they were dressed as folk suited best for sailing rather than riding. Yet blessed be the vision that Old Deadeye has given me; for with it I see also the mark of Sarenrae upon him who questioned you. Though these folk may indeed hail from Varisia, my heart thinks they do not seek to aid that Infernal Empire.”
”Still, there is some mystery here. I perceived no deceit in this one’s question; yet how can he not know the lands he now travels in, and how did he come this far so poorly garbed for the storms of our land? Perhaps their arrival was instead fashioned through some wizard’s trick beyond their own contrivance, or some other purpose which we must fathom first before deciding what is the best course of action…”
The Half-Elf says no more, but it is clear he is thinking long on what he said to Ironhorse.
Ironhorse himself studies your company for a bit longer, then he turns to Rajah.
”The Queen rules this land you’re in now. She conquered it, so it’s hers,” he says, somewhat guardedly as he watches the group.
”But her capital is about a week or so of riding behind us. Meanwhile, you’re only a day or so away from where we’re headed, though it may be a bit longer on foot… That being the case, I think it would be better if we traveled together and you came with us.”
His pauses and looks past your company to the west and he squints his eyes and his gaze narrows as he studies at the clouds there.
”There’s bad weather there, and it may be heading toward us and you don’t look like you got gear for cold weather; we’ll be happy to share our gear with you on the trail, but we should go soon,” he adds, somewhat more courteously.
One of his men looks at the remains of the fire that Amen-set made and turns his eyes to the forest to the north.
”Begging your pardon boss, but if we saw the fire won’t it be a sure thing that some of those gods-cursed basterds in the woods did, too? You know they’ve been getting more pushy lately… If we travel with this lot then it’s a sure bet we’ll move slower and be a bigger target.”
Ironhorse nods his head.
”Yeah, I know… but that’s why we can’t leave them here. Until we know who if they're a threat then we ought to try to protect them… or at least help them until we can learn more. But I agree, the longer we linger by where this fire was, the more likely it is we’ll be attracting attention.”
He turns back to your group.
”We need to go back to our post; our orders were to keep an eye out for threats and deal with them and if we see any who need our aid – we need to aid them. I’m not sure yet if you’re someone who needs help or a threat, but for now I’m going to treat you as if you’re folk who need help until I learn more.”
”That said – what are you going to do?” he asks you all directly.