You are part of the Faculty of Archeology at the Miskatronic University located at Arkham in Essex Island. Originally Essex was an istmus attached to the stable Core but three hundred years ago huge chunks of rock during a particularly vicious upwelling storm eroded the land bridge away. What was Essex county became Essex Island.The Miskatronic University is one of the top three anywhere in the Shards of Oberon. You are either a post-grad student studying for your PhD, a lecturer or part of the University security staff. Usually days pass uneventfully and but today is different, an excited crowd of undergrads has formed the departmental notice board. It takes you some minutes to jostle your way to the front where you're able to read the note for yourself and discover what all the shouting is about.
Dr Munroe Esq will lead the expedition, aiming to depart on 7/7. Seeking dig qualified archeologists (under & post grad), grade III certified airship pilot, lift crystal certified airship engineer and security personnel. Prospect of pre-sundering artefacts and uncontacted natives. Expected duration one semester, danger pay, double course credit! Enquires at the department office.
Edwin J. Wiskers, Esquire, as he liked to call himself, wondered what all the excitement was about. I would have been hard enough for a human to see though the crowd to what was posted on the department notice board, but he being a ratfolk, was only just over 4 ft tall. He had to jostle his was through to the front of the crowd to have a look, causing distressing sartorial disarray. He suppressed the urge to immediately straighten his clothing, and stood on his tiptoes to read the announcement.
An archaeological expedition to newly discovered islands! This was a chance that he couldn't miss — a post-graduate student like himself could really make a name for himself! He took out his notebook, and hastily scrawled some notes, before rushing to the department office. He was going to have to put together a new resume, but first he needed to learn more details, so he could better highlight the appropriate coursework and experience.
A short while later a queue starts to form outside the departmental office. An elder and rather humourless woman by the name of Miss Trenchard is maning the desk today and given the time it's taking to process the first few applicants it becomes obvious registration is going to take some time. Spontaneous conversation breaks out as everyone waits their turn to register their interest. It seems some in the queue know each other while most are introducing themselves for the first time.
Yukarii heard all the excited shouting going on and wondered what it was about so she made her way over towards the cluster of people. She wasn't having much success in reaching her goal so she finally gave up trying to force her way through and wondered, how am I going to get through all of this?! She felt her gaze drawn to a small clustering of three men who were near the middle of the crowd.
Why by using them of course, a second voice inside of her head said. The voice was very suggestive and thoughts of what she'd like those men to do to her rippled through her mind temptingly.
Yukarii shook her head and thought, No, we're not doing any of that Yukaari, she thought to the presence, a presence which pouted back at her, but you are at least partly right. Yukarii focused her mind and thought of whispering to the three men. Her lips glowed slightly as she mouthed the words and then she waved as the three men looked in her direction.
The three men quickly realized the gorgeous, exotic looking, half-elf was the one calling for their help and they quickly began to shove a whole for her to get through to the front. As she went she gave each a quick kiss on the cheek as she passed and then started reading the posting on the board.
"Well now, isn't that interesting," Yukarii said as she examined the posting. The job had significant potential and she decided immediately she wanted it.
Ugh, seriously Yukarii, you're going to take us away from all of these eager and willing men and women to go spend more time with artifacts! Yukaari was not pleased at the prospect of leaving the campus where she could easily have all the fun she wanted when Yukarii let her.
Just think of the possibilities Yukaari, Yukarii thought back, Who knows what new and exotic people we might encounter. Wouldn't you like to be the first to have on of them for yourself? She was met by interested silence that was accompanied by grudging agreement.
Yukarii turned from the board to head towards the office and said to the trio of men, "If you get on the expedition look me up, we can celebrate our mutual good fortune." With that she sashayed away and headed towards the department office to apply.
Yukarii arrived at the office and saw a line already starting to form. It seemed she'd taken a tad too long to get there but that was alright, at least she wasn't at the back. She found herself standing behind a ratfolk man and thought he may be the first shed ever been this close to. She looked at Edwin and said, "This seems like a wonderful opportunity doesn't it? What kind of role are you applying for?"
Zendara was amused by all the undergrads crowding the message board. Good thing one had told her about it so quickly, but she doubted many of them would have a shot at something like this.
As she moved to the department office to find out what the application consisted of (hopefully no questions about piracy), she took a moment to listen to what Miss Trenchard was asking at the front of the line, and then jotted the list down in abbreviated form in her journal, so she could come up with good answers as she waited:
--Name
--Date of birth
--Profession
--Academic qualifications
--Practical experience
--Motion sickness / Altitude sickness
--Do you acknowledge this assignment is dangerous / waiver
--Are you prepared to sign on for up to six months?
--Next of kin / Burial rites
--Do you have a will / Solicitors who handle it
... She might not need it, if her reputation held up, but best to be prepared and to be willing to work for what you want.
She started mentally rehearsing how she was going to present her practical experience without actually mentioning piracy. Probably just mention people she had served with rather than the jobs they had done... Doctor Munroe already knew she was good at this stuff, didn't he?
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It looked like there was going to be a bit of a wait, so Edwin took out a mirror and checked his appearance. He brushed his fur, even though it wasn't really necessary. Important to make a good impression! Of course, Miss Trenchard already knew him casually, so the importance was purely in his own mind.
Edwin eavesdropped on the questions being asked, and made notes. As he was writing, a half-elven woman spoke to him; he replied, "Yes, absolutely! I'm an archaeology grad student, so I'm hoping to be part of the dig crew. Edwin J, Whiskers, at your service!" He left out the "Esquire" at the end, as it seemed a bit pretentious for a casual introduction, even for him.
Ferian Drim is just exiting the latest lecture for his class, Airship Piloting: A Crash Course, when he spots the crowd of students gathered around the notice board. Not accustomed to such activity around the spot - normally it goes unnoticed - Ferian decides to see what's happening.
The crowd presents keeps the sylph from immediately reading what’s posted, but Ferian isn't particularly concerned about being one of the first to read the message. He waits till the crowd starts to dwindle before stepping forward and taking a look at what is written. His height makes it a bit easier for him to look over the few students still crowded around the board.
Hmm, he muses to himself after he reads the message. I have been on this island for quite a while. Might be time to spread my wings a bit.
The expedition reminds Ferian of some of the exploration his parents had done. He had personally been involved in more than one of their escapades before they had retired. Nostalgia is quite the motivator, but Ferian also has a native affinity with the sky, so this type of expedition would be perfect for him.
-----
As the queue for applying begins to form, Ferian steps into the line without a second thought. Perhaps he won’t be selected, but he’ll never know if he doesn’t try.
His ears perk up as he listens to Miss Trenchard asking the same questions over and over. She isn’t exactly the most popular person at the University, but she gets the job done. Ferian thinks through some of his answers as he waits. As he’s doing so, he can’t help but notice the aasimar in front of him.
Have I seen her around here before? he’s not sure. Perhaps it’s just her unique appearance that makes Ferian feel some camaraderie towards her.
With nothing else to do till he speaks with Miss Trenchard, Ferian says to the aasimar, “Have I seen you around here before? Or am I just imagining things? Ferian Drim, by the way. I’m a professor here.”
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An elderly yet still spritely man with a shock of wild white hair and a pair of spectacles approaches Edwin, "Ahh Professor Edwin I see you are thinking of joining Munroe's expedition, excellent, excellent. Good to see somebody with a little practical experience coming along for the ride and not just us theoreticians!"
He edges in closer and whispers conspiratorially, "They say this one is going to be rather dangerous, but where there's danger there's opportunity! What if the prophecy is true, we might find one of the pre-sundering difference engines! So much was lost but if it's found mathematics will never be the same."
Edwin replied in a low voice, "That would indeed be a momentous find! I'm really looking forward to seeing what we can discover."
He was very doubtful about Professor Upham's theories, but there was no harm in humoring the man. Edwin himself anticipated a surprising find or two, even if not what Upham expected. As for danger, you didn't make a name for yourself without taking some risk, did you?
Giving Edwin as light bow from the waist she said, "I am Yukarii, a pleasure to meet you Edwin." Yukarii's accent was quite exotic, one certainly from someone who didn't learn common as a first language but rather something very different. "I am not so much of an archaeologist as I am an...appraiser?...diviner? I think the latter is the best description. I read objects getting an idea of their past. I also am capable of dealing with the undead, especially spectral ones."
Responding to Ferian, Zendara says
Yes, of course Professor Drim. I think I took an airship piloting class from you when I first started here... maybe about 6 years ago? I've since graduated, but I have been taking graduate classes every now and again and working on different airships when I can get jobs.
She flashes her feather patch, not knowing if he has heard of the organization she started.
Ferian nods as Zendara flashes her feather patch. "Ah, yes. Quite the admirable organization you belong to. Well, I'm one person you won't have to rescue from a fall should we both be selected for the expedition. I trust you have worked on mastering steering and navigation? It's always good to be proficient in more than one task aboard an airship should the need arise."
Edwin replied to Yukarri, "It's a pleasure to meet you."
When she mentioned reading obects, he exclaimed, "How extraordinary! I too am able to receive impressions from items!"
He touched his outer garment, "This cloak for example: I picked it up at an estate sale; it was worn by a scholar of the occult some years ago. It's not magical in a conventional sense, but one who is sensitive to certain energies, can manipulate them to obtain a small measure of protection from it.
"So you're able to communicate with spirits? That's something I wish I had the skill for."
I have worked on both, but am sure I am not as good as you are. Perhaps you can teach me more, should we both be selected.
Yukarii nodded and said, "Ah, another psychometrist, that will make life easier. As for dealing with spirits..." Yukarii hesitated a moment as she gathered her thoughts and translated them into the common tongue. Finally she said, "Communicating is maybe too generous, putting them down may be more accurate. Most I have run into are anything but peaceful and are mostly dangerous. I can sense them better than most, and some of my techniques are able to harm them or suppress them in some cases."
In the depths of her mind Yukaari grumbled, This is getting boring Yukarii, we need to find some fun, maybe the ratman you're talking to.
Yukarii briefly shook her head and thought back, No Yukaari, he's a possible colleague, just...NO! The distraction was momentary but obvious and Yukarii apologized, "I'm sorry Mr. Whiskers, there are some spirits I can't get rid of and who can be incessantly annoying at times."
Yukaari gave a mental HMPH! and turned away from the conversation in a huff.
"I suspect we'll both be able to learn from each other. Your experience in the air is much different from mine, so our expertise should work well in tandem."
Edwin observed Yukarii apparently struggling with some unseen mental effect. I'd much rather fight something real and tangible, not an invisible spirit!
Professor Upham nods Edwin and cheerfully bumbles off after spotting a fellow mathematician Dr Chandler.
After some time you find yourself at the head of the line...
"Next!" came the loud yet bored sounding call. Miss Trenchard looked you over dubiously before asking in a voice that reminds you of gin and cigars, "Name?" A fountain pen at the ready she prepares to record your answers in a giant ledger filled with her remarkably clear yet tiny copperplate. It's clear she knows a good portion of the answers for at least half the members in the queue (various acedemics) but insists on asking regardless.
--Name
--Date of birth
--Profession
--Academic qualifications
--Practical experience
--Motion sickness / Altitude sickness
--Do you acknowledge this assignment is dangerous / waiver
--Are you prepared to sign on for up to six months?
--Next of kin / Burial rites
--Do you have a will / Solicitors who handle it
Before Miss Trenchard has a chance to ask, Zendara consults her notes and offers her replies:
My name is Zendara Dragonchild, born a tenday before the gloaming. I am an airship sailor, trained and qualified here.
I am a postgrad student, currently dig qualified, lift crystal certified, and a certified pilot. Although my certifications are all lower level, I can fill in for any position on an airship in a pinch, as well as being combat certified in the bow.
I have two years of practical experience on an airship as well as my time as a student, no motion or altitude sickness. I acknowledge that the assignment is dangerous and am willing to sign the waiver.
(She signs right then if it is handed to her.)
Six months is fine, and I am willing to sign on for longer if there is need. I have no next of kin, and have no preference for burial rites. I do not have a will, and all my things may be salvaged or donated to the university upon my death. I am sure that at that point I will not mind.
Was there anything else?
At Miss Trenchard’s questions, Ferian replies, “Ferian Drim, born the 4th of Low Winter, 1009.
“I’m a professor here… which I suppose would also be my academic qualification. As for practical experience, I grew up on an airship, so I’m capable of handling most standard jobs aboard the vessel, whether that be piloting, navigation, engineering, or something more trivial.
“I’ve never experienced motion or altitude sickness and I am aware that this is dangerous. If a waiver is necessary, I will sign it. Six months is fine.
“My sister, Liara Finn - that's her married name - is my next of kin. I would like to be buried beside my parents and brother. I do not have a will, but Liara is my only living relative, so all my belongings should go to her should I die.”
When it became Yukarii's turn she entered the office and gave a respectful bow from her waist to Miss Trenchard. She straightened and then began e to answer the questing that had been given to her, "I am Hatsuharu Yukarii born third of the month of Fallen Leaves in 1057." She paused briefly to order her thoughts and then continued, "I am an appraiser of items, a psychometrist, and am able to detect spirits that might cling to the sights worked better than most and am capable of dealing with them. I also have knowledge of things Arcane and Historical."
Moving on into the more practical questions Yukarii replied, "I have had years of practice reading objects and using the knowledge gleaned to settle disputes from as far back as ten years ago, I have never suffered from air or motion sickness and I do acknowledge that this project is dangerous but I have been in far more dangerous circumstances before. As for this waver," Yukarii said holding up the paper, "It is a standard waiver stating that the university is not responsible for any harm, damages, etc related tot his project provided evidence of wrong doing or negligence on the part of the university is not proven?"
When her question on the form was answered in the affirmative Yukarii signed the form and handed it over and continued answering questions, "I have no next of kin nor any lovers to inherit my things. I would ask that my things be kept and used by the university should the worst happen to me and will record if there is a change in this. As for my remain, if recoverable, I would ask that they are sent back to Hosaka for last rights to be performed, if my body is unrecoverable then please notify the temple of Norala in the capital of Kurigawa and they will know what rites to perform. I do not have a formal will as I have little to concern myself with the disposition of. If one is required I will get one made."
With all of the questions answered Yukarii asked, "Are there any further questions you have for me at this time?"
Edwin stepped forwards when his turn came, answering the questions as Miss Trenchard asked them.
-Edwin J. Whiskers.
-I was born 4th Harvestide, 1060.
-Graduate Student, Department of Archaeology, Miskatronic University
-Bachelor of Arts, Chelmsford College; Master of Arts (Archaeology), Miskatronic University
-Methuen Meadows archaeological dig.
-Some mild motion sickness. I haven't been to extreme altitudes.
-I understand there is personal risk involved in this expedition. I have no problem signing the appropriate waiver.
-Yes, 6 months is not a problem.
-Charlotte Whiskers, my mother, lives in Chelmsford. If the worst should happen, cremate my remains, and return the ashes to her.
-I do not have a will, although I can prepare one on short notice if required.
When you ask if there are any more questions she replies, "None at this time but check your pigeon hole tomorrow. There's a second round of interviews with Dr Munroe for those selected. He's a stickler for punctuality so be there at 3pm."
Ferian nods at Miss Trenchard's words and takes his leave. It would be excellent if he's selected, but if not, he's still got his work at the school.
Walking outside for the first time in too long, Ferian looks up just in time to see Zephyr, his blue heron, spread his wings and fly off his perch on top of the building. Ferian rarely brought Zephyr inside, not if he could help it. Even if the fellow was normally well-behaved, it was a very odd sight to see indoors, particularly at a university. It didn't seem civilized.
With Zephyr soaring above, Ferian makes his way back to his apartment on campus. He makes a mental note to check his pigeon hole when he wakes up.
"Thank-you, Miss Trenchard," Milo replied. He felt restless, so he went out for a walk. He went down along the river, all the while second-guessing his responses to the questions. By the time he returned, he'd figured out what he should have said.
Zendara kicks around with some of the undergrads for a while, but then goes home and starts packing, having a feeling that she will be living her dream very soon.
She checks her pigeon hole at first light, and keeps going back at half hour intervals until she finds something.
Yukarii nodded at Ms Trenchard's words and said, "Yes, of course Ms Trenchard, three pm sharp." With that Yukarii bowed again, like before, said, "Thank you for your time Ms Trenchard," and then left the office.
*Creeeek*
The door opens, and a young redhead with particularly pointy ears and eyes with a soft orange-yellow glow steps through. Wearing a variant long coat over an auburn vest, and brown knee-boots.
She closes a small journal she had in hand, and tucks it away.
"I am sorry, there was a package for me at the postal office of the university.
This is the place to sign up for the expedition, correct?"
When miss Trenchard asks of her the questions,
"I will spare you the difficult full name, so Xindyra Brenna it is. Age 65, as of today, i am still a youngster.
Current profession, airship technician mostly, with other duties on the side.
I am a former graduate, and have studied a variety of fields.
In terms of practical skills, i am fairly versed in negotiations and know my way around dangerous contraptions."
"Motion sickness, not applicable, thankfully. The knowledge of risk on the job is known to me, and the 6 month duration is not an issue. My captain is on a hiatus for an as of yet indefinite period of time."
At the question of the next of kin.
"Both parents are still alive, Xúramharothöx Brenna and lipkhbleysavxilkcyxsa Brenna."
She pronounces the names in a way that seems impossible, yet comes together anyway, like a weird mix of sounds.
"Xuhar and Eliza, to the public tongue. Burial rites concerned, you would need to send my body to my parents. They live in the small city of Xanyruz, over at one of the islands affiliated to the Merchants League."
Do you have a will / Solicitors who handle it.
"I do not have a will yet, but if need be i will have one made along the journey."
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Yukarii spent the rest of the day working on getting her things together. She didn't know how soon the expedition would be leaving and she wanted to be prepared if she was chosen. There wasn't a lot that she had to pack, mostly just her clothing, so she gathered up what she had to wash and took it to the place she did her laundry at.
Yukarii enjoyed her time, flirting here and there with other people that came to do the same thing to appease Yukaari, and truthfully a little fun wouldn't hurt her. She didn't find anyone that enticing but she still enjoyed the interactions and Yukaari, thought she grumbled about it, accepted things as they were.
When the next morning came around Yukarii went through her normal routine, meditated, ate breakfast, dressed, and headed out to take care of her normal tasks. She had a few objects to examine for the archaeology department, only one of them haunted, dealt with the spirit attached to it, and then considered her work done. She went for lunch and then went to a training area where she practiced using her kukri. She wasn't great with the weapon but she was passable and she knew she needed to keep in practice.
When her training was done Yukarii went back to her room and showered. The water felt good as it sluiced over her body, and when she was done she dressed once more and brushed out her hair until it was time for her meeting. When three pm arrived Yukarii was at the office and ready for her interview.
The remainder of the day passes quietly although late afternoon the main chemistry lab had to be evacuated when several of the captive fire elementals got loose during a lecture. They were quickly recaptured but everyone in the Tillinghast Science center got turfed out while checks were made on the containment equipment and several small fires extinguished.
The remainder of the day passes without incident an each of you finds a message in your pigeonhole or in Xindyrs's at the department office.
The library is a grand building with five floors boasting a million books. It's the crown jewel of the Miskatronic University and it boasts all the latest scientific advances. There is new fangled electronic lighting, microfieche readers with a vast archive of newspapers and journals and row upon row of climate controlled stacks. The Green Reading room is one of the smaller side rooms (seating only for 150 or so) and is bookable for private functions.
A rather smaller line of hopefuls forms outside the closed double doors. As the clock slowly ticks towards 3pm you find yourself glancing around noticing some familiar faces...
Having received the note the previous day Yukarii was quite excited for the second interview. The only downer that day had been hearing about the incident in the lab. She was too busy to find out much about the incident and was somewhat regretful of that fact as she sat in the office awaiting her appointment. It sounded like it was a very serious incident.
In the morning, Edwin asked around about the incident in the chemistry lab. It didn't seem to make sense; he resolved to look into it more later, but first he needed to prepare for the second interview. He groomed himself again, and meticulously went over his outfit, removing every bit of lint. Then he cleaned it a second time with Prestidigitation, just to make sure everything was perfect.
Once his preparations were complete, he headed to the Lovecraft Library, for the interview with Dr Munroe. Arriving well ahead of time, he pulled out his mirror again, and compulsively double-checked his appearance every 15 minutes or so.
Seeing Edwin outside the Green Reading Room Yukarii approached him and said, "I see that you made it to the second round of interviews as well Mr Whiskers." Yukarii gave hi a polite smile and then asked, "I wonder if he is meeting with everyone at once or individually?"
Zendara heard about the fire, and after hearing that it was Sheldon who caused it, she checked the time... plenty of time before the interview to go see what's up. This wasn't like him.
She went to find Sheldon to find out the real story, first looking him up and stopping by his dorm. If he isn't there, she asks his friends where he is, and if they don't know, checks the campus medical center. If he isn't there, she tries to the nearest community resources, especially ones with burn centers.
She stays aware of the time so she can make her interview, but as long as she has time, she plans to find Sheldon so she can find out what is up, and help him if possible.
It takes a bit of asking around and you hear several contradictory stories along the way. One common rumour was that Sheldon had been charged with arson and criminal damage and was being transported by the Sheriff's office to the capital Chelmsford to await trial.
The Sheriff's office knew nothing about this however and Sheriff Belgaum informed you that only a couple of drunks had been arrested in the past few days and they were released with a stern talking to after sobering up.
The other rumour was that he was very badly hurt and was in the medical facilities at the Munoz Clinic awaiting clerical assistance. This proved to be true however the nurse running the ward, a battle axe by the name of Sister Mary, point blank refused entry citing a lockdown.
Being a busybody, Xindyra had only heard the general picture of the incident.
Her ears focus on the sudden mention of an alchemical culprit.
Oh? Oh? Interesting. A mystery is afoot.
Bumping into Zendara on the way to the new meeting,
"Say, i have got to ask. You look familiar, are you per chance Zendara, from the skyship Weatherlight?"
Zendara overhears some doctors nearby which causes her to worry about Miss Trenchard, and wonder if there is someone actively standing in the way of the excursion.
... Speaking of standing in the way, Zendara addresses Sister Mary and tries a different tactic.
She starts to sniffle and tells Sister Mary
I understand that you have to follow the rules, really, Sister Mary. It's only that I heard he was horribly burned and I know we hadn't been dating very long, but I really thought... we'd been talking about getting married. He was worried that his parents wouldn't approve because I am older than he is, but ...
At this point she turns on the tears, which are clearly divine and reveal her as an Aasimar, and she looks so innocent and vulnerable ANYONE would want to believe her.
Maybe you could just let me in for 10 minutes? You could be standing right there to make sure I don't do ... whatever it is that the lockdown is about? I just want to make sure he is okay. I have spent all day looking for him and nobody knew where he was, and if I have to go home without seeing him, I think I might just die...
=== Later, on the way to the second interview ===
Zendara replies to Xindyra and says
Shh. I don't know if these guys will approve of me working on a pirate ship, or at least one that takes those types of jobs occasionally. I mean, you have to learn somewhere, but I can't afford a commission, so yeah... that's one of the ships I served on. You look sort of familiar too. Have I served with you before? Were you on Weatherlight as well?
Not hearing anything about the cause of the incident at the Tillinghast Science center, Ferian assumes the situation is under control. If it were air elementals involved, perhaps he would take more interest, but as things are, it's merely a minor news story in his day.
With Dr. Munroe’s invitation to the Green Reading room in hand, Ferian makes his way their at the appointed time. He leaves Zephyr outside again before heading inside. Not caring about sitting near the front of the room, Ferian reclines against a wall near the back of the reception hall to wait till the doors open.
Zendara's heart felt entreaty manages to crack Sister Mary's stern exterior and her expression softens. Almost to herself she responds, "Och young love... I remember being your age chasing after a boy." Softly she tells you, "Normally I'd take you into see him, he's sedated and has some nasty burns but nothing life threatening. In the morning we should be able to fix that. The problem is and keep this to yourself mind, there was a couple of attempted murders yesterday and one poor chap is presenting symptoms that look very much like the red plague. The ward is under quarantine until that can be ruled out. I can pass on a message when he wakes up if you'd like or we can let you know when it's safe to visit."
Back at conversation,
"Hrmm, yes and no, technically speaking?
You may recall a time where your ship targeted a modest merchant vessel? Big blue banner, The Azure. I was on board that ship, heh, first time fencing classes proved useful. Only for in mid fight to see a fat freighter come through the clouds, redirecting The Weatherlight's priorities."
*smiles*
"Someone of your crew 'procured' something of mine, so when your crew aborted, i had to board your own vessel to get it back. Alas, that left me stranded on the weatherlight for a time. To think i would meet you again here, well you can imagine my surprise."
^^
=== Morning conversation ===
But we don't... oh, "modest merchant vessel" eh? Very well.
Zendara gives a low bow.
Many apologies for any offense caused. I trust you were able to recover your property?
Honestly, that is why I am applying to go on this new expedition. I live for the airship life, but can't get a break that will let me learn everything, especially piloting, without a commission, and I certainly can't afford that. I often have to resort to something somewhat extra-legal. They are only supposed to target the very rich, and then of course make large donations to the poor, but I can't guarantee that always happens. What I can guarantee is that nobody dies if they fall overboard in the fighting, so I have trained a lot of undergrads on how to cast featherfall, and we use it liberally while crewing the ship, if anyone gets knocked over. You have to make compromises for your job sometimes, but I want to make sure they are compromises that people live through.
Sorry, babbling. I just need this expedition to work out so I'll have experience that I can add to my resume and a job I don't always have to worry about.
Now, tell me all about yourself as we walk. I want to go find Sheldon, because he can't possibly have done this. Do you know Sheldon? The one who is supposedly responsible for the rumors this morning?
=== With Sister Mary ===
The bluff hadn't gone exactly how Zendara had hoped, but with the threat of the red plague, and not wanting to press her luck, she just tried to get a little bit more information.
Oh, thank you so much for telling me at least that it isn't life-threatening... that relieves my mind a lot. Except, the red plague, really? What if he is exposed? I hope not. This is so worrisome. And you... will you be okay? If you could send word to Doctor Munroe's office at the university when Sheldon is awake, I would appreciate it. I'll be there helping my aunt Miss Trenchard with the final preparations for the expedition. I'm actually late already, I was so worried about Sheldon.
Once she takes leave of the nurse, she goes to find Xindyra, and determines that she is going to have to get someone to teach her an invisibility spell so that nurses won't be such an impediment in the future. With something like that, she could just walk into Sheldon's room and find out what is going on. It could be so frustrating to not know things.
(Zendara bowing)
'o_o
"Er, hey, no need to do that?"
"I got it back.....and the guy may or may not have lost some dignity after i pierced his belt with my rapier, him ending up in his undergarments." *snicker*
"About me? I grew up in Xanyruz, it is a city with lots of non-humans.
Probably because it iss a commercial hub on their island, i guess. I spent some years in the uni here, learning as much as i could, since have had the dream of traveling the world, and one should go forth prepared. Plus, you know, The League encourages its citizens to do just that anyway, explore and learn."
Xindyra leans in quite abruptly, with a twinkle in her soft glow eyes.
"Not all of which entirely legal either."
*wink*
"Until recently, i spent time as a Jane of all trades aboard the Skyship Voyager. The captain took a hiatus, he had a burn out it seems. He will be out of commission for a good year i suppose. As such, i heard of the expedition, and here i am."
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Xindyra stalks the uni's halls, trying to eavesdrop on professors gossiping about the incident.
heard about the expedition, I bet they'll keep you busy which is for the best, it's not healthy to dwell on things."
You get the sense that the conversation is over and based on her reaction you don't think either Dr Munroe or Miss Trenchard came to her attention.