Teniel frowns. "If we are to deal with pirates, though, we should probably spend enough time here to learn the basics of the local language—or at least memorize a few important phrases."
Ben replies "We can attempt to give you some language lessons. It is the least we can do as your group has offered much. Makoto, if you wish and I am sure my students would appreciate the chance, to train with and work with them. There is much that I must do and think about. We should probably arrange for somewhere for you to stay, and also to formally introduce you to the town. I will need to meet with the other leaders first. I am surprised no one has shown up yet demanding answers."
Maks nods. "That seems like a reasonable way to spend my time." she says with her lips turning up at the edges, as she looks out to his students. "What sort of faith do your people prescribe to? Is there a particular youth that you would trust me to share language with, such that I may communicate with the other children through him or her?"
"And if you've got any spare hardwood lying about, I'd be happy to teach your people a thing or two about traditional golek puppetcraft. That may also be a bit too difficult to teach in a day or two, but I could help out with any carpentry or woodcarving around town. Some of our companions can fish with skill or carry heavy loads, and we're all talented performers in our own right."
"In fact, if it serves as a proper formal introduction, we could even put on a show for your people, though we might need a translator to help narrate."
Ben continues after listening to the group. "All wonderful ideas. If you will wait here, I will discuss with the town leaders and we can come to a consensus for the community. I shall return soon."
Ben steps from the building and is gone for perhaps thirty minutes, returning and smiling. "The town wishes to meet you formally this afternoon, here are some small pieces of wood, and some tools." He hands the items to Teniel. "We are preparing a building to host you for the short term."
Lucina feels bad for not being able to offer anything to the town but short of helping people sleep she didn't have many teachable skills. "Do you need any help with something else while we wait?"
Tavros grins broadly. "I can give some dance lessons." After a pause he adds with a slight frown, "Or some sparring. I know some fighting. But dancing is better." He begins to hum to himself, bouncing lightly on his hooves.
"Well... I can finally get started on some new puppets."
Maks disagreed about Lucina not having any skills she could teach, but she stayed silent on that particular topic, giving Lucina a smile, instead.
"We're also useful for some heavy labor, if needed; we could help to build the building you're working on." she says, still holding the teacup he'd left her with.
Ben says "If you are ready, follow me, I will show you your quarters, and you can take some time to rest or freshen up. This afternoon, you can be formally introduced to the town. There is no immediate need to do anything specific for us, though your offers are gracious and very welcome. There will be many who will wish to partake of your teachings."
Tavros stands, his cup of tea still left untouched. He eagerly follows Ben, ready to get started doing...pretty much anything. Although admittedly, his mind is hoping for dance lessons. And maybe picking up some more local dances while he's at it.
"OOooh," Maks says as she rises to follow them towards their 'quarters'. She hadn't had a room of her own in a bit. "Do you think you'd be able to make us some sandals as well?" she asked Teniel as she moved after, and then shifted easily to the next topic, "And we'd be happy to do so; I'd feel really bad just gaining hospitality and giving nothing in return!"
Lucina stands to follow after Ben."How are we being introduced?" She feared the idea of being put on display in the middle of town but was fairly certain that's how it would be done.
"Well that hasn't been formally decided. We would want to let the people get to know you, so no one is frightened by your strange appearances. We live in a world with many races and creatures, but most of my people never encounter anything beyond a few of the common races here on this remote island. It is a good thing to stir the pot of their minds so to speak."
"I am guessing you can introduce yourselves, although we may have languages issues. If you wish to accompany your introduction with a performance, that will also work."
You reach the building that is to be your temporary quarters. It seems like a medium sized hut, portions of it have been retrofitted with stone and timber, but the roof is still thatched and they windows are mostly just openings with blinds to keep out driving rain as needed. It does have a solid wooden floor.
"I apologize if the furniture isn't quite sized for all of you... We can rework something. We have brought bedding, and again, the beds are not, minotaur sized. Tavros we have arranged for a comfortable hammock if you would enjoy that. We have had a larger one woven together. We believe it should hold.....It has been reinforced. If you prefer a mat, we can accommodate."
He shows you a small dark wooded cabinet, expertly carved with island oceanic images painted on it. Inside are dishes and a tea set, and some other food preparation items. He shows you a chest as well with spare blankets and bedding. In the corner is a large washbasin, fresh water, and some rolls of white cloth. You had seen some of the inhabitants wear such cloth in various forms as a sash or loincloth or draped over a shoulder. You weren't aware of any social requirements based on status, gender, role or if people just wore them as they felt the style take them. Several clasps are set aside to fasten them as needed.
Maks looks about the room with interest, taking her time to move about and touch everything to add texture to the mix of sensations she's experiencing. "It's honestly beautiful." She says as she moves about the room, investigating things. "Is there a particular time of day that will be best for our introductions? Also... we were warned not to take anything on the island without permission. Gathering plants, fishing and the like. I was curious if it would be alright for me to try to find pigments for painting in the local flora if I have any spare time. Also, Miyu enjoys hunting and would be happy to aid in filling stomachs. For now, we have plenty of food from the area we left." she says, patting the quiver of fish.
"We will give it a few hours. I need to have a few more meetings, but we will prepare for something before the evening meal. If you wish after the introduction you can search for pigments. We have paints here though, someone may be able to lend you some. We don't overly hunt on the island much. Some birds will find their way into the pots but there is not a large selection of fauna that doesn't come from the sea. You will find fish aplenty though. Although, it may be best to wait until after introductions before your friend join the fisherfolk."
"Will you be needing anything else for now? It will be a few short hours, please freshen yourselves and rest."
Maks nods slowly. "Very well. Miyu and I will wait. There is nothing else, to my knowledge. Thank you very much for all that you have done for us, already!"
She then proceeds to wash up, despite the fact that she has magic for that, and then puts on the modest clothing, covering herself more thoroughly. She had forgotten that she was in her night clothes somehow, when she changed forms... or rather, had forgotten that others may have been offended by them, until after she discovered the cloth that had been left for them.
"Sounds fair and generous. I am well familiar with these sorts of lodgings."
Tavros' ears perk up at the mention of a hammock. He had never tried one before. They sounded cool though! "A hammock would be lovely." He takes a deep breath, trying to surpress some of his excitement at new experiences yet to come. He must be patient like Father had taught, no matter how much he wished not to wait.
Tavros you note the hammock suspended between two large stout columns of the building. The hammock seems to be supported by several ropes lashed around the column and then connecting to the ropes that make the hammock itself. It seems as though it will take some balance to step into the hammock without causing it to flip over dumping its contents.
The group freshens up and rests and contemplates their current situation. Far from home (where is home?), but guests of what would seem to be a rather tolerant and welcoming people. If the introductions all go well, it seems as though it would not be long before you would be transported to the other islands to patrol and safeguard the turtle hatching grounds.
Lucina would enjoy being able to wash and get new clothes but she couldn't help but have a tinge of paranoia for unexplained reasons. "This feels a little too good to be true."
The small, darkskinned Maks shrugs. "Who knows. They may be prepping us to be devoured by their turtle overlords as we speak. But no sense in worrying about it unless it happens. It's easier to trust and be wrong, than doubt constantly."
Lucina seems to shrink at Maks words."Either way having a plan to run wouldn't hurt."
Maks's voice hadn't been joking, scathing or teasing. Lucina was right that they were exposed to just about everything. The fact that she could distinctly remember stories of tribal folk that gave people the best days of their lives before sacrificing them simply wasn't something she was willing to bring up.
"You're right, but I don't really know what we can do about it, do you? We can only try to defend ourselves if it comes to that. Otherwise, there's a great big ocean out there, and a small island, besides."
"These are ordinary villagers, with no army. Unless they're hiding something big, we could use buildings for cover, and fight our way out. Let's not dwell on it or worry further."
The small town seems to be bustling with activity. You look out the windows occasionally, or step to the door to grab some breeze and people look shyly your way. The later afternoon comes and you see Ben Kowan coming your way with some other official looking people, probably other village leaders.
Ben knocks and enters. "Hello again friends. I have come to get you for your introduction to the town. Before you meet the rest of the people, I will introduce to you some of our other village leaders. Not all could attend, some were...hesitant."
"May I introduce Parvel Deev, Nastrok Minoshet, and Kempium Nar."
The three appear to be older men, humans perhaps in their fifties or sixties. They have quite a few wrinkles and years of exposure to the sun and sea has made them quite weathered looking, but there is a spryness in their eyes, and a wisdom.
Parvel, who seems to be missing most of his teeth, speaks (translated by Ben) "Such mysteries do not often come to this corner of the ocean. Although as of late, we have had quite a bit more traffic than in my day. The winds of fate blow this direction."
Nastrok and Kempium bow, smile and nod at Parvel, but say nothing.
Ben continues, "If you are ready, we will take you to the town who are assembled in the center square, forgive our informal gathering. We did not have time to prepare a grand welcome, but word has travelled, completely my fault, that you are here to help out the islands. People can appreciate that, it is something they can grasp."
The leaders file out and Ben motions to the door, bowing slightly. You make a procession to the center of town, through a path of the people and to a small temporary elevated 'stage' which is really a bunch of planks set on crates and draped decoratively with some cloth.
The people look on giving each of you wide eyed wondrous looks. There are some smiles, but also a few concerned whispers, some apprehension.
Most of the attention goes to Tavros due to his sheer size and appearance. Miyu if present also gains quite a bit of commentary.
Tavros resists the urge to try jumping into his hammock. Instead, not wanting to break it, it carefully sits down in it, allowing his legs and head to dangle off the sides as he uses his feet to gently swing himself back and forth. His position looks a bit uncomfortable, but he doesn't seem to mind.
When the elders arrive, after a bit of awkward fumbling to get up, he stands, returning their bow automatically. When they walk, he waves at various village folk, once again oblivious to some of their apprehension.
Since he has no way to understand them, during the speech to him, he attempts to look solemn, but every once in a while, a grin keeps slipping out.
"Sounds good."
Teniel turns his back, waves his hands, and cast a Silent Image (DC 19; those who make the save can still *choose* to see the image if they prefer it). The floor of the stage becomes smooth white marble, red velvet curtains drape the far end behind the party, and a podium of richly stained jungle wood appears at the front end. The transformation appears gradually, so as not to be too startling.
"Ben, would you prefer to introduce us yourself, or translate our introductions?"
"So you have decided how we will be introduced?"
Ben says to Teniel and Lucina "Well I can introduce you since I can understand you, but the people here won't. I can call out your names, and you can step forward and wave or bow or something....Oh my that's a nice trick." The crowd oohs as the 'stage' transforms via Teniel's magical ministrations.
Maks, for her part, simply stays back and quiet for now, letting the crowd grow accustomed to them, and letting Teniel work his magic.
Once he calls out her name, however, her skin will ripple, and she'll shrink half a foot, as she transforms from the native-girl into her golden-furred fox form.
Miyu, for his part, sticks with her, and their flaming rune obviously and intrinsically links them. She doesn't really have much to say, given that she can't, at this very moment, say much at all.
"It's a simple spell," Teniel replies, "Some of your bards either know it or can learn it easily. The challenge is applying it creatively."
"Introduce us how you please. But know that I am Teniel Memedi, a shadow puppet master of the Ancient Moon Rabbit clan in farthest Minata. I have trained in using shadow and illusion to bring stories to life, but I also carry the curse of Kabodhoan Pahlawan Kang, an intelligent star sword that compels me to become the hero of the stories he tells.'"
"Makoto Katsumi here is a holy warrior of the goddess of art, trained in using musical instruments to call forth spirits and re-paint her appearance."
"Tavros, despite his size, is trained as a dancer, with his unique foot shape allowing him great mastery of styles. This has taught him agility to match his strength, and like the rest of us, he is on a personal mission against injustice."
"And Lucina here is the child of the spirit of dream itself. Her powers are strongest at night, but she has devoted herself to protecting the peace and safety of all who slumber."
"I see.." Ben replies.
The spectacle soon begins. Ben speaks to the crowd and they listen solemnly. He gestures at times to the group, and then he begins to call out your names. You step forward, and bow or greet the crowd as befits your whim, and the people politely clap after each introduction, which seems peculiar. Ben says a few more words and you get the idea he is explaining that you are here to help protect the lands and seas as best as you can from the depredation of the pirates and other raiders and slavers. The crowd seems pleased but you get the impression that the impact you may have on their daily lives, specifically here on this island may be minimal. It was just happenstance that you ended up here.
After the small ceremony people begin filing away in groups. A few remain behind, mostly children whispering and pointing and doing other things children do. "Well that is done with, not as exciting as one would hope I am sure, but necessary so that they see you. Also, word travels, many of the people of the islands are related with families on the other islands. As people meet and greet and send messages and share stories, word of your presence will travel. Hopefully the stories are not terribly embellished." he says with a straight face, and you aren't sure if he is serious or teasing Teniel. Regardless, you see the wisdom in Ben's actions and foresight.
"Now, let us focus on why you came here. I will let you chose the timetable, but I can begin to prepare passage for you to one of the other islands. You had expressed interest in the main isle known for the hatching grounds. This is entirely doable, and will require a several hour boat trip. We can deposit you there with some supplies and tools and even some letters so that if you meet any of the local populace you can show them the letters and they will not mistake you for intruders. I will attempt to arrange a formal greeting there, the more I think about it."
Maks's tails swish as she listens to Ben explain his actions and choices.
"I... noticed that the crowd seemed to be being polite. Perhaps... you do not overly expect us to be able to change things? While we wait for the preparations you are making for us, which I thank you for, is there anything that does need doing locally that you need assistance with? I can tell that this seems to be rather... idyllic. Your home, I mean."
She pauses for a moment, "Specifically, I am curious as to whether or not, even amidst the change, your people have some need of us, before we move off to handle other things."
Ben ponders, "Well I am sure there are tasks you could perform. There are a variety of labors that could be done that don't require extensive training or explanation. Do any of you have any skills in any trades? There is always loading cargo, I just fear the language barrier may impede effective interactions, but perhaps not."
Lucina had few marketable skills but offered what she could."I don't know how dated my knowledge would be but I can teach what I know about building, magic, and other planes."
Teniel shrugs. "I can carve wood. Makoto paints, and her dog is good at fishing. The rest of our skills lie in knowledge and performance. Maybe we'd be more useful to you as guards than laborers, at least until we can learn the local language better. Any chance you have enough paper in these islands for simple children's learn-to-read primers to be common?"
Miyu fixes Teniel with an icy stare as he is referred to as a dog, and his hunting skills are diminished to simply fishing. He makes a chuffing noise, as if clearing his throat, and then marches back into the hut, muttering something about being as much dog as Teniel was shadow in celestial.
Maks watches the exchange, and shrugs a little. "I could share our language a few more times. If you have a boat that we could load with a single person to guide us, things would be simpler. Tavros is the only person I know who could waltz with a horse on his back."
Ben replies to the group. "Well, again, don't feel like you have to do anything, I think we will have a boat ready for you soon. We will prepare some provision baskets for you. We don't have a lot in the way of survival gear or arms and armor. To answer your question Teniel, we do make paper from the husks of the carpa plant. It serves well enough particularly for things that don't need any real permanence."
"I... suppose. I had hoped to have the opportunity to repay you, but all things being equal, I suppose simply doing as we had set out to do would be for the best." her ear twitched slightly as she spoke, as if itchy.
"Do you happen to know where we're located in the grand scheme of things?"
Ben tilts his head slightly. "In the grand scheme of things...? Could you elaborate more? Are you curious where you are in the world? Come with me."
He leads you through the village. A small band of children starts to follow behind the group perhaps thirty feet or so. You occasionally hear a giggle or snicker or whisper as the children grow bolder and more curious. Miyu, Pamburu and Tavros seem to be of particular interest to the children.
"Well, we were teleported here by Akluzzar and his friend, so I've no real idea where here is. So yes, precisely that." as the two begin to move, Miyu is pulled from his sulking by the short leash that is Makoto's presence.
"I can dance." Tavros answers in response to what trades they know. Because dancing is clearly a trade. A very, very important one.
As they walk, Tavros doesn't seem bothered by the children. "Maybe we can find the plateau where we started off." It seemed potentially unlikely, especially since they didn't know what direction they had traveled in, but hope sprung eternal in his head.
Ben leads you to a small building. It looks like basically a storage building. Inside he opens an old chest with a key from a string around his neck. Inside he rifles through a variety of old clothes and other worthless junk and pulls out an old map. He unfurls it and points to some islands and says "We are here, the mainland is over here. The rest of the kingdoms we trade with are there and many far to the north and on other continents."
"Oooh. Neat." she says, looking over the map. "Which island is turtle island? Which other islands are inhabited? Are there any islands where the pirates have set up base camp?"
Lucina examines the map with interest. "How hard have the other islands been effected by the raids and pirates?"
"The southeastern-most island is where the hatching ground is, but all the islands will have turtles on their beaches during season. Almost all of the islands are inhabited even some smaller ones not actually drawn on here. Most of the pirate camps are temporary and hidden. We try to route them out if we find them, but they have grown stronger and more wily. We have had to try hard to keep pace and train our peoples to deal with this threat."
"Lucina, the other larger islands have been harder hit, as they have been sending more ships. We may have just lucked out."
"Would a barricade of ships work? If we surrounded the breeding island and made the pirates come to us we might have an upper hand but a move like that would be all or nothing, if we lost they'd have free reign..."
"The would be a challenge, we don't have that sort of naval power to manage that kind of thing. Some would say it would cost more than its worth. Most of the foreign merchants are content to let us deal with the onland raiding, although they don't understand it impacts them."