Kurhat and five other dwarves were boarding the ship, each wearing heavy travelling clothes with warm furs around the collars of their hoods and their boots. They carried traditional dwarven weapons for show, mostly. They also lifted a box of strong ale into the ship with them, calculated to last the way there but not back.
Kurhat grunts his greeting towards the oracle, but has few words otherwise. The 6 dwarves, including Kurhat, busied themselves discussing money making ideas and how scouting land would be the first step to finding potential trade partners. And they drank to help with sleeping on the terrible ship. Kurhat can be found topdeck in the daytime, forming a small ring of gambling men, tossing dice along the deck in the less windy hours.
"Greetings. I am Tsalia, High priestess of Sarenrae. I apologize for not being present at the meeting last week, I was negotiating a trade deal with the Wroton Tribes. They are taking heavy losses right now." She bows slightly, before boarding the ship. She mostly plans for the colony, staying with the others as they decide a landing point and what to do when they land. She tries to be social with the others, getting to know more about the ones she does not already know, such as the soon to be rulers.
"Honored, Tsalia. I am Major Qazag Qoroshúk, formerly of Prince Jora's Heavy Lancers. Now it seems I am in charge of our new military force, so perhaps I should give myself a promotion. Hah!"
Qazag turns to Harold.
"How well set up are we for horses? It would help if our military were mobile, especially in the early period. Also, how are we set up for livestock for the settlers?"
Kurhat brought his own horse on board, but it kept to itself below deck. It was probably a prized possession, since dwarves are slow and time is money.
"Greetings High Priestess Tsalia, this is my wife Lady Abalia Kerensky. I am Lord Samuel Kerensky. My brother-" Samuel looks around the area for a moment "-is close by. I am glad you're joining us not only for your own personal skill but I am sure having another who can beseech a god on our behalf will be appreciated with the challenges ahead.
Abalia gave a respectful nod to Tsalia and a welcoming smile. "My husband is correct, it's wonderfully to have you with us."
During the voyage Abalia seems particularly miserable. She looks rather green, often remaining close to the railing of not beside her husband. Though even when dealing with seasickness bible's grace about her.
Leading up to the trip, Varden takes the time to set up a small library worth of books ready for transport. Focusing on copies of extremely old diaries on the early days of the Baile Phuir recolonization of sky claim, books on city planning and architecture, and differing treatise on governmental control. Strangely to most, Varden does not arrive with any servants or scribes himself.
Varden spends most of his time aboard ship in his room with his eyes closed. The few times he comes above deck it is only to vomit over the side of the ship, never managing to gain his sea legs. Anyone who actually tries to have a conversation with the sick elf finds him very much the poor host.
When they finally left for home, Abalia seemed to relax a bit more. She joined her husband in the carriage that would carry them home and as soon as the door was shut Abalia pulled the curtain on the small window to look out. "Are we going to talk about it?" She softly asked her husband as she looked over to him.
Samuel would be finding the voyage a bit less enjoyable than normal as he tried to provide some comfort to Abalia. Grimjaw would also have seen Samuel bringing a heavy horse onboard the ship and a few stable hands packing away some finely crafted studded leather barding for the noble beast.
Flashback:
Samuel nods but doesn't speak til they feel the cart pulling off. "Who do you think is behind it? How do you think he will react? Do you think he'd be co operating or an uninformed pawn?" He'd had a few moments to consider things and although he was finding this aggravating he had become focused as an idea had occurred to him This man with this personal connection happened to get a commission in the unit that just happened to be assigned to this expedition. The odds were absurd, no someone was manipulating the situation.[/b]
Abalia looked down, shaking her head slowly. "I cannot understand why he's here. Why he didn't tell me or the others...." She looked back to Samuel, her pink eyes meeting his green ones. "I'm worried... That he may think you forced me into this... Samuel I'm worried about you."
Flashback:
Samuel closes his eyes for a few seconds and leans his head against two fingers pressed against his temple. "So can I look forward to him heroically sneaking through a window to drive a blade through my villainous heart? Or does his gaining a commission probably mean he'll try to get you to ride away with him on his horse? Do you think if we sat down with him he'd accept it coming from you face to face... or think it was a ploy. I had considered trying to arrange a transfer for him but this is damned short notice with the attention that'll be on the unit. I don't want to hurt him but if he tries something- rash, I wont let him endanger us."
After the meeting ended, Dengorin returned to his rooms within the Cathedral of Abadar in the capital to immediately begin preparations. First, he selected two acolytes to accompany him on the journey, and of course his secretary, Jhonin Free. He then composed a letter and sent it to Captain Miera Saldar, who commanded his goods retrieval team, and instructed her to meet him with two of her best men at Jorad, to accompany him on an expedition to settle another continent. He then proceeded to reach out to his friends and contacts to find out more about Captain Caspian Stormshadow, and what about him caused Abalia's reaction to his name.
The day of, Dengorin arrives in much less formal yet still very nice garments, wearing a well made fur-lined cloak, the gold symbol of Abadar around his neck. Accompanying him are two acolytes with silver holy symbols of Abadar, dressed for cold travel, and three people who have clearly seen combat. All carry swords crossbows, and their leader is a woman with close cropped hair and an eye patch. The scar that caused the wound can be seen running above and below her eye. Though they don't wear their armor, their scale hauberks can be seen in their belongings. The final member of his retinue is a plainly dressed man with a pair of spectacles who looks less than enthused at the idea of being on a boat for several weeks. All have the holy symbol of Abadar sewn into their cloaks, showing their affiliation with the church.
As Harold gives his final words, Dengorin says, "Thank you, Harold, for all you have done to organize this fine expedition. I am sure we will find great success with the new colony."
"A pleasure to meet you, High Priestess. I look forward to working with you," Dengorin bows over her hand as he greets her.
Dengorin is not pleased to find that another religion is involved in the expedition, and is annoyed at the High Priestess's presence.
Throughout the journey, Dengorin will spend the first couple of days getting his sea legs, and will then spend the remainder of the journey discussing the new colony with his new fellows as best they are able to, making what plans they can for their new home. Jhonin will be present, taking notes and dictation as needed.
Flashback:
"Let's just try talking with him, he might agree it's best for us to make an arrangement for a transfer or maybe he will have accepted and put it behind him as best he can. He's clearly a skilled warrior, if we can help it and everyone is comfortable with it perhaps he can still play his part. I wouldn't want to hurt the defences of the colony unnecessarily." He gives her a weak smile and squeezes back "The announcement paled beside the small one, almost funny in it's own way."The earlier cold focus is gone as he gives her a light kiss on the forehead.
Tsiala looks at Dengorin and notices his expression. "I can tell you don't want me here, Bishop. As long as you do not bother me, I shall offer you the same courtesy. Sarenrae and Abadar have no quarrel, after all."
While on the ship, she does not seem affected by sea sickness much, if at all. She is annoyed at the weather, however.
Evin spent his last week at home quite taciturn. Nothing could motivate him to fulfill his household duties. He was often seen prowling the streets in the afternoon, wearing clothing that was on the brink of scandalous considering his station. The morning of departure saw him flinging his underwear into a bag at the last minute. He'd intentionally forgotten to pack the itchy green jacket he'd been forced to wear to the meeting last week.
He arrived late to the docks, having split from his brother and sister in law on the way. Stepping out from a side street onto the bustling open square, he saw his family talking to a woman he didn't recognize.
He approached the small group, a very tall, very muscular young man with a blond braid down his back following behind. He arrived just as she turned and left to board the ship.
"Who's she?" Evin asked Samuel.
Evin and this young man have been inseparable over the last few months. He's often spotted hanging around the family property, and Evin usually disappears for hours at a time afterward.
Evin usually comes back from these outings seemingly in pain and with a well-concealed limp, but in better cheer than usual. Evin is currently limping. You suspect something more is going on.
Elijah says his goodbye to his father and visits his grandfather's grave one last time. He asks for the strength and resolve to help keep a new kingdom intact in the streets.
He picks up a cold weather outfit, but it just doesn't seem to help keep the cold out. His bones ache as the cold cuts him to the bone, and he wonders every day if he will survive the day and the weather.
He watches as a few of his other council members go "back-and-forth", with various interactions. He doesn't pay it too much attention, but files it in his memory should tensions arise.
I need to protect the other council members as well as the citizens. But how do I protect us from each other?
Samuel crooked smiled and shook his head at his brother "That is High Priestess Tsiala Savran of the Church of Sarenrae. She and Bishop Kaltaneos are having an ecumenical discussion." Samuel leans a little closer and says lowly "If you recall in the past I would have offered to escort the lady aboard but now you are the most eligible bachelor of the family. You've had as many etiquette lessons as myself and first impressions count. Also I took the liberty of having a few trunks loaded for you, but I think the itchy jacket got lost in the move." Samuel has a little twinkle in his eye.
Abalia tried to hide her smiles as she told the brothers, "Don't worry I'll just make him another one." Then she leaned in closer to her husband and brothers-in-law. "I think you'll like my take on the jacket more anyways." She told Evin before she leaned on Samuel "Are we sure we got everything? I mean it took the servants a whole week to take apart the loom."
Evin grimaced, then turned to look at the blond man. He nodded toward the ship, and the young man hurried off to the ship.
"Fine. I'll escort her. But she seems to being just fine on her own." And he jogged off after the high priestess. When he caught up to her, he offered her his arm.
"High Priestess Tsiala, allow me," he said. "I don't believe we've met. I am Evin Kerensky, you were recently introduced to my brother and sister in law. How do you do?"
Evin arrived to the library, looking presentable for once. "You wanted to speak with me, brother?" He sat heavily in the overstuffed leather armchair across from Samuel.
Evin visibly relaxed. "Yes, of course, brother. What guest? Why would they be hostile?"
"To put it simply my dear brother, they may be here for me." Abalia said honestly as she turned To her brother-in-law. "Caspian was in my adventuring group before I returned home and married your brother. He might feel like your brother is keeping me hostage or that I was forced to marry him against my will."
Evin raised his eyebrows. "That would take quite the leap of logic for him to conclude," he said. "When will he be arriving?"
As evin finishes, Tsiala speaks. "Pleased to meet you. I am quite well. But tell your brother I am fine on my own." she says, as she glances once more back at Samuel and Albia, having noticed Evin talking to them and them, and seeing him seemingly groan before coming to her. To prove her point, she shimmers a bit, almost disappearing, before reappearing moments later on the deck of the ship, waving before descending below decks.
"I'm going to request his presence soon, hopefully he'll be understanding if we are up front with him. I may be being overly cautious but it just seems off to me, too much of a coincidence not to raise my suspicion."
Dengorin gives the High Priestess a tight smile. "Please don't take it personally. I am just not certain that the church of Sarenrae is best suited to the founding of a new colony. After all, civilization is more in Abadar's wheelhouse, no?"
Evin blinked as the high priestess disappeared and then reappeared on board the ship. Trying to salvage his manners, he gave a little bow.
"Then do excuse me, my lady. I believe we will get to know each other better during our voyage." Then he turned on his heel and walked back to his brother and sister in law.
"See? She didn't need my help." He cast about as if looking for someone. "Where's the half orc? I want to ask him something."
"I'll gladly be there when he comes, then. Is there anything else, brother, sister?"
"The half-orc has a name Evin. It's Qazag. Please try to remember the names given." She requested of her brother-in-law with a small sign. "Calling him the half-orc is rude."
"We hope that by speaking to him as a family might help, but Samuel is worried he may turn hostile." Abalia sighed.
"Yes, it is Dengorin. Abadar's Blessing will very much help with this. However, I see no reason why we could not have Sarenrae's as well. Abadar may bless us with trade and wealth, while Sarenrae's light may bless our crops with good harvest. Not to mention, I am not only a High Priestess, but a diplomat as well. Should we find other civilization where we are going, I may be able to help resolve any conflict peacefully. Now if you would excuse me, I will head to the ship."
"Alright," Evin said. "Where's Quazag? Is he already on board the ship?"
"I think he was getting his mount on board and settled, you should be able to find him in short order no doubt if you keep your eyes peeled."
"It never hurts to offer... and at the least you made a good impression, and discovered something about her." Samuel will start wandering about the ship a bit more with Abalia, quite happy to head in directions of interest to her or see where their feet take them.
Abalia follows Samuel, though she seems a bit more sluggish than normally. "I um... Don't care much for ships." She confides in her husband After stopping to sit down below deck once more. "The sea is a lovely thing... When I'm not upon it."
Samuel cocks his head to the side at her comment."I'm afraid I don't quite follow. Are you not a confident swimmer? Don't like being out of sight of land? Or does it make you feel unwell?
"I am sorry to say, " Abalia began but quickly placed a hand over her mouth, nausea swiftly rising, only to slowly fall back down. Yet she knew the was only the beginning. "The third." She answered.
"Alright," Evin said. "Where's Quazag? Is he already on board the ship?"
Qazag is supervising the loading of horses onto the transport ships when he hears his name come up. He strides back from the ship to where the people are gathered, catching a bit of their conversation.
"If you don't want to use my name, you could always use my rank," he grins at Evin.
"In any case, what do you need?"
He looks over to where the priests are discussing the new state's religion.
"Easy, you two. It's not as if we will be founding a theocracy. I for one would prefer the favor of many gods over just one, and no doubt our settlers will come from many faiths. I think we will have need of them. Erastil, because our settlers will be 'roughing it.' Desna, because we have a long voyage ahead guided by the stars. Gorum, to give our troops favor in battle. Pharasma, to consecrate our dead. Gozreh, because we face a long sea voyage and then a land in the wild. We will want Shelyn to inspire our artists and poets, Nethys to inspire our magicians, and Torag to inspire our craftsmen, and Cayden Cailean can bless our good cheer and merry-making."
"I may have one patron god, but I plan on making a few offerings before we set sail with the tide tonight."
Samuel rubs her back in a soothing manner, with his other hand he pulls a small piece of cloth from a pocket. He leans in an whispers in her ear."Do I have your permission to focus some arcane energy that might help?"
"You don't need to ask Samuel." Abalia said softly. "You're my husband. Isn't helping me what you're suppose to do?" She asked, trying to put some humor in her tone, though it easily failed.
Samuel whispers a few words of encouragement into her ear and somehow it does make her feel better, he repeats this every now and again while they are talking. "But I like to be unpredictable, keep things interesting for you over the years and decades." Samuel gives her a light kiss on the forehead.
Abalia offered a weak smile to him before she leaned into his arms. "This is going to be a long trip... isn't is?" She asked in a low mutter. "I hope we like this new colony... because I don't know if I can do this again."
Evin grinned at Qazag. "Yes, Major. I was wondering if you could teach me what you do, and how. When you patrol, I mean. And - " he cut off, looking sheepish, then shrugged nonchalantly, as if trying to hide the excitement he'd shown. "It, well, could be useful, I guess."
The trip was uneventful. Evin spent his time climbing through the rigging, and fell in the water at least once while attempting to do so. He studiously avoided the various seasick individuals and the deck where they would ralph every so often. The stench never really came out of the wood, so if he got too close a changing breeze was enough to turn his own stomach.
Then, finally - land! Evin wasn't as eager as some to get off the ship, but he was thankful for solid ground all the same.