It seemed he was also wrong about the divines getting involved in this matter directly. Once within comfortable speaking distance, Harakhty bowed before her, then went to his knee; unsure of precisely what protocol was demanded here, he erred on the side of manners and humility. In hindsight, he was glad he'd not donned his robe of Nethys' church; he didn't wish to offend the Lady of the Sun.
She was a marvel to behold. Her flames stood in illuminating contrast to her darker skin, The power to burn - either charred to a cinder or seared away of sin. Sarenrae was a reedemer of all but the most obstinate creatures. Harakhty would put Jitty in that category, but neither she nor Rando would. On the other hand, from his brief initiation of other religions, Harakhty knew they agreed on one thing: Rovagug could not be allowed free reign, and if this is what Jitty meant to do, he must not meet his goal. Cyna's question got directly to that point quickly, and the Vanara listened intently to the deity's response. Good - she kept her practicality about her even in this difficult time.
But cold-blooded calculating wasn't easy at a time like this. For some, it was impossible. Kirito and Saviv grieved together, Zahira did with Skaar, and were Naeem lost, Harakhty would have done the same. They needed time to heal their wounds, more crippling than Randos arm was. Seasoned priests could mend such wounds, Harakhty knew, but the heart was not a limb to be reattached.
The only exception Harakhty took to Cyna's question was her diction. "We" was probably not the best choice, and Harakhty waited to address The Everlight about this issue. "Good Sarenrae, Harakhty of the Suntooths humbles himself before you and thanks you a thousand times for your rescue. You have saved our lives, and so we are indebted to you with a debt we can never repay." He took a breath before continuing. He did not want to sound cowardly, but there was no way around it. "But are we best suited to stopping such powerful evil? I am not the a talented warrior or wizard; I would be no match for The Beast or even the one who destroyed that ship." He glanced around him. "Some of us have lost loved ones and must mourn their memory. Surely there are more powerful in your faithful to halt this vile threat?"
Ironically, Harakhty had to boast his weakness in the moment of his greatest mettle on this journey thus far. He knew full well if Rovagug was released, doom would be inevitable - retreating to Naeem (even if he could) would do no good - so he was more than willing to help Sarenrae in her opposition. However, for the sake of those like Saviv and Zahira, he did not want them to be thrust into some dangerous quest when they'd already lost so much, so he appealed to his lack of combat experience instead of highlighting specific casualties. He needed to help, but he feared the most direct aid wouldn't be the most beneficial - for anyone involved. Even Skaar - who took a welcome (though probably unneeded) protective position for Harakhty on the way to the hill - could not confront everything head-on. Some treachery cannot be stopped with a sword or a spell.
Clawing through the mental fog that filled her awareness, Aurela reached for awareness. She could almost hear a deep resonant voice, faint almost imagined.
Get up. Your allies awaken. GET UP!
Jerking awake, her eyes fly open as she sits up. She was sitting on a bed, in ill fitting clothes.
[/i]Not on the ship anymore,[/i] she thinks, noting the lack of sway.
Her sharp eyes scan the room, noting the other beds and the cast aside clothing. Seeing her own armor and equipment lying next to the bed she stands, quickly stripping off what she was wearing and donning her armor, feeling far more secure the moment her sword was buckled on...she would have to name it, but for some reason it just didn't feel right to....she heard the voices in the other room.
Cracking her neck as she released the stiffness in her neck she strode out the door, to be greeted by the rest of the group. She was glad to see the rest of them alive, but as her gaze passed over the crew she started counting the missing.
"What the &#$%&% happened and where are we now?"
Jerryl/Sarenrae looks over you. Her eyes stop on Skaar.
"No, I never have. In order to get close to Jitty, I had to be able to go around unnoticed. You didn't pay much attention to me, did you?" she asks with a smile.
Sarenrae continues. "I have been after Jahlrem, or Jitty as you know him, for a long time. Over the course of his life, he has destroyed many of my churches and killed many of my faithful. Unfortunately, I am bound not to destroy him myself, such is the agreement amongst the deities. Thus I turned to Rando and, being a faithful cleric, he sought to reform Jahlrem.
Jahlrem is beyond redemption. He possessed by a single-minded goal of freeing his master. While the orb he now possess has considerable power, it is insufficient to break Rovagug's bonds. For now, you must make preparations to continue your journey to Zahvroma, for that is where he will go."
Sarenrae turns to Cyna. "Young one, Jahlrem is mortal, even though he is more experienced than you currently. Without the orb, he is like anyone else and may be put to the sword as he deserves. Your journey will continue to be perilous and you must give of yourself to those who ask you for your help. By doing so, you temper your resolve and build upon your strengths."
She looks at the group again. "But I do not ask you to do good in my name. Only one of you serves me, but our goals are the same at this time."
She walks over to Harakhty and whispers in his ear.
She resumes her place at Rando's side. "Before I go, is there anything else you want to ask of me?"
Skaar stood in dumbfounded silence, first at the explanation that she was not, in fact, sleeping with the halfling captain but then at the goddess's explanation. The story was overwhelming and so much bigger than the orc could have anticipated - a mad man working to unleash a mad god, a goddess disguised as a halfling whore to go unseen, a group of strangers assembled to prevent a catastrophe..
His moment holding a grieving Zahira in his arms suddenly filled his thoughts.
The greenskin couldn't even pretend to understand Sarenrae's plan. The machinations of deities was beyond the big orc's grasp of things but he did understand pain and loss. And so, blaming himself for the deaths of those aboard the ship, he did as any animal does when it's in pain - he lashed out.
"Ya knew about Jitty- or Jahlrem all along and ya didn't stop 'im? Ya didn't warn us? Good men and women are dead and their blood is on your hands!" Skaar bellowed in anger.
She holds her hand up and Skaar feels as if his anger is being drained away. "I could not stop Jahlrem nor could I do anything to change the course of events. It is bad enough that I saved who I could. That is something I will have to answer for in the coming days. If I had done more, then I would have disrupted the balance the gods maintain. Yes, good men and women are dead and yes, I chose to save you and your companions over them. The gods will be angry with me and the gods will seek retribution, if not upon me, then upon your group and Rando's. For now, all I can do is take my faithful home to their eternal reward."
Cyna speaks calmly to skaar. "Can you imagine what would happen if a diety intervened with the followers of another? It could start a war bigger than any of us could comprehend. Becides we were all suspicious of Jitty. At least I knew he was up to no good and no one did anything... I certainly didn't.... Cyna trails off once again thinking of the crew of the blind maiden. Her head hung low in regret.
Skaar staggered and sucked in a breath as Sarenrae soothed his growing fury. His big dark eyes that had been full of fire a moment before now held only regret and sorrow. He unclenched his fists and looked at his massive meaty hands as if seeing them for the first time.
"I- I- furgiv me..."
"It does no good for us to cast blame," spoke the inquisitor.
Cyna's implicit accusation snapped him back to the world around him. The Everlight's whisper had drawn him to introspection, his sensory memory distant for the next moments. The only thing which made sense about their selection could be their motivations. He didn't know much about the rest of their group - near to nil of the women - but he did know they each must have their own reasons for coming. Harakhty could not think of one more powerful than his for embarking on their journey, and it may well be the others had compelling reasons to get on the ship as well. Sarenrae was not the kind to use that knowledge as leverage. She believes in me. In us. Just as she mentioned Hasina had. The thought disappointing his surrogate mother took hold of him, and tears welled-up in his eyes.
"The blood is on Jahlrem's hands only. None of us meant for this to happen, and all of us will do what we can to stop it. At least I will." Though the wetness on his face didn't indicate it, there was strength behind the Vanara's voice. If we are truly the best hope to stop this catastrophe, I cannot throw that away for Naeem's sake.
"They make up their own rules and good men die. This is the true constant."
Sarenrae resumes her glorious appearance, the light temporarily blinding. She turns her gaze to the heavens and she is joined by the spirits of the departed crewmembers who appear out of the darkness. Sersel, her face serene, whispers to the Dawnflower who nods. Maviv, the younger vanara, also looks to Sarenrae for approval.
"I always wanted to tell you that I loved horses. It was a shame that we could never ride together."
Before resuming her place among the rest, she whispers to Rando. Once she joins the others, Maviv comes forward to Harakhty.
The vanara joins the others as Sarenrae spreads her wings. In flash of light, they are gone. Rando stands, a figure defiant against the odds placed before him. He looks to you, pale and stonelike. Then a smile crosses his face.
"Let's go back, shall we?"
Skaar nods. His massive form is pale and he's bereft of his former ferocity.
"Ya. Let's go."
Aurelea stood at the back of the group, unnoticed by the others as the focused on the Goddess. She was, quite frankly, stunned to have heard what they had been discussing, and even moreso to have seen the Dawnflower in person.
She had felt all along that this trip was the starting point of something bigger but never would she have imagined what just took place.
As the small assembly turned to head back to the inn she greeted them with a look of half disbelief half amazement.
"Well that was certainly.....insane. Or maybe this is what drowning is like."
Auf Wiedersehen ...
Cyna nods doing her best to stay composed. A sad smile adorning her lips as she follows behind the rest.
"The gods are all mad, swordslady. And they're around more than you'd think. Or like. They say Torag secretly likes watching women defecate."
Well that was certainly interesting. Drago thought to himself as they traversed back to the room.
"So now I know this must all be real, because even my air starved brain couln't possibly come up with your brand of crazy Steven."
Farewell, thought Harakhty as the souls departed. May you find peace. He followed the group back down the hill, somewhat in awe of what he had just seen and somewhat in awe of Rando's determination.
As they neared the tree, he veered off towards it. He did not wish to interrupt the couple, but the news was good - and it was not his place to question the spirits. Rather, it was an honor to be their messenger. Scampering up the tree - something he hadn't done in a while - he waited until one of them caught his eye before moving out onto their branch.
"Saviv, my heart goes out to you. I had no brothers, so I cannot imagine the pain of losing one. Maviv is with Sarenrae now." He gave the Vanara a moment as grief was a strange thing; even though he surely saw the flash of light, he might not process the spirits' departure without prodding - if he saw them in the first place, that was. "Before he departed, Sarenrae gave him permission to leave a message with me for you. He wanted you to love and be happy." He glanced between Kirito and Saviv. "Maviv also said you should not hold yourself to blame for his fate. He knows it was not your fault. So does Sarenrae - she would not have given him leave to lie to you." Respecting the spirits was of the utmost importance in their society's traditions, and this unique circumstance allowed them to speak with the departed directly; Harakhty hoped this reverence would let Saviv overcome the stubbornness Maviv mentioned and be at peace. "I will be leaving with your captain to stop Jitty and avenge Maviv. I pray I am successful, but if not ... may I tell him in the next life you honored his final wish?" Harakhty was unsure why Saviv would feel a problem opening his heart to Kirito with Maviv around, but he didn't feel it wise to ask.
"You must be the lookout for the both of you now. One who sees the world, and one who sees the stars - twice blessed you are." Harakhty leaves them be then, deftly descending the tree.
He approached the group as they headed back, feeling warm inside.
During the trip back to the building that was housing the Maiden's survivors, Skaar remained silent. The orc had never been friendly but he had possessed a certain kind of fierce confidence that made him endearing to some. Now he was sullen with a visibly melancholy that could be easily read on his crude features.
He stopped mid stride when Harakhty moved to catch up. The big orc took a breath as if to voice a thought but nothing came out. Finally, after an awkward silence, he spoke.
"Sorry 'bout yur 'Nara friend."
Harakhty looked to the large member of his group, surprised at the uncharacteristic emtional statement. "It's not your fault, Skaar - you have nothing to be sorry for. I just hope my end isn't the same."
Skaar nods and his expression seems to harden a bit at the vanara's reply.
"No, never again."
Once they re-entered the room, Drago found an unoccupied chair and slumped down in it. He put his forehead in his right hand and said, "I need a drink."
Cyna will check on her horse and see to any injuries it may have.
"Well, my pale companion, you're in the right place. Special occasion! Red elven Amarone?"
"Thank you Stephen, I prefer Elven vintage." Drago said with a side-long glance at Skaar.
"Why do I get the feeling I'm missing something?" Aurelea muses looking from Drago to Skaar.
As Rando passes the tree, he makes a slight motion and Kirito and Saviv come down, trailing a distance behind the group. The darkness overtakes the area outside of the inn, even the inn itself seems a bit darker. Cyna sees that Brimstone is unhurt and proceeds into the inn. Rando pushes open the door letting everyone enter, before closing the door behind him. The five that were inside the inn stand and follow their captain to a large table. You see that some food has been served.
Rando nods at the young, tanned woman milling about pouring drinks and arranging seats. "Thank ye, Avaya."
The captain gestures for everyone to sit before settling himself in a chair. The spread is impressive; braised beef, some seasoned fish, local vegetables and some exotic looking rice.
Rando looks around the table. "Rydii, are we done salvagin'?"
The undine nods between bites of fish. "Ye'h, w' g't th' l'st 'f 't t'd'y."
Satisfied, Rando resumes. "We're off th' coast, but Horace ain't lookin' for me anymore. Rydii and Robaldi saw one o' his ships turn away at the sight o' th' wreckage. That buys us some time t' get going where we need t' go. Unfortunately, I'm short a ship and crew. We're not gonna find that here. This "province", as Ol' Stabby calls it, is a bunch o' fishin' villages. I'll let 'im tell ye."
Stahvi momentarily looks put out to have to speak. "I suppose the captain would prefer that I tell you about this land since it was my home for a long time. This village, Ramanuja, is in the Erala province of Jin Zhao. It is not as metropolitan as outsiders are used to. The closest harbor is Deshur in the Anjarat province, which is two days away. We will have to cross some dense jungle to get there. There are very little settlements to speak of, so I hope that your supplies are adequate."
The vishkanya falls silent gratefully. Rando polishes off his drink and picks up where Stahvi left off. "Th' locals don't take too kindly t' our gods. They see it as a sign o' th' world tryin' t' change 'em. So ye ain't gonna see any friendly temples fer a while. Th' best approach is to be open-minded and keep yer beliefs t' yerself. Weren't easy when I was a missionary, won't be easy now. But it'll be likely that with enough coin or favors, ye should be able t' charter a boat to Za'vroma.
"Yer probably askin' why I ain't gonna buy a boat and get ye to Za'vroma myself. Th' answer is I'm likely gonna be stuck here for a few months at least. Rydii only found enough gold t' keep us comf'table fer a couple weeks. It's gonna take more'n that t' buy a boat and probably hire some crew. Back when I had both eyes and both arms, my charisma could probably do the trick. Now, not so much...
"But Sarenrae doesn't want t' put the matter o' Jitty...er, Jahlrem off fer too long. I'll help ye as much as I can, but likely we're gonna part company in Deshur."
The halfling seems saddened by the prospect. "Anyway, eat yer fill an' get some more rest. We'll be settin' out early. The humidity can be harsh after Seventh Hour."
Harakhty devoured the fish like he was meaning to gain a few stone. He was hungry, though the feeling just hit him after the aroma of the feast came to his nose. The Vanara tries a small bit of the beef, and a healthy amount of rice and vegetables.
He was somewhat excited about this trip. While he knew nothing of boats (or how to get them), a journey through the jungle would be a welcome experience. Though the grasslands of his home had groves in only small areas, the denser forest would return protective canopies to surround him.
For now, Harakhty contented himself with observing the appetites of his companions; he was worried in particular about Zahira & Skarr and Saviv & Kirito and hopes they would eat, but his eyes and ears remained open to all. It would be good to know the tastes of my group. Gifts of food were one of the best ways to curry favor in his tribe, and he found most cultures (he'd experienced) seemed to take well to them also. Perhaps I can get closer to them that way. After all, besides Skaar and Saviv, he was still much an outsider here.
Skaar eats heartily and with single-minded purpose as the others discuss plans for the immediate future. Throughout the meal, he shovels enough meat into his maw to feed a dozen men and more than his share of the fish and veggies too. The big orc leans back lazily once he's finally reached the limits of his endurance and picks his teeth with a bone. The meal seemed to do a good deal to lift the greenskin's spirits.
After a booming belch, the hulking brawler finally speaks.
"Cross 'da jungle and reach Deshur. Once there, we gotta make some coin and buy a new boat?" Skaar says confirming what he's been told. "We all makin' 'dis trip?"
Having been unconscious for days Cyna had built up quite the appetite and seeing her felow compainions just as hungry certinaly wasn't helping. Cyna helped herself to whatever was near by at a moderate pace and as politly as she could manage, over eating after such a fasting wasn't good for ones digestion even with her otherworldly constitution. She left the red meat for the others not that she was vegitarian. It was just that she prefered fruits and veggies and with so many campfire tales of cannibles floating in the back of her mind the only time she ate such things was when she felled the creature herself. Better safe than sorry afterall. She followed Rando's speach as best she could all the while trying to collect her thoughts on the current state of affairs.
"Of course im going my most well mannered friend." Cyna replies with a quick laugh at Skarr's antics "It's far too late to turn back now..."
After whispering to Robaldi, Drago dug into some of the meat. While he was as ravenous as any of them, he did try to keep some propriety and took his time. Picking up the glass Dr. Stephen gave him, the sorcerer raised it and nodded towards Cyna then the rest. "To those we have lost. May they live long in our hearts." He downed half the glass in one gulp. Then he continued eating.
Aurelea didn’t truly realize how ravenous she was until she saw the food laid out. Diving in with substantial vigor, she took a decent sampling of each food, thoroughly enjoying the indulgence.
“So any idea what we might be in for in the jungle? Any particular hazards to keep our eyes open for”
Stahvi decides to field Aurelea's question. "Wild animals and quicksand would probably be our two main concerns. Bandits are known to roam the area we are traveling through, but I'm sure they will not pose much of a problem."
After you eat your fill, most of the crew heads to bed. Rydii pulls out a strange stringed instrument and begins to play. Zahira sits close to her, holding a small book in her hands. Stahvi also sits to enjoy the music.
Harakhty, curious two-fold of Zahira - both of what she was reading and why she was reading it - sat down by her. After listening to a few bars of the exotic instrument, he asked her. "I read often when I was with the church. Is your book any good?"
Skaar sits across from Zahira and, though he tries to appear indifferent, enjoys the music. He lays back and tries to doze while the vishkanya and Aurelia discuss the potential dangers of their next trip. Sarenrae's words and the experience of meeting her drift through the big orc's thoughts.
I've got to be stronger and quicker. No more deaths on my watch. The next Jitty that comes my way isn't going to get a chance to hurt them - any of them.
"This is the Gorumskagat. It's not good by any means, unless you're captivated by such things," Zahira answers, lifting the book slightly to indicate it. "It is a collection of heroic poems. They were favorites of Rukkus'. He would always ask that I read them to him, once a week. He never had the heart to tell the captain that he followed Gorum. Then again, my brother wasn't that devout of a follower."
She sets the book aside and looks at vanara. "My brother was a man trying to make peace with himself. Everyone expected him to be strong, but he was always interested in "softer things", if you know what I mean. He would ask Sersel to let him take care of any animals we had on board. He also had a passing interest in flowers, but he lacked the enthusiasm to keep them going for more than a few days.
These poems...I don't know if they reminded him of who he thought he should be or if the stories of others somehow made him feel okay not being a battle-hardened warrior. He hid his true heart from himself until the very end. Part of my heart tells me to burn this book and maybe he will finally be honest with himself...in the afterlife."
Zahira sheds a few tears but composes herself. She stands and puts a hand on Harkhty's shoulder. "Good night, Harakhty."
She turns back and picks up the book. She hands it to Skaar. "Kanskje denne boken vil interessere deg mer enn jeg."
Zahira departs into the darkened room with the other crew memebers.
Rydii finishes her song and sets the instrument aside. "Mo' shoulda stayed up. He always likes the sitar."
Stahvi pours some alcohol from a fresh gourd. "Mohato does not have your flippant attitude when people die."
The undine scrunches up her nose. "I feel bad, y'know. They were my friends too."
"But you always seem to think grieving should be a brief matter," the vishkanya says thoughtfully.
"Well, Sarenrae doesn't want us to be sad forever. I'm just a bit quicker than others."
Stahvi lets out a derisive hmph and finishes his drink. "It's been a long time...I wish I could have come home under better circumstances."
Skaar accepted the offered book and flipped though its pages. As one would expect based on his appearance, the brutish orc was not much of a reader but if this tome had been important to Rukkus, he would give it a chance. His massive hands engulfed Zahira's as he took the book from her.
While Rydii was playing her music, Drago stepped just outside the door, leaned against the wall and soaked in the night.
Right on schedule, she appeared, "The crew are a weak bunch, you should slay them and feed. Your thirst in unbearable. Listen to your mother and drink your blood" she said in a mock motherly tone.
He retorted, Skaar may have something to say about that. As for the thirst, it won't kill me. Now be gone, you old bat!"
"And if I don't?"
"I SAID, BE GONE!" Drago found himself shouting inadvertently.
She left.
Returning to the group inside, the music was over and the two members were having some sort of argument. And the resident Orc had a book in his hands. Hmmm. the Damphir thought.
Aurelea listens to the exchange between Rydii and Stahvi with interest. ”For some the grieving is less necessary than carrying on in their honor. Would your lost loved ones want you to grieve or live on so their memories remain?”
He didn't mean to open up the fresh wound of her brother; had he known, he never would've asked about the book. Gorum was not too well-known to Harakhty - much to do about war, and that did not interest him. At least Skaar and Zahira may be able to bond over that book while healing her grief. Some of their exchange was unintelligible to him, but it sounded peaceful enough.
Perhaps it was time to rest. The large meal in his belly, a sleep would feel good, and they had a big journey ahead of them. Swiping another piece of fish, he walked off to the chamber from which we awoke and spread himself out on the bed.
Sleep did not take him quickly though, so he prayed. May the crew find harmony in the hereafter. May we have strength on the journey ahead. Nethys' followers insisted magic be in nearly every ritual, and they often practiced some minor form of mystical concentration while in divine thought. In his case, Harakhty was accustomed to focus inward on his minor ability with telekinesis. He outstretched his hand above his chest, and began to make a shallow ictus. After a moment, Naeem's pendant floated a few inches off his furry torso, the tooth turning clockwise, then counterclockwise at a slight adjustment of his wrist. The theory was if one was forced to wield something valuable, the greatest care would be taken not to break it - and the greatest discipline and skill would result from the practice. The church was often right with their theories, and this circumstance was no exception; as his thoughts often drifted to Naeem during this ritual, his manipulation became almost subconscious - yet just as deft as if he were focusing. His mind recalled the savannas of his youth and tried to compare it to what he thought the jungles of tomorrow might bring, and he lost himself to his thoughts as the evening drew darker, his chanting to maintain the suspension a slow, soft mantra in the dusk.
A Goddess in the flesh. Supposedly. I mean, that is, if we're not all deities in some leg of the trip. They trust her so immediately. Intelligent, independent sapients. Most of their loved ones dead, collateral damage of a spat between infinitely infantile extradimensional beings of great power. And a word from one of those supposed greaters and they all understand HOW HARD IT MUST HAVE BEEN ...FOR HER.
Maybe the Rahadoumi have it right. Ignore these monsters that suck at the teat of our belief. F%~@ those creatures ...they're worse than any dragon. More lives have ended in the name of the holiest god than from any lich.
She saved us. She says. If so, why not others? Skaar is immense, but clearly Rukkus was out of his league. Rather, how could anyone put varying worths on sapients?
The mad, the dirty, the grubbing, the desperate. And sometimes, the correct. Who am I to judge? Who are they?
The doctor grunts and walks off alone.
Rydii looks at Aurelea and then at Stahvi. "See? She doesn't think I'm 'improper'."
The vishkanya unbinds his hair. It drapes on his shoulders, granting him a little more elegance. "I suppose I'm old-fashioned then. The Anjarati custom of grieving for a month still appeals to me though."
"A month?!" Rydii asks incredulously. "That's way too long, Stabby!"
The vishkanya's eyes narrow. "Only the captain may call me that, Rydii. Please don't forget that."
He reaches for the gourd by his side again and pours another drink. He hands a cup to Rydii, who gulps it down greedily. "Yes, a month. To turn our thoughts to helping our departed begin the cycle of rebirth. We pray and we feast in their stead. We send our love so that when they are reborn, they are given a better chance in the world. Life and death are merely the same path on an unending journey. At least, I used to believe that. Regardless, I see nothing wrong with an extended period of grieving."
The undine yawns. "Don't stay up too late, Stahvi."
She departs into the crew's shared room. A few moments later, she can be heard snoring. Stahvi, however, does not seem tired and pours himself another drink.
: "Don't learn from it. Just be true to yourself. That will honor his memory."
Skaar turned the book in his massive hands.
Be true to yourself? Does she know what she asks?
Ravager. Butcher. Monster.
No, I want to be more.
After wrestling with his thoughts a moment longer, the big orc tucked the book in with his things, stripped out of his armor/clothing, and climbed into his bed.
Once everything is said and done Cyna will head to bed early rising at dawn as usual.
Taking the queue from everyone else, the sorcerer went to his bed, unclasped and removed his cloak, stripped off his boots and shirt, laid down on top of the blankets, crossed his arms over his chest, and went to sleep.
"Steeeeeephen," a rasping voice calls out. "Yes, you failed him. He has not forgotten. We will come for you. We will cleave the flesh from your bones and eat your entrails."
The rustling resumes and then silence.
Cyna wakes at dawn and sees her companions still sleeping. Stepping out of the room, she finds only Rando awake, facing east deep in prayer to Sarenrae.
Cyna quietly leaves her companions to their slumber and will join Rando in silence then grab a bit to eat for breakfast before tending to her horse as he hasn't had a chance to streach his legs on the ship and probably the 3 days since.