Elizar looks mournfully at Ashlyn. He wails in Azlanti:
Ashlyn nods. "I know, Elizar. Sorry. You can come out more once we're off the ship."
She turns to Evie and says "Evie, this is my dearest friend, Elizar."
She turns to Elizar. "Elizar, this is Evie."
"Missed breakfast... again? Sailors eat too early in the morning, I think. And I'd be happy to sing for you all... I only wished I could play to accompany myself. Perhaps someone else can pluck out a tune for me to sing to... or there's always a capella, if you can tolerate my voice that long."
"Oh, I'll never tire of your voice, Fleur! Ashlyn assures her.
If no one else can play some music she'd happily listen to Fleur sing the night away a cappella.
"Oh, yes, Aurelian would be happy to handle the three of you together," he says with a gleam in his eye as he casually slaps the dagger aside while at the same time sidestepping Evie's thrust, not making any effort to riposte, as he doesn't want to hurt his new proteges' confidence.
Confidence is everything. They must be as sure as I am if they wish to survive. Well, unless I am there. Then I can protect them, of course, and nothing will dare try to hurt them.
Ashlyn seems to be listening to something. Suddenly she blushes furiously and looks completely scandalized. She mutters under her breath:
"Hush, Elizar! I'm sure that's not what he meant!"
Ashlyn returns to focusing on the task at hand (convincing her new friends to help her stab Aurelian).
Due to his dwarven ability to see in the night, Jenner's wound up helping take night watches with the Peregrine's crew as often as not... it's true darkvision won't spot a threat on the horizon unless it's closer than sixty feet, of course, but it does make it easier to get around the deck at night without stubbing your toes. Accordingly, though he's shared mess several times with his co-colonists, Jenner always seems to be getting to bed at the same time others get up.
All the same, the dwarf is a cheerful enough traveling companion, and has made sure to at least introduce himself to everyone as a man of the gods and potential medic. He's wound up bunking with Luetwin, and the two of them can often be heard discussing the art of the forge (even if the mustachioed human is more truly passionate about it), or conversing in the gruff dwarven tongue with Alba, or even exchanging thoughts on Abadar's will with Father Kurvis.
Jenner's been amused by Aurelian's flashy antics, when he's caught sight of them, at least. He's let out a little wolf whistle at the sight of the shirtless swordsman, though whether Jenner is actually serious with this appreciation or simply poking a touch of fun at the young man's flamboyant self-flattery is up for debate.
Fleur's pleasant singing is appreciated by Jenner-- dwarves do so have an ear for music-- and he occasionally requests a favorite sea shanty from her, while offering his own singing voice. ....his is nowhere near as good as Fleur's. The best that can be said for it is that it's in a low rumbly bass.
He's no scholar, but appreciates the study of those are who, like Evie, and listens politely to anything she wishes to share on the history of Azlant, of which he knows only sailor's tales. He's more than willing to offer information to fill out her chronicles.
Ashlyn, well..... of those complaining about her unusual companion, Jenner is probably among them. It doesn't help that the first day on board he rounded a corner of a cabin and sort of walked into the wet, unpleasant ectoplasmic mass of her... friend. Sputtering, Jenner had backed away wide-eyed, and sketched a sign of Abadar several times in the air. He's perhaps asked Father Kurvis about ways to lay unquiet spirits to rest.
Jenner has yet to form much an opinion of Sarine and just thinks of her as 'that lass with the cat'-- so, accordingly, as he's up in daylight hours today, he wanders near to the young woman to say a proper hello, with a bit of fish filched from the kitchen.
"Ahoy at you, Miss Sarine, is it? Can't say as I caught your surname," the dwarf says with brusque cheer. "That's a fine pretty mouser you have there, mind if I give him a bit of fish?"
Jenner, of course, knows nothing of Sarine's actual feelings on the white cat.
Sarine is momentarily caught off-guard by Jenner's approach. She doesn't often think of doing nice things for Demon Cat. "Yes, you can feed him. His name is Socks. Thank you."
"I'm Sarine Dulciare," she says as she offers a handshake. "You have been helping with the night watch, I believe? I don't think I caught your name earlier."
Fleur thinks about her own rapier, safely stored in her cabin, as she watches the sparring, but opts not to retrieve it and join in... Aulerian looks like he's got his hands full already, and she certainly doesn't want her eagerness to participate to be misconstrued as interest in him. Not that he isn't attractive to the eye... but oh! that ego!
Her repertoire of songs, Jenner discovers, does surprisingly include several sea shanties, and she sings for him and the crew happily. Any he requests that she doesn't know, she has him hum a little, teach her the words and she picks up the tune and lyrics very fast, being a quick study where music is concerned.
Fleur spends a little time getting to know Socks as well... and quickly transfers her affection for the kitty to a friendly outlook toward Sarine. Over dinner, she tries to draw out the woman, asking her a few questions about herself... "Where are you from? and how did you come by such an enchanting creature? Socks is so adorable!" And finally, she asks her the important question... "What brought you here to this expedition? I'm sure we each have a story beyond the need for employment. If I'm too nosy, tell me so and I'll not ask again... but I'm just curious. Please don't be offended."
You seem most knowledgeable in many fields, hon... perhaps you could teach us all about ancient Azlant and where we are going before we arrive. It could come in handy to know these things. I know a little, but only what I've been able to gather from a few texts I read. I know we'd all benefit from your advanced studies.
Oh, my dear, I think it's unfair that your companion is made to feel unwelcome on the ship... I have a spell that might help... I can clean up after him... maybe not all the time, but when I'm around and he's manifested, I would be happy to clean the deck where he's been... I know the captain only wants what's best for the ship, and a clean deck is important, but you always look so lonely when he's not around, like a piece of you is missing.
Ashlyn looks at Jenner with worry and exclaims: "Oh, my goodness, sir! I am SO SORRY."
Ashyn looks over at Elizar. "Apologize to the poor man, Elizar!"
Elizar gazes mournfully at the dwarf then looks back at Ashlyn. He exclaims in Azlanti:
Ashlyn looks super embarrassed.
Ashlyn tells Jenner: "He's really, very sorry."
As she and Elizar walk away Ashlyn whispers to him in Azlanti:
"Would you really?" Ashlyn exclaims in excitement. "The mess goes away once Elizar does, but it's while he's here that he's such a mess." Ashlyn suddenly turns thoughtful. "People are scared of him, you know. It's not just cause he's messy..." Ashlyn brightens again suddenly. "I'm sure once in a while it would be alright. Right?"
Ashlyn calms herself and concentrates, drawing Elizar out of herself slowly, as before.
As the mournful figure of Elizar appears he stares deeply at Fleur with pitch black eyes. He says something sadly in Azlanti:
He then turns to Ashlyn and relaxes slightly.
Ashlyn smiles and says to Fleur: "He says thank you." since she assumes you don't understand. Then she turns to the rail and leans against it, looking out over the dark ocean. Elizar follows suit.
"Come and join us, Fleur. It's a beautiful night."
After a long while Ashlyn turns to Fleur. "Thank you, for this. It means a lot." Then she turns to Elizar and tells him "Come on, pal. It's time to go to bed."
Elizar steps forward and Ashlyn hugs him, drawing him inside herself until he disappears, along with most of his goopy, drippy mess.
Fleur smiles at Elizar and tries to quell her minor discomfort at the idea of meeting a wandering spirit for the first time.
"It's an honor to meet you, Elizar... and you are most welcome."
Fleur joins Ashlyn at the railing and looks out into the unfathomable night. "Lovely... the smell of the ocean, and the glimmer of starlight... it's a heady combination that makes me long for home, and for adventure at the same time."
When Ashlyn brings Elizar into herself, Fleur watches in wonder... and finally asks.. "Fascinating... What is that like? What does it feel like, I mean? Can you hear his thoughts when he is part of you? i know this will sound odd, but that unity of spirit I imagine you share with Elizar is something we all seek in a way, but sometimes we look for in other ways... I think you are blessed to have such a relationship."
If any drips remain on the deck to show where Elizar has been, Fleur casts prestidigitation and they are instantly clean and dry.
"Cats are good on a ship," Jenner says with pragmatic optimism. "Help keep the rats down, aye?"
He offers the tidbit of smoked fish to the cat, crouching to do so, and giving a weathered sea-squint up at Sarine at her words. Jenner's not an old dwarf, but his years on ships has given him plenty of crow's feet already.
"Dulciare, eh? You don't say," the dwarf murmurs neutrally. If he has a reaction to her famous name, it doesn't show on his face. "Jenner's me, but I'll answer to that, or Holystone, or Longhammer, or 'hey you!' or 'healer!' or whichever, as you please. Been to sea before?"
"...right," Jenner says sort of hopelessly to the assertion the gibbering ghost-thing said he was sorry. "...er... you... just... I'll be on my way..."
There's a few uneasy looks over Jenner's shoulder back at the dripping shade, and the seemingly touched-in-the-head girl (as Jenner somewhat unkindly decides) who is oblivious to how creepy that thing hanging around her is. Well, well, perhaps the power of the gods can give her some rest.
Jenner is relieved to see little of the shade over the next few days, as Ashlyn keeps him 'locked up.' He still stares sometimes at the girl in a mixture of unease and bemusement. Bloody creepy, it is.
Ashlyn looks surprised. "You speak his language? Oh, how lovely! We've never met anyone else who can before. Other than my grandmother, of course. What's it called?"
"How does it feel?" Ashlyn seems contemplative for a moment. "Normal," she says with a laugh. "I've never known anything else. It feels... safe."
"Yes, I can hear him in my head. And feel his emotions. And no... I don't think that's strange at all--though it IS strange to hear someone else say so." she laughs, then nods. "I am blessed."
"No, you haven't offended me at all. I don't mean to brood. It's just...the facts of my life seem inconvenient, but then I realize that I'm just being petty and I'm still acting like a child. That makes me angry and...this doesn't make any sense, does it?" Sarine sighs and leans her head back for a moment, trying to gather her thoughts.
"The truth is that Socks brought me out here. We're looking for something, though I don't know what that is or even if this is the right way. He seems to think so. Aside from that, I'd like to help the colony succeed. My father would be angry about that, but he's always angry about something."
"I grew up in Almas, so I've been around the sea my whole life, and I've been on a few voyages before. Not like this though..." she states, gazing out at the horizon. "This trip only barely seems real, sometimes. So much ocean. It's good to meet you, Jenner. You mentioned that people call you healer. Are you a man of faith, then?"
"It must be wonderful to have a companion... Ashlyn has one too... I.. well.. now I have no one except you lot, and I miss home and family... cannot simply explain . HOwever I guess that's a part of being an adult, eh? Making our own homes and creating family of acquaintances and friends. I hope we all grow to think of each other as family in our new world. I do hope you find what you're looking for.. and don't worry about your father... I'm sure he will come to understand. Parents get angry and get over it, after all. You are both his job and his joy, even when it's inconvenient. He'll come around... they usually do."
She sighs softly and closes her eyes a brief moment... overcome by a wave of some emotion... then waves it away with a brief handmotion and a shake of the head.
Were those tears rimming her eyes for a moment?
"Ah, I studied hard when I heard about the expedition... and I'm glad to have a chance to practice what I've learned. I don't want to forget it before we arrive! Perhaps you can help me with that while we travel? I'd be ever so appreciative! I probably don't have all the inflections right anyway... learning from books just isn't the same as learning a language from someone who can speak it."
When they have a moment after dinner one night Ashlyn takes Evie up on deck to introduce her to Elizar. She takes a deep breath, and concentrates.
"Ready Elizar?"
Finally, Ashlyn smiles. "Hey, pal." she says to him.
For a moment, Evie is silent from shock. But shakes her head quickly and launches right into conversation with Ashlyn. When Evie realises Ashlyn is talking in Azlanti to Elizar, Evie drops into the language also. She asks a variety of questions from the mundane to rather prying questions such as "Is that water, or a mirage?". She leaves the conversation with:
You seem most knowledgeable in many fields, hon... perhaps you could teach us all about ancient Azlant and where we are going before we arrive. It could come in handy to know these things. I know a little, but only what I've been able to gather from a few texts I read. I know we'd all benefit from your advanced studies.
Evie's face lights up with pure delight with this suggestion and arranges a time for any colonist who is interested to join a Q+A session on Azlanti society.
She seems utterly fascinated with everything people say, but her answers are usually the same"Well, we don't know for sure as most records of the Azlanti civilisation are lost...but I have a theory!"
She even tries teaching those who are interested and do not already know, a few words of basic Azlanti.
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After six long weeks, this morning the crew of the Peregrine sighted land to the west. A few hours later the Peregrine sails into a natural bay with a sandy bay within rowing distance for the ships boats. As the crew begin to untie one of the smaller boats to lower it into the water, the sailors pass a spyglass amongst themselves and finally hand it to the captain. Captain Markosi peers at the island for a moment before grunting and handing the glass to Ramona, with a comment too low for you to hear. Ramona accepts the spyglass and peers across towards the island. When she lowers the scope, she beckons you all towards her and moves to the far rail of the ship, away from prying eyes and ears.
"We have a problem." Ramon tells you bluntly once you are all gathered around her. "Something is wrong, there's no smoke from cook fires, no movement on the shore. It's as though the whole place has been abandoned." She offers the spyglass and anyone who takes it can see the truth of her words, nothing moves on the shore or in the village. "Sailor's can't keep their mouths shut." Ramona continues. "The whole ship will know in a few minutes and then there's going to be panic. I don't want that - if we let things go wrong now it will not bode well. I'm going to tell the captain to keep moving to the secondary landing site. If there are any survivors then that's where they will be. I've seen you all these last few weeks and you are some of the most competent people in the colony." She says, without glancing at Aurelian's chest even once. "I'd like you to take one of the ship's boats and investigate the settlement. When you've checked out the colony, rendezvous with us at the secondary site and tell me what you find."
She waves to the sailors and they continue lowering the boat. "I can't send any of the soldiers with you." Ramona speaks quietly. "If things go wrong then I'll need them here to keep order, but take these - just in case." She passes a small bandolier to Ashlyn, containing six sealed vials.
"Yes," Aurelian says, interrupting for a moment as the lovely captain talks about his obvious competence, but then listening to her continue.
"That is very generous of you, but you do not need to give us any supplies, nor worry. Aurelian Fache will be there, no there will be no 'in case.' " Nothing will go wrong, and if it does, Aurelian will fix it. They will all help; many of them are already becoming quite good with the sword" -- he smiles at Ashlyn .
"Where is this secondary site, and we will investigate the colony and be waiting for your arrival there!"
"Ah, I studied hard when I heard about the expedition... and I'm glad to have a chance to practice what I've learned. I don't want to forget it before we arrive! Perhaps you can help me with that while we travel? I'd be ever so appreciative! I probably don't have all the inflections right anyway... learning from books just isn't the same as learning a language from someone who can speak it."
Ashlyn nods happily and replies "Of course, we'd love to help you practise! It's so nice to know its not just made-up language from my head!" She laughs in relief.
For a moment, Evie is silent from shock. But shakes her head quickly and launches right into conversation with Ashlyn. When Evie realises Ashlyn is talking in Azlanti to Elizar, Evie drops into the language also. She asks a variety of questions from the mundane to rather prying questions such as "Is that water, or a mirage?".
Ashlyn explains that she's not sure what it's called, but she knows its not water. Its thicker and slimier. She also explains that sometimes Elizar comes to her insubstantial--like a cloud. Those times he still looks like he's dripping water, but it vanishes before striking the ground. Elizar prefers to be solid, though, despite the mess.
Also, Ashlyn attends all of Evie's seminars on Azlanti culture. She gets more excited as they go on, certain that she and Elizar are on the right track to finding his home!
As soon as she catches sight of the colony Ashlyn looks worried. She's one of the first people near Ramona and takes the spyglass when its offered.
"Oh, no..." she gasps.
"Of course," she replies to Ramona. "We should set off immediately. Where's the second landing site?"
Ashlyn takes the bandolier and straps it on.
"Best to be prepared," she says to Aurelian. Then she turns to Ramona and thanks her. Ashlyn smiles lightly in response to the compliment from Aurelian, but is more concerned with climbing down into the boat and listening to Ramona's directions.
Once she's in the rowboat she grabs the oars and waits for the others, ready to row off when everyone's prepared to depart.
Fleur climbs down most of the way, jumps the last few rungs into the longboat, with the practiced ease of someone who has spent a lot of time on ships.
Sarine nods as Ramona gives her orders and descends below deck to retrieve her equipment and greatsword, then moves to descend to the longboat. Looking at those joining her, she remarks, "Looks like a good crew. I'm glad to have each of you here."
With the others agreeing, Aurelian makes sure he has all his gear he brought with him on the ship -- taking time to strap on his armor and then making sure his sword is hanging just so from his hip, ready to be drawn should he need it -- and then descends to the longboat.
"Of course Ramona, I would be delighted to support the colony in this way"
Without another wasted minute she heads to her cabin to retrieve her equipment and back towards the longboat with everybody. She already has her pen and journal out to record the current action.
(dc 5 ladder)
"I agree," Ashlyn replies to Sarine.
"Careful, Evie!" Ashlyn exclaims, as Evie struggles to get into the little boat. "You alright?
He chuckles at the question, and lifts the end of his blondish beard, to reveal a wooden key of Abadar knotted into the end of it. "That's right. Sworn to the Vault-master, me. Ready to make sure we both live and profit.
"Not much room for dreams in all that, I suppose-- I've not got poetry in my soul. The ocean's just big water, miss Sarine, for all it seems to go on forever. It's what's on the other side of it where I'll start my dreaming, ha!"
After listening to the somewhat worrying briefing, Jenner spends a few minutes in making sure he has all of his gear-- there's a fair bit of it-- and is accordingly just a bit top-heavy as he makes his way after the others. But he carefully descends the ladder, after watching poor Evelyn's descent.
"Well, well.... a wild looking land it is," he says, gazing out at the beach. "Just the place to tame and turn to business."
:
Ashlyn laughs a bit at his question and smiles.
----
Ashlyn nods once everyone's in and asks. "Are we all ready?"
Once she's sure everyone's prepared she starts to row the boat towards shore.
----
Once we do start rowing away from the Peregrine Ashlyn looks focused on the task at hand. She's comfortable rowing, and obviously used to physical exertion. It's clear she's worried about the poor people of Talmandor's Bounty, and isn't as chipper as usual.
Partway through the trip to shore she remarks quietly to herself:
"I know, pal. Calm down." and then later again "We'll get there."
Aurelian perches himself in the front of the boat, one leg perched on the gunwale, one hand on his sword as he looks toward the colony.
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Jenner also takes an oar, even if he sort of squishes on the bench of the boat to be as far from Ashlynn as possible, the poor touched thing....
Fleur, being a bit on the weak side, lets stronger folks row... She softly sings a shanty to keep the rowing steady and even... but stops before getting too close to shore in case there is danger there that might be alerted by her song.
If there is a second pair of oars, Sarine will take up both of those. If not, she got beat to them & isn't inclined to push people out of the way.
Evie manages it into the boat with a very ungraceful thud and some of her belongings clatter over the floor.
On the boat, Evie is too busy scribbling away to notice who is rowing, but the closer we get to the Island, she is overcome by curiosity and starts paying avid attention.
"Can anyone see anything?"
"Ha! Aye, true Azlanti and the makings of a future... I'll drink to that in the mess with you, by Abadar!"
The verdant coastline draws Jenner's own squint, and he chews the stem of his unlit pipe absently as he rows.
Ashlyn also turns her attention to the coast when we're close enough to get a good view, making special note of where's a good spot to land.
"Yes, Aurelian can see everything," Aurelian replies. "There is a shore approaching quite quickly, and an empty colony."
Engrossed by the oncoming shore and the task of rowing, not even Aurelian catches sight of the sandbank, which the boat moves smoothly over. More importantly however no-one catches sight of octopus legged creatures that leap from beneath the surface of the water and attack each side of the boat. Taking you completely by surprise they surge from the water, teeth and tentacles flailing. Ashlynn and Jenner take the brunt of the attacks, as the grindylows focus on the oar wielders.
Aurelian//Evie
Ashlynn//Jenner
Fleur//Sabrine
Ashlynn: -7 HP.
Jenner: -3 HP.
Evil G's. (acted)
Party. (You may all act, I'll sort out the order once you've all posted)
"Ooof! Ashlyn exclaims as she gets stabbed/bitten. She lashes out at it immediately, aiming a punch for the squid-monster's head.
dealing damage if she strikes.
"Of course, I see the thing, Elizar! I'm bleeding!" she exclaims.
Fleur immediately turns her innocuous song to one of inspiration...
HP 13/13
AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13
Fort +2, Ref +5, Will -1 (0/1 reroll)
CMD 14 (16 vs. disarm)
Panache: 3/3 (0/1 deed reroll);
Effects: Courageously inspired (+1/+1), rocking the boat (-2)
Just barely maintaining his balance, Aurelian pivots on a heel and stabs the nearest squid thing.
"No, creatures," he admonishes. "Aurelian Fache did not want any calamari!"
"Damn your gleaming little eyes!" Jenner roars as the aquatic abomination slaps and bites at him. "You want a bite of me? Taste some Longhammer steel!"
He lets go the oar and hauls his axe from over his back instead, trying to bring it down atop the nearer creature's skull, grasping the axe haft with both hands.