Elizar wails sadly. Tears stream down his face.
Clearly he is unimpressed with this conversation.
"Oh, there, there." Ashlyn says to Elizar. "I don't mind."
Then she smiles at Tettia. "Well, I think there's an extra bed in the house I share with Sarine and Jenner. Otherwise you'll have to sleep in the common bunk room." She grins. "As for the ruins, let's pack some extra food. You'll need a few days worth. Then we can head out."
Ashlyn helps find Tettia a bunk and unpack. Then she helps her find enough food for the trip. Once that's all done she asks her friends if any of them would like to come with them on the trip to the Teaching Statues.
On the trip Ashlyn searches around for some berries, then points a stick at them and stares at them REALLY HARD. Sweat forms on her forehead from the effort... Then she suddenly smiles. "Perfect!"
The berries look no different.
She slips the four magical berries into her belt pouch.
Elizar howls in rage when he sees Aurelian! When it's clear that the swordsman is coming anyway, Elizar wails at him!
Then he pointedly places himself between Ashlyn and Aurelian, blocking view of his mistress completely.
"Hey you!" Tettia says, overcoming her fear to step up to the phantom and shake her finger in his face. "Nobody takes me! If you've got a problem with Mr. Fache, then you talk to him. Leave me out of it."
Elizar gives Tettia a glower of hatred! He looks at Ashlyn, clearly communicating wordlessly with her. Then he proceeds to ignore Tettia and returns to blocking Ashlyn from Aurelian's sight.
"He... uh... didn't mean that!" Ashlyn remarks unconvincingly. She leans over to Elizar and scolds him quietly.
His reply is surprisingly short.
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Aurelian, as usual, ignores the ghost.
"Do not worry, fair Tettia. He has a problem with anyone who pays heed to his mistress, not just Aurelian Fache," he reassures her. "You can just ignore him, as the rest of us do, even if you do speak his funny language."
Tettia does her best to ignore the rude phantom and returns to her sketchbook. Her face is flush and her hand shakes a little.
After a moment, she gives up her attempt to finish her drawing of the hillside and puts her drawing tools away.
"Can we just move along please?" She says. "And it's not a 'funny' language. It's evocative, and beautiful, and filled with nuances, and ..." She looks off in the distance wistfully before glancing back to Elizar with a glower.
Tettia soon finds herself hearing more Azlanti than she had ever bargained for. The cataryid columns, which Aurelian and Ashlyn lead her to, are delighted to have a new person to educate and proceed to deliver a truly magnificent volume of information at her. They go on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on...
Tettia's reaction to the instructive columns is effusive.
"Oh, my!" she gushes. "This is amazing!"
She pulls out a sketchbook and beings a sketch of one of the columns before she realizes that they're giving a lecture. The sketchbook is quickly replaced with a notebook and she begins taking notes in some sort of well-practiced shorthand.
"Unbelievable!" she squeaks out when one of the columns pauses.
She's still bouncing after an hour.
After two hours, she's no longer bouncing, but her note-taking hasn't slowed.
After eight hours, she exchanges her journal for a different one.
After twelve hours, she attempts to get in a word.
"Excuse me? Would it be possible for me to come back to hear the rest of the lecture?"
"Aurelian Fache knows a great way to pass the time," Aurelian suggests to Ashlyn.
When the statues start talking Ashlyn listens for a while. Then she looks around for a comfy spot to settle in and rest.
When Tettia complains Ashlyn laughs. "Oh, they don't like that. You've got to take it all in one sitting or they get violent." Ashlyn gives her some snacks and water, then goes back to a comfy patch of grass.
---
"Oh, yeah? What's that?" Ashlyn asks Aurelian, clearly having no idea what he's suggesting.
Elizar promptly flies in the way of Aurelian and wails loudly, so Ashlyn is blocked from sight.
But, as it gets late, Ashlyn starts to yawn. She gives Elizar a hug goodbye, and draws him back into her consciousness.
"Good night, pal."
She finds a comfy patch of grass to lay down on -- not too far away from Tettia -- and lays down in the grass on her back, with her hands behind her head. She looks up at the stars.
"It's so quiet," she eventually remarks to Aurelian. "I'm not used to that."
Elizar promptly flies in the way of Aurelian and wails loudly, so Ashlyn is blocked from sight.
"Hello? Trying to take notes here. This is important," Tettia says in annoyance. Although the yawn that follows is pretty indicative of her state of mind.
Aurelian sighs at Ashlyn's obliviousness.
"Yes, the quiet is nice sometimes," he says in a whisper. "As long as the voices in your brain don't get too loud at those times."
He maintains a vigilant guard during the night.
Sarine stays behind to help unload the ship as Tettia, Ashlyn & Aurelian begin their journey. Someone has to do the trading they had intended on. She also tries to meet any other new arrivals at the colony and looks for an opportunity to send a letter back home to a friend back home.
Jenner stays behind as well; he's heard enough Azlanti chanting to last him a lifetime, though he supposes he'll hear much more before the colony is fully established. He continues to make himself useful at the smithy, helping Luetin with the production of as many mundane items in need by the colony as he can manage-- simple things such as iron nails, saw blades, and the like.
He does idle up to Sarine at one point and flip a copper coin in the air to catch her attention before speaking. "So, while Master Fache is off with both those young ladies.... care for a wager? I'm trying to figure out if I should place my coin on Ashlyn fallin' to Master Fache's worldly charms first, or the ghost trying to murder him first. What do you think?" he says with a sly grin.
"Elizar considers trying to kill Aurelian on an hourly basis. Easy money," Sarine replies. "If you want to keep going on the bet, though, we could raise the stakes...a copper piece is hardly interesting around here."
Shortly after the 'punishment-gluttongs' return from their trip to see the Caratyids, Ramona summons the four troubleshooters to the government house, Tettia's presence is also requested. Carver Hastings stands beside her. "Good day, my friends. Tettia, I trust you are settling in to colonial life well? Have you met Carver yet?"
Carver offers his hand to the young woman. "It's a pleasure, I hear you're quite the historian. I look forward to working with you."
"Now that we're a bit more settled here on Ancorato, I have some tasks for you," Ramona continues. "With Evie, Perrell and Lyra are both occupied with other missions, so I'd like your assistance in surveying the island to chart its geography and secure resources essential for maintaining and expanding the colony. Their tasks include locating a quarry of stone suitable for construction of larger buildings, prospecting for precious metals or ore that could expand the settlement's trade arrangements, flagging forests to establish lumber camps, and discovering whether there are any peaceful indigenous inhabitants—and if so, opening diplomatic relations with them. In fact, our scouts have spotted aquatic humanoids of an unknown nature just up the coast to the west of Talmandor’s Bounty, which may be a good place to start investigating."
She turns to Carver. "I'd also like you to work with Carver about helping with his operation on Ancorato. As you might know, he's a member of the Pathfinder Society."
Carver nods. "I'm sorry to have deceived you about my true intentions, but the state of affairs within the Pathfinder Society isn't conducive to an open operation in Azlant, of all places. When I first heard that a ship was bound for these islands, I knew that the Society needed a presence on here. But that brings me to why I wanted to talk to you. I am not the first Pathfinder to set foot on Ancorato. That, my friends, would be the legendary explorer Durvin Gest."
"I believe the legendary Pathfinder explored Ancorato during his exploration of the shattered continent, an expedition detailed in the first-ever Pathfinder Chronicles published in 4317. Durvin Gest is perhaps the most famous Pathfinder, and he documented his journeys in some of the earliest Pathfinder Chronicles before vanishing sometime around 4360 AR. After studying the first chronicle, I deduced, due to calculations and similar reference points, that Ancorato was just one of many islands the Pathfinder documented. In addition, my colleagues in the Pathfinder Society discovered that some of the artifacts brought to Avistan from Ancorato contained hidden information—precious knowledge encoded inside seemingly ordinary ioun stones. This fragmentary information, dating back to the empire of Azlant itself, suggests a vast conspiracy bubbling beneath the fabric of Azlanti society, the secret of which may still be hidden somewhere on Ancorato."
"I want you to follow in Durvin's footsteps, revisiting locations noted in the first volume of the Pathfinder Chronicles. Up until now, those Pathfinders who have ventured to the ruins of Azlant have either never returned from the journey or didn't find anything relevant. I know of a handful of locations spoken of in the Chronicles, though not precisely where on the island they may be--if they're even on Ancorato at all. I've compiled a list of them for you to investigate."
Carver hands you a list, which include the following five locations and notes:
Abandoned Ulfen Settlement: Named "Joskadalr" in volume 1 of the Pathfinder Chronicles, this lost Ulfen camp allegedly exists on the east coast of Ancorato, hidden from view of the ocean by its placement in a rocky cove. Durvin's account of the settlement claims it has an "unsettling presence" and that he did preliminary investigations but did not stay long. Carver believes this site may not be far from Talmandor's Bounty and narrows down the search area to an 8-mile stretch of coast.
Waterfall Cave: Durvin's account of this cave speaks of unusual etchings and murals that may have been an archaeological excavation by the Azlanti themselves, potentially of an even older civilization dating back to the beginning of the Age of Legend or perhaps further. Carver estimates the location to be on the far northeastern side of Ancorato in the foothills.
Sunken Laboratory: This fabled site is where Durvin Gest claims to have discovered ancient Azlanti technology that led to the creation of wayfinders. Durvin's journals claim that he was never able to fully explore the ruin due to a puzzling series of locking mechanisms and the presence of dangerous undead. Carver believes this site could hold invaluable information to the Society regarding the nature of ioun stones and how they were used in ancient Azlant.
Crystal Monument: While Durvin did not personally explore this site, in volume 1 of the Pathfinder Chronicles he describes seeing a massive azurite monolith etched with strange runes rising up from a forest-covered island off Ancorato's northwest coast. An approaching storm prevented Durvin from exploring the island, and Carver wants a detailed account of what lies there.
Ancient Observatory: Somewhere in the mountains of Ancorato, Durvin Gest became lost during his expedition and stumbled upon an ancient tower that contained a trove of Azlanti writing, star charts etched into the walls, and a still-functional orrery used to chart the movement of the planets. Durvin was driven from the observatory by packs of creatures Carver believes were aberrations called chokers. Unfortunately, Carver does not know exactly where this observatory is—or even if it still stands after so many centuries.
Jenner smirks at Sarine....
In the meeting, Jenner's bushy blond brows arch up to his headline, and he tugs on the wooden key in his beard thoughtfully. "Well I'll be damned. A pathfinder, eh. Now what, pray tell, is the Society givin' us for our doin' your poking around? Fair is fair, is it not? If we take the risk, it doesn't seem fair if you manage all the gain, the fame and the knowing and so forth."
Sarine listens to Carver's story, trying to hide her fascination. As a child, she'd tried to smuggle some of the Chronicles into her reading material until her father caught on. Durvin Gest...
"I think our first steps ought to be to make contact with the local populations. If we can establish good relations with them, they might be able to lend insight into some of our other tasks, and might even be able to tell us more about the other lost colonists, this 'Master' we've been hearing about. If we're lucky, they might even be able to give us some insight into the locations the Pathfinder Society is interested in."
Aurelian nods genially at the introduction, waving away Carver's apology.
"Yes, we shall find these places for you. We have already found a tower with strange writing, so how hard can it be to find another one?" he declares.
He nods at Sarine's suggestion.
"Yes, this is a good idea. Can the scouts tell us anything more of these humanoids?"
Carver offers his hand to the young woman. "It's a pleasure, I hear you're quite the historian. I look forward to working with you."
Tettia blushes profusely as she shakes his hand. "Me too," she replies. "I mean, I look forward to working with you as well. I didn't mean I liked working with me. That would be ... " she trails off and steps back.
~~~
"Durvin Gest was ... here? I mean he actually walked ... here?" the historian asks breathlessly. "Oh gods, this is so ... " she continues despite the lack of appropriate adjectives.
When Carver hands them the list of locations, she reaches out and snatches it like a starving man grasping at bread.
As she reads over the notes, Jenner's comment sinks in and she frowns."Knowledge is its own reward, Mr. Jenner. To be able to follow in Gest's footsteps is an incredible opportunity," she says in annoyance.
Ashlyn grins. "Well, doesn't this sound interesting! Elizar and I love exploring the island! Don't we pal?" she looks over her shoulder at her best friend.
Elizar howls and wails loudly, tugging at his long, dripping hair.
"Exactly!" Ashlyn answers. "We might find your home while we're out there!"
She puts a hand on her hips and thinks....
"Sarine's right. We should visit the nearby settlement. Having good relations with your neighbours is SUPER important! Plus, they might have information for us. Then we should look for these ancient sites. While we travel we can keep an eye open for any resources for the camp. Sound good?"
Then she turns to Tettia. "Can we see the note for a second? Maybe one of the sites on that paper mean something to Elizar."
She holds out her hand for the note...
"Yes, ancient sites," Tettia says distractedly.
When she realizes that Ashlyn asked her a question, she looks up from the notes with a startled expression. "What? Oh, yes, of course." She hands her the notes.
Ashlyn reads the note aloud to Elizar, then watches, curious if any of the sites set off any kind of reaction within her friend...
When she's done she hands the note back to Tettia for safe keeping.
Is the agreement to head west and try and meet the aquatic humanoids then?
Tettia takes back the notes and pulls out one of her journals. She places the notes inside and begins add her own notes on the facing page.
"Yes, let's ... visit ... " she says trailing off distractedly as she scribbles away in shorthand.
”Deal,” Jenner chuckles with Sarine...
...........
“Knowledge is a fine reward, miss Tettia, but it doesn’t put food in the mouths of these colonists or much in the way of protection either. As I see it, the Society wants that fine reward without putting their own hides at risk for it. I’m not saying we ought not go,” Jenner says placatingly, “just that I’d like to know why we ought share whatever we find with the Society free of charge.” Jenner looks pleasantly at Carver.
Without looking up from the notes she's examining intently, Jenner hears the young historian mutter, "Knowledge wants to be free."
Aurelian nods, wondering idly if Carver planned to answer Jenner's question or just listen to them argue about it. Or his own question, for that matter.
"You're not sharing with the Pathfinder Society so much as sharing with me Master Jenner." Carver responds when the conversation dies down a littler. "The Society and the People's Government are not on the best terms right now so I am here entirely unofficially. That said, I am still a Pathfinder in good standing. If any of you would be interested in joining the society I can induct you, and act as your sponsor when we return and can head to Absalom - if any of you would want that?"
Ramona chips in. "The most important things here are the raw materials for the colony. If you find some useful history along the way, then great, but you're doing this to secure resources and allies for our colony first and for treasure hunting second." The way she takes a sidelong glance at Carver shows that this is a conversation the two have played out plenty of times before.
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Jenner hrumfs slightly at Carver, hands laced behind his head, clearly unimpressed with this 'bargain' such as it is.
"Aye, I'll go seek raw materials first and foremost, Miss Rowena, ma'am. And for the gathering of all that free knowledge for Carver, which he's having us risk hide for while he pores over maps and such, why-- I imagine you can owe us a personal favor then, as you're not here officially," Jenner says airily.
He brushes his hands off and stands. "Let's get ourselves packed, then. And Miss Tettia, knowledge may want to be free all it likes, but the retrieving of it-- the digging it out from dangerous places in the ground, and the bringing it back and so forth-- still does cost. In time, in supplies, and sometimes... in lives. I pray it's none of ours. Or that knowledge for its own fine sake seems as noble to you once yeh've seen someone else bleed to acquire it for yeh."
Tettia continues making notes as Jenner addresses her. The only sign that his words have any effect is a stilling of her quill after he finishes.
"Aye, I'll go seek raw materials first and foremost, Miss Rowena, ma'am. And for the gathering of all that free knowledge for Carver, which he's having us risk hide for while he pores over maps and such, why-- I imagine you can owe us a personal favor then, as you're not here officially," Jenner says airily.
"I will happily owe you a favour Master Holystone." Carver replies. "As long as it brings no harm to the colony or the Pathfinder Society. Are these terms acceptable to you?"
After a short trip west and north the party arrives at a patch of shallow water on the long smooth beach of Ancorato's western coast. From the waters rise the tops of buildings, apparently made with drfitwood and draped with mesh netting, hung heavily with fish and seasweed, drying in the sun.
As you approach three figures emerge from the water and approach you, moving in an awkward, ungainly fashion. The leading figure slams her spear into the sand and approaches with arms outstretched, speaking in an awkward, but recognisable common.
"Greetings friends, are you from the colony? We stopped in your village once before but it was deserted, you must have come on the new wood ships?"
Ashlyn smiles and waves. "Well, hello there! We sure did! My name's Ashlyn. It's a pleasure to meet you. What's your name?"
After waiting for an answer she responds. "Yeah, something happened to the original colonists. We're still trying to piece it all together, but it was deserted for a while before we arrived."
Elizar lurks right beside Ashlyn. At her words he nods and wails something ominous sounding in a languages different than he typical speaks.
Ashlyn nods in understanding. "He's exaggerating," she assures the fish-people.
Tettia narrows her eyes at Elizar's outburst.
"Rude much?" she mutters.
She then replies in the same language.
She then pulls out one of her journals and begins a rough sketch of the newcomers.
Koloshkora goes on to explain about the city of Talasantri and how she and her tribe can secure goods there.
"Unfortunately," Koloshkora says, reverting to her slow common. "Trips are dangerous. Sahuagin has taken a reef on the far side of the island, make trips dangerous. Once a water naga lived there - she was friendly. But now Sahuagin live there, until they are defeated, we cannot return to Talasantri. Perhaps..." Her wide fish eyes examine the party, "You could help us?"
Ashlyn looks at Tettia in confusion. "He's just sharing his opinion. Why are you being so mean to him?"
Then she turns and looks back at the fish people and smiles.