Soon enough you are all aboard the ship and before the sun peeks over the horizon off of the docks and sailing down the Varnyn River.
It takes a day and a half to get into the open ocean. The crew seems capable though to a man, cutthroats.
There are no garderobes or chamber pots. The crew simply relieve themselves over the railing. The Captain grins, "Sorry, don't usually carry ladies on my ships, modesty not a virtue of sailors". He displays that lack of modesty by pulling himself out and relieving himself over the side. He winks at Alice as he speaks.
As day turns to afternoon, the Frosthamar hugs the coast and from the ship you can see countless farming communities and fishing villages go by. More than a few fishermen wave at the Frosthamar. The Captain is always sure to wave back. “Would not want suspicious sailors, eh?” he says with a glower.
The Frosthamar is not swift so heavily-laden and averages about forty eight miles a day. The rations are hardtack and small beer, though Kargeld does stop a couple of times to hunt deer along the wilder part of the coasts.
It takes a week for the ship to pass along the settled coast of Talingarde where you see the great city of Daveryn, the largest center of civilization along the western coast.
Soren gives the captain a look of dissatisfaction, but otherwise doesn't deign to give him a response. As their voyage continues, Soren presents an amicable facade to the sailors by eating and gambling with them on board the ship; all a pretense to prepare for her inevitable task of razing the ship to the last board.
"Daveryn... that is a city I do not miss," Soren remarks as the sail past its walls, a scowl on her face. "I will be happy when we may ride into that place with Death at our backs, and not before."
Opting to sulk for sometime in the groups space at the back of the ship. Unless spoken to by one of the sailors she avoids speaking to them and opts for glaring instead. Any movement she makes on the ship is slow and she makes sure she has something to hold on to. Not that she moves around on the ship very often. More content to sit quietly with her things. If she is not holding on to the ship itself she keeps a hand on either her necklace or in the pouch at her waist.
Concerning the other in her party she trying to make conversation with them. They are to be your companions you should try to get to know them.
---
Once away from the captain Morana stiffly walks over to Grumble and taps him on the arm to catch his attention. Once she has it she smiles, I wanted to say thank you for speaking up to that ass of a Captain. I appreciate it.
--
Spotting the tall Tiefling alone later that evening Morana walks over to her. Quickly grabbing what ever object is near to feel more stabilized. Hello. We never had much of a chance to speak before. I was intimated preoccupied. And I was wondering if I could convince you to tell me about your faith. The Cardinal was always so busy and I am certain I should have asked earlier but I was.. Glancing down and mumbling, grievingpreoccupied.
---
Seeing Vaundour pass calling out to him, I realize I had not had a chance to thank you for the things you made me. So thank you for that. Curiosity getting the better of her mouth since he is the first Drow she has ever met, Are you from Talingarde
---
Spending a far amount of time over a few days just watching the Dragon in human for and Nathaniel just observing them. Hesitant to approach the larger man and not having much to say. But the lack of words has never stopped her before so moving over to him when she spots Nathaniel alone. Offering a quiet and slightly awkward, Hello.
Grumble seemed like he didn't quite know what to make of being thanked at first. Then he nodded just a little. He pointed to one of the ship's ropes, an intricate hitch that was difficult for anyone who wasn't a sailor to figure out.
"Can't do somethin' to one part of the knot without doing it to the whole thing. That's why it's a strong knot. Like us now. Strong knot."
Her previously small smile grows into a broad smile, That is very true. Though I do not think I know much about the people that make up this knot.
Twisting her fingers together, Would it be to bold of me to ask how you came to join this group? Because how in the Abyss does a creature like him end up here? What is It is rude to ask people what species they are. And pissing that off would end with you going for a s
Shifting on her feet and tucking one hand back into the pouch at her waist, which seems to call her fidgeting. I sort of missed the initial meeting and we were all quiet busy before.
|
Spending the time getting himself in the ship's good graces, Vaundour joked and told tall tales from his days in the capital city of Talingarde. And of course, he spent some time with the ship's captain, learning his manners (of which he had an unfortunate lack), and how he spent his days on the ship. Truly, the captain was a very disgusting specimen of man.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Morana started asking about his life, Vaundour said, "Of course, my fair lady. 'Twas born in the minor noble family of Gathlain, though my family was a bit less than impressed with my heritage. Tell me, where has such a beautiful creature been hiding all of my life?"
Alice has by now gotten quite used to the ways of the ship. Ignoring the captain with an ease born of practice, she goes about her work.
Seeing how uncomfortable Morana is on the ship Alice goes to her.
"I do not want to appear brash my lady. But you are clearly not at ease on the ship. If you require assistance doing your daily business, I can offer you assistance if you like. Many find it eases the stress if they can hold on to someone while hovering over the railing."
Grumblejack wasn't really used to being talked to. He wasn't awkward though. He was relaxed and surprisingly easygoing. It was the privilege of being a creature with no natural predators. He had a relaxation and aloof grace to him that was reminiscent of Aurex. Neither beast needed to care about petty things like social hierarchies or passive threats, so they could afford to be perpetually relaxed.
While that utter lack of social anxiety came across as self assurance most of the time, it also inadvertently led to situations like this one, where Grumble, mid conversation, followed the Captain's earlier example, casually whipping out a truely prodigious member and relieving himself off the side of the ship.
"This ship." he said. "I was sent by Sakkarot as an emmessary to the Cardinal. Got caught though. By this guy." He patted the skull hanging from his belt. "Escaped with the others. Passed the tests. Joined the Knot. Now going back home to tell Sakkarot we're ready."
He shook and did up his breeches. "It's harder to blend in with humans than I thought it would be. This ship was my first time being around humans. So I acted like them. It got me caught. I think they don't act like humans very well either."
Taking a quick glance down out of curiosity and then back moving her eyes back to Grumbles face. Trying to pay attention to both conversations You looked! Of coarse I did. You did too. I see with your eyes Harpy. Oh quit complaining. I am not going to do anything. And be quiet.
Nodding in agreement, Humans can never decide how they should act. Each little group is different and if you do not toe the line just right you stick out quiet dramatically. Not that anyone can tell you the exact way to act. Though you do not look very human and that is a crime to most anyways.
Grinning at the complements from Vaundour and complains from that whiny voice in her mind, The bastard certainly thinks highly of himself.Ogre member and you are all joke but some mild flirting and you pout?I am not pouting!Right, of course not. I grew up in Ghastenhall. And I left that horrid place as soon as I could.
Nodding in agreement. Offering assistance is in no way too brash my dear. I have never been on a boat nor do I swim very well but thank you. If you say that it will help then I am willing to try.
"... Convince me?" Soren asks, shaking her head slightly; the tiefling woman appears to have been lost in thought. She tears her eyes away from Daveryn, and her eyes settle on Alice for just a moment before she addresses Morana, an uneasy expression now on her face. "There is little need to convince me, Morana," Soren says with a measured tone, "You are my sworn ally, born from a pact forged in blood. I was unaware you knew so little of the Faith, but I will teach you as best as I am able." Soren leans on the ship's railing, he eyes flicking over again to Alice before she shakes her head again, more violently this time.
"The Faith, our worship of Asmodeus, holds true to those tenets first set forth during the creation of the cosmos by himself and his only brother, Ihys. Ihys, causing the first schism between the gods, granted all mortals a fragment of their divine spark in order to bestow upon them free will. It is said in the Book of the Damned that because of this, Asmodeus committed the first act of treachery, having slain his brother on the field of battle after offering his hand in brotherhood; as repayment for his only broken oath, Asmodeus allowed his brother's dream of free will to stand. In its place, he created the Nine Hells, to serve as a reminder of what had come before, and what would some day rise again. The Faith, as it serves to emulate Asmodeus in all things, is comprised of a strict hierarchy. The strongest preside over all others, who in turn follow their orders without question; as you rise in rank, those below you must obey you as you must obey others above you." Soren pauses for a moment, turning her head to look out over the water as the boat rocks beneath them. She brushes a lock of hair from her face as the wind plays with her bangs, before she lets out a long sigh. "As long as you obey in all things, everything else is secondary. Asmodeus cares little for whatever brings you personal pleasure," she says, grinning a bit, "or what brings you some modicum of comfort."
"I am... unlike others, in this. I am a Hand of the God-Fiend, and I follow his direct will in all things; he guides me towards glory or destruction, no one else." Soren sighs again, her hand resting on the grip of her pistol. She pulls it from her holster, the sunlight reflecting off the barrel, and gestures with it towards Morana. "You are a part of my Knot now, and will find the same as I do... that is, of course, unless you believe your strength is greater than my own?" While Soren phrases the comment as a joke, her flat delivery leaves just a hint of doubt as to the intention of the sentence; her face is likewise expressionless, her eyes again drifting to their newest compatriot on board the ship.
"I found it doubtful at first, but I believe Odenkirk may be even more of a crass individual than yourself," Soren says, finding the half-drow alone on deck one day during their voyages. "I would wonder how is crew tolerates it, if not for the fact that I believed they were as bad as their master..." Soren chuckles slightly, her hand resting on her hip. "How do you suppose they've functioned so well with women aboard? I suppose they do have some experience, with that wom--" Soren stops, catching herself, "--Alice... aboard the ship." Soren pauses, her voice lower when she speaks again. "Vandour, I must ask; what do you think of her... Odenkirk's assistant?"
"Grumble Jack," Soren says, finding the half-ogre by the ship's bow. "Has the voyage treated you well? I know your last excursion aboard this ship was... problematic." Soren pauses, her hands on the ship's railing, looking out over the sea. "It was Asmodeus's will that you be caught, just as it was His will that I freed you from that cage in Branderscar... at the time, I was not sure it was the right choice. We both bear the mark of His infernal blessing in our blood... we are bound, more so than even the others." After another long pause, Soren finally speaks again, her voice quiet. "Does it feel good? To have finally formed the Knot you longed for?"
|
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When the conversation goes to their new 'companion', though, he goes uncharacteristically serious. "I do not know what the Cardinal has seen in her. She seems strangely naive to be one of us, almost blindingly trustful, but I cannot help feel that there is something more about her. I believe that she needs to be watched, at least for a while, to make sure that she is truly a member of our Knot." Turning his gaze back to his partner, he asked, [b]"What about you? I've noticed that you seem to have a bit of trouble being around her."
Nate grimaces at going over the side of the boat, but it hasn't been anything he hasn't seen before during his time in the army. Aurex just picks at his flat teeth absentmindedly; he did his business wherever he pleased anyways. Nate would probably be most at home in this soldier-style living situation compared to the other knot members.
Nate is staring off the front of the boat as they move, lost in thought. As Morana walks up he turns and smiles. "Hello, Aurex told me a bit about your journey here. He said you were 'spirited'." Nate gives a friendly laugh. "From him that's a compliment. How are you doing with all of..." Nate gestures to nothing in particular. "This?" He gives a smile. Nothing about him appears to be the kind of person who would follow an evil god, or even swat a fly.
"My feelings for her--" Soren catches herself, scowling, and starts again. "--about her are... uncertain. She reminds me of another woman I once knew, who went by the same name. She is the cause of many things in my life; not the least amongst them my imprisonment in Branderscar. I was a fool to meet with her in her own estate..." Again, Soren seems lost in thought, and for the first time Vandour has seen she seems almost unaware of her surroundings. "While I doubt it will be on this outing, I am sure the Cardinal's plan will cause our paths to cross again; I am unsure of how to handle such a thing." Soren flexes her hands, cracking her knuckles against her palm, before setting her hands on her knees.
"However, my personal life is unimportant; I was merely curious if what I felt were misgivings was merely sentimentality at play. I would not endanger you, nor any of the others, by risking my judgment being clouded by my past." As she talks, Soren's eyes drift to another of the towers along the shoreline, and her knuckles whiten as she grips her knees with surprising force.
Grumblejack took his time answering. "We are all bound now. One knot. One purpose. We passed all the tests and made the right choices. Feels good. Feels right."
"Us though, no. We ain't bound by anything more than the others. Not yet. You are a reward I ain't earned, and a prize I won't take. I swore the oaths. The Knot comes first, no matter what I want. So you decide. Not me."
"I'm gonna need to learn to blend in better. I've been practicing."
His tail wound around his waist like a belt and he pulled his tunic over it so it vanished. Then he brought the "fingers" of his wings together so they formed a leathery looking spike. he tucked the "elbow" of his wings beneath his arms and up in front of him so that the "thumbs" met like the clasp of a cloak. The spikes curved down across his chest and past his belt.
"I just need a cloak with some rings or somethin' that my wings can fit into. Then they just hide inside it. With a hood and the Cardinal's circlet thing, I'd just look like a big human."
Keeping still and trying to keep her features neutral during the explanation. But when that metal pistol comes out and is waved at her Morana whole body visibly tenses. If she shoots you might die. It would have to be while she sleeps.
Gesturing to herself and then looking at Soren with a raised eyebrow. Her voice takes on a self depreciating tone for her reply Do I look like I would win that fight? It was luck that won me that fight before and I am certain you were aware of that.
Crossing her arms and scowling at the Tiefling, I have no desire to be better than you. I do not desire to be better than anyone. I want to accomplish what I signed that contract for.
Moving a hand up to hold her pendant, People were always moving but I was standing still. You are right that I did not like it there. My family were not devotees of Mitra. Choosing to venerate Pharasma instead. They were dull and boring people.
Clasping her hands behind her back to keep them to herself before continuing. Can you fly with those? Her eyes light and a small smile works its way onto her lips, I have always wanted to be able to fly.
Taking a moment to look around then lean in closer, I do not like this boat.
Grumble shook his head. "Naw. They're too small."
Keeping her hands behind her back while shifting on her feet. They seem rather dexterous. Are you able to pick things up with them?[
"About as well as you could pick somethin' up with yer feet." Jack shrugged. "They ain't good fer much."
Soon enough the ship passes Watch Wall signaling the beginning of the Northern seas.
The Captain grins, "Now the fun begins!"
Nathaniel
Grumblejack
Vaundour
Morana
Soren
Aurex
Alice
Kargeld
Soren and Aurex spot it first and soon enough Vaundour and Morana confirm it, it's a ship and it's headed towards the Frosthamar fast!
Not fazed by his pessimism, Some people can do quite a lot with their feet. Just so you know. Thank you for answering my questions. Unless stopped for some reason she will meander off.
~Previous talk with Morana~
"Oh I'm never bored, it's part of the wonder of having a mystical creature bonded to you." He chuckles.
The broad, quiet hulk of a man suddenly growls and spins around. "There's a ship headed for us, it looks like they've spotted us and want to check us out."
Looking out at the water and mumbling I suppose that would be true.
Hearing the others and twisting to look out to sea. As Vaundour gives his imitation of a sailor her stomach twists and her throat goes dry. Oh Gods I am going to die Calm floods her mindDeep breath this is nothing. We have a higher goal than what ever this is.
Seeing that the others have already spoken up about the ship she checks to make sure that she has her things. The looks about for the other members of the Knot.
Grumble concentrated on his circlet, making himself look as human as possible.
His wings now just looked like a hunched back, and he was a foot shorter than his usual towering eightish feet. He was still enormous, but not out of the bounds of believability for a human.
He looked like a hired guard, his hammer losing it's Asmodean insignia. Sir Balin's longsword rode his hip, it's Mitran heraldry plain to see.
"You mistake my meaning; you and I are... different. Morana has only just begun to understand the Faith, and I doubt the others are much different. You and I... you traveled on this ship once before, to meet with the Cardinal, and I served Asmodeus since my own youth. We are all bound by the Knot, but we are bound to Him in a way the others are not... not yet, anyway." Soren's face softens for a moment, before moving away from the ship's side, and towards her own resting place. "Forgive me if I am not making much sense... I have had other things on my mind. I believe I need to rest." With that, Soren bids the half-ogre farewell and heads to her area of the ship.
"Luck won you nothing, or you would not be here." Soren snaps the pistol back into its holster, her own arms crossed at her chest as she looks at Morana. "You must hold onto that drive, that desire to survive, if you wish to survive the trials ahead. It kept you alive against an opponent you believed was your better, and you will need that when the time comes. The Knot takes strength from all of its members, and you're one of us." Shaking her head, Soren moves to leave the other woman in peace for the night, clearly tired and distracted. "I will speak with you again later... I need to rest."
"Another ship... they likely wish to know our business. Cpatain?" Soren says, giving the man a steely gaze. "Assuming they do not fire on us first, allow me to speak with them. I suspect I might be able to steer us away from this without bloodshed; something that would certainly aid us in our mission." Soren sets the circlet upon her head, and her features shift and twist until she resembles someone else entirely; her hair is now strawberry blonde, and her features are duller, more muted. "Best not to let them see me if they don't have to," Soren says, before readying herself to speak with those aboard the other ship.
Alice, having been on the ship for a while, remains calm. Whatever the other ships intentions, it would be clear soon enough.
Seeing Morana get nervous, Alice guides her towards the mast. "Here, you can hold on to the mast. I doubt it will come to blows, but the mast is one of the sturdiest things on the ship you can hold on to."
The Captain grins at Soren, “She’s seen us, sure as damnation. And there no way the Frosthamar will outrun her loaded down. One look at cargo and they’ll know us for exactly what we are – weapon smugglers. Let's hear your words work lassie. If not, we'll be spillin' Mitran blood into these waters don't doubt”![/b]
Within about 10 minutes the ship pulls nearer to yours. It is a single masted fully-rigged pinnace only thirty feet long. There are seventeen men aboard the ship – a dozen sailors and the captain. Of the seventeen, you can see that many carry ranged weapons.
The sailors begin to call out, "Heave in the name of the King!"
The Captain call out, "I am Captain Edward Sambryl of the King's Navy. What is your business in these waters?"
Alice is hopefull Soren can pull this off.
She keeps quiet and next to Morana to keep her calm. Nothing draws suspicion like a persone scared of water on a boat.
Mumbling a quiet, Thank you Alice. Letting her temporary crutch walk her over to the mast. Morana forces herself to let go of Alice's arm and simply lean against the mast. His voice drawls, You loved that pond. With a scowl she hisses back remembering to think it not say it this time, I could feel the ground there. Please be quiet so I can listen.Remember to breathe
Alice's words echo Morana's thoughts.
"Remember to breath. There is no shame of being afraid of the sea. She is mighty and worthy of our respect. Just hold on tight to the mast."
Without turning her head Morana glances at Alice while growling out, I am breathing. Chuckling in her mind that rough voice filled with mirth, Don't be so grumpy.
Huffing and then grumbling, I have no shame of my fears.
Aurex sniffs the air and shrugs. Either they will spill blood or they will sail away. Either way he had little to add in his current form, so he remains on the back of the boat and leans over the railing.
Nate looks at the oncoming boat and gives a nervous half-smile. "Soren, these look like soldiers. I spent a lot of years in the Mitran military, and they're too disciplined to get distracted by a pretty face. Not to mention that unless you're a cleric they're basically overtly sexist. Maybe I should handle this." If Soren agrees, Nate thinks back to his military days and uses his circlet to make himself look like a high-ranking official in the navy.
"A pretty face?" Soren says, grinning at Nathanial. "Why, what makes you think that's the only trick I have up my sleeve? I have been tricking fools like these for a long, long time; regardless, I see no reason we could not both try to sell them this little ruse." With that, Soren puts on the last of her disguise, as her fake persona dons the armor of a Mitran cleric, her pistol holster now hidden by illusory robes. "Let us go greet them, then?" She motions for Nathanial to follow her as the captain calls out from the other ship.
"Ho, captain! May Mitra's grace shield you from harsh winds and high seas," Soren calls, a pleasant tone in her voice. "My name is Elizabeth; I and my compatriot have chartered this ship in hopes of safe travels to the north, towards the Watch Wall. My brother serves there, and it has been many weeks since we last spoke in person; I would like to introduce him to my betrothed." Soren shoots a surprisingly convincing glance towards Nathanial in his uniform, seemingly smitten with him. "I have written him letters, but I have great love for my brother, and I would like the two of them to meet in person before we are wed; it is possible he may not be able to attend the ceremony."
As Soren's ruse starts unfolding, Nate decides to go with a less conspicuous, lower-ranking soldier for his disguise. As the captain comes over he gives a crisp salute. "Sir! We wrnt with this vessel because it was faster and safer than horseback, and because...money is a little tight." He gives a little blush.
He looks at Nate dubiously and scans the rest of the crew, "You need not lie about your finances soldier. I would warn you that many on the ship appear to be ruffians. Were I you I would come aboard The Blade of St. Martius. We would be happy to escort you the rest of the way".
"They are rough men, to be sure, but they have been kind and accommodating to us all the same," Soren says, wrapping both her arms around one of Nathanial's. "We appreciate your offer captain; truly, the Beneficient Sun shines always upon yourself and your crew. However, we have already paid these men for their trouble, and they have not done us wrong," Soren continues, doing her best to seem a happy bride-to-be. "Moreover, we would hate to inconvenience you or your crew, or cause you any grief; I would never forgive myself if you and your crew were to be reprimanded for an unsanctioned voyage."
"My betrothed speaks the truth. Ah if only your offer had come sooner. We have made an agreement with these men, and I would not have either of us break our word. As a man of the military and a man of the faith, I would keep my own word and allow these men to keep theirs."
Captain Sambryl nods at Soren, "Very well then Milady. May Mitra bless your Nuptials". He takes one last hard look at the crew of the Frosthamar and gives the order to allow your ship to pass.
Once The Blade of St. Martius is out of earshot the Captain approaches Soren, "Clever girl. If I were to take womenfolk on as crew I'd consider you. Quick thinking indeed!" He chuckles at the backs of the Mitrans as they sail off.
"If I were taking work, I'd consider your ship," Soren responds, dropping the ruse and disguise in the same breath. While she doesn't push him away, her arms drop from around Nathanial as she returns to her normally cold demeanor. "I expect you will take advantage of the time I have bought you to get far away from this place before he has a chance to remedy his mistake."