Due to her skillful negotiating tactics (and a strategic revealing of her...sleeves), Nefertiti is able to shave 40 gold bits off the cost of the coal oil, leaving the total cost of the oil at 60 gold bits.
As the group funds have already been depleted between purchasing The Rita and buying the potions and scrolls, Nef pays the 60 out of her own remaining cash, and then oversees the boys loading the kerosene into the hold.
She wrinkles her nose at the harsh scent. "This coal oil smells so awful that maybe the stink of it will drive the Leviathan away, all by itself!"
Still, she pats the barrels. See, Whale? I will keep faith with you, and help your people however I can.
As the boys head back up, she catches Jacinth on the stairs. "Thanks for not running, Captain. You're doing great so far."
She gives Jacinth one last smile before going off to find Zem.
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"It's not pleasant, I'll give you that," Oren nods as he helps maneuver the oil onto the ship. "Im not used to this grunt work anymore," he groans watching the other Tulita have a much easier job packing the heavy barrels onto the ship.
Zem in particular looks like he is barely breaking a sweat. "You know, Zem, if you wanted, Aikane and I could sit on our barrels and let you carry us as well as them," he says with a tired smile.
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Once the odd business of the minotaur was done, Rata watched Aikane run off after the lumbering brute. What is he up to, indeed… He hailed the Captain and Jenks aboard, leading them belowdecks to a private chamber where they could talk.
Sitting himself across from the Captain, Rata clears his throat, ”Thank you for taking the time to meet with me, Captain Montgomery. I apologize that you had to go out of your way to track me down at the Rita, I would’ve gladly returned to the Pig’s Whistle to speak with you there.” Rata appears quite sincere in his apology, as he didn’t want to burden the obviously troubled captain any further.
Continuing, “As Jenks here has probably already informed you, I am Rata Fenn and I seek information pertaining to a pirate vessel, the Wailing Gypsy. It was this vessel that was responsible for sinking my father’s merchant vessel the Concord. I lost my-“ He breaks eye contact with the man, looking down at the table and swallowing hard before continuing, ”I lost my sister, Usha, in the attack and my father’s whereabouts are currently unknown, but I hold out hope that he is still alive somewhere in the Razor.”
After a pause, ”I am wondering if you might have any connections to, ah, the seedier side of dealings in Port Shaw. I have yet to find anyone who has heard of the ship, and I fear it may have been rechristened. Or, possibly, if you might know of anyone with any past or present dealings in piracy. Surely, the Wave Riders have put down a pirate ship or two in their time.” Rata smiles at this, hoping to bring out some sort of reverie in the gruff captain. ”Any assistance you would be willing to offer me would be a great help I can assure you. I fear I would be rebuffed if I attempted to seek the help of Bonaduce and his Dragoons.” Rata looks at him with genuine pleading in his eyes. He eagerly awaits the Captain’s reply, hoping to finally have some answers to his long sought after questions.
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Even as Aikane returns from his 'errand' in time to finish helping the other load the coal oil onto the Rita, Rata Fenn welcomes Captain Montgomery aboard and quickly moves to Jacinth's cabin, closing the door behind him...
Montgomery's gaze returns to the present and he turns back to face you. "You mentioned rechristening a ship, under the table. Yes I have heard of places where a pirate may sail to avoid the Dragoons. Why I remember there was a particular shipyard several days south of Port Shaw, yet the Dragoons caught wind of it and it was razed to the ground." His face lights up briefly. "We played no small part in helping them find that stinking hellhole!" He then sighs deflatedly, "Now there is nothing left of us..." He looks up, unshed tears in his eyes now. "If you need ta talk to th' seedier side of Port Shaw, Falken Drango. He be imprisoned by th' Dragoons fer slaughterin' his crew. Good luck gettin' to him." He then stands up, clearly ready to leave. "Been a pleasure ta talk wit' cha. Mister Fenn. But I must go now." With that he staggers to his feet and, with Jenks help, makes his way off of the Rita.
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Aikane doesn't open the scroll case just yet, preferring to scan the docks for onlookers.
[dice=PerC]1d20+12
Then he walks off into the city, reading the scroll briefly as he goes, headed to make the rendez-vous. I felt she was low-balling her numbers, but of course I accepted.[dice=Heat run as necessary]1d20+12
Zemwaar observed as Aikane moved away, and wondered if in fact he always felt best when on his own, but he didn't give it any further thought, respecting his companion's decisions. More than once he had entertained the idea of following him, but on the one hand he was almost sure he would not be able to, and on the other, he would not force the Menehune to share what he did not want to share.
On his way back to the others, he gives Jacinth a silent nod, in appreciation for her answers, but nothing further.
---
As they toil through The Rita, removing all whale based materials, he assists in whatever way he can, silently carrying boxes and crates from one place to the other.
He looks around for something to keep himself occupied while the women were talkimg. He followed Zem and Lani to the outside. "So, truthfully, do we have any chance on coming back in one piece," he asks, making small talk.
"I believe we do" - the man Moamasu answers matter of fact - "For the most part, and barring what we cannot foresee, we know what we are doing - how to navigate the vessel, how to get where we want to be, how to survive in the sea. We are as prepared as one can be" - he nods confidently.
"And, are your thoughts clear, Zem? It's been quite a heavy day. I want to be sure that you and Nef are able to deal with all the ....complications that might flow from Nef's spell."
"I do not understand the question brother" - he looks at Oren - "Why would my thoughts not be clear?" - he asks.
Zem in particular looks like he is barely breaking a sweat. "You know, Zem, if you wanted, Aikane and I could sit on our barrels and let you carry us as well as them," he says with a tired smile.
"Rest for a moment Oren" - Zemwaar retorts - "I can carry the remaining ones by myself. It is fine. Physical exertion is what my body has been inured to do. If you don't focus on how heavy the crate is, but simply on where it needs to go to, the task becomes easier" - he adds.
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"I dunno, Zem. Did nothing happen that might change your and Nef's relationship a bit, or was I just hearing things? It sounded like declarations of love were passed around freely between the two of you. I want to be sure you both are prepared for that."
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Before everyone leaves, Nef says, "Oh, I almost forgot!" She pulls out of her pouch a large flag with the Eye of Horus symbol on it.
"We're a team now." She says, turning to Jacinth and Ke'ahilani. "We're going on a dangerous mission, but we're not going alone. Horus is protectively watching over us. Even if you're not a worshipper."
After showing the flag to everyone, she says, "I've also written to Gregory Bonedeuce." She glances at Aikane, "Don't worry, I've left you out of it completely."
Turning back to the rest of the group, she says, "I'm hoping Bonedeuce can escort me into Fort Stormshield so that I can talk to Harok McFarrows, but I don't know if he'll receive the message in time to arrange anything." She frowns. "I just feel that if we've purchased Harok's ship, I should know his side of the story."
She looks around the room, but then addresses a final question to Jacinth. "Is there anything else we need to do as a team before we set sail tomorrow, or have we got everything covered?"
Maybe if we're done, I can have a little time to talk to Zem, and figure out what this change really means for both of us.
She feels nervous, joyful and giddy all at once... but oddly enough, not afraid. She reaches quietly under the table to take his hand.
Rata returnes to the others and assisted with combing through the Rita for any items that might incur the wrath of the Whale. Upon Nef's mention if visiting Fort Stormshield he perks up instantly, "You're going to Fort Stormshield, you say? Captain Montgomery suggested I speak with Falken Drago about connections to local piracy. Perhaps I could accompany you?" Rata looks at Nef with sincere pleading eyes. Maybe I haven't exhausted all of my options just yet...
At Rata's pleading look, Nef smiles warmly. "If Bonedeuce allows me to accompany him, of course I'll take you with me. Besides, I'll need an escort, especially at night. Mokoli warned me to be careful in this town. I'd like to have people I trust watching my back."
"However, I don't know yet if Bonedeuce will even respond to my note," Nef adds, honestly. "I'm just assuming that he will, for the sake of curiosity if nothing else. He knows about the rescue mission for his cousin. Besides," she says, flushing slightly, "he's got a reputation for charm, doesn't he? I'm certain the Gullet's Concierge will give Bonedeuce a detailed description of the woman who left the note."
Though slightly embarrassed by this, Nef knows her face is one that opens doors. Then, she looks at Rata, speculatively, and grins, unable to resist teasing her good looking friend a little. "But if it turns out I'm not his type, maybe you will be."
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"I dunno, Zem. Did nothing happen that might change your and Nef's relationship a bit, or was I just hearing things? It sounded like declarations of love were passed around freely between the two of you. I want to be sure you both are prepared for that."
"Yes, something happened brother" - Zemwaar stops what he was doing to look at Oren -"I do not know if they were 'declarations'. Do feelings need to be declared? I know many do so, but it has always been my conviction that one either feels it or not. And if so, it only makes sense to leave inaccordance to it?" - he stops short - "I digress. To answer you, I believe we are prepared for what is ahead of us, as much as we will ever be" - he finishes, returning to his task.
Maybe if we're done, I can have a little time to talk to Zem, and figure out what this change really means for both of us.
She feels nervous, joyful and giddy all at once... but oddly enough, not afraid. She reaches quietly under the table to take his hand.
Zemwaar feels Nefertiti's small, soft hand on his own. He returns the touch, and meets her gaze, simply standing there, staring at her for a long time. Until he realizes his own hand his holding too tight, at which point he slowly lets go.
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Oren shakes his head at Zem. That one's strange all right. Good luck keeping Nef happy by standing by all stoic for hours at a time. She's a talker, and she'll get tired of talking to herself with Zem standing by like a statue.
"Ah well, who am I to question young love. So long as both of you keep your kind on the task, we'll get those nobles back, and I'll be able to find somewhere fun to spend all of my many gold coins!"
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"Gregory Bonedeuce? I've had the pleasure of making his acquaintance in the past. He's quite a charmer and..." her face flushes slightly as she realizes that she's beginning to stray off topic. "Ahem! At any rate, I'm sure that you know his reputation precedes him. Considering the stir you seem to be making here in Port Shaw dear Nef, you might just pique his interest enough to receive a reply."
While Jacinth rhapsodizes about Bonedeuce's charm, Nef glances at Rata, curious to see how her friend reacts. Was he still interested in Jacinth, or had his rage over the secret elven lab swept all those earlier feelings away?
Nef prickles a bit at Jacinth's 'dear Nef'. There was something in Jacinth's tone far too reminiscent of the patronizing commentary of the previous day. Then Nef forces herself to relax. Jacinth is high society, just like Ismah. They love their little affectations. Let it go.
He returns the touch, and meets her gaze, simply standing there, staring at her for a long time. Until he realizes his own hand is holding too tight, at which point he slowly lets go.
Nef's face flushes, and she wonders why his touch feels so different now. Just yesterday, she had been able to touch him casually like she did her other friends. Today there's nothing casual about his touch, or hers. Her whole body tingles in awareness of him, and when she meets his gaze she has to actively remind herself to keep breathing.
This giddy euphoria is nothing like feeling drunk... Instead of dampened sensations, she feels hyper-focused on Zem to the point of losing everything else.
By Horus, she thinks, is it always going to be like this? How will I get anything done?
"I told you before that Joshua Bonedeuce was one of my friends that accompanied me on the Dulcimer. He's a relative, albeit a distant one, of Gregory's. Perhaps if we can bring word of Joshua's fate or even better, return with him alive, that might help to win you an audience with him."
Nef turns back to Jacinth. "I'm hoping for Harok McFarrow's sake that I can meet him tonight. From talking to his cousin, Relgin, it sounds like the Dragoons believe they already have their murderer. I'm afraid that if we try to wait until we come back, they'll have already exacted their justice upon him."
She asks the room in general, "How long do such cases usually take, with half of Port Shaw baying for the murderer's blood?"
"Provisions are taken care of, we've scoured the ship top to bottom and removed what whale products we could find...I believe that takes care of everything."
Nef nods and takes out her notebook. "What time do you want us all reassembled to sail in the morning, Captain?"
The unloading and restocking of the Rita with the replacement supplies take much longer than you anticipated. The sun is about to set under the horizon before everything is packed and stowed away to Captain Jacinth's satisfaction. Giving the ship a final walk-through, you are all satisfied the Rita is ready for your voyage to Dolenta Island.
Departing the Docks area, you make your way back to the Captain's Wheel for the final evening on dry land for a couple of weeks at least. You all gather in the common area for your dinner, ready to go through any last minutes plans.
As the hour grows late, you all realize the dawn comes quickly especially for a treacherous voyage as what you are about to undertake. Just before Nefertiti is about to retire to her quarters, a group of three Dragoons enter the common room. "Miss Nefertiti Abdul? We bear a message from the Commandant Bonadeuce."
As the priestess stands up to receive the message, one of the Dragoons, the squad leader by the looks of it, hands her a message scroll case. With a smart salute, they quickly depart the inn.
Unsealing the case, Nefertiti unfurls the scroll. The message is brief and to the point.
It reads as follows:
Miss Abdul,
I trust I was able to get word to you in time before you departed. Trust me when I say your message was indeed received. You believe the fisherman Harok Mcfarrows is an innocent man. While the evidence against him is substantial, it is also circumstantial in nature. In the interest in preventing the execution of an innocent man, I will grant a stay from his sentence being carried out, five days hence.
I do this as a favor for one who puts her life on the line to rescue my dear cousin Joshua Bonedeuce. May the winds be at your back!
Once you have returned from your voyage, you may come see me at my office at Fort Stormshield.
I look forward to meeting you face to face.
Commandant Gregory Bonadeuce.
Nefertiti bids the Dragoons to bide a moment for her reply.
"If you don't mind, officers?"
She writes:
Commandant Bonedeuce,
Thank you both for your quick reply and for the offer of the stay of sentence for Harok McFarrows. Your reputation for honor is well deserved.
We will do our best to bring your cousin and the other lost ones safely home. When we return I look forward to meeting you.
Nefertiti Abdul
Nefertiti of course shares the contents of her message with everyone.
Rata failed to notice Jacinth's glare as he made his way belowdecks with the Captain, although had he noticed, he probably would've inquired about it at a later time.
Rata's face squishes up in disgust at the thought of Gregory Bonadeuce as a potential love interest, failing to detect the mirth in Nef's words. "Highly unlikely."
His face turns to an impassive mask as Jacinth raves about Bonadeuce's charms. "Besides, it seems the man already has someone else in his sights." He says without a hint of smile on his lips. It seems she's just a means to an end after all...
"Highly unlikely."
His face turns to an impassive mask as Jacinth raves about Bonadeuce's charms. "Besides, it seems the man already has someone else in his sights." He says without a hint of smile on his lips.
Nef shakes her head and says, "I don't think so. I grew up in a harem. That's not the way a woman talks about a man she already has."
Nef sits down next to Rata, and lets him read it. "Neither of us is getting into Stormshield tonight," she says with a sigh. She cocks her head, and says, "Is everything alright, Rata?"
Then she pauses, and says, "This has been a tough day for all of us. However, you're family. We didn't pull you from the sea to let you drown on shore. If you want help tracking down your demons, I'm here. We all are. Just remember that."
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After discussing the contents of Gregory Bonadeuce's message, consulting with each other about what may lay ahead, and finally taking the last chance to unwind before what Captain Jacinth wryly calls '...the toughest pleasure cruise I have EVER taken'. Soon weariness overcomes all of you and you all retire to your respective quarters. Soon the early risers among you stumble out of your beds and rouse the rest of you to prepare for your departure...
As you make your way to the Docks, you see the ever present mist which clings to the ground and swirls around your feet. Still, you all know the fog will eventually burn away. Hurrying along with just your current supplies carried on your backs, you wend your way to the ever increasing throngs of dockworkers, fishermen, and even some Tulita people wandering along the dirty streets. Finally you spot the Rita bobbing next to the dockside. You all know this will be your home for the next two weeks, if all goes well.
Knowing time grows short, you all board the vessel and prepare to depart. Jacinth immediately takes charge, directing the rest of you in the various tasks in preparing the Rita for her voyage. anticipation grips your hearts as Jacinth signals the dockmaster they are ready to cast off. The mooring rope is untied, the sails unfurled, and Captain Jacinth takes the helm with an eye towards a distant shore. In the background, the jagged rocks and sinister reefs guarding the beaches and peeking through the water remind everyone that the Razor Coast is, above all else, aptly named. The ship lurches forward, and in a last wayward glance towards shore, there’s a brief glimpse of a Tulita native clutching a seashell necklace and mumbling a brief prayer under his breath. After witnessing these touching scenes, all of your eyes slowly return to the seemingly endless canvas of blue that lies ahead. The peaceful azure landscape holds many surprises for those who sail across her. Who knows what surprises lurk under the waves for you to encounter?
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Strange, distorted shards of glass.
Strange, distorted floors,
Strange, distorted cords of rope,
Rotten to their cores.
Isn’t that what you used to say, old man? I forget how it went. So much you forget when your back is aching and the sun dives low through the blue sky. We were half fools then to leave, but it would have been a murderously stupid thing to stay. All the Jade on Mulberry Street couldn’t anchor me to shore.
Leave Shaw. Leave Boneduce. Leave the soot and the "fairer fains", and the toxic, clinging fog that lingers across the drains. Leave Shaw and her whores.
How my eyes did alight to see the sun rise over a sea of green. Whale guide us. Whale carry us through the maw of abomination and return us better than the kind in which we left.
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Nef cannot contain her excitement. The early morning mist, the green sea, the Rita herself... This is a foreign world to her, but she's traveling it with friends she trusts.
Jacinth assigns her a number of the safer tasks suitable for a newcomer, and Nef attempts to fumble her way through them.
"What was this thing supposed to hook to again?" Nef holds up the rope, wide-eyed and completely unsure.
"You wanted a slip knot? Oh." She tugs furiously on the knot she just tied, trying to loosen it again.
"Wait a minute... Port? Starboard? Could you just point to them, please?" She takes out her notebook, frantically trying to write down the new sailing terms that Jacinth and the others are spouting.
When banished to the galley, Nef discovers that none of the spices are labeled. Breakfast is edible but distinctly uninspired.
However, all the water barrels are filled to the brim by Nef with fresh, clean drinking water.
She fares a little better in the Crow's Nest, where she flies up to with Wedjat. The view of the endless green is breathtaking. "We're going to figure this out, Wedjat. I can't possibly be this bad all trip, can I?"
Before everyone leaves, Nef says, "Oh, I almost forgot!" She pulls out of her pouch a large flag with the Eye of Horus symbol on it.
It's a flag that Zem, Aikane, Oren and Rata have seen before.
"We're a team now." She says, turning to Jacinth and Ke'ahilani. "We're going on a dangerous mission, but we're not going alone. Horus is protectively watching over us. Even if you're not a worshipper."
Ke' frowned as he thought about having that distinctive scrap of cloth at the masthead.
"Uh, do we want something that distinctive? We might want to be more... anonymous."Ke' helps out with the basic ship handling tasks, things he has clearly done before, and can even take a spell at the helm while his apparatus percolates down below.
As everyone could figure out, Oren wasn't a big fan of manual labor. But he threw in trying to aid the others and make himself useful on the ship.
Despite his limited success, if you listened closely, observers could hear him humming a jaunty sea tune as he scraped the barnacles from hull, hoisted the mainsail, and any other things he was told to get done by the others.
Profession Sailor
Much like Nef, he was mediocre at best at his duties. He did sneak in the kitchen when he saw her prepare the stew, and try to give some aid at figuring out the spices.
Aid Another Profession Cooking
"See Nef, I told you this was sugar, not salt!
"Is everything alright, Rata?"
Then she pauses, and says, "This has been a tough day for all of us. However, you're family. We didn't pull you from the sea to let you drown on shore. If you want help tracking down your demons, I'm here. We all are. Just remember that."
Rata looks up into Nef's eyes, sensing nothing more than sincere concern in her voice, "I'm... sorry. I'm just feeling the press of frustration that every lead I track down ends up being a dead end. Still, I hope this business at Fort Stormshield yields results. Although, I don't put much weight in the words of a madman allegedly responsible for the slaughter of his entire crew." He looks down at his hands for a moment before meeting her gaze once more, "To be honest, I'm glad we're setting out tomorrow. I think I'm finally ready to sail again, and the distraction would be welcome." He flashes a half-smile at her, exhaustion very much apparent in his voice and the cast of his eyes.
As usual, Rata rises with the sun. Stretching his limbs, he makes ready to set sail, attempting to shake his frustrations free from his mind.
Upon the dock where the Rita is moored, Rata pauses for a long moment. Then, without a word, he steps onto the ship. He was finally ready to sail again, and he used his frustrations to embolden his steps. He found a place for his things and assisted the others with setting off, heeding Jacinth's commands with silent compliance. The preparatory tasks complete, he found a spot by the rail, looking out over the calm waters of the emerald sea, watching as the Koa Islands passed on the starboard side. Grunting to himself, onlookers would notice that it seemed as if he had come to some sort of inner resolution. With that, he left the rail and shimmied up the mainmast, embracing the familiar role of lookout in the crow's nest and finding comfort in solitude for the time being.
Distracted by his inner monologue, while his eye's scanned the horizon, his mind's eye was seeing a very different place.
He turns to regard Nef as she makes her grand entrance atop Wedjat. He smiles at her, but makes no move to speak, hoping she gets the hint that while he doesn't mind her company, appreciates it in actuality, for the time being he maintains his solace shrouded in silence.
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"Uh, do we want something that distinctive? We might want to be more... anonymous."
Nef turns to Lani, surprised. "I thought that reputable ships always flew distinctive colors so that they could be identified at a distance." She pauses, and says, "My father owned ships, though I never sailed on any. He talked a bit though about how important it was fly appropriate colors so that allies and authorities can identify you. We're a reputable rescue mission, are we not?"
Then she shrugs. "It's a moot point though. The Rita won't be flying this flag. I will. Horus only grants his boon of battle courage if I fly it personally.
As the priestess scribbles in her notebook, Jacinth finally walks over to her and slowly but firmly places both hands on her shoulders. "Nef. You are doing fine, but you need to calm yourself. It is impossible to master everything over the course of a single morning. Things are running smoothly for the moment so perhaps you should take a rest from deck work for a short bit."
Nef feels a sense of relief at Jacinth's calm words. She smiles and says, "Yes, Captain. Thanks for your patience with me. I will learn all this."
He turns to regard Nef as she makes her grand entrance atop Wedjat. He smiles at her, but makes no move to speak, hoping she gets the hint that while he doesn't mind her company, appreciates it in actuality, for the time being he maintains his solace shrouded in silence.
Nef, used to such silences from Zem, maintains the quiet, giving her friend Rata the silence he seems to crave right now. He seems better today. Good. I told him I would help him face his demons, and is not one of his demons surely the sea?
She smiles and allows her own thoughts to wander.
She thinks about Zem, when they finally got some time to just be together the previous night. She had had so many questions to ask him, but then he'd handed her the faucet and the paint she'd asked for, and just looked at her with those kind eyes of his. She'd thanked him, and then wound up just kissing him on the cheek.
He'd sat with her last night, an arm around her shoulders, while she painted the faucet with careful little sketches of whales, eagles and happy stick-figure people. She'd felt so comfortable in his arms, it had been hard to leave him to go back to her own bed alone.
She pulls the faucet out of her pouch to look at it, wondering if they were deep enough to propitiate Whale yet. Soon, perhaps. Then she looks up at the sky and prays to Horus, the Lord of Two Horizons.
Help guide me, Horus. It's time for Eagle to meet Whale, and we must make a good impression.
Much like Nef, he was mediocre at best at his duties. He did sneak in the kitchen when he saw her prepare the stew, and try to give some aid at figuring out the spices.
Aid Another Profession Cooking 1d20 ⇒ 18
"See Nef, I told you this was sugar, not salt!"
With some reluctance, she leaves the Crow's Nest to prepare lunch, but Oren's jolly presence soon cheers her up.
Nef grins at Oren. "So glad you volunteered to help, Opu." She has Oren help her label all the spices and then preps the stew.
"This is better, isn't it? I can do this!"
As the Rita heads away from Port Shaw, Captain Jacinth sets a course heading North by Northeast steering clear of the razor sharp reefs that dot the coastline. As the ship moves further away from the shore, the wind starts to pick up. Since the wind is blowing from nearly dead astern, Jacinth is able to coax a couple of extra knots of speed running with the wind. Also the temperature and humidity start to climb steadily...
As the Sun starts to shine forth, you look to the south and looming in the distance is a storm, a fairly large squall and it is bearing on you rapidly. Seemingly in rhythm with the lapping waves, periodic rain drops in vast amounts, quickly soaking all surfaces and washing away any unsecured items. Between rainfalls the sun attempts to burn away the moisture with blistering heat. Waves roll languidly topping 6 feet in height but not steep enough to make more than an exaggerated rocking motion. The wind blows merrily, billowing out the sails of the ship and propelling your vessel over the large waves. As the noon hours approaches the temperature breaks 80 degrees with a humidity exceeding 80%, causing your clothes to become drenched with sweat. You soon realize the hottest part of the day has not arrived yet as well. The rains prove to be little relief as well. The wind tops 10 miles per hour, gusting to 15 miles in spurts as the Rita is propelled forward.
As the storm kicks up, Oren, Nef and Wedjat (lured by the smells of cooking food) are already in the Galley.
As the Galley pitches and shakes around them, some of the Galley's odder design points (all pots secured on hooks, metal dishware in latched built-in cabinets, and the gimballed stove) start making more sense to her. The stove rocks back and forth on its gimbals, keeping the stew mostly level despite the movement of the ship. Still, Nef watches the stove carefully, prepared to put the fires out if the storm gets any worse.
She looks over at Oren. "Opu, if we're going to keep getting weather like this, maybe it would make sense for you to take prestidigitation so that we can heat meals up without the stove? It would make cleanup around here easier too."
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"Ah well, who am I to question young love. So long as both of you keep your kind on the task, we'll get those nobles back, and I'll be able to find somewhere fun to spend all of my many gold coins!"
"I am sure many opportunities will present themselves in the future" - Zemwaar adds, picking up another crate.
---
Zemwaar is all business once they get their voyage underway - offering assistance whenever he finds the chance, watching the horizon for signs of weather change, manning the sails or helm - he rarely stops for a break, and from afar watches as Nefertiti learns the ways of the sea with an attentive look.
He had enjoyed their time together, and even took a daring step in placing an arm around her for some time, at a single moment it appeared she was cold. He just stood there, holding her, then moved away to observe her paintings from a distance, perched atop some crates, nodding appreciatively - "Well done Aka" - the man had said simply.
But now there was work to be done, and he gave himself into it with commitment, even not being an expert sailor. His cheek seemed to tingle still, from the kiss of the night before.
Fort
Acrobatics
Oren is in the kitchen with Nef at the start of the storm at least.
As the squall washes over the Rita, you are indeed fortunate the ship is sturdily built and was well-maintained. As Jacinth maintains the ship's heading, running nearly dead ahead of the wind, Rata and Zemwaar struggle to keep the sails reefed at the proper levels so the wind does not tear them asunder. The others sensibly stay below decks.
As the storm intensifies, so does the heat. It feels as if you are sailing in a sauna except with boiling water surrounding you. For those of you not used to the muggy conditions, it is pure hell. As the afternoon wears on, the squall blows itself out. The driving sheets of rain die down to be replaced by intermittent showers, certainly nothing to be concerned over. With the squall over and the sun starting its descent to the horizon, the temperature drops to a more bearable level.
Jacinth notes the wind is still blowing from near astern, which allows the Rita to keep running before it. As the shift change for your crew approaches, you believe the rest of the evening will be free of rain.
Rata Fenn skillfully works the topsails as the squalls batter the Rita mercilessly. Zemwaar is quite impressed with the coordination shown by the outlander sailor...but even he is not immune to the oppressive heat and humidity...
Once the storm has passed, Rata Fenn returns to the foredeck, clearly winded by his exertions. "I think I needs ta lay down fer a bit, Captain. With yer leave, Ma'am?" He gives Jacinth a salute, though it is a tad sloppy.
At the end of the storm, Nef goes above decks and peers at Jacinth, who is looking a little tired, but grimly determined. She says, "Captain, may I speak with you a moment?"
But before she can do so, Rata comes down, stumbling. Nef puts an arm around him to steady him.
"Looks like heat exhaustion," Nef says simply. "Unless Lani has something really interesting in his potions, Rata's done for the day."
She turns to Jacinth. "Captain, you've all worked almost eight hours straight, four in a storm. As Steward and official Keeper of the schedule, I'd like your leave to put you and Zem on a one hour break before starting your next shift. Please, go eat something, drink water and lay down for a few minutes. I'll come wake you both."
She waits for Jacinth's acknowledgement, and then moves on.
She hands Rata off to Zem. "Please make sure that he eats and drinks something, and then put him to bed."
Scribbling a new schedule in her notebook, she turns to Oren, Lani and Aikane. "Lani, you're taking Rata's shift. Oren, you have the Helm for the next hour, then eat something and go to bed. Aikane, same deal except you're on tops."
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Oren snaps to attention at Nef's commands. "I'll get right on the helm. You all keep an ear open. If something strange happens, listen for my shout."
Eating something and then some shuteye also sounded good to the Tulita. Sleeping on the ship might be a bit of a problem he thinks waiting to see if his sea legs get under him.
"Are you okay, Nef? Don't work yourself into exhaustion either. If Whale is still angry, we all need to be at our best or face his judgment."
Nef rubs her temples. "I'm okay, Opu. It's just been a busy day,"
She'd had her first lessons in being a sailor, running a sultry hot galley in the middle of a storm, and organizing a crew roster. She'd also been worried about Zem, Rata and Jacinth while the storm had raged overhead. However her work had been varied and challenging, and she'd had moments to drink cold water and take short breaks.
She nods at where Zem is taking Rata below decks. "Fortunately, I'm pretty heat tolerant. Both Qadira and Osirion get much hotter than this, though not anywhere near as humid." Her robes had gotten sticky, so she shifts them to a cooler tulitan-style bikini top and wrap around skirt to allow air on her sweat-soaked skin.
She sighs at the mention of Whale. "I had hoped to propitiate Whale today on my free time block, but then the storm hit. I'd do it now, but there's no one free to row the life boat with me." She looks out at the water, and sighs, "Maybe Tohorara will just let me tell it a story from the bowsprit today."
An hour later, she goes to wake up Jacinth, knocking gently on Jacinth's door. "Captain? It's time for your shift again."
She waits for Jacinth's answer.
Then she goes to the finds Zem slumbering in his hammock. She waits a moment, studying his face relaxed in sleep. Careful to avoid waking Rata, she strokes Zem's forehead. Zem has always been a light sleeper. When he opens his eyes, she kisses him on the forehead. "Malama", she whispers. "Time to get up."
After seeing Team One to bed with promises of waking them at midnight, Nef makes hardtack using the recipe book Relgin had left in the kitchen. With sliced smoked meat and some fruit, it could serve as both a snack for Team Two and a light breakfast for Team One. During inventory, she had discovered that Relgin had supplied them with a number of Plantation products -- things that she normally refused to order, like sugar, tea, mangoes, pineapples and coffee.
But she had a sleepy team two to take care of, and the supplies had already been bought. Roughly grinding the coffee beans, she makes a simple Qadiran-style cold press coffee in a jar with fresh clean water. After it had steeped a few hours in the hot gallley, she'd bring it to them right when they needed it most.
She came back up to the deck and delivered a snack and water to Jacinth. "I'll be back after I deliver some of this to the tops." She rode Wedjat up to deliver snacks and water to Zem and Lani, sharing a companionable moment in the crow's nest with them, while they took a break from the sails.
When she came back down, she stood with Jacinth, and made sure the girl actually ate the snacks she bought. The freshly made hardtack tasted good if a little bland, and the sliced fruit would be refreshing after the heat they'd all suffered.
"So you want to know about how I plan to propitiate Whale?" Nef talks a bit about how the ceremony is normally done, and then says, "At the core of it is an offering. The offering varies widely because it must be something of significance to the celebrant. Jewels and coin are common presents, but that's not what I'm offering. I realize that I haggle in deals -- I cannot help it, it's my Qadiran blood -- but coin is only a means to an end for me. If I had truly wanted only luxury and riches for myself, I could have stayed in Qadira, and taken one of the offers that was made to me."
She gives Jacinth a frank look. "I could have chosen to be a rich man's plaything, but the price was too high. I chose this life instead, working as a missionary, with people who need me. This means my sacrifice needs to be different." She talks with Jacinth about the Outskirts, and the needless suffering and filth she had seen. Her fists clench with the memory. "If Whale is angry, could this not be part of the reason?"
Then she recalls herself. "My people need dignity and clean water. I hope to help them find both." She explains her dreams for the water project, and then says, "So my offering is a promise." She pulls out the painted faucet from her pouch, and shows it to Jacinth. "This is just the tangible reminder of it."
Then Nef turns to Jacinth and says, "There is one other gift I hoped to give Whale. He's Tohorara, the Lore Keeper. Have you ever heard the Qadiran story of Scheherazade?" Nef sums the story up, explaining how the girl told part of a story each night, keeping her husband the Satrap from murdering her the next day, and over time recalling him back from madness to his true self, a better man. "I want to tell Whale an ongoing story, a little each day. I want him to learn who Horus is, who I am, and why we are here. If this avatar of Whale has gone mad, I want to recall him to himself, and remind him of who he really is."
She sighs. "The storm threw that plan into disarray today. I was hoping during my free time to row out with someone and tell Whale the first part of my story. Now there's no one free to go with me, but I have a voice that carries. Maybe Tohorara will understand if I tell him his first story tonight from the ship itself."
Then Nef looks at Jacinth and asks, "Do you want to row out with me, one of the times I go to talk to Whale? Maybe you can tell him why you are rescuing your friends, and what they mean to you? Or maybe you wish to make a sincere offering of your own?" Nef pauses, and adds, "You don't have to do so, you know. I'm just offering this as an option, if you want it."
"Alright Aikane; do you want to steer or watch? I can't work the tops with my leg." He motions to his peg leg.
Nef approaches Lani, scheduling notebook tucked under one arm. She rubs her temples again, trying to keep her headache at bay. "Lani, we're desperately short of topsmen right now. Oren doesn't have the balance to go up there. You on the other hand are strong and graceful, despite your injury. Will you please reconsider?"
One of your legs was bitten off below the knee by a shark when you were just a child, and was replaced with a wooden peg leg. You've long since gotten used to your prosthesis, however, and take none of the normal penalties from having a peg leg.
Your balance always gets a bit shaky after a few drinks, and last night at the tavern was no exception. That must be why you fell to the floor as soon as you tried to stand up. What happened next is hazy, but you're pretty sure you were dragged out of the bar and onto a ship at the docks. At least they didn't throw you to the sharks...
Benefit You've had to learn to deal with the pain of your injury as well, and you gain a +1 trait bonus on Fortitude saves. Ever since your accident you've hated sharks, and you also gain a +1 trait bonus on damage rolls against sharks and other animals with the aquatic subtype.
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As the sun continues its descent to the horizon, it takes away the heat and most of the oppressive humidity with it. As evening time arrives, the clear sky provides a view of the numerous constellations and guiding stars. Wind gusts create a flapping staccato to match the waves breaking on the hull of the ship. White capped waves, visible in the moonlight, reach for the sailors onboard, topping 7–8 feet. A slight mist can be felt in the wind; consequently, all surfaces are slick and shiny with moisture, but it is no worse than usual for sailing in these climes. The temperature actually drops into the 70's, a welcome change from earlier.
Oren manning the helm sees the wind maintain the same direction as the night cools, allowing the Rita to continue running with the wind. However close to midnight the wind shifts direction to blow in your faces, causing your process to slow dramatically. The Rita is now running against the wind, or as the old deck hands call it, Running in Irons. Despite the wind, the rest of the night passes uneventfully.