Nef takes leave of the friendly woman, but does get her name and contact information. It never hurts to have friends in this town.
Worried about the time, she dries off quick, accepts the extra scent of lilac from the attendant, and changes back into her now pristine clean clothes. She barely makes her self-imposed deadline of half an hour.
"Thank you for waiting for me. I hope I didn't keep you all too long!"
It's only when she sees Zem staring at her that Nef touches her face and realizes that it was washed clean, too.
"Oh, the paint! I was in such a hurry to get back I forgot to reapply it," she says to Zem. "Would it be okay if I wait until we get to the restaurant to do so, or do you want me take care of it now?"
To the others, she says, "Let's go find the restaurant that Oren was telling us about, assuming that it's in the right price range?" Then she grins at Oren. "You realize that I won't let you live this down for a while, right? But I have to admit," she says, sniffing the back of her hand, "that it was really nice to be able to smell lilacs again. Thank you."
On the way there, she asks, "So Ke'ahilani, I've never met a Tulita witch doctor before, and I'm betting that Rata hasn't either. What does a witch doctor do?"
"It's not the cheapest spot in the town, but it's better fare than fish head stew down at the dirty docks. And, don't worry, I know you've got a coin or two in your pocket...and the lilac smell is clearly worth a little, isn't it? Keep hanging out with me,...I'll take you all places. So long as they still let me in them, I mean," the Tulita says with a wink.
"It depends on what you mean by 'not the cheapest.'" Nef says with a smile. "I may have a coin or two... However, if we're to manage staying in Port Shaw for a few days, we'll need to make the money stretch. Still, let's see the place and then decide."
"If anyone can take us all places, Oren, I'm sure it's you! " Nef gestures, trying to encompass the vastness that is Port Shaw. "But I'll settle for just one right now that can feed all of us."
"We have much to discuss..."
Rata's mysterious and possibly re-christened ship, for one...
...and I'd rather do it on a full stomach"
Then she pauses, and says to everyone, "By the way, when I was in the bathhouse, I heard some interesting rumors..."
Nef proceeds to share the rumors she heard, hoping that someone in the group might make sense of them.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"There are always plenty of rumors to be had in town. I wonder which of them, if any are true?".
Oren looks at the others, "To dinner, then? Anyone have any stops they need before we go?"
Aikane adjusts his pack, ready to set off to the tavern.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Rata turns deadly serious at the mention of Falken Drango, "I would know more of this Drango fellow, where there is one pirate there are bound to be more, and I imagine they know much of one another. There may be information regarding The Wailing Gypsy to be salvaged from the remains of his broken mind."
"I would know more of this Drango fellow, where there is one pirate there are bound to be more, and I imagine they know much of one another. There may be information regarding The Wailing Gypsy to be salvaged from the remains of his broken mind."
"Rata, if you want help finding him... or more about the elusive ship you're seeking... You know we're there for you, right?" Nef pauses, and then says. "But what happens once you find them and get the vengeance you seek? I worry about what that will do to you. Who will you be, afterwards?"
"and the lilac smell is clearly worth a little, isn't it?"
"Oren?" Nef says quietly to him. "About the value of the lilac smell... I think it was important that I smell it again. I also needed to see the wealth and luxury on display in the 'Soiled Dove.' Did Zem tell you of the promise that I made to his elder?"
She takes a deep breath. "I promised to honor and protect the gods of this land. I promised to travel it, explore it, choosing it as my true home. I promised to forsake the one from which I came, to help Turtle and Dolphin and Whale, and try to find ways to help our people become strong again."
Her eyes rest on Zemwaar's strong and resolute back, traveling up ahead of them, and then she turns her gaze back to Oren.
"I don't know how you do it, finding the balance that you do between two worlds. I feel perpetually out of balance, though the friendships I've made here are my anchor. Thank you for showing me that even here, I can occasionally smell lilacs, and still honor this land as my true home."
"If nothing else, it lets me understand not only what I'm giving up, but also the full value of the life I've chosen for myself. Thank you."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Oren and the scent of flowers were two things which I never hoped to cross too closely together in my mind. The outlander reeked of the flowers.
She brought news of Bonedeuce. You remember the man? Used to be the sort to crush a skull or two while dancing a merry jig. For all that like him and that he’s killed were put in two lines, those dead would outnumber the living ten to one. A man hardly worth remembering in the annals.
”Perhaps asking a madman may be an inefficient use of your time, sir.”
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"I just accepted the world was changing, Nef. I enjoyed life in the old village. It was great in its own way. But the simple fact is that sailors and explorers were coming, and they will be changing everything in the name of progress. I could have shrunk back, and headed to some even smaller island or cave, but what good would that have done, really? Delayed things by a few months, maybe?". He paused to let his words sink in.
"Nah, that's not my bag. I decided to make the best of a bad situation. And, truth to tell, it's not so bad here. Civilization has its niceties, as opposed to living with only your tribesmen. I've found a nice little spot to fit safely in. I play the friendly tribesman, and I make a good bit of coin because of it. There's a lot here to spend all those coins on. Like dinner," he says with a wink at the others.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Rata looks to Nef as if the time she spent in that flowery bath had softened her brain, "Surely you recall that the last I heard my father's whereabouts were unknown - I lack any kind of confirmation that he has been killed outright." He gains a wistful look as his mind's eye envisions some farcical happy ending, "After exacting my revenge on the cutthroats that did this to me and reuniting with my father, I plan on spending what days I have left by his side. We will be happy again... Of that, I am certain."
Rata laughs heartily at Aikane's comment, "Haha, maybe, but aren't we all mad in our own way?"
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
It's only when she sees Zem staring at her that Nef touches her face and realizes that it was washed clean, too.
"Oh, the paint! I was in such a hurry to get back I forgot to reapply it," she says to Zem. "Would it be okay if I wait until we get to the restaurant to do so, or do you want me take care of it now?"
Zemwaar shakes his head - "You are not obliged to use the paintings, nor are they a requirement for anything Nef - what you have been told by my elders remains, with or without tribal markings" - he answers - "We can take care of it later, as I believe it may be time to add an additional marking to those we have already discussed"
"There are always plenty of rumors to be had in town. I wonder which of them, if any are true?".
Oren looks at the others, "To dinner, then? Anyone have any stops they need before we go?"
"Not from my part" - he turns to Oren - "And indeed my stomach begins complaining of lack of nourishment"
Facing Nefertiti again he adds - "Worry not about the cost. I have some gold with me, it should be more than enough" - he explains, apparently oblivious of the joke she had lobbed at Oren.
”Perhaps asking a madman may be an inefficient use of your time, sir.”
He was not a man given to much rejoice, but Aikane's pragmatism was usually refreshing, and it made him smirk away from the others.
"Nah, that's not my bag. I decided to make the best of a bad situation. And, truth to tell, it's not so bad here. Civilization has its niceties, as opposed to living with only your tribesmen. I've found a nice little spot to fit safely in. I play the friendly tribesman, and I make a good bit of coin because of it. There's a lot here to spend all those coins on. Like dinner," he says with a wink at the others.
"There is also much to be lost here, brother Oren" - he spoke without turning around, and with no criticism in his voice - Oren knew him better than that - "Playing the friendly tribesman does not work for all of us, and the decision should still belong in our hands, to either follow that path or not, instead of forced down the native's throat" - he adds flatly.
Rata laughs heartily at Aikane's comment, "Haha, maybe, but aren't we all mad in our own way?"
"I do not think so friend Rata, not all of us"
"Surely you recall that the last I heard my father's whereabouts were unknown - I lack any kind of confirmation that he has been killed outright." He gains a wistful look as his mind's eye envisions some farcical happy ending, "After exacting my revenge on the cutthroats that did this to me and reuniting with my father, I plan on spending what days I have left by his side. We will be happy again... Of that, I am certain."
Nef looks stricken.
"Rata, please forgive me. An ocean is not enough distance between me and my own... father. I am glad that your family was more loving, and hope you get the reunion you seek. If there is anything I can do to help..." she trails off, uncertain.
"You are not obliged to use the paintings, nor are they a requirement for anything Nef - what you have been told by my elders remains, with or without tribal markings" - he answers - "We can take care of it later, as I believe it may be time to add an additional marking to those we have already discussed."
Nef smiles at Zem's first words, and then she looks confused.
"An additional marking? Zem, has something changed?"
"It has" - the man answered with the usual pragmatism - "You are now more than a guest with the Moamasu, and the markings should reflect that"
Nef inhales sharply. More than a guest? Had she heard right?
Zemwaar was so hard for her to read. He almost never smiled, at least not at her. However, his actions always told a different story than his face -- his endless patience, and the way he always watched out for all of his traveling companions.
She blushes. "Thank you."
"So Ke'ahilani, I've never met a Tulita witch doctor before, and I'm betting that Rata hasn't either. What does a witch doctor do?"
Ke' glanced at Nef from where he was mixing some blood with something else in a bamboo tube. As it started to fizz and bubble, he quickly capped it and shook it hard.
"That... is no simple question. We do things the warriors cannot. We heal, we fend off evil magic, we command spirits to fight... we do many things."
Seeing the sun starting to set in the sky, the party sets off for a place to relax and grab some food. Oren realizes the Run Around tavern is too far away and elects to head to The Pig’s Whistle instead.
On arriving here you see the sign above this tavern displays a pig-headed man in a naval uniform blowing a boatswain’s whistle. This hospitable eatery serves hot pork dishes and rum. This night, the Pig’s Whistle is packed, with many of the seats and booths filled and a couple of fiddlers playing a lively tune.
You all settle in and order dinner. As you listen to the conversations, one of the main themes seems to be of a fisherman who went mad and murdered his family. Some of the lines you overhear are as follows:
"When they nabbed that McFarrows fellow, blood stained his mouth like a big ‘o’ and he kept calling for his wife, Jessica!"
"Harok McFarrows murdered his wife and family for the love of another woman!"
"I believe Harok’s tale of a man-shark devouring the village and attacking him, don’t you?"
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
This was the time, now this was about the time when our little band went to work. Word was getting around, and when murder is on the wind, one must sail headfirst for deep waters or watch one's colors burn, old man.
Aikane eats quickly, furiously wracking his brains.
Back when it was early in my years, I really got to know Shaw in the sense of the black market. I could chart three ways to go from the jade sellers to the docks via the Whistle without a sniff from the blue jackets. There's not much call for savoring your meal inside, but my mother taught me to count Pele's blessings.
So, when the chance presented itself I brought out my fiddle and began bumping shoulders near the band, an eager and inquisitive face plastered on. You know how it goes. One minute you're drowning in Lilacs. The next you're rolling in sawdust and body odor. Shaw is as filthy as a nightsoilman's boot, and a darn sight more expensive. You're lucky if you only pay with your life.
If he can convince anyone to pick up a sweet pastoral reel or jig, Aikane joins in with the fiddling. Otherwise, he merely strokes out a few practice notes.
If I go quick some day, I thought as I slashed the bow across the sinews of the fiddle, that is all I want. I'll never let it take my soul. Principles, old man. All we have anymore is our principles.
Oren sat quietly, happily munching on his shellfish. He listened to those around him, trying to discern anything that sounded particularly juicy. Maybe he might ever hear of Rata's ship.
Know. Local
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
In general, Rata keeps his head low, minding his bowl of stew and not much else. When overhears others talking about the fisherman, he can't help but make the connection, "Does anyone else find it strange that this is the second rumor we've heard about a man losing his mind and going on a massacre? Oren, Ke', is this something that happens often around these parts?"
His curiosity getting the better of him, he moves from the table to a throng of sailors gathered at the bar inquiring further into the matter of this madman, pausing a moment to admire Aikane's deft hand at the fiddle.
"Well, there's a certain type of person that enjoys piracy, that enjoys wild developing places like this. I don't think I'd call them the most rational sort at any given moment. I supoose they are walking a fine line between their normal lives, and just snapping. It happens more than most places, I'd wager."
Nef enjoys the hot spicy pork, though will trade some with a friend at the table for a taste of the shellfish too. She feeds Wedjat some choice bits, watching the eagle devour it greedily.
Continuing the conversation from the walk, she says, "Ke'ahilani, I hope you forgive my questions, and that they're not too impertinent. I'm just trying to absorb as much as I can about Tulitan customs and roles. What you do... it sounds varied and fascinating. I would love to hear more about all the things you talked about if you don't mind discussing them with a guest."
After Rata speaks, she nods at his words, and says, "It does sound strange... and troubling." She lays a hand on Zem's shoulder. "I'm going to ask around about this, alright?"
She finds a table with both men and women at it and introduces herself with a shy smile. "Hello, I'm Nef. That short fellow up on stage with the fabulous fiddle is my friend, Aikane. We just arrived back in Port Shaw today, and are starved for news!"
As the evening progresses along, everyone (including Wedjat) canvasses the crowd for additional rumors. Thanks to some well placed drinks (and in Nefertiti's case, a few well placed winks ) you gather some very interesting tidbits, summarized as follows:
After dinner, Aikane puts on a masterful performance with his fiddle bring the boisterous crowd to more than one standing ovation! Aikane is showered with gold bits. Cries of "you should tackle Bonedeuce 'ere... Ye kin give' em a run fo 'is money!" ring out through the crowd!
After the menehune finishes his virtuoso performance, he turns the stage over to Nefertiti...
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
She blushes. "Thank you."
"No need to thank me Akahai, things are what they are" - Zemwaar nods, as they move on.
Akahai is to be unpretentious, gentle, modest, and unassuming. Not to be confused with shyness, akahai is expressed as a quiet strength of character.
"That... is no simple question. We do things the warriors cannot. We heal, we fend off evil magic, we command spirits to fight... we do many things."
"While offering the tribe spiritual guidance" - he adds to his companion's words - "Perhaps the greatest of accomplishments Ke'ahilani"
After Rata speaks, she nods at his words, and says, "It does sound strange... and troubling." She lays a hand on Zem's shoulder. "I'm going to ask around about this, alright?"
"I will stay here" - he answers plainly, while savoring the food brought for them, as well as a local drink, refusing to shy away from new experiences, while appreciating the ease with which Aikane simply mingles with the others in the Run Around tavern.
A few of the gathered rumors do bring a raised eyebrow from the Moamasu, but he voices no opinion, even regarding Elder Barrison Hargrove's hate of Tulita.
Most of the time, he simply watches his companions 'working the room', an attentive eye on the other patrons, looking for possible threats but without an evident paranoia. He knows what he is good at, and addressing those he does not know for information is not his strongest asset.
Nef takes the stage, no longer shy. Telling stories is one of Horus's gifts to her, and she shares it joyously. "Greetings, I am Nefertiti."
"I tell you a tale of far off gods from a far off land,
Of a lover slain before his time and out of hand --"
Though she doesn't shout, her voice somehow reaches every corner of the room.
She tells the story of the lovers Isis and Osiris, and of Isis's grief when Set, the god of the Desert betrayed them both. Set, determined that Osiris would never return, scattered pieces of the god everywhere, and fed the god's genitals to a crocodile.
Isis vows to bring Orisis back, quests and assembles all the pieces, and then -- discovers precisely what is missing.
Being that the story is being told in a sailor bar, Nef allows the humor and dismay of Isis's situation to build. She even allows shouts and bawdy suggestions from the audience, and weaves them into the story of Isis's predicament about her husband's missing man-parts.
"Though her husband's affliction had her distressed,
Isis was not the type to wail and beat her breast.
She would have her Osiris whole or not at all
So she crafted and carved new parts to enthrall --"
Nef tells of how Isis makes her own replacement for what was missing, loves her husband once again, and conceives the child that would one day defeat Set -- Horus.
The story is deliberately told on several levels, depending on who is hearing it. One level is the passionate love story. Another is the almost bawdy tale of missing man parts. The most important is the final one, where Nef concludes:
"What you love must be ever defended;
Nothing breaks that cannot be mended
Though you must replace part or whole
This is the price of freedom and a soul."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Aikane thinks to himself:
In the room the crowd sways and hoots
speaking fondly of Boneduce.
The blue fog that rubs its back upon the council coffers
The blue smoke that rubs its muzzle upon Hargrove's coffers,
Licked its tongue into the corners of the evening
Lingered upon the pools that stand in drains,
Let fall upon its back the soot that falls from cane ovens,
Slipped its sword from its scabbard,
and seeing that smoldering fires lit the night,
Curled its lips, and let fall its blade.
But what he says to the crowd is, "Indeed there will be time for the blue smoke that slides along the street." He waves his bow dismissing the idea and shakes his head. "But not tonight!"
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
As Nefertit finishes up her oration, the formerly raucous crowd grows silent as the final words wash over the crowd. Clearly the last words of the stanza were not as well-tuned to the crude and bawdy crowd as the earlier verses.
After the silence continues for a brief, yet uncomfortable moment, you all hear a single clapping from the crowd. It is soon joined by another, and yet another, until the whole place is roaring with applause. They also show their appreciation by throwing 20 gold bits at the striking orator, along with several ...suggestive invitations.
Finally she extract herself from the stage and returns to the others. No sooner has she taken her seat when a well dressed man, who you did not see earlier in the crowd, approaches Nefertiti. In his hand he has a rolled piece of parchment.
"Miss...Nefertit?" He asks. "I bring a message for you. Please peruse it at your earliest convenience." Glancing at the wax seal, she recognizes itas belonging to Viscount Senegar Deepwarder, an elvish aristocrat Nefertit has heard of before. His reputation is solid...for an elf.
The contents read as followed, written in Common with a flowing elvish script:
Nefertiti,
I trust you are doing well. Forgive me the impertinence but a matter has come up which I desire resolved as quickly as possible. Meet me tomorrow at the The Kraken’s Gullet at high noon on the morrow. You may bring your friends. Make sure they are attired appropriately. There is a substantial reward.
Signed,
Viscount Senegar Deepwarder.
"The Kraken's Gullet? Have I heard of that place before?"
Know. Local
Nef ignores the suggestive invitations, but accepts the other accolades with poise. She takes her place next to Zemwaar when the manuscript arrives.
Nef borrows a knife from Zem and breaks the seal with shaking hands.
"He addressed me by my first name." She looks at her friends with raised eyebrows. "He's a colonial." As am I. "They don't address a lady by the first name unless they've been formally introduced. And even then, they don't until they've been given permission."
She can't explain to the Tulitans why this familiarity bothers her a little, but it does. "For that matter, how did he find me here? We didn't even know that we'd be dining at the Pig's Whistle."
She turns her big brown eyes to Aikane, Zem, Oren and Ke'. "What do you know of this Viscount? I met him once, in passing at a big welcome gala for new immigrants. I don't think he had any reason to remember my name in all that crush. All I know of him is that he's supposed to be respectable. And that he's rather attractive. And elvish."
"The Kraken's Gullet? Have I heard of that place before?"
Nef taps the letter in front of her. "Wait a minute, I just remembered something else about Viscount Deepwarder. Remember the rumors I told you that I overheard in the Soiled Dove? The woman there told me that the Viscount's niece had run off with friends... And that the Viscount wanted this handled quietly.
"But... If that's what this is about, why contact me? I met him for maybe two minutes three months ago...
She throws up her hands in exasperation.
"And what is 'appropriate attire' supposed to mean in this case, anyway?"
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Nef ignores the suggestive invitations, but accepts the other accolades with poise. She takes her place next to Zemwaar when the manuscript arrives.
As usual, Zemwaar remains calm, his gaze towards those accosting Nefertiti more one of observation than any kind of threat - he is observing however.
She turns her big brown eyes to Aikane, Zem, Oren and Ke'. "What do you know of this Viscount? I met him once, in passing at a big welcome gala for new immigrants. I don't think he had any reason to remember my name in all that crush. All I know of him is that he's supposed to be respectable. And that he's rather attractive. And elvish."
"I know nothing of this character Nef" - he adds without hesitation.
Nef taps the letter in front of her. "Wait a minute, I just remembered something else about Viscount Deepwarder. Remember the rumors I told you that I overheard in the Soiled Dove? The woman there told me that the Viscount's niece had run off with friends... And that the Viscount wanted this handled quietly.
"But... If that's what this is about, why contact me? I met him for maybe two minutes three months ago...
"Perhaps the one I spotted intently observing your actions with the lost one earlier was no mere coincidence - perhaps your movements and actions in Port Shaw are being followed for some reason" - the man ponders the issue for a few moments - "This is not necessarily a bad thing, there are many reasons why one can take an interest in the actions of another - not all of them are immediately harmful" - he adds
She throws up her hands in exasperation.
"And what is 'appropriate attire' supposed to mean in this case, anyway?"
"That I do not know, but I have the distinct feeling I am not in possession of such attire" - he continues without skipping a beat, taking another drink from his mug - "Perhaps we can acquire such vestments?"
"Perhaps the one I spotted intently observing your actions with the lost one earlier was no mere coincidence - perhaps your movements and actions in Port Shaw are being followed for some reason" - the man ponders the issue for a few moments - "This is not necessarily a bad thing, there are many reasons why one can take an interest in the actions of another - not all of them are immediately harmful" - he adds.
Nef nearly chokes on her drink. "What?"
She looks up at Zem, eyes narrowing slightly. "Zem, someone's been following me? Why didn't you tell me?" Her tone is light, and her manner calm.
She's furious, but trying very hard to not to lose her temper with her dearest and most trusted friend.
Know. Local for Viscount knowledge.
"The public display of healing might have increased your notoriety around this place, Nef. We might need to be more careful in the future. This might be no big deal, but the next time could be more dire.".
Oren knows little of the Viscount's reputation, but does recall hearing recently Viscount Deepwarder’s niece ran off with a bunch of her friends. They headed to an island known as Dolentla Isle. Something happened to them, and the Viscount is trying to keep it quiet.
"We will need a tailor in the morning, then."
"The Viscount's niece you say? I actually have heard something about her. The tale I heard spun was that she and a group of her friends headed to Dolentla Isle. No clue why she went there, but I heard that perhaps some trouble happened, and the Viscount is trying to keep it under his hat, so to speak."
Oren puts his spoon down and smiles. "If your meeting is about this topic, Nef, we might be able to add to the rumor mill around here. And make a bit of coin while we were at it."
"The public display of healing might have increased your notoriety around this place, Nef. We might need to be more careful in the future. This might be no big deal, but the next time could be more dire."
Nef nods, trying to bottle up her emotions and not let them show. Zem and the others are trying to protect you. Let it go. Just... let it go.
"Perhaps we can acquire such vestments?"
"We will need a tailor in the morning, then."
"I won't need one", she says softly. As she is sitting with them, her garment quietly changes color, fabric and cut -- going from a modest red top and pants to a shimmering low cut green silk that clings all over. And then it shifts back. "These sleeves belonged to my mother. They can become... anything, really. I... inherited them when she..."
...killed herself.
She breaks off, not ready to talk about this. You have a new life. You have friends you love, who accept you. Who've made you one of them.
She takes a deep breath and turns to Zem. "Malama, will you forgive me for snapping?"
"If your meeting is about this topic, Nef, we might be able to add to the rumor mill around here. And make a bit of coin while we were at it."
Nef raises her eyebrows, and gives the wizard a smile. "Why Oren, what do you have in mind?"
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"If we could rescue the Viscount's niece and her wealthy pack of friends, my dear, then we'd become minor celebrities for a time. And noble families show their appreciation with fine beverages, food, and coin. I'd love to be feted by a noble to be honest.".
Oren wipes off his mouth with the back of his hand. "I'd be a fine fit with the polite society, don't you think," he asks with a wide grin.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Nef laughs. "You'd be a fine fit anywhere, Oren." Then she pauses. "Though to be honest, I grew up on the edges of 'polite society.' I'd rather be with you than with any of them. You were my first friend here, helping out a foreign girl and teaching her your language, asking for nothing in return." She smiles. "For all your love of coin, 'polite society' could learn a lot from you, my friend."
She turns to Rata. "I know that this is not about your ship... but would you come with us tomorrow? You've been a good companion, and I think we may need you if you're willing to join with us."
She turns back to the group.
"The problem that I have with the whole 'appropriate attire' question is that the range of what is appropriate varies widely from venue to venue." She looks around the group and points to the bar. "I'm going to ask if the staff here have heard anything about what sort of clothes one wears to the Kraken's Gullet."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Rata looks to Nef taken aback by the complement, ”Considering that my leads have gone cold for the time being, I see no harm in lending my talents." He gives her a smirk and a wink.
Speaking to the general discussion, "What do we know of this Dolentla Isle? The wisdom of making powerful allies is not lost on me, but shouldn’t we be putting our efforts towards more important tasks than hunting down some elven noble’s spoiled children?” Taking a moment for the story to sink in, a realization comes to Rata, ”Wait, do you think his niece has been captured, or even killed? If that is the case, I would gladly offer up my help to the grieving man. Although, on the other hand if he did have us followed, perhaps there is something far more sinister at play.”
Looking down at his worn and tattered clothing, ”Either way, if this place has a dress code, I most certainly lack the proper attire!”
Know. Geography about Dolentla Isle
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Nefertiti realizes the Kraken's Gullet is, despite its nom de plume, considered the finest dining establishment in Port Shaw. It is frequented by the major political players in town. As for the dress code, she knows neither armor nor weapons are permitted, save for a bonded blade.
Also Tulita are frowned upon in the Gullet. She knows it may be possible to pass them off as her servants, but even so, they would still need to be cleanly dressed.
Oren knows little of Dolentla Isle, except for its general location.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Nef nearly chokes on her drink. "What?"
She looks up at Zem, eyes narrowing slightly. "Zem, someone's been following me? Why didn't you tell me?" Her tone is light, and her manner calm.
There is a momentary look of surprise in Zemwaar's face as he looks at Nefertiti, his gaze lingers as he studies her voice - "You are right Nefertiti, I spoke about it, but did not address you directly and should have - my apologies" - he states without hesitation - "It will not happen again"
"We will need a tailor in the morning, then."
"It would seem so brother Aikane, though I have no intention of changing my clothing - I am not nude nor dirty, hence my appearance should offend no one, as I do not take offense at the colonist's dressing habits. I will pass by the 'savage' bodyguard if need be" - he adds.
"If we could rescue the Viscount's niece and her wealthy pack of friends, my dear, then we'd become minor celebrities for a time. And noble families show their appreciation with fine beverages, food, and coin. I'd love to be feted by a noble to be honest.".
Oren wipes off his mouth with the back of his hand. "I'd be a fine fit with the polite society, don't you think," he asks with a wide grin.
"If indeed there is a child in danger, then I hope we can do the best for her - regardless of whatever personality, posture, or sins of her parents, a children's life should be safeguarded. That is my expectation above anything else Oren" - the Moamasu retorts - "The rest is secondary"
She takes a deep breath and turns to Zem. "Malama, will you forgive me for snapping?"
"It matters not Nefertiti, you were right, and so you did well to speak your mind. No need to ask for, or be offered forgiveness" - he nods - "Give it no more thought"
His eyes do go slightly wide at the sight of the changing garments - "That is strange magic" - he comments.
Nef thanks the folks at the bar for their information and comes back to the table.
"I found out more information about the Kraken's Gullet. It's considered the finest dining establishment in town, and has a dress code to match." She raises her eyebrows at Oren. "If you want to be feted by a noble, here's your golden opportunity. You're more likely to get a dinner out of the Viscount now when he wants something of us then later when we complete our mission."
She frowns. "About the dress code... All of you have a choice. You can either go decked in full colonial finery, or you can come in as my entourage of servants. But we will still need clean, new travel clothes for that."
"Aikane?" She studies the Menehune, and his hat. "I think your hat will be enough to get you in the door, especially if you pretend to be a colonial gnome for the evening. Would you be willing to be my escort?"
She looks at the rest of the group, and frowns some more. "If you go in an a servant, you will likely be considered invisible. Not worth talking to, nor worth feeding. It's your choice as to how you want to play this."
An angry expression passes over her face. "All this is a power play on the Viscount's part, and I don't like it. He could have chosen to meet us elsewhere, without requiring the extra clothing expense or the games of 'polite society.' He's meeting us somewhere he's powerful and at home, and we're not. I think that this choice reflects poorly on our potential host and employer."
"I have no intention of changing my clothing - I am not nude nor dirty, hence my appearance should offend no one, as I do not take offense at the colonist's dressing habits. I will pass by the 'savage' bodyguard if need be."
"Malama," she says gently, "it would not hurt you to have a spare clean travel outfit that you can use from time to time. I made 20 gold tonight. Let me purchase one for you."
She puts her hand on his arm. "These are nobles, and they have different customs than ours. I know this is not reasonable, but humor me? I'd much prefer it if my 'savage' bodyguard was allowed in the door."
"And Zem? Thank you for the apology earlier. It means a lot to me."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"I have plenty of gold at the time. I'd be happy to purchase courtier's outfits for all of us. Im sure at some point in the future all of you would have the opportunity to pay me back. In the short run, I'm not crazy about dressing up for the Viscount, like some child at his parents beck and call, but in the long run, I'm betting we can turn this to our advantage."
He thought for a few seconds. "But, it's probably better that we let Nef do most of he talking with this Colonial bastard."