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"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." [/ooc]
Twice she had addressed him so, and twice the man had felt pride - it would not be shown though - "Aka, regardless of my outfit being dirty, I am not unclean. I bathe in the waters of the sea and river when the opportunity presents itself" - he answers Nefertiti.
"I have gold, it is not a matter of affording the cost or not" - he shakes his head - "If it was the Viscount visiting my vilage, my elders, he would not change his attire, nor would he clean his outfit any further, expecting to be accepted for what he is" - Zemwaar's tone rises ever so slightly - "In fact, he would most likely assume to be teaching us something about the right way to do things - I make no such claims, instead expecting only the same, even though knowing I cannot" - his voice trails off.
"Thus, I will bow my head, as the savage bodyguard that I am, but no further" - he finishes - "I am sure you understand"
"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."
"You know me well brother - as you know I look for no advantage. If the child is in danger I will assist. That is it" - the Tulita returns to his usual stoic self - "But you have my full agreement, Aka will know hot to handle the exchange" - he adds, then turning to the Menehune - "Fact is, I know Aikane is as deft with words as with the fiddle - I would feel safe having him speak for us also"
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I need a new set of rags like a troll needs stupid, but if I talk he'll listen, by Pele.
Nef feels a mixture of pride and exasperation at Zem's words.
He's right, but the world does not care for who's right. Just who has power.
She takes Oren aside and says quietly, "If I take the mending spell tonight, and use it on Zem's clothes... Can you take prestidigitation in the morning?" She eyes Aikane. "Maybe use it on both him and Aikane?"
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"I can clean them up, Nef, but I can't make their clothes look new. And, I'm going to go ahead and pick myself up a better outfit. If we have to go to this place, I'll be damned if I am going to stand there being ignored! And not being fed? Nope, that's not happening. If we are requested to go help out, it mig be days before we get hot food again. I'm not missing this chance to eat the Viscount out of house and home."
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"Oren, you know what Zem is like when he's like this." She sighs. "It's his greatest strength, the thing that I admire most about him. But he will break before he will bend on this. As persuasive as I am, I don't think I would be able to change his mind... And maybe part of me doesn't want to convince Zem to play the Viscount's games, either."
She grins at Oren.
"So... let's see how persuasive I can be with the staff of the Kraken's Gullet on the morrow, shall we? I'm not a 'Keleshite Princess', but I was raised around my half-sister, who looked on everyone as her potential servants, rushing to do her bidding. Let's see if I can channel a little of her self-confidence and sense of entitlement into intimidating the restaurant staff into letting in my 'savage' bodyguard..."
She then pauses, and says to Oren, "Speaking of the morrow, do you have any recommendations for a clean and inexpensive place for us to sleep tonight in this town? We don't need much, just a clean floor where we can lay our bedrolls and get some rest."
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Now, it's not that I ever had a knack for oration. The cleric did us proud, a true service, but I never took kindly to these high profile stints. As goes your notoriety, so goes your mortality. I wouldn't be surprised if your eyes take a glaze to all of this business. Shaw, Shaw, Shaw. Blood and guts of the warf, blood and guts at the butcher's door. But I'll say this, I'll say it really is all important for what comes later.
For as it is in the pustule of a port, as it is in the Blight, so it is in the Jungle. There are no famous and dead menehune, but doesn't it seem as though plenty of humans follow that route?
But we were talking about Boneduce. I had never met the man, and had no intention of imposing upon him the courtesy of my company. So I did the rounds for tips. I pushed extra hard. Don't you know, I find it's a grand way to lose fans fast. People have a tendency to forget you when they remember their wallets.
In and around the Viscount's affairs, you get a nose for the winds the day grants you. Bad scents can spoil the game, as it were. I would never have thought it of Ke'ahilani, and Zemwar is a true sport, of course. Still, after the previous night of work I could not shake the feeling that Oren had a bit more stake in the place than I would like to share company in. So more the fool me, I said something about it
As the two turn aside, Aikane speaks softly to Ke'Ahilani and Zemwar under the stirrings of his fiddle: "I fear we lose Oren to the ghostwalker. His Kamu fear of being twelfth husband has led him astray. By the fires! You two are human. You should say something to him before he eats us all. By the day shark comes, there will be nothing left of us, for I watch as his appetites only grow."
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The more Rata considered the plan, the more it grew on him. If nothing else, playing dress up for this pompous ass should serve for a pretty good laugh…
He voiced his confusion on the matter, ”So, let me get this straight. Obviously, we know where you stand on this issue Zem, and I can’t help but admire your tenacity, but the rest of you locals are okay with playing the part of the fair lady’s servant? Or are you planning on trying to fool the viscount into believing you’re colonials as well?” He looked to himself, ”I’d be willing to play the part of a colonist, I mean, it isn’t much of a stretch from my true background growing up on my father’s ship, but I’m afraid my wallet might be a tad light. All that fluff and pomp can get quite pricey…”
As Nef pulled Oren aside for a private conversation and Aikane spoke to Zem and Ke’ in low tones, Rata found himself sitting alone at the table, his thoughts his only company. Glancing around, Rata nonchalantly cranes his neck down, sniffing at his armpits. Grimacing, he realizes the cause, Maybe I should’ve taken that bath after all… Shrugging his shoulders, he gets up once again to ask around the bar, this time inquiring about any information he could find regarding a place in or around Port Shaw rumored to rechristen ships.
"My idea is simply to look the part of the 'civilized' folk, Rata. If you pull that part off, then you don't have to pretend to be a servant or a colonist. A nice shirt will open more doors than a fancy set of lock picks, in my experience. And I told you, I'd be willing to advance you the cost of a clean shirt."
As he moves away to talk to Nef, "If Zem doesn't want to play, I'm fine with that. He can meet us later. A place to stay? Let me think..."
Know. Local
”Or are you planning on trying to fool the viscount into believing you’re colonials as well?”
Nef nods to Oren's comment about clean shirts, and then adds to it.
"Rata, I am pretty sure that trying to pretend that they're colonists would be a mistake. Our friends are Tulita, and proud of it. I have something else in mind..."
There's a gleam in Nef's eyes. "I think that the courtier's outfit with all its colonial finery should merely be the base of the look. After that, we alter and impose layers upon the finery to make it scream Tulita. The colors of the outfits... should be Tulitan colors. The jewelry... Tulitan. Fresh flower leis from the market. Ankle bells like the kind used in festival dances. They need to be dressed up, yes. But I want them to turn heads and make people see that they are proud of who they are."
"We'll need a Tulita tailor with excellent taste for this... but Oren, Zem, Ke' and Aikane all know this town. If there is one here, they'll know."
”I’d be willing to play the part of a colonist, I mean, it isn’t much of a stretch from my true background growing up on my father’s ship, but I’m afraid my wallet might be a tad light. All that fluff and pomp can get quite pricey…”
"Either Oren or I could lend you the funds." Nef gives the swashbuckler an appraising look. "With the right clothes... you could be rather dashing.
"Though, you should know..." She turns to address the group again. "...in fact you should all know. This place does not allow armor. And weapons will need to be peacebonded."
She then goes off to pull Oren aside.
"If Zem doesn't want to play, I'm fine with that. He can meet us later."
Nef shakes her head. "I'm not fine with it. Zem has been the most steadfast companion and teacher I could have hoped for. I will find a way to bring him with us, Oren."
"Screeeeeeee!"
Wedjat flaps down next to Rata, steals some seafood off Rata's plate.
You still have me, Rata!
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"Ah, so we're going to throw it in their faces. I like it, Nef. No one should ever be ashamed of who they are or where they come from. It is our roots that make us who we are."
Looking to both Oren and Nef, "I appreciate the offering of funds. I'll pay you back in due time, of course."
Rata smirks as Wedjat swoops down to keep him company, "Yes, I haven't forgotten about you, my feathered friend. Let me ask you something, do I smell?"
"Screeeee!"
What do I look like, a dog? You smell just fine to me.
As the two turn aside, Aikane speaks softly to Ke'Ahilani and Zemwar under the stirrings of his fiddle: "I fear we lose Oren to the ghostwalker. His Kamu fear of being twelfth husband has led him astray. By the fires! You two are human. You should say something to him before he eats us all. By the day shark comes, there will be nothing left of us, for I watch as his appetites only grow."
"I share your concerns Aikane, but Oren is free to chose his path, as we are all" - Zemwaar's words are not surprising - "We have decided to swim with sharks, and we must learn to avoid their attention. If we do not, there is nothing left but to fight or die. If the day comes, I will fight for him"
He voiced his confusion on the matter, ”So, let me get this straight. Obviously, we know where you stand on this issue Zem, and I can’t help but admire your tenacity, but the rest of you locals are okay with playing the part of the fair lady’s servant? Or are you planning on trying to fool the viscount into believing you’re colonials as well?” He looked to himself, ”I’d be willing to play the part of a colonist, I mean, it isn’t much of a stretch from my true background growing up on my father’s ship, but I’m afraid my wallet might be a tad light. All that fluff and pomp can get quite pricey…”
"It is not s much a matter of being tenacious friend Rata, but of being oneself - Tulita is what I am, should I pretend to be something else? For what reason?" - he asks of his companion.
"Ah, so we're going to throw it in their faces. I like it, Nef. No one should ever be ashamed of who they are or where they come from. It is our roots that make us who we are."
Then nods in silent agreement.
There's a gleam in Nef's eyes. "I think that the courtier's outfit with all its colonial finery should merely be the base of the look. After that, we alter and impose layers upon the finery to make it scream Tulita. The colors of the outfits... should be Tulitan colors. The jewelry... Tulitan. Fresh flower leis from the market. Ankle bells like the kind used in festival dances. They need to be dressed up, yes. But I want them to turn heads and make people see that they are proud of who they are."
"We'll need a Tulita tailor with excellent taste for this... but Oren, Zem, Ke' and Aikane all know this town. If there is one here, they'll know."
"I understand and compliment your thoughts Aka, but I disagree" - Zemwaar adds flatly - "I am not trying to frustrate you, or delay our intentions, but I will not pretend to be something I am not, nor paint it in a way that will garner me acceptance" - he speaks without a hint of criticism of Nef's idea - "I will pose as a bodyguard, perhaps even a servant, but no more. As others would not disrobe to meet with the Moamasu, nor would it be asked of them"
"Though, you should know..."[/b] She turns to address the group again. "...in fact you should all know. This place does not allow armor. And weapons will need to be peacebonded."
"Not a concern" - he answers, seemingly about to throw a wink at Nef, but then not really.
As the evening progresses into nighttime, you all realize the hour is late.
Before you depart, Zemwaar recalls several crucial facts about Dolentla Island, thanks to his knowledge of the fine art of gathering scuttlebutt. The island is located near Sammerlock Sails, a ruined island fortress, and experienced captains steer a wide berth around the main island along with the nearby Dolentla Island. Even from a distance, crewmen reported seeing eerie lights and hearing unearthly sounds from the islands.
Also mariners reported seeing the Lashed Harpoon enter the area of Sammerlock Sails twenty-odd years ago, but the ship and its crew disappeared without a trace. Explorers have spent nearly as much time searching for the ship, but no one has ever located any trace of the missing vessel. The Lashed Harpoon was more than a whaler. Its captain, Delano Amborose, was also a reputed smuggler who stored ambergris and other valuable oils in a secret cargo compartment. The Tulita of his day loathed Delano Amborose. Reputedly, they refuse to deal with his descendants to this day.
The day dawns like most of the mornings you have seen before, with a wet mist clinging to the ground in the early morning hours before the rising sun burns it away, promising another glorious day in paradise...if you are deemed worthy of such, that is.
A half hour before dawn, Nef wakes up crying and shaking from a nightmare. She had been back in the harem again, only this time there were no doors, though she searched and searched in vain for an exit... Only mirrors lined the walls, reflecting endlessly on a beautiful woman with an empty soul.
No. That is not ME. It will never be me.
Trembling, she pulls herself out of bed. Since coming to the Razor, she had rarely had such dreams. Her dreams had instead been raucous, intense things full of the sights and sounds and smells of this brave new world that she had adopted for herself.
And for the last two months, she had been traveling with Zem and Aikane, and later Rata, sleeping with her bedroll near theirs. Maybe the very presence of her friends had served as a talisman that kept the nightmares away.
I should have gone with my earlier plan of us all sharing one clean floor, she thought. Better than waking up alone in a room for only me and Wedjat.
Wedjat is still asleep, but the bird opens one eye, then closes it, as she paces the floor.
What brought this on? Why did I have that old nightmare again now?
She opens the window, taking in the cool misty predawn air. Already, she sees a few carts and porters scurrying down the street, making ready to start work at sunrise. She breathes in the scents of Port Shaw, sea air and garbage, palm trees and flowers, and thinks for a moment.
And then the reason she had the nightmare comes to her, full force.
Zem, she thinks. I need to talk to Zem.
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Rata rises from a restless sleep, and prepares himself for the day without much fanfare. He will accompany the rest to the tailor’s shop, outfitting himself in the standard courtier’s outfit unless instructed to do otherwise. Leaving the beads and braids in his hair, he will tie it back with a leather thong and make sure all of his jewelry is gleaming and untarnished.
Looking himself over, he feels that he is as ready as he will ever be. I just want to be done with this act and get on with doing whatever task we must do, so I can get back to my search. Hopefully, this Viscount has some well-informed friends…
Nef knocks softly on the door of the room that Zem took.
She stands nervously, still shaky from the dream, arms crossed protectively around herself as if she is chilled. "Zem, can we talk for a moment, please?" she asks, leading the way back into her room across the hall.
"Zem, I respect your wish to go this lunch as you truly are. But your decision to do this leaves me with a very difficult choice. If you're not going to assume a costume, then I must... or we will never get through the door of the Kraken's Gullet to that meeting."
She pauses to scratch Wedjat, and feed her bird some jerky from her bag. It gives her time to try to think through the words she must say now. She meets his dark eyes, looks into the quiet face that she has such difficulty reading.
"You will not like the costume. To get you in... I will have to be utterly, ruthlessly colonial. I will have to briefly be untrue to who I am, and to all that we are together. " She takes a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "I will do this thing for you because you are my best and most trusted friend. You have been my shadow, but you have also been my sun."
"For you, I will act out a role that I left behind in Qadira." She pauses, daring to speak aloud her fears. "I fear that... if you see me as the 'Keleshite Princess' you will stop seeing me as me. That you will no longer call me 'Akahai'. And that I could not bear."
"The choice I'm left with is... leave you outside, with Wedjat, so that I can go in proudly as a guest of the Tulita. Or I can try to bring you with me, wearing a false face, and leave myself behind. Zem, what do you want me to do?"
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Oren went with Rata to the tailor, and ordered clothing for both of them. "Hopefully Nef has luck with Zem. He's stubborn as an auroch, but if anyone can get him to budge, it'll be her."
He waits while the tailor comes out and takes their measurements. He wasn't comfortable with the tight fitting collar, but he knew that he had to make small sacrifices to secure a possible lucrative mission from the Viscount.
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"I understand" - Zemwaar answers Nefertiti calmly, offering her the blanket from his bed to stave off the cold - "I will remain outside the Gullet" - he finishes without skipping a beat.
"I will try to find a servant's or supplier's access, and garner information there, from the outside" - the man adds, pondering his course of action - "Yes, that will do"
As they move to leave, crossing the treshold of the door, he speaks without turning back - "As much as you seem to despise the 'role' you had back in your homeland, I would very much have liked to meet you then - one is made of all he went through, so it is all important" - he continues, heading downstairs.
Nef nods at Zem's words, both relieved at his choice but also sorry that she could not walk into the restaurant with him by her side.
"Very well, Malama," she says, inclining her head. "As for meeting me in Qadira, it would have just sped up my decision to come here to the Razor Coast with you." She smiles at the idea, and then dismisses the fantasy. "But I was meant to go to Osirion first, and see the land where Horus was born before coming here... Here, to our new home, for Horus and myself both."
Reluctantly, she pulls off the blanket that is still warm from Zem's body heat, and folds it up and returns it to him. "Will you help us get ready, then? We'll need to get Aikane and maybe Rata to an inexpensive bathhouse. And I'll need to purchase flower leis and..." she pauses, to touch Zem's feather earring, "...and a pair of striking feather earrings for myself, to which I will match my dress."
She grins. "Do the Tulita have princesses, just like the Keleshites? Somehow I doubt it, but maybe I can manage to look the part anyway."
actually, more like this since he is in disguise.
Knowing time grows short, the rest of you all join Nefertiti in the common room to coordinate your preparations. Since Zemwaar will not be entering the Gullet, he elects to escort the Keleshite priestess on her own shopping expedition, whilst the rest of the boys head off to pick up a fresh set of clothes coupled with a trip to a bathhouse (much more nondescript, not to mention cheaper) to wash the grime and dirt off of their bodies.
Having received directions from Oren to reach the marketplace are in the Tide District, the foreigner 'princess' and her bodyguard head off at a brisk walk. Weaving their way through the growing crowds of people, they eventually reach the open air marketplace. One stall catches Nefertiti's eye: "U'I'Nani Makana" is emblazoned on a rickety stall (or Truly Beautiful Gifts in Tulitan). Adorning the stall is a variety of Leis and also various handmade jewelry and other trinkets. A quick perusal shows none of the items are that expensive, but many are quite well made. Some of them include necklaces and earrings made in the shape of starfish, teardrop shells, and even pineapples for example. There are even several matching sets of jewelry, including a silver pendant carved in a pink stone and pink gold earrings to match.
Reluctantly, she pulls off the blanket that is still warm from Zem's body heat, and folds it up and returns it to him. "Will you help us get ready, then? We'll need to get Aikane and maybe Rata to an inexpensive bathhouse. And I'll need to purchase flower leis and..." she pauses, to touch Zem's feather earring, "...and a pair of striking feather earrings for myself, to which I will match my dress."
"I am almost sure Aikane and Rata will most likely find a way to perfectly mesh as they should, but I will do what I can"
She grins. "Do the Tulita have princesses, just like the Keleshites? Somehow I doubt it, but maybe I can manage to look the part anyway."
"Princesses?" - Zemwaar stops for a moment - "I am not sure of the meaning given to the word - we honor the young girls of our tribe when they are born, because they are bringers of life. We honor them when they come of age, and are entitled to chose their paths as any other youngling Tulita" - he explains - "Our elders are both men and women, and I know nothing of Keleshite traditions, but perhaps we do have princesses, as the chieftain's daughters and sons are expected to take the mantle of leadership"
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Nef picks up flower leis, and picks out some striking feather earrings made from the tail feathers of a native bird. They are white and grey with scarlet tips. She also picks out a matching set of bracelets and a pendant, all made from a native coral, mounted on silver to match her sliver headband of charisma.
She purchases the jewelry for herself and leis for other party members.
She chooses one lei, a modest one with white flowers, to wear herself. As they approach the rendezvous site with the others, Nef's clothes shift into a sleeveless, strapless gown that with a plunging back line. The bodice is silk and scarlet, and the skirt is long, flowing and made entirely of the same white, grey and scarlet feathers as her earrings. It flares out as she turns.
"Zem, I would never expect to take on the mantle of clan leadership as your chieftain's children do. But would this dress do for a proud Tulitan guest?"
As Nefertiti and Zemwaar hurry back to the Kraken's Gullet, they see the other party members all cleaned up and as ready as they will ever be for this.
As you all approach the upscale building, the first thing that grabs your attention is the circular doorway, surrounded by tentacles sculpted out of dark koa wood, cutting into the street facing side of this enormous three-story inn. Above the doorway, a large carved eye glares menacingly down at would-be patrons. From within the Gullet, the elegant strains of strings and wind instruments drifts out to the street. The hearty smell of baked fish, roast lamb braised with onions and other delicacies wafts out as well.
Approaching the entrance, the omnipresent Dragoons patrol intercept you and do a quick search for hidden weapons, also making sure any weapons you do carry are in fact peace-bonded. Fortunately for Nefertiti, the Dragoons are quite proper with their search (though she does sense some inner struggle on their parts for some reason.)
After being released all of you, save Zemwaar, head inside. Here you can see in all of their 'glory' Port Shaw’s upper crust, with the noteworthy local nobles and merchants rubbing elbows with respected officers and sea captains.
After informing the maitre d' of your appointment, you are all immediately escorted up to the third floor and led into a private suite, which supplies a breathtaking view of the mountains.
A wiry, well-coiffed young elven woman in a noblewoman’s finery sits at an ornate table in this resplendent suite. She nurses a glass of expensive wine, but her facial expressions and darting eyes betray that something else occupies her mind. Her hand trembles gently as she sips the drink and struggles to maintain her composure. Seated off to the side is the Viscount, who nods in acknowledgement of your punctual arrival.
At the dinner, Nef asked: "Ke'ahilani, I would love to hear more about all the things you talked about if you don't mind discussing them with a guest."
Ke'ahilani hems and haws, then answers in the most roundabout and general manner about Tulita customs and ceremonies. Your sense is that he is embarrassed at not knowing everything he should about that, and he changes the subject as soon as he can.
What is Ke's tribal affiliation? Is he also Moamasu, like Zem?
Yes, he is Moamasu as well.
When the question of suitable attire for the meeting comes up, Ke'ahilani listened closely to what would be requred, then shook his head.
"I fear I would be too much a detriment to go with you."
He gestured to his appearance, outlandish even by Tulita standards. (Kinda like a Tulita hippie, with bottles and pouches everywhere.).
"I do not look like a servant, nor a bodyguard. My tattoos, my filed teeth, my peg leg, my dress and even manner mark me to these colonials as a wild tribesman." He gave a terrifying grin. "And they would be right. I have no skill at fitting in, or lying well enough to get along; my presence would only hamper you Nef, so I must remain outside."
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Oren waits for Nef to introduce the group. While doing so, he scans the room, interested to see what interesting snacks were being provided before dinner.
Rata will also delay until Nef has a chance to give her introductions.
Nef courtesies to the lady, then turns to the Viscount.
"Viscount Deepwarder! It was such a surprise to hear from you again. Thank you so much for inviting us to lunch."
She turns back to the lady. "My lady, I am Nefertiti Abdul. Please forgive me, but I haven't had the pleasure of your acquaintance?"
She turns back to indicate her companions. "Viscount, Lady, these are my friends and companions: Oren Mitabu, Aikane, and Rata Fenn."
She smiles, and looks at the Viscount. Your move, Senegar...
Wedjat flaps and lands down between Zem and Ke'ahilani where they are waiting.
"Screeeeee!"
Does anyone else think Nef looks like a giant chicken? I hope they remember to bring us snacks.
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Aikane stays quiet for now. He cooly takes in the room to see if it has changed in any fashion. the furniture, the finery, the man himself.
You know I was fit to laughing right then and there, old man. Blue smoke was stinking up the place and here is the cleric - the cleric, her viscount, and what looked like his painted lady of the hour. It was among the strangest rituals I've ever seen these outlanders perform.
The Viscount rises to his feet and offers his hand in greeting. "Ahhh Nefertiti, it is an honor and a pleasure to make your acquaintance again. You are as lovely as I remember!" After the hand is taken, he plants a chaste kiss on the inside of her wrist.
He then indicates the elvish woman, who stands and returns the cursty. "This is my niece, Jacinth. She does have a story to tell so I will let her tell it now... He sits back down and indicates for the young lady to proceed. She glances back pensively towards the viscount, who reassures her with a firm nod.
Her voice trembles, yet is light and melodious as she recounts her tale. "Two weeks ago, my friends and I set out on an expedition to Sammerlock Sails to contribute to the scientific and historical community of Port Shaw. As we approached the western shore of Dolentla Island five miles away from our final destination, a monstrous whale crashed into the ship and sundered it in half. Everyone went overboard and swam towards the nearby island. As we made our way closer to the beach, humanoid monsters leapt into the water and attacked us. The creatures looked human, but they also seemed feral, as if they were mad. I tried to fight, but the monsters knocked me unconscious."
"They must have thought I died, because when I came to, the creatures were gone. I looked for my friends, but I could not find them in the darkness. I then found a large piece of driftwood and paddled towards the shipping lanes. A passing ship rescued me a few days later and returned me to Port Shaw."
Once she has finished, she takes another sip of her wine and awaits your questions.
Nef raises her eyebrows at the Viscount's continued use of her first name, but allows the kiss.
Nobles only address intimates or servants by their first name, and by Horus... I am not his servant.
"Senegar, you're unforgettable and as charming as ever." She smiles, using his first name as deliberately as he used hers. "Thank you for the honor of allowing us all to talk on a first name basis."
She listens intently to Jacinth's story. "I'm so sorry for all you went through. That must have been a horrible ordeal for you, especially regarding the uncertain fates of your friends."
"Jacinth, can you tell me more about this scientific expedition and what you were seeking? Also, I must admit that I am curious about why you and your uncle have asked us to come? Do you think your friends may still be alive?"
Nef having voiced all of the questions Rata was curious about, he maintains his silence, trying his best to maintain an air of nobility and nonchalance. While doing so, he scans Jacinth's features and mannerisms, looking for any indicators that she wasn't telling them the full truth of things.
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"Please describe the whale you encountered."
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If this a rescue, I hope Nef remembers to ask about the gold!. Oren looks around the room, deftly scooping up two of the hors d'oeuvres with his left hand. As he takes a bite, he breaks into a large grin. Bacon wrapped shrimp....my favorite, he thinks as he waits for Nef to continue her interplay with the Viscount for the group.
Sense Motive
Jacinth blinks back tears as she looks at Nefertiti. "It was horrible! All of my friends....dragged away by those horrible monsters..." She stops for a moment, trying to regain her composure. It is clear to all of you this was clearly a traumatic experience for the young lady. "I am sure they are still alive...they must be!"
She takes another gulp of wine again, and faces the priestess again. "Nefertiti, I was searching for an old archaeological site which is rumored to be on Sammerlock Sails. I think clues to my heritage are located in those ruins, and such knowledge interests both my uncle and myself."
She faces Aikane and shudders briefly. "Ohhh...that whale! I am sorry but I did not get a good at that leviathan! I know it must have been HUGE, as it shattered my vessel as if it was nothing more than a play toy!"
"I beg your pardon, but could you tell us why did these people spare you, when they appear to have seized your friends."
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"Zem, I would never expect to take on the mantle of clan leadership as your chieftain's children do. But would this dress do for a proud Tulitan guest?"
"You look beautiful Aka, and would most likely find a place as a princess anywhere in the world" - the Tulita answers with a nod.
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As the others move inside, Zemwaar offers one single piece of advice -"Be careful" - then turns to Ke'ahilani - "Come then brother, let us scout the surrounding area, and perhaps find another way of obtaining information, or otherwise make ourselves useful"
He begins to calmly skirt the surrounding streets, looking for a servant's or supplier's entrance to the Gullet.
"Screeeee!"
Wedjat takes off, flying over Zem's head. I'll help you scout!
"Like I told you, I was knocked out during my struggle with those savages. They must have spared me because they thought I was dead!" Jacinth replies.
Zemwaar, concern for his charge evident on his face, decides to prepare for possible trouble. Moving quickly, he is soon joined by the eagle which flies overhead, drawing more than a few interested spectators.
He is able to spot the rear entrance without much difficulty, but does realize the Dragoons also patrol all around the Gullet as well. He is able to get a fairly good idea of their patrol patterns as well.
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"But that is entirely supposition on your part. Perhaps they in fact let you get away. We need to consider that. ... Are you a capable fighter? Is that why you were involved in the struggle?
...
Would you be able to describe the appearance of your attackers?"
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Nef nods approval to Aikane's questions, but still opens her arms to the crying Jacinth. "I know this is hard, but we really must know everything if you want us to help at all. I know little of the history of the razor beyond common knowledge..."
"I know that Sammerlock Sails was the first major elvish settlement here," and invading force, taking these islands from their Tulita guardians, "but I know little beyond that. Perhaps you might both want to tell us more about exactly what you were seeking to find there."
She turns to Senegar. "What I do find interesting is that you asked me to come. Senegar, these islands are full of ruthless mercenaries who would be happy to earn your coin. Yet instead you went to the trouble of tracking down a newly-arrived missionary that you met once... three months ago."
She raises her eyebrows at Senegar, hugs Jacinth and then lets the girl go.
"Senegar, Jacinth... I have a theory. Please, tell me if I'm wrong. My theory is this. You need Tulita help for your little rescue mission. You've run into something strange out there that you think the Tulita with their native lore might be able to handle. You can't for political reasons go to the tribal councils. So you came to me to get the aid of my traveling companions."
She meets Senegar's gaze. "This mission sounds like it will be dangerous, messy, and requiring discretion. If you wish to purchase our aid, the price will be steep. I'll need you to pay not just in coin, but in freely given information and assistance. Are you willing to consider such terms?"
"Screee?"
Wedjat eyes the back door, uncertainly.
Zem, do you need me here? Or should I watch from the roof?
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"Come then brother, let us scout the surrounding area, and perhaps find another way of obtaining information, or otherwise make ourselves useful"
Ke' nodded. "Aye brother. These towns are nests of snakes. There is always a threat of some kind."
He hobbled about, circling counterclockwise to Zem's pattern.While meeting later to share info, Ke' glanced at Zem.
"So. Nefertiti eh? Niiiiice." He said with a knowing wink and nudge.
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Rata's silence continued as he decided to only speak if spoken to. He just wanted to get this meeting over with so that they could do whatever task required of them so they could have access to the viscount's extensive social network. His primary goal would not be swayed from tracking down the Wailing Gypsy.