| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
While Zemwaar decides whether to sneak in and risk arrest, upstairs Nefertiti comforts the sobbing lady for a moment. Once the sobs have subsided and Jacinth has composed herself once again (despite her mascara running down her face), the Viscount stands up and addresses her.
"You are quite perceptive as to the purpose of our visit here, Nefertiti. We wish for you to mount a rescue mission for the survivors of the Dulcimer by escorting Jacinth back to Dolentla Island and either rescue the marooned crew or...recover their bodies."
He walks over to you with an intense look now on his face. I am prepared to offer 5,000 gold bits to you and your Tulita crew, should you accept this task: Accompany my niece Jacinth to Dolentla Island, rescue the Dulcimer’s crew, and absolve myself of any role in this incident."
He sits back down and shuffles a sheath of papers forth, a contract by the looks of it, and awaits your answer.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Ah, the dance begins! Oren was pleased it took little time to get to the heart of the matter. Nef is still new to the area, but she is shrewd.. Oren appreciated her even more, if possible.
Much like the others, Oren had decided to sit back and enjoy the show. He was watching the cleric pry the truth from these nobles like a wizened chess master. She must have some noble blood in her, whether she realizes it or not.
He happily puts the two skewers down on a nearby table while watching the events play out. He scans the area to see if more niblets would be making their way out from the kitchen.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"I'm intrigued. And why, m'lord, do you have us carry her back into danger?"
Absolve himself? Does he just want us to get rid of the neice and any survivors?
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Nef nods at Aikane's question. "I have to admit, I'm curious about this myself. Jacinth, is this your wish? To go back there with us, after such a traumatic experience?"
She turns back to Senegar, and raises both eyebrows. "What, precisely, do you need to be absolved of? Please understand... I want this mission done to your satisfaction. Were some of the Dulcimer Crew politically connected? Or is there some other problem we need to know about?"
What aren't you telling us, Senegar?
*****
"As for my part, Senegar, we're risking our lives and protecting both your niece and your reputation. I don't think 8000 gold bits is too much to ask under the circumstances." She pauses and takes his hand. "There is one more thing I'd like to ask of you. I want you as an ally, Senegar. You're exceptionally bright, and have a solid reputation in Port Shaw. I don't have to tell you how rare that is."
She smiles and gestures, indicating the gorgeous room with its lovely view.
"I know that part of the reason that you've invited us to a private suite is to impress. However, part of it surely must be that you cannot be seen dining with Tulita. I know that Tulita and elves have had their political differences. But I think that you have a bit more vision than that. You know that if Tulita can be useful to you once, they can be useful again."
She takes a deep breath. "You've likely heard the same rumors I have, concerning Hargrove and his plans for the Tulita. And you're placed to hear if those plans ever become more solid. My people need friends, Senegar. Even secret ones."
"Oh! One more thing. I left two of my colleagues outside. They elected to honor their own native customs and dress, so could not come through the front door. Since we are in a private suite, could you send a servant to invite them in, maybe coming up through a service entrance? They can't possibly be missed. They're with a Haast's Eagle."
"This will allow you to meet all of the crew to which you are entrusting this mission -- and maybe hear of some of the Tulita lore regarding your mysterious island as well?"
*****
She touches the contracts. "Would you mind if my colleagues look these over while we finish our talk? Since you were so kind as to write them up in advance of our meeting?"
She hands the contracts to her quiet colleagues.
Knowledge Local
The Tulita looks for anything out of normal with the usual documents he has seen before, not rusting the nobleman as far as he could throw him.
"Looks solid, m'lady," Oren whispers to Nef after giving a quick scan to the paperwork.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Nef blinks in surprise at Oren's words.
M'lady? He's never called me that before... Oh. It's the dress, and the setting. Oren is playacting every much as I am, and backing me up with the Viscount.
She flashes Oren a grateful smile. She briefly considers teasing him, addressing him back as "M'lord Mitabu", and then dismisses the idea.
We have an audience, and I can't upset my little house of cards. Later, maybe...
Instead, she says, "Thank you, sir," and then turns back to the Viscount.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Senegar looks at Nefertiti with a look born of incredulity. "Nefertiti, you do not strike as being one who does not enter into negotiations unprepared. So I am certain you have heard the rumors which threaten to sully Jacinth's reputation, not to mention my own! I have heard such nonsense as was it a deliberately staged disappearance, a murderous love triangle at sea? Or was it a high seas robbery or a drunken night of excess gone terribly wrong?" He turns a steely gaze on the priestesses' own eyes. "I want these rumors STOPPED!"
As Nefertiti mentions the rumors of the Baron's final solution against the Tulita, The Viscount nods slowly as if the news is not a surprise to him. I have heard those...rumors as well. I know you have an...affinity for the Tulita people, which is one of the reasons why I called on you for this, Nefertiti. While I have little influence with the Baron, perhaps I can be of...assistance to you, IF you serve us both well now."
"You wish to have your Tulita friends join us? I can arrange that for you." He then pulls a bell cord which summons a servant. A few whispered words and he soon departs. The wait is not long before Zemwaar and Ke'ahilani find themselves inside the Gullet as well.
While waiting for the servant's return, Oren finishes examining the contract. It basically states the mission of the party and the clauses put in there are designed to protect the Viscount here and should you decide to turn pirate, it allows the full force of the Dragoons to be used to hunt you down and sink you.
Once the whole party is assembled again, the Viscount turns back to Nefertiti. "As for your counter-offer, you certainly do value your services highly. How do I know you are capable of actually fulfilling your obligations? You have little reputation in Port Shaw to stand on, my dear." He strokes his chin for a moment. "Still, it seems You do hold the upper hand here. I will go to 6000 gold bits and also I will...consider your other offer in a more positive light. Deal?"
He then awaits your counter-proposal.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Having served as guard upon the Concord, Rata was never involved in contractual discussions or trading agreements, his father being the one who handled those matters. Therefore, as he perused the documents he wasn't entirely sure what he was looking at, although his eyes narrowed as they passed over the clause mentioning possibly being sunk by the Dragoons. His confidence bolstered by the arrival of the rest of their allies, he looked over the papers with an intent eye, giving Nef a silent nod of approval after an appropriate amount of time.
Nef listens to Senegar intently. "I agree that the rumors need to be stopped.". She looks thoughtful for a moment. "You saw me tell stories at the Gala, months ago. That's how we met, when you came to congratulate me.". She gazes at him with her steady brown eyes. "I tell stories people remember, Senegar. After this mission, surely we can come up with a vivid and memorable tale that will put those rumors to rest."
She smiles. "Now, as I'm sure you must know... Tulita make decisions by group consensus. Now that the terms are on the table, I would love a chance to discuss with them for a few minutes. Will that be acceptable?"
She waits for his assent, and then turns and speaks in Tulita. "What say you, friends? I go by your counsel now."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Beg your pardon, sir. A thousand gold each, only? ... To take this risk on for only a thousand-gold share, I'd expect to see some salvage rights and a certain amount of legal protection... Our discretion is guaranteed, sir. You should have no doubt."
"Whatever the truth is, the only person who will hear it from us will be you sir. We might be ready to take up your interests as our own dearest concerns. Any compensation we receive will of course remain between us. Granted, we give you the right to tell the Port whatever you want." To the fires with what the Black Port thinks of us.
"To end the rumors in port without ever sailing for the island, we could certainly take this on for such a sum. But to leave port and go whaling in those waters ... To get to the heart of the thing, that's another matter altogether." I don't care to be stranded on that island like the others.
"Under the circumstances, I believe half now and half later would be more than acceptable so long as the renumeration was facing reconsideration."
"We could provide you with the monster sea creature's corpse for a bonus fee. Bonus of three thousand for your young lady's return unharmed. We would of course sail with the tide, and there might be ears and heads if you care for keepsakes. It would be all the evidence you would ever need." If such a leviathan, such a shark can rend boats, then Pele will forgive us for bringing down her might upon it.
These men of power are all the same. "Results" "I tried my best." If we're going to buy adamantine harpoons, I damn well want to be able to pay for them.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Zemwaar is more than a little surprised once he and Ke'ahilani are summoned inside - still he follows in silence, in expectation of what is to come.
Realizing they had been somehow admitted entrance to the Gullet, to participate in the meeting, he greets his companions with a nod, and also the Viscount - "Well met, I am Zemwaar"
At Nefertiti's question, he picks up the contract, reading through it.
To the others, he answers in Tulita also - "The Viscount's reputation is not of my concern, but I can understand his reasoning, and even relate to his intentions - if it was my reputation being questioned with untruth, I would do my best also to clear the matter" - he states matter of fact - "What concerns me is the safety of Miss Jacinth's travelling companions - many stories abound regarding the Dolentia island, and not all of them are about sunken treasures. Having been made aware of their possible endangerment, I believe we should try to better understand what their fate might have been, and if they still live" - the man adds - "The terms of the agreement sound adequate to me, except for the matter of who will arrange for the ship or travel"
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Oren also replies in Tulita. "I think you've probably driven a good bargain, Nef. But Zemwaar over here's right. We need transport to and from. If there's a crazed whale attacking vessels, it'll take someone of the Viscount's considerable wealth to find a Captain that will sail the waters there."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
About to jest some more with Zemwaar, Ke' is surprised to be hustled inside to the intimidating meeting room. He read through the document with some difficulty (having come late to being able to read), nodded sagely and looked towards Aikane and Nef as to what to do next.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
While meeting later to share info, Ke' glanced at Zem.
"So. Nefertiti eh? Niiiiice." He said with a knowing wink and nudge.
** spoiler omitted **
"What do you mean brother? She is special in many ways, and a beautiful woman indeed, is that it?" - Zemwaar answered, still watching the Gullet intently.
Back to the present moment, Nef lets the discussion continue in Tulita, taking note in her mind of salient points.
She sits next to Jacinth, and holds the woman's hand. "Jacinth... If you are to be our traveling companion, I really must know. Is this what you truly want? Are you ready to face the monsters again to rescue your friends?"
She smiles, and says, "If the answer is yes, then I for one will be glad to have you. It'll be nice to have a female traveling companion to talk to, and to share with. Would you also like that?"
Choking back a sob, Jacinth nods. "I have to at least TRY! Those were my FRIENDS that were carried off! I could never live with myself if I just let them be..." She stops, nearly overcome again and allows Nefertiti to comfort her. "Thank you, Nefertiti. I promise not to let you down."
The Viscount Senegar pays the exchange between the priestess and his niece little mind as he responds to Aikane's counter proposal. "You...drive a hard bargain. While I am...hesitant to increase the reward I have already generously offered, I would not object an...appropriate advance of the funds...especially as your leader and my niece have struck a bond of friendship, it seems." He nods toward the table where the two women sit, one consoling the other. "Should you require salvage rights, I can allow you any salvage rights to the remains of the Dulcimer, should any exist. Also I know you will need to procure a ship, or passage on one, I believe. Rest assured, I will not allow that to be a hindrance...so long as my TRUST is not abused."
Nef looks up, startled to hear herself called leader. But I'm the one following them, and learning their ways!
She sighs. Of course, I was elected the designated spokesperson for the negotiations. And Senegar, for all his intelligence and forward thinking ways, would naturally pick one of the two non-natives in the room as group leader. Maybe it's better this way, too.
Aikane and I have pushed him just as hard as he can go, and the only way to shift his attitudes further would be to take the mission and bring back both his niece and success.
****
Still stroking the sobbing Jacinth's hair, Nef speaks from her seat, pitching her voice to carry because she can. Though it sounds like her normal speaking voice, it carries throughout the room.
"Your niece is a brave young woman, Senegar. I admire her willingness to face her fears in order to rescue her friends. Her friendship will be an honor. You have my word, which I consider my sacred bond, that we would never knowingly abuse your trust."
Still consoling Jacinth, she turns to face Senegar.
"If I may have your patience for just another moment, Senegar. I am waiting to hear counsel for the consensus from my two colleagues who have not yet spoken. Rata, Ke'ahilani, do you have opinions or are you willing to go with what the consensus decides?"
"Group, we have an offer on the table of six thousand gold, half in advance, plus salvage rights, assistance with gaining ship transport, and an offer of alliance and friendship for the Tulita -- should we rescue the Dulcimer's crew and keep both the Viscount's niece and reputation safe. We can hammer out the details of what sort of ship, equipment and supples we'll need over lunch. Does this broad outline for our agreement satisfy everyone?"
"If not, tell me now." She looks around the room. "If so, raise your hands and say, 'Aye!'"
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Rata chimes in after being prompted by Nef, "I am fine with aiding the Viscount and his niece since it seems we will benefit from having him as an ally in the future. Plus, I can't help but feel sympathetic to the girl, having lost loved ones at sea." Rata pauses long, considering the woman in a newfound light. He continues, "You may need to lend me your strength as we shove off as I have not been aboard a ship since the Concord. I am unsure how I will react once we set sail for troubled waters." His eyes turn dark and distant as he remembers their screams - the waters turned crimson with the blood of his family and friends...
Shaking himself, he returns to the present and the task at hand, "Otherwise, I say aye, let us be on with this mission. The sooner we're done with it, the better."
"You know my thoughts on this already Aka" - Zemwaar nods.
Oren nods and shows his assent with the others. "Aye," he repeats and puts his hand into the air.
His shirt was beginning to itch anyway, and with his left hand, he was scratching where the collar was restraining his thick neck, in a most uncomfortable manner. He understood the need for the shirt, but it was beginning to become quite a bother to him.
While all the humans are having their serious talk, the eagle swoops and grabs a bacon-wrapped shrimp off Oren's plate.
He'll never notice.
Humans. So strange. They're as eager as spring bears.
Aikane nods to the viscount with a flourish of his hand. "You can have faith. We are one and all eager to be constant friends to you."
...
Aikane waits for the others to agree first, then says simply, "Aye" with a nod.
"I also say 'Aye,'" Nef says softly in common. Then she switches to Tulita and turns to Jacinth. "Jacinth, you will be traveling with a largely Tulita crew. Do you happen to speak the language yet?"
She is studying Jacinth's face, and asking this matter-of-factly.
[dice=Sense Motive "Does Jacinth understand what I am saying?"]1d20+6[/dice]
Whatever Jacinth's response, Nef returns to common to be polite. "It sounds like we have the bare bones of our deal, Senegar. Shall we hash out the remaining details during lunch? I'm starving."
Jacinth's ears perk up at the sound of the Tulitan tongue, betraying her knowledge of the tongue. Still, she responds readily "Yes I do understand the Tulita tongue. My uncle has always insisted I have the finest education money can buy!"
Senegar claps his hands as the others agree to the negotiated terms. "OK, I am overjoyed you decided to do this for us! Your service to me shall not be forgotten." He then looks over the contract, making the agreed on changes in the terms with a quill pen. Once finished, he rises to his feet. "Yes I agree, lunch would be welcome at this point! I know you have much to discuss, not the least which is procuring a vessel to sail forth in. I am aware of several vessels that are currently available for either purchase or for hire. Should you elect to purchase one, your search for a captain is not necessary. "He finishes, nodding to Jacinth.
"What do you mean brother? She is special in many ways, and a beautiful woman indeed, is that it?"
"No, no, I'm sure she is a fine woman. She just reminds me of that Captain's daughter you were friendly with that one time." He grinned as he glanced at his friend of long standing.
"As well as the girl who turned out to be her twin sister." He chuckled at the memory of Zemwaar's situation, though at the time it seemed very dramatic."Say, does Nef have a sister?"
Zemwaar watches the girl intently as she speaks with Nefertiti, but he adds nothing to the exchange, not believing this the place to approach her.
"No, no, I'm sure she is a fine woman. She just reminds me of that Captain's daughter you were friendly with that one time." He grinned as he glanced at his friend of long standing.
"As well as the girl who turned out to be her twin sister." He chuckled at the memory of Zemwaar's situation, though at the time it seemed very dramatic.
"Say, does Nef have a sister?"
"I believe she has" - he answers, remembering Nef's words about her family - "And the Captain's daughter had an infatuation with me Ke'ahilani, one that was not corresponded, even though her father wanted to believe so for some reason" - he adds, shaking his head.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Sense Motive
The girl seemed truthful to Oren's ears. Anyway, the talk of lunch and figuring out a possible captain for their vessel distracted him from anything else.
Oren grabbed a chair, not quite sure if the lunch invitation extended to the whole group or not, but he didn't care. He called over the server, and ordered with great gusto, getting enough for everyone to dine on while the mission discussions continued.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Rata brightened visibly when talk shifted from contractual disputes to finalizing the deal over lunch. He realized that he hadn't yet eaten that day. As he listened to the woman he got a sense that there was something more to be garnered from her words...
...but apparently his gnawing hunger was causing him to imagine things. Eagerly, he began scanning the room for a menu...
...but noticed that Oren had already flagged down a server and was ordering enough to feed the entire district. Hmmm, good man.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Nef takes Jacinth's hand and says, "I envy you the fine education your Uncle provided. My own education was a bit more... eclectic. I've only started learning Tulita three months ago."
Nef's tone is light, but her heart is racing. Elves and Tulita have had little reason to trust each other in the past, but if I don't find a way to help this girl trust her escort crew, this could be disastrous. Especially if the guys start sensing her distrust in return.
She looks over her Tulitan teammates, frantically assessing who might have the social skills to be a good ice breaker.
Ke'ahilani? Way too awkward, exotic and strange. Even I was taken a little aback when I met him. Zem? He is gentle, courteous, and the truest soul I have ever known, but he never smiles. Aikane? Distinct possibility. Witty, charming, bitingly sarcastic and sometimes completely unpredictable... Okay, maybe not Aikane.
There was really only one possibility. She says in Tulita, "Oren, the lively Kamu across from you, was my very first teacher of the language. Oren, Jacinth speaks Tulita. Isn't that wonderful? Maybe you can tell her about yourself, so that she can get a chance to know all her crew."
To Jacinth she says, "Oren is a very fine tattoo artist. He did the one I have here, of the Eye of Horus." Nef proudly shows her wrist tattoo.
She smiles at both of them, hoping Oren will take the hint.
Oren laughed. "I doubt the young lady has many common experiences with which I can commiserate, Nef. But, I came to the Port a few years ago. I've done a bit of everything here in town, even sailing for a small time. I found I was better designing tattoos than hoisting a mainsail. I work at the Native's Delight shop in the Silk District. I'd imagine you don't get over there much, do you Jacinth?" His eyes gleam as he shoots a mischief filled glance at Nef. He rips off a hunk of fresh bread that was delivered to the room, and slathers it with some fresh churned butter, shoving it into his mouth.
"I can get you a nice deal on a tattoo if you want. It could bond all of us as a crew," he adds, not serious, knowing she and her father would probably frown on the tribal designs the shop was famous for. He couldn't resist having a bit of fun at their expense however.
Nef smiles encouragingly at Oren. That's it. Keep it light...
"Every Tulita I've met so far is a fine sailor," Nef says. "I think they must have a love of the sea in the blood. And Jacinth, I hear that you are a sailor too? You'll both have your hands full teaching me, I'm afraid. I've only ever sailed once, and that was on my passage here -- as passenger, not crew."
Nef teases Oren back, laughing. "I don't know about a group tattoo. I have plenty of unclaimed space," she shows off her largely unmarked bare arms, "but you, Oren, appear to be running out of canvas... Wherever would you put a new one?"
"I'm pretty sure I can't tell you in polite company where there is more room," Oren laughs heartily, smacking the table as he does so.
Nef gives Oren a big mock sigh.
"That's it, Oren. You blew your sale pitch right out the window. If we, poor delicate flowers from polite company cannot verify the presence of your tattoo, there is no way you can talk the two of us into getting one."
Then she turns to Jacinth and grins. "Am I right?"
"By the way, Oren is an incorrigible tease. It's just something we poor delicate flowers have to put up with." Then she stage whispers to Jacinth, "Or just tease him back. That always works too."
See, this just another guy. You're from high society, Jacinth. You must know how to deal with men.
Nef crosses her fingers and hopes this is working.
Still hungry, Wedjat looks around for another snack while everyone is waiting for the main courses to arrive. He spots another bacon-wrapped shrimp on Senegar's plate.
Mmmm.... bacon.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Zemwaar partakes from the meal, watching as Zemwaar moves from one plate to the other - his meal is sparse but varied, stating off with a vegetables broth, followed by meat and bread, and finished off with fruit.
Remaining mostly in silence, he grabs the opportunity to observe the inside of the Gullet, a place he had never visited before in Port Shaw - "Why is the search for a captain not necessary?" - he does ask, matter of fact.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
As the rest of you break off into separate conversations, Senegar moves to the door calling for a servant to deliver a round of appetizers to be delivered posthaste, along with a much-desired lunch. He steps out for a moment to deliver the contract for filing later. This allows Nefertiti's loyal companion to fly in the suite undetected by their host.
Once the first round of bacon-wrapped shrimp is delivered, everyone present digs in...including Senegar, who nibbles on a plump tasty shrimp (sans bacon). This does not deter Wedjat, who hops under the table underneath Senegar's seat. All of this is unnoticed by the Viscount who watches the others idly, his gaze traveling over the Kelishite woman more than once.
The sudden appearance of the Haast eagle in front of him has a startling effect. He drops his wine glass with a startled epithet in elvish, and it falls to the floor where it shatters with a loud crash. The reddish wine puddling on the floor in front of his feet.
His gaze swivels to look directly at Nefertiti, an angry look on his face. He starts to say something to her face, but stops as he takes in her own calm gaze. He stares at her intently for a few seconds before he forces a grin on his face. "My Dear...You should have TOLD me you were inviting your...friend to lunch as well. I would have provided something more...filling."
"Wedjat! Heel!" At her quiet command the eagle instantly returns.
Nef feels her cheeks go red. She grabs her napkin and starts dabbing at Senegar's clothing. "Oh, Senegar, I am so sorry. I don't know what got into him. I feel just horrid, wrecking your party like this..."
She looks up at him with her steadiest gaze. "Thank you for having such a cool head about all this. Do you want me to send him out now?"
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
"Better tell your turkey to not surprise everyone, Nef. Someone here might try to put him in a Cookpot before you even realize it!"
Sense Motive
Oren takes note of the Viscount's interest in Nef. He wasn't particularly happy about that, being quite protective of his friend. He couldn't wait to tease her about things as soon as they exit the prying ears of the group.
Aikane watches the Viscount closely, but if the haughty elf sees through the disguise, he is not letting on.
Leaving off teasing Zemwaar, Ke' heaps his plate with food and eats with gusto. Discovering the wine, he chugs with abandon until he stops and pours it into several of his bamboo tubes, capping them tightly.
Zemwaar stops eating for a moment, staring long at Senegar, and then at Nefertiti's garment for a moment. He says nothing, exchanging a single look with Oren, one his friend knows too well.
"That is because I will captain the ship," she answers, voice firm. "Though he did not state so outright, surely you have realized from my uncle's words that I am more than capable as a sailor and as a captain. We need no other."
"I understood the intended significance, but believed it should be confirmed plainly" - the man answers Jacinth - "That has been done now. Surely having an experienced captain will go a long way to prevent us from sharing a similar fate as your last vessel. That is a good thing" - he finishes without skipping a beat, and returning to his meal.
Distracted by the bounty before them, Rata comes to the realization that Jacinth herself planned on captaining their ship. He looked upon her with a newfound respect, turning on a bit of charm, ”Having grown up working my father’s ship, I can assist you in any way you require, my lady.”
Rata puts a hand over his half-full mouth trying to stifle a laugh as Wedjat causes quite the scene. Unfortunately, that proves quite difficult as Oren makes his comment about Nef's turkey being thrown into the cookpot. Rata bellows, his mouth full of half chewed food as he gives the Tulita a few good slaps on the back in appreciation. "Is that the main course?" he roars with laughter as the joke continued... After a few moments Rata wipes a tear from his eye and, looking around the room, he realized he himself was the one making a scene. With a cough and a quickly muttered apology, he tried to compose himself.
Once the eagle returned to Nef's side, Rata chucks him a morsel from his own plate, Thanks for the show. He looks to the viscount trying to gauge his reaction…
...and realizes that despite the scene, the man seems quite taken with Nef. Rata looks around at the others, trying to see if anyone else had noticed. Well, I guess it's a good thing. Even if we fail our mission, Nef might still be the 'in' I need.
Beginning to feel quite full, Rata looked to Jacinth, "So, when do we set sail?"
Oren nodded at Rata's question. The time for merriment was done for a few moments. "Question is good. We need to plan, and collect supply for the journey. We will need much food and water, not knowing what else is on the island. Maybe something to fight disease and poison...we long way from help if things go bad out there."
Nef blushes even further at Oren's turkey comment, but continues talking to Senegar.
"Senegar, thank you for taking this so well. Between your patience, and Jacinth telling me that you wanted her to learn Tulita... I think that I have picked a very good friend for my people indeed."
She pulls the lei off her neck, and puts it on Senegar's. "Aloha, Senegar. I honor the spirit within you, and thank you for giving us this opportunity."
"Oh, how...charming! But your skin tone is quite lovely as it is; why did you decide to discolor it in such a manner? Wouldn't a simple pendant have been more appropriate?"
Nef blinks at the backhanded compliment, and then regroups. Perhaps Jacinth simply doesn’t like tattoos. Many people don’t, especially among the upper classes.
”It’s a sign of commitment, Jacinth,” Nef says softly. ”I’d already made my decision to work amongst the Tulita, and applied for my missionary license. I wanted to show everyone, especially the Tulitas that I met, that I was serious about my work and my god. A pendant can be taken off.”
"You wish to be taught? Very well, I will attempt to teach you what I can. However, if your single experience with sailing was as a passenger, then it will take a great deal of time and effort. Do you believe you're up to the task?"
Nef sighs, as she realizes her attempt to put Jacinth at ease backfired. Wonderful. Now she thinks you’re an incompetent and a burden, and...
And almost sounds pleased about it?
Jacinth had gone from weeping and helpless to this suddenly haughty creature the moment that she had the group in her pocket.
Just like the games my younger sister, Ismah the infallible, played on me and everyone else... Are we being played?
Nef replays the tone of the words in her head. Perhaps you're reading way too much into a few mood swings.
She straightens her back, looking Jacinth straight in the eyes. ”If you're ready to teach, I'm ready to learn."
"This...creature belongs to you, Nefertiti? How did you come by him?"
"He and I belong to each other, Jacinth."
Do I tell her about the hunters who shot down a beautiful female eagle before our very eyes? No. Tell the truth. Just not all of it.
"We found Wedjat as an orphaned chick, and I've raised him since then."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Oren listened quietly and sighed. The young lady was going to be quite a handful. and who even knew if she could even attempt to captain a ship? I guess there's only one way to find out, he thought as he tucked into a large piece of rhubarb pie, and ordered a refill of his large mug of ale.
"Jacinth, since this is to be a rescue mission, can I get a full list of the Dulcimer's Crew? I'd like anything you can tell me of them, actually."
And while Jacinth and the boys are picking out our ship, maybe I can make some discreet inquiries amongst the other families? Learn more about our fair captain, and maybe even drum up some more funds for our expedition?