"What am I saying? These people suffer the crushing burden of loss. Uncertain whether or not they will ever see their loved ones again." He swallowed hard, "Much like myself... And my father. And here I am celebrating about getting more money. What kind of monster am I...?"
"No kind of monster at all," Nef says, softly. "Rata, who is going on this rescue mission? Who is taking the real risks? Not the Tolcrists. They may love their daughter, but only from a safe distance, comforted by the ample comforts of the Jade District. I feel for them, and for their grief, and I will do everything in my power to bring each of those foolish, underprepared and innocent children back home."
Nef sighs. "But my eyes have been opened by the Outskirts, Rata. It's a terrible place, that members of the Planter Class like the Tolcrists profit from. After seeing it, even Zem, the gentlest soul I know, talked of putting the stink of the Outskirts up the noses of the ruling classes of Port Shaw. And I agreed with him!"
Nef's fists clench and unclench in memory, then she takes a deep breath and lets it go.
"I don't hate the Tolcrists. Far from it. However, I know that we will put that money to far better uses than they will."
***********
She then kneels down to Aikane's level, and takes the menehune's hand. "Aikane, I have special need of your deviousness..."
After everyone else goes, she turns once again to Aikane. "Do you have immediate plans, Aikane? Because if you don't, I could make great use of that devious mind and clever fiddle of yours."
Nef explains to Aikane that she wants to learn more of Harok McFarrows and his story of madness and were-sharks. "It strikes me that there are similarities between his story and that of Jacinth's. I'd like to talk to him about it. There's also the matter that we have his ship. Besides the Qadiran in me superstitiously whispers that if we do not at least listen to his story, the ship will make us pay."
Then she sighs. "Unfortunately, he's in the hands of the Dragoons. My chance of getting in without a good contact are nil -- even with my skill at charm. It occurs to me though that if we could meet Gregory Bonedeuce, we might be able to convince him. "
She paces a moment, getting her thoughts together.
"So here's what I'm thinking, Aikane. You with your hat and I with my sleeves go down to the Kraken's Gullet on our way back, dressed to the nines. We leave a message for Bonedeuce, or at least I do. I tell him that I have a friend with whom I have a bet. And because I do not lie, here's the bet that I'm making you. I bet that you cannot beat the great Bonedeuce in a one-on-one fiddle contest."
She grins.
"It does not matter if you win or not. I've heard stories of Bonedeuce, and he has already heard of me, since I sent his family the same letter I sent to the Tolcrists. I'm betting that Bonedeuce will not be able to resist the joint prospect of:
1) a fiddle contest and a bet;
2) the opportunity to impress a pretty woman;
3) a chance to meet at least two of the team rescuing his nephew."
Eyes flashing, she says, "What do you say? Do you like this idea?"
She waits for his response, and then says, "As for deviousness, I need you to think of questions Jacinth cannot wriggle out of. The girl is as slippery as a darting fish, and I am way too trusting of her. Will you help me with this, friend?"
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Aikane removes his hand quickly and puts both his hands in his pockets. He prickles at the suggestion.
And wouldn’t you know, I think all the promise of gold had gone right into her head. It was clear that she was shaping up to draw a lot of attention. Attention we didn’t need, and I wanted nothing to do with. Even with several thousand gold on the table, she almost unsold me of the entire voyage with her notion.
“I want nothing of the blue men, and less of His eye.” He turns away “As for the elfette, she will never speak the truth. Only her actions will speak to us.”
He paces shaking his head.
I did not walk again into this cancerous pit in order to die here. I had to calm myself, old man. I was going to blow my top if not for thinking of the afternoon rains that send smoke hissing up from the lava rocks. Of walking merrily beneath the tall trees and broad leaves of green. Of simple dress and quiet dirt paths.
“This is why we wear our weapons: That we may trust everyone and watch like hell. Meanwhile the story of McFarrows is on each street corner, every alley door, the tongues of barkeeps and lips of maids.”
Nef pauses.
She cannot read Aikane, she never could. The menehune was a quiet one who always kept his thoughts to himself. But she could tell right now that he was not happy with her.
"Aikane, clearly by word or deed, I've offended. Only thing is, I'm not sure what I've done. Could you tell me so that I can make amends?"
"I didn't realize there was bad blood between you and Bonedeuce," she says, sadly. "I wouldn't have asked you if I knew. As for the tale of Harok McFarrows, it's not enough for me to hear what the street corners say. I want to hear the man's story from his own lips. I'll leave you now, and find my own way back to the Captain's Wheel," she says, shoulders slumping, turning away quickly so that Aikane doesn't see her cry.
Aikane dithers about to let her get a measure of space and then goes to check his mail at his lodgings.
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"Malama," she says, looking thoughtful, "can you pick up a faucet, some paint and a fine calligraphy brush for me? The paint can be any color that will show up against the metal, but it has to be waterproof."
"Of course" - Zemwaar nods.
Nef sighs. "But my eyes have been opened by the Outskirts, Rata. It's a terrible place, that members of the Planter Class like the Tolcrists profit from. After seeing it, even Zem, the gentlest soul I know, talked of putting the stink of the Outskirts up the noses of the ruling classes of Port Shaw. And I agreed with him!"
"I am not as gentle as Aka portraits me, I was bred to be a warrior, a combatant - I have taken those teachings and use them not only when a fight is upon me, but also in my life" - Zemwaar answers Rata - "The people... My people in the Outskirts, they seem to have given up fighting for control of their lives - but they are not alone in this sad road" - the man's mood seems to worsen as he grits his teeth - "They are being driven into it like animals, or lured with fake promises, praying on the naive. People like this family are doing that" - he looks back at the house they have just left - "If we are the vessels through which that money can be used for a better purpose, like saving these children, so be it Rata. It is better than simply crushing their windpipes for the atrocities they turn a blind eye upon" - then stares at his clenched fists.
"In the end, they will be the ones paying for the release of the Outskirts without even knowing it, if that can be accomplished" - he lets the thought hang - "You are no monster my friend, you live by your skills, and your toil. Thus, you are a MAN" - he finishes, now with his usual pragmatic tone.
Zemwaar takes his time to move through Port Shaw, not wanting to rush, understanding there is still much he needs to learn about the town, and its dynamics - in the distances he spots the dismal haze that surrounds the Outskirts, and suddenly feels the urge to return.
'I will start giving back NOW' - he thinks to himself, making sure that all his purchases are done with the Outskirt Tulita traders if possible. His choice of paint is not innocent, as he choses a bluish green emerald color, used in his tribe to represent the sea, making sure it will contrast starkly enough as Nefertiti requested.
Oh yeah! So Aikane makes a heat run, trying to dislodge any potential tails he may have picked up along the way back to his quarters.
Nef walks back, as fast as she can, from the Jade towards the Bawd and the Captain's Wheel.
She blinks back tears, and breathes deeply, trying to get some measure of her self-control back. Why did Aikane's rebuke sting so?
She wipes her eyes, realizing that she knows the answer. She's traveled with the clever menehune for two months, reliant on his skills and knowledge of the Razor. He's refined her language skills, and kept her and Zem alive. She has trusted Aikane with her life, but the knew the trust went only in one direction.
To Aikane, I'm still a crazy outlander whose very touch is repulsive. Even after all this time, I'm not one he trusts.
Perhaps it's better this way. His paranoia keeps both him and us alive.
"Yes, but by Horus..." she whispers, "it still stings."
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Once the group gathers together again, Oren returns to the group with a bottle, a scroll in a case, and a tiny bag full of small items. "Shopping is done," he says with a grin. "Everyone take two of these. Keep them close at hand. If Whale is truly bent on our vessel's destruction, bite down on one of these crystals, and you will be able to breathe water for a full minute. Two minutes should allow us enough time to deal with an emergency if it comes up. It might be enough to keep us alive.". He hands to tiny crystals to each of the group in turn.
"Nef you take this potion and this scroll. The scroll should allow you to try to cure any poisons we might get hit with. Or at least one of us might get hit with. It was very pricey!"
While Oren and Zemwaar proceed in preparing for the upcoming ship voyage by purchasing final much needed supplies, and Nefertiti hurries back to the Captain's Wheel nursing a bruised ego. Aikane elects to give the priestess her space (and his own as well). The menehune noticed he is followed briefly right after leaving Nefertiti alone, but is easily able to shake his tail.
Rata Fenn, meanwhile, seeks out the Captain back at the Pig's Whistle. As he arrives at the tavern, he sees the place is already well into the lunch rush. Of the Captain and his shadow Jenks there is no sign. Checking with the bartender he is informed that a message was left for him, however.
The message reads as follows,
Master Rata Fenn,
I am sorry we could not catch you in person. I had to get the Captain cleaned sobered up in time for his job down at the Docks. He did say he wishes to talk with you further about your...tale. He will return here later this evening.
I hope to see you there.
Sincerely,
Jenks.
"Screeeee!"
Wedjat flies down and finds Nef, still moping on the roof of the Captain's Wheel.
Heights soothed Nef. She predictably sought them out whenever she needed to raise her spirits.
The eagle hops over and nips at his mistress lightly on the arm to get her attention.
Are we done wallowing now?
"Ow!" Nef glares at Wedjat. "Why do I put up with you? You must be the rudest eagle on the Razor!"
But she gets up as the bird threatens another nip. "Alright, alright... I'm moving." She sighs. "This is my show, after all. I scheduled this awful meeting with Jacinth. It wouldn't do to be late to it."
Quickly washing her face and combing her hair, she gets hold of herself again. "As awful as the meeting will be, I cannot think about how awful it will voyage with Jacinth with so much distrust on all sides."
Walking quickly to the docks with Wedjat flying overhead, she looks around for tails, as Mokoli suggested she do...
...but clearly this upcoming meeting has her agitated and on edge.
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En route to The Rita, Nef passes the Kraken's Gullet.
Aikane may not want to talk to Bonedeuce, but if we're to learn Harok's story from his own lips before the man gets executed, then I really have no choice.
Changing her dress into a stylish asymmetrical gown reminiscent of one that her sister, Ismah, might have worn, Nef goes into the Gullet and approaches the Concierge. "Excuse me sir, but may I leave a note for Gregory Bonedeuce?"
She swiftly writes a note:
Honorable Commandant Bonedeuce:
I hope you'll forgive me both my impertinence and the directness of my approach, but I know of no one else who can aid me in this matter. I sail tomorrow with The Rita on a rescue mission to find out the fates of the crew of the Dulcimer.
Having purchased Harok McFarrow's ship, I feel I must at least talk to the man once face-to-face. I'm Qadiran by birth. We're oddly protective of both our ships and our horses, and we like to meet previous owners. My ancestors would consider it possible bad luck to buy the ship of a condemned man without listening once to his story.
Our voyage needs all the luck it can get. Would you be willing or able to indulge me in this matter? Please let me know. I should be either at The Rita or the Pig's Whistle today. Word can be left for me at the Captain's Wheel.
Thank you so much,
Nefertiti Abdul
*****************************
Nef changes back to an outfit for working. She greets everyone, and says, "We have a busy agenda. Today we need to do two key things."
She explains about Milliauka's suggestion that removing whale products from The Rita might protect the ship from the Leviathan's rage. "That means a top to bottom inspection." She turns to Jacinth. "No cosmetics, perfumes, or corsets in your trunk. Not that I think you would pack that for a rescue mission, but I think it's best to state these things bluntly."
"The other matter... is one of great delicacy. We're all sailing into dangerous waters together. To survive this, we're going to need to trust one another. And right now, we don't."
Nef gives Jacinth an anguished look, and holds her hand. "I honestly like you, and want to be your friend. But Jacinth, you are making this difficult." She sighs. "I don't pretend to know anything about sailing ships. However, I do know a great deal about people and even a little about leadership. And I know that no one can lead a crew that does not trust them."
She gives Jacinth her most steady gaze. "My first duty to Senegar is to find your crewmates and return both you and them safe. If I don't think its safe for you to be Captain, I will talk to your uncle tonight and explain that I am hiring an XO to do the work. And I will tell him why. Your uncle loves you, but I'm guessing that he knows you too. Do you want to bet which of us he'll trust more?"
She pauses.
"So you've got a choice. You can come clean today. No matter what you tell us, I promise that I will help you and be your friend. We will work things out, and start building the trust you sorely need to lead. Or you can walk out the door and resign yourself to being Captain in name only. A lovely figurehead."
Nef says, "What's it going to be, Jacinth?"
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Nef lets out the breath she didn't know she was holding. "Well, the first thing I wanted to know was whether you'd walk out that door. You didn't, which means that you've got the guts to lead, at any rate."
Nef grabs enough mugs from the galley for everyone. She waves her hand over them, and watches them all fill with fresh water at once. Taking one mug for herself, she hands another one to Jacinth.
"This is not just about information... though there are many omitted details in your story. This is about building trust. I'm not going to ask you to do anything today that I will not also do."
She takes a sip.
"There's a truth-telling spell that, so long as it's working, puts a glowing symbol appears on their foreheads that everyone can see."
She allows the information to sink in.
"You're strong willed enough you could probably resist the spell. I'm asking you to surrender yourself to it. You can choose to evade -- but we'll likely notice -- or to not answer a question."
"So that you know what's coming, I'm casting this spell on myself first. Everyone will have five minutes to ask questions."
She takes another drink, and puts the water to the side. "As soon as you indicate you're ready, we'll go."
Nef surrenders to the spell, and a glowing Eye of Horus appears on her forehead. "What do you wish to know?"
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Zemwaar watches the exchange in silence, arms crossed in front of his chest, and ready for Jacinth to bolt out the door at any time.
"What do you miss more about your home Aka?" - he asks once the Eye appears on Nefertiti's forehead.
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"What do you miss more about your home Aka?" - he asks once the Eye appears on Nefertiti's forehead.
Nef prepares to answer about her favorite scented gardens, but finds another answer coming out of her lips, "My sister, Ismah," she says surprised. "I never thought I'd say this, but I miss her terribly. Despite the difference in our statuses, and the mind games she played, we were playmates and sometimes confidantes."
"My first question for you - why have you traveled such a distance to here, Port Shaw? What possesses you to throw your lot in with the Tulita?"
Nef prepares to begin as she always does, about the vision that Horus gave her, but once again, different words tumble from her mouth. "I was born stateless, a foreigner in the land of my birth. After my mother, Anneke, died, there was little to tie me to Qadira, so I decided to follow the stories she told me and see if I could find Horus. For her. For both of us."
"I found my god, like myself, uprooted and no longer wanted in the land of his birth. I followed a vision I had in the Osirion desert of me walking a beach in the Razor, an eagle soaring overhead." A wistful expression crosses her face. "I came here lost, Jacinth, but found my home, my heart and my purpose with the Tulita who welcomed me. How could I not throw my lot in with them?"
"My second question - why this elaborate display for all to see? Even if I answer the questions you put to me to your satisfaction, I suspect mere words would mean little to the rest of your companions...don't you agree?"
Nef smiles, answering the last part of Jacinth's question. "Mere words wouldn't, that's true. But Jacinth, don't you see? You've already changed your actions. You didn't run out the door. You've also dropped the mask of false friendship that you wore. This won't be easy. Some of my companions think that I'm insane for trying this at all. But if you stick this through, the walls of lies that are keeping us all apart will be down. It's not much, but it's a start and it's our only chance to survive this."
"My third question - you've amassed several that seem willing to stand with you and I'm beginning to see why. But what is it about each that makes you willing to stand with them? What places do they hold in your heart?"
"I barely know Ke'ahilani," Nef admits, "but I honor him because Zem and Aikane love and trust him as a brother, and I trust their judgment. Rata we pulled from the sea. When you save someone, they become your family. I admire Rata's bravery, and I want to help him slay his demons and make his soul whole once more."
She looks to Aikane, an apology on her face as she realizes what her spell requires of her. "Aikane is prickly, clever, skilled. He's guided me all over the coast, helped me learn Tulita, and has become someone I trust with my life -- but I'm not sure the feeling is mutual, and I don't know what to do about that."
"Oren was my very first friend when I arrived here, a scared and lost foreign girl. He taught me my first words of Tulita, guided me all around Port Shaw, and became the big brother I never had before."
She glances at Zem, then turns back to Jacinth. "Zem is the truest soul I know. He's my Malama, my protector, my guide, my..." she breaks off, suddenly realizing the treacherous word that the spell demands she say. "...love. He's my love," she says finally, trembling all over.
"My last question, for the moment - why do you want to befriend me? What am I to you?" Jacinth asks quietly, her tone one of genuine puzzlement.
Still trembling, Nef says, "I don't know! Maybe I'm responding to your genuine vulnerability and grief. Maybe it's that you remind me of my sister, whom I miss horribly. Maybe it's that I'm crazy or misguided, but I believe deep in my soul that there's something about you that's worth saving!"
As the light of Horus finally fades from her forehead, Nef reaches for her cup, but realizes she's shaking so much she cannot drink without sloshing the water over the side. She sets the cup down.
Zem knows. What will he think? What will he do?
There's no time for this now. Get yourself together, Nef.
Turning to Jacinth, she says softly, "I guess it's your turn, but give me a second or two to... just give me a few seconds, alright?"
Nef takes a deep breath, and counts down from ten in Tulita. When she's done, her hands have steadied a little. "Are you ready for this, Jacinth?"
Are you ready to show us what about yourself is worth saving?
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Rata leans against the rails of the ship, watching the spectacle unfold before him.
Nef seems intent on ripping the truth right out of her, and I can't blame her, but... I have no questions that I would ask out in the open in front of our crew. I do have much to discuss with Jacinth behind close doors... Perhaps after our journey has begun.
A slight smile graces his lips when Nef speaks of her feelings towards him, but, for now, he was content to play the role of silent spectator, his curiosity firmly in check.
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Oren waits to ensure the woman was willing to undergo Nef's spell before asking any questions. He was afraid everyone was going to pile on the girl all of a sudden and spook her. He bided his time until Nef made her comfortable.
"Are you okay, Nef? Seems like that spell took a lot out of you," Oren asks, worried about his friend.
Nef reaches out and squeezes Oren's hand. "Can we talk... after this, Opu? I think I may need some of your advice on something."
How do you still manage to talk to a friend after announcing to the world that you love him?
"Belly" -- here, an affectionate nickname for Oren.
"Certainly, Nef. We will have many things to talk about after this evening of spell casting and truth telli...all of us. And I also would not be bothered by putting myself to the questioning, if anyone wants me to do so. With the voyage upcoming, we must all have a certain level of comfort and trust with each other. Whatever it takes so we can complete the mission and save the others, I'm up for."
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Zemwaar had stood there, stoic as usual, arms folded in front of him, firmly convinced that, in spite of his belief that Jacinth's true nature would be revealed during their travels, this would be the time to come clean with them all. As the woman seemed willing to follow through, he got more and more convinced about it, until...
She glances at Zem, then turns back to Jacinth. "Zem is the truest soul I know. He's my Malama, my protector, my guide, my..." she breaks off, suddenly realizing the treacherous word that the spell demands she say. "...love. He's my love," she says finally, trembling all over.
Said like that, it was an unexpected punch to the jaws, and even though it didn't take the large man down, it made him flinch visibly, his mouth opening slightly as if he was about to speak, but then holding his voice, simply staring hard at Nefertiti.
Turning to Jacinth, she says softly, "I guess it's your turn, but give me a second or two to... just give me a few seconds, alright?"
After the exchange between the woman and Oren, he steps forward, standing there for a few moments in front of Nefertiti, clenching his fists once or twice, the envelops her in a hue bear-hug, so her head rests in her chest, and he can smell her hair - despite the calm outside, she can feel the heart pounding in his chest - "Hush now Aka" - he whispers - "Love is not meant to stay hidden, it is meant to run wild and breathe the fresh air - do not feel embarrassed or ashamed. This love is part of you, part of us" - he steps back and holds her at arms length, taking in her big eyes, and cupping her face in his bronzed hands - "And it will be allowed to grow free, whether under the blue sky, or the dark carpet of night" - he finishes, somehow avoiding the awkwardness of the moment with a hint of a smile - "I am here"
Turning to Jacinth, his eyes are stern again, and some of the pragmatism seems to return to the Moamasu tribesman - "What was the real purpose of your travel when the accident occurred?" - he asks flatly.
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Nefertiti's eyes widen as Zem's fists clench. Did I offend hi...
The thought breaks off as she's swept into the hug, and then feels the pounding of his heart, and the rush of his words, and the hint of his smile. "You are here," she repeats, happily.
"Aloha," she whispers.
At Jacinth's words, Nef comes back to herself and the meeting that she herself called. She nods and casts the spell, waiting for the glowing Eye of Horus to appear on Jacinth's forehead.
Turning to Jacinth, his eyes are stern again, and some of the pragmatism seems to return to the Moamasu tribesman - "What was the real purpose of your travel when the accident occurred?" - he asks flatly.
To Zem's question, Nef adds quietly, "What secret was so important that you chose only friends for this mission, rather than a professional crew?"
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"I barely know Ke'ahilani," Nef admits, "but I honor him because Zem and Aikane love and trust him as a brother, and I trust their judgment.
Mixing more potions along the gunwales and mind wandering from the discussion at hand, Ke' heard his name.
What? What was she saying about me?Not sure what was being said, he waived a fist and said; "Yeah? Well... same to you!"
There. That should be safe enough.
Satisfied at his brilliant idea, he turned back to heating his mixture evenly lest it destroy the ship.
"So you are telling us the whole truth about the whale attack? Is there any particular reason you can think of that it attacked your vessel?"
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At Jacinth's confession, Rata couldn't control himself. Torn from his silent spectatorship, he flew off the rails, a few quick strides bringing him right in front of the interrogated woman, "Low risk, high reward you say? Surely, you know these waters hold perils that would make short work of your small ship and your "crew". How could you be so nieve? What kind of a captain are you that you would risk the lives of your friends for some... lab!" His chest heaved as his pulse raced. The words practically flew from his lips, the daggers splayed across his chest never more apparent, their razor's edge glinting just in front of the woman's shocked expression.
"Some of us have lost much to the perils of the sea. And they would give anything, anything to have them back. And here you stand, confessing to throwing away the lives of so many, and so carelessly." Rata visibly deflates, but his anger boils like a kettle close to bursting.
Nef starts with surprise at Rata's outburst, knowing that he had some interest in Jacinth. Still, it is best for these feelings to be aired now. She nods to Jacinth. To Rata's question, she adds softly, "How much experience have you had, Captaining, and what skills do you bring to the ship?"
"I'm also curious about the man monsters that attacked you. How did you really escape them, Jacinth?"
She looks up, gazing directly at Nef, unable to look at any of the others...certainly not Rata. "I am no warrior! Attempting to fight those monsters would have been folly," she cries, her expression pleading. "And if I had died, then no one would have known what became of the Dulcimer or of us! This way...there may still be a chance that some of them live...and a chance to find them."
Nef looks thoughtful, and nods. "Yes, going to get help was a strategic move. But I wish you had just told us about the potion earlier. This is the kind of information we -- your new crew -- need to prepare to face these things ourselves."
She puts her hand on Jacinth's shoulder. "So, Jacinth... Final question. What will you do better this time?"
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As you continue your interrogation of the elvish Captain with Nefertiti 's spell duration winding down, events beyond the ship walls continue apace...
During the interrogation, you hear a bellow coming from the dock where the Rita is moored.
As you all step out on the deck, you see a...is that a......A minotaur staring up at you. "I see you up there! AIKANE! MISSUS has reply for you!" He waves a scroll case in front of him, clearly growing impatient.
Also, standing behind the lumbering Minotaur, are two figures Rata Fenn is familiar with: Captain Donovan Montgomery, and his fellow shipmate Jenkie Barnes. A closer look shows the Captain still has clearly not recovered from his previous night's binge, but at least he seems coherent.
"I will try to know when to ask for help, whatever form it may take."
Nef merely nods at Jacinth's answer. There is no time for another response, though, as the bellow echoes belowdecks. Joining everyone else, she runs up to see what the fuss is about.
And then stands amused, as she watches the Minotaur waive the scrollcase at Aikane. She raises her eyebrows.
What scheme has Aikane going now?
She smiles, and waits to see how her clever menehune friend responds.
Zemwaar watches closely as Jacinth replies to the questions asked, one by one - he knows she should be compelled to tell the truth, but still he watches her expressions, looking for clues if that is indeed the case.
----
At the ruckus, the man moves topside, his eyes going slightly wide at the sight of the minotaur. When they address Aikane by name, he stands ready near the lip of the vessel, in case any aggressive move is taken.
Know. Local
Oren recognized the fellows, especially the minotaur. He hadn't ever seen one of those in 'civilized' lands before. He also knew enough to stand back and let the others conclude their business, before jumping in.
"Aikane, I think you are being paged," he adds with an uncomfortable laugh.
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Aikane walks up a number of boxes and stands on the ship's bannister. Catching hold of the rigging, he waves to the minotaur, then balances along the edge of the Rita as he makes his way down the gang plank amd across to the dock.
He sits atop one of the posts at the pier, and looks the minotaur in the eye warmly. "Good to see you. Shall I invite you on board? I don't want to keep your captain waiting."
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The minotaur, which you all recognize by now, is Korg the infamous first mate of Bethany Razor's ship, the Quell's Whore. He shakes his head vehemently. "I have no time to stay here and talk. The ship needs attending. Come get your message so I can return!"
Figuring the minotaur will not stay much longer without losing his temper, you decide to get the message and send Korg on his way. "Good. I hate when the missus turns me into a message boy!" Korg grumbles to himself as he wanders off towards where the Quell's Whore is moored.
Opening the scroll case reveals a message scrawled in the common tongue scrawled in a delicate style.
It reads:
Aikane of the Rita,
Word has it you are sailing to the Dolenta Isles for a 'rescue mission'. Scuttlebutt says there was a Whale attack which sank the Dulcimer. While I do not completely buy into that story, your message does intrigue me. Plus you and I have had no reason to quarrel either.
Since you believe a Whale did sink that ship then I believe you as well. I know the Rita, while not much to look at, is a sturdy vessel and should get you up there without issues. Should you run into that Whale, I can put the Quell's Whore at your disposal for a rescue mission for just my standard fee of 500 gold bits. I'll forgo the standard provisioning fees. I can sail forth from Port Shaw 10 days after you sail and reach you five days hence. Should be enough time for you to rescue those foolish babies, methinks.
If you agree to these terms, then take this message back to Korg and let him know you accept.
Your friend,
Bethany Razor.
PS: It would not be wise to think of a free ride from me. It is a long swim back to Port Shaw.
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Once the minotaur has left, you do still see Captain Montgomery Donovan and his companion waiting for a reply.
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Aikane doesn't open the scroll case just yet, preferring to scan the docks for onlookers.
Then he walks off into the city, reading the scroll briefly as he goes, headed to make the rendez-vous. I felt she was low-balling her numbers, but of course I accepted.
Nefertiti watches with raised eyebrows as the menehune leaves on his heat run. "Think he'll ever let us know what that was about?"
Then, used to Aikane's schemes, she shrugs and looks over at Jacinth. "Milady Captain, would you care to lead the rest of us in an inventory and inspection?"
Nef gets out her notebook, and prepares to take extensive notes as they progress through the ship.
With Captain Jacinth directing the search, you comb the Rita from stem to stern looking for any whale products. Your search turns up only a few items consisting of whale bone, decorations and the like. Most of the offending products is the several barrels of Whale oil found in the hold. You also do find several other miscellaneous knick-knacks aboard which prove no trouble disposing of.
Realizing you need another source of oil to replace the offending whale substance, you head off to find the Dockmaster. After explaining your situation to him, he directs you to one shop that sells coal oil. You are able to restock your vital supplies, but at a hefty cost.
Seeing Bethany for the first time, you see why she is sought after by most every man in Port Shaw. Bethany is a woman of unsurpassed attraction. Besides the obvious mystery of her dark beauty, (raven-black hair, midnight eyes, and skin deep as bronze) the dancing fire of her eyes, and her devilish smile, make men weak in the knees.
She looks you over appraisingly before nodding to you. "I assume you find my terms...agreeable to you?"
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Hearing voiced, Ke' left his apparatus to see what was going on. Moving up next to Zem, Ke' asked; "Was that a Minotaur? Think he'd sell me some of his blood?"
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"More than some I know, and frankly I find your offer flattering in light of others I've seen. You know, I had hoped we could have been of more use to you and your crew, but the Rita is in no place to make demands of any Captain".
"Your terms are met and agreed. May the wind be at your back, and mine too. For fortune favors the daring."
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Oren followed the others, trying to get all of the whale products off the ship. No reason to risk angering Whale if we can help it..
He looks around for something to keep himself occupied while the women were talkimg. He followed Zem and Lani to the outside. "So, truthfully, do we have any chance on coming back in one piece," he asks, making small talk.
"And, are your thoughts clear, Zem? It's been quite a heavy day. I want to be sure that you and Nef are able to deal with all the ....complications that might flow from Nef's spell."
Nef was proud that Jacinth had rallied enough to lead the inspection. She's made of stronger stuff than I think any of us realized.
Realizing you need another source of oil to replace the offending whale substance, you head off to find the Dockmaster. After explaining your situation to him, he directs you to one shop that sells coal oil. Kerosene, in modern parlance. You are able to restock your vital supplies, but at a hefty cost. Deduct another 100 gp from your cash stash to replace your whale oil, as coal oil has not caught on yet, he he.
Acting as the Rita's Steward, Nef smiles at the shop owner. "Would you take part of that in barter? We have several barrels of high-quality spermaceti* to trade in return."
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*Whale oil