Nearby, a brightly colored cockatoo squawks, "KAAAW! Gelik's a shorty! KAAAW! Gelik's a shorty!"
Sasha's forehead wrinkles and she frowns pointedly. "Oh shut up, you dumb bird, you too Gel."
She plants her hands on her hips and shakes her head at the sight of Jask's dark blue lips. "See, that's what pride gets you. Dammit Jask, now who's going to lecture me, Priyya?"
Gelik staggers backward, ghostly white when he realizes that this isn't another of Sasha's tactless jokes. "Good gods, you mean one of those things killed him? They only wanted to feed him stew yesterday, what the devil happened out there?!"
Lureene resists the urge to strangle her friend as the sound of her voice was quite...jarring. She takes a deep breath and replies evenly,"That is what we all assumed! However, there was a foul creature which was the cause of the fungal blight. That fiend nearly "
Alis extends a hand matter-of-factly towards Lureene. "Yes, she certainly isn't exaggerating there..."
It takes more than a few minutes for Alis to recount the tale of what happened, but she manages to do so without shedding any tears, although Darvesch suspects that's no small accomplishment.
When she has finished recounting the tale, she says, "It's been a long day and it would be high tide if we were to head back now. The causeway we crossed earlier would still be flooded. Let's take our rest and head back in the morning. There's been enough misery today without traipsing through the jungle at night. Gelik, if you would take the first watch please..."
The gnome nods without saying a word, respectfully silent for the first time since you met him.
Sense Motive Checks:
Lureene crawls into the small tent Sasha erected for her and lays on top of her bedroll willing sleep to come. But it does not come right away. She finds herself tired and yet unable to fall asleep. The last scenes inside the cave keep running in her mind and she wonders what she could have done differently to save Jask's life.
Unfortunately, the answers to her questions elude her before she drops off into a fitful slumber. Later anyone who is awake and nearby can hear the moans coming from the tent as she cries out..."No....no....stop! NOOOO!!"
Darvesch clears his throat when Alis asks Gelik to take watch, and shakes his head slightly. He pats the gnome on the back, "No need. I'll take care of watch."
He motions to Alis to step off to the side, away from the main camp, and asks in his stone-like voice, "In what tradition would he have wanted to be sent off."
Alis thinks on the matter for a few moments realizing the a goddess of the stars would be relatively foreign to dwarven sensibilities. In a quiet tone, she answers, "Jask worshiped Cainrelée, Astra as humans know her. I suspect that he would want his remains freed to ascend to the stars, his memory committed to writing rather than being buried. I believe a pyre would be best."
She catches the slightest nod of Darvesch's head as if he takes that as his duty. "Frændi, the others will want to pay their respects as well, particularly Aycenia. Jask deserves to return to the lady he had dedicated his last efforts to before we see him off."
"I think Lureene has a spell that can help us bear him back. I'll ask her to memorize it when she wakes up in the morning." She squeezes his hand and turns to go but pauses. "I was really scared back there, Darv. I–"
Darvesch interrupts her with his arms embracing her. "Don't blame yourself. He wanted to be there for you, with you. We all know the risks this island, as well as what this life we've chosen, has to offer. Remember him through your actions." Despite sounding caring, he remains rigid and firm.
Perhaps this was unconscious, and not purposeful. As she knows of the trials he had to face, not just as another member of his race, but of his chosen profession as well. He shows traits of his father, as well as his grandfather, in this regard. The duality. His father gave him understanding and compassion. His grandfather gave him his strict adherence to duty and unfaltering devotion to his charges.
She stands up at the top of a tower, lightning crackling all around her. She sees her companions and her friends, Alis, Darvesch, Priyya, Sasha, Gelik, and Ieana walking across a narrow span of gleaming silver spanning an endless pit supported only by her wings. She hears the cries of her friends...Just hang on a little bit more Lureene and we can ALL make it across.
While her wings are strained, she finds herself able to keep the span aloft...as her friends hurry across, suddenly the strain grows much heavier and she silently urges her friends to HURRY!
Just as the last of her companions cross the span and she is about to let the span fall into the abyss, she sees Jask hobbling slowly as he steps onto the span. While his slight frame should not cause her burden to grow, she finds her wing tendons starting to ache and she feels the strain growing and her breath comes in short gasps...
Hurry Jask, by the gods, please HURRY!
Just as Jask is about to join the rest of her friends next to her, he stumbles and falls to his knees. She then feels the strain growing too much for her wings and she feels the span give way. Jask looks up at her silently with a look of reproach as he falls down the abyss and out of sight.
"...No....no....stop! NOOOO!!"
Even as Alis returns Darvesch's embrace and Lureene twists and turns in the throes of her nightmare, Gelik stays up putting quill to parchment as he pens a missive to their base camp...
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.
.
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Dearest Friends,
This brightly plumed messenger heralds news both joyous and sorrowful. Know that on this day, her Highness along with Ms. Ourson, Mr. Hellhammer, and Mr. Derindi did engage a most dreadful foe. A veritable god of fungus and decay, laired deep within a macabre spire, was responsible for the hideous blight that had ravaged and outlying island.
Fierce battle ensued, and in the end, our heroic allies emerged victorious! That is to say three of them emerged.
Alas, the vile minions of the now-vanquished deity exacted a heavy toll. Poor Jask, possessed of more courage than constitution now rests with beloved Astra in the afterlife.
Look for us on the morrow when we shall bear his body back so that we all may say our farewells. He knew peace in Aycenia's grove and found there a cause worthy of his life, it seems only fitting that it should also be a place worthy of his repose.
—Solemnly Yours,
Gelik Aberwhinge
After reading over the missive, he rolls it up and with a whistle and the offer of some chunks of banana, send a multi-hued messenger winging thru the moon-lit sky.
The gnome glances briefly at the raised litter, covered in white linens from Alis' pack, bearing Jask's body and shakes his head. "I'm sorry, old man. If I hadn't dozed off, if Sasha and I had gone with you..."
He lifts a small flask from the sleeve of his robe and takes a long sip before pouring an equal measure into the sand. From a folded handkerchief, he removes the gold pocket watch that had belonged to Captain Ames and gives a melancholy sigh.
"Thanks Frændi," Alis had whispered, taking a deep breath to calm her frayed nerves, "I guess we should be thankful that we are alive to mourn. Who would have thought something like that could have been responsible? I'm just glad that you made it through... Thanks for being there for me– for all of us... yet again."
Before she had returned to the camp, she gave her cousin a goodnight kiss on the cheek. "Wake me when you need to rest, alright? I only need a few hours so don't fret over me or I'll give Tut a bucket of clams and set him loose!"
Later that night, after stroking Lureene's hair and singing a comforting hymn to help and Sasha fall asleep, she took up her watch by the fire, King Tut and Grak keeping watch even as she picked up Gelik and put him to bed. With everyone else (even Darvesch) asleep, there was a rare moment of solitude by which she could clear her thoughts in the light of the red moon, the sound of surf and snoring the only noise.
Taking a seat facing the tents, she removed her precious handglass from its case, allowing her thoughts to go blank as she cast her scrying spell upon it. Moonlit clouds roiled by in its surface, waves and cliffs flashing by until she could see a familiar figure, herself, sitting cross-legged upon a velvet cushion, a drawn blade across her lap.
Keeping the pace of her heart in check, she gazed intently at her authorized impostor and said evenly, "Tiniel, this is Alissariel, can you hear me?"
Rain & Heat
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Bluff Checks
Sense Motive Checks:
Scrying Attempt
success
Tiniel fails, Alis succeeds
success
Only Alis was capable of soothing the grim warriors pride enough for him to see reason. Instead of taking the whole night's watch, he only takes his proper shift before waking her. After the swap, he asks for help unarmouring himself before he heads to sleep. Curling up to get warm, his thoughts drift to dark places as sleep overtakes him.
The other Alis' eyes open, bright blue with no violet hues, and she looks about only with her eyes without making any outward movements. After a moment, she says smoothly, in exacting elvish, "How I long to see the midnight moon shine silver upon the bay."
In the same measured tone, Alis replies, "When Brightpool next shines full, we shall toast the grey kinogriffs."
In the middle of the night Brightpool has already set, thus it could never shine upon the bay of Silverwake. Since it is orbit locked behind Elsemar, it is also always a half-moon and thus can never be full. Also kinogriffs (spiritual winged bulls that are sacred to the royal family of Ilmarond) are can only be perceived by those who can see spirits or pierce invisibility. Those who can see them report them as being ghostly-white, not grey.
The young elvish intelligence officer gives the slightest nod of her head and speaks as if musing to herself. "What interesting times these are when dread monsters of legend prey upon the sea lanes. I wonder how I should pass the time until the Aravernim have cleared the way..."
Good, so she's not risking an encounter with Scylla, and Larathiel sends aid. Need to let her know where we are...
"All onboard the White Pearl have died, a coastal shiv has tolled their lives. Now I am the light of the night."
The spy takes a deep breath and sighs wistfully, "Oh to go on an adventure before reaching Port Eldarion..."
"It is always when I am nearly within sight of my destination that the urge is strongest."
Yes Tiniel, The Shiv...
"Is it so wrong for a princess to desire adventure? Or is it some deep-seated need?"
Hmm... It would be nice to arrive in style and soon, but we have to have killed all the major threats here. We shouldn't be in any further danger, at least not like we've seen thus far...
"Not a need, although desire can be a powerful motivator."
"I wonder if there should be any harm in it, if the opportunity presented itself. What are two weeks in the grand scheme of things?"
Two weeks?! Bloody hell... Yes, if he actually manage to hail a ship, we're taking it...
"If opportunity knocks, it doesn't lean on the doorbell. Best not to forget."
"Hmmm..." Tiniel muses, "Malandraenas must think me daft for talking to myself, but sometimes it's the only way to get a good answer."
Heh... Yes I suppose I still have a body guard here, even if it's Priyya's body he's guarding. Tiniel needs to be more concerned about how easy it is to reach her though...
A smirk comes to Alis' face at her body double's choice of phrasing. She replies, "He already does. Don't worry, even a lady is permitted to let down her hair in her own chambers when she retires for the night."
Tiniel bites her lip slightly before murmuring, "I wonder if I should simply take my repose for the night."
Hmm... probably best to let her know that we have allies...
"A princess has a great deal on her mind, but she also has counselors."
After thinking for a moment on whether or not she has anything left to add, the princess concludes, "Take your rest, Tiniel."
Time: 2:00db (morning, 8:00am)
The day dawns warm and humid, if the nearby surge of the high tide breaking upon Parrot Island's rocky cliffs hadn't been enough to wake you, the raucous cries of its eponymous inhabitants surely would have. While Lureene studies her spellbook and Darvesch says his daily prayers, Sasha fillets some fish that she caught 'with Alis' help' apparently.
However, you can't help but notice Sasha rolling her eyes when Alis proclaims that she helped. In fact, you get the distinct impression that the most helpful thing she did was to leave the red head alone and prepare a cooking fire... which you couldn't help but notice Sasha fixing amidst more than a few grumbles.
Gelik wisely chooses to remain silent on the matter, seemingly preoccupied with ensuring that everyone and everything has been scrubbed free of spores — inert or otherwise. After you have had your fill of fruit and fish, Alis casts endure elements upon those who need it. You take one last look to the now wilting wasteland to the north then begin the long walk back to Aycenia's grove, Sasha and Darvesch carrying Jask's litter while Alis and Lureene keep look-out.
As you step off the broad causeway connecting Parrot Island to the main island, Gelik asks, "We're not going to pester crow-boy again while we are– ah... so laden... are we?"
Bluff Checks
Sense Motive Checks:
Survival Checks
Lureene glances over at the gnome, her hair disheveled and dark circles under her eyes. Clearly it is obvious to everyone else she did not sleep well last night, saying little in conversation earlier that morning. When Gelik mentions the tengu to her, she sighs.
"While I don't really feel like talking to that Pezock fellow, I suppose 'Lis and I should let him know the blight has been taken care of..." And if he objects to being interrupted and wishes to take a flying leap from that spire, I will shed few tears.
"Agreed. We'll take care of this, while you and Alis talk to Pezock." Darvesch states, irritated at his weakened state.
"Don't be too long." He says, eyeing Alis.
Sasha frowns dubiously as she rests her end of the litter on the ground, rubbing her shoulders and forearms. "Hey, I'm all for getting Jask back before the heat and Sun has its way with him, but are you sure that's a good idea Darvie? To leave Ellie and Lissi on their own I mean."
"*Ahem*," Alis clears her throat, equal parts amused and annoyed that the leggy ranger is talking about her like she isn't there. "Sasha, I'll have you know that I've been paying pretty close attention to how you, Mal, and Darv get along since we wrecked here last week. I'm no 'Jungle Queen' by any stretch, but El and I are tougher than we look. We'll be fine, promise."
When the expression on Sasha's face informs that she is still unconvinced, Alis notes, Gelik biting his lip, head swiveling between Sasha's long legs and the blondes' hips. She grins.
"Besides," she walks up and gently lays a hand on Gelik's shoulder, "we'll have Gelik with us!"
"We– er– you will...?"
Gelik blinks, and swallows hard before amending, "Ah yes, of course you will!"
Sasha shrugs and holds her hands up, "Oooh... kaaay?"
Still grinning, Alis replies, "It's quite simple really. If we need a rescue, Gelik can send another of his fine, feathered friends to summon your timely assistance... for which you would obviously be well rewarded!"
Gelik puffs his chest up, dusting himself off with a spell as he comments, "I do have other talents, you know..."
"Well of course you will!" Alis gives a devilish grin and says with a wink, repeating his words. "If something big starts to chase us, El and I don't have to out-run the beastie, we only have to outrun you!"
"HA!" Gelik claps his hands in amusement. "If it's a footrace I'll be sure to wait for you and Lureene by the finish line. I should have pleeenty of time to set up a betting pool for which of you makes it!"
Alis smiles at Gelik's bravado and waves to Sasha with a smile. "Ta ta for now, Sash'. Frændi, be sure to keep an eye on her, she's trouble. We'll be back before you know it, so enjoy it while you can."
With that, the trio of blondes depart following the beach to the east while Darvesch and Sasha continue south. As they go, Sasha looks over her shoulder and asks, "Hey, did you want to walk up front instead? You probably can't see anything except my butt from back there, huh?"
Strangely enough, it takes a few moments of deep consideration on Darvesch's part before the tall temptress has her reply.
Gelik puffs his chest up, dusting himself off with a spell as he comments, "I do have other talents, you know..."
Lureene offers a small smile, some of her humor restored. "Yes, Gel you have shown how...*ahem* ...well-talented you are. Plus it does give you a chance to make new friends."
As the groups separate once again, Lureene calls back "We will be fine Sash. Please don't torture darv tooo much, as we also want some fun with him as well, right 'Lis?"
Time: 4:00db (morning, 10:00am)
Alis had rolled her eyes and shaken her head at Lureene's teasing.
She means well at least, she had thought.
The journey east along the beach was pleasant enough, Alis' magic girding Gelik and herself against the increasing heat even as it passed mid-morning. Within an hour, Gelik and Lureene were looking upon a familiar sight — the large, crab carapace serving as Pezock's home.
"So that's our Tengu friend's home is it," Alis mused. Looking to the other two, she asked, "Did either of you want to try your luck at hailing him again, or shall I?"
Survival Checks
Lureene walks along the beach feeling more invigorated than she has before this morning. Her immunity to the heat may have had something to do with it, or possibly the fact Jask's body was not close by.
When she looks on the home of Pezock, she pauses for a moment. Hmmm, I don't know how friendly he will be here. Plus he may have prepared some surprises for us.
"Let Gelik and I talk to him 'Lis, as he at least has heard my voice before. I don't know how friendly he will be here..."
Assuming Alis agrees, she approaches the crab structure now serving the tengu as his home, Gelik close behind her.
"Excuse me, Master Pezock? May we have a moment of your time? We bring news of interest to you concerning the blight which you may be affected by." She then waits for a response from the unpredictable inhabitant.
THIS ONE ==> OR
The Tengu thrusts his head out the curtain covering the entrance to his home, his yellow beak agape even as he scratches the back of his head, black feathers glossy in the morning sunlight. He approaches to within about 30 feet, head cocked to one side as if trying to make sense of what she just said. He wears only a pair of well-worn, repeatedly-patched dun-colored overalls with a red bandanna knotted about his forehead, along with a pair of blades on an old leather belt and several trinkets of glittering gold jewelry.
"Now you look here!" He holds his wings up and turns around twice before giving his wing-like arms a forceful flap that raises a small cloud of sand. "Do you see any blight, goldie? You think I don't preen or something? PAH!"
The tengu fluffs his feathers up and then with a loud, "Hmmph!" collapses them back against his body. He kicks at the sand with with his yellow-clawed foot, evidently not noticing that he's supposed to be impressed by Lureene's looks. "So, what did you want to tell old Pezock? That you wanted to beat my ass again, or maybe mess up my traps some more? Oh, that's right, you wanted to tell me I had moldy feathers, that's right!"
He holds up his hands before letting them flap back to his sides.
Lureene thinks, Hmmm, I think he is in a much better mood than he was the last time we saw him...
She gives the tengu a winning smile (although it is not quite mirrored in her eyes) and responds, "And you won't have to worry about it, Master Pezock. We found the cause of that foul blight and eliminated it! That means should you desire to travel to that island for whatever reason, you may do so without fear of becoming infected!"
Considering the price we paid, I wish he would show some appreciation of that!
She glances at Alis out of the corner of her eye, before she adds "I also wanted to apologize for the threats we made against you earlier. It is not a good way for neighbors to treat each other like that, don't you think?"
When Lureene glances back, she can see that Alis is still smiling serenely, not even suspecting that inside the princess is in a mild state of disbelief at Lureene's approach at diplomacy.
"Eeeh?" Pezock turns to look towards Silent Island, eyes squinted. "Huh... well looks all droopy now alright. I seen all that dust blowing up off it in the sunset last night, thought maybe the pygmies were up to no good. What all's up there, anyway? Anything good, I've never been."
Sense Motive Checks:
"Dead trees, mud pits, sinkholes," Gelik says as he twirls the end of his mustache with his finger, "it's quite the charming destination if you happen to be a vegepygmy. For anyone else? Not so much."
Lureene nods in agreement, "Yeah, there was not much else up there. We found the reason why the blight was spreading and we put a stop to it, which means your home is safe now."
A loud erupts from the Tengu so suddenly that Gelik nearly falls over in surprise.
"You hear that?" he asks. "SAFE she says! HAHAHA!!! Yeah, guess they haven't run into the devil or any of the BIG guys yet. Hooo they're gonna looove this one!"
Alis clears her throat and asks, "Lureene, Gelik... has no one apprised good Pezock of the current state of affairs on Reaver's Shiv?"
"Ah, about that," Gelik says, resituating the hat on his head, "weee... didn'tgetthechance."