Priyya pats her friend's hand and nods knowingly. "Most likely it never will be, but I don't imagine the real heroine of the Canticle of Ghaele would submit without one hell of a fight, now would she?"
Aerys smirks and nods, "You've got that right! Got a lot of options I'm thinkin' about for when I reach port, but hittin' the bottle ain't one of 'em."
"Glad to hear it," Priyya thumps the tough sailor on the shoulder with her fist. "Sound like we both have a lot to work on, but gods willing our paths will cross again. After all," she winks, "I only promised Alíta I'd sanctify this little island to her and offer up my first born daughter. Never said I wouldn't take to the high seas afterward."
Even as Aerys gets a good laugh and begins saying her good byes to Sasha and Ieana, the Surya-ka-Caravaah approaches Tyralor and calls out to him in the language of Heaven.
"It is plain as day the noon-day sun that Alis sees the potential for more than just a political alliance here. Although she hides it behind a mask of mirth and caring, she could teach me a thing or two about loneliness, and I was a lone wanderer serving Alíta for many years before she and I ever met. You called it armor before and that's precisely what it is."
"The reason I tell you this is that in spite of her station, Alis does not place herself above others. The only way that Mal, Lureene, and I have been able to get her to heed her own safety is by trying to get her to realize that everyone else around her will put themselves at greater risk because of it. She's begrudgingly been getting better about her impulsiveness, but she still flew out to the Falcata to help in spite of Darvesch's insistence that she say behind."
"If you were to ask me, I think the fact that her twin sister is a talented mage, and that she's been sent to watch over the possible downfall of what many might consider a hopeless colony (though she had quite the elaborate explanation on why it wasn't a colony) weighs heavily upon her. I can tell you with certainty that even if it is simply a difference between perception version reality, Alis feels as if all that has ever been expected of her is to marry for political gain. While she is fully cognizant of her charms and doesn't begrudge them, per se, you would do far better to acknowledge her talents rather than doting upon her looks — that's precisely what everyone else does, and it's all part of how she keeps the world at bay."
The priestess lowers her voice as she hears movement in the cabin just forward of the ready room.
""Now thankfully, she has no small talent for divination and... visions have been a frequent occurrence for us all while in her company. I say 'thankfully', because I suspect these visions are in no small part the proof she has needed to witness the providence of her goddess. Compared to a few short months ago when she would not even breathe a word about her training, she's made great strides. What you beheld before our supper was the culmination of many years of hope in the face of doubt. I believe that she is finally beginning to understand that no matter the ills that befall the world, the ultimately work to the greater glory of Heaven."
Priyya takes a deep breath as footsteps begin to approach the door.
As the door swings open once more, Priyya nods her head in respect to the prince, but as ever, does not bow to any mortal authority. Turning to stand facing Alis and Mal, at Tyralor's left hand, the incorrigible priestess calls out, "Talking about an old woman behind her back, hmm? Hope it wasn't anything good!"
It's patently obvious that she is just having some fun with the two in order to keep the mood light, but there's no mistaking a hint of curiosity as well.
Sense Motive Checks:
Isaac looks at her and can hear in her voice who envious of him she is about having a little sister to worry over. "Family doesn't end with blood my lady, if Alis is like a sister to you, then she is." He said, trying to reassure her that she didn't need to be so envious since she had such wonderful companions now.
Isaac had completely missed the fact that she seemed up set when he called her beauty a gift, but he was just trying to be nice, he didn't know her past and it was very obvious his intentions were not to upset her.
"Its a rather beautiful night tonight compared to the storm we had earlier today."
Darvesch, dumbfounded and awestruck, watches as Greasha walks away. "Well.. that's.. wow.." are the only thoughts that come to mind before a rumbling sound and a stomach pain makes itself apparent. "When's the last time I ate?" He sighs, resigning himself to his fate.
"You know!" He hastens to catch up with Greasha, "It seems I'm hungrier than I had anticipated. Would you mind if I accompanied you?"
Lureene glances sidelong at Isaac wondering if he was toying with her here. Still he did seem sincere...
You know, I believe he is right. Alis is now a part of my family now. She certainly has shown her love for me in countless ways. I just wish I could have had her as a sister when I was growing up...
"Yes, I think you are right Isaac. It matters not who my Mother is, but who I am now!" She resists the urge to slide closer to him, instead commenting in response, "Yes, it is a beautiful night Isaac. It is unfortunate it required the actions of one who used foul magic to bring this about, yet I think it was worth it..."
"It seems I'm hungrier than I had anticipated. Would you mind if I accompanied you?"
Greasha turns when she hears the soles of sturdy boots tromping hurriedly down the stairs behind her. When she sees the dwarven hero appear she grins and waves a hand for him to follow. "Not at all, come on."
She leads him down a short hallway towards the back of the ship, knuckles drumming a tune on the bowl of her ladle. A few sailors pass you as you go, and you she greets them affably, proudly boasting, "You lads better show some respect, got a dragonslaying nobleman visiting my kitchen!"
At her words, the wide-eyed sailors snap to attention and salute Darvesch, waiting until you've passed before they hurry back to their posts, talking amongst themselves. With them gone, Greasha bumps open the door to the galley with her hip and extends a hand for the warrior to enter. Inside, there are two long tables running the width of the ship flanked by benches — room enough for at least forty men to eat at once. There are still a few off-duty hangers-on playing cards at the far end.
"It's not as posh as the master's dining room, but everything still gets cooked in the same place." She nods to an elf exiting the kitchen past you then calls out in dwarven, "Oh mother dear, you'll never guess whose come to inspect our dessert preparations!"
"If it's the Lieutenant, you tell her I down here I'm in charge. I don't have time for any guff on why her men feel like dawdling after dinner instead of getting back to their posts!"
From around a cupboard, a middle-aged dwarven woman with thick, black hair and a pleasant, if stern, face appears holding a large, flat pan in hands girded by thick oven mitts. However, when she sees her daughter grinning at her from the doorway and notes who is standing behind her, she takes a deep and sets it down, hands clasped together, an approving look on her face.
"Oh I see!" She quickly hurries over, dusting some flour off her blouse and waving for the both of you to enter. "Come in, come in! So this is the one I've heard so much about. Greasha, did he tell you? He too down the captain of that lead ship in single combat! Fancy pants and their turnovers can wait a moment."
Grabbing a large wooden meat tenderizer a rack, she hustles out into the galley and amidst a bluster of protests, sends the last few sailors running with shouts and threats of bodily harm. Once they've gone, she slams the door after them before putting on a bright, cheerful face and indicating a spot for their guest to sit down.
"Please, make yourself comfortable, your honor. Torwold, Maasha, and this well-built young woman is my daughter, Greasha. Genuine good girl she is. Not every day we get to meet one of our people let alone a thane of your like. Greasha dear, why don't you take that dirty apron off and keep our guest company, mother has everything well in hand!"
Still buzzing like a bee, the older woman gives a quick bow and hustles back to the kitchen, calls out, "What sounds good to eat, your honor? Still some swordfish left, but there's also sausage, fish chowder, mince meat pie, and a crock of my ham and pea soup..."
Greasha smiles and shakes her head at her mother's doting, noting with irony that she still doesn't know the man's name. "Darvesch, mother, his name is Darvesch!"
"Oh well that's a good name! Greasha dear, here give Darvesch some soup and rolls while he's thinking on what to have..."
There is a clatter of pots and pans being shuffled about and some contented humming as the matronly woman busies herself.
Darvesch can't help but be amused by Maasha's enthusiasm and clattering about. "Is she always this excited?" He smiles to Greasha.
Turning toward Maasha, "I'll just have whatever is already made up. I don't want to be a burden."
Even as Aerys gets a good laugh and begins saying her good byes to Sasha and Ieana, the Surya-ka-Caravaah approaches Tyralor and calls out to him in the language of Heaven.
After listening in a respectful silence to the words of his fellow paladin, Tyralor whispers,
"My mother had a vision and revealed to me that by embarking on the journey to Wildethar I would be setting in motion the unshackling of my guarded spirit and the start of my true calling; That the key to the lock was an unlikely one: A slip of a girl whose fair and diminutive appearance belied great strength and the armor she desperately wore upon her heart and soul. I understand her words now...Alis is the one of which she spoke. As we speak I can feel a burning in my spirit and swear in faith upon Miralnas that I will be at her side and help her through whatever tempests she faces whether internal or external. Be at peace Priyya. You may set forth on the path that is laid for you, assured that your charge is well cared for. Upon my very soul I swear this!""
The Prince turns to regard the Princess with a conspiratorial grin, "My Lady, would you do me the honor of accompanying me on a stroll about the deck? I have always had a fondness for stargazing and can think of no better companion for a display like this than one whose eyes match the hue of the evening sky." He arches a coppery brow and offers his arm,"Shall we?"
After leaving the ready room to move her trunk, in a lowered tone Alis had asked Malandraenas a to speak his mind, preferring to speak in Sylvan for a bit more privacy.
.
.
.
"What was on your mind, Mal?"
"Guess that's one good thing about you noticing what everyone's thinking. Anyway, it's Priyya, she's pregnant. Take it you knew?"
"Well I had noticed she was putting on some weight, but I thought it might have been Aycenia's fruit. Mal, are you certain?"
He nodded and tapped the center of his face. "The nose doesn't lie."
She paused for a moment, considering the implications of the news. Is the child Mal's? Felmor's? He and Priyya still don't know that I saw them...
"Anyway, I'm guess it's not going out on a limb to assume that you knew she and I–"
"—were mates? Call it woman's intuition, but I knew. And no, I haven't breathed a word of it to anyone."
"Thanks. Guess you've got a knack for keeping secrets."
"I prefer to think of it as... information management. I'm sure my step sister explained the concept before."
"Look, didn't mean any offense, it's just what you've good at: letting people know only what you want. And yeah, Larathiel did, I just better and my specialty, that's all."
She nodded. "You're wondering if the child will be yours or Felmor's, aren't you?"
"You reading my mind, or is it that intuition again."
Alis shrugged her shoulders as the big man hefted her locked trunk and began following her up the stairs back towards Tyralor's chamber. "Neither actually. It's more a matter of putting myself in your shoes and wondering what would be gnawing at me."
"Nice trick."
"You should try it some time, Mal, it can't be that different from hunting."
"Guess I never thought about it like that..."
Using the key that Tyralor had given her, Alis let the two of them into Tyralor's personal redoubt. It was elegant and furnished with expensive pieces, including a large 4-poster bed, and an over-stuffed loveseat upholstered in white leather. Along one wall, a giant, gold-framed mirror faced the bed. "Just set it in front of the loveseat for now, please."
"Guy's got your sense of style."
The princess nodded, still thinking on what Mal wanted to know. "Let me ask you this. You desired Priyya before giving any thought to whether or not she could be or become pregnant. Would it cause you to feel any differently towards her if you knew for certain? Would you leave her if it was Felmor's child? Would your palms sweat if it were yours?"
With a heavy sigh, the big man sits down on the lid of the trunk, the darkwood groaning in protest yet holding his weight. "Just don't know that I'm cut out to be a father. Don't exactly have a lot of experience to go off of. She said she just wanted a lover, not a mate."
Raking a clawed hand thru his hair, he shakes his head. "In some ways, might be better if it's his. That way, I've got no place telling the kid what to do. On the flip-side though..."
Put her hand on Mal's shoulder to reassure him. "It would be nice to have the family you never belonged to."
"Yeah..."
She paused, wondering what to say to the stoic hunter, the positions oddly reversed. "Well, I could divine the matter for you if that's what you really wanted, but..."
"But what?"
"I wonder if it would do more harm than good. It's only been a few weeks since you became intimate, you are still exploring your feelings for one another. Were I to consult the Tarot on the matter or perform other divinations, what difference would it make when your own heart is still confused? It might do more harm than good."
"Look Mal," she crouched before him, to hold his hands, "No matter who the father, you are the one that's remained by Priyya's side the one that she wanted in her bed. Don't underestimate that. Felmor should be halfway to Wildethar by now, and the way things ended..."
"You seem to think that Priyya would give you no say if it was Felmor's child. Yet what say do you think she'd be apt to give him?" She laughs as something occurs to her. "Mind you, what makes you think she'd give you any more say if it's yours?"
The lieutenant's jaw hangs slack and he utters a muffled curse under his breath even as his superior smiles up at him. "Dammit woman, you really do need to get out of my head already."
"Ha!" She hops to her feet and stands messes with his hair as if her fingers were invading his mind. "Just be glad it's not the other way around." She taps her temple. "Some pretty scary stuff in here. Probably come out covered in glitter and bows."
"Gods, there's a thought..."
As her body guard gets back to his feet, Alis gives him a hug and he reluctantly puts a big hand behind her back, returning the gesture. "If you really want, I can tell you, but you're still going to be based on the Shiv so you can look out for her."
The illegitimate son of King Tylalaes shook his head. "Forget about it, there's no need. Just don't forget we're out here — for her sake."
"Wouldn't dream of it, Mal, wouldn't dream of it..."
Priyya clasped Prince Tyralor on the forearm and pulled the taller man closer. Although she was even shorter than the Princess, the strong clap that she gave the larger man on the back informed him that she was possessed of a warrior's strength.
When Mal and Alis re-enter the room, it takes only one look at Mal to tell that the duo have been speaking on weighty matters. "Oh well this certainly looks bad. Poured out your heart and Alis still let you down, did she? Look on the bright-side, you're about as cut-out for the courtly life as she is for jungle escapades. It would have never worked out."
Sense Motive Checks:
Mal cracks a rare grin and snaps his fingers. "Damn shame."
Looking to the mysterious Prince, Mal holds out a hand the way civilized men were wont to and says, "Between you and her cousin, I guess I won't need to worry about Alis anymore. Two of you had some impressive skill at arms in that fight, she's in good hands."
Feeling in a lighter mood than he has in a long while, the hunter flashes a toothy grin and jokes, "Course who's going to look out for the two of you is another matter. She can be quite a handful."
"I'd say two!" Sasha chimes in from the far end of the room.
Priyya casts a flinty gaze at the red head, "Hush you, we're having a moment!"
Alis gives Priyya a melancholy smile and gives the now shorter woman a firm hug. "There's no way I can ever repay all that you've done, Priyya... both for me and my cause. Thank you."
"Psha!" Priyya holds close the woman that she walked beside for the past several months, the fact that Alis was taller, and that she herself was now softer not lost upon her. "The gods work in mysterious ways. Yours was not the only soul enriched, I assure you."
Smiling to conceal the fact that her own feelings were close the the surface, she winked and said, "Although if you do find that your material enrichment is more than you can bear, I hear that missionary work can be quite expensive and the clergy always appreciates contributions."
Alis laughs lightly and nods. "A shipment of supplies should be en route within the week."
She coughs and projects her voice loudly enough for Aerys to overhear, "Provided I can find a captain talented and willing enough to accept the task of running a supply ship to and from the dreaded Reaver's Shiv!"
"My Lady, would you do me the honor of accompanying me on a stroll about the deck? I have always had a fondness for stargazing and can think of no better companion for a display like this than one whose eyes match the hue of the evening sky."
Smiling up at Prince Tyralor, Alis takes his hand and says, "A stroll sounds delightful."
He arches a coppery brow and offers his arm, "Shall we?"
She hooks her hand thru his arm and nods demurely, "Let's see them off."
With that, the rest of you make your way outside and onto the moonlit upper deck of the Zephrys where the gigantic lighthouse keeps its lonely vigil not far off. While Darvesch is nowhere to be seen, Lureene and Isaac are talking in one corner while his sister and Gelik sit on a railing, eyeing them from not too far away.
For the next few minutes, you each say your farewell. Only once everyone has said their peace does Alis cast her spells...
Lureene basks in the evening glow of the darkening sky and also the attention of the handsome half-elf Major. Knowing she now has a reputation to maintain, being a retainer of a Princess means she has to change her whole mindset. Gone were the days of being wantonly promiscuous.
Plus, it is fun to be a noble lady and have handsome gentlemen fawn all over you...
She notes the presence of both Gelik and Lilyana nearby and cannot help but realize they are observing Isaac and herself.
Are they both checking up on us...do they think something inappropriate is going to happen here...is Gel jealous??
As Princess Alis and Prince Tyralor join them on deck to say their farewells to both Priyya and Mal she says to the Major, "Will you excuse me for a moment, I need to say goodbye to a couple of good friends."
She first approaches the lanky ranger, a man who was at one point disguised as her husband a few weeks earlier. She recalls the problems Mal had in adjusting to that role. I imagine being my husband would drive even a saint to strong drink! She gives the Lieutenant a deep curstey "Thank you, Mal for taking care of us. I don't believe we would have survived our shipwreck without your assistance."
She then turns to Priyya, an emotional look in her eyes. She remembered every detail of when they had first seen each other and how Priyya had first opened herself to trust the succubus. She also remembered when the priestess had sponsored her for her atonement ceremony back in Valehaven. She reaches over to give the white haired woman a long hug, murmering softly almost in tears, "Thank you SOOooo much...Priyya. Thanks for everything you have done for me and 'Lis! You take good care of yourself, OK? I want to see you again, understand me?" It is a while before Lureene can bring herself to release Priyya from the hug.
Feeling in a lighter mood than he has in a long while, the hunter flashes a toothy grin and jokes, "Course who's going to look out for the two of you is another matter. She can be quite a handful."
"Don't you know it!" Darvesch chuckles. "Stay well, friends." Those are the only words he can manage. Darvesch, uncustomary to long formal goodbyes, simply stands, awkwardly waiting as everyone says farewell to their friends.
"Don't you know it!" Darvesch chuckles. "Stay well, friends."
"You too, Hellhammer. Hey, good luck with that Lightbringers chapter. Hopefully your people can figure out what to do with that sword at least."
"Thank you, Mal for taking care of us. I don't believe we would have survived our shipwreck without your assistance."
"Hard to say." The big man shrugs. "Nevah and Hellhammer did their fair share of fighting and Snow-Mane kept everyone on their feet, but..." he shifts his weight as if the words are awkward for him, "you're welcome, Ours– Lureene."
Looking to Isaac, he simply nods and says, "Good fighting beside you, Sir. Be looking forward to some reinforcements and supplies when you're able."
"Oh, you and Priyya are staying? How come?"
"Long, boring story," Priyya says nonchalantly, "but Alis and I owe a debt to Alíta and we intend to start repaying it by building a temple to her on the Shiv."
Sense Motive Checks:
Although Gelik doesn't seem to notice that there's something that Priyya isn't mentioning, it's not hard to tell that she's purposefully omitting a few things.
Sasha simply cocks her hips to one side, eyebrow raised and shakes her head. "Oookaaay... Well, have fun with that I suppose. Oh and thanks for the healing and stuff. Glad you made me eat that fruit," she says with a sly grin towards Lureene, "totally worth it!"
"Oh yeah," she looks up at Mal and gives a coquettish wave, while running her fingers thru Gelik's hair, "byyyeee 'Dre! Don't worry, I'll look out for your true love!"
As the huntress begins giggling, Mal simply shakes his head and says to Gelik, "She's all yours, buddy, good luck with that."
Looking to Aerys who looks like she wants to punch Sasha in the back of the head, he says, "Take care of yourself, Mavato. I never got to thank Alton for saving our lives, but if there's anything I can ever do to help you out... You're going to finish that book you're working on, right?"
"Thank you SOOooo much...Priyya. Thanks for everything you have done for me and 'Lis!"
Priyya returns the equally short succubus' hug and recollects their rocky first meeting. "Now, now," she whispers, "no need to thank me for doing what I'm supposed to. If anything thank you for helping me to explore Alíta's aspect as a redeemer."
At Sasha's antics, she pats Lureene on the back and says more loudly, "I think the real challenge falls to you where Sasha is concerned. You'll need the patience of a saint."
Even as the redhead looks to them in consternation, Lureene hugs even tighter.
"You take good care of yourself, OK? I want to see you again, understand me?"
"Oh don't worry about all that. I'm like a bad penny, I'll turn up."
You're going to finish that book you're working on, right?"
Disengaging from Lureene, Priyya gives Aerys and friendly punch on the arm and says, "You better not give up on it! It's a good read and the gods don't look kindly on those who squander their talents! Plus," she leans in and whispers as she gives her a hug, "I want to be able to take credit for discovering a famous author and rake in the special attention for knowing you since before you were famous, you got that?"
"HA!" Although Mal's words had brought melancholy to the pretty half-elf's stern face, Priyya's instead bring a smile, "Yeah, I'll keep at it. Plannin' to dedicate it to Alton for savin' us, and to you for savin' me."
"Meanwhile," she says, thumping Priyya on the back before letting go, "sounds like Miss Alis or Captain Fingel might have some work for me. Be good to bein' on the sea again instead of shackled by it. Be seein' you and Mal if that brings me this way."
After straightening his hair out again from Sasha's handiwork, Gelik steps up and offers his handshake to both Mal and Priyya. "Mal, Priyya, it has been... educational and I expect my longevity would be a thing of the past were it not for your valor and competence. If you ever find yourselves in need of a scholar, or wish to move some antiques, I'm your man."
"In the meantime," he glances to the bevy of beautiful women, and strokes his goatee thoughtfully, "I'll do my part to make certain everyone is well looked after..."
"Know what kind of lookin' you're doin'..." Aerys says with a smirk, grinding her knuckles atop his head.
The gnome merely gives a wink and a nod.
"Oh, don't hurt him..." Lilyana steps up beside Gelik and smooths his blonde curls once again.
"I wish that we could have met under different circumstances, but you have my family's greatest thanks for what you have done here today. Lieutenant Tylalaes, Sister Priyya, I shall make certain my father, General Hlokenar, hears of your bravery. Thank you again!"
The professor shakes her head from where she stands looking out at the lighthouse. "My, but everyone behaves as if we should expect to never see one another again!"
Turning around, the half serpentine woman shakes her head, a bemused expression on her olive-toned face. "I shall not say good bye, but rather farewell for now. No doubt research into the history of this island shall require my personal attention. Until then, you have my utmost gratitude for facilitating my liberation from Yarzoth's undesired influence. Perhaps upon our next rendezvous, I shall once more stand upon my own two feet. Providence keep you."
Alis gives Tyralor's hand a squeeze and steps up to Mal and Priyya. "Thank you again, both of you. Supplies, labor, and security for your temple should be en route within a few weeks at most."
She looks to her Frændi, and also to Lilyana and comments, "We should plan a join pilgrimage to each of these new holy sites upon their completion, shouldn't we?"
Priyya smiles and nods once. "I think I'd like that."
Mal contemplates the matter, focused on the timing of things more than anything. "I'm sure you'll let us know when, Alis."
With that, he stands at attention and salutes. "Highness."
Without another word, Alis returns Mal's salute and gives Priyya another hug before casting flight spells upon the both of them.
As the two of them fly off towards the lighthouse's parapets, she waves, and says, "My Prince, let's set sail for Port Eldarion, shall we?"
Darvesch can't help but be amused by Maasha's enthusiasm and clattering about. "Is she always this excited?" He smiles to Greasha.
Greasha shakes purses her lips and shakes her head. "Oh no, not at all." She leans forward and whispers with a wink, "Pretty sure this is your doing!"
Turning toward Maasha, "I'll just have whatever is already made up. I don't want to be a burden."
"Oh, no burden at all, not one bit! Be just a minute, your honor..."
"EEEH!!!"
It was at that point that King Tut appeared, swinging in from topside to alert his queen's cousin that Mal and Priyya were departing. When the mildly chagrined dwarf excused himself, promising to return momentarily, a shrieking monkey soon followed, running for his life from an angry, rolling-pin wielding Maasha!
Mere moments after the tall warrior and the white-haired priestess had left the Zehrys, Darvesch returned below to find a veritable feast. Evidently when Darvesch had said, 'I'll just have whatever is already made up,' Greasha's mother had interpreted that as, 'I'll just have everything that's made up!'
From the kitchen, Darvesch could hear contented humming and the sound of Maasha cleaning up dishes. Yet it was the woman standing near the spread that caught his attention. Greasha had evidently taken the opportunity to change into a clean set of clothes — a dark-blue dress, off-the-shoulders with short, lace-capped sleeves, and a black underbust corset accentuating her figure. As she moved to greet him, the perceptive warrior noted that the dress was actually split in the center to allow greater freedom of movement, almost like a pair of billowing, widely-flared pants.
Acting as if nothing had changed, even though her wavy hair was now down and the sparkle of silver and garnet drew attention to the drooping necklace around her neck and the studs in her ears, Greasha said, "Thought about showing you my armor until I remembered what a pain it is to sit down with tassets on. Anyhow," she waves a hand toward the prepared feast, "see anything you like, Darvesch?"
"My Prince, let's set sail for Port Eldarion, shall we?"
Prince Tyralor looks to Captain Namrath, who had been standing quietly by, and gives him a silent nod.
"" Namrath calls out loudly, ""
As the men hop to, Namrath bows to Alis and says, "Enjoy your tour of the ship, your Highness, I will see to it that your companions are accommodated for the night. Lady Ourson, Ms. Nevah, the two of you are welcome to make use of my quarters for the evening. Lady Hlokenar, the first mate's quarters are your, hopefully she didn't leave it too messy this time. Professor d'Adora, the second mate has vacated his quarters for your benefit."
"A thoughtful gesture, and appreciated, Captain." Taken by an unexpected yawn, the mage continues, "Oh pardon me! I fear that I shall have to accept that offer forthwith... this evening's repast seems intent upon rending me comatose!"
As a nearby sailor leads Ieana to her room, Namrath turns back to Isaac and Gelik. "Gentlemen, that does it for the Zephrys' 'luxury' accommodations I'm afraid. Even on a large vessel space is always tight. I can have some cots and hammocks placed in the ready room for you and Lord Hellhammer, otherwise it's the crew berths amidship."
After Captain Namrath has taken his leave to go amend some sea charts, Sasha tugs on Lureene's arm and whines, "Aww... Gel and Iss could just stay with us, couldn't they, Ellie?"
Before the Major can even answer, he feels the overwhelming aura of an ice demon threatening to crush the life-force from his mortal frame.
Beside him, the petite she-demon hisses, "That is too kind, but I do believe the Marshal has other plans for the evening."
Lureene inwardly groans at Sasha's tact, or lack thereof. Not that there wasn't a part of her that would not enjoy the company but she really did not think that was appropriate. She also realized she had as much chance of convincing Sasha of that as she had of convincing Lilyana of giving her approval.
What is Lilyana's problem with me? Does she not trust me?
She grabs Sasha's arm and squeezes it while replying, "Yes, that would be for the best I think, besides..." She leans forward and whispers into Sash's ear, "I might need someone to rock me to sleep tonight, you know I do get seasick easy!"
Lady Hlokenar, this is not over...not by a long shot...
Isaac waved the good captain off, he really didn't need to sleep much, in fact, he only needed two hours. "Thank you sir, a cot will be just fine." He said respectfully, though his attention turned to the fiery red head.
Before he could even open his mouth to reply to her, the icy chill that ran down his spine shut him up pretty quickly. Glancing down at his sister who had just come up to him and socked him in the kidneys, he couldn't help but put on a smile.
He knew her distaste and why she was being like that, he would have to have a chat with her tonight, "Apparently, I have other plans for the evening, if you ladies get lonely, I'm sure you'll know where to find me." He said boldly, and politely, putting his hand on the back of his sisters neck gently and gave her a light tug towards him, as if trying to contain the ice-like aura she was putting off.
Acting as if nothing had changed, even though her wavy hair was now down and the sparkle of silver and garnet drew attention to the drooping necklace around her neck and the studs in her ears, Greasha said, "Thought about showing you my armor until I remembered what a pain it is to sit down with tassets on. Anyhow," she waves a hand toward the prepared feast, "see anything you like, Darvesch?"
Looking directly into her eyes, Darvesch says unwavering, "Yes, I do." He pauses for a moment before continuing, "And the food looks good too." A smirk shows on his face before he begins filling his plate with a little bit of everything, if only to make the effort not a wasted one. Falling silent as he eats, he's reminded of something is father once told him "Every Dwarf knows, the best complement to the chef is dead silence. They're too busy eating to talk."