Definitely a better Szef than I was. Drago thought to himself.
"I see the wisdom in her decision," Hitome says to Jim, while slipping Malyoxa's hand in hers. ,"if we manage to handle this peacefully or at least without violence then we don't give away are true numbers and there was no need for everyone to be there. If bottle is required, well, then I'm sure we can handle it and should the absolute worst arise the Summoners will carry on with the most knowledgeble Midwives safe."
Jin sighs nods, "Oh, yeah....I suppose that makes sense. I'd rather hope for the best, and be prepared for the worst as well. I will try to help you in whatever way you think is best. I've never had to be responsible for anyone, but myself and Gyo, so I can definitely appreciate what you're trying to do."
"Let's just hope reason rules the day," Toni says, stepping on the ship. "Auric, I hear you have a bit of sailing experience, so you'll get to be captain of this boat for today."
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Malyoxa gives Hitome a peck on the cheek. "Come back safe, okay?"
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"Aye, aye," Auric says gleefully, taking his place at the rudder.
Jin gets an apprehensive look on her face, "So...a boat huh? We don't have to go very far do we?" She asks, remembering how sick the last one made her feel.
”That island ooooooover there,” Toska points out.
Auric shakes his head. "No, it's not too far from here."
She still seems a little uncertain as she makes her way onto the boat, "Okay...it's just...my last trip on one of these things did not go so well. Something about the motion not getting along well with my tummy."
”You could try taking a short nap?” Toska suggests.
She shakes her head, "Oh no...I'm not sure that would be a very good idea either, and I think it would be better to remain vigilant. Just in case."
Jin takes the time to make sure that her crossbow is loaded and ready just in case.
Laenid puts an arm around Jin. "You'll be okay. I'm here with you."
Auric summons Sareash. "When everyone is aboard, I'll need you to let down the sails."
"As you command, Auric."
She nods, "I know, I just don't want anyone to get hurt....if at all possible. I just feel itsx better to be safed than sorry."
Drago took his position on the boat and began mentally preparing himself for whatever may be ahead.
Once Hitome steps aboard, Auric tells Sareash to let down the sail halfway. As the ship begins to pick up speed, Auric grabs a hold of the rudder, easing the boat through the water. "Ah, this is the life."
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Laenid smirks and shakes her head. He'd be happier as a sailor than a Summoner.
”Ah, we were going to look into getting a boat, weren't we Captain?” Toska says as an aside to Auric.
Satisfied that her crossbow was ready in case she needed it, Jin leans against Laenid as she watches Auric handle the boat, while trying not to pay attention to the movement of it. Leaning in close she says quietly, "He seems to like this boat thing. I guess it can be pleasant for some people?" Jin holds onto the railing with one hand, and Laenid with the other.
Laenid nods. "There are some people who are more comfortable on water than on land."
Auric laughs. "It's on the 'someday' list."
Jin looks away from the water and concentrates on looking up at Laenid, "Well, I'm glad that he enjoys it. I'm also glad that the island isn't too far away." Jin says before closing her eyes. She like the smell of the ocean, just not the feel of it.
Out of nowhere, one of the swords at Drago's hip asked, "So what exactly is the plan?"
The Dhampir looked down and simply replied, "To find a diplomatic solution."
"But how exactly?"
Shaking his head, he turned to Toni, "Could you indulge, please? He won't shut up until you do, I believe."
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Toni raises an eyebrow. "You want me to talk to your sword? Shouldn't it...I don't know...know what you know?"
Auric chuckles to himself as he continues to steer the ship. "Raise the sails, Sareash. Land ho!"
He points at the island coming into view. "See? That didn't take long."
”Nope!” Toska agrees as he spies the island.
Taking a couple of slow deep breaths to stave off the motion sickness she says, "Thank Goodness. I think I'll try to stick to land whenever possible...but you're very good at handling this thing Auric." Jin says, not wanting to make Auric feel bad.
"Thank you," Auric says cheerfully.
About thirty minutes later, Auric guides the boat to shore bringing it to an easy stop.
Auric looks to the Kuroikaze as he has Sareash put down a plank for everyone to disembark. "I guess you'll lead the way?"
The three nod in unison.
Toni raises an eyebrow. "You want me to talk to your sword? Shouldn't it...I don't know...know what you know?"
"His sentience is still rather new, and I don't think our bond is strong enough yet to convey that sort of information just yet. Hopefully, it won't take too long."
Jin just shakes her head and sighs.
"The plan is to try and have a reasonable discussion with the leader of this group," Toni says, speaking indirectly to the sword. "If that doesn't work, then we go to Plan B."
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Jin nods, "And before you ask, Plan B is kicking their butts. That's what the "B" stands for." She says with a smirk.
Having given Malyoxa a kiss farewell and promised to return safely, Hitome sits quietly as they sail, slipping into the calm state she often did before venturing onto a potential battlefield.
The paladin can't help the slight smile that crosses her lips when 'Plan B' is mentioned. "That or 'beating'" she says with a grin.
"Understood," The sword replied.
Drago just shook his head, "Well now that that is out of the way, let's see if they are in a diplomatic mood."
The three Kuroikaze lead you through the swamp silently. You notice that you don't encounter anything as you walk.
"I'm guessing that we are expected."
"I guess that's a bit of a relief," Auric says, glancing at Toska. "We'll know where all our opponents are if things go wrong."
"I am also not fond of people attacking from the shadows," Sareash chimes in.
"No offense," Laenid says to the three masked figures leading them. "By the way, do you have names?"
The female looks over her shoulder and narrows her eyes. "It doesn't matter."
Toska promptly points at the three in succession "Nice to meet you, It. Doesn't. And Matter."
The three pointedly ignore Toska's attempt at humor as you arrive at what appears to be a derelict fortress. The worn wooden doors swing open, seemingly of their own volition. You are led through a humid hallway that reeks of mold and see black robed figures watching you as you pass.
"This is positively the most dismal place I've seen today," Laenid remarks.
"Still slightly better than some places I've been to," Toni chimes in.
”Agreed.” the Duskwalker adds.