"We are setting sail in a few days' time, but we will be back. I hope that you will be here when we return," Marisan says between kisses.
'Selli' glances away for a moment before looking back at Harmony. Her eyes glimmer. "I hope, at least that Kaa-san and I will be invited to the wedding," she shifts in her seat to pull Harmony into her arms. One arm reaches out and gestures for Tessa to join the hug. "I'm so happy for you both," she whispers.
After a moment of heartfelt embrace, she sniffs and brushes the unshed tears from her face. "She needs to know, Harmony-chan. You can't keep this from Kaa-san. This isn't something that I can keep from her for long."
"Of course you're invited!" Harmony replies, returning her mother's embrace with all the passion of a young woman who has really, really needed her mother.
As the hug breaks up Harmony dries her eyes as well and essays a grin. "Yeah... if you tell her now how likely is she to teleport in and yell at me?" She reaches for Tessa's hand. "I know Kaa-san doesn't exactly... can you cast Sending mother? Let me speak to her now? Or should I write and you can take it back with you? I don't want to keep it from her." Harmony gives a watery smile. "Just maybe delay it until she can't find us easily?"
Tessa joins in the group hug, just overjoyed that this whole experience didn't go terribly wrong. She squeezes back and says enthusiasticly, "Of course you are going to be invited! We wouldn't want you to miss that extravaganza!"
"Oh. If we're saying hi, I bet she'd love to hear from me too. Hugs and kisses, Tessa." she mimes, not understanding how magic works. "Oh! Does she get to see our faces or is it just a voice? Is it in her head?"
she looks more like herself... I shouldn't have let that go on for so long... next time something comes up we talk sooner...
Val rises earliy to practice her prayers, and to try to work on the basics of doing magic, although the latter is extra challenging without Donomsail's guidance. Afterwards, she heads into the city for a decent breakfast.
A mug of strong, sugary coffee puts some wind in her sails, and the fresh bread with butter, poached eggs, grilled tomato, and pair of savory sausages brought out put a smile on her face. She makes a bit of a show of eating the sausages, much to the appreciation of several of the salty dogs watching, and is in high spirits by the time she leaves. Her next stop is the nicest looking smithy she can find, where she buys a magical set of mithril armor. She spends a good chunk of the day there while the relatively handsome half-orc smith meticulously fits it to her shape. She tips him a few extra gold for his efforts, even though he seemed to enjoy the work. In the afternoon, Val finds a courier, scrawls a note, and pays to have it delivered to Captain Fairwind.
Thank you for your advice. Marisan and I have aired our feelings and truly do both feel refreshed. And thank you, also, for teaching me a new Calistrian farewell, I look forward to trying it out again. We'll be in port for a few more days, selling the remainder of our plunder, and I'd be happy to thank you in a more direct, hands-on manner should you have the time and interest before we leave.
Actually... I'm being coy, but you're not the coy type are you? I'm horny as f*ck and I find you very enticing. So, tonight I'm going to return to your home and climb up onto your balcony. If you'd like to do some sweating and moaning with me, leave the window unlocked and I'll join you. If you have other plans, leave it locked and I'll enjoy myself as I watch you through the glass. If the window is locked and the curtains are drawn I will take it that your interest has vanished and find someone else to sweat and groan with.
Hungrily yours, Valeria
Polli's eyes furrow "Effort, asking her on a... an outing is a supreme effort for me... surely she knows that." she mutters to herself, looking down in thought. "So no to the soup, find something in this den of rum drenched debauchery that both she and I would like, and show some Effort about the whole thing." her zone softly irritated that there wasn't a more direct answer or advice on the Where and How. Sighing and closing her eyes, she thinks.
"If you can find a way to let me know when, I shall endeavor to be here as well," Pierce responds in kind.
When Valeria climbs to Captain Fairwind's balcony that evening she finds the door latched and the curtains drawn. Tamping down her disappointment, she hears the sound of the latch turning as she readies to climb back down.
The door opens and Tessa steps out, garbed in a thin robe over little else. "I don't like discouraging someone that's displayed such enthusiasm for the pursuit and I would really enjoy spending time with you tonight. However ... I have another appointment tonight that I'm unable to cancel." She steps closer letting her robe fall open slightly. "I wouldn't want you to leave empty-handed, though." She pushes Valeria back against the railing. Leaning in close, she presses her lips against the buxom woman's. One of her hands takes Valeria's hand and slips it inside her robe.
The kiss goes on for a few minutes before Fairwind pulls away. She lifts Valeria's hand to her lips and kisses it gently before turning to make her way back to the slightly open door. "Let me know when your ship makes port again." She gives a final wave before shutting and latching the portal.
"I can put a sending spell on you, but is that really how you wish to tell her?" 'Selli' questions with a raised eyebrow. "I know that she can be a handful, but don't you think that Kaa-san would be hurt that you didn't tell her face to face?"
"Our ship's priest can cast a magic communication spell now. I will be in touch. For now, though, you should be in touch..." Marisan puts Pierce's hands on her breasts and grins.
Val returns the captain's long kiss. As she does, she explores the other woman's body with her hand, carefully noting the subtle reactions garnered by different types of touch in different location. When the nearly naked woman finally pulls back, she looks deeply, and lustfully, into her eyes while she kisses her hand.
When the captain invites her to make it known when she returns to port, the buxom slayer grins and asks, "shall I send you another note, or crash through this window and take you like you took that Thuvian pleasure barge?"
After receiving her answer, Val climbs down and makes her way to the bar that the half-orc smith had casually mentioned (several times) he would be spending the evening at.
well, its not exactly what I was in the mood for, but I suppose its time I found out if the stories about half-orcs' size and stamina are true...
"Oh, I see," Val answers, allowing herself to smirk for a moment before putting on a more serious face and adding, "I suppose I'll have to find someone else to show my gratitude to then."
Silently, she crosses the small kitchen to where she can best see the other woman's face, and knife. She quietly studies her for a moment, watching her hands on the knife and gauging her speed and precision with it. Then she turns her attention to her face, carefully noting every little twitch and tick as she thinks and works. Once her face, and its movements, are etched into her mind she mentions, "You know, Captain Vi used to be the cooksmate. In this very kitchen actually, though not for long, I don't think."
She smiles and watches closely for any reaction. "Somehow you don't strike me as the type looking to captain a ship though. So what is it that brings you to the Siren?"
"I will be waiting for your touch every night as I lay down to sleep," Pierce says with a grin as his touches continue.
"A note will be sufficient," Tessa replies with a smirk. "Crashing through my window would not get you the response you expect. I sleep with my blade nearby and for window-crashers I stab first and ask questions afterwards."
"If the gift is as valuable as you suggest, then perhaps you should examine it a little closer to determine whom you should thank," Meiying replies. "And perhaps I should thank Captain Violet for putting the ladles in all the wrong places."
Val chuckles. ”I suspect Ambrose has long since moved those from wherever she had them.” She smiles as she watches the purposefully cryptic woman work a little while longer.
not lying, but not answering many questions either... it’s a very different approach than Mina always takes, but no less effective, for now at least... and far easier for me to replicate...
”Well, I suppose I better leave you to your work,” the slayer says, swiping a chunk of carrot from the counter to munch on, ”I’d hate to be responsible for ruining dinner by distracting you.” With that she casually strolls off.
Emerging from below deck, she checks in with whoever’s on watch to make sure nothing odd has happened, then inspects the ballista to ensure they’re in good working order and ready for use at a moments notice. Only after those things are done does she return to her quarters and set about thoroughly examining the little black book for any sign of a hidden message or clue as to who she should truly be thanking.
maybe I’m overthinking it... maybe she just meant that I should thank Kelinahat that the book came to me... no, if it was some typical god maybe, but She of Ebon Wings is a goddess of espionage and the clandestine- there must be something I missed... which is just dumb, why didn’t I inspect this immediately when I got it...
Val sits down and slowly, meticulously studies every page of the book along with its cover and bindings to find whatever she’d missed.
"I can put a sending spell on you, but is that really how you wish to tell her?" 'Selli' questions with a raised eyebrow. "I know that she can be a handful, but don't you think that Kaa-san would be hurt that you didn't tell her face to face?"
"I can't exactly tell her face to face." Harmony points out. "You and her are the ones with the ability to cross the world in an instant. Not me. So unless you can ask her to come to us I'm not going to see her for quite a while." There's a flicker of sadness there for a moment before the Free Captain of the Shackles is back in place.
"We sail at dawn the day after tomorrow, so if she can be here by then we can all speak together. If not I'll have to write a letter." She squeezes Tessa's hand under the table, a silent apology.
Searching through the black-bound book again, Valeria notes one page that seems unusually thick. Examining it closer, she finds an inner pocket in the worn parchment. And inside that pocket is a slip of vellum with writing on it in a different hand than the book itself.
V,
There are many ways to follow She of Ebon Wings and just as many differents types of people that follow her. But one thing that they all have in common is they all have secrets. Some they share and some they never will. One secret in common is that they follow Her at all. We will never speak openly about Her. If you wish to pass along to me a secret that you feel that I should know, then place a note here and I will receive it.Secrets Passed to You
M
'Selli' gives Harmony a look that she recognizes from her childhood that implies that she's being purposefully difficult. The woman then turns her attention to the platter of fried cheese curd.
An instant later and Harmony feels a presence behind her and the scent of weapon oil and sweat creeps into her senses. A blond-haired woman, her pale skin covered with freckles moves around and takes the seat next to her. She's breathing heavy and there's a sheen of sweat on her skin. The clothes she's wearing are light and damp with perspiration. A black-bladed rapier hangs at her waist. The woman quickly takes in the room before turning to look at Harmony with familiar jade-green eyes.
"So what is it that you have to tell us?" she asks. A look of disapproval fills her face immediately. "Gods, please don't tell me you're pregnant." She looks to 'Selli'. "She's not pregnant is she?" Her eyes glance across the table to where Tessa sits. "Hello, Contessa," she says grudgingly. Her attention returns to Harmony. "Are you pregnant?"
Tessa also eyes the cheese curd and begins to eat some, wondering if Tessa2 has any of that cheese Agasta has.
"So what is it that you have to tell us?"
Tessa chokes and gags on her food, startled by the appearance of her least favorite mother.
Why does she always call me Contessa! She knows I don't like it, doesn't she. I bet she does it to make me squirm. Well I'm not going to give her the satisfaction.
She was expecting a voice in her head, not teleportation. This family has magic issues. The fearless swashbuckler was in fact afraid of one thing, and she now was speaking to her.
"Pregnancy, ha-ha. That's good. Nothing quite like that, I'm sorry to disappoint you." Tessa jokes before moving to Harmony's side and taking up her fiancee's hand. She looks at Violet with a knowing smile before turning back to face Zhi. Her smiles falters and she turns back to Harmony, squeezing her hand and whispering "She can't turn me into a toad or something if this goes bad, right?
"I'm not pregnant!" Harmony says, genuinely offended. "Is that really the first thing you think of? What have I ever done to deserve that?" She glares at the blonde, violet and white eyes boring into jade.
"We're getting married. There! Happy now?"
Her lesson learned, Val carefully studies the piece of vellum to be sure there are no further secrets within that secret. She heads into the city and buys an inkwell, an inkpen, and ten sheets of vellum, along with a black leather satchel in which to store her personal effects, now that she has some.
Afterwards, she wanders through the city sampling various street foods and reminiscing about all the afternoons she spent that way with her parents. Eventually she ends up at the docks, as their afternoons always had, and she finds an out of the way place to sit and dangle her feet in the water as she watches the sunset.
In the early evening moonlight, she returns the Siren and retires to her quarters. There she carefully cuts five of the large sheets of vellum into fourths, in order to both multiply her supply and ensure the pieces will fit into the book. Sitting down with her new supplies, she nervously writes a note and tucks it into the secret pocket.
Thank you for the gift. I only recently became a follower and have already learned a great deal from it. Please pardon what must seem like foolish questions, but as I am new to all this I greatly desire to understand what is and isn't acceptable in both following and passing secrets. Am I allowed to ask you questions through these correspondences? Can we use them to speak freely about ourselves, to share where we come from and why we're here? Is it alright to volunteer such information or is that considered naive among those who walk this path? I have taken steps to procure a holy symbol; if we follow in secret, it seems I shouldn't wear it openly, but if She of Ebon Wings sees it fit to grant me the use of magic how does that work? I was told that in divine magic you hold or present your symbol as a focus. Again, I'm sorry for the barrage of questions but I am as newborn to the faith and I hunger to be taught.
(Questions and) Secrets Passed to You
V
"I didn't know what it would be, your mother just said that you wanted to tell us something important and I didn't ..." Seemingly interrupted, her face turns to 'Selli's'. "I wasn't accusing her I was asking," she snaps out. "I wanted to know and it's not she tells me anything any more. Do you know how much it hurts to be shut out like that?" She turns to Harmony. "Do you know how much ..." She pauses and blinks a few times. "Married? To who?" She rolls her eyes and spares a glance at 'Selli'. "Who, whom, whatever." She turns and looks around the space again. "Do I at least get to meet them?"
Valeria slips the piece of vellum into the secret place and then goes about the rest of her evening's activities. Later that evening, unable to restrain herself, she checks the book to find the note gone. She continues to check it until she turns in for the evening, but finds no response.
It's not until the next evening that she finds another folded piece of vellum in the empty space.
V,
I can't speak of the secrets of divine magic for that's not a gift that's been bestowed upon me. I am a simple follower. You may share with me that which you wish to share and I will do the same. You may ask me any question you wish, but I only promise to answer the ones that I wish to answer. Don't look to me as a speaker of wisdom - I am just a follower as are you and there are many things that haven't been revealed to me.M
Tessa lets go of Harmony's hand and walks forward. The s!@&-eating grin on her face is too much to hide and lets the smirk come out. As she struts forward, she sticks out her hand and says "Captain Tessa Steele, pleased to meet you, mom."
"Help me stop them killing each other?" Harmony thinks at 'Selli', as loudly as she can. It's a serious concern right now.
The part of her that isn't currently expecting knives and blood is processing what Kaa-san said, and a small bit wants to curl up in a guilty ball. The other part however, is angry.
Polli smiles, nervous but bright, as Dony joins her.
Why not travel to this place together? her practical brain asked.
Show Some Effort!
The captains were trying to be helpful but lords details would have been nice.
The wine was luck, a detail in passing on a conversation with the lovely cleric one night in their room. Luck in remembering it.
When Dony started taking over, Polli managed to relax more. One of her problems with People is knowing what the hells they Want... other than sex, which usually required no thought. Which is why she just went with shouting so she didn't have to care.
Which explains why this outing was amazingly hard for her, worrying about every detail so she wouldn't disappoint someone she cared about so much.
Dony being in control allowed her to settle and simply enjoy being with her. 'Simply enjoying being with her' is what makes Polli so head over heels for Dony in truth. Yes, she is divinely lovely, funny, charming, sweet, vocal, delicious... um... where was that thought... oh yes, Polli was extremely comfortable around her. Not something she was used to... EVER.
So in the cool mud, Polli's blue eyes sparkle as she drinks up Dony's smiles, leans her body into hers, melting against her, simply being. "This is perfect, Miss Lishoni. I couldn't ask for a better night."
The sweaty blonde hair and freckles vanish to be replaced with black hair and pale skin as the illusion surrounding Zhi vanishes. Her green eyes remain, filled with ... something. She turns to Tessa, one hand paused in reaching for the hilt of her weapon. Her breathing is fast, her chest rising and falling. A larger chest, in fact, than Tessa remembers.
Just in the moment when the swashbuckler expects the woman in front of her to draw her blade, the woman snaps her head around to look at 'Selli'. A silent conversation elapses before Zhi does draw her rapier ... and tosses it onto the table.
Zhi seems to sag into herself. She nods silently at Melodie before turning back to Harmony. She looks up at her daughter and Harmony can see the pain in her eyes. One hand reaches up to caress her cheek before she reaches out and takes the taller woman into her arms.
"Gomen-nasai. Go-kekkon omedetou gozaimasu. Suenagaku osiawaseni," she whispers in a voice that's shaking with emotion. She releases the bard before turning to look back at Tessa. She takes a breath and opens her mouth to speak, but frowns. Her eyes look away and an instant later, she vanishes.
Melodie reaches out and casually lifts the black-bladed weapon and puts it into her lap. "Give her a little time, Darling," she says in a gentle voice. "Now I would like to stay a celebrate with you two, but I have another event this evening that requires my presence. So I will say goodnight to you both." She rises from her seat to clasp first Tessa and then Harmony in a firm hug.
"Stay safe," she whispers in Harmony's ear.
Her goodbyes completed, she exits the establishment and into the night air.
Tessa jumps again, startled by the transformation. When she sees the woman reach for her blade, she's unsure how to handle the situation.
Is she going to kill her soon to be daughter before I become her daughter?
It takes every ounce of willpower to not draw her own blade, refraining from reacting and hoping she is making the right choice in trusting her.
After she's gone, she breathes a sigh of relief, though she's not sure that is what it was. She hugs the nice mother and responds "Good night."
Once she's gone, she turns to Harmony and states "Well. That went well, didn't it? Was it me? I tried to be nice. She doesn't like me, but-hey. What did she say when she left?"
With your immediate tasks completed and the Siren ready to sail. Harmony gives her last instructions to the the crew of the Sea Witch and sends the ship off like a child venturing off to school alone for the first time.
- Day 108
Two days of easy travel leads you to the lively seaport of Quent on the northern coast of Motaku Isle. You make your way to the House of Stolen Kisses, both a holy temple to Calistria and a brothel. Presenting Captain Fairwind's note, scantily clad acolytes escort you through sensually decorated corridors to the chambers of the temple’s high priestess.
Dindreann is a tall, human woman with golden hair. Dressed in a revealing gown in the traditional colors of yellow and black, she's an attractive woman in a house of similarly attractive clergy. She pleasantly greets you and offers you comfortable seating and stimulating refreshment. Once you're seated and refreshed, she smiles. "So what service can I render to associates of my dearest friend, Tessa?" she asks in a throaty voice.
Once she's gone, she turns to Harmony and states "Well. That went well, didn't it? Was it me? I tried to be nice. She doesn't like me, but-hey. What did she say when she left?"
"She said that she was sorry, and wished us a long and happy marriage." Harmony replies, her mind clearly elsewhere. She's left feeling rather stunned by just how quickly the scene escalated and then 'settled' again and the sense of being off balance persists for some time... it's not a feeling she likes!
------------------------
The attractive men and women get a second glance from Harmony, but her own particular brand of pleasure is walking next to her in a delightfully short skirt, so it's only one look and that more assessing than lecherous.
"Captain Fairwind seeks information." Harmony replies, "What have you heard of Cheliax here in the Shackles? We have it on good authority that they are planning another take-over attempt."
As Harmony and Tessa leave the small restaurant to head back to the Siren, Harmony notices one of her pouches bulging with an odd shape. Inside she finds, wrapped in waxed paper, a half-dozen peppermint sticks.
~~~~~
"Cheliax in the Shackles, you say?" Dindreann questions casually with a smile. "Do tell?" Her smile widens. "Some of the temple's sacred prostitutes may have heard something about this. People share all sorts of information with their bedmates." She looks down at her nails. "Information is wealth here in the islands, though, and I give nothing away for free."
She rises from her seat and approaches Harmony. Reaching down, she traces a finger along the woman's cheek. "What would you be offering in exchange?"
Polli silently repeats in her head not allowed to talk, not allowed to talk. The wizard tries to stay out of the way and not look awkward as hell.
Val grins mischievously and volunteers, ”I know a Calistrian farewell that Captain Fairwind wasn’t sure you’d be familiar with?”
The scent of peppermint, of home, makes Harmony well up and she follows Tessa back to the ship blinking away tears as she goes.
--------------------------------------
Harmony doesn't respond at all to the touch or the implications, simply gesturing towards the Master Gunner.
"If that does not satisfy you then name your price and we will decide if it is worth paying." She responds cooly. The blank facade is calculated to unnerve the Calistrian, they always get a reaction after-all. Play to your enemies weaknesses.
Val grins mischievously and volunteers, ”I know a Calistrian farewell that Captain Fairwind wasn’t sure you’d be familiar with?”
"I'll have to ask her about it the next time she visits," Dindreann replies without looking away from Harmony. She holds the woman's bi-colored gaze for a moment or two before looking away and returning to her seat.
"Fine, business before pleasure then," she says as she rearranges her robes to cover a little more of her expose pale skin. "A ship, owned by the temple, the Lady's Sting, went missing recently. Divinations have revealed that the ship was attacked by a group of pirates who deliberately lure ships into danger so that they can salvage the cargoes of the resulting wrecked ships. We are quite aware that piracy is a fact of life in the Shackles, of course, but the Lady’s Sting was carrying the Golden Vespal - a sacred relic. We wish revenge on these wreckers who would dare attack one of our holy vessels, as well as the return of the Golden Vespal, but we have so far been unable to locate them. Find the wreckers, enact the goddess’s revenge upon them, and recover the Golden Vespal. Once that is done, I pass along everything I know regarding Chelish spies."
Val affects a huff and crosses her arms, ‘incidentally’ pressing her assets upward on full display. ”So... you are interested my knowledge, you just want to get it from someone else? How do you know I won’t give you a better deal for it?”
Dindreann glances over at Valeria before calling out, "Everglistening?"
A gnome steps into the chamber, her hair a shock of various lavenders and purples to match her eyes. She's garbed in contrasting green silks and her lips shimmer with some sort of sparkly substance. "Yes, Mistress?" she asks in a voice filled with anticipation.
The high priestess gestures towards Valeria. "This woman professes valuable knowledge regarding our greetings and farewells. Give her a fair return on what she offers."
Everglistening looks Valeria over with a hungry eye. "I will certainly do that, Mistress," she says with a smile. A hand reaches out to take Valeria's "Come. Let us bargain," she says as she attempts to lead Valeria out of the room.
Val watches the women closely and weighs their words...
doesn't want to pay me herself either... no offense to this gnome but I hope she's leading me to someone more my size... she seems far too childlike for my liking...
Satisfied that the priestesses are being forthright, and curious about where this might lead, Val accepts the offered hand and stands. Before leaving, however, she pauses to casually mention, "oh, we know something about a Chelaxian warship in the Shackles too, if you think that might be worth anything?"
Trusting that Polli will remember the name and location of the ship they disabled and fled from, and that the captains will help her remember not to blurt it out before they've seen if it's worth anything, the buxom archer follows Everglistening away to negotiate.
"and we never saw her again" Polli whispered ominously, only partially in jest. Looking at the captains, "Are we waiting around then or heading back to the ship?"
"There's no need to wait." Harmony says, cold front still firmly in place. "She can take care of herself, and there is no need for Vengeance today." The hint is not subtle, but she doesn't seem to be trying to play nicely with the Calistrians anyway.
Polli nods to Harmony, giving the direction Val went a slightly worried glance then asks out loud "So then... lunch?" internally she is trying to remember if they passed anyplace that seemed to scream Good Soup.
After dismissing those who raise their hand for either question, the Master Gunner chooses Meiying and whichever three others showed the most aptitude to fill out her crew. As those who weren't selected return to their duties, she introduces the new gunners to the old and walks them through their first drill together.
Meiying performs adequately at the ballistae drills, but not outstanding.
Once they've finished, she approaches Valeria. "Is there a reason you chose me for this duty, Ma'am?" she asks with a smile. "I'm sure there are sailors more skilled with a weapon like that than I am." Her white hair is pulled back into a high knot, exposing her long and slender neck. She's wearing loose pants that are tied off at the knees and a oversized light shirt.
The gnome leads Valeria into a side chamber appointed with lots of very soft looking furniture. Blue seems to be the theme here. She has Valeria take a seat and gives her a good once over. After a few moments of silent appraisal, the gnome sighs and the smile on her face fades a bit.
"Drastic?" she calls out and just a heartbeat later, a dusky skinned elf enters the room. He's naked with the exception of a small wrap about his waist. He's slender, but very tall and muscular with a handsome face and friendly smile. "You bellowed, Love?" he asks in a voice like caramel.
"Yes," the gnome responds, disappointment in her tone. "Her Lusciousnous has asked me to attend to this one, but I see that, sadly, I'm not to her taste."
"Her loss," the elf says with a grin. "And you think I might be more her type?"
The gnome nods. "Shame," she says. "I always miss out on the ones with the gorgeous breasts." She climbs up onto the divan that Valeria is reclining on and leans in close. "This one's on the house," she says before leaning in and pressing her lips against Veleria's. Her shimmering lips taste of strawberries and Valeria gets the sensation of sunlight shining down on her. When the kiss finally ends, Everglistening reaches down and gives Valeria's boob a quick squeeze before hopping down from the seat and exiting the room with a sway in her small bottom.
Her place is quickly filled with the tall elf. "So what is your pleasure?" he asks with a grin.
~~~~~
Exiting the temple, a small shop serving lunch is found nearby with soup that satisfies even Polli.
The small port of Beachcomber on Bag Island is less than a day away to the northeast. Bag Island is known to have the largest population of halflings in the Shackles and the town of Beachcomber is the largest and rowdiest settlement on the island. Knowing that openly asking about the Temple of the Hidden Name (a house of worship for Norgorber - keeper of secrets) will probably meet with little success, Harmony and Valeria attempt to get their desire across through veiled hints in the numerous taverns the officers visit. At the third such establishment, you're directed to a nondescript warehouse in the town’s Lurker District.
Inside the warehouse, you're met by a halfling dressed in the black clothing of an indentured servant of an aristocratic household and wearing a cherubic mask. The obsequious halfling guides you to a discreet room in the back of the warehouse.
"You may call me 'Slip'," he says once the door is closed and a quick enchantment is placed on the portal. "How can the Temple of the Hidden Name be of service to you?"
"Plus," she adds, stepping in close and lowering her voice to nearly a whisper, "I saw how comfortably that knife moved in your hand in the kitchen. I suspect that will translate to some skill with a bow, and even if it doesn't it makes me think you're capable of defending my ballista and my crew for me should enemies come for them." The Master Gunner takes half a step back and looks into the other woman's eyes before asking, "have I misjudged?"
Val exhales hard, caught off guard by the quality of the kiss.
wow, that bizarre faerie child sure knows how to kiss... if one of us knew how to make her adult-sized I bet we could have had a ton of fun...
She snaps back to the present when the elf's silky voice breaks the silence. "Oh," she replies, turning to appraise his nearly naked body, "I was brought in here to bargain for information, sort of..."
now, this I could work with... I've heard elves aren't as hardy as most people, but they live so long that they must be accustomed to doing things for a very long time... I wonder which of those is a greater influence on how long they last in bed...
"You see," she explains, "I know a farewell... I was told it's Calistrian, but I showed it to a Calistrian and she said she didn't know it and wondered if the high priestess did... well, when the high priestess mentioned that knowledge was like currency around here, I offered the knowledge of that farewell in trade. To be entirely honest, I thought she would show me a special greeting and I'd show her the farewell and that would be the end of it. Now that I'm in this special room, and we've been through a cast change or two already, it seems a little silly. I mean, don't get me wrong- I'd be more than happy to trade my special farewell for your special greeting still, but now that you've gone to all this trouble perhaps we could come up with a more significant trade, maybe something to fill the time between hello and goodbye? I know a game that ends with me topless, or naked if you want to play that far, and I could teach it to you in trade for the trivial bits of information that come out in the course of playing it?"
"We seek information." Harmony gets straight to the point, less chance of conversations going on too long and secrets slipping that way. "The location of the Lady's Sting which was sunk recently, and up-to-date information on Chelish activities in the Shackles. What price will the Temple require for such information?"
A part of her mind, not entirely focused on the negotiation, wonders what exactly she'd do if the Temple found out her real parentage. The answering though brings a slight glow to her violet eye and her lips curl in a not entirely pleasant way.
At the suggestion that there's more to her than meets the eye, the slender woman's eyes look away. "There is nothing special about me, Ma'am," she says. "Leastwise nothing that a woman of your position would find of value."
"If games are to your taste, Love, then I'll be happy to play," the elf replies. He reaches up and brushes the back of his hand along Valeria's cheek. "I may know a few of my own that you would be intrigued by. I believe we're getting ahead of ourselves, though. Let's first talk about limits ..."
~~~~~
Slip nods. "The Reaper of Reputation knows much that is hidden," he says. "But secrets always have a price. Our temple deals in information. Secrets are currency. To learn two of the temple’s secrets, you must pay with two other secrets of equal value. If you have none of your own, there is a particular one that the temple desires."
Slip tells you that a famous ship called the Brine Banshee mysteriously disappeared several months ago. The ship was said to have been one of the fastest ships in the Shackles, with unparalleled handling for a vessel its size, which many believed were the result of several potent spells woven into the ship. If the you can find what happened to the Brine Banshee, and discover the secret of its unprecedented speed and maneuverability, you can trade this knowledge for the information they seek.
Polli knows of no secrets that are HERS that they would be interested in. "I know a little about the Quent, Captains, if we'd like to look into that first." she trusts the captains enough to not include others in their barter unless asking first though.
She smiles and dismissively adds, "maybe I am wrong, but having you serve by my side is the only way to find out. So, unless you have a real objection, I'll expect you in the sterncastle for drill tomorrow."
"Limits?" Val replies, gazing into the elf's eyes and placing her hand on his as he brushes it down her face. Gently guiding it down her neck and through the deep valley of her cleavage, she says, "I am soft... and delicate. I must be handled with care." Standing, she traces her fingertips up his chiseled abs. "A little pinching or tugging is alright," she explains, demonstrating on his nipple, "or a light nibble," she adds softly biting his bottom lip, "but nothing that will leave a cut or bruise. You wouldn't want to mar this flawless skin, would you? Now... why don't you show me a special greeting and then we'll see what games we might wish to exchange before the time comes for my farewell?"
The lusty slayer enjoys learning a new greeting but when the elf reaches for the clasp on her bodice she softly but firmly grabs his hand to stop him. "Patience," she instructs him with a smirk, as she guides him into a seated position on the edge of couch, "this is part of my favorite game. I'm going to ask you questions and for each answer I open one clasp, and you get one step closer to the hidden treasures. You can pass if you're unwilling to answer, but too many passes and you may never discover what's waiting for you. And, if I catch you in a lie I close two clasps back up... normally its only one but I bet you're much harder to catch lying than most men, aren't you?"
The first question asked, the game begins. Val continues with simple questions about him: how long he's been there, his favorite fantasy to fulfill, what he'd like to try but hadn't. Then her questioning begins to turn: had he ever serviced Captain Fairwind, what were her most common requests when she visited the temple, what were her limits. Having learned as much as she could in preparation for her return to Port Peril, she returns to questions of more immediate concern: is it true that elves can focus on a single task for hours at a time, what would he like to focus on for the next several hours, and so on.
Once their games have been completed, she shares with him the same farewell she'd given Captain Fairwind to set this chain of events into motion, then heads back to the Siren .
Val listens to Slip's charge and to Polli's comment and nods quietly.
I don't really have any secrets important enough for this... not that are mine to trade anyways... I need to read up on how I'm supposed to handle exchanging information now... at any rate, if we found the Brine Banshee and could get her seaworthy again we'd have a great chance at winning that race... and her name would fit with the theme of our growing fleet...
Harmony leans over and speaks quietly in 'Slip's' ear.
[smaller]"The Secret Shadow was a mortal thief who sort to out do Norgorber before he ascended to godhood."
She pulls back and smiles. "Shall I go on? I can tell you other embarrassing things about your god and his agents if you like?"
"Yes, Ma'am," the white-haired woman, her eyes downcast to the deck. She gives a salute and takes her leave.
The elf is happy to play Valeria's game. Unfortunately, according to him, whenever Captain Fairwind visits the temple, she spends time with Dindreann exclusively so there's not really anything he can tell her about the woman.
He is quite skilled at his craft, however, and she leaves the temple tired, sore, but oh, so satisfied.
~~~~~
Slip leans back and gives Harmony a raised eyebrow. "Those are an ... interesting choice of secrets. Are you suggesting that the church is unaware of those facts or are you implying that those may be shared with others?"
"I imagine your church is quite aware of them." Harmony replies. "But they are secrets none-the-less, as you have just recognised. It could easily be argued that I have done you a favor by revealing to you that those... facts, are known elsewhere. There is no need for me to share them, and I do not intend to - else I would have ensured that my fellow officers heard them. I merely seek to pay your price." She gives him a toothy grin, that is not in the least cheerful.
My dear Contessa, the letter reads. My apologies about how the meeting went between us. It was something of a shock, as I'm sure you can appreciate, to hear your news in such an abrupt manner. I have spoken with my wife and we are, of course, fully supporting Harmony and your choice, no matter what.
Since we are to be family in the future I'd like a chance for the two of us to sit down together and have a little talk. Zhi will not be involved and I don't think that Harmony need be either - clearing the air will be best done between us.
I will be happy to join you the next time you are in Port Peril. Simply enclose a time and place and ensure that the seal on this letter is aligned. That will return your message to me.
Your future mother-in-law.
Melodie.
Countess of Meratt, Princeps of the Taldan Senate, First Seat below the Primogen Throne.
"We will consider whether this is requisite payment. Return here tomorrow evening and you will have your response," Slip says with a thoughtful gaze. After undoing the spell sealing the small room, the halfling shows you out.
- Day 109
Returning to the warehouse again after nightfall, you are met by Slip, who leads you to the 'Quiet Room' again. He seals the room with magic and then turns to Harmony.
"Your secrets are deemed an adequate currency. In return we would also like to present similarly known tidbits," Slip says. He then leans in close to whisper in Harmony's ear.
~~~~~
He steps back with a smile on his round face. "Just so we understand one another," he adds. Turning to the rest of you he continues, "The wreckers that sank the Lady's Sting are led by a half-orc wizard by the name of Vakarla. She and her crew operate from a hidden island base southeast of the Rampore Isles."
"As far as spies go, I am aware of a water naga named Sarlis who claims to know the location of a smuggler and spy for a foreign power. She resides in a shallow cove on the Slithering Coast at this time of year." He provides a small parchment map outlining the coast with an 'X' marked on it. He continues. "Look for a hillock with a lone tree at the top on the western side of the river flowing into the cove. Nearby is a pool where the you should wait for her, which could take several days. The nagas of the Slithering Coast are aggressive and territorial, but Sarlis is more 'social' than most of her ilk. Still, you might have to wait several days for the naga to deign to meet with you. Now I believe that since our business in concluded, you can be on your way."
He escorts you out into the night air and shuts the door behind you.
"A pleasure doing business with you." Harmony replies, looking utterly unruffled by Slip's 'tidbits'.
---------------------------
With the information received she turns and leaves the warehouse immediately, preferring not to spend a second longer with the Brotherhood than required. She doesn't stop until everyone is back on the Siren and away from prying eyes. She is also paranoid enough to check for magic before she speaks.
"So, we have what we need. I suggest we find the Lady's Sting before going back to Quent. Delivering the information they want should buy us enough good-will to get the Brine Banshee delivered without issue. If the ship is truly what they say then it will be a very worthwhile addition to our fleet. Perhaps we can even replicate the magic for the Siren." She looks around the group, particularly at Polli to see how their crafter finds the prospect.
"So. Naga first? Waiting is not ideal but I'm sure people can find ways to pass the time usefully. Once we have a better idea of what's going on we can chase down those wreckers."
Once the discussion is dealt with and Harmony has a moment to think a thought wanders through her mind. I didn't even know you could do that, let alone that someone might enjoy it!
Polli's eyes gleam with curiosity "That would be..." she doesn't have the word for how Be it would Be. "Yes, good plan, Captain. I could read up on transmutational transference... or I could go encourage the crew to get their asses moving?1?"