Vick is moving fast and barely has time to talk; his attention focused on other things at the moment.
He does not have time to answer questions, but one of his servants is there to freshen your drinks. Upon hearing the question, she purses her lips, thinking a bit, then she suddenly recalls the details.
"What? The elf lad with the fancy piece? Oh, hells yeah, miss - I know him; well, know 'em ain't the right word on account o' the fact that we ain't had the chance to know each other proper-like, if you know what I mean?" she says with a saucy wink.
"But if it be the one that I think that you mean, being the elf lad on who you be talking about, then it be likely it the same lad I'm thinking of, and if it be him then that's likely Sir Estel - Gilliean Estel; he's the lord High Admiral of the towns fleet," she says brightly.
"He hails from Absalom, if I recall," she adds.
"Anyhow - he's a tough one; his ship is one of the finest in the fleet. It's out in the harbor now; very fancy one - she's got good lines; very trim," she calls out over her shoulder with a grin then hurries off to fetch a drink for some other patrons.
Suny listens intently and laughs along with the waitress' tale about the Elf of her en-query. As the waitress moves away back to her duties Suny offers a friendly wave in parting.
"Well! In't that tha' most interestin' thing?" Suny exclaims to those seated around her table.
Maybe we should be seein' about whut t'is they be wantin' fer shippin' aboard said fine vessel, hey?" She asks.
"Or be folks more inclined ta' wanedin' in't tha' lands around tha' town?" Suny offers her counter point. Her gaze, however, is still matching those of the pair who are observing the table.
So the grey-eyed Elven male in the Regent's chamber was the High Admiral of Beacon. Interesting, she noted privately.
Taissa answered Suny's question simply, "I prefer the land. But I have some experience on water, mainly barges and small fishing vessels. Daya is happy on both."
She waits on her companions to see if they will approach the two observers on the other table. When her curiosity wins out over her patience, she calls out calmly to the males, "You stare and gesture. Why do you do so?"
Daya fixes her golden eyes on the human and half-elf.
With Taissa's more 'aggressive' stance towards the pair Suny adjusts her blanket, picks up her mug of rum (Or her second...maybe third..?) and wanders over to the pair.
"Hey-YA there!" (^_^)
As they are walking back, Stefan overhears Suny's comment about her speech. Easily slipping into the patois of the streetrunners of Restov, he responds to Suny.
"Now don' ya be worryin' your pretty li'l noggin on how ya talk. We's unnerstan' ya jus' fine. Jus' cuz I speak all fancylike don' mean I thinks less o' ya. It what ya do that matters, not how ya talk."
He smiles warmly at Suny so she understands he is not making fun of her.
At the bar, he snags a server and asks for as fine a wine as they have , enough for everyone. He listens slightly more than he talks trying to get a handle on Asan and the newcomer, Geser.
After waiting to see who responds to the staring strangers first, he is not surprised it is Taissa and Suny :)
Directing his attention to the two men, Stefan calls out.
"Hey there, I completely understand the desire to gaze upon the two lovely ladies at our table, but somehow I get the feeling there is more to your interest. Perhaps, if you have some question or other intent, you should just broach the subject with us. I assure you I don't bite, although I cannot vouchsafe for the bird."( he adds with a grin and a wink at Daya)
Asan looks over to the two as well, curious to their interest and what they might be discussing so heatedly.
Following up Taissa's question with a nod to her;
"Yes, If you have an interest and questions for us, by all means, come, sit. I'm sure we can make room for you. If we are to all be citizens here, should not we be neighborly and have proper introductions?"
Daya opens and closes her hooked-beak as if demonstrating the bite. Her eyes are vividly golden against the lanterns in the inn.
She gives a low, long screech, which eerily sounds like a chortle to those who know her well enough.
Taissa quizzically tilted her head at the Elf in her party. Suny was a most unusual female of her kind. She didn't demonstrate the usual apathy or disdain that other Elves commonly cast her way or at other races. And she seemed persistently exuberant. She was barely clad in a bar room full of males, which could only stir trouble. Yet, she walked freely with her rum in hand and approached strangers with an ease not born of sense.
Taissa bit down her frustration. She attempted to grab the Elf by the arm and draw her back to their table. In lowered voice Taissa addressed her, "Suny, be more prudent. Let them approach us."
It did not surprise her that Stefan and Asan attempted a more polite exchange between them. It was not her way but she understood there were certain benefits to such talk. Still, it wasted time. Yet, she did not speak to the human and half-elf again, waiting to see how they would respond to her male allies.
In time, either will lead this band. Her sapphire eyes travelled between Stefan and Asan. She briefly glanced at the quiet Geser.
Taissa tried not to smile when Daya began laughing. She kept a stern visage to the pair of strangers. She wondered what Hack was thinking about the two.
Suny does, indeed, frown at Stefan's change in speech, though his smile seems to reassure her as to his motives. She skips along slightly closer to reply,
Aye, but ye've tha' benefit of knowin' how t'is ye should be speakin' ta' who ever. I jus' got tha' way of speakin' whut I learned." She replies...then something about what she's said catches her own attention and she sighs...then giggles...and continues along seeming lost for the moment in some pleasant memory...
Suny blinks as Taissa stops her and whispers her cautionary thoughts to the rum toting, sun bronzed Elf. Turning to look at her companion Suny looks puzzled,
"Whut? They be lookin' at us. We be lookin' at them? Ye were jus' sayin about aproachin' 'em...an' now ye be sayin' it were ta' opposite?" Suny whispers back, moving to plonk back down upon her chair.
"Goddess Kiss tha' way of peoples be strange some time..." Suny mutters to herself.
"Approach does not always mean move toward. It can be done in talk, also."
Taissa's eyes narrow as she looks upon Suny. "Are you tippled? How much rum have you had, Suny?"
Suny nods and grins happily back at Tiassa, "Aye! More tipples of rum!" She says enthusiastically giggling, waving her mug to get the waitress' attention. Then she peers at her mug,
"Is'a rum gone..." *SWIG* And looks again,
"Aye tha' rum is gone...."
"More rum please!" Suny waves her now empty mug. She looks at Taissa,
"Um...I has had..." And she tries to think back..."Um... 'few'...." And she nods, happy with her accounting skills. (^_^)
The Elf seemingly had a good tolerance to liquor. Taissa had never before seen a female put away rum like Suny could.
She was sure the waiting girl had heard Suny's plea for more rum and would attend to her soon enough.
Taissa picked at her venison, waiting for the pair to respond. She threw a piece of the tender roasted meat to Daya who readily caught it in her beak. It would do until she could hunt fresh game.
Geser thanks Taissa for her invitation, genuinely grateful since he does not go about expecting kindness from anybody. He accompanies the party to the tavern, and when the food is brought to them before he can so much as place an order, he eats enough to keep fit, but drinks only water.
As the human and Half-Elf at the other table argue and continually glance toward the party, Geser thinks it only appropriate to avert his eyes. Their debate was not his business--but as his new comrade Suny's interest in them grows, he shifts in his seat and readies himself to intervene, should they be in a particularly foul mood. And then, when Stefan speaks up, his eyes widen and his head drops. He can't believe it.
Geser doesn't seem like he's particularly nervous or frightened around people, but he certainly doesn't like to overstep the bounds of respect with others. He sits and watches and doesn't touch his water as matters progress.
Hack gulps his mead regularly as he watches everyone byt the new fella, Gesser, attempt to interact with the two that are eyeing the party. Finally, he has had enough. He stands, raises his mug, and shouts at the two across the crowded establishment.
Skal! Ya two got somethin' ya need t'say to me and my new friends?
He turns back to Gesser, and in a quieter tone, adds,
By the way, welcome to the party, Gesser, I'm Hack.
Suny grins, smiles, giggles and waves pleasantly to the newcomer who's added themselves to the group. (^_^)
She raises her mug in a toast to Geser "RUM!" (^_^)
Polux goes through all the proceedings without a single word -
As the Lord Regent and his entourage leave the room, he observes them with as much intensity as they have done to the group, paying particular attention to the man with the Green Sash.
---------
As Casius Decimus explains the conditions within the charters, and lays the papers in front of them, he really has no reason to hesitate, and moves forward, signing the document without much doubt, and in complete silence.
The information exchanged back and forth between his companions and the Lord Regent Aid is useful, though all the debate about rukes and laws starts to grate somewhat on Polux - It seems they are definitely intent on setting this place straight I guess - he ponders to himself, taking basic mental notes of what is allowed and what is not.
---------
Not really caring much about the two strangers, human and half elf, observing them, Polux sticks to his meal and drink, quietly paying attention to the conversation as it unfolds.
He does offer a comment though - "Well... We ARE new in town, so it doesn't surprise me much that everyone around keeps on watching us as intently as they do" - he adds, taking another bite from the fine venison.
When Taissa, Suny and Shenkt address them in such an outspoken way, the man simply smiles, pleased with the straight approach, but making sure his weapon is closeby - There is always crap in border towns... ALWAYS - he ponders to himself.
Skal! Ya two got somethin' ya need t'say to me and my new friends?
At Hack’s imperious request the human’s eyes grow wide with surprise, and he grins with a pleased expression, nodding at the half-elf in a look that says – You see?
The half-elf merely rolls his eyes in a mild form of exasperation, but there is no real menace and it seems he’s more exasperated by the human then your presence.
At your presence at the table the man tosses his cheroot aside and slides his chair back then swings himself up from the table to greet you.
At his right hip is a pepperbox pistol, low-slung. He wears a bullwhip on his left hip, and you see a dagger strapped up his right sleeve as he reaches his hand forward to grip Hack’s hand in a warm handshake.
His features are tanned and his long brown hair is pulled back in a ponytail behind the collar of his jacket. He looks like his about thirty years old or so and seems genuinely friendly. However, you notice that his lip has a fresh cut on it, and the knuckles on his right hand are freshly bandaged and there is a bit of a bruise under his left eye. All of it looks fairly recent...
”Evening! I’m John Dodger, captain of The Seahawk. Me and my first officer here,” he says with a nod of his head at the half-elf ”are looking for folk who’re interested in doing a quick mission.”
”I recognize most of the townies here – I don’t think they got the brass for this run; but I figured that you folk look enterprising enough and maybe you’d all be interested in coming with us?”’
’That is – if you’re up for a little action?” he says with a roguish smile.
The half-elf has stood as well at this point to greet you.
More quiet and sedate than his companions, he says little but observes you all with an appraising look. He is wearing a fine rapier at his side and also has a double-barreled pistol under his left arm. He watches you carefully, studying your faces.
”Come on, come on – why don’t we all get comfortable and we’ll all share a drink? I’ll lay out the details, and – uh… if you’re interested, we’d love to have you on board,” he says with a grin as the half-elf sighs with a somewhat resigned expression on his face.
He unceremoniously moves you all back to your initial table and helps himself to a chair as well to get comfortable with you all and share some details. He beckons the half-elf to them and the half-elf moves over to you all and sits down near you, but says little as he watches you all.
Suny smiles at Shenkt "Hack" Corchran antics and continues to beam as they all make their way back to joining the group and thence introducing themselves and their potential plans. At mention of ships, sailing, the sea and other things nautical Suny positively glows with suppressed enthusiasm and delight.
"Which ship be it ye call home, then?" She asks, waiting to match their description with those vessels she saw upon the water's of the harbor. Then extends a hand.
"M'name be 'Suny' in'a speakin' of tha' peoples." She adds, tilting her head, "I din't quite be catchin' yer name, then?" She asks of the Half-Elf, still smiling. (^_^)
Suny gives Taissa a gentle nudge, as if to indicate a 'Told you so.' (^_~)
Hack returns the firm handshake.
Aye, let's hear ya out, Cap'n. I am Hack Corchran, and I'll let the others introduce themselves.
He chugs the remainder of his Mead, winks knowingly at Taissa, leaves the Mug, and sits himself comfortably at the table, leaning back with arms crossed to listen to the details.
Polux actually never left the table, so he is still sitting there when the others return, momentarily lifting his eyes from his drink - "Well met, I am Polux" - he offers dryly.
Asan stands from his place at the table and offers his hand to the captain and his mate, giving a shallow bow.
"I am Asan. We had heard that there may be sparse jobs with folk along the shore. I would hate to speak for everyone, but I think the first question that should be asked...and no offense meant of course...but the nature of this...mission. It would benefit Beacon, or just our purses?"
Smiling slightly to the men.
"As you know, we are new here...and I think we would likely rather stay on good footing, so to speak. Again, no offense."
Geser responds to Suny's toast of "rum" with but a nod. He would smile, but he knows that his teeth always make it into more of a sneer.
He stands and offers a bow when the captain introduces himself.
"I am honored to meet you, Captain. I am Geser. I must agree with Asan--I am concerned about doing goodwill before all else."
With Suny's pointy elbow nudging her side, Taissa turned a vexed look at the Elf. In lowered voice, she admonished, "Stop that." Suny was much like an annoying younger sibling, or what she had seen of them being that Taissa was an only child.
Hack's wink caught her by surprise but Taissa returned a small smile in recognition of it.
She didn't introduce herself immediately. Instead, Taissa waited; bid her time.
While the others took turn speaking to Captain John Dodger of The Seahawk, Taissa took the quiet measure of his half-elven First Mate who had just ventured to their table. Suny had presently asked the half-elf his name, so she did not repeat the inquiry.
As Asan asked him to detail the mission and its objective, Taissa listened with keen senses, attempting to judge the sincerity and honesty of the Captain's words (and the First Mate's, if he speaks).
Geser responds to Suny's toast of "rum" with but a nod. He would smile, but he knows that his teeth always make it into more of a sneer.
I must echo Asan' sentiments. We are all just recently arrived and are very keen to defend the interests of Beacon. If your goals align with ours I am sure that we can come to an equitable agreement. I, for one, am eager to enjoy a little adventure."
John stretches out his legs beneath the table and lights another cheroot easily.
”Right; so – let’s talk business, then,” he says easily.
”First things first – this little caper is all above board,” he says with a pleasant voice while the half-elf snorts.
John gives him a quick glance.
He turns back to the party.
”Don’t mind him – he’s just sore because he can’t put the figuring on how it’s going down – you know? On account of the fact that it ain’t all logic and all,” John says with a grin, though somehow a bit forced.
”Sure, Johnny, why don’t you tell them the whole story, seeing how things are all “above board”,” the half-elf says shaking his head.
”Oye – I’m getting there,” John says with a frown ”relax, will you?”
John shakes his head again, than looks back at you all.
”Right, so here’s the thing; me and my crew got a mission we’re going on. It’s all legit and if we get it done proper we’ll be doing some good work for the town and some poor bodies that need help, too,” he says.
The half-elf takes out a long, thin clove and lights it – the sweet smell of spice drifts through the tobacco and he watches you all.
John looks around and beckons you all a bit closer, as if what he’s about to tell you is a little private.
Leaning in closer to you, he continues, his voice quieter.
”The missions’ less than a day from here – the place we’re sailing ain’t that special; if you went there you’d see it for nothing and keep sailing as it don’t look all that fancy.”
”But tomorrow night there’s a thing going on – a thing that brings certain folk there.”
”The folk that are coming have something dark on their mind; it’s a bad thing, and we need to stop it,” he says, his voice far more serious than he has been so far.
The half-elf is also serious now, and takes a long draw from the clove then exhales slowly.
”Assuming it’s true,” the half-elf says somewhat skeptically.
John glances at him.
”Hey – the padre said it’s a thing for sure; you ever know him to be wrong these things before?” he asks tightly.
”No,” the half-elf says a bit sourly after a moment.
”He’s canny – he sees things; you know it and so do I – if he says it’s true, I believe him. Come on – he said that this day there’d be blood and there was,” he says holding up his hand and wiggles his bandaged fingers.
The half-elf takes another pull from the clove and frowns.
”You did start that brawl, you know,” the half-elf says with a grunt.
John waves his hand in frustration.
”Never mind that – it’s not the point, you know?”
”He said that the year ends with new winds of change – you saw what happened next?”
The half-elf glances at your party, then back at his captain, his eyes narrowing.
”You remember what else he said?” John says prodding the half-elf.
The half-elf sighs and responds.
”Aye – he said – The oath of bond which knit thy crew hearkens again; take them that it calls to thee and with equal faith thy shall achieve victory,” he says slowly.
”Right! And we come into town and what do we see? We see all of a sudden a group of lads and lasses who just came from the keep and they just took the oath that old man Titus has new folk take if they pledge themselves to help the town. Just like you and me and the others did last year. You know – The oath of bond which knit the crew? And then they all step out and head to the tavern right to bump into us for us. Come on! Doesn’t that mean anything to you? I mean, what do you call that?”
”I’d call it coincidence, Johnny,” the half-elf says, but his voice isn’t as sure.
John rolls his eyes then looks back at you all.
”Okay, let me spell it out a bit clearer, then,” he says quickly.
”The padre that trek’s with us is a loremaster. He knows lots of ancient stuff; and the gods smile on him – he’s got the Second Sight. He sees things from time to time – things that come to pass.”
John glances at the half-elf.
”Come on Ren; tell them the details,” he says prompting “Ren”.
The half-elf sighs, then takes another pull from his clove, than looks at you all.
”The priest who sails with us has seen things from time to time; yes,” he says slowly.
”But he studies the lore of the ancients. He knows that there is a group that follows the Dark Ones of old,” he says slowly, his eyes serious now.
”It is said that this group meets on various times, at various places – but tomorrow is the first day of the new year; and on that night there is no moon. This is a rare thing and considered a dark omen – to start the new year without the gleam of light,” he adds, his voice a bit on edge, clearly nervous from this lore he is recounting, as if speaking it aloud is a harbinger of darkness.
”There will be foul rites performed and a black ritual where blood offerings shall be made,” he adds tensely.
John interrupts.
”The padre says that blood shall be spilled on the Black Stone – that dark ones shall be called upon and innocent folk slain to appease their poxing demon gods, or whatever the hell it's supposed to be.”
Ren sighs in frustration, shaking his head.
”All of this is true; I myself have read the lore – but as for the place that this sacrifice would happen? No one truly knows where the spot is. Anyone you ask merely treats it like a jest; no one takes this legend seriously, except to grow enraged if you press the issue,” he says glancing at John’s face where it is still marked from earlier fighting.
”Oh piss on that,” John retorts somewhat angrily ”I told them what I knew and asked for help; they can shove it up their asses if they have a problem with that; they didn’t need to get nasty, and them that did? They got worse than they gave anyhow,” he says somewhat darkly and turns back to you all.
”Here’s the thing – the padre claims to know where this place is; the place that the sacrifice will happen. He says it happens tomorrow night, at midnight – but we have to be there tomorrow to stop it.”
”Thing is; the padre won’t go unless we fulfill his part of this vision he had, and he seems to think that meant finding people in this town that have sworn to help the innocents that live here.”
”He claims it’s all linked together; the town’s called “Beacon” – that supposed to be somehow linked on account of the fact that’s a “shining light” or some crap; but to him it’s more than coincidence ‘cause that Shining Light will help banish the darkness of a “Black Moon” on the dawn of a new year,” John says unconsciously making a warding sign as Ren does likewise to ward off bad luck or evil spirits.
”We tried getting some lads down by the docks; but they think it’s a fool’s quest and a waste of time and things got ugly. Hell, no one wants to help on this thing...” he mutters the last with dark scowl.
”Look, the point is – next thing we know we bump into you folk and you just came from the Keep," he says brightening.
"We heard you’ve signed on with Titus and his crew. Ren thinks it’s coincidence; hell, he may be right – but the padre will see it as destiny and he’ll take us where we need to go – if you come with us,” he adds sincerely.
He glances at Ren, who smokes quietly, appraising you carefully at this point.
”Look, I know it sounds crazy – but think about it; you’re looking for work, I got work. You need a ship – I got a ship. You want action – I can give you action. And you’re talking pretty about doing good to help poor folk and do right by the town, eh? Well, if this pans out like the padre thinks than when we do the deed we’ll have saved the lives of some good folk and put down some basterds who worship poxing dark gods.”
”Unless you plan on sitting here for another week or two until a job falls into your lap – what’d you got to lose?” he says looking at you all.
At this point Ren seems to have put aside his skepticism. You can tell that despite their arguing that “Johnny” and “Ren” have been through a lot together and they see each other as family.
Whatever doubts Ren may have about the idea; you are clear he will go on this mission because he believes in his captain.
”Well… what do you say?” John says looking at you.
To her companions she declares, "They believe in what they are telling us. And they seem to trust the priest with the second sight."
She directs her question to the half-elf, Ren, "How many in your crew at present? Or is it just you, the Captain and the Loremaster willing to undertake this mission to save innocents from slaughter for some dark ritual?"
Suny leans closer and listens intently to what the pair have to say. At the end of the telling of the tale she nods,
"Aye, I can be in on that. Though I might need some help carryin' me trunk down ta' tha' boat." She sighs, "If'n I be knowin' I'd be shippin' out almost on'a same day, I would na' bothered bringin' it ashore." She says ruefully. She looks to her companions seated around the table to listen to their views.
"How many in your crew at present? Or is it just you, the Captain and the Loremaster willing to undertake this mission to save innocents from slaughter for some dark ritual?"
The half-elf regards you quizzically.
"Why do you ask me instead of my captain, who sits beside you?" he says as he takes another draw from his smoke, not answering the question at this time, studying you intently as if trying to guess your motivations.
John interrupts again.
"Hey - easy, chief - she didn't mean no disrespect; she's just asking questions is all," he says trying not to scare off folk they're hoping to recruit.
He turns to you all.
"We got a total of five; me, Ren, the padre and two others. The ship holds ten easy; but we'll likely want to have room aboard for any we bust out," he says, glancing around the room.
"You are the First Mate and thus it is your job to know such things."
Taissa held her deep blue gaze upon the male half-elf.
When the Captain answered, she turned his way and inclined her head toward John Dodger. "Thank you for the answer, Captain. How do you feel about my avian companion, here? We travel together. Have you space enough aboard your vessel?"
"Aye, I can be in on that. Though I might need some help carryin' me trunk down ta' tha' boat." She sighs, "If'n I be knowin' I'd be shippin' out almost on'a same day, I would na' bothered bringin' it ashore."
"Good enough," John says with a please voice.
He looks her over.
"If you got a trunk you maybe got gear in it?" he says with a friendly voice but skeptical eyes.
"If so, I recommend getting yourself a decent rig before we ship out - I need folk who can sail and fight and I ain't got time for doxies on this venture; no offense meant," he says nodding at the elf's clothing - or lack of it.
"But hey, all kidding aside; this ain't poxing south seas off Sargava, you know? I don't need folk getting sick aboard our ship and maybe spreading that sick to me and my crew," he says sincerely.
"You are the First Mate and thus it is your job to know such things."
The half-elf watches you for a moment; his blue eyes suddenly seem frosty after you tell him what his job is supposed to be and what he is supposed to know, but he says nothing more at this time.
John's eyes dart between the two half-elves and he looks at Ren a bit tensely, than smile a bit, attempting to ease the mood.
When the Captain answered, she turned his way and inclined her head toward John Dodger. "How do you feel about my avian companion, here? We travel together. Have you space aboard your vessel?"
He glances at Daya, then back to Taissa.
"Hell, lass - the more the merrier. As for the space? Yeah, we got space enough for at least twenty, though it'd be tight quarters. But it ships easy with ten; having a dozen or so won't be much of an issue - we got room enough for her," he says with a friendly voice.
"Good enough," John says with a please voice.
He looks her over.
"If you got a trunk you maybe got gear in it?" he says with a friendly voice but skeptical eyes.
"If so, I recommend getting yourself a decent rig before we ship out - I need folk who can sail and fight and I ain't got time for doxies on this venture; no offense meant," he says nodding at the elf's clothing - or lack of it.
"But hey, all kidding aside; this ain't poxing south seas off Sargava, you know? I don't need folk getting sick aboard our ship and maybe spreading that sick to me and my crew," he says sincerely.
Suny grins back cheerfully, "Oh, ye dun't need ta' worry about me losin' anything on her ship. Should tha' weather come ta' tha' worst? It be folks who in't familiar with tha' sea who start prayin' ta' they's high ones." She gives a chirp of a laugh.
"As fer me A-coot-ree-ments? Aye, they's in me trunk. Whut fer should a bod need ta' ware them selfs in if'n they be in'a safe town like this?" She asks.
"As fer South of Sargava? Say whut ye like, but at least tha' waters be warm." She finishes with a further laugh and a smile. (^_^)
Asan regards the Captain with clear dark eyes, and straightened face, showing the seriousness of what he is about to say.
Again I cannot speak for the others, but I would say this. I will join you, for even the possibility that innocents...true innocents are to be sacrificed, or have their will taken from them, is something that must be stopped. I would add this though; I would prefer sound minds and clear thinking in this. Were it to in fact be legend and we come upon some folk merely enacting some harmless ritual, it would be just as foul."
Looking over to Ren as well, he then turns back to the group, lightening a bit.
"It is fortuitous that you have come along. For with souls such as these here, I think sitting still would do us little good. I for one would like to see more of the coast at the very least. If, after investigation, we uncover some foul play...well then...then perhaps we have a real adventure, no?"
"Whut fer should a bod need ta' ware them selfs in if'n they be in'a safe town like this?"
John looks at her with a flat smile.
It seems as if he wants to say something, but he is keeping his mouth closed for now and continues to smile.
"As fer South of Sargava? Say whut ye like, but at least tha' waters be warm."
"Maybe - but we're not there, now," he says with a little shrug.
"It is fortuitous that you have come along. For with souls such as these here, I think sitting still would do us little good. I for one would like to see more of the coast at the very least. If, after investigation, we uncover some foul play...well then...then perhaps we have a real adventure, no?"
John grins and bangs the table with his fist.
"Now that's the kind of talk I like to hear," he says with a grin.
"Come on, then - who else is on board?" he says looking at the rest of you.
She noted the frosty look sent her way from Ren and the Captain's nervous response.
Again Taissa inclines her head to the Captain for his friendly response regarding Daya.
Ignoring the half-elf and facing Daya, Taissa begins a conversation involving a series of low screeches lasting a minute. Unsure whether she should sign up and be trapped on a vessel with the ill-disposed Ren, Taissa remains silent, waiting to hear from her other companions. Suny had agreed without a moment's notice (as seemed her way). But Taissa didn't work that way.
Ignoring the half-elf and facing Daya, Taissa begins a conversation involving a series of low screeches lasting a minute.
Ren turns to John and speaks to him in a tense rapid voice; the language seeming a foreign tongue.
He seems ill at ease; and during his words, John watches him carefully, his eyes flicking to Taissa, than back to Ren.
John answers in the same tongue and the half-elf nods once.
Secondary to her conversation with Daya, Taissa heard the rapid, foreign-tongued conversation between the Captain and First Mate. She attempted to gleam an understanding through tone and body language and if it was in reference to her.
Asan notices the conversation between Taissa and her companion Daya. He watches for moment or two, and then smiles to himself, still amazed at the gift these two share.
"If I may, Taissa...I know you have just met me, so take my thoughts for what they are, that of a stranger..But I think this should not concern overmuch. I believe the captain said his destination was less than a day's travel. I know it is probably a bit more by land, but should you or Daya find the trip not to your liking, you would hardly be inconvenienced overmuch. Perhaps a day back to town? I must admit my advice is not entirely unbiased though. You two are a blessing and a wonder to me. I would relish the chance to interact with you two further."
The last bits of his speech are stilted and awkward, as if he isn't quite sure of his phrasing.
[dice=Raw Sense Motive]1d20+1
You suspect Ren's a pretty good guy at heart, but he’s clearly suspicious of you for some reason.
You have a hunch that the captain is suggesting he get over his suspicions and the quest is more important.
It's clear that Ren's not too excited about it; nor is it clear why he's suspicious in the first place, but he’ll do it.
John glances between Asan and nods, clearly agreeing with the man said.
He turns to the others.
"What do you all think? I know that it comes off a bit odd, hell; I won't deny it at all... But if it's true... well, it could be pretty big," he says.
She was all too familiar with suspicion cast her way. Her life, even as solitary as it was oft times, still gave people pause to question her motives and character even when they knew nothing about her. And so it was with Ren, First Mate of The Seahawk. It was apparent he didn't want her aboard the ship and it was just as apparent that Captain John Dodger did. Ren seemed to possess a true heart and that was one of the reasons why she directed her question to him about the crew. Taissa quietly pondered how she would get the half-elf to open his eyes and truly see her heart and spirit. Why does he act this way? Most days she could shake off disappointment with some ease. Yet she was curious to discover his reasons. At the same time, Ren's frosty glare and agitated body language, made her remain silent in his presence, hoping to stem the growing conflict by staying calm.
Taissa focused her mind on Asan. His good, easy temperament was a balm and he seemed to want her company and that of Daya's. She looked upon Asan's deep, dark eyes, counting seconds until she regained some balance.
She placed a cordial smile on her lips and extended her hand to John Dodger, to shake on the agreeement. In her usual low, husky voice, she responded, "Daya and I will join you in this mission, Captain."
"This sounds like the kind of mission I have been looking for," Geser says, adding his own support.
Aye, count me in. I'm a fair sailor, and one of the best fighters you'll ever see. Let's do some raidin'!
Hack takes a long pull on his mead...
BRRRRRP...ha, ha! Bring me another!