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"Jacinth is not at ease near the Tulita, and yet is not forthcoming about the reasons, or the very fact. She is patronizing, and arrogant at the same time regarding her own skills, which any of us could question, in light of the recent tragedy that she and her companions fell prey to" - Zemwaar answers - "She is clearly afraid to be left with others in our group apart from yourself - of course this can be simple caution, but I do not believe it so - it is unclear what it was they were studying on their travels, I find it highly unlikely that this was a random attack and she was left to live, and I believe the truth will be revealed at the worst possible moment. There is nothing more to do than be as prepared as we can" - he finishes without hesitation.
"Senegar...He has lust in his eyes and voice for you. This in itself is not a strange thing, as you Aka are beautiful as the sea" - the Moamasu now addresses his suspicions regarding their employer in plain words - "But his relationship with Jacinth is unclear, and since I believe her recount to be missing several parts, I believe him also to be working towards this deception - most rumors are just that, but some have a reason to be. In the end, I dislike too much subterfuge, mainly in a business deal like this one should be. There are many reasons to hide one's true motives, but this venture will most likely lead us into danger, so everything should be crystal clear. Else it is a game with lives. Our lives"
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"The big fella here has the long and short of it. I couldn't tell much about the girl, but the Viscount....boy, he had eyes for you. I'm surprised you made it out without a pawing from him. Of course, we could use his clear infatuation with you to our favor in the future, if necessary. Hopefully it won't come to that, but it nice to know we have a card to play."
He too commented on her eagle riding earlier. "You might want to be careful showing all of your talents in public, Nef. Pirates aren't generally the greatest sort of folk. Someone might try to take Wedjat for some nefarious plan."
Rata felt a delicate hand take his, and then another grasping his left. It’s Usha! She’s alive! She is reaching in and pulling me from the water. She is saving me! ”Usha!!” Rata cried, his face turning from tortured torment to unbelieving rapture.
No. No, that wasn’t right. The hand was smaller than Usha’s. It was almost like a child’s hand. The bright-eyed halfling, Aikane, saving me from imminent death. Finding me on the shores just north of Port Shaw, the port we were sailing for when the attack came. The first step on my path to vengeance… ”I will find them. The Wailing Gypsy. They will all die by my hand!” But... No, that wasn't quite right either.
Am I… dead? Has my voyage to the afterlife truly begun? No! I never got the chance to avenge-
And just like that Rata was ripped from his internal torment as a raging fire surged down his throat, causing him to choke, cough and sputter. His eyes flew open, wild like a frothing horse, as he took in his surroundings. Faces he didn’t recognize at first, but as the shock wore off he began to remember who these people were, and what he was doing here. ”Wha- what happened?” He states simply, as he looks around dumbfounded.
---
Nef listens to Zem's assessment of Jacinth with a sinking heart.
"I sensed the wariness that she has about the Tulita. I tried to get her joking with Oren, but she only got more and more frosty and reserved... She confuses me, Zem. One minute she's seeking comfort, the next minute she's imperious. Her story has omissions, and I agree that it is more than likely she's hiding something."
"Perhaps we should talk this over with Aikane. With his sharp wit and cynicism, maybe he may make more sense of this tangled web than we can. Actually, we should talk this over with everyone," Nef says, glancing at Rata.
Nef looks up at both Zem and Oren. "I know all this about Jacinth... and still I find myself responding to her grief and vulnerability. I still feel there may be a good person under all the lies." She sighs. "This is so frustrating. I feel like I'm back in the harem again, dancing to my sister's strings. Am I an idiot for still wanting to reach out to Jacinth and be her friend?"
"Senegar...He has lust in his eyes and voice for you. This in itself is not a strange thing, as you Aka are beautiful as the sea."
At these words from Zemwaar, Nef stumbles, having to hang on to her companions to stand.
The double shock of the revelation of Senegar and this compliment of Zem's has her reeling. That's the second time today Zem has called me beautiful.
She glances up at her friend's face, suddenly panicky. Does Zem... have feelings for me? No, no, no... Please, no. I can't afford to lose him, my best friend, my guide. I know how badly love ends for women like me. I will not end up like my mother -- discarded and dead. I will not!
She looks up at his face, and feels relief, seeing nothing more there than the same kindness and steadfastness she had always seen.
He's just my friend, and he's just making an honest observation. Besides, if he were in love with me, surely he would smile at me. And he never once has. Eventually, he will find a worthy Moamasu girl to settle down with and start a family of his own. To her surprise, she feels a little regret about this, but she pushes the feelings away hard. He deserves love and a family. He deserves joy. When the time comes, I will let him go as I must.
She listens as Oren confirms Zem's statement about Senegar, and finally nods. "If both of you saw this... it must be so."
She takes a deep breath, though she feels shaky and more than a little sick.
"I feel awful now. I like Senegar, and thought that I had been negotiating well with him. Zem, Oren... I gave him a lei and wished him 'Aloha'. I meant that as a symbol of friendship and alliance, but there are so many shades to 'Aloha.' What if he thought I was offering him love? What do I do?"
Love; affection; compassion; mercy; sympathy; pity; kindness; sentiment; grace; charity; greeting; salutation; regards; to love; be fond of; to show kindness; mercy; pity; charity; affection; Hello! Good-bye! Farewell! Alas!
"There are many reasons to hide one's true motives, but this venture will most likely lead us into danger, so everything should be crystal clear. Else it is a game with lives. Our lives."
Nef gets hold of herself, and says, "You are right that this is a game with our lives." She looks up at both men, seriously. "Let me call on Horus' aid tomorrow and we will see if we can get some truth here."
”Wha- what happened?” He states simply, as he looks around dumbfounded.
Nef smiles at Rata and squeezes his hand. "You've returned to us," she says simply. "Ke'ahilani gave you some strong medicine, and Jacinth and I held your hands until you came back to us again. It is good to see you in the present moment, my friend."
She eases him back up to sitting, and says, "We were just talking about ships. Would you be okay with this one, or should we seek another?"
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Oren didn't rush to Rata's aid as the others did. He remained observant, wondering what was going on with the man. If he wasn't to be relied on during stressful circumstances, that would be important for all of them to know.
As Rata gets back up and reorients himself, Nef goes to talk to Ke'ahilani. "That was well done."
"Ke'ahilani, can you help me? I've never planned a ceremony to propitiate Tohorara the Whale, before. As a Moamasu witch doctor, and wise in the ways of your tribe... could you guide me, or help me find a knowledgeable priest who can?' She looks up at the man, and says, "I appreciate any help you can give me."
"Why buy a vessel?" - the man pipes in as the others put forth their considerations about the available ones - "My choice would be towards one for hire."
Nef considers. "A vessel for hire would not be a bad idea for a short trip. How far is the journey to Sammerlock Sails and the Dolentla Isles? I really don't know the answer, and that would affect all our logistics and planning."
The decision made to acquire the Rita made, you next plan to provision your fishing vessel. After consulting with Jacinth extensively, who informs you the trip to the Sammerlock Isles in her former vessel (the Dulcimer) took her just over 5 days. However, queries by Rata Fenn, Oren and Zemwaar discover her yacht was a faster vessel and the weather during her trip was good.
Judging by this new information, you judge the trip should take close to 7 days of sailing, assuming good weather.
Nef talks with Relgin McFarrows.
"Thank you so much for your time and the tour. Yes, we're interested in purchasing The Rita. Would it be possible if the supplies already on The Rita can be rolled into the purchase price?"
She also sends messengers off to the Tolchrist Family, the Bonedeuce Family and whomever else Oren had identified.
After the initial salutations, the letters read:
My apologies for the imposition and lack of advance warning, but would it be possible for you to grant my colleagues and I an audience tonight?
We're planning an expedition to the Dolentla Isle and wanted a chance to talk with some of the families from the crew of the Dulcimer. We're hoping that our journey can not only provide answers to what happened on that fateful journey, but also provide us with the chance to rescue any survivors.
If you think that you will be able to see us tonight, please send word to me care of the Captain's Wheel.
Looking forward to making your esteemed acquaintances,
Nefertiti Abdul
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Aikane sits at the dock atop a barrel and watches the others taking in the Rita.
He squirms more than a little at the sight of the ship. The gnome looks anything but eager. And who will be crew aboard an unarmed, cursed ship? The poor, the lame, and the blind, no doubt. That's the usual run of this kind of thing. That is, when one lacks a real Captain. So I set out to see what could be done.
Aikane slinks away to see if he can track down Captain Bethany Razor.
Relgin nods in appreciation of the priestess' request. "Aye, I unnnerstan' where ye are coming from...what with Miss Deepwarder's britches stuck in a wad." He gives Nefertiti a conspiratorial wink. "I 'ave 'eard th' same rumors ye have. Fer what it's worth, I dinnae trust her, 'n ye shouldn't either." He jabs a thumb in the direction of Jacinth.
"I kin get 'er stocked fer yer voyage, but it be takin' another day I'm afraid. She be sittin' 'ere for a while, I'm afraid. I kin do it fer 250 gold bits added to th' price."
Once the business is concluded, Relgin shakes Nefertiti's hand. "Don't worry ma'am. The Rita will be ready ta sail on the next following day's morning tide!"
After Nefertiti sends off her message to Port Shaw's elite families, the group all retires to the Captain's Wheel to have dinner and rest up for the upcoming voyage...that is all except Aikane...
Once Nefertiti has settled into her room and is ready to retire for the evening, she does receive a message from one of the families, the Tolcrists. Perusing the missive, Nefertiti learns they wish to meet with her and her friends at their estate at 9 o'the clock in the morning to discuss the situation. Interestingly enough, she notes they do NOT request Jacinth to join them at their estate.
Rata takes a moment to grasp Nef's words, but after a moment nods his agreement. "The Rita sounds like a worthy vessel, but I will not hide my trepidation that it seems ill-equipped to fend off some of the more hostile threats of the open waters. He looks to both Nef and their newfound ally Jacinth, appreciation shining in his tormented eyes.
Finally, he takes in Ke' and grasps the man's forearm in thanks, [b]"Thank you, my friend. I don't know what came over me, but it seems I still have some demons to conquer before we set sail. I must come to grips with my past - hopefully I can use my torment to strengthen my resolve."
As Rata stands and reorients himself, his head turns as Jacinth mentions fortifying the Rita. "Yes, that is something I would consider worthy of our attention. We set sail on the morrow? A week at sea shouldn't be so bad. I suggest we all gets a good night's rest before we embark." Myself, especially...
He follows the others to the Captain's Wheel, massaging his temples, still trying to clear his head of the remnants of those haunting visions...
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Once the decision was made, Oren had another topic to discuss with everyone. "We have over 1000 gold left of our initial stake. I think we should prepare for other issues that might come up on the island. Venoms, ancient curses, and the like. I say we buy some magic to help cure these issues should they arise. 7 days is a long trip if you have been poisoned."
Nef nods to Oren, and says, "This sounds like a wise plan to me. There's something else I'd like to prepare for as well. Do you know of any priests of Whale with whom I can consult, Oren?"
Nef says, "I would be willing to go with you to check this out tonight, Rata, if there's enough time to do so and for us to get a full rest. How far away is this place?"
Nef looks around for Aikane, and suddenly realizes that the menehune is not with them."Speaking of rechristenings, would you all be willing to get the Rita rechristened to something else? Legally, I mean. I think it would be best if it had a different name."
"We could always call it the Rata," She grins and teases Rata. "Or perhaps the Aloha or the Eagle's Eye?"
Then she bites her lip, and says, "There's something else we should talk about. Zem and Oren have some doubts concerning our new employers, Jacinth and Senegar."
Nef recounts everything that Zem and Oren told her about their concerns about the Deepwarders. When she gets to Senegar, she says, "Zem and Oren think that Senegar might... have been influenced more in the negotiations by my... personal charms than any skills he thinks we may possess." She sighs. "I still think he could be a strong ally, if we pull off this mission. Zem fears that it is possible that Senegar is actively concealing Jacinth's secrets."
She sighs. "Even Relgin suggested to me that Jacinth may not be completely trustworthy."
"Since we fear Jacinth may be hiding something, with your permission, I'd like to use the light of Horus to wrest the truth from her tomorrow. Despite everything, I want to help her. I sense a genuine grief and vulnerability there, and I gave my word -- my sacred bond -- to help her rescue the crew of the Dulcimer."
She looks around the room. "Are there any thoughts or problems with this plan?"
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As Rata massages his temples, a thought occurs to him. "Now that I've had a chance to think things over with a clear head, did anyone else notice that Relgin claimed the Rita to be named after Harok's late wife, while we overheard that he was calling out to his wife Jessica when he was found after he supposedly murdered his family?" He considers for a moment, "Maybe he had more than one wife? Or perhaps it was from a previous marriage?"
"Also, I'm uncertain how he can claim that "man-sharks" were responsible for the deaths of his loved ones when his mouth was covered in blood. Maybe both parties were involved? A troubling tale, either way..." Rata looked as if he were physically wilting. Apparently, thoughts of their present concerns weren't much better than the dark visions of his past. "Ugh, I could use a stiff drink right about now."
Slightly tipsy, Rata nods his silent ascent, agreeing that they should know the full story before risking their lives on the voyage to save Jacinth's companions.
Nef groans when she hears Rata's observation about Harok McFarrow's wives. "You're right. How did I miss this? Will no one tell me a straight story in this town?"
"So... let's look at our list of errands here, shall we?"
She counts off on her fingers.
"ONE: Visit the Tolchrists at 9:00am and get their story and maybe some extra funding?
TWO: Wrest the truth from Jacinth, and learn what we're doing here.
THREE: Learn more about how to propitiate Tohorara the Whale and plan a ceremony.
FOUR: Get the magical supplies Oren suggested.
FIVE: Look into the place that rechristens ships."
She brings up her second hand, continuing to bring up fingers.
"SIX: Find out what happened with Harok McFarrows, and who the Rita is really named after.
SEVEN: Figure out what jobs we'll be doing shipboard, especially me.
EIGHT: Rename our own ship, if we can."
Nef rests her head on her hands, looking distinctly tired.
"Ugh. Rata, can I have a sip of that drink of yours?" She sighs. "Is there anything I'm missing here? What do we want to tackle first?"
Know. Local
"I might know someone who can sell us some antivenom or a Remove Curse scroll...".
"As to the other issues, first we have plenty of time before we meet the family in the morning. That's easy. Secondly....the truth from the girl. I can think of no better time to get to know someone very well then seven days at sea. I'm sure you will have her spilling her guts in no less than three days, Nef. That doesn't worry me either. We will have plenty of time to learn about our respective duties on the ship during that time as well, I'm sure. "
"Rechristening and renaming the vessel might be a lot of bother for nothing. Remember, there is apparently a mad whale near the island. If we encounter it, all the naming issues might be for nothing, unless we want to call the vessel Shipwreck.
"Getting the supplies and trying to keep Whale from killing us would be my two highest priorities right now."
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"You shouldn't overly ponder your actions Aka" - Zemwaar adds - "I find it a good option to discuss the matter with Aikane - he knows much about how one behaves, and I am sure his insight will prove useful" - the man nods - "But still, there is nothing wrong with assisting Jacinth in this endeavor, and nothing wrong with being her friend" - the Moamasu states with the usual resolute tone - "It is something you 'feel', thus something you should pursue without guilt. As for Senegar, if he has misunderstood your intentions, that is his problem, and nothing you should need to even think twice about - if necessary, I am sure there will be time to clarify whatever needs clarifying"
"Sensible, but also consider what I said a moment ago. By buying the Rita, you would then have a vessel to do with as you please once this task is completed - if you should need to travel on the waves in the future, you would already have a ship ready to go," she offers. "And considering the strengths and...talents of your party, it would be easy enough for you to earn the coin for additional modifications if need be."
After listening, the man offers his opinion - "Your words are wise in their assessment, however this would mean making arrangements to have a vessel in port, a crew to maintain it when and if we are not around, and all the legal parameters probably involved in owning such property. The idea does not displease me, I just question its necessity at this time"
Aikane slinks away to see if he can track down Captain Bethany Razor.
"Take care brother - I get the feeling we may be drawing more attention than we realize" - he nods as the Menehune moves away.
Once the decision was made, Oren had another topic to discuss with everyone. "We have over 1000 gold left of our initial stake. I think we should prepare for other issues that might come up on the island. Venoms, ancient curses, and the like. I say we buy some magic to help cure these issues should they arise. 7 days is a long trip if you have been poisoned."
"A sound idea Oren, and one with which I agree"
"I might know someone who can sell us some antivenom or a Remove Curse scroll...".
-----
-----
After Nefertiti enumerates the chores ahead of them, Zemwaar listens carefully to Oren while downing his bear at the Captain's Wheel - "I agree with Oren in everything he has pointed out" - he adds - "I don't think we can wrest the truth from her, it will simply float to the top as we travel, that is also my belief - and she will eventually share it with you Aka"
"Rechristening and renaming the vessel might be a lot of bother for nothing. Remember, there is apparently a mad whale near the island. If we encounter it, all the naming issues might be for nothing, unless we want to call the vessel Shipwreck.
"As for the priorities, I would add number SEVEN to the list" - he continues - "But this is something we will probably address when we set foot on... Shipwreck" - finishing with a look at Oren.
"Captain, we aim to investigate Dolentia Isle. If the recent news from those waters intrigues you, come find us. We will be in town for at least one more day. Should our interests align, your purse may benefit. -Aikane Redvane"
Included are instructions on how best to find the menehune's lodgings.
Oren realizes the best place (perhaps the ONLY place) to purchase magic items is Sagacious Samuel’s Magic Emporium. Adventurers seeking potions, lotions and other magical accouterments can track down this stately shop, on the edge of Silk and Tide, garishly decorated with arcane symbols and the shimmering illusion of an elven maiden enticing passers-by.
Aikane drops off his message at the Quells' Whore He is informed rather curtly by the ship's first mate, a hulking minotaur named Kord. "I shall see she receives you message, Little One."
Aikane magically lights his right hand on fire and salutes the man with a flaming flourish before leaving.
At Oren's mention of the Shipwreck as a proposed name for the boat, Nef starts laughing so hard she nearly falls off the stool. "Maybe it's good that I didn't have any of Rata's drink after all. I surely would have snorted it out my nose, and that would burn." She grins. "Thank you, Oren... I think I sorely needed that laugh."
"Renaming boats where a tragedy has happened is a Qadiran tradition -- we get superstitious about such things, and believe that changing a name can change one's luck. I did that a bit when I arrived, choosing to be Nef rather than Nefertiti. I guess that I wanted to be reborn anew here."
She looks around the group and says, "But you are my people now. If you believe that there is no need for a name change, then I will accept that."
She pauses, and says, "I understand that we would have plenty of time to uncover the truth about Jacinth at sea. However, I want to uncover it now because now is when we're buying supplies. What if she tells us about something we can research and for which we can prepare?"
"I'll accept your other priorities, but this... this is something I want to do before we set sail."
"Remember, there is apparently a mad whale near the island. Getting the supplies and trying to keep Whale from killing us would be my two highest priorities right now."
"Oren, I haven't forgotten about the whale. I've asked Ke'ahilani for help with this, but you're a follower of the Three as well." Nef touches his arm. "Aikane isn't here for me to ask, but maybe I can catch him on the morrow."
She spreads her arms, gesturing at herself, then turns to speak to the others.
"I'm a child of the desert. I knew nothing of Tohorara before I came to these islands. I have never gotten on a canoe, never dropped casks of valuables overboard, never said the prayers or heard the words that appease the traveling whales. You have. Can you help me plan a ceremony, or help me find a priest of Tohorara who can?"
"I'd also like to go beyond just the religious ceremony, if we can." She raises her eyebrows, turning her intense gaze upon the group. "All whales are avatars of Tohorara, the lore keeper, right? What do you know of what whales like in nature? What calms and pleases them? What else can we come up with? Does the lorekeeper like music? Stories?"
She then says softly, "I'd also like to find more about the shipwrecked hold filled with ambergris, and the monsters from the island who attacked Jacinth and her comrades. Don't those monsters sound a bit like the shark men that Harok McFarrows said attacked his village? Maybe the cause of a mad whale is the same as the madness of the monsters or what fell on poor McFarrows."
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When polled about what ship to purchase, Ke' just waived his hand at the smallest (and cheapest).
"That was well done."
"Thank you, my friend. I don't know what came over me, but it seems I still have some demons to conquer before we set sail.
Ke' smiled. "Just doing my sacred duty. Speaking of, could you turn this way?" He asked, turning Rata to face the open water. Pressing Rata's stomach and back, Ke' counted down silently. Then Rata burped a six foot plume of fire.
"There you go. If you feel a little heartburn and the urge to burp, just face something that isn't flammable and let go. Shouldn't last more than a couple more minutes."He nudged Rata in the ribs.
"Uh, but until then, try to avoid taking any sharp jolts, like falling prone or something like that."
He mimed something very much like a person exploding.
"Is that whiskey?" she gapes at him once the scent of it reaches her nostrils. "How in the world would that-" she stops as the firewater seems to succeed in bringing Rata back.
Ke' grinned. "And red Lotus extract. And flail snail slime. The process is surprisingly..."
"Ke'ahilani, can you help me? I've never planned a ceremony to propitiate Tohorara the Whale, before. As a Moamasu witch doctor, and wise in the ways of your tribe... could you guide me, or help me find a knowledgeable priest who can?' She looks up at the man, and says, "I appreciate any help you can give me."
Ke'ahilani looked everywhere but her as he hemmed and hawed.
"I... well you see... I'm sorry Nef; but the fact is that I'm... barely past the Acolyte stage, as you people might say. I could say the blessing, but to propitiate Tohorara, I would have to ask my Master to help. And he is back at our village."He scratched his head, embarrassed.
"I could ask around town, see if there is anyone else who could do it, but I really cannot guarantee anyone capable."
"Ugh. Rata, can I have a sip of that drink of yours?"
Ke' looked down at the open potion tube with a peculiar expression on his face, then held it out to Nef.
"Uh, alright."Maybe it's good that I didn't have any of Rata's drink after all.
"Alright. It's here if you need a little restorative." He said as he capped the tube again.
Ke'ahilani looked everywhere but her as he hemmed and hawed.
"I... well you see... I'm sorry Nef; but the fact is that I'm... barely past the Acolyte stage, as you people might say. I could say the blessing, but to propitiate Tohorara, I would have to ask my Master to help. And he is back at our village."
He scratched his head, embarrassed.
"I could ask around town, see if there is anyone else who could do it, but I really cannot guarantee anyone capable."
Nef rubs the bridge of her nose, feeling a headache coming on. No help for it but to rise to the occasion, Nef.
She straightens and looks at Ke'ahilani with a gaze of steel.
"Very well, then. If you can accept a priestess of Eagle as your temporary master for the purpose of this ceremony, you can serve as my acolyte and I'll propitiate Tohorara."
"Will that work for you?" Nef asks, still intense. "Because if I'm to do this, I'll need all the help I can get."
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Know. Local
"I'm not sure where any priests of Tohorara are currently at in town. Since I've arrived, I haven't spent much time at church," he says sheepishly. He doesn't finish his sentence and tell the others what he has spent most of his time doing in Port Shaw, but it's pretty clear that it isn't anything religious.
Nef draws herself up to her full height (5 feet when wearing her heeled boots) and gazes up at Oren with narrowed eyes. "Fine. Then please... find me a quiet beach in the morning where I can pray. Tohorara and I need to have a talk."
I mustn't lose my temper at them... Even if they're all being spectacularly unhelpful right now.
Yes, Nef's upset. And trying desperately not to lose her temper.
She looks to see if there are any other Tulita in the Pig's Whistle. Anyone she can ask about local priests in Port Shaw.
While back at the Docks, Rata Fenn takes the opportunity to see how difficult it would be to re-christen a ship surreptitiously. Unfortunately his inquiries do not produce any concrete results. He is informed the Dragoons record every such ship transaction and they are kept on file at their main headquarters, Fort Stormshield. He could request to access the ship records but due to his lack of influence with the Dragoons, such a task would take a lot of time, at best.
As for the Wailing Gypsy re-christening without the sanction of the Dragoons, he gets the impression it is possible despite the efforts by the Dragoons to stamp out piracy, there ARE still pirates out there. Perhaps he can try contacting one...
Nefertiti does see several Tulita at the Pig and Whistle and determines the Outskirts, the Tulitan ghetto where her new-found peoples now are trapped in their struggle against disease, famine and aggressive predators is where she should begin her search for a suitable priest. Also since the area is located outside of Port Shaw proper, finding a suitable beach should not be a challenge.
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Nef comes back to the group's table at Pig and Whistle looking thoughtful. She sits next to Oren, and says softly, "I'm sorry I was a bit snippy there, my friend. I think I may understand now why you haven't gone to worship since arriving in Port Shaw."
Nef turns to him and says, "I know how you hate the Outskirts, Oren. I remember how reluctant you were to take me there when I first asked you about it, weeks ago. Still... would you come with me this time and help me find a priest of Tohorara?"
She grins. "I'm going to drag as many of the team with us tomorrow as I can, too. It's about time some of us got religion, don't you think?"
Nef draws herself up to her full height (5 feet when wearing her heeled boots) and gazes up at Oren with narrowed eyes. "Fine. Then please... find me a quiet beach in the morning where I can pray. Tohorara and I need to have a talk."
I mustn't lose my temper at them... Even if they're all being spectacularly unhelpful right now.
** spoiler omitted **
She looks to see if there are any other Tulita in the Pig's Whistle. Anyone she can ask about local priests in Port Shaw.
The man observes Nefertiti quietly, speaking calmly - "When we are in the vast ocean, there will be much time for contemplating our place in the World, even more so if we enter Whale's dominion" - he nods - "It will be important to understand and appease Tohorara, but we must not lose focus if its design eludes us for the time being"
Nef comes back to the group's table at Pig and Whistle looking thoughtful. She sits next to Oren, and says softly, "I'm sorry I was a bit snippy there, my friend. I think I may understand now why you haven't gone to worship since arriving in Port Shaw."
Nef turns to him and says, "I know how you hate the Outskirts, Oren. I remember how reluctant you were to take me there when I first asked you about it, weeks ago. Still... would you come with me this time and help me find a priest of Tohorara?"
She grins. "I'm going to drag as many of the team with us tomorrow as I can, too. It's about time some of us got religion, don't you think?"
"What are these 'Outskirts' you speak of Aka? Oren?" - Zemwaar inquires.
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"Ugh, the Outskirts. That is a slum village for mostly inhabited by the Tulita not too awful far from here. The conditions are awful...cramped, dirty, sweltering. This part of our people were much better before coming to this place. I feel terrible every time I visit and see how terrible the conditions are."
And they judge me for not being Tulita enough anymore, Oren thinks as he grows silent for a few seconds.
"But, of course I'll go with you, Nef. You don't even need to ask. Same for all of us, I'm sure."
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After retiring early for the evening (joined by Aikane as well), you catch up on some much needed sleep. However, for those of you who are used to sleeping in, the early morning comes way too early....
After dressing quickly, you all leave the Captain's Rest and head to the Outskirts with Oren leading the way through the misty, foggy lanes.
As the sun starts to break the horizon, you find yourselves approaching the Outskirts. You smell and hear the slum before you actually see it. It is a mixture of traditional fisherman's shacks and shanties that have been built out of assortment of discarded packing and shipping materials, mixed with actual pieces of driftwood born of the countless shipwrecks littering the sea around Port Shaw.
Oren remembers the times he has visited before here, seeing some proud Tulita cling to life with the strength of their ancestors, even as their gods turn away from them. Others have lost hope. More than half the Tulita population living here toils under the backbreaking yoke of the plantation owners. Many of the rest – brothers, fathers and sons – take berths on whaling ships, leaving their loved ones to struggle in their wake. Those that lose their loved ones soon become orphaned families unfortunates persist in the Outskirts, filled with hope, anger, and despair in equal measure. There are packs of small children, either naked or in clothes too large for them, running everywhere -- toddlers being minded by children of eight or nine. Everyone in the slum either looks very young, or old before their time. Many of the people look at you warily (especially at Oren and Nefertiti), or run into their houses as you walk by.
Traveling deeper in the Outskirts you see a few hopeful signs, where the few holdouts still practicing the old ways live in pili-grass huts and dilapidated warehouses, but they slip into the jungle from the hidden edges of the plantations to farm taro from taro ponds and fish from the same.
Truly this is a place where if something is not done, then this will become the legacy (and a graveyard) of a once-proud people.
"So this is what Desert looks like when it settles in the Razor," Nef says softly. "I can't say you didn't warn me, Oren."
Her hands clench and unclench as they walk through the slum. She turns to Zem. "I can't stand to see our people like this, Malama, but where do we begin to change it?"
The sheer enormity of the problem sinks in. This isn't one addict that can be cured with a prayer, or a few hungry people for whom she can buy a meal. This is an entire community in despair, and she has no idea where to begin.
"We came to get help with Tohorara,", she says, guiltily, "but I think we've just seen first hand part of what may be angering the god."
She starts talking to some of the traditional holdout women. "Aloha, Aunties. My name is Nef, and I'm a guest of the Moamasu. I'm seeking to learn about Tohohara. Do you know of a priest or shaman that I can talk to?"
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In Tulita, Aikane says "Maika`i `ole?" Terrible?
Old man, I've been quite honest to you up until this point, haven't I? Well, the matter of the truth is, well, I love the smell of the outskirts. Dirt and dung and driftwood, but on the wind the smell of Taro. And carried with Taro's scent is jungle, and the thought of afternoon rains on the caldera.
The memories of water hissing in smoke-filled stone pockets. The song of Pele. The hum of earth and echo of drumbeats swell within my heart. I will never understand how they can be so downtrodden. The humans--Tulita-- they swelter in the heat and fear monsters in the night. Pele has blessed them with life, and they do not have the sight to live it well. Her children were meant to suckle dew and waste with fire and swim with speed.
One of these days..., I remember thinking, Her Fire will come here before it ever touches the Jade District. Hope for our lady was in short supply.
"Containing the outlanders, this is not so Terrible." he shrugs off the sacrifice.
"Good fishing not far from here. They must work for gold, yes? Or do they actually labor for food?" I always wonder."
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Oren sighs and answers Aikane. "They work and make good all right. All of it goes to the plantation owners, however. Barely enough dribbles down to the workers to put clothes on their back, and allow them a room in one of these shanties. Our people should not live like this."
The happy go lucky, joking Oren was competely gone in this place. If the group didn't know him, they might not recognize the Tulita before them.
Nef reaches out and takes Oren's hand, and squeezes it. "I know," she says, feeling her friend's pain that so echoes her own. "We will find a way to change this, Oren, because we must. It won't be today. It may not be tomorrow. But it will happen. We will make it happen."
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Nefertiti approaches some of the more curious Tulita and conveys her request to one of the older adult men who eyes your group with more curiosity. His gaze is continually drawn to Nefertiti who strikes an unusual figure, to say the least.
Finally, her inquiries bear some fruit. After a short time, you are beckoned to the shack at the very edge of the Outskirts where Mokoli Ali’i, rumored leader of the independent Tulita tribes resides.
You are all ushered to his common area where he greets you. He is a tall, broad-shouldered Tuilita warrior who looks you over for a long moment before he greets you. "Welcome to my humble abode, Nefertiti. Yes I know of you, do not be surprised. You have made your mark already among my peoples. You deserve our thanks." He smiles and then rises to his feet, giving the priestess a small bow of respect.
He motions for the rest of you to make yourselves comfortable (a difficult task considering the cramped quarters) and nods. "I have been told you seek to talk with Milliauka, our spiritual leader of the Tulita people. What is your purpose for doing so?"
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Nef startles when Mokoli Ali’i calls her by name, and then she remembers whom Lucky said he was going to meet.
She blushes and inclines her head in respect. "I was surprised that you know of me, but I shouldn't have been. If half of what I've heard from Aikane of the great Mokoli Ali'i is true, than very little that concerns the Tulita slips past you."
All that, and I'm distinctive. How many other Moamasu guests travel with a mixed assortment of Tulita, a Mwangi swordsman and a Haast's Eagle?
"We are seeking Milliauka for a number of reasons. The first is that we have promised to do a rescue mission to save the crew of the Dulcimer, whose ship was sunk by an enraged Leviathan. I am worried that this creature may not be a monster, but instead be a spiritual guardian set to guard that area for a reason."
She paces the room, furiously thinking.
"I've heard the tales of how Pele destroyed the Sammerlock Sails to bring the Elvish invasion to a halt. Would it not make sense that the other gods guard that area as well?"
"I made a vow to Elemakule, a shaman of the Moamasu, to honor the gods of this land. Going whaling against an avatar of Tohorara... I cannot do it, Mokoli. Just walking through this village, I've seen plenty that enrages me, much less a proud guardian spirit. My colleagues and I need teaching, if you and Milliauka deem us worthy of it. We need to learn everything we can of Tohorara, and how to honor him."
She pauses and then looks up at the Tulita leader. "You should know as well that there is more riding on this mission than just money, or the lives of a few rich colonials. I had Viscount Deepwarder promise to help the Tulita as a secret ally, passing us information and warning, if we complete his mission successfully."
She pauses, to let that information sink in.
"As for thanks... Your people saved me. You've given me a home, friends, and a purpose. It is I who owe the Tulita everything I can possibly give." She glances up at him, a question urgent in her eyes. "How is Lucky, by the way? He never told me his true name, but he seemed to like the use-name Aikane bestowed upon him. Is he still well?"
Please tell me he hasn't returned to the Smoke.
Mokoli Ali’i listens to the priestess' words quietly without interruption. Once she has finished , he considers her words carefully before replying. "You bring much to our table, much to digest. I see your impatience though, yet I shall try to answer as best I can."
He motions outside the hut. First of all, your friend Lucky is alive and well. He is still stricken by the need for the Smoke so we guard him closely. I shall let him know you are concerned for his welfare. As for the Deepwarders..." here his eyes grow skeptical. "I am...unsure what to make of this Viscount's pledge to aid our people. The elves have long warred against us. I will withhold judgement until he proves his intent true."
He rises to his feet and starts pacing. "Your tale of the Leviathan is known to me. While the Whale is peaceful in intent, She may have been provoked, either by the elves or other such force. Yet I am no expert. Milliauka would know more of this. " He turns to face Nefertiti, "I sense you wish to speak with him now. Are you ready to leave here. He is but a short distance away."
Oren kept quiet, mostly staring at the ground while Nef and Mokoli have their discussions. Once however, he mentioned they needed to leave, Oren was quickly to his feet. "Ah, yes, I think that we need to go find Miliauka. His knowledge would be very helpful, if we are granted permission..."
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"But, of course I'll go with you, Nef. You don't even need to ask. Same for all of us, I'm sure."
Rata spoke up abruptly, "Ahem, actually I have some things I want to attend to-" But then he remembered his promise to Lucky. To check up on him and make sure he was keeping off the pipe. But, then again, that had only been two days ago so he decided to give the struggling man more time to recover.
"Yes, I believe I will attend to other matters on the morrow. As you know, this land and it's practices are quite foreign to me, even though my father and I have sailed here many times before." He paused at that, pain flashing across his face. He gulped, but continued in a strong voice, "I didn't have the chance to interact with the locals to learn their ways as my father kept me busy hauling freight while we were at port. Besides," he says with a note of finality to his voice, "in my experience, the terrors of the sea are quite real, and not manifestations of spirits or gods. Good luck in your efforts, I will check in here around midday." And with that he downs his drink and heads up to his room.
Rata will wake up early and start his search. Recalling the rumors the group had gathered over the last few days, he decided to try to track down some of the old members of the Wave Riders, thinking ex-adventurers accustomed to sailing the waters around the Razor would know of a pirate or two. He begins asking around about the whereabouts of Jalia Ramires, Captain Donovan Montgomery, Belok Talorg, and Zalen Trafalgar focusing his efforts in the Bawd district, and expanding into the Tide district.
Nef agrees with Oren. "We would be honored to meet with Miliauka." She gets up to follow Molokai.
"Screeeeeeeeeeeeee!"
All this talking. At least Senegar provided snacks.
Wedjaat eyes Zem's bag hopefully.
Once Nefertiti agrees to see Milliauka, Mokoli Ali’i nods briefly. "OK, the trip is not a long one but it can be a difficult path. Follow me."
He leads you out of the Outskirts area and heads north out of the immediate area. The walk is a brisk one and soon you are led into a marshy thicket where a solitary hut sits apart from the others. Standing outside the hut and waiting for you is an old Tulitan man. He bows to Mokoli Ali’i in greeting and waves the rest of you over. "So, I have received visitors from those who follow the Desert Princess." He inclines his head in respect. "You have come seeking me. What draws your path to my door?"
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"OK, the trip is not a long one...
As Nef follows Mokoli en route to see Milliauka, she asks, "Honorable Mokoli, I have a question for you." She gestures to Zem, meeting her friend's gaze before continuing. "Zemwaar, my malama who has been guiding me, tells me that there have been people watching and tracking my movements. Are these watchers yours, or should I be worried about another party?"
"So, I have received visitors from those who follow the Desert Princess. You have come seeking me. What draws your path to my door?"
Nef stiffens slightly at being called a 'Desert Princess,' but she forces herself to relax.
Someone has gone to a great deal of trouble to research me. Interesting.
"Aloha, Milliauka. It is an honor to meet you." She takes a deep breath. "You should know however that I am no Princess. While it is true that my father is Abdul Basara, a Qadiran merchant prince, my mother was a slave. My only status here is as both a free woman and a Moamasu guest."
She gestures behind her. "These men are my comrades, not my followers. We have all come to learn from you. Can you please tell us what you know of Tohorara?"
She mentions everything she told Mokoli, asking about her theory of whale as spirit creature. Is this possible? Likely? She also mentions the rumor of The Lashed Harpoon, Delano Amborose, and the cargo of Ambergris, asking if there is a possible connection.
"We need to know anything you might find relevant to tell us. Is there a way to heal an enraged Leviathan? Can you teach us how to propitiate Tohorara? We have only a short amount of time left this morning, but I could return later this afternoon if there is much to learn and you would be amenable to teaching me, honored elder."
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Milliauka nods in greeting. "Aloha, Nefertit. I see my naming you the 'Desert Princess' has made you uncomfortable. Please forgive me. When one is uncertain of the nature of one, means must be used to ferret out the truth." He smiles knowingly. "You have renounced your ancestry and embraced your nature. This is a truly wonderful thing to behold. I must say those who do not walk with you on your path would certainly take interest in where your path leads, would you not agree?"
He acknowledges the others behind her, looking over each one in turn. His gaze does linger on Zemwaar for a bit longer than the other members of the group, though. "You have chosen to serve Nefertiti. I believe this will bring great rewards for you."
He pauses for a moment, contemplating her request. "Tohoraha is propitiated by the Running. Twice a year when the whale pods pass through the area on their great migrations, worshippers take canoe and seek these travelers out in order to pray to them and ask their blessing." He looks thoughtful. "I am not sure this will work here. This Leviathan may have acted against the Lashed Harpoon for the retaliation of his crimes against the Whale, but what troubles me is why did the Whale sink the Dulcimer? This Jacinth would not have angered the Whale, I do not believe." He shakes his head. "I fear something else is at work here. Be cautious as the Whale may strike against you as well."
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Entering the Pig's Whistle, Rata makes a beeline for the bartender, "Good morning. Has Donovan Montgomery been by lately? Or is he staying here, perhaps? I wish to speak with him."
"I must say those who do not walk with you on your path would certainly take interest in where your path leads, would you not agree?"
Nefertiti inclines her head. This one has certainly taken an interest in my path. He's researched me thoroughly. Are the watchers his?
"I am honored by your interest in my travels, Milliauka. I hope that I prove worthy of the attention."
"You have chosen to serve Nefertiti. I believe this will bring great rewards for you."
Serve? Zem has been my guide, my light, my teacher, my friend. He is NOT my servant. Nef says nothing, for the holy man's statement was directed to Zem, not herself. Though she honors and respects Milliauka, she decides she does not like him very much.
"I fear something else is at work here. Be cautious as the Whale may strike against you as well."
Troubled by this revelation, Nef kneels before the holy man. "Milliauka, what then do you suggest that we do? Should we go against the Leviathan with harpoons? Would Tohorara ever forgive this? What would you do in our place?"