The sounds of merry making lasted long into the night. A beautiful night on Lysander's estate, the gentle sweet and spicy scent from the vines drifting over the cooling ground. Darkness had fallen hours ago, and the light from distant stars twinkled and danced in the warm night air. It was strange being home on the estate. So many guests to entertain, so many new faces, so many old ones. Some new friends, the shared stories of exploits from those few others who have the itch as well. The itch to journey, to see new places, for adventure. Life here on the estate just seems so...well...humdrum.
A cough interrupts your thoughts. A steward has approached, bringing with him a rather elderly and sickly looking dwarf who waits a short distance away. "This gentleman has petitioned to see you, sir." The steward looks back at the dwarf with a little distaste in his eyes, before continuing. "He seemed to think it was of the utmost importance that he speak to you. He was extremely insistent."
Before you have a chance to answer, the dwarf pushes forward quickly and gives a shallow bow, the movement seeming to take some considerable effort. He coughs, a painful racking cough, before speaking without preamble.
"My name is Vrormir. I must get to the city of Havdir as a matter of the utmost importance and urgency." He coughs hard once more, covering his mouth with a handkerchief. As he removes it you can see it is flecked with blood. "I am looking for people to escort me, who I can rely on to get me there. I have a ship out of Havdir awaiting me, the Tavernsbane is her name and she is docked here in Waterdeep now, but I must have protection for the journey." He bows again. "Your name was given to me as someone who is trustworthy and discreet. I have the means to pay any who would travel with me." Suddenly he is overcome with a bout of hacking coughs, and he turns away, almost doubling over in the process. It takes a minute or so for the coughing to subside, and Vrormir stands there panting a little and looking rather pale. "I must retire to my accommodation now. Please send word to the Blue Mermaid on Ship Street where I will be staying until the ship sails in two days. There is no need to escort me today, I have a carriage waiting for me here."
Two days later, the six of you find yourselves boarding the "Tavernsbane Freighter", along with an elderly Tiefling lady who has several of the dock porters following her with what can only be described as a small baggage train. More noticeably, there's no sign dwarf you're meant to be escorting.
As you reach the top of the gangplank, the first mate, a rather dishevelled looking half-elf, hands each of you a sealed note as you board.
"From the dwarf," he says in a gravelly voice. "He gone and got aboard already. Said to give ye one a'these each. I ain't known' what's in 'em so it ain't worth asking', right?" He absently scratches at a short goatee beard as he talks. "Go an' see the cabin boy, Danny." He points towards the main mast. "The halfling lad o'er there. He'll see you to yer cabins. If he don't I'll skin his scrawny little hide, so help me." The boy leads you below to your cabins, talking all the time in an excited high pitched voice about everything and nothing.
Soon you're settling in to your sparse accommodations as the Tavernsbane sets sail. This will be home for several weeks now, likely over a month, the journey to Havidir being a long one. What becomes noticeable almost immediately is just how few crew members there are. Normally a ship such as this would be alive with movement and activity. It sinks in as the vessel begins its voyage that there is but a skeleton crew aboard, just six crew, the Captain (Marrow), his first mate and the halfling cabin boy. Just enough to keep the ship moving and no more. , Opening the notes that were handed to you reveals promissory notes from the dwarf to the value of 5gp each. It seems that they can be exchanged at any notary in the city of Havdir once you arrive. The noise of gulls screeching above and the unfamiliar sound of water passing under the bows of the ship fill the air, and you find yourselves unsteady on your feet, for the first few hours at least. There is a long voyage ahead of you with plenty of time to kill....
A coppery-skinned young elven woman sits in a corner on the deck, dark ponytail falling over her shoulder, staring off into space. Chances are, though, none of that is the first thing you notice about her--most likely, the first thing you notice about Kythaela is her left arm, which is made of wood.
First, I take a moment to settle in to my new quarters. I do my best to make it comfortable but it's no where near to what I'm accustomed. I remind myself this is only temporary and I'll be spending most of the day up on the deck. I then go straight to our captain, Marrow. I'll introduce myself and get to know the man. That's only proper. He probably already knows my family name.
First, I take a moment to settle in to my new quarters. I do my best to make it comfortable but it's no where near to what I'm accustomed. I remind myself this is only temporary and I'll be spending most of the day up on the deck. I then go straight to our captain, Marrow. I'll introduce myself and get to know the man. That's only proper. He probably already knows my family name.
The deck of the ship is remarkably slippy, with water and years of sea life clinging to the decks. A weary-looking man dressed in a rumpled blue captain’s uniform and sporting a ragged cap smokes his pipe and rests a weathered hand on the sun-bleached helm of the ship. He pays you little mind, chewing on the end of his pipe and staring out to sea.
As you introduce yourself his gaze doesn't budge from the bow of the ship. He chews on the pipe, a gentle clicking sound coming from his mouth as he bites down on it, and smoke puffs from his mouth in slow lazy circles. "What can I do for ye, lad?" he says without shifting his gaze; adjusting the wheel slightly. "I be a bit busy right now. These be dangerous waters close to shore." His eyes glance over you before returning to the bow of the ship and his tone becomes a little more cordial. "I ain't wishing' to be rude, sir, but I ain't got half the crew the "Tavernsbane" be needing' to sail her, coz o'that dwarf friend o'yours; he wanted as few folk as possible on the ship."
His gaze turns to watch the first mate, who is standing at the edge of the ship, looking over the side. "Are we clear yet, Mr Bellos?" he shouts across to the man who shakes his head slowly, and without turning holds two fingers up towards the Captain. He shifts. "We be gettin' to open water in a couple hours, sir. Come back then, and ye'll have my full attention. In the meantime, if ye or yer friends be needin' ought, just ask the cabin boy Danny. He'll sort ye." His gaze shifts back to the bow of the ship and more smoke seems to pour from the pipe and his mouth as he gives you a small salute, thumb and forefinger of his right hand briefly gripping his hat.
Aboard the Tavernsbane, Norstaer, ponders the journey to Havdir under such peculiar circumstances. Intrigued and cautious about the mission, prompted by Vrormir's dire state and the sparse crew, Norstaer plans to navigate the voyage with keen observation and adaptability. Intent on understanding the Tavernsbane and its skeleton crew's dynamics, Norstaer aims to familiarize himself with the ship, forge connections with the crew, and the other passengers, while perhaps uncover the story behind the elderly Tiefling lady's presence.
Shaking off my displeasure at not being able to immediately charm the captain, I look around for my traveling companions. I'll try to connect with the captain later. For now, I think we need to question Vrormir more thoroughly. I'd appreciate my companions' perspective on his responses.
You all take a little time to settle into your new home on the ship, exploring a little, but generally keeping out the way of the crew who are working away feverishly for the first few hours of the voyage. Slowly things settle down as the ship loses sight of land and enters the comparative safety of open water. With most of the ship properly trimmed, the sailors begin to take watches in shifts, a routine that will likely become oh so familiar to you over the coming months.
There's no sign of Vrormir emerging from his cabin, though the crew assures you he is in there. The elderly Tiefling lady however does emerge from her cabin, keen to take the air and stroll round the deck while using a crooked wooden cane for support. She seems a gentle amiable old soul with a kind word.
The first evening meal comes around and you are invited to dine with the crew, but not the captain. The first mate, Scur Bellos, hands you all more paperwork. "Your Charters. Vrormir has paid for 'em in full. You'll need 'em when you get off ship in Havidir. Don't lose 'em or it'll cost ye a pretty penny to go ashore when we dock," and the man makes a sour face. "By right's y'all shoulda haddem afore ye got on ship, but....Cap'n got 'em made up special for ye today."
After I am finished eating, I go to Vrormir's cabin door and give it a firm knock. I don't tend to take a mission without more information although I had grown a little bored in my opulent and safe life and wanted to travel. This was a good opportunity to see a new land and have an adventure. Being as we are already on our way, I will try to get more information after the fact.
Snok waddles his way out of his cabin room and onto the deck of the freighter. He wandered around in ignorant bliss to anything else going on in the deck, after all, this was the first time he had been on a boat, and seeing the waves rush back into the sea like lattice was a sight he had never been gifted. He tried to look up at the sky, but the sun glared him down. He winced and went back to watching the pretty waves tossing around the sea back and forth.
Lysander knocks on Vormir's door only to be met by silence. Knocking again, this time louder, is met by some racking coughing followed by a loud angry voice. "I told you no visitors! Go away!"
The crew on duty on the deck of Tavernsbane watch Snock wander about the ship in amusement and delight at the little Kobold's fascination with the sea. "Want to get a better view, little dragon?" one of them asks, pointing to the lookout post near the top of the main mast. "I'll help you up there if you like?"
Norstar spends a little time talking with the crew and watching them work, taking note of how they do things and even helping when asked.
"It's good to have someone useful on board. Usually most of out passengers are dead weight. Only got you folks, that dwarf and the old lady aboard this voyage. Scur reckons Vrormir has payed the cap'n a lot of money to have as few people on board as possible." The crewman shakes his head. "Getting worked to he bone here though. Ain't enough of us to run this ship proper, like."
Snok looks back at the man, his eyes gleaming with his promise. “Oooh, yes, they be happy to climb sky high mast with! Yes yes, big fun!” Snok says to the man as he skitters toward him.
Having struck out twice, I will attempt a third time to get some information and learn about the elderly tiefling woman. I'll search for her, introduce myself pleasantly, and ask her her story.
"Madame, my name is Lysander Galanodel of House Savathor of Waterdeep. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Might I ask what brings you aboard and to Havidir?"
"Madame, my name is Lysander Galanodel of House Savathor of Waterdeep. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Might I ask what brings you aboard and to Havidir?"
The old Tiefling lady, looking out to sea jumps a little as you start to speak. She puts a hand to her chest and leans against the tail of the ship to steady herself. She gives a small laugh and move her hand from her breast to your arm. “I’m sorry,” she answered in a crooning voice. “You made me start. I’m a little deaf you see.”
Placing her hand back in the rail her shoulder length grey hair swinging gently as she moves. You can see her hand shake a little; a sign of age.
“I’m Coralaine. Pleased to meet you young man.” Her voice rises at the end of each sentence as if asking a question.
“I’m afraid I’m travelling to Havdir to tie up some loose ends. You see, my husband passed recently and he had many business interests in the city.” She gives you a gentle sad smile. “He was a good man. Quite the adventurer, you know?”
”What brings a young man from such a prestigious family on board?” She asks, and lowers her voice rather conspiratorially. “I must say, it seems very strange to have so few people aboard the ship. Whenever I’ve travelled before there’s barely been room to move below deck!”
"My sincerest apologies, madame. I didn't mean to startle you. My condolences about your husband. What was his name?" I smile charmingly hoping to disarm her. "And to answer your question about my presence onboard, my acquaintances and I are escorting the dwarf, Vrormir. I must admit, I'm a little embarrassed I don't know much about him, but once he leaves his room, I plan to get more information."
'As Norstaer carefully accepts the charter from First Mate Scur Bellos, he examines it closely, sensing the document's importance for their mission. Acknowledging the significance of keeping the charter safe for their arrival in Havdir, Norstaer thanks Scur, noting the effort taken to arrange these documents. "Thank you, Scur, I appreciate the effort to secure these," he says sincerely. Noticing the first mate's discontented expression, he tactfully asks "Excuse my asking, there were any difficulties in procuring the charters?"
During the meal, Norstaer remains observant, absorbing the dynamics of the ship and its crew while maintaining a low profile. He finds himself intrigued by the elderly Tiefling lady's gentle nature amid the crew's rougher edges. His thoughts also wander to the secluded Vrormir, reflecting on the critical nature of their journey given the dwarf's poor health.
Determined to safeguard his charter, Norstaer plans to secure it in his cabin right after dinner. He feels a growing sense of duty not just to protect the document but also to ensure the safety and success of their journey to Havdir. Aware of the deceptive calm of the sea, he knows that staying prepared and vigilant will be crucial.
Snok looks back at the man, his eyes gleaming with his promise. “Oooh, yes, they be happy to climb sky high mast with! Yes yes, big fun!” Snok says to the man as he skitters toward him.
The man grins at the excitable little Kobold. "On ye go then. I'll be right behind ye. Once yer at the top, just grab the rail and swing into the crows nest, got it?" He gives a chuckle. "Oh, and best not to look down."
'As Norstaer carefully accepts the charter from First Mate Scur Bellos, he examines it closely, sensing the document's importance for their mission. Acknowledging the significance of keeping the charter safe for their arrival in Havdir, Norstaer thanks Scur, noting the effort taken to arrange these documents. "Thank you, Scur, I appreciate the effort to secure these," he says sincerely. Noticing the first mate's discontented expression, he tactfully asks "Excuse my asking, there were any difficulties in procuring the charters?"
During the meal, Norstaer remains observant, absorbing the dynamics of the ship and its crew while maintaining a low profile. He finds himself intrigued by the elderly Tiefling lady's gentle nature amid the crew's rougher edges. His thoughts also wander to the secluded Vrormir, reflecting on the critical nature of their journey given the dwarf's poor health.
Determined to safeguard his charter, Norstaer plans to secure it in his cabin right after dinner. He feels a growing sense of duty not just to protect the document but also to ensure the safety and success of their journey to Havdir. Aware of the deceptive calm of the sea, he knows that staying prepared and vigilant will be crucial.
"No difficulties," Scur replies in a flat tone. "Just ain't a job a first mate should be doin'," he grumbles. That's what happens when ye sail without a proper crew." He shakes his head. "Cap'n should damn well know better."
"My sincerest apologies, madame. I didn't mean to startle you. My condolences about your husband. What was his name?" I smile charmingly hoping to disarm her. "And to answer your question about my presence onboard, my acquaintances and I are escorting the dwarf, Vrormir. I must admit, I'm a little embarrassed I don't know much about him, but once he leaves his room, I plan to get more information."
Coralaine's face suddenly fills with curiosity. "Is that who's in that cabin," she almost whispers to Lysander, eyes wide with surprise behind her spectacles. She puts her hand on his arm again. "I was wondering who was keeping themselves so secretively away from everyone else. I must admit it was quite the vexing mystery. You truly know nothing about why he's travelling to Havdir?" She smiles. "I suppose it doesn't matter too much, but it is very intriguing."
"My husbands name was Nyholt," she begins again. "A dream of a man," and she lowers her voice and looks around as if to check that nobody is listening in, "but he did have his wicked side." She has a glint in her eye as she says this. "I think your people might have called him a cad and a bounder," and she laughs delightedly at the memories. "We did have such adventures together. Many years ago now, it must be said." She sighs and looks back out to sea.
The man grins at the excitable little Kobold. "On ye go then. I'll be right behind ye. Once yer at the top, just grab the rail and swing into the crows nest, got it?" He gives a chuckle. "Oh, and best not to look down."
Snok starts making his way to the ladder. As he climbs he reaches as far as he can bar by bar, trying to keep himself stable. Once he manages to reach the hole of the crows nest, his eyes strain with the sun's light beaming into his face. He hurriedly starts reaching faster and faster, managing to finally reach the inside of the nest. His body going limp from exaustion onto the nest's floor, eyes stinging still, Snok blinks and blinks until the pain finally fades with a sigh.
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Trouble In Havdir
The sounds of merry making lasted long into the night. A beautiful night on Lysander's estate, the gentle sweet and spicy scent from the vines drifting over the cooling ground. Darkness had fallen hours ago, and the light from distant stars twinkled and danced in the warm night air. It was strange being home on the estate. So many guests to entertain, so many new faces, so many old ones. Some new friends, the shared stories of exploits from those few others who have the itch as well. The itch to journey, to see new places, for adventure. Life here on the estate just seems so...well...humdrum.
A cough interrupts your thoughts. A steward has approached, bringing with him a rather elderly and sickly looking dwarf who waits a short distance away.
"This gentleman has petitioned to see you, sir." The steward looks back at the dwarf with a little distaste in his eyes, before continuing. "He seemed to think it was of the utmost importance that he speak to you. He was extremely insistent."
Before you have a chance to answer, the dwarf pushes forward quickly and gives a shallow bow, the movement seeming to take some considerable effort. He coughs, a painful racking cough, before speaking without preamble.
"My name is Vrormir. I must get to the city of Havdir as a matter of the utmost importance and urgency." He coughs hard once more, covering his mouth with a handkerchief. As he removes it you can see it is flecked with blood. "I am looking for people to escort me, who I can rely on to get me there. I have a ship out of Havdir awaiting me, the Tavernsbane is her name and she is docked here in Waterdeep now, but I must have protection for the journey." He bows again. "Your name was given to me as someone who is trustworthy and discreet. I have the means to pay any who would travel with me." Suddenly he is overcome with a bout of hacking coughs, and he turns away, almost doubling over in the process. It takes a minute or so for the coughing to subside, and Vrormir stands there panting a little and looking rather pale. "I must retire to my accommodation now. Please send word to the Blue Mermaid on Ship Street where I will be staying until the ship sails in two days. There is no need to escort me today, I have a carriage waiting for me here."
Two days later, the six of you find yourselves boarding the "Tavernsbane Freighter", along with an elderly Tiefling lady who has several of the dock porters following her with what can only be described as a small baggage train. More noticeably, there's no sign dwarf you're meant to be escorting.
As you reach the top of the gangplank, the first mate, a rather dishevelled looking half-elf, hands each of you a sealed note as you board.
"From the dwarf," he says in a gravelly voice. "He gone and got aboard already. Said to give ye one a'these each. I ain't known' what's in 'em so it ain't worth asking', right?" He absently scratches at a short goatee beard as he talks. "Go an' see the cabin boy, Danny." He points towards the main mast. "The halfling lad o'er there. He'll see you to yer cabins. If he don't I'll skin his scrawny little hide, so help me." The boy leads you below to your cabins, talking all the time in an excited high pitched voice about everything and nothing.
Soon you're settling in to your sparse accommodations as the Tavernsbane sets sail. This will be home for several weeks now, likely over a month, the journey to Havidir being a long one. What becomes noticeable almost immediately is just how few crew members there are. Normally a ship such as this would be alive with movement and activity. It sinks in as the vessel begins its voyage that there is but a skeleton crew aboard, just six crew, the Captain (Marrow), his first mate and the halfling cabin boy. Just enough to keep the ship moving and no more.
,
Opening the notes that were handed to you reveals promissory notes from the dwarf to the value of 5gp each. It seems that they can be exchanged at any notary in the city of Havdir once you arrive. The noise of gulls screeching above and the unfamiliar sound of water passing under the bows of the ship fill the air, and you find yourselves unsteady on your feet, for the first few hours at least. There is a long voyage ahead of you with plenty of time to kill....
A coppery-skinned young elven woman sits in a corner on the deck, dark ponytail falling over her shoulder, staring off into space. Chances are, though, none of that is the first thing you notice about her--most likely, the first thing you notice about Kythaela is her left arm, which is made of wood.
First, I take a moment to settle in to my new quarters. I do my best to make it comfortable but it's no where near to what I'm accustomed. I remind myself this is only temporary and I'll be spending most of the day up on the deck. I then go straight to our captain, Marrow. I'll introduce myself and get to know the man. That's only proper. He probably already knows my family name.
The deck of the ship is remarkably slippy, with water and years of sea life clinging to the decks. A weary-looking man dressed in a rumpled blue captain’s uniform and sporting a ragged cap smokes his pipe and rests a weathered hand on the sun-bleached helm of the ship. He pays you little mind, chewing on the end of his pipe and staring out to sea.
As you introduce yourself his gaze doesn't budge from the bow of the ship. He chews on the pipe, a gentle clicking sound coming from his mouth as he bites down on it, and smoke puffs from his mouth in slow lazy circles. "What can I do for ye, lad?" he says without shifting his gaze; adjusting the wheel slightly. "I be a bit busy right now. These be dangerous waters close to shore." His eyes glance over you before returning to the bow of the ship and his tone becomes a little more cordial. "I ain't wishing' to be rude, sir, but I ain't got half the crew the "Tavernsbane" be needing' to sail her, coz o'that dwarf friend o'yours; he wanted as few folk as possible on the ship."
His gaze turns to watch the first mate, who is standing at the edge of the ship, looking over the side. "Are we clear yet, Mr Bellos?" he shouts across to the man who shakes his head slowly, and without turning holds two fingers up towards the Captain. He shifts. "We be gettin' to open water in a couple hours, sir. Come back then, and ye'll have my full attention. In the meantime, if ye or yer friends be needin' ought, just ask the cabin boy Danny. He'll sort ye." His gaze shifts back to the bow of the ship and more smoke seems to pour from the pipe and his mouth as he gives you a small salute, thumb and forefinger of his right hand briefly gripping his hat.
Aboard the Tavernsbane, Norstaer, ponders the journey to Havdir under such peculiar circumstances. Intrigued and cautious about the mission, prompted by Vrormir's dire state and the sparse crew, Norstaer plans to navigate the voyage with keen observation and adaptability. Intent on understanding the Tavernsbane and its skeleton crew's dynamics, Norstaer aims to familiarize himself with the ship, forge connections with the crew, and the other passengers, while perhaps uncover the story behind the elderly Tiefling lady's presence.
Shaking off my displeasure at not being able to immediately charm the captain, I look around for my traveling companions. I'll try to connect with the captain later. For now, I think we need to question Vrormir more thoroughly. I'd appreciate my companions' perspective on his responses.
You all take a little time to settle into your new home on the ship, exploring a little, but generally keeping out the way of the crew who are working away feverishly for the first few hours of the voyage. Slowly things settle down as the ship loses sight of land and enters the comparative safety of open water. With most of the ship properly trimmed, the sailors begin to take watches in shifts, a routine that will likely become oh so familiar to you over the coming months.
There's no sign of Vrormir emerging from his cabin, though the crew assures you he is in there. The elderly Tiefling lady however does emerge from her cabin, keen to take the air and stroll round the deck while using a crooked wooden cane for support. She seems a gentle amiable old soul with a kind word.
The first evening meal comes around and you are invited to dine with the crew, but not the captain. The first mate, Scur Bellos, hands you all more paperwork. "Your Charters. Vrormir has paid for 'em in full. You'll need 'em when you get off ship in Havidir. Don't lose 'em or it'll cost ye a pretty penny to go ashore when we dock," and the man makes a sour face. "By right's y'all shoulda haddem afore ye got on ship, but....Cap'n got 'em made up special for ye today."
After I am finished eating, I go to Vrormir's cabin door and give it a firm knock. I don't tend to take a mission without more information although I had grown a little bored in my opulent and safe life and wanted to travel. This was a good opportunity to see a new land and have an adventure. Being as we are already on our way, I will try to get more information after the fact.
Snok waddles his way out of his cabin room and onto the deck of the freighter. He wandered around in ignorant bliss to anything else going on in the deck, after all, this was the first time he had been on a boat, and seeing the waves rush back into the sea like lattice was a sight he had never been gifted. He tried to look up at the sky, but the sun glared him down. He winced and went back to watching the pretty waves tossing around the sea back and forth.
Kythaela holes up in her cabin as much as possible during the voyage.
Lysander knocks on Vormir's door only to be met by silence. Knocking again, this time louder, is met by some racking coughing followed by a loud angry voice. "I told you no visitors! Go away!"
The crew on duty on the deck of Tavernsbane watch Snock wander about the ship in amusement and delight at the little Kobold's fascination with the sea. "Want to get a better view, little dragon?" one of them asks, pointing to the lookout post near the top of the main mast. "I'll help you up there if you like?"
Norstar spends a little time talking with the crew and watching them work, taking note of how they do things and even helping when asked.
"It's good to have someone useful on board. Usually most of out passengers are dead weight. Only got you folks, that dwarf and the old lady aboard this voyage. Scur reckons Vrormir has payed the cap'n a lot of money to have as few people on board as possible." The crewman shakes his head. "Getting worked to he bone here though. Ain't enough of us to run this ship proper, like."
Snok looks back at the man, his eyes gleaming with his promise. “Oooh, yes, they be happy to climb sky high mast with! Yes yes, big fun!” Snok says to the man as he skitters toward him.
Having struck out twice, I will attempt a third time to get some information and learn about the elderly tiefling woman. I'll search for her, introduce myself pleasantly, and ask her her story.
"Madame, my name is Lysander Galanodel of House Savathor of Waterdeep. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Might I ask what brings you aboard and to Havidir?"
The old Tiefling lady, looking out to sea jumps a little as you start to speak. She puts a hand to her chest and leans against the tail of the ship to steady herself. She gives a small laugh and move her hand from her breast to your arm. “I’m sorry,” she answered in a crooning voice. “You made me start. I’m a little deaf you see.”
Placing her hand back in the rail her shoulder length grey hair swinging gently as she moves. You can see her hand shake a little; a sign of age.
“I’m Coralaine. Pleased to meet you young man.” Her voice rises at the end of each sentence as if asking a question.
“I’m afraid I’m travelling to Havdir to tie up some loose ends. You see, my husband passed recently and he had many business interests in the city.” She gives you a gentle sad smile. “He was a good man. Quite the adventurer, you know?”
”What brings a young man from such a prestigious family on board?” She asks, and lowers her voice rather conspiratorially. “I must say, it seems very strange to have so few people aboard the ship. Whenever I’ve travelled before there’s barely been room to move below deck!”
"My sincerest apologies, madame. I didn't mean to startle you. My condolences about your husband. What was his name?" I smile charmingly hoping to disarm her. "And to answer your question about my presence onboard, my acquaintances and I are escorting the dwarf, Vrormir. I must admit, I'm a little embarrassed I don't know much about him, but once he leaves his room, I plan to get more information."
'As Norstaer carefully accepts the charter from First Mate Scur Bellos, he examines it closely, sensing the document's importance for their mission. Acknowledging the significance of keeping the charter safe for their arrival in Havdir, Norstaer thanks Scur, noting the effort taken to arrange these documents. "Thank you, Scur, I appreciate the effort to secure these," he says sincerely. Noticing the first mate's discontented expression, he tactfully asks "Excuse my asking, there were any difficulties in procuring the charters?"
During the meal, Norstaer remains observant, absorbing the dynamics of the ship and its crew while maintaining a low profile. He finds himself intrigued by the elderly Tiefling lady's gentle nature amid the crew's rougher edges. His thoughts also wander to the secluded Vrormir, reflecting on the critical nature of their journey given the dwarf's poor health.
Determined to safeguard his charter, Norstaer plans to secure it in his cabin right after dinner. He feels a growing sense of duty not just to protect the document but also to ensure the safety and success of their journey to Havdir. Aware of the deceptive calm of the sea, he knows that staying prepared and vigilant will be crucial.
The man grins at the excitable little Kobold. "On ye go then. I'll be right behind ye. Once yer at the top, just grab the rail and swing into the crows nest, got it?" He gives a chuckle. "Oh, and best not to look down."
"No difficulties," Scur replies in a flat tone. "Just ain't a job a first mate should be doin'," he grumbles. That's what happens when ye sail without a proper crew." He shakes his head. "Cap'n should damn well know better."
Coralaine's face suddenly fills with curiosity. "Is that who's in that cabin," she almost whispers to Lysander, eyes wide with surprise behind her spectacles. She puts her hand on his arm again. "I was wondering who was keeping themselves so secretively away from everyone else. I must admit it was quite the vexing mystery. You truly know nothing about why he's travelling to Havdir?" She smiles. "I suppose it doesn't matter too much, but it is very intriguing."
"My husbands name was Nyholt," she begins again. "A dream of a man," and she lowers her voice and looks around as if to check that nobody is listening in, "but he did have his wicked side." She has a glint in her eye as she says this. "I think your people might have called him a cad and a bounder," and she laughs delightedly at the memories. "We did have such adventures together. Many years ago now, it must be said." She sighs and looks back out to sea.
"Coralaine, do you know anything about the dwarf? I would love to know more about him if you do."
I slide in closer to her with my best grin, "And adventures, you say? We've got the time. If you wouldn't mind, I'd love to hear about them!"
Snok starts making his way to the ladder. As he climbs he reaches as far as he can bar by bar, trying to keep himself stable. Once he manages to reach the hole of the crows nest, his eyes strain with the sun's light beaming into his face. He hurriedly starts reaching faster and faster, managing to finally reach the inside of the nest. His body going limp from exaustion onto the nest's floor, eyes stinging still, Snok blinks and blinks until the pain finally fades with a sigh.