"No.  He said he would meet us at the docks." Ressys says as he heads for the door when everyone is ready to go.

Qidira hoists her pack and gathers her gear and moves to join the others.  "Oh, look what I can do!  I'm not sure why,  but it works."  She scoops up a bit of spoiled food wrapping it tightly in cloth to avoid the smell and tucks it in her pack. Then gathers up the remainder of the good food wrapping it up and tucking it in another pocket.  Looking up to see the others studying her curiously as she pockets old food, then good food.  "Yes..." then she thinks a moment pondering their gazes. "No, not that. Look!"  She taps the table and it illuminates a bright blue, then she taps it again and again changing the color through various shades. Attempting to amuse them.  "Tough crowd." She says slowly to their continued looks.  Tapping the table to turn the illumination off, thinking some more.

"It works on anything and is pretty bright.  Seems to last about an hour unless I turn it off and whatever color I want.  I can see in the dark, but I know some of you can't so hope it will help.  It also might be particularly annoying to creatures that prefer the dark, but have yet to try that out."  Looking very proud of her new skill.  "Well off we go?  Durnham's probably getting cold down there at the docks." She says striding to the door opening it and waiting to lock it up before they depart.  

The Palebank docks are two things in the early morning – cold and busy.  By the time the rest of the party arrive, Durnham has been standing around for about ten minutes, dodging dock workers and their heavy loads, trying not to get underfoot. 

The reassembled group only has to wait another five minutes before Elro arrives.  Moving much better as his wounds continue to heal, he greets you warmly (for him), with a smile as he approaches. 

“If I were a younger man I would insist on joining you, but the truth is I would just slow you down.  But this is a gravely important task, one that I can only entrust to a team that holds my strongest confidence.  You handling of matters so far tells me you have earned this trust” 

The docks continue to bustle around you, small by the scale of most ports but disproportionately large for a village like Palebank.  Most of the activity is focused on a galleon being loaded with crates – The Feather, according to the name painted by the figurehead, which is itself a carving of an angel with extended wings.   

“That’s the gold express” Says Elro, admiringly, “Taking our trade down south, and bringing proceeds and essentials back.  Your ship is on the next pier” 

Looking over you see a smaller vessel with some strange kind of beast as a figurehead – Kotar recognises the likeness. “The Remorhaz” says the elderly elf, “built for cold waters and she’ll get you to Eiselcross in nine days, landing at Syrinlya on Foren, the largest island.  Morgo Delwur will meet you off the boat and show you around, answer any questions you have.  There is an elf at Syrinlya called The Buyer.  They’re able to teleport the cure back here once you have it.  Should save some time” 

Elro stops suddenly, as if he has spoken a lifetime’s worth.  He cocks an eyebrow at you and asks “Any questions before we say farewell?” 

“We found some notes from my Uncle in the cabin... it gave us a direction to aim for. Places called Thin sheets... and the vault. He also mentioned someone... Orvo Mustave... does any of it sound familiar?”

Brandon walks to the dock with the others in silence, lost in his own thoughts and memories.  Dressed in his cold weather clothes in preparation for the journey ahead, he glances up in the brightening sky but the raven that had plagued him earlier was noticeably absent.

His mood lifted when he saw first Durnham, then Elro, at the docks.  “Good morning, Elro.  It is good to see you up and moving around after your injuries.” He waves toward the ship  “Thank you for arranging this transport for us, and this Buyer and his ability to transport the cure will be a great help.  I hope that we can do our part and recover it.”  

He nods at Durnham’s questions “We were hopeful this Orvo may be your contact in Syrinlya, but perhaps Morgo can help us find him, or direct us to the Thin Sheets.  Any information you can add would be helpful.”

Qidira moves along with the others, boarding when its time.  "Did I hear you correctly?  That the Cure will be Teleported back?  We had been speaking on the possibility of the family needing to be brought closer to receive it in time, but a teleportation would save so much risk.  There's no chance it could get damaged in that type of transition?"  She'd heard of people teleporting, but never other things.  It made sense though, and she was excited to hear that the family wouldn't need to be asked to take the dangerous voyage in their weakening condition.  

“Orvo Mustave?  Yes, I know him – dwarf explorer, no surprise if he did some runs with your uncle.  If he’s at Syrinlya then Morgo will know where to find him.  Thin Sheets doesn’t mean anything to me I’m afraid, and as for vaults – I wouldn’t be surprised but I couldn’t help with any directions” 

Elro nods at Brandon’s comments, confirming the soldier’s suspicions – Morgo is the place to start, and Elro is not much authority on the land across the sea. 

He nods with raised eyebrows at Qidira’s happy surprise, saying “It was news to me when I found out it was possible, but The Buyer has used their chest to send us items of value or urgency before.  They might be willing to purchase anything...unusual that you find on Eiselcross” 

"Excellent!  What does Morgo look like?  I imagine he has lots to do to get the ship underway."  Qidira questions looking in the direction of the Remorhaz and enjoying the warmth of the many layers of clothing she's wearing for the first time in her life.  Its heavy and a little bulkier than would likely be normal for those used to dressing for this weather, like a mother overdressed her child for snowy weather but at least she can put her arms down.  

Ressys walks with the others towards the docks.  The hustle and bustle of the place is a bit overwhelming.  He preferred solitude and this place was far from it.  But his ears still waggled in anticipation.  He had never in all his years had the opportunity to be out to sea.  He had stood at the shore and gazed out looking at the crashing waves and endless water.  And now he had the opportunity and he looked forward to it. 

He greeted Elro when they met up.  "You certainly look healthier, that is for certain."  He stood back as the others covered the questions on their contacts ready to see the ship they would sail on.

Durnham nods to Elro, “Thank you Elro, we will do whatever we can to get the cure back here as quickly as we can.” He smiles at him “I knew you’d be ok, takes more than a few bandits to take you down old man.”

“On the way, then.” He said just before Qidira approached showing… Magic? It seemed that he was not the only one feeling stronger as the morning came. “What can’t you do? This magic light thing I’ll be super useful for me and Ressys. Thank you.”

They made their way to the docks as planned, no bandit attacks or giant creatures roaming about - things that considering the last two days were frankly surprising. They found Durham pretty easily and wait but few minutes for Elro. The old elf started by saying how much he felt for not accompanying them.

“I doubt very much you would slow us down.” He spoke remembering how the elder had dispatched five criminals on his own. That was no small feat. “And you can be sure we’ll do our best to solve this.”

Then Aldataur show then ships, the first was a trade vessel with an angel in the bow and the second one was their ride. Smaller and carrying the likeness of a far less amiable creature.

“I sure hope we don’t find one of those.” Kotar spoke pointing the figure that gave name to the Remorhaz. The thing was used to threat goliath children into behaving. “Oh you may want to check Thorak Grayfist.”

Qidira looks at the big trade vessel, then at the smaller tougher looking vessel with a monsterous name.  The name was a good omen.  It said to her that it was a beast on the sea.  Grinning to herself and other unlikely names that it could have had that would have inspired fear with their meekness.  

Then as she listens to the others speak, she hears someone speaking of becoming so ill on their last voyage and wonders.  "I've never traveled the sea, but I hear that sometime people get very ill at the motion if they aren't used to it.  Are there any remedies I should have at hand in case that happens?  I don't plan to and hope to enjoy the voyage to the fullest - and so I am thinking ahead."  She finishes so they don't see her as a liability.  "As kids I'd chew mint leaves to ease an aching stomach when my food choices weren't so wise or plentiful.  Something like that?"  She adds absently playing with a set of dice in her hands to distract them from concerns of her being ill.  

"Oh Morgo won’t be on the ship, she’ll meet you there.  Dwarf lady, bright pink hair – unless it’s hidden under that navy wool hat of hers.  I’ve sent word that you’re on the way on the Remorhaz, so she’ll be looking for you at the docks” 

Elro nods when Kotar gives his view of the ship’s namesake creature, “Yes, I’ve heard grave stories of those creatures.  If you do meet one on the islands then keep your distance and throw steel at it – not fire or ice” 

At the mention of Thorak, Elro looks puzzled: “Hmmm, the jeweller lad?  I trust your judgement, but what am I looking for?” 

A tall (for a dwarf) man walks over confidently, sporting a magnificent black beard and a bald head. Elro introduces him: “Ah, this is Orsik Silveryarn, quartermaster of the Remorhaz.  Orsik, these are my friends – I know that you’ll look after them.  They need extra provisions and something to help with seasickness maybe” 

Orsik smiles indulgently, apparently used to ferrying landlubbers around Wildemount. He looks at you as he seems to answer the elf and then address your whole party at once: “Of course, Elro.  Now my friends, There are lots of rules on my ship but if you stay out of the way of my crew then you’ll never need to learn them all.  I can stock extra rations for you to take at our destination, two silver per day’s worth for one person – a bargain at favourable rates.  For queasiness on the sea I recommend ginger; luckily for you my little well-padded one, I always carry some for my guests” 

Orsik opens a small silver tin from his pocket and hands a thick root to Qidira. 

“We sail in an hour so I suggest you get on board.  Wait on deck and I’ll take you to your quarters” 

“Thank you and him, yes.” Kotar answered to Elro. “It may be nothing, but he acted in a really strange way when we pointed out that he was not a local and insisted on telling us how his merchandise was honestly acquired and had fair price.” The goliath choose to not mention the effort the merchant put into his bad accent. This kind of acting was normal in the trade business, everyone knew as much. “He could just have gotten nervous, but at the same time he could be related to smuggling and if the is he could be related to Hulil and her crew. Could become a thorn on our side after everything that happened in the cave and Pecl’s.”

It was only as he spoked about the criminals that his mind asked about their fate, just not enough to ask Elro about it. If the Glassblade was successful then there was nothing to worry about, if he wasn’t then the question could sour the mood.

“Good day, Captain and thank you for the help.” Kotar said considering to offer his help should anyone on the ship needed. He was good with heavy work. At the end he refrained from making the proposition, fearing it could offend Orsik somehow.

Ressys nodded to the dwarf introduced by Elro.  "I look forward to the voyage.  To be on the sea has been a dream of mine for quite some time and I hope the experience will be worth the wait.  I have wanted to visit Eiselcross as well. My skills are at your service if your crew needs minor healing." 

He moves to board the ship and finds a spot on the sea side of the ship, staying out of the way, and watches the waves as he waits for Orsik to show them their quarters.

“Thank you again, Elro.” Durnham shakes Elro’s hand. “If we don’t make it... please let my parents know what we were trying to do.” He looks away embarrassed and turns to the Quartermaster.

”uh... sir... your offer is... nice. But maybe we can make a better deal. Perhaps we can be helpful on the voyage? I’d be willing to... uh... help in exchange for a bit of a daily wage for the voyage. I... I... wouldn’t expect much just whatever you or the captain think is fair. I do have some... uh... talents... that could be useful?” He looks at the Quartermaster hopefully.

Brandon gives a friendly smile and a nod to the quartermaster “Well met, Orsik.  You need not fear any trouble from me, this old soldier knows when to stay out of the way.  But I am ready to provide any aid when needed” he quickly adds.  “Many thanks for your generous offer on rations, some of our party will take you up on that when we arrive at our destination.  Any chance the seas will favor us and we will make the journey in less than nine days?”

He gives a wave to Elro as he follows the others on board the ship, giving a quick glance around the deck.  While he waits for further instructions from the crew, he can’t help but notice Qidira work a pair of dice in her hands.  Maybe we will find some way to pass the time on this voyage, he thinks to himself.

Qidira grins internally catching Brandon take a quick look at her dice.  Gotcha!  I think I've found someone to play a game with.  

She holds out her hand gratefully to Orsik, "I hope not to need it but better to be prepared, thank you!  As for me, I'll be out of the way, no problem at all, but should something need fixing, I'm you're gnome!"  Then glancing at the mast and sails, "Little things are more my talent" she adds holding up a new mechanical bird and the snuff box turned into a music box. "but otherwise invisible!"  She adds joining the others on the ship.  

Orsik considers the offers of assistance and seems pragmatic: "I see some strong arms for sure, not many sailors though.  If I have cause to need any of you then I'll credit you with rations or gold when we arrive"

Durnham smiles at Orsik, “uhm... no I’m not a sailor. I’ll show you what I can do later and you can decide how useful it might be.” With that he waves again to Elro and walks to the ship.