"Don't trust them," Judal answers succinctly.  

     "Then again, I don't know them," he adds after a moments thought.  "Maybe giving their own a cursed sword was an accident but they seemed very prepared to knock him out for such a thing to truly have been a surprise.  I can't help but wonder if they really escaped an encounter with Vader unchanged. Unsullied.  But then again, the did come with Luck Dragons which you would think speaks well of them..."  Judal shrugs and continues looking out to sea and examining the armada.  

     "And your thoughts?" he inquires of Malenia.  "I thought to retrieve the sword to get it out of play amongst the violent newbies.  They seem to have calmed though, so what are your intentions for the weapon?  Cursed it is, they say.  Yet a thing can be both cursed and useful..."

"I know some of them, Granted my interaction with them was limited as we had pressing matters to attend to at the time." Watching the secondary ship, Her pupils narrowing to gauge whether or not it truly was another vessel fleeing King's Landing. 

 "I am.....wary of them, As you said their entrance while grand, Does lend them a shred of Credence. Rum seem's confident, headstrong and perhaps a voice of reason. Kaede is a bit brash, narcissistic, as well as egotistical. Barking orders towards someone she had just met." Moving her hand to open the bag at her side, the leather strap uncoiling as she flicks her brass finger, Dropping the weapon in question into the sack before tying it shut. "In all fairness to them, It was I who rendered Greko unconcious.....The little guy really cant take a punch."

"I intend to make it into something useful.....My brother taught me how to craft weapons like the ones I use before he left The Haligtree, From what he had told me. It's possible to remove impurities from weapons like this one. I've never tried it and It's been sometime since I crafted a weapon.....Thank you by the way." Shooting Judal a knowing glance, her Keen eyes flashing against the sun. 

     "You did.  After they attacked him first... And to be fair, he is old as dust by the looks of it," Judal replies. "Would be hard not to knock him out."  When she thanks him Judal offers no verbal reply but he does allow a sly grin to form and accompany the twinkle in his eye.

     "Your weapons are quite formidable," Judal agrees in a contemplative tone, still looking out over the waters at the other ships.  "Sometimes though it is the impurities which make a thing impressive, is it not?  Too pure a thing can be fragile, near impossible to maintain... Perhaps a little darkness reminds the light to shine so brightly?"

     "Whatever, I think before anything is done the sword should be studied and it's nature determined before it is changed.  My tricks and skills aren't in such identifying magics but I know they exist.  If, and I do stress if...  If we are giving them the benefit of the doubt, it could be possible they wished this Greko to do such a spell.  Perhaps they did not warn him of the danger of the sword, the fools, or perhaps he was just clumsy.  They're surely displeased about our taking of it...  Perhaps we should negotiate a proper checking of the thing?  It would be the diplomatic thing to do..."

     "Speaking of diplomatic...  In times of stress and chaos we all revert to our basic natures.  It is possible Lady Kaede's basic nature is that of a leader.  Ordering others around may just be her nature.  Mind you there are better ways to do such than others but as a knight I am well accustomed to taking orders and the tone was a familiar one in that regard.  Perhaps be a bit forgiving?" Judal suggests.

As the sword is slid from underneath his foot, Rum watches it float over to Melania, and she in turn walk across to stand next to Judal. He cocks his head to the side watching them for but a second, before he turns and walks over to Greko and squats beside him.

Whispering first to Lady Kaede and Stasolya, "What Melania did to him would have worn off in a few seconds. It is the same skill I have. And I saw the red in his eyes disappear, so the sword's control is broken. He drank the healing potion which helped with any wounds, so right now he is either milking the situation, or merely asleep".

He then leans in closer to Greko's ear and says, "By the Great Dragon, I never thought to see a Great Green Macaw!"

Greko's one eye opens "Hmm? What's that? Who's speaking? A bird? Great Green Macaw? Was that Rum? Greko's jaw hurts....Exhaustion, stess, hurt pride, all wiped out Greko. Where is this bird? Greko needs a pastry....What has happened since Greko's been sleeping? Was Greko out long? Where's the bird?" Greko opens both eyes staring into the sky (Perc 19) only seeing Lady Kaede, Rum and Stas...."Greko's jaw hurts....The sword is cursed but Greko figures you all know this based on Greko's out of character attack and mean words. Greko apologizes that Greko was not wise enough to sense the curse or strong enough to fight it...Greko needs to apologize to Violet....Greko has failed you all...." Greko holds out his hand for help up

Rum takes Greko’s hand and helps him stand, “Do not fret, friend Greko. All is well, no-one blames you for what happened. Take a moment to get your bearings”.

     "You knocked him for a loop but you don't blame him?" Judal calls over from the railing.  "What did you do to who you DO blame?"

"Usually disintegrate them," Violet giggles.

But then she turns her attention to Greko, concern evident on her face and in her many eyes.

"Greko, it's not your fault... but... maybe in the future stay away from the cursed swords? I was afraid we might have lost you to that sword... and that I was about to lose my head to it..."

"Perhaps, As you well know. Im not one for taking orders, Especially not from someone who believes themselves my better simply because of their heritage. I do not think it mere coincidence that our paths were intertwined just as the Answer was disbanded, Nor do I think it happenstance that these people bring news of Vader's survival.....Despite my belief that the Sith had truly succumbed to his Granite Fate. I do think there are higher forces at play here, be it a God or the Force itself. Something has pushed us all together like pawns on a chessboard. Kaede may be pardoned for a slip of the tongue in this case, Considering the news we have brought to her." Looking over her shoulder, towards the conveneing members of the Ardent Remnants as Greko stirred. 

"A Great Green Macaw...." Reading the Lips of Rum, carefully watching each of them as they spoke among themselves. "I do not fear the repurcussions for taking the weapon, No more than I fear Death. If they have some way of revealing the weapons qualities, We may negotiate. Otherwise no one other than I shall touch it until my intent is finished." Coldly staring at the one known as Lady Kaede, Trying her best not to judge this individual considering the circumstances, yet they had clearly misread the situation, One that it seems Rum had picked up on. "I will do what I must to keep the balance, as the balance is what holds all life. There is no good without evil, but evil must not be allowed to flourish." Clapsing her Prosthetic hand onto Judals shoulder, sparing him a friendly smile before moving away, back towards Stasoyla to finish her conversation with the Centaur. 

Seeing Greko is ok, and knowing the other ship is no threat, Rum turns back to Melania and Judal.

"The incident with the sword was over and done in mere seconds. Friend Greko was disarmed without harming him, before you, Melania, struck him. I am surprised by your immediate use of force without assessing the situation at all. Especially against allies that had handled the situation. That was the first time one of the Answer struck a member of the Remnants", he says loudly enough for all the Answer and Remnants to hear, but perfectly calmly.

"Judal, I am not certain if you feign ignorance or are ignorant. Do not believe that I am unaware of you slipping something to Greko when we came aboard. Granted that could have been innocent, but then you created the fog and caused the sword to heat up to the point of burning my foot. That is the second time one of the Answer effectively attacked a Remnant. Obviously Melania then took possession of the sword, despite a reasonable request from myself to wait a while to figure out what it is", he continues, his tone remaining calm and balanced.

"The disrespect you have both shown is quite frankly shocking, and your actions have made trust between us almost impossible. In fact, out of all of you, only Thea has treated us with any respect at all", he finishes, looking across to Thea and giving her a nod of thanks.

Greko stands up using Rum as a crutch and talks to everyone on the boat "Greko apologizes to everyone for what happened. Greko knows what the sword is and its capabalities. Greko was taken by the curse. Greko did not know the sword was cursed until it was too late. Thank you to friend Rum for disarming the sword." Greko continues to talk but walks near Malenia out of punching distance of course. "Here Greko thought only Sith dealt in absolutes. Interesting that you think you and you alone should be the keeper of this cursed sword. Seems you have much to learn in the way of the force hmm? The sword is cursed. This sword is the most powerful sword Greko has seen and the curse is strong. Greko knows of this sword and believes you should, leave it in its sheath and put it down on the deck so we all may calmy discuss the next steps. We are on the same team despite your actions" Greko is looking at Malenia and Judal only now. "It is odd that Malenia having fought with most of us here would treat us with such disdain and mistrust and yet here you are the keeper to a curse sword saying you and you alone should be the one to hold onto it. Judal I understand your mistrust as we have never met, but your actions have further sowed the seeds of mistrust between the groups. You are following the lead of Malenia who is now the one not letting a cursed sword go ....Might Greko suggest we start anew....Put the sword down on the ground and leave it so that the group can disuss what to do that is if you can....."

     “We’ll, that’s just like you opinion, man…” Judal replies with a barely perceptible shrug.

     “As for your apparent problem with The Answer… allow me to solve it.  There is no Answer.  Problem solved…”

     “Still, I warmed the blade, true.  For you were holding a cursed blade, albeit with your foot, and unwilling to release it to one who needed not touch it to put it out of harms way.  Do forgive my consideration that you yourself may have been compromised by the blade but can you say it’s an unreasonable consideration?  Specially since you still are adamant that the blade be removed from its safe place for… what reason?  So we can discuss it?  Please do enlighten us how having the blade loose upon the deck would help enlighten such a discussion…” Judal adds.

     “Did I place an item upon Greko’s person?  You saw that, eh?” Judal continues, mirth evident in his tone.  “Forgive me, Elder Greko.  I meant no harm nor disrespect.  It is but a tiny pebble with a minor charm upon it.  It may have become a minor annoyance if it took too long to find but sometimes I cannot help but like a good laugh…  But if your companion feline finds this on the level of cursed swords carelessly handed around, well I find that curious…  curious indeed.”

     “Perhaps we all have  reason to distrust one another.  Perhaps some are just too quick to get their hackles up.  I would suggest you find a way to achieve some calmness before you make a thing where there need not be one… “

As Greko comes to and is fine, Stasolya smiles and pats him on the shoulder as Rum helps him up. And she turns to accompany them over to Malenia and Judal, her expression sad with disappointment as she eyes Judal. "Antagonistic have you always been, concerned with yourself and your own gain even if at the expense of others, quick to judge and criticize others, but unable to take criticism without wild protest. These are all marks of the darkness in your heart. If what Rum saw of your actions is true, then it seems that darkness, and the lure of power coupled with the suspicion that others are equally bound to that lure, still has quite a hold on you. You cannot assist in our mission under such spell, Judal."

She looks then to Malenia, who still wishes to talk to her. Having seen the Jedi's conversion previously, but not having seen her in some time, the centaur does not know where Malenia stands. Stasolya gives no words to Malenia yet, as the others are full of questions for her and are waiting to see if she will release the sword, but the centaur nods to her, her expression indicating that she really wants to hear what the Jedi has to say. It sounds like it may have been important, before the incident of the cursed sword interrupted us.

     “Are you gon a  bark all day, little doggie? Or are you gonna  bite?” Judal asks in response to Stasya. “Because you make a lot of accusations there but I have no so much as tried to take this sword.”

Rum looks at Judal quizzically as he details his strange version of events and makes the accusation that he isn't calm. 

He listens with interest at Stasolya's assessment of Judal's nature and suitability to accompany them.

"I believe your inability to take criticism might have impacted your memory, Judal. Until your trickery with the fog, there was no need to secure the blade with my foot", he adds, still perfectly calm.

"But your true colours have been shown. It is a shame", he says as Judal baits Stasolya.

     "Pardon me, your furness, but I have heard no criticism from you.  Only accusations.  Stasolya, on the other hand, has leveled criticism...  But forgive me if I do not lend it much weight considering it comes from a coward who refused to aid others but instead chose to watch the Tarasque's wanton destruction from a safe distance..." Judal answers.  "Malenia, of course, can speak for herself but I grow tired of you all..."

((And indeed going to pause to give Malenia or others a chance to chime in as well... Plus have to go interview some dogs.))

Greko shakes his head "Greko is not mad. Greko is disappointed. Greko enjoys little pranks. Greko, however, thought that the assembly of heroes would bode well for us...cooperation, comraderie, combination of skills and abilities, sharing of stories but all it has led to is mistrust, hurt pride, accusations and criticisms. If we are not able to work together on the simplicity of what to do with a cursed sword, together, then it seems that we should part ways. Greko had high hopes when we landed and found friends but it seems we have not friends or even companions. If we can not work together, Greko will take his leave and those that wish to travel with Greko may." Greko walks to sit down on a crate and waits for the others to decide the group's fate.

"I did assess, I saw him raise a blade towards one of your allies. With that information I chose to act, To stun him. Now tell me, How was I meant to know the weapon was cursed, that Greko was under the effects of said curse or that he had been rid of it? If I wanted to harm Greko, I could have. No I chose to put him in a state to rethink his actions, Of course I apologized once I learned of what has actually transpired yet you still hold it over me like bickering children." Looking between them all, Her gaze lingering on Stasoyla for a moment before turning and moving back towards Judal. Standing beside clearly the only individual who was seeing things from outside the Remnants point of view. 

"The Answer is dead, We have made that clear. I never claimed to be a Hero, and I am not a Sith" She stares daggers at Greko, insulted that this elderly lizard would even suggest that she was. "My path, My way isnt so black and white. I deal in the Gray and not in Ultimatum's" Watching Greko sit away from the commotion after expressing one such thing. "If you wish to leave, Then leave. I wont stop you." 

Shaking her head as three of the Remnants attack her friend with their words, One of them someone she thought her friend. "I am dissapointed that you do not see exactly the situation before us, Dissapointed by the actions of all of you. You handed a Cursed weapon to a companion, that companion attacked under the curse. One of you chose to 'safeguard' the weapon under foot while another, No more than a child elected to bark obnoxious orders as if appointing themselves into some type of leadership role. Then when your companion proves to be fine, you surround and verbally assault my friend because HE does not trust you. HE does not know you, rather than EARNING that trust. You act like this, Children who have had a toy taken away from them, throwing tantrums, dealing in ultimatums and ganging up on a individual. I am dissapointed YOU did not assess the situation better." 

She settles her brass hand onto Judals shoulder, "You want the sword? Take it. Of course if it is reasonable for YOU to do so, It was so reasonable to leave a cursed weapon on the deck of a ship where ANYONE including the dozens of deckhands could make a move for it, perfectly more reasonable than storing it away in a space where it cannot be touch by anyone."  She opens the sack on her side, waiting for one of them to reach in and take the weapon. "I shared some of your sentiment Greko, I thought we had all been pushed together for something more. Now Im not so sure."

"I will admit you apologised, and it was appreciated", Rum concedes to Melania.

"You ask for us to earn your trust but do not think it also works the other way? I had no problem discussing the sword calmly with you. Tell me what trust it built to then summon fog and heat the sword to enable you to simply take it? And even after that, when I went to check on my friend, shouting falsehoods about how I knocked him for a loop, when you and Judal both know that was you", he continues still maintaining his calm.

"I can truthfully say my actions were honourable, and that I treated everyone here with respect. If we can all honestly say that, then all we have here is a misunderstanding".

"Do you really think me such a fool that I do not think it works both ways?" Remaining calm in the tense situation, Where upon she is coming to the belief that combining with the Remnants may have more Cons than Pros by this point. Considering their appearent lack of self awareness. "I whole heartedly admit and embrace that My actions were too hasty, Im grateful that my Apology was appreciated. Yet in the commotion you have continuously brought up my actions and to what end? In an effort to further this divide between us, that is the only reason I could possibly fathom." 

"Take the blade, deal with it among yourselves. I wash my hands of you and your companions Rombell of Starvation. You have shown us no shred of Respect, evident when the child traveling with you elected to attempt to give me commands. No shred of trust, when you decided to continuously berate me for a simple mistake that I had apologized for. In these cases, Why would I ever have afforded you and yours the same Respect and Trust you have denied me? Take the blade and let this matter be settled, as you said. Finding that common trust among us may be impossible at this point." Stretching the mouth of the bag hanging from her shoulder open, Waiting patiently for someone to take the weapon. 

"And before you remark that I cannot lump the actions of you and your companions together. Think first, that you are doing the same to us. I cannot speak for Judal, Nor can I explain his actions. Yet I will stand stand beside him."