Glasses:

“Right, so let’s focus on the end caps, shall we?  I recall seeing Kam in all his glory—we should try to capture that image in metal yet make a sturdy cap for the quarterstaff,” replies the Professor.  Starting to make some sketches, he asks, “Have you considered making one end silvered and the other end cold iron?  It would make the weapon more versatile and might fit the iconography better with a shining silver unicorn and a dark cold iron raven?”

"Aye tha be a possibility, ifn i has tha silver"

Glasses:

“Excellent,” replies the Professor.  Two hours and countless conjurations later, Berrus and Snively have created two scale models of the end caps with his tinker tools.

While Berrus and the Professor are busy designing a new weapon for Shae, the tabaxi scout carefully approaches the fishing Fang. "Hello, Three Earrings would like to talk. Sorry for harsh words and actions at the temple, me not used to Scales like yourself. Three Earrings mean no harm, but see that Fang by himself a lot. Three Earrings think, Fang far away from home?"

Fang notices the Tabaxi’s approach thanks to Mushu being perched on his shoulder. It takes Fang a while to answer the question and the whole time he doesn’t look at the Tabaxi. The silence drags on until the Tabaxi starts to walk away thinking no reply is forth coming, when Fang says in a flat tone. “Yes. And with each day that passes I’m further from my village than I have ever been.” He continues to stare out into the sea, idly fiddling with his fishing rod. 

"Why?" the tabaxi replies, sounding genuinely curious why Fang would go through with this if he felt lonely and like he didn't belong.

Another long silence follows. During which Fang lands a couple fish. Finally turning to Three Earrings says, “Life debt. If not for Medic, I would be dead.” He says flatly and completely devoid of any emotion. Almost or if he were simply stating some random fact. Then turns back to the sea and continues his fishing. 

At the mention of Shae, Mushu flies off to look for her, or more accurately, more treats from her. Leaving Fang and Three Earrings relatively alone 

She nods, pensively. "So you her slave?" You see that she wrinkles her snout a little at that.

Unsure of what the concept of slave is, Fang answers somewhat hesitantly, “No? I don’t think so... I am here because I choose to be, to keep Medic safe. The way she did for me. As are the ways of my people.” Fang reaches up absentmindedly to pet Mushu before realizing the pseudo dragon is gone. 

The tabaxi furrows her brow in confusion, trying to wrap her head around the concept of honour that Fang seems to be living by. After a while, she gives up, and chooses to change the subject: "The little dragon, pet of yours?"

“Yes. It was caged in a Kobold lair. I gave it some food I had and set it free. It has followed since before I’ve traveled with these Soft skins.” Fang makes a sweeping gesture to the other occupants of the boat. 

Although Shae was emotional by the reality of Kam's next chapter, she had truly found peace in his words. He was honest with her and took the time to share his story with her, and for that she was grateful. She took comfort in knowing what was, how things came to be and what she could prepare herself for in the future. The medic knew not all things last forever and that there were natural cycles that took place, but it didn't change some of the feelings that came with it. But she was stronger now, and surrounded by tough, patient and clever individuals. More importantly, she felt oddly grounded. And safe, regardless of this being the most harsh environment she's ever experienced. And it was all thanks to them. With this commune, Shae felt some closure deep within her heart.

Shae would listen intently to Maxine's share of detailed information about her use of the potion. With an amused smile on her face, she'd be sure to take all notes on what she said, including her friends playful description of feeling like a circus magician. "The menace of the undead in Chult must be ended." She'd repeat Kam's words in a soft response to Maxine's comments about the undead. The scholar would also jot down the points shared from the archaeologist. Sharing some excitement about dinosaurs with Maxine, a small smirk would tug at her lips as she took the note. Then her expression would soften to more of an endearing one. "I'm thankful for your sharp instincts and tenacity Maxine." Shae would say sincerely, taking her hands in hers. "What ever path you decide to take, I'll support you." She'd nod with a gentle smile. "We'll get you there." Her hands would give a gentle squeeze, "And, when you find yourself itching for a crazy adventure, I'm always willing to be 'your partner in crime'!" Her smile would turn into a smirk. "Seriously. Any Maxine mischief to be managed. I'm in."

17

Letting out a loud scream, Shae nearly jumps out of her skin as she stumbles back. She'd trip over her own feet, tumbling back onto her rear end with sheer surprise and a flash of panic evident in her eyes. The medic's hand would clap over her mouth. She'd blink once or twice, her chest was rising and falling in sharp breaths. But then, she'd suddenly lay back against the floor and start giggling. Then, Shae'd break out into loud muffled laughter until she would let go of her mouth and it could be heard clearly.

Shae could be found hugging herself in a lazy rolling giggle fit with Mushu hopping all over and around her in uncontainable excitement, tickling her as he went. He had victoriously snuck into her treat stash, gorged, and surprised her better than ever before. The pseudodragon pranced about with enthusiasm and satisfied chatters for successfully scaring the medic to the floor.

The tabaxi gives an attempt at a smile: "So, Fang and dragon are a bit like Shae and Fang, no?"

“I hadn’t considered that before now. Though I suppose you have a point.” Fang considers the Tabaxi’s words going silent again staring out to sea and focusing on fishing. 

Apart from the occasional interactions on board, your third uninterrupted day on the water passes smoothly, with the weather being overcast and grey, but dry. By now, even the new survivors are used to the shifts and the tasks on the ship are quickly taken care of, giving you all a lot of time to relax and to work on plans or training with Berrus to improve your own defences. 

With Fang's fishing, and the dried rations from the digsite, you're all able to eat your fill, and even the grievously wounded Noska and Brax have recovered markedly by now. 

On the night of the third day on sea, Thessalandra calls for a vote from you all, to determine whether you want to make landfall near Fort Beluarian and the Flaming Fist mercenary company, or give them some berth and sail around the northern tip of Chult before reaching the Bay of Chult in about two days or so.

"Water - safe, land - not safe," repeated Maxine herself with a shrug. Obviously, she was not going to fight for it, but her preferences did not change.

Glasses:

"Three Earrings, weren't you interested in becoming a Flaming Fist?  This could be your opportunity," suggests the Professor, adding, "If we want to keep going by sea, at least we could put into port and check on the Fort and see if they are okay given all the undead attacks recently."

Shae would offer Fang a thankful smile for all his fishing. She'd then nod along with Maxine's new mantra. "Water - safe, land - not safe." The warlock would repeat, even if it only humoured her. With those thoughts, Shae would set out to check on a few things. As long as their water and rations were safe and plentiful for the journey, she'd agree.

First the medic would go check on the stores. Shae wanted to review everything to be certain they have enough safe provisions for this proposed leg of their journey. Even if it took a little time, she'd complete a detailed inventory check. Food. Water. Medical. Tools. Supplies. Once that check was done, she'd move on to reviewing any necessary repairs that may need delegating before she'd move on to looking over their path and navigation with the Captain.

When the ships logistics were checked and in order to confirm Shae's choice to continue by water, she'd move on to completing medical checks on everyone, even if she had just checked on Noska and Brax.

Next, Shae would check in with Fang to see how he was doing and ask to review his fishing knowledge. The scholar would offer to work with him and the Professor in adding notes, observations, cataloguing the different species and cooking recipes for the gazetteer. She'd even consider trying some fishing herself. Of course, the medic would be sure to ask Fang for more treats for Mushu.

Shae wouldn't be done her rounds without checking on Berrus, especially considering his apprehension for the water. She'd provide him with an update on the inventory should she have one. It was more of an excuse to chat at him hoping she could provide him some form of distraction from his discomfort. Soon enough when there was a pause of silence, the warlock would tilt her head slightly with a soft smile. "Up for some training today?"

"Anytime dear, whenever ye ha the time.  ye votin fer stayin on tha boat?, he would gently almost shyly move a lock of hair from Shae's eye i heard Miss Maxine sayin tha same, tis probably tha fastest way if nothing else"

Berrus has been passing the days training and helping around the ship

Of course... She'd make time.

Shae would glance away a bit bashful from the gesture before thinking out loud to add to the discussion. "The Professor did bring to light Three Earrings' opportunity, and the reality that people at this port might need help too..." She'd sigh lightly, knowing her own desire to try to help everyone any time they can. But when she'd pan to look over Maxine and all the original crew from the Empress before looking back to Berrus, she knew she felt the necessity to be selfish. "But they deserve to go home... I can't bring myself to ask them to risk more unnecessarily when we're so close." Those who they promised to take home would have to suggest/agree to port for Shae to agree to port. Otherwise, she was with Maxine.