Shae wouldn't be shy about inspecting the piles. She'd pop up on her tip toes to check as high as she could, bend over some supplies to look further and prattle on to Fang as she did, all while absentmindedly fidgeting with her necklace in one hand. At one point she'd pause to look at Feng. "We'll have you back out in your element soon." She'd try her best to assure him.

O'Tamu clears his throat, before pulling Shae to the side.

"I don't want to sound rushed, but waiting another day or two before your weapons are silvered could make a large difference for the Gauntlets down south. Plus, as far as I know they have a smithy and some silver supplies there, so once you're there to support them, I am sure parts of your weapons can be dipped in silver at that point. As far as gear is concerned, for anything non-magical, either Kwayothé or I can manage to get you what you need by day's end. Magically enchanted gear is unfortunately a lot harder to come by and while I am an enchanter, you saw how long even something relatively simple likke the professor's pipe took me."

Continuing the list, he almost seems to blush: "I'm sorry to disappoint further. We don't have any accurate maps of the interior of the continent, the map the professor and you made is one of the most complete and accurate we have seen in years. What I can offer though, is the location of all know mines, as well as the rough locations for Kir Sabal, an ancient Monastery in the East of the continent, and Mbala, a dominant cliff and plateau you should be able to use as a navigation aid."

"As far as silver mines go, we import most of our silver here, but if I recall correctly, there's a mine that's struck some silver veins at the mouth of the Tath river, near Jahaka Bay. Could well be, that there are mines I don't know about or that the other proprietors have decided to keep quiet about any silver deposits, as silver far surpasses gold in value for anyone trying to strike out into the jungle and so there's a vibrant market yfor silver particularly for the many adventurers and mercenaries here."

He then creases his forehead: "As far as the Trueanvils, Mithril Hall and the Lost City of Tamoachan, all I can provide you with are snippets of information, folklore and gossip I'm afraid. From what I heard, Tamoachan wasbuilt by the ancients, though they had a different name for it. The Trueanvils claim that their name stems from the fact that they were the first of the dwarves of chult to smelt and smith metals and it was supposedly their doing that made sure that much of Tamoachan was built underground to be closer to the treasures of the earth. Lastly, there are often tales of the twin cities, Tamoachan and Omu. Apparently the city states traded frequently with one another, but something happened and both were forgotten about."

Reng, the Princess wrinkles her nose at your requests, but points towards a smaller pile behind the bigger crates. You find a collection of throwing javelins, oval shields clad in leopard skins, yklwas studded with sharp onyx blades, cured leathers for shin and forearm bracers as well as a heavy loin protector, and several variants for leather and woven cloth breast plates, feathered helmets, stone daggers and large jewel- studded belts.

Fang, you see several fish traps , hooks and line and plenty of nets. You also find some tridents and fish spears, as well as forked arrows for your bow.  

(Here's the map that's pinned in the chat as well. It's your current state of knowledge, plus the mentioned places.)

Glasses:

The Professor listens intently and takes notes in his journal, making sure his map is updated properly.  "I am grateful for the enchantment of the pipe, Prince O'Tamu, and all your other assistance.  With your help and the Princess' expertise in logistics, we should be ready to leave very soon."

Turning to the others, Snively asks, "Well, I am as ready as I am going to be...Shall we go now, or are there other errands that needs must be accomplished?"

Fang grabs as many arrows and as many of the forked arrows as will fit in his efficient quiver. (Equal numbers of both. So 30 each) He will then try and get as many tridents and fish spears as will fit also. (Again trying to get equal numbers of the items.) Lastly he makes sure all of his fishing gear has enough line, nets and hooks and if it should be deficient adds to it with the supplies he’s found. 

When the professor asks if there’s anything else that needs to be done before leaving he looks at glasses and states plainly, “No, let’s go save more soft skins.” Those paying attention and familiar with Fang can see the slightest traces of a grin. 

((Sorry, just a rushed Mulligan is all set to move on since I'm all busy and discombobulated at being on Jury Duty at the worst possible time work wise...  So nothing to creative right now, just didn't want to hold things up.))

Aside with O'Tamu Shae begins by shaking her head at the Prince's apology. She was the one who made the ask last minute and knew the information was scarce. Wearing a genuine smile on her face, Shae showed and expressed deep gratitude for the information and time he's taken to share it. Pulling out another notebook of her own, she'd be sure to record everything neatly. "Thank you, again. For everything." Another thanks and a respectful farewell, Shae would return to the group.

"Sorry for the delay." Shae would tuck some hair behind her ear. "Without further adieu?" She'd smile warmly with slightly pink cheeks.

Having gathered all the gear that you think you require, and in Mulligan's case, some more to be sure, you make your way down to the docks, following Kwayothé's Instructions. You only go a few dozen feet, before you decide that it's easier if the professor conjures his disc and you can pile the goods on there. Without further ado, you form a neat caravan protecting all your hard-won gear and make your way down to the harbour. 

You're still a few hundred feet from the water, when the Professor, Fang and Shae notice the distinct sail of the ship you're heading towards, and you can see a very excited Mushu dart out of Fang's pocket, releasing a pleasant cloud of purple smoke, smelling of toasted bread over a campfire. You start to quickly share in the excitement, as you get close to the Hope, and you see Captain Thessalandra at the prow, whistling over to you all:

"Great to see you all again! I made the Princess promise to keep our involvement a secret! Couldn't wait to see the look on all your faces. And neither could he!" With that, she steps aside and you all see the broad shoulders, long beard and short stature of a heavily armoured dwarf beside her.

Berrus, feel free to make your (re)entry!

D'ye think ye be needen any assistance?  

Berrus stands near the ship.  He is looking a little worse for wear.  Beard is shorter and looks a little singed and there is a healing gash under his right eye.

Glasses:

     With a broad smile, the Professor pats Shae on the shoulder and says, "Have at it," with a chuckle (Casting Fly).

Wave after wave of emotions, one after after another hit Shae, stunning her in place. The familiar sail and crew, the nostalgic scents of jungle nights… At the Professor’s pat on her shoulder, Shae would kind of stumble forward, not necessarily from his strength, but from the weight of the eyes on her and the pressure to advance. She registered no words. Choking on lost words of her own, she could feel a wall begin to bubble up as her eyes stare over the scene before her. She’d swallow.

Eventually, Shae’s feet would carry her forward. As she stepped she’d instinctively reach for her healers kit at her side. Approaching Berrus, she’d lean down to inspect the healing gash beneath his eye. Regardless of whether it was already treated or not, the medic would review it and administer a treatment of her own. She’d work without a word, solely focusing her attention on tending the wound.

Berrus just looks into Shae's eyes and softly says Thank ye lass

Glasses:

    The Professor’s smile would only widen as he watches Shae’s clumsy gait and distracted progress across the wharf, his magic supporting her as she stumbles, propelling her forward as her will dictates before her feet even begin to move.

A solitary tear forms in his left eye as he thinks to himself, “So this is what true love is.  Her heart takes flight at the sight of him so completely that she doesn’t even realize the rest of her body has taken to the air as well.”

Quickly clearing his throat, Snively makes his way to the berth and greets the dwarf, “Berrus, good to have you back with us.”  Looking up to the ship, he adds more loudly, “And Captain Thessalandra, AHOY and WELL MET!”

At yer service n yer families as always Perfesser.  I would bow but.....Berrus' voice trails off

Shae’s eyes wouldn’t look back, they were distant and focused on the wound. She’d nod in response.

When the Professor would speak up, Shae would step away to greet Captain Thessalandra and the rest of the crew. Occasionally her eyes would glance around half expectantly, but truthfully, she knew someone would still be missing. Exhaling a breath, she’d fidget with her bracelet for a moment before moving on to start hauling the lighter gear onto the ship. 

     As Mulligan watches the scene develop his eyes narrow and his typical grin falters.  Eventually he would nudge the Professor with his elbow and ask "Who the hell's the little fella?" in a conspiratorial tone of voice.

(Assuming Fang is close enough to overhear mulligan) “If by the little one you mean the dwarf, he is called Berrus. The other little one, the one who runs the ship, is called Thessalandra“ Fang states this matter of factly, though everyone seems small as far as he is concerned. (Unless of course the humans are here also, Brax, Falx and... there’s other and I can’t think of it.)

Berrus just nods silently as Shae walks away....turns slowly and goes back to helping the crew with their tasks

O'Malley watches all of this interaction... reunion?... reinteraction?... with raised eyebrows. She listens to Fang's reply, and thinks of asking what the history was, but that was not a story for a dock. She steps forward, and casts her eyes up at the Hope, drinking in every detail. She steps forward and monosyllabically introduces herself to Berrus and Captain Thessalandra, still mostly looking at the ship.

What Berrus sees is a tall, slender human woman whose limbs move easily with muscle and vein just visible under copper skin. Her hair is black, and spiky, with a bright red stripe down the middle. Her deep brown eyes take in her surroundings, and look lovingly over the ship. A deep familiarity.

After giving her name, Reng O'Malley, she says to the captain, "Permission to come aboard? That's what you say on a respectable ship, right? I've spent some time on the other kind, and mostly lived to tell some tales." She lapses into a few phrases of sailor talk, offering words of respect for the tidiness of the lines, and pointing out what might be a small crack near the bowline. It's immediately clear she's lived and nearly died knowing every part of a ship intimately, out of survival, and then love. Her expressions are loving and traumatic, familiar and desperate. It's hard to track. "Please give me something useful to do. I miss this a great deal. More than I realized."

She will board if allowed, and immediately begin to make herself very handy.

Thessalandra greets all of you, those who have travelled with her before with a warm hug, and the new faces with a hearty handshake that clasps you around the forearm. She quickly introduces you  to her crew: the burly quartermaster Brax; Falx, her ascetic first mate; Bertrand, the tough new navigator; Cliff, her athletic lookout and last but not least Berrus, the grizzled master at arms. Their joy is a reflection of Thessalandra's and it's a while before any of the cargo is stowed away.

The Hope is a rather large keelboat, most are laid out for a three- man crew, but she is nearly double the size of other ships of her type at the docks, nearly 90 feet long and thirty feet wide, a proud ship yet still ideal for the shallow coastal waters and the river cruises to the inland.

At Reng's expertise and her desire to help out, Thessalandra approaches her after most of the gear is stowed: "Look, I know you're travelling with this lot and that they can pay you far more handsomely than I ever could. But you look like you could use some routine for a while, and I've still not found myself a good bosun, as you could tell by the crack in the hull. If you're handy with carpenter's tools or your willing to learn, I'll happily have you assist us for the journey. It'll only be three days, but it might help settle those storms inside of you, eh?"

Shae had stepped aside to make room for greetings, and when she moved to greet the rest of the crew, she was swept up in Thessalandra's hug. A simple embrace, but one she had not felt in some time. Shae welcomed it, though wouldn't keep her too long. With a small smile she'd dip her head in thanks from the warm welcome and continue on down the line, greeting everyone one by one. Shae genuinely emitted pride when the Captain introduced everyone and their titles, and even more so when Reng's enthusiasm was rewarded with a position aboard the ship. Remembering her own, brief, experience on the ship, she absolutely understood Reng's longing to be back. Shae felt it too. It was nice to be on Hope again. Though, there was some shadow of doubt that lingered, perhaps she was a domesticated 'land lover'...

As Shae shuffled along, she'd begin to sing softly to herself.

"There is a young maiden who lives all alone
She lives all alone on the shore-o
There's nothing she can find to comfort her mind
But to roam all alone on the shore shore shore
But to roam all alone on the shore

T'was of the young captain who sailed the salt sea
Let the wind blow high blow low-o
I will die I will die the young captain did cry
If I don't have that maid on the shore shore shore
If I don't have that maid on the shore

Well I have lots of silver I have lots of gold
I have lots of costly ware-o
I'll divide I'll divide with my jolly ship's crew
If they row me that maid on the shore shore shore
If they row me that maid on the shore

After much persuasion they got her aboard
Let the wind blow high blow low-o
They replaced her away in his cabin below
Here's adieu to all sorrow and care care care
Here's adieu to all sorrow and care

They replaced her away in his cabin below
Let the wind blow high blow low-o
She's so pretty and neat she's so sweet and complete
She sung captain and sailors to sleep sleep sleep
She sung captain and sailors to sleep..."

Shae had found herself to an end of the ship to look at what was before her. She wanted this, dreamed of it. Shae's heart called out for adventure again, and there's no time for cold feet. She was way too excited to let her time in the emptiness of city luxury dampen her enthusiasm now. The jungle was right there. She was ready and looking ahead.