Glasses:

Curling up in his typical nest among the spare rope coils, the Professor makes himself comfortable watching the stars above until he drifts off to sleep -- after he has set his alarm spell and told Whiff to assist those on watch (either granting Perception advantage, or we can have him roll himself).

"I see what you're doing." Shae'd quipped playfully with a smirk as she passed by during Kenny scheduling.

     Mulligan looks up at Shae with a smile and gives the enchantress a wink.  In truth he had very little clue as to what he was doing but one should very seldom admit to such a thing.  Always be impressive, even if by accident.

     Mulligan trains his fine feathered friends for probably longer than he should.  He feels they pretty quickly were grasping the idea of the quick strikes with light weapons.  The way one could move in and strike and move out again before a heavier, more weighed down opponent could properly respond.  He suspects this is likely close to their natural instincts and fighting style.  But he felt less confident in his training of them in the arts of taking advantage of an opponent engaged with another, how one could sneak in and attack when it is least suspected.  Perhaps he just lacked the proper skills as a teacher, or perhaps the Kenku were just too familiar with the straight on style or engagement.  There are even those too "prideful" to take advantage of a foe in such a manner but Mulligan always figured if an opponent wants him dead that Mulligan is happy to make them dead first no matter what it took... Still and all, for a first day he suspected perhaps some progress was made and perhaps the others would have better luck imparting their skills.

     After training, Mulligan sat on the rail of the ship and watched from a little bit off as Shae interacted with the Kennies. He was just out of hearing distance due to the sound of the water as the ship moved through it but he couldn't help but be amazed at her seemingly effortless bonding with the two and the way she both honored them and at the same time interwove the story of them into that of her own.  

"Chin up." Shae said, having snuck up on Mulligan when he'd allowed his thoughts to run rampant for a time.  She gently lifted his chin having caught him hanging his head low after the day of training. "You're making a fine impression."

     "Hope so," Mulligan answers tiredly. "I think it may actually matter this time..."

Shae smiled and tended a shallow flesh wound from the kennies opening wallop and then fixed and smoothed our his shirt. "Now hydrate, fuel and rest." She instructs with an assuring smile while handing him his water rations and a meal.

     Mulligan takes the sustenance but allows his fingers to rest against hers for a moment longer than necessary, finding her eyes with his own.  "Thank you," he says simply, saying more than that with the words...

---

     For the watch that evening Mulligan would try to angle it so that his shift touched on whichever shift Berrus had as well as was on the same or also touched Fang's.

     Mulligan did not want to be on the same watch as Berrus for if the topic he brought up went poorly he suspected a full watch with the brusque dwarf could get mighty uncomfortable.  Even if it went well he imagined it could be odd spending several hours alone with it hanging in the air...  It was a topic best discussed quickly and then dropped - The way men generally did whenever emotions were involved.  And it being during the watch when most were sleeping then all the better, a hushed conversation is less likely to get ugly quick.

     When Mulligan relieved Berrus on watch, or vice versa, Mulligan would  ask "Can we have a brief word?" and draw the other to the side for a moment.  Once they have indeed stepped away from any prying ears Mulligan would turn this way and that to double check and then look to Berrus and let out a sigh before actually beginning.

     "I may as well cut right to the meat of it," Mulligan says as way of delaying just that little bit more.  

     "Is there...  something...  you know... between...  yourself and Shae?" Mulligan asks, haltingly and quietly.  Before Berrus could even answer Mulligan was (of course) speaking more.  "There just seems to be some kind of tension, some kind of bond?  I have been trying to figure it out but...  And it's really none of my business, quite honestly!  But... Potentially...  I might want... Something...  you know.. Between Shae and myself..."

     "There's not!  Not yet!" Mulligan quickly assured, not yet being able to read the inscrutable dwarf.  "I'm not even sure if there is potential there, honestly...  But if I am going to find out, you know, I don't want to be getting between...  You know, there's a lot of betweens in this conversation...  But yeah, I don't want to be stepping on toes or cutting in partway through a dance or anything... Honestly, normally, I wouldn't worry overly much about such but this is a relatively small ship, yes?  And you are a large and imposing figure of a dwarf...  So I don't want to, so to speak, rock the boat or anything..."

     Mulligan was, quite obviously, very uncomfortable with this conversation and wanted it over and done before it even began.  But having opened his mouth now he couldn't not finish his ramble, though the longer he went on the longer he dreaded whatever answer Berrus would give...

---

     However the conversation with Berrus went, and whether it happened before or after, Mulligan was determined to talk to Fang as well.  This conversation was on quite a different topic, however, and Mulligan wasn't worried about spending a full watch with the warrior if needed.  Well, not entirely worried.  Well, he was worried but not overly so.  Mulligan just didn't fully understand Fang, he supposed.  They were from, all but literally, two different worlds.  And Mulligan got the vibe that Fang was...  He didn't even know.  Just that the Lizard Man had reservations? about the city dweller.

     Mulligan would begin the discussion by bringing Fang up to speed on how Mulligan felt the training with the Kennies went - What he had tried to impart upon them, what he felt they caught on with rather well, what he felt he failed to fully teach.  He wouldn't expect much response, his impression was that Fang was laconic at the best of times and likely to absorb the information and process it with a predator's mind but unlikely to share his thoughts...  But then Mulligan would get to the point he felt he really had to address.

     No, not how Fang felt about him...  Mulligan thought perhaps that was best left unexplored...  But rather, then Kennies...

     "I was hoping you could..." Mulligan would start, then pause for a moment before continuing.  "I was thinking it might be best..."  But tonight was really not the night for Mulligan to be the silver tongued devil he generally thought himself to be.

     "Stars above," he'd curse quietly to himself and then just say "I'm afraid the Kenku may be afraid of you." Mulligan would then wait a moment or two to allow that to settle before continuing on.

     "They'll come around, I am sure.  I mean they were back at the village even before we left.  Coming around to you.  But Sonny and Ginny are younger... Out here on their own...  And my man, you are you!  You are one fierce looking hunter and, I'm afraid, they're used to being the hunted?" Mulligan explained.  "There's nothing to be done for it... Just keep it in mind, maybe?  Dunno...  Just wanted to let you know that they mean nothing by it.  The rest of us, we know ya better than that..."

     Kind of, Mulligan thought.  Hopefully.  

Going to watch as Mulligan pulls him aside.  Eyes narrow slightly as he starts speaking

"There be or maybe there was.  I met 'er when tha ship crashed. An i was the only one wi' any fighten skills. So i defended and taught tha best i could.  We bonded an grey close. 'N yes i do hae feelings fer her"    then he looks away "but inlet a pointless quest get inna way, followed that when i shoul hae done better"

When Mulligan says his part about Shae he looks sharply at the bard and speaking lowly almost in a growl

"If tha be it be but i warn ye.  She isna a prize tah be won an displayed as a trophy.she hae a mind o her own"

Looking over at the staff near the helm    "She be a strong one,stronger than all o us i imagine. An like tha raven she meant tah be free nae controlled.  So ye best be sure o your intentions bard cause if any harm. E'en the slightes bit do t'ye intentional r otherwise it wouldnt go well fer ye skald" 

looking the bard up and down again Berrus goes to the bow.  Resting the shield against the bulwark he pulls out his battle axe and starts going through combat drills

Reng almost became a member of the crew, getting the ship ready and barely conversing with the party or the kenku until departure. Upon realizing Ginny and Sonny will be taught, she leans against the gunwale next to Berrus, arms folded, watching the others.

"I'm not a trained warrior. Berrus, you train all the time. I don't think I've ever trained. I've learned what I know about fighting from having to fight. To defend myself. Some others. Back in Waterdeep, making my way as best I could. I've never drilled in my life, so I wouldn't know how to teach them 'moves.' I'd he happy to help you try to show them how to stay out of harm's way if a fight happens and they can't stay hidden away. How to watch for threats so they can stay out of the fray, because they don't HAVE to be in the fray. We could try to see how limber they are and how they react to those sticks you found when they're being swung at them. I don't want to scare them but things might get that way. As for other things to teach them... I don't think I can teach them anything fancy. Mulligan is fancy. Look at those pants. Did he pick out those pants to make him walk like that, or does he already walk like that? He can teach them... fancy things. Fancy fighting, or maybe magic. Shae can also teach. Healing's very useful. Smart of her," Reng says, sighing. "What I can show them is how to be useful on the ship. How not to get caught underfoot. How to pull their own weight. The only way I think people make it in this world is by finding a way to be useful, to work at something until it's easy. And then find something else to work at until it's easy. That can be a craft, or fighting, or even studying like the Professor and Shae. It makes you more comfortable. Able to take what the world throws at you. At least, it did me."

Reng will try to show them how to become skilled at something, under the guise of helping around the ship and learning Vehicles (Water) tool proficiency. The sailing is less important than giving them something comfortable and stable from which to take in all the rest of the chaos. She's tempted to try to show them how to eldritch blast, but she doesn't really understand her own relationship with her patron all the time, and it could get risky having young people firing magical shots into the fray.

Before taking first watch as things settle down for the night, Reng stop by to gruffly thank Mulligan for taking care of Ginny and Sonny. "It may work out well, it may end in tragedy. Either way, a song for you."

She'd also sit next to Shae during the meal. "Would you mind if I sat in on your medicine lessons? I've been hurt before and felt helpless at having to try to bind wounds with no know-how. You seem to know a lot. Would you mind? Name your price in exchange. Happy to try to teach you something, or watch your back when I can. Though it doesn't seem like you need it." She hides a smile.

To Reng.  "Im nae sure what ta teach them either.  They dinna look strong enough fer my way o fightin.  Ifn yer way be more hit n run and such tha mey be better. 'S far as tha bard goes. Who ken say wha be an act n wha be skill.. Me i jus hit things or try to get inna way o others being hit.  An tinker wi metal work so i dunno"

The night passes in tense quiet, the claustrophobic closeness and humidity of the environs pressing in and the sounds of wildlife steeping the ship and crew in a buzz of sinister activity.

Shae, as you meditate towards the front of the ship, losing yourself in the glittering stars above, you suddenly lose the sense of the wooden planks and coils of rope beneath you, as you feel yourself floating freely through time and space, lifted up high above the Chultan peninsula, through the clouds and ever closer to the stars. A voice echoes in your mind, familiar and yet strange, as if it was the same voice but layd over one another and a mixture between the voice of the Matron of Ravens and your own unicorn spirit, the two guiding forces within yourself: "Shae, you've begun to unravel the history of this land and you've started to glimpse its current peril. You were the right choice after all." A series of images rapidly flash before your eyes. You see a vineyard covered in snow and a large shadow passing overhead, then you snap to a scene of carnage on a ship not unlike your own, though quite a bit larger and under attack. Your vision shifts again to a chamber deep within a mountain and illuminated by a crimson glow, and out of the corner of your eye you see small creatures making their way through narrow tunnels. You snap to another image of a crumbling hall, overgrown and in ruins, yet attended by several creatures half human, half snake. You are stunned to see before you a clear image of a creature you've spent several days thinking about: the bandaged and desiccated monstrosity from one of the scenes in the mirror, among their followers. Your vision shift again, not giving you enough time to take everything in. This time you find yourself at the shores of a village in the swamp, and after a bit you recall this to be Palebank, Fang's home. You see several of the reptilians file out of the settlement, following an elder you do not recognise and heading off into the distance, towards the rising sun. Before you have time to process all of the visions, you are yanked out of the scene and brought back into the starry void, where you hear the voice of the Matron of Ravens clearly now: "Bahamuts failure and your deed have unleashed this evil, your deeds alone have to suffice to end it!" With those parting words, you find yourself back on the ship, your cold sweat chilly in the cool breeze. You look to the east, where you see the sun slowly rise on a new day.

Reng
When Reng took a seat beside Shae quietly eating her meal, she'd feel her heart skip. It felt like being picked to sit with in the lunchroom back at the academy so long ago... "Thank you for joining me..." Shae's dimple sunk further into her cheek giving away a growing smile as Reng spoke. "I'd love to share my knowledge with you." She'd place a hand on her lap to reassure her. "I believe any one, including myself, can learn a lot from you." Shae would sway to bump shoulders with Reng and place her finished meal plate down. "You have a lot to offer." She'd reach into her pocket for something then reach up while the warrior attempts to hide. "You're more than a survivor Reng." The warrior would feel Shae combing her fingers through her hair then begin working a section of it while she'd speak. "And as you've seen, so is Fang. I know you haven't known him long... But the amount he's grown, shared with, and contributed to us since the beginning is literally written in our Professor's history books." She'd share with pride. "The Professor studies elements, specializing in the most creative techniques I've had the pleasure of witnessing. His 'arsenal' is not composed of strictly damage inducing magic, but maximized on utility. The way he applies his mastery is unique to say the least." Shae continued to chat with her soft voice. "And perhaps not trained, but you are an instinctual fighter not bound by the rules of tradition. I know Berrus appreciates your opinion. I see him, the man of few words, make effort to engage with you. I fully believe he trusts your experience and would gain to learn a lot sparring with you, and vice versa." Blue hues would pause to peek at Reng's, "Jaguar warriors who protect the pact" She'd sing with a smile still evident, before returning back to what she was doing. "I know Mulligan is enthusiastic and can be a little boisterous sometimes, but it's evidence of deep passionate nature. That kind of energy is infectious and can be a hydrating breath of fresh air during times of moral drought. Inspiration can truly make the difference between success and failure." Shae would pet the side of Reng's head, tracing her work before adding the last finishing touch. Although Reng's hair was shorter than hers, Shae was able to french braid a small section tight to the side of her scalp and adorned it with small glass beads and a couple feathers. "Should that darkness ever return to consume you, try to remember you're not alone." She'd then sit back and offer a warm smile hoping Reng would like what she did to her hair. "Believe... and the light will find you. We will find you." Shae would lean forward to press her forehead against Reng's. "Please, never doubt your own worth Reng." Those words came from deep within her, as if echoing from heart and experience. Everyone mattered and contributed in their own unique way. She wholeheartedly believed that. Shae knew those reminders could sometimes be far between... And needed to get better at sharing them, with everyone... She'd make note to...

Shae's Meditation
It's been a while since the last. This was the first together... Shae, you've begun to unravel the history of this land and you've started to glimpse its current peril. You were the right choice after all. Heart palpitating. Chest rising and falling. Flush. Hot to the core. Cool to the touch. Palms slick. Hands clenched. Bahamuts failure and your deed have unleashed this evil, your deeds alone have to suffice to end it! The voice would echo. Jaw clamped. Froze. In fear? Stunned. On the verge of panic. Eyes locked to the east

Remember your promise? Keep in the air. Shae swallows. Breathe. She gasps, heaving in the chilly air. The moon does not take the light from the sun, it projects it. Nothing more. She'd bring her hands up to rest beneath her chin, clinging onto her bracelet. Inhale. Give yourself a break once, will you?  Exhale. Tears break free and trickle down her cheeks. Inhale. Let's not dwell on it. Exhale. Okay...

Shae held on, hands to her heart, practicing her breathing until she calmed enough. Reminded she wasn't alone, she was committed to stealing back her resolve and not letting the unknown consume her mind once again. Her eyes eventually pull away from the sunrise to pan over the boat. She'd be stronger than that this time. Then with a hint of a still shaky breath, Shae moves herself forward. She takes hold of her journal and begins noting and sketching what bits and pieces she could before further details slipped away. As specifics became scarce she'd move on to other tasks to keep herself busy.

Waking crew members could find Shae already had breakfast and tea prepared for those who'd like to indulge. Anyone who looks close enough would notice that she wasn't as together as she usually is. Although the woman claimed she didn't require any sleep, and has proved she hasn't before, even after an all nighter, today Shae had dark circles under her eyes and looked to be anxious for some to wake.

After watching her all night upon finishing watch and coming to breakfast Berrus looks Shae over. 

"Fer someone who dinna need sleep ye look like ye need some" he says softly. "Ye need tah take care o yerself." He awkwardly brushes a stray strand on hair from her face.

"You eat first this time"

Making sure she eats something he goes to the helm and retrieves the staff that was there. Checking it over for any damage and making sure everything is in place.  Bringing it back to Shae he drops.to one knee holding the staff level.

"I think this be more tha a simple weapon fer ye now. Tah me sense it goes a wee bit beyond tha. Tis a part o ye an seemed tah be gettin a bit lonely"

He looks up at her asking with his eyes if she would take it

Glasses:

The Professor stretches and yawns as day breaks, then he gets started at heating the water for tea.  He looks over at others and makes mental notes of their status.  

Insight:  4

Once people have finished breakfast, Glasses starts using his Water Mastery (Shape Water)  to form shapes and words in the river water.  Instructing the Kenku in more language, both written and spoken, the Professor starts using *clear* water to form the words shapes, letting the Kenku use their new Detect Magic to discern the rest of the lesson by focusing on the magic in the water itself, not any particular shapes or colors.

WIth a new day dawning, you break into the new rhythm of tasks and breaks, teaching and banter. THe two young kenku are applying themselves with remarkable drive to the various lessons that you're all willing to share with them and though you can tell that some of the lessons are starting to bear fruit, in other areas, their progress is still slow. Particuarly letters seem to be a challenge, much like it had proven for the tribe's elder. It seemed that, as they were reliant primarily on mimickry, communicating using their own voices was difficult for them, if not impossible. While capable of drawing the words, like a picture, you're unsure whether they understood the abstract meaning behind the letters, or how they could be combined to form new words. Listening to the Professor's explanations, you're all able to tell that they follow his words on language with equal wonder and excitement as they do with his lessons on arcane matters, both topics holding similar magic in their eyes.

It's around midday, when the Captain gathers the entire group on deck. "We should reach Camp Vengeance in a couple of hours. Do you already know where to go from there? Thanks to Fang and Mushu adding to our food stores, we have more than enough goods to stick around for a week or longer, and with what the merchant princes paid, we'd not be pressed for money neither. If you want to sail down further, we're happy to help too, but our maps only go as far as Camp Vengeance, so we might not be a great help from there onwards, at least not with Hope."

     Mulligan awakens and comes on deck in time to see Berrus on one knee and holding the staff out to her, hopeful look in his eyes obvious. Mulligan just catches the end of what the dwarf is saying - “Tis a part o ye an seemed tah be gettin a bit lonely" - and decides discretion is the better part of something… So he slinks back the way he came and goes the long way around.

     "There be or maybe there was,” Berrus had told him last night.  Great job, Mulligan thought to himself, you pushed him right back into rekindling whatever there was!

     Still, nothing to be done of it but adopt his usual smile and go about the day, right?  After delaying his entrance a while, Mulligan joins the others with an exaggerated yawn and stretch.  “G’morning to you all!” He cries out after and goes about finding some breakfast.  He makes sure to not avoid anyone at all and if anything is perhaps a bit too chipper… but he throws himself into overseeing the Kenku and distracts himself soon enough.

     When the captain looks for guidance on next steps, Mulligan looks to the Professor and Shae.  They are the brains of the operation and defacto leaders… All Mulligan will add is some concern for Sonny and Ginny. “If we’re entering the treacherous leg of the journey so we want to bring the Kennies further?  I don’t feel we’ve passed on enough but I doubt I ever will…  I don’t want to take them too far and into too much danger that they can’t get home…”

Shae looks up from where she’s sitting when she’d hear Berrus’ voice and feel his touch. She’d open her mouth to say something but nothing would come out at first. Instead, her expression softened and she’d just look down to her untouched food. The medic would nod prior to taking a small bite to satisfy his ask. He was right, she should eat, even if she surprisingly didn’t have the appetite. It was unlike her not too.

When Berrus would return, Shae had at least put a small dent in her meal. She didn’t eat it all, but it was enough. As he’d take a knee and present her staff, it was hard for her to hide her stunned expression. Setting aside her plate, her expression looked a mix of sadness, and relief. Watery blue hues would look to Berrus. “Please…” There was a light shake of her head as if unable to accept him kneeling before her. She felt she didn’t deserve that display of respect. “I’m sorry…” Her apology sincere. It was almost a feat to out stubborn a dwarf. And she didn’t feel good about it. With bigger problems and high risks in their future, now was not the time for her to be difficult.

"I think this be more tha a simple weapon fer ye now. Tah me sense it goes a wee bit beyond tha. Tis a part o ye an seemed tah be gettin a bit lonely" Berrus’ words would echo in her mind. Shae believed the same thing. There was truth in the wise drawf’s words, probably more than he knew. 

Timid, as if unsure she’s truly earned the right to accept the gift back, Shae would reach out for it. Deep down she honestly did not want to part with it again. Taking it into her hands, she’d gingerly run her fingers along it. The raven and the unicorn. Feeling it’s familiarity once more, it’d fill her with emotion. “Thank you…” Comfort. Relief. She’d actually hug it to herself, fighting back some tears before one would escape. “They’re the guiding force within me…” She’d whisper with her eyes held shut. 

After falling silent a moment, Shae would add. “It happened again…” She’d slowly blink her eyes open. Her eyes would meet his. Her visions have returned. “They should know too…”

Shae would raise from her seat, still holding her staff close and she’d take slow steps she’d approach the others breaking fast. A small smile tugged at her lips seeing them carry on without a worry in the world. It tugged at her heart, and always made it harder to share news. She hated to rain on anyones parade, be the bearer of bad news… To be a Buzzkillington.

”Morning…” Shae would respond gently and with a soft smile to the more enthusiastic greetings. She’d enjoy everyone’s company and allow them to continue on with their morning routines, waiting for an opportunity to jump in. First she’d share her thoughts to Mulligan’s question about the Kenku. “I sympathize with your concern for the Kenku.” She’d start, trying to keep her tone light and upbeat, hoping she doesn’t miss speak to him like the time before... “But there’s nothing like learning on the job… We all must take that leap of faith at some point to apply our training in the practical world… Life doesn’t wait for us to be ready…” The medic would pause. “I believe they are safest with us.” She’d say with confidence, more than willing to keep them in her reach for emergency, gods forbid the worst happens…

Shae would then take a breath, hands fidgeting heavily with her bracelet. She’d shift uncomfortably. It’d take a moment, but after building up some personal courage she’d speak up again. Her eyes would scan the group one by one, but then land on the Professor. The scholar would clear her throat. “It happened again…” Looking to him, she trusted he’d be one of the only other people to truly understand what it meant. Her visions. “Hints. Pieces of the big picture. The danger afar, in the distance…” 

Glasses:

”Indeed,” ponders the Professor in response to Shae’s revelation, “Record what you have experienced, and perhaps I can help you puzzle out its meaning later.”

To the captain, he says, “So far our main mission is to get the fort properly resupplied, though I am sure there will be other tasks in need of our assistance as well.  Let us approach the fort, deliver our goods, and assess the situation…Then we can figure out how long we may need your ship to tarry here.”

Turning to the Kenku, he adds, “Now your true test begins as we approach the fort with its allied defenders and likely undead attackers.  Keep yourselves safe as best you can and learn what you may; if the situation becomes desperate and you need to flee, come to me and I should be able to give you a flying head start.”

Shae would nod to the Professor. “I recorded everything in my journal for your review, and the others consideration.” Her eyes would move from Snively then look to each of the others. When Snively, or any one were ready and desired to take a look, she’d be willing to share her recordings. Series of sketched images, much like blips of a memory.

Sketches

     "Perhaps I misunderstood their mission," Mulligan said on the topic of the Kenku.  "I thought just coming for a few days, get a bit of training and then returning to share it.  I didn't take it to mean joining the entire journey...  But perhaps I am just feeling a bit protective.  We should, of course, leave it up to Ginny and Sonny themselves."

     Mulligan proposes they put the options to the Kenku as plainly as they can:  Return now on your own back to your village to share what we've been able to teach so far, or continue on into dangerous areas where you would surely learn more, but also face much more dangers...

     Mulligan would also look to review Shae's sketches and notes as early as possible.  "It's best to give things time to percolate in my head for a while - Bounce around and see what connects to other scraps and memories and such," he explains.  He would comment on how some of this obviously is similar or repetitive to what is already know but there is definitely knew imagery as well.  "I'll think on it...  Some of the images may remind me of songs or stories once I have sat on them a bit and allowed my brain to translate the sights into prose and poetry..."

---

17 - Plus 3 if History, Arcana or Investigation.  Plus 7 if I can wrangle a way to call it Performance Art to hook up the images to what Mulligan may know as myths or songs or epic poetry or such?  lol

Shae could have very well misunderstood as well. She assumed the Kenku were coming with them for this mission, but not necessarily the long hall. Next time she’d simply bite her tongue in respect to the Kenku. “Being protective isn’t necessarily a bad thing… Though I agree that it is their choice, of course.” She’d respond simply and leave it at that. 

When Mulligan would take the time early on to review her sketches, Shae would have allowed him to see her book for review. “Thank you… Take all the time you’d like.” She wouldn’t rush him, nor hang on to the book, allowing him to take hold of it to see to it as he wished. The scholar would nod along to the comments on the similarities and repetitiveness. Eventually though, she’d fall quite silent, no longer making sounds of acknowledgement. Instead, should he look away from the pages and over to her, Shae had fallen asleep. Soft, slow steady breaths came from her, body just barely rising and falling. ”Bahamuts failure…” She’d mutter beneath her breath.

Sonny and Ginny, having been asked by some of the crew members to join the ongoing discussion, quickly affirm that they want to go along with you, at least to the fort. The Captain then adds that the journey there was still on her maps and charts, so taking them that far shouldn't put them into any unknown dangers- but the fact that the kenku seemed to have restricted river travel south might have put a strain on the already poor supply situation of the soldiers of the order. Having them join a mission to deliver supplies couldn't hurt though.

When Shae mentions her visions, the crew falls silent: They had witnessed first hand not only what Shae's visions would lead them to, but also that Shae seemed able to call on powerful magics and even summon celestial beings to her side, when they needed the help against a coven of hags. Joining the discussions, it doesn't take long for Fang to confirm that the sketch and vision of the swamp village was indeed of Palebank, with elder White-eyes being the one leading th procession. Last Fang was in palebank, old White-eyes was still alive and the lizardfolk population was still there. Similar to Fang, Reng is also struck by one of the visions: seeing the scene of carnage on the boat, you are immediately brought back to about a year ago, where you witnessed a similar attack by pirates, but the sketch lacks details, and you can't yet make out which crew is shown in the vision.

----------------------------------

Mulligan, as you're pouring over the notes and the sketches a bit later on, you overhear Shae's mumbled phrase. You're by no means a religious person, but you have heard the name Bahamut before. Up north, Bahamut was revered as a god of peace and justice. The tales spoke of the platinum dragon to highlight the purity of the being and his might, but neither the north nor Chult had any history of dragons, despite many expeditions and scholarly exploits to find evidence of the mythic beasts. And anyway, Bahamut was, if anything a northern god, with at most foreign traders worshipping in their name in the foreign quarters of Port Nyanzaru.

"Don wanna be messing wi dragons o any sort ifn ye ask me.  They ha'their own agenda always"  Berrus' eyes go distant as he is saying this

Earlier…

Fang enjoyed the time spent fishing. It was quite calming and gave the lizardfolk a sense of home and purpose. Something that had been lacking for him in the large city and apparently fishing there in the city gets you in trouble. Fang couldn’t fully wrap his mind around that idea, but it mattered little since he was back together with Berrus, Glasses, and Shae. And, the rest of the crew too.

During that evenings watch, with Mulligan, Fang listened absently while the bard prattled on about teaching the Kenku… well whatever it is he was teaching them. Fang didn’t really catch that part of the conversation. It wasn’t until Mulligan said “I’m afraid the Kenku may be afraid of you” that Fang started really listening to the humans words. For he had been focusing most of his attention of the sights and sounds of the jungle around them.

Listening to the last part Mulligans conversation with him, Fang did as Mulligan suspected he would do and not say much. Mulligan would get a cold hard stare from the lizardfolk and a measured and even response. “I don’t know very much about you, yet. Everyone on this ship besides you and the Kenku, I have fought beside in life or death situations. And of those the only one I’m least familiar with is Reng. While we did fight in the arena together, I would not say we were fighting together. More separately towards the same goal. I don’t know what you think you know of me. But know that I won’t hesitate to protect anyone on this ship from you until you’ve proven yourself in battle. Then maybe you’ll earn the same protection.” Fangs eyes stay locked on Mulligan as he says this not trying to be intimidating, simply stating things as he sees them. (I’ll pause here in case Mulligan would like to reply. Sorry for the delay in response)

After the watch with Mulligan…

Fang catches a few fresh fish for himself and Mushu and eats them raw. Better to save the stores for later…

When going over the sketches, Fang is hit with more feelings of homesickness. Though he doesn’t show it or know how best to express these feelings to the group. He stands ready to go along with glasses and Shae’s decision about next steps for the group.  Though he suspects that there will be a need for them to do something to help the camp, especially if there are undead involved. Fang imagines their situation is similar to the last group they encountered.