Gaerich puts his glass down on the table and picks up the bottle that Hammand was drinking from. “Where  I come from we don’t use glasses to toast.” He tilts his head back and takes a pull from the bottle, keeping it in his hand. 

Maggie gasps, trying to act like she actually cares about the lord in front of her. “Gaerich! Don’t be so barbaric in front of our host here!”

((Hey all, sorry for the lack of posting, but the holiday season has me more busy than usual)) 

Lord Hammand throws back his shot and with a trembling hand wipes his mouth. His eyes are filled with the same delight a child has when going to the candy store for the first time as he stares at the map. He looks up over at everyone and gives a smile. While Hammand offers everyone another round of drinks Muldoon walks into the room.

"Eustance told me the good news, sir. Shall I send word to the members that the hunt begins?" Muldoon asks ignoring the group.

"Yes. I want to leave as soon as possible. We'll scrap the plans for Troll Mountain and use those supplies for this trip. Send a messenger to Captain Russell and tell him he'll need to get a crew ready and, what do you think Muldoon, should we outfit The Persistent or The Fitzroy for this hunt?"

"The Persistent, sir. She's the most trustworthy hull I've sailed on and I want to be as properly prepared," Muldoon answers.

"Good. Good. I was thinking the same thing, Muldoon. We'll have Captain Russell outfit The Persistent and have the members meet us at the docks. We'll set sail in two days." Hammand says. He then looks over at you all. "Would you mind if I hold on to this map? I want my cartographer to make a copy. We can't let this knowledge go missing again," he looks over at Clavorus, "right?" Hammand then stands up behind his desk. "And in return I'll offer you passage on our ship. Maybe Muldoon could use you. What do you think Muldoon?" 

Muldoon gives them another look over and eyes Gaerich and says, "some of them might be of some use. Can't tell how someone reacts at the sight of a beast unknown to them." 

"Very good," Hammand says. "So, friends, we have a deal?"

Gimble will approach Clavorus and whisper to him "I say we should go".

Maggie raises an eyebrow in curiosity. “Missing again? That implies there was an original map, my friend. Is there anything you know about this island that you can share with us, just so we can be prepared for it?”

“I think we’ll be hanging on to the map, your cartographer can see it when we’re underway. Right now it’s our only bargaining chip and I don’t know you well enough to take you at your word.”

"Yes, if the cartographer is joining us on our voyage, I will give it to them as soon as my foot steps aboard ship.  You must understand, being a man of maps, how important the proper handling of such documents is." And Clavorus begins to slowly take the map back, slowly stowing it back into the case. 

Whispering to Gimble:

Cyrus swigs his wine, seeing the conversation take two turns. "Hammand this is a wonderful opportunity! I think with some parley we'll have ourselves a mutual accord! As for your core offer, I'd say it sounds amenable on all counts. Passage to the Isle in exchange for knowledge of its whereabouts and any assistance necessary en route. I do share some of my companions reservations though," the half-elf looks at Clavorus with eyes the color of seaweed, a knowing look shrouded with disappointment on his face. "Did you end up finding time to make a copy of the map? Chips are to be bargained with."

((Do we want to add color to character speech?))

Clavorus stop mid-action, his hand still on the parchment map. His other hand just opening the case as Cyrus' words remind him of his journal, and the exact copy he made the previous evening. 

"Oh, silly me. Precisely, Cyrus! Chips, indeed! My brain has been all fuddle-sticked since the excitment of finding passage!"

Clavorus slides the map back towards Hammand, " You know, Hammand. Here's the map. Given with good faith in you and your cartographer. You'll have to forgive me, I get attached to maps and old documents quite easily. It's nice to have friends that recognize that in me... "  Clavorus gives a knowing wink out the side of his eye to Cyrus. 

Hammand smiles as he takes the copy from Clavorus and checks with the original. "This is very good. I never caught your name?" Hammand says. Muldoon walks to Hammand and peers over his shoulder and examines the map and nods. Hammand looks back at the group and says, "well everyone, it seems that all is squared away. Muldoon will have everything ready in two days. We'll set sail in the early morning so make sure to be on the docks before sunrise. Ask the Harbor Master where The Persistent is tied up and he'll point in the right direction. Oh how I wish we were leaving tonight!" Hammand turns to Muldoon and says, "I cannot wait for this hunt."

Muldoon nods and says, "it'll go down as the best one sir."

Hammand walks towards his door and gestures the others to follow, "I imagine you all need to prepare, say your goodbyes, tie up loose ends before this trip. I'll see you all in two days at sunrise." He then waits for everyone to take their leave.

Gimble sets the drink back on the table, bobs her head in acknowledgement and slips out the door.

Cyrus bows magnanimously as the deal is struck. "Don't mention it Clav. Say Muldoon, minds showing me The Persistent? I've never bedded a lady I didn't know." Cyrus winks.

Muldoon walks out with the rest of the group and looks over at Cyrus, "I got a lot to deal over the next few days, but the Harbormaster can point you in the right direction. Captain Russell will show you around." Muldoon then enters his office off the waiting room and shuts the door. 

Maggie chuckles. “Who wants to join me in another round of drinks at the Oar’s Rest?” She quiets down so only her companions hear her. “All that negotiation with the lord has me tired out,” mocking the word ‘negotiation.’

"I would love a drink with you, Maggie. But first, I'd like to spend the time we have looking for any stores that might have extra parchment, inks, or old maps and artifacts I can find" Clavorus says.

((Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah everyone :) back from the fam's and back to posting!))

"Aye, well I'll meet you at the tavern later, eh?" Cyrus looks back over his shoulder as he downs the last of his drink. Heading out of Lord Hammand's estate, he makes his way back to the docks, looking around until he sees the harbormaster. "Ahoy! Good to see you again. Don't suppose you can point me to Captain Russel?"

Gimble, eager to step onto a boat, tags along with Cyrus, "I can't wait to pick my bunk aboard The Persistent!"  She is so excited that she is skipping.  If she gets too far ahead of Cyrus, she walks backwards as she talks to him.  "What kind of boat do you think it is?  Do you think it is one with 3 masts?  Ooo, ooo, I hope its one of those fast ones.  I heard they can be a little cramped in the quarters though.  I wonder how I can help on the boat.  I wonder if I might be of help in the mess hall or up on deck with the ropes.  Oh, did you know they call the ropes, rigging?"  She continues to prattle on, whether Cyrus answers or not.  

Once they get to the harbormaster, she quiets and lets Cyrus take the lead.

Gaerich watches as the map is handed over “That’s that, then.” He nods to Hammond and moves to follow Cyrus out the door but stops short as Clavorus makes his plans known. “I’ll come with you Clav, someone needs to keep you out of trouble at the papersellers.” He nods to Cyrus and Maggie. “See you at the Docks.l

Cyrus chuckles at Gimble's onslaught of chatter with a by now slightly affectionate grin. "I did know that, little one, you'll be rigging my head into knots in no time. You'll learn quick enough and I'm happy to lend a hand. I doubt this Hammand has a full-rigger, but if he does you're sure to be on the ropes, that or swabbing the deck!" 

Gimble wrinkles her nose at the idea of mopping the deck.  Pouting a little, "Yeah, I guess I could mop the deck.  As long as I don't have to clean latrines."