Many things swirled around in Vasha's head. Anger boiled so close to the surface, she was afraid she might lash out at her own sister. Instead, she turned back and took out her anger on the dummy. She said nothing, afraid of the horrible things that might come out of her mouth. Better to destroy a training dummy than the relationship with her own sister.
"Vasha, please," Vesra stepped in front of the dummy. She hated that her sister wasn't talking to her. "Talk to me. What's going on? Help me understand."
Vasha paused mid-punch. She closed her eyes, letting her hands fall to her sides. "I... I'm just feeling out of place here. I hate knowing that I have to trust these people. You always make friends so easily, then we move on. Now... I'm stuck. I have all these feelings I don't know how to deal with." She looked over at Ember. "And that little shit isn't making things any easier."
"Yeah, he's.... learning," Vesra sighed. "But do you think I don't feel out of place here? I feel like I'm a terrified little girl hiding behind your legs. I'm so scared I'm going to mess up and get us both killed all the time."
"Flower..." Vasha said, her tone softening. "You're getting so powerful, you're leaving me behind. I went to the Guild because I need to be able to keep up with you. If anyone is going to get us both killed... it's going to be me. They turned me away and won't teach me until I can bend stone." She looked down at her still bandaged knuckles. "And we both know my anger issues make things... difficult."
"You went back to the Guild? After what they did to you the first time?" Vesra let out an angry cry and threw a fireball of her own at one of the dummies. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. "Vashie, you are light years ahead, you don't need those idiots. I promised you that you would never have to go back." Vesra sunk to her knees, the tears beginning to come free. "I promised."
Vasha sank down and wrapped her arms around Vesra. "I know. I know you promised. But I need help, Flower. I can't control this anger inside me. I can't handle all these emotions I'm feeling. I need help, and this time, I don't think you can help me."
"Do you want to burn something?" Vesra hiccuped. "That always helps me."
"No," Vasha chuckled. "I'm unable to produce flame like you. That's why I punch things."
"I can help you," Vesra murmured. "I know how. But I'm so scared I'm going to hurt you."
Vasha stoked her sister's hair. "I love you, Flower. Never forget that. I'll never be able to do that things that you do. I'd be a fool to try. You're something special, not just to me. I can see it by how everyone gathers to you."
"You're something special too."
"Of course, I am. I'm your sister." She smiled and hugged Vesra tighter.
"No, you're special because you're you," Vesra sighed, holding her sister even closer. "Do you really want to learn about how to move stone? Not for me, because you know I will look up to you and need you regardless of whether you can bend stone. Do you want to know for you?"
"Yes and if you give me time, I'll do it." She held her sisters face in her hands. "Then we'll conquer the world, together."
"Here," Vesra withdrew notes about lithomancy, stolen from Lilith's desk, from her bag. "We took these from Kayn's teacher. It's not a lot, but it is something. I was scared to give them to you, because the Guild will hunt us down if they ever find out."
Vasha skimmed through the notes. "These... these are about..." She quickly dropped them, pushing them away. "No, they'll kill us, Vesra! I know you hate the Guild, but I want to learn from them."
"You don't need them, you've never needed them," Vesra spat. "You are far stronger than any of them."
Vasha said nothing, just continued to stroke her sister's hair. Finally, after giving it some thought, she said softly, "Burn it."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely." With her sister's conviction behind her, Vesra lit the paper on fire and watched as it crumbled to ash. For some reason, burning this hadn't made her feel any better. As the sisters watched what could have been Vasha's future go up in flames, the monk turned to Vesra, holding up her singed hair, and said, "Now, what do you plan on doing about this?"
"Braiding a flower into it?" Vesra smiled sheepishly. Vasha smiled, while moving the druid's flower crown away from her forehead. She kissed her sister, right where the horrid tattoo is, then replaced the crown. The elder kor twin began to braid, weaving bright flowers into her sister's hair.
Kayn worked until late in the night with his trusty dog-self. As they grew tired, he took breaks to nap and snack on whatever foods were presented in the dining hall. He'd learned a lot of useless information on Hedrons, but there were a few diamonds in the rough. He now understood why Vielara was in a hurry to open the hedron and what they might find once it is open. He soon grew satisfied with what he leaned in the texts, and aside from a couple books, decided he could leave the rest in this library. He could feel the heat of the morning suns as they cooked the guildhall. He may have spent too much time in this research, but it was well worth it. Between the naps and the knowledge, he felt like he was ready to tackle the mission.
"I feel as if I'm missing something," Veythe cocked an eyebrow as she looked between Vielara and Ato. "No matter. If we want to get everything gathered up before nightfall we best head back into Affa soon, Ato."
Veythe wanted to make sure they were properly equipped for the trip ahead. Hooks were a good idea, at least for the party as a whole, potions would save lives when magic couldn't assist, and water was a must. Rations, too, Veythe knew they'd need to eat something and not all life was well and good for hunting. At the very least they had maps and a general idea of where they were headed, but going into the hedron without any sort of knowledge about what they might face--Veythe frowned.
If they pooled their resources they definitely would have plenty for supplies, at least. Veythe turned without even hearing any sort of response, and she didn't bother to check if Ellangil would follow either. Instead she headed back into town, trying to remember the route that Kayn had taken them earlier. Once back in Affa Veythe began to hunt down everything that they needed. She knew the Kor sisters probably had hooks or claws for climbing--she saw Vasha's yesterday after all--but she herself didn't, and she didn't know if Ato, Ellangil, or Kayn had hooks either. Claws or hooks for climbing were on the list. Potions; they'd need potions especially in the hedron. Rations, water--everything Veythe could think of. Did they have bedrolls? Veythe figured she'd assumed they had bedrolls.
Once she gathered up enough supplies Veythe headed back to the Expedition House. Everything would be portioned out later.
Without Vielara's eye on him directly, he turned his attention to Veythe. He didn't directly answer her first comment, instead merely returning a subtle, sly grin. "We do have a good portion of tomorrow to gather supplies as well, but we can certainly get a start on it tonight. The bazaar then?" He follows the bard and as she seems set on taking control of the task, he is content to let her do so. As far as he can tell, she does have a good handle on what they'll need, agreeing on the climbing equipment, adding perhaps some tools such as spikes and hammers, crowbars and the like for breaking open the hedron itself.
Ellangil's focus on the map is broken when he hears his name called. He meets eyes with Ato.
"What was that?" A few seconds later, Ato's question sinks in. "Oh. Thinking. Yes."
Ellangil traces the route along the map.
"I'm thinking this will be about a 40-mile walk - about 15 of that through the life bloom. That's about 5 days' travel through arid desert and near-unbearable heat. I saw some of these folk nearly pass out from standing still in a fighting pit, how much worse when we're knee-deep in sand?"
He arches his brow and leans over the table to meet eye to eye with the Mer.
"I'm thinking we're going to need hot weather gear and a good deal more water than most of you would expect."
He then turns his gaze to their matron.
"With your leave, my lady, I'll go tend to our provisions..."
Excusing Ellangil last, Vielara nods her head in a slight bow as the group disperses to their separate activities. The night comes quickly as the suns disappear behind the Teeth, Eduun just minutes after Kessil. The expansive beauty of the stars and their constellations twinkle in the night sky, the pale light from Sefesa [the kor's affectionate name for the moon] basking the city of Affa in a faint glow. Shopping is uneventful, the Open Flame Bazaar remaining well-lit, though the amount of shops open trickles down as the night grows longer. By midnight, the shops are all closed, and the crowds quickly disperse as the Affa Watch begins to crack down on the city's curfew.
The morning comes quickly for the group, as the suns begin to rise across the horizon to the south, the sea turning into flame as the warm hues of dawn dance across the sky, soon making way for the blue-tinge of day. The group arises from their slumber, however long or short it might've been, ready to tackle on the oncoming day's adventure and their first expedition. The group knows Zinshadar and his galley will be departing from the harbor toward their destination in a few hours, and take the time to gather their supplies, seeing what rations they both have and will need for the long journey.
The docks aren't far from the expedition house, and the group arrives with plenty of time to spare. Looking at the various boats docks or floating out in Jolantur Bay, it isn't hard to guess which one Zinshadar's galley is. A large ship, the wood either dyed black or made from a dark wood found in Guul Draz, stands steadfast against the small waves beneath it. Crimson-red tapestry adorns the boat; the sails themselves matching in color. A pale human, heavily adorned with piercings and a shaved head, stands by the plank leading onto the boat vigilantly. Seeing the group begin to approach, he shades his eyes from the suns as he arcs his neck to look at them. "You lot are early aren't ya?"he remarks, snorting and spitting out a loogie into the ocean.
Kayn was tired. Really tired. Doubly tired... even dog-self couldn't bare his weight right now. The sight of the pale vampire pirate was odd. The suns were reflecting off his skin straight into the goblin's eyes. He covered them with his hand while the captain called out. The loogie he spat was a thing of beauty, sailing through the air like a graceful baby water elemental. It returned home with a slight plop.
Kayn had wanted to talk to Vielara one last time before they had to depart, but he wasn't able to find her. He could barely keep his thoughts straight right now. All he wanted to do was rest. "Early worm gets the bird," Kayn remarks. A few seconds later he adds, "Worm."
Vesra had woken in a pile of kor twins, the two having fallen asleep in the training room. They were a mess of white hair, flowers, sweat, and tears, but as long as they had each other, they could conquer the world. The druid had little to prepare, as she was used to a nomadic life style. As much as she and Vasha attempted to distance themselves from their tribe, they relied heavily on many of the skills they had learned their. Vesra always kept everything she could hope to need in a small, light pack.
The elder twin appeared to be in good spirits as she almost skipped to the docks. "To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late," Vesra said cheerfully to the sailor, with far more energy than the rest of the party combined. "And to be late is to miss the boat!"
Vasha hated mornings. Vasha hated most things, but she absolutely detested waking up to the bright morning sun. She wasn't tired, she'd gotten plenty of sleep on the floor of the training room, snuggling with her sister. But she certainly wasn't as peppy as Vesra. She stepped toward the ship, hardly regarding the captain. "Where are we allowed to go," she asked, gruffly. She just wanted to keep out of the way, and out of trouble.
The man intercedes, cutting off the group from boarding the ship. "You step on that ship 'out the captain's permission and you're a dead'in." the man warned sharply. "Either by 'is blades or the do'ens of nulls who'r given strict commands to kill n'thing on board when 'e's not there." He fakes a smile, revealing a row of missing or gilded teeth, batting his eyelashes as he steps to the side. "But by all means: be meat. It don't make no difference to me. We already been paid."
"You want the captain?" he asks. "'e'll be 'n the Salty Stein o'er there." he points off to the end of the docks, where a rocky path climbs up the cliff cave to a large alcove. "Ain't too hard'a find. Probably the only vampire in there, and e'll be surrounded by the rest o' 'is crew."
Vasha put her hands up and walked away. No sense in getting into a fight. She found a spot to sit and wait. If someone wanted to talk to the captain, let them. She wasn't the person for that job.
Kayn looks in the direction the pale human with gilded teeth pointed. With a resigned sigh, he led the group to the Salty Stein. "I thought he was Captain..." the goblin remarks. Only a trained professional could spit that quality of a loogie.
"I'm not getting between a pirate and his... drink," Vesra glanced up the hill. "I'm sure he'll be on time. It's not his fault we decided to be early!" She laughed nervously, but Ember urged her onwards with words of encouragement. He was like a tiny little cheerleader inside her head who always supported her decisions. Like Vasha, but more violent and emphatic, and only she could hear him.
"We can just sit and wait here?" She continued on. "I'm sure you won't mind our company."
Ato was tired - he was used to... later hours. Still, this employment with Teklentar was a new start and a new life, so he expected he'd best get used to the early mornings. He'd taken a route to the docks which let him pop over to the bazaar one last time to gather his spear from the craftsman who was modifying it for him. He inspects it carefully and while not a weapons expert by any means, the work seems to be of quality. "I do appreciate the quick work, friend, and it appears to be well done indeed. You have my thanks. If we manage to survive our expedition for Vielara, I won't hesitate to return should I need anything else in the future." Ato takes his leave and quickly rejoins the others on the way to the ship.
At the foot of the ship's gangplank with the others, he makes no attempt to board after being warned off the the man, but can't seem to keep himself from making a parting comment. "If you know that we are early, then you are clearly expecting us. Nonetheless, we'll wait for the captain as you say. We wouldn't fault a man from doing his duty, as I'm sure you are." He moves off to sit and wait with the kor twins in the open sea air, rather than wander off for the closed and likely odorous confines of some dockside tavern.
Kayn shakes his head as the others decide to sit in the sun and wait. It's always up to the goblin to move things along, it seems. Very well... eyes in two places is better than eyes in one. Dog-Kayn joins the others as the goblin makes the lonely trek up to the tavern.
Heading down the docks, he drew the eyes of the local merfolk and humans, who either look at him with disdain, curiosity, or a combination of both. None approach him, however, as he made his way toward the Salty Stein. The perilous path leading up to the alcove where the tavern is located juts out from the cliff, with the spray of salt and waves crashing against it, the only thing keeping him from being swallowed by the ocean are the metal rods secured into the cliff face, with a long rope acting as a secure grip to keep him from falling. This was not going to be a fun trip. Too tired to do this twice. He looked back at the others on the dock, a clear view of them from the cliff. How could they be so lazy...
About 10 minutes later, the group sees two figures exiting the tavern. One seems to glide down the cliff face with ease while the other climbs down with practiced precision. Neither figure looks like the goblin, but as they approach you can see why. The first, a seven foot all vampire, could be none other than the captain, and the second was a huge brute, likely the bouncer of the establishment, carrying the weary goblin on one shoulder.
Kayn waves as they approach, and as they get closer he whispers something into the huge man's ear. The man tenderly lifts the goblin from his shoulder and gives him a deep and warm hug. "I will miss you best friend master wizard!" He bellows, tears pouring from his eyes. The goblin pats his leg and points up to the tavern. After a bit of reluctance, his shoulders sag and he makes his way back up.
He turns to the party and says, "Meet the esteemed Captain Zinshadar." He gestures to the tall vampire who still seems to be nursing a stein of his favorite ale.
Those on the docks catch a glimpse of Ellangil dragging a crude litter down the street toward them. On the litter, you see several crude, burlap bags. Whatever is in the bags, it must be quite heavy, because Ellangil's muscles are notably taut and glistening with sweat as he drags the load step by step.
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PBP "Beregost Blues" - Dungeon Master of Gnome Slaying +5
Veythe follows behind Ellangil with a pleased smile on her face. She's quite smug, honestly, that she got everything she did--including the climbing claws for such a steal! While her purse might be aching for it, she's merely happy she was able to get enough provisions to satisfy her concerns.
"Thank you for carrying all this," Veythe said with a wide grin. She danced around Ellangil and then raced up toward the ship. "Is this the ship?"
Vasha spotted Ellangil dragging stuff behind him and decided to help. Anything was better than sitting here waiting. She stood and made her way to him, as Veythe ran past her. "Here," she said quietly. "Let me help." As they were dragging the litter, she said, "I'm sorry. I was a complete fool. I seem to have a habit of doing that."
"It is so nice to meet you, Captain!" Vesra beamed, producing a flower and handing it to the vampire. It was unusual for anyone to be that much taller than she, and the kor found herself craning her neck to look him in the eye. "I'm Vesra, and the one over there doing half the heavy lifting is my sister Vasha. Is there anything you need from us so that we can set sail?"
Many things swirled around in Vasha's head. Anger boiled so close to the surface, she was afraid she might lash out at her own sister. Instead, she turned back and took out her anger on the dummy. She said nothing, afraid of the horrible things that might come out of her mouth. Better to destroy a training dummy than the relationship with her own sister.
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
"Vasha, please," Vesra stepped in front of the dummy. She hated that her sister wasn't talking to her. "Talk to me. What's going on? Help me understand."
Vasha paused mid-punch. She closed her eyes, letting her hands fall to her sides. "I... I'm just feeling out of place here. I hate knowing that I have to trust these people. You always make friends so easily, then we move on. Now... I'm stuck. I have all these feelings I don't know how to deal with." She looked over at Ember. "And that little shit isn't making things any easier."
"Yeah, he's.... learning," Vesra sighed. "But do you think I don't feel out of place here? I feel like I'm a terrified little girl hiding behind your legs. I'm so scared I'm going to mess up and get us both killed all the time."
"Flower..." Vasha said, her tone softening. "You're getting so powerful, you're leaving me behind. I went to the Guild because I need to be able to keep up with you. If anyone is going to get us both killed... it's going to be me. They turned me away and won't teach me until I can bend stone." She looked down at her still bandaged knuckles. "And we both know my anger issues make things... difficult."
"You went back to the Guild? After what they did to you the first time?" Vesra let out an angry cry and threw a fireball of her own at one of the dummies. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. "Vashie, you are light years ahead, you don't need those idiots. I promised you that you would never have to go back." Vesra sunk to her knees, the tears beginning to come free. "I promised."
Vasha sank down and wrapped her arms around Vesra. "I know. I know you promised. But I need help, Flower. I can't control this anger inside me. I can't handle all these emotions I'm feeling. I need help, and this time, I don't think you can help me."
"Do you want to burn something?" Vesra hiccuped. "That always helps me."
"No," Vasha chuckled. "I'm unable to produce flame like you. That's why I punch things."
"I can help you," Vesra murmured. "I know how. But I'm so scared I'm going to hurt you."
Vasha stoked her sister's hair. "I love you, Flower. Never forget that. I'll never be able to do that things that you do. I'd be a fool to try. You're something special, not just to me. I can see it by how everyone gathers to you."
"You're something special too."
"Of course, I am. I'm your sister." She smiled and hugged Vesra tighter.
"No, you're special because you're you," Vesra sighed, holding her sister even closer. "Do you really want to learn about how to move stone? Not for me, because you know I will look up to you and need you regardless of whether you can bend stone. Do you want to know for you?"
"Yes and if you give me time, I'll do it." She held her sisters face in her hands. "Then we'll conquer the world, together."
"Here," Vesra withdrew notes about lithomancy, stolen from Lilith's desk, from her bag. "We took these from Kayn's teacher. It's not a lot, but it is something. I was scared to give them to you, because the Guild will hunt us down if they ever find out."
Vasha skimmed through the notes. "These... these are about..." She quickly dropped them, pushing them away. "No, they'll kill us, Vesra! I know you hate the Guild, but I want to learn from them."
"You don't need them, you've never needed them," Vesra spat. "You are far stronger than any of them."
Vasha said nothing, just continued to stroke her sister's hair. Finally, after giving it some thought, she said softly, "Burn it."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely." With her sister's conviction behind her, Vesra lit the paper on fire and watched as it crumbled to ash. For some reason, burning this hadn't made her feel any better. As the sisters watched what could have been Vasha's future go up in flames, the monk turned to Vesra, holding up her singed hair, and said, "Now, what do you plan on doing about this?"
"Braiding a flower into it?" Vesra smiled sheepishly. Vasha smiled, while moving the druid's flower crown away from her forehead. She kissed her sister, right where the horrid tattoo is, then replaced the crown. The elder kor twin began to braid, weaving bright flowers into her sister's hair.
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Kayn worked until late in the night with his trusty dog-self. As they grew tired, he took breaks to nap and snack on whatever foods were presented in the dining hall. He'd learned a lot of useless information on Hedrons, but there were a few diamonds in the rough. He now understood why Vielara was in a hurry to open the hedron and what they might find once it is open. He soon grew satisfied with what he leaned in the texts, and aside from a couple books, decided he could leave the rest in this library. He could feel the heat of the morning suns as they cooked the guildhall. He may have spent too much time in this research, but it was well worth it. Between the naps and the knowledge, he felt like he was ready to tackle the mission.
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"I feel as if I'm missing something," Veythe cocked an eyebrow as she looked between Vielara and Ato. "No matter. If we want to get everything gathered up before nightfall we best head back into Affa soon, Ato."
Veythe wanted to make sure they were properly equipped for the trip ahead. Hooks were a good idea, at least for the party as a whole, potions would save lives when magic couldn't assist, and water was a must. Rations, too, Veythe knew they'd need to eat something and not all life was well and good for hunting. At the very least they had maps and a general idea of where they were headed, but going into the hedron without any sort of knowledge about what they might face--Veythe frowned.
If they pooled their resources they definitely would have plenty for supplies, at least. Veythe turned without even hearing any sort of response, and she didn't bother to check if Ellangil would follow either. Instead she headed back into town, trying to remember the route that Kayn had taken them earlier. Once back in Affa Veythe began to hunt down everything that they needed. She knew the Kor sisters probably had hooks or claws for climbing--she saw Vasha's yesterday after all--but she herself didn't, and she didn't know if Ato, Ellangil, or Kayn had hooks either. Claws or hooks for climbing were on the list. Potions; they'd need potions especially in the hedron. Rations, water--everything Veythe could think of. Did they have bedrolls? Veythe figured she'd assumed they had bedrolls.
Once she gathered up enough supplies Veythe headed back to the Expedition House. Everything would be portioned out later.
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Without Vielara's eye on him directly, he turned his attention to Veythe. He didn't directly answer her first comment, instead merely returning a subtle, sly grin. "We do have a good portion of tomorrow to gather supplies as well, but we can certainly get a start on it tonight. The bazaar then?" He follows the bard and as she seems set on taking control of the task, he is content to let her do so. As far as he can tell, she does have a good handle on what they'll need, agreeing on the climbing equipment, adding perhaps some tools such as spikes and hammers, crowbars and the like for breaking open the hedron itself.
Ellangil's focus on the map is broken when he hears his name called. He meets eyes with Ato.
"What was that?" A few seconds later, Ato's question sinks in. "Oh. Thinking. Yes."
Ellangil traces the route along the map.
"I'm thinking this will be about a 40-mile walk - about 15 of that through the life bloom. That's about 5 days' travel through arid desert and near-unbearable heat. I saw some of these folk nearly pass out from standing still in a fighting pit, how much worse when we're knee-deep in sand?"
He arches his brow and leans over the table to meet eye to eye with the Mer.
"I'm thinking we're going to need hot weather gear and a good deal more water than most of you would expect."
He then turns his gaze to their matron.
"With your leave, my lady, I'll go tend to our provisions..."
Excusing Ellangil last, Vielara nods her head in a slight bow as the group disperses to their separate activities. The night comes quickly as the suns disappear behind the Teeth, Eduun just minutes after Kessil. The expansive beauty of the stars and their constellations twinkle in the night sky, the pale light from Sefesa [the kor's affectionate name for the moon] basking the city of Affa in a faint glow. Shopping is uneventful, the Open Flame Bazaar remaining well-lit, though the amount of shops open trickles down as the night grows longer. By midnight, the shops are all closed, and the crowds quickly disperse as the Affa Watch begins to crack down on the city's curfew.
The morning comes quickly for the group, as the suns begin to rise across the horizon to the south, the sea turning into flame as the warm hues of dawn dance across the sky, soon making way for the blue-tinge of day. The group arises from their slumber, however long or short it might've been, ready to tackle on the oncoming day's adventure and their first expedition. The group knows Zinshadar and his galley will be departing from the harbor toward their destination in a few hours, and take the time to gather their supplies, seeing what rations they both have and will need for the long journey.
The docks aren't far from the expedition house, and the group arrives with plenty of time to spare. Looking at the various boats docks or floating out in Jolantur Bay, it isn't hard to guess which one Zinshadar's galley is. A large ship, the wood either dyed black or made from a dark wood found in Guul Draz, stands steadfast against the small waves beneath it. Crimson-red tapestry adorns the boat; the sails themselves matching in color. A pale human, heavily adorned with piercings and a shaved head, stands by the plank leading onto the boat vigilantly. Seeing the group begin to approach, he shades his eyes from the suns as he arcs his neck to look at them. "You lot are early aren't ya?" he remarks, snorting and spitting out a loogie into the ocean.
Kayn was tired. Really tired. Doubly tired... even dog-self couldn't bare his weight right now. The sight of the pale vampire pirate was odd. The suns were reflecting off his skin straight into the goblin's eyes. He covered them with his hand while the captain called out. The loogie he spat was a thing of beauty, sailing through the air like a graceful baby water elemental. It returned home with a slight plop.
Kayn had wanted to talk to Vielara one last time before they had to depart, but he wasn't able to find her. He could barely keep his thoughts straight right now. All he wanted to do was rest. "Early worm gets the bird," Kayn remarks. A few seconds later he adds, "Worm."
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Vesra had woken in a pile of kor twins, the two having fallen asleep in the training room. They were a mess of white hair, flowers, sweat, and tears, but as long as they had each other, they could conquer the world. The druid had little to prepare, as she was used to a nomadic life style. As much as she and Vasha attempted to distance themselves from their tribe, they relied heavily on many of the skills they had learned their. Vesra always kept everything she could hope to need in a small, light pack.
The elder twin appeared to be in good spirits as she almost skipped to the docks. "To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late," Vesra said cheerfully to the sailor, with far more energy than the rest of the party combined. "And to be late is to miss the boat!"
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Vasha hated mornings. Vasha hated most things, but she absolutely detested waking up to the bright morning sun. She wasn't tired, she'd gotten plenty of sleep on the floor of the training room, snuggling with her sister. But she certainly wasn't as peppy as Vesra. She stepped toward the ship, hardly regarding the captain. "Where are we allowed to go," she asked, gruffly. She just wanted to keep out of the way, and out of trouble.
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
The man intercedes, cutting off the group from boarding the ship. "You step on that ship 'out the captain's permission and you're a dead'in." the man warned sharply. "Either by 'is blades or the do'ens of nulls who'r given strict commands to kill n'thing on board when 'e's not there." He fakes a smile, revealing a row of missing or gilded teeth, batting his eyelashes as he steps to the side. "But by all means: be meat. It don't make no difference to me. We already been paid."
"You want the captain?" he asks. "'e'll be 'n the Salty Stein o'er there." he points off to the end of the docks, where a rocky path climbs up the cliff cave to a large alcove. "Ain't too hard'a find. Probably the only vampire in there, and e'll be surrounded by the rest o' 'is crew."
Vasha put her hands up and walked away. No sense in getting into a fight. She found a spot to sit and wait. If someone wanted to talk to the captain, let them. She wasn't the person for that job.
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
Kayn looks in the direction the pale human with gilded teeth pointed. With a resigned sigh, he led the group to the Salty Stein. "I thought he was Captain..." the goblin remarks. Only a trained professional could spit that quality of a loogie.
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"I'm not getting between a pirate and his... drink," Vesra glanced up the hill. "I'm sure he'll be on time. It's not his fault we decided to be early!" She laughed nervously, but Ember urged her onwards with words of encouragement. He was like a tiny little cheerleader inside her head who always supported her decisions. Like Vasha, but more violent and emphatic, and only she could hear him.
"We can just sit and wait here?" She continued on. "I'm sure you won't mind our company."
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Ato was tired - he was used to... later hours. Still, this employment with Teklentar was a new start and a new life, so he expected he'd best get used to the early mornings. He'd taken a route to the docks which let him pop over to the bazaar one last time to gather his spear from the craftsman who was modifying it for him. He inspects it carefully and while not a weapons expert by any means, the work seems to be of quality. "I do appreciate the quick work, friend, and it appears to be well done indeed. You have my thanks. If we manage to survive our expedition for Vielara, I won't hesitate to return should I need anything else in the future." Ato takes his leave and quickly rejoins the others on the way to the ship.
At the foot of the ship's gangplank with the others, he makes no attempt to board after being warned off the the man, but can't seem to keep himself from making a parting comment. "If you know that we are early, then you are clearly expecting us. Nonetheless, we'll wait for the captain as you say. We wouldn't fault a man from doing his duty, as I'm sure you are." He moves off to sit and wait with the kor twins in the open sea air, rather than wander off for the closed and likely odorous confines of some dockside tavern.
Kayn shakes his head as the others decide to sit in the sun and wait. It's always up to the goblin to move things along, it seems. Very well... eyes in two places is better than eyes in one. Dog-Kayn joins the others as the goblin makes the lonely trek up to the tavern.
Heading down the docks, he drew the eyes of the local merfolk and humans, who either look at him with disdain, curiosity, or a combination of both. None approach him, however, as he made his way toward the Salty Stein. The perilous path leading up to the alcove where the tavern is located juts out from the cliff, with the spray of salt and waves crashing against it, the only thing keeping him from being swallowed by the ocean are the metal rods secured into the cliff face, with a long rope acting as a secure grip to keep him from falling. This was not going to be a fun trip. Too tired to do this twice. He looked back at the others on the dock, a clear view of them from the cliff. How could they be so lazy...
About 10 minutes later, the group sees two figures exiting the tavern. One seems to glide down the cliff face with ease while the other climbs down with practiced precision. Neither figure looks like the goblin, but as they approach you can see why. The first, a seven foot all vampire, could be none other than the captain, and the second was a huge brute, likely the bouncer of the establishment, carrying the weary goblin on one shoulder.
Kayn waves as they approach, and as they get closer he whispers something into the huge man's ear. The man tenderly lifts the goblin from his shoulder and gives him a deep and warm hug. "I will miss you best friend master wizard!" He bellows, tears pouring from his eyes. The goblin pats his leg and points up to the tavern. After a bit of reluctance, his shoulders sag and he makes his way back up.
He turns to the party and says, "Meet the esteemed Captain Zinshadar." He gestures to the tall vampire who still seems to be nursing a stein of his favorite ale.
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Those on the docks catch a glimpse of Ellangil dragging a crude litter down the street toward them. On the litter, you see several crude, burlap bags. Whatever is in the bags, it must be quite heavy, because Ellangil's muscles are notably taut and glistening with sweat as he drags the load step by step.
Veythe follows behind Ellangil with a pleased smile on her face. She's quite smug, honestly, that she got everything she did--including the climbing claws for such a steal! While her purse might be aching for it, she's merely happy she was able to get enough provisions to satisfy her concerns.
"Thank you for carrying all this," Veythe said with a wide grin. She danced around Ellangil and then raced up toward the ship. "Is this the ship?"
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Vasha spotted Ellangil dragging stuff behind him and decided to help. Anything was better than sitting here waiting. She stood and made her way to him, as Veythe ran past her. "Here," she said quietly. "Let me help." As they were dragging the litter, she said, "I'm sorry. I was a complete fool. I seem to have a habit of doing that."
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
"It is so nice to meet you, Captain!" Vesra beamed, producing a flower and handing it to the vampire. It was unusual for anyone to be that much taller than she, and the kor found herself craning her neck to look him in the eye. "I'm Vesra, and the one over there doing half the heavy lifting is my sister Vasha. Is there anything you need from us so that we can set sail?"
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