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OOC: Pu'aki was the name of their human leader. They typically adopt the name of their God, T'a'u'weke, when naming themselves. And yes, they were to just guide them and not act to save anyone. They were being tested by T'a'u'weke in their minds. If they survived, they would be worthy.
IC:
Arlen didn't even get so much as acknowledgment from the pilot, but it didn't bother him. Something told him that they'd been through a sort of hell in their run back to the ship. They'd gone through the thickest portion relatively unscathed. An amazing feat in itself, and told of their sense of direction. <How did I know this?> he wondered. He felt exhausted and hungry - like he'd dropped a few pounds. Hard to do for him, he didn't have much to lose. Not eating much did that when you expended yourself, apparently even on other planes.
Seeing Sephara brightened his mood a bit. She always did seem like a light in a dark place when she was around. Sephara reminded him of someone else in his past. A path he didn't want to mentally explore at the moment, but it came unbidden regardless of his wants. Arlen followed her aboard and turned to see two newcomers to the crew as Gabriel popped out with them. They needed every hand they could get. The island tugged at his mind and whispered in his ear that they were good people. They were lost in more ways than one but had each other. Perhaps T'a'u'weke's power didn't expand beyond the island, but Arlen was beginning to believe there was something here beyond flesh and blood or even magic.
Rest was what he needed. Rest and food. Water preferably. The Half-Orc from earlier seemed to have been involved in the crew after all as a sort of cabin boy, helping in any way he could to earn his trust. It was a form of racism, but Arlen wouldn't press the matter. It really wasn't his place. He'd probably suffered enough from the Orcs he was subject to his whole life. Why make him suffer more cruelty from his other half as well? If Arlen had gotten to know Gabriel though, things like that seemed beyond the man. He saw into the eyes of people before he made judgment. One of the things that endeared him to Arlen.
The stand to attention wasn't long before Gabriel arrived with the other two. Orders were given quickly and Arlen walked toward Sephara to fill her in. "I'm sure there are more pressing things, but the test has been passed for now. For whatever reason, I feel it will never and for me though. We have been accepted as tentative friends. It's quite exhausted me, but I think you all had a more difficult matter than I had. Perhaps I should volunteer for the second shift. I would like to speak to Gabriel anyway."
Sephara nodded, "I will pass that along to his attention. As you can understand, he's a little busy at the moment." Arlen nodded in agreement and his gentle smile returned.
There was an odd look in her eye, as if she'd seen something she'd rather not. The odd tug at the back of Arlen's head returned and his face changed to one of curiosity. "Hmm... it seems you've changed somehow," he spoke slowly. Immediately he dropped it, not wishing to pry and waved his hand. "Never mind, I'll help Jade with whatever she needs and take care of my belly afterward. I've got some field experience, and should be able to help," he offered.
Sephara's eyes squinted and her forehead creased as she could only guess at the meaning behind his words, though she had a clue. <For now,> Arlen thought, <She's probably thinking I've had an equally change-worthy night.> She nodded but said nothing. Sephara directed him to Jade's direction with a graceful hand stained with blood. Arlen knew it was not her own. He smiled comfortingly again, and strolled over at a calculating pace toward the doctor. He took a look back and Sephara was already turning her attention elsewhere.
"Anything I can do to help?" he asked Jade.
OOC:
He's in ya'lls hands for now. I'll probably just pop in for introspective moments here and there. I think all I'll have time for is catching up with reading. I'm feeling much better than I had earlier.
Gabe listened to Arch's story about everything that had happened, and her explanation for usurping his authority when they'd been together in the jungle. The highly skilled Dominion pilot was putting on a good show, but he wasn't buying in the fantasy she'd created. Ever since he'd brought her on as a part of his crew he knew she brought baggage with her from her days as a soldier. He'd hoped, with time and a new family, she would be able to lighten her load, but it had never happened. The woman was stuck at the bottom of a bottle.
The Captain of the Requiem Dawn found himself gazing up at the stars, wondering what problems waited for him once he made his way up into the black.
"It was the right call," he finally spoke. From the bottom of his eyes he saw her shift and pull back, had he managed to catch the grizzled war veteran by surprise this time.
Tilting his head back down so he could look her in the eyes he continued, "You knew more about the situation than me and what kind of trouble we could be in. At that point, you made the right decision to take control and lead us back to the ship." She barely blinked and just sat waiting for what was to come. Arch was smart enough to figure out there was still more he had to say.
"We follow order and rank here, but this isn't a military outfit. I expect the people who fly with me to carry out my commands, but I, out of everyone, am fully aware of the people I've surrounded myself with and their capabilities to lead in different situations," he held up a finger in protest, "So long as it does not undermine me in the process."
"You going outside the chain of command is not my issue, it's why you did what you did." Gabe stared straight into her eyes. He knew there were secrets she kept locked up, perhaps the darkest kind, but he wasn't scared of them or her, and he wanted her to know that. "I saw you in that clearing. There was something... like recognition in your eyes. Like you'd seen it before," his voice trailed off.
His face became deadly serious, "I can tolerate insubordination and a lot of other vices, but panic gets people killed, people who've entrusted something of their lives to me when they sign on aboard my boat. I don't know what happened, or why, but I know it has something to do with your past."
Stopping to take a step closer and put his hand on her arm, he softened his tone a little, "I know you keep demons inside, and you'd prefer to drown them than face them. I've overlooked that, probably for too long, but I'm worried now. Worried it may harm someone. And I don't want that happen."
He began to walk towards his cabin. There was something else about the ruins that Arch had mentioned that had jogged something in his memory. He wanted to do some poking around in his notes and books to see if he could find any references to islands and ancient ruins, anything that might give him some kind of grasp on what they'd crashed into, but he'd one final piece of business with Arch.
"You're stuck where you are until you decide to face forward and confront your past head on. I don't know what I can do, but I want you to know, I'm here for you... always."
He stopped and looked at her, one foot on the stairs ready to ascend to his private quarters, "Now get some sleep. Tomorrow we find a way off this beach." Each step seemed to groan louder than the last as he walked up. Closing the door behind him he settled into the chair near his desk. Moonlight flood through the aft window, basking his room in an eerie azure glow. 'What a day,' he thought, picked up his notebook, and began searching its pages for the clue he needed.
Sorry for the trouble i caused guys. Since i am unable to find any time to be here anymore i am deleting my character. I also kinda lost my enthusiasm with all the waiting and the harsh schedule i am going through right now. I believe It'll possibly be too late for me to join the game when i find appropriate time to read all the stuff you guys write. Besides skysail has already more than enough writers that are contributing.
I believe if i show my face back again in RP boards, I'll possibly start a new thread rather than joining any existing one, since by the time any thread that has already started would become too old to participate in.
OOC: Alright. It ended up taking me this long to reply to you Aposai because I felt I needed to carefully think this over.
I like how much effort and detail you've put into your character, and I'll preface my decision with the following: my own personal preferences are for human only worlds, less magic, and more realism.
Now then, I created the thread and gave free reign to be creative, so while I'm hesitant, your character is approved, but I do request some guidelines.
First, if you're going to post and play here you need to participate. I'm not sure what you meant at the beginning about your storytelling, but if its going to be all past stuff that simply won't fly. I'd prefer you focus on the present. You can look at what Phoenix has done, with his char's flashbacks, to bring that history forward, but flying solo is not what this is about. Also, when you talk about the past it has a great effect on the world today and how the other players have to then think about that world. What you say essentially becomes 'fact' and everyone else has to adhere to it. And because you are new here, I'd prefer to stick to more to current events.
Second, with how you've described her Iona would be susceptible to many forms of magic. Basic elemental magic could 'hurt' in many different types of ways, so just keep that in mind (e.g. she's metal, so theoretically hot enough fire magic could melt her).
Lastly, I'm very very uncertain about the history as its not what I had in mind at all for this world. It turns it into a world that was very advanced many years ago, some disaster happened, and just now are they starting to get back to that same point. Because it doesn't hugely affect the storyline at this point though, I'll allow it, but I'm just giving you forewarning that my feelings may change as we progress.
Welcome Aboard ^_^
TO ALL:
Well, it's been almost 2 weeks now, and I think it's time to start things up again. I'll post today or tomorrow and with everyone pitching in, we'll be off this island in no time at all ^_^
OOC: *saunters back in casually*
IC:
It was hard for Cyradis to feel safe after nearly a day of such closeness to death. Even thinking about it from the confines of her cabin sent chills down her spine and turned her stomach. The reality of the situation was finally setting in. She could have been killed a hundred different ways she hadn't even realized while fleeing and during their tenuous standoff at the stone house. She suddenly felt like vomiting, but was able to resist the urge - largely due to her lack of food.
Cyradis stood and reguarded herself in the mirrior over her dresser. Her silvery hair was brown and held traces of leaves and small twigs. Her face was equally dirtied and had a few shallow scrapes that would probably heal overnight. Lowering her gaze, she could see several tears in her robe from crawling though the thicket, some leaving red lines across her arms and legs. She pulled her robe off and let it fall in a pile at her feet. the plain white dressing gown beneath was in better shape, but still ripped slightly across her abs. Even now should couldn't remember what she could have possibly been snagged on that ripped both her robe and dressing gown. At leat the gown was worth mending, but the robe was better off being scrapped for dishcloth.
Finally, Cyradis pulled off her dressing gown and inspected her bare flesh. She could feel the adrenaline starting to fade and all the injuries she might have suffered were making themselves felt. Overall, she had only a few bruises and a light scratch on her stomach. No bleeding or unmanagable pain. Pulling her slightly ripped dressing gown back on, she knelt over the crumpled robe, spending the next few minutes picking the debris from her hair and letting it fall onto the robe. Never before had she so badly wanted a bath. Airships, however, were even more cramped than seafaring vessels, and had even less room for a washroom. As such, the Requiem Dawn was without one. There was, however, a bay full of water outside at her disposal. Soap aside, it would be nice just to wash the filth from her skin and hair.
She grabbed a clean robe and dressing gown and made her way into the corridor. Stepping up onto the deck, she saw Gabe entering his private quarters with Archamae standign nearby looking slightly dejected. Cyradis decided now might not be the best time to approach her. Despite whatever Gabe may have said to her, Cyradis was happy Arch was with her in the jungle. The enigmatic pilot was a far more complicated woman than she realized, and hopefully, a new friend.
Cyradis desceded the wooden plank, leaving the dry robe at the foot of the ramp, to the shore and stepped barefoot onto the slushy volcanic sand. The tide apparantly rose at night. Wading her way to the keel of the ship, she was waist-deep in the cool, black water. Taking a breath and closing her eyes, she dropped beneath the water's surface. Beneath, she vigorously rubbed her face and hair to release the dirt before breaking the surface and releasing her breath. Feeling somewhat refreshed, she sighed and waded back to knee-deep waters. Lowering herself gently to the saturated sand, she laid back in the water. The shallowness and her natural bouyancy kept her face above the water without needing to hold her breath; allowing her to drift effortlessly, gazing up at the stars.
Despite all the events that the day's trauma had caused her to forget, one moment stood vivid in her memory as if it were being played out before her. Back in the stone house, huddled around her small fire, Archamae asked about Kell. Cyradis could admit to herself that she wished she had stayed back in Kell during all that had happened, despite how little she had left there. Her mother's estate was capitolized by the Kellan government not long after her death, leaving Cyradis with a small house and University diploma. But with the Dominion threat passes, there wasn't much use for a Arch Mage these days.
She wondered how much Gabe and the rest of the crew actually knew about her. When asked, she had never been particularly elaborate about her past. Even when Arch asked back at the ruins she held back. She liked her position among the crew, though. She could easily talk to any of them and as far as they knew, she was a moderatly talented mage, if slightly reclusive. After her display during the ship's crash, though, she may have risen some eyebrows. How would they react if they knew she was an Arch Mage? In other parts of the world, Arch Magi are viewed with a necessary degree of fear. Telling someon you're among the most powerful of Kellen military battlemages is not something easily said.
Sighing, Cyradis resigned herself. Gabe should know, and hear it from her. But after tonight, it would be better to break it to him in the morning. Rising from the water, Cyradis returned to her folded robe and dressing gown. She scanned the edge of the ship deck for curious eyes, then quickly swapped her soaked dressing gown for the dry one with the robe following. Ascending the ramp, she draped her wet gown over the rail to let it dry overnight, and returned to her cabin for much needed sleep.
OOC: Got sloppy at the end, but I needed to wrap it up :D
OOC: Ok i have seen your point. Actually thats the reason why i had said "I wont try to affect the current storyline, and leave current situations to you more experienced folks hence you guys know each other for a time"
OOC: I was going to write up this whole game show bit to try to make this funny, but I figure it will just come off as condescending =p
Aposai -- there are several things amiss with your post. Warning, I'm honest, and it can seem harsh at times, but I'm hoping it helps improve quality in the long run. Frankly, I was surprised by your first post... I was expecting more.
1. Powerplaying
As a good rule of thumb here, minor powerplays are fine especially when it something small and you just want to keep the plot moving, and with any kind of powerplay you try to keep it to the bare minimum so that you don't misrepresent another person's character. Those of us who've been here are comfortable enough with each other to allow larger scale powerplays, but we still minimize them as much as possible. As a newcomer, you should try to avoid it as much as possible.
Your post was a fairly siginificant powerplay of Ralse - Phoenix's character. And if you look between your post, and his, there are glaring differences in how Ralse is portrayed. In the grand scheme of things it can be ignored, and our image of Ralse will remain with how Phoenix has built him, but it's mostly about respecting artistic rights.
2. Editing, Typos, Grammar
If you say any of our discussion with Zed, you can see how large big a deal simple syntax, spelling, grammar, and editing can be. The large paragraph in the middle needs to be broken up for easier reading. Anytime a new character is talking I think it's a general guideline to start a new paragraph (I noticed you had Iona and Ralse speaking in the same one once). Also, anytime you use quotation marks, there needs to be some sort of punctuation at the end, "Like this." Most of your dialogue ends, "As such" - missing the punctuation mark.
There's also some spelling mistakes and misused words. I know that english isn't your first language, so it's not a big deal, but do try to keep an eye out for these things. Re reading before you post will help a great deal. And I don't know if it had any affect, but if being tired means sloppy posting... sleep first ^_^
3. Exclamation Marks!
You used so many I had to devote an entire section to it. ! should be used sparsely... very sparsely. LIKE ALL CAPS IT REPRESENTS YELLING AND GETS VERY ANNOYING WHEN ALWAYS USED - plus for you scene there was really no reason to yell.
This ties back in with point 1 as well. Ralse comes across as a very cool, collected, and precise man, and having him yell lots of his speech goes against that image.
4. Story & Problem Solving
Don't feel you need to solve the problem all neatly. It's typical, I did it a lot in my younger years, but it usually mucks up the story in some way. In this case, you couldn't possibly know that Phoenix and I had already discussed that Gabe and Ralse are business rivals, and that he'd be a reoccurring obstacle for the crew. With that known, your post doesn't really work.
Join the story, but play a backseat for a little beat until you feel more comfortable with us, then you'll be good to step in and lead the story - I probably should have said that in my PM =p
TO EVERYONE
I'm going to ask you ignore Aposai's post.
TO APOSAI
PM me with other ideas of how you can intro your character.
OOC: Shari, actually we're going to go with the ship being decently large, so decent sized cabins and that there is an internal water system... not a lot mind you, but a purification system and a steam heater (a byproduct of the engine I believe). However, the engine needs to be working, so no heat and limited clean water.
Gabe thumbed through over half the books in his collection before for finally finding what he was looking for. Night had grown so large as to completely fill the chamber, forcing him to light several candles and work with the dim light. Completely focused on the task, he was oblivious to the sinking cold that wafted through cracks in the glass window. He sat, for hours, in the loneliness of the darkness, the only thing keeping him company was the occasional scratch of turning pages, and his low, barely audible murmurs as he read.
When he found the name his finger moved to immediately cover the surrounding words, so his eyes could more clearly focus on it.
Moorea.
Removing his finger so he could see the rest, he quickly read aloud the entire passage that referenced the ancient city, 'Ralse is going on again about trying to convince the Captain to try to find an island in the Haloed Sea that might hold the ruin of the once great naval power of Moorea. The man is nothing if not persistent. I believe he would swim from coast to coast and pole to pole just to find the ruins so he could prove he was right. I told him the Captain would never go for it, too big a risk, but he's convinced the city lies untouched, and there'd be priceless artifacts and treasure a plenty for the taking. He was disappointed, to be kind. Said I lacked vision. We land at Westport in three days time and he's threatened to leave us then. I have a feeling he's serious this time...' The date indicated the passage was almost 10 years old.
Closing the journal he slowly sat up in his seat and stared out into the dark folds of the sea. Were those your boys back there Ralse? In a way Gabriel hoped it wasn't. Ralse was keenly intelligent, cunning, and driven. If he thought Gabe and his crew were an obstacle, he'd find a way to eliminate them.
He gently rubbed the back of his neck, trying to rid it of the tension that was sending throbs of pain up into his head. If this was Moorea, there was still no guarantee it was Ralse out in that jungle and not some other treasure hunter who'd come to claim the lost artifacts of Moorea. It fit though, he had to admit. From what Arch had told him about the ruins, they were exactly how Ralse had described them many years ago. Expansive, untouched, and beachside with a great dockyard. Did you find it after all these years?
Gabe couldn't help but smile at the thought of his one time friend find his own Shandalaar. Maybe there was hope for him after all.
Whatever the truth was about the men they'd encountered, there was one undeniable fact. They had to leave this place. Soon.
-o0o-
The cry of a flock of ospreys hailed the dawn of a new morning. Gabe forced himself upright onto his elbows. His room was a disaster, still. The crash had dislodged all his belongings a mixture of maps, books, clothes, and other trinkets littered the floor and he hadn't bothered to fix it yet.
Last night he'd fallen into a deep sleep, but a short one shortly after satisfying the nag in his brain. He pulled on his boots and laced them up. It had been so late he hadn't bothered changing out of his day clothes. At least he'd managed to discard his leather vest, which he located on his desk chair and quickly button it back over the loosely fitted linen shirt, rolling up his sleeves to his elbows.
The rest of the ship was stirring. No matter how groggy, tired, bruised, sad, or sick they felt, they all knew they couldn't stay here any longer. Whatever was needed from them today, they'd give everything they had to find a way off this island.
Those already up seemed to have the same idea as Gabe - water. The crash had rendered the Dawn's purification and heating systems powerless, so they had only a limited quantity left. Aram had already set portions on the tables in the kitchen for everyone. Some stale bread, a mix of assorted berries and other local fruit, and a small jug of water. He eagerly pressed the jug to his mouth, savouring the feeling of the water breathing life into his weary body. He wished there was enough to splash onto his face, but he dared not waste a drop. Finished with breakfast he headed topside, it was time for their meeting.
The crew of the Dawn gathered under the early morning sun aboard their broken ship. They were a frazzled looking bunch, but there wasn't a hint of defeat in any of their eyes. He took a moment to look at each of them.
Sephara. She stood as resolute as any statue, unphased and unintimidated by what they faced.
Aram. Still so young. Leonetes would be furious with him if he knew what kind of danger he'd put the lad in. There was a growing confidence in the boy though. His passion for learning would soon make him more than just a force with words alone.
Archamae. Running, but from what? She was strong, but she could be stronger. There were people around who cared for her, who would help if asked - yet she needed to want to change, no one could force her.
Cyradis. Power, beauty, and wisdom all rolled into one. Like any mage mysterious, even cryptic at times, but loyal and a true friend.
Kaltor. The one-eyed pirate whose skill with a blade was unmatched by anyone Gabe had ever met. Ambitious too. Best keep one eye on that one or risk losing more than your coin purse.
Arlen. Learned and skilled. Wandering the world with no true home to speak of. The man was the type of crew member every Captain wished he could have ten of.
Jade. Smart and sexy... and haunted. There was clearly more to the quiet doctor than first glance told. He looked forward to finding out who she really was and what had compelled her to this life.
Drice and Cailey. The latest to join their family. Bound to each other so tightly Gabe believed whatever happened to the one would happen to the other. He hoped they would fit in, and if last night was any indication, they were off to a good start.
Gabe stood silent. commanding their attention, and they waited patiently for him to begin.
"As we discovered yesterday we're not alone. Thanks for Arlen, the islanders have greeted us as friends, but as Kal, Cyr, and Arch found out yesterday, there's another group who doesn't exactly play well with others," there was a quiet round of laughter amongst them.
"Staying here isn't an option." He decided not to elaborate, feeling no need to emphasize the danger that was on this island.
"From everything that's happened and from what I've heard, this island seems to have some great source of power. Something strong enough that Cyradis can feel it in all the living things that exist on this island," he gestured to the ship mage, who nodded in confirmation. "We need to find the source, and find a way to use it to restore the Dawn." It wasn't a great plan, one very lacking in many ways, but it was the only way they were flying off this lump of sand before nightfall.
"That said, anyone have any bright ideas on how to do that?"
OOC: Sorry if I left out any characters, and I figured I'd open it up to a bit of quick discussion as to how we fly away exactly ^_^
Aram leaned against the railing, the turmoil faced over the past few days finally getting their chance to boil to the surface. He felt drained, empty. But mostly the overwhelming sensation of pure relief. Relief that Cyradis, Arch, and even Kaltor were okay. And Sephara! Aram hadn't even seen her catch up with the others until after they had arrived at the beach. He had been sick with worry that she would still be in the brush when all of a sudden there she was talking to Gabe like nothing happened, except she looked like the young cook felt...exhausted.
Orders were issued and watches assigned. Jade, a recent addition herself who had already proved herself useful, took the newest members of the crew downstairs for first aid. Others prepared for the night. There would be no entertainment tonight. No music. No stories. Just the deep sleep of the weary and worried. The only ones still business like were Gabe and Arch as the two headed to the bridge for a debriefing. As the moved towards the ships innards, they passed by Cyradis heading toward the wooden plank towards the beach. Probably in need of some quite time Aram thought inwardly. Outwardly he gave a weak smile to the mage, who returned the favor in kind as she made her way down to the shore.
Aram wandered along the railing of the Dawn's deck as he mentally went over a checklist of tomorrow's goals. Being chief, That meant first was breakfast. After the crash landing there was little in the pantry that was not spoiled. Luckily there was still some of the exotic fruits from this morning that the crew had found. It would have to hold the crew over for now. The problem would be once the ship was in the air again. With no supplies and no idea how far they would have to travel before they could reach somewhere they could restock the cupboards, meals would be pretty bare. Aram gazed out at the water as he pondered this latest predicament. Death from lack of nourishment was as fatal as death by sword. Maybe they could catch some fish? and of course hey could load up on fruit, but they might spoil after not long.
A movement in the water caught Aram's attention. Was it a fish? in the shadow of the dawn being cast out on the water, Aram had to squint to see. In the surf Aram could make out the shape of Cyradis. The young mage was bathing, rinsing the past days activities from her hair and her gown. Aram smiled. He could probably use a bath himself, but he needed sleep more. Just as he was about to turn to head for bed, the young cook watched the young mage emerge from the water. With a quick look about, the mage slipped out of her gown and into clean robes she had laid out. Although he could see little more then a silhouette, and even less from this distance, Aram could feel his ears burning at such an unexpected and exotic intrusion into Cyradis' privacy. Eyes closed, Aram could still see the outline of the young mage's form burned into his mind.
Cyradis had always appealed to the young diplomat since the two met. She seemed so captivating, so mysterious. A powerful, secretive woman from a far off land. Being of the same age, the two had shared many similarities. Both had lost parents. Both were ambitious, and went through life with the impervious recklessness of youth. Both were eager to see the world. Her purple eyes were bewitching. And yet, with all said, never before this night had Aram thought of Cyradis in any way indecent. She had always been a close friend, perhaps even a confidant of the cook's. As Aram made his way to his room and quietly climbed under the sheets, one thing was for certain. He wouldn't be able to look at the mage in the same way again...
~~~~~~~~~~
Aram awoke bright and early, used to being one of the first up. Shuffling through the pantry, the chief tried his best to ignore last night as he scrounged up what he could for breakfast. A loaf of bread, some fruit, a half a wheel of cheese, a jug of water. Aram frowned. On any other given morning, such a breakfast would be a precursor to grumbling and groaning. Today the crew probably wouldn't even notice.
As the ship's members filtered in, Aram gave each a nod or a smile. When Cyradis entered, the smile was accompanied by a slight flushing of the face. Aram quickly put his head down as he continued to slice the bread and chop some fruit. When the Seph entered Aram's smile returned twice as wide. After all that had happened yesterday teh cook hadn't had a chance to talk to the first mate about what had happened since the two separated. the chance would have to wait. Gabe had finished his breakfast and was waiting for the rest on deck.
gathered on deck, the crew stood silently as they waited for their esteemed leader to issue the days orders. When the captain gave them, Aram almost laughed. Harness the power of the Island? How was anyone supposed to do that? But then, the idea made sense as crazy as it was. But where should they start looking?...
Aram sat up. "Could Arlen try talking to Pu'aki again? He seemed to have won them over...and they seemed to be able to harness at least some of the power of the island..."
...
Cyradis rose drastically more sluggish than normal. Usually she sould do a few stretches and rub the sleep from her eyes and be ready to greet the day. This morning, however, the warm embrace of the sun's rays from her window were returned by a grumble and yank of her sheets to cover her eyes. She dozed for perhaps another half hour before forcing herself to her feet. She stood and stretched briefly before putting on a blue robe with gold trim around the hems. Standing before the mirrior, she was immediately thankful she had washed the night before. Her hair was still in need of proper soap, but it was at least untangled and quick to style into a braid.
Breakfast was expectedly meager. Aram somehow seemed disappointed, as well, evident by the less than enthusiastic demeanor he abnormally carried. Cyradis didnt' really blame him though. She could tell he took a genuine pleasure from cooking the fine meals they'd come to enjoy so much. It must have felt strange for him to have to ration the remaining food. There was little talk during breakfast; the air was heavy with last night's complications. After eating, the crew gathered on deck to hear an address from the captain.
He took a moment to reguard them each in turn before laying down the reality of the situation. He concluded with a mission to find the island's source of power. Aram suggested the local natives might be willing to help, but if they did know of the power and how to tap in to it, Cyradis doubted they'd be free with that information.
"We might have to be more... discreet about it," she offered. "If the natives have managed to manipulate the island's power in some way, they may be offended if we ask to have it as well. It might be sacred to them. Often, gifted magical users in nomadic and secluded societies are revered as shaman or wise men, unaware they are simply naturally attuned to magic. On the other hand, the power I felt is not like what I can normally feel throught the world. It seems to have a definate physical source, rather than an ethreal one. Perhaps an artifact in the ruins, or even in an inactive lava floe inside the volcano."
Observe. Remember. Exploit. It was a measure of his own fatigue and worry that he was not taking in all the details of his surroundings. It was simply to much to take in. His mind was over loaded with the past two few days and the constant worry of Cailey's health. Her breathing had grown shallower, her fever burning fiercely. She had not spoken or opened her eyes since he had stepped on the beach.
The captain had been polite enough, offering sanctuary where just hours before none had existed. He could not and would not forget this kindness, this debt that he owed these people. It would be even greater if Cailey survived the night. They were rushed off to the healers quarters below the deck. As instructed he lowered Cailey gently on a bed, taking a moment to run his fingers through her hair. He felt the tears, his eyes mysting. What would his father have said? Or Rahiem? A Maktah at the brink of tears? But then even Rahiem had admitted that he was different.
"May Nepheli's blessing be placed upon you, may she bath you in her divine light." he prayed before moving out of the healers way. He unshouldered his pack to the floor and leaned against the wall, sinking slowly to the floor. He would not leave her side. He could not leave her. The tear ran unexpectedly down his cheek as the darkness and the exhaustion over took him...
______
The youth stood straight his heart racing as the wagon disapeared over the horizon. He had known this day would come, the chief had hinted as much had committed every waking hour in training him. Training him to prepare him for this moment. And the only thing the youth could think of as the old man eyed, sizing him up like butcher at an auction, was the only thing he cared about slipping away in that cart. He had made a promise...anger swelled within.
"You aren't much boy." the old man sniffed. "Kind of raggly I dare say." The man was hard. It was the best way the only was to describe him. There was a hardness about him, like a man who could stare down a dragon. His hands were the size of the youths head, his eyes a raging inferno. "You've been trained boy?" It wasn't much of a question it was like a dismisal. As if his years of training meant nothing.
"You wish to speak?"
The youth glared back.
The old man grinned. "So there is some fight in you after all. Just push you a bit. He wants you to be Maktah. You know what that means? Its the incarnation of death. But I am not impressed with you yet." he reached behind him rummaging in a pack before producing two wooden wands. A with a flick of the wrist he flipped one to the youth who caught it in air. "Strike me boy."
The youth stood still his eyes still on the horizon.
"Strike me!" he grolwed. "Strike me and you can go home." he hissed.
Recognition entered the youths mind and with nimble reflexes he slashed forward intending to strike.
*Whap*
The wooden wand exploded against his cheek dripplets of blood flew in the air as the darkness and pain over took him. The youth hit the ground groggily. "You will have to get better boy if you wish to live..." the rest words faded as he slipped into unconsiousness.
______
His eyes opened wearily unsure of how long he had slept his bag still rested where he left it, the room empty. Panic was pushed aside as he felt the familiar weight resting in his lap. He reached down stroking Cailey's hair unsure of when she had curled up next to him. Foolish child she had had a bed. At least she seemed well. He owed the healer thanks as well as the captain and crew.
He waited till he felt her stir. "How you feel little one?"
She yawned stretching like a cat. "Sleepy." A soft growling broke the silence and they both laughed. "And hungry." she added. There clothes were a mess as well as themselves. Dirt and dried blood steined them both yet they had not received quarters and they had been in worse shape before. He nodded and led her up stairs.
They hadn't wandered long before they found the crew and what seemed to be the mess hall. They nodded to the others and took a seat. He cut off two chunks of cheese and some bread. As he ate he noticed Cailey's little fingers sneak a piece of fruit into her pocket. He understood her feeling one never knew when the next meal might come. Neither of them spoke while they ate instead listening trying to figure out their new surroundings. Cailey seemed enchanted by the mage, Cyradis. She watched her when she wasn't looking and cast her gaze down when ever the mage looked her direction. Drice tried to conceal his grin. After breakfast the group began to discuss their next move.
Magic was not his realm of knowledge nor was the workings of this ship. He could stand guard, or scout if they needed.
_____
"From everything that's happened and from what I've heard, this island seems to have some great source of power. Something strong enough that Cyradis can feel it in all the living things that exist on this island," Gabe gestured to the ship mage Cyradis, who nodded in confirmation. "We need to find the source, and find a way to use it to restore the Dawn."
"That said, anyone have any bright ideas on how to do that?"
But wasn't magic part of all things? Cailey furrowed her brows in thought. Her teachers had lectured as much however she cast her senses out into the air around her. Yet there was something different to the power here compared to the blessing of Nepheli. She bit her lip. Could she really do it? She wanted to pay them back for what they had done. In helping not only her but Drice as well. "I um..." she whispered. "I might be able to find it."
She gave Drice a nervous look wishing to hide behind him as she gathered the others attention. "I mean I can feel things with my senses. If I get close enough I should be able to..."
"She was able to sense you all in the darkness, as well as you track you to this ship last night." Drice offered. She shot Drice an appreciative look thankful for his reassurance.
As soon as the beach spread out before her Jade's heart skipped a beat. There was hope for them yet, but she knew that even though her entire body ached now was not the time for rest. She cast a quick glance over the crew, making sure none of them was in any mortal danger.
"Anything I can do to help?" Arlen came up to ask her.
"Yes, I need to see to this girl, but check if the others need any help." Without any further explanation she quickly ushered Cailey and her brother down to the sick bay.
"Put her there on the bed," she told Drice while she moved around in the room, as if looking for something. She cursed inwardly at not feeling quite at home here yet. The vials that stood on the shelves, some broken from the crash, was unfamiliar to her and she had to check and re-check them a couple of times until she found what she was looking for.
"Here, eat this." She held out a spoon of dark brown liquid. "I know it taste horrid, but it will help you to hold off the poison." The girl did as she was told, and from the grimace she made, she probably agreed that the taste left something to wish for.
"Cailey, I need you to hold of the poison just a little while longer. Can you do that?" She was worried that the journey through the jungle had weekend the girl too much, however that had also given her time to think, to look at what was right in front of her. The fever, the colouration, the shallow breathing, and perhaps the most important, the flower. She had seen it, more by luck than skills since she wasn't looking for it. It was green with two large black dots on the petals, and even though this was an island, somehere totaly unexpected, it was not the first place she had seen the plant. It must have been planted on the mainlands, as this place seemed more like a proper habitat for it. She wasn't sure of its name, but she was quite certain what symptons it would give if you came in contact with its poisonous juice. And the cure. From her own medecine bag, whick she knew every corner of, she quickly produced a small green vial along with a syringe. She actually did have the same flower juice that had poisoned Cailey in her own bag. It did have healing powers if you extracted it correctly and mixed it with the right ingredients. She crushed some leaves in a bowl before mixing it with a few drops of the clear green liquid. After adding a couple of other ingredients she filled the syringe and held it up in the light.
"This will help pushing out the poison," she explained to both of them. "It will take time," she warned Drice as Cailey moaned slightly as she gave her the shot close to the wound. She held her breath, without realizing she had done so, as she stuck a needle through the skin next to where she had given the shot. She gave away a sigh of relief. No matter how certain she had felt, there was always a small chance that she had been wrong. Seeing the skin blush by the prick of the needle she knew for sure that she had been right. It would take a couple of hours, all night perhaps, but if no complications arrived the girl would be safe.
As the body would work on itself now to push out the poison Jade started working on the wound. Looking up several minutes later she saw that Drice had fallen asleep, leaning against the wall. She smiled slightly, knowing very well the strong bond between siblings. Speaking of siblings, she had not seen Jasper for hours. She hoped that he was safe and then chuckling a bit at her own worries. Jasper would always be safe. In a way. It took her almost an hour to clean the wound and then more to stitch it up. As she had finally closed the wound with some stitches she focused on her inner light. Holding her open palms over the child's side a warmth began to spread. When she removed her hands the skin had already begun to heal with a fresh pink colouration.
Exhausted she finally allowed herself some rest, crawled up on the floor by the end of the bed. Cailey was still having a fever, but her breathing had begun to go back to normal.
----
She was standing in a bedchamber, looking out through the window. It was a beautiful sunny morning.
"You look like a dream," a male voice said from behind. Her insides grew warm as she recognised the voice. Edric. Edric Worthingstone. She turned around and threw her arms around his neck, feelings his muscles as she pressed her body against his.
"So what do you want to do your first day as Lady Worthingstone?" he asked after he had let go of her lips with his.
The dream shifted and she gave out a slight moan. Her eyes began to move under her closed eyelids.
Suddenly she felt a fear spread through her entire body. She was running through a dark corridor. Someone was following her. She couldn't see who it was.
----
A soft hand on her shoulder. At first she thought that she was still in the dream world and that whomever had been chasing her had caught up with her and she let out a squeak. Soon she realised that she had been stirred, not by something, but someone. Jasper had returned and he looked down at her with a worried look in his green eyes.
<You were moaning and moving around,> he said and without thinking she held up a finger to her mouth to silence him. She pointed at the other two. The girl had moved during the night, down to the floor next to her brother.
<It's morning, and the ship are starting to wake,> he said, ignoring her attempt to silence him. They would not hear him. Moving silently she stood up, still trying to shake away that feeling of fear from the dream.
<You look awful,> Jasper told her with a grin. He was probably right, she thought. Both her clothes and hands had traces of dried blood. She could only imagine was her face looked like. Deciding to let the newcomers sleep it out she tiptoed out from the room, followed by Jasper.
Before breakfast she waded out into the water to splash some fresh water to her face. At least she didn't have any more blood on her, apart from the clothes, that was. Her hair was still a mess, but she was too tired to care. Later she joined the rest of the crew. She listened to what they had to say, but was too tired to add anything to the conversation.
Jasper was standing next to her, holding a comforting arm around her, invisible to the rest. He knew that whatever the dream was, it was still troubling Jade. She had that same look in her eyes as he had seen many years back. If only he could remove her troubles for her. Glancing at the rest his eyes fell on Sephara. The beautiful first mate. Their encounter in the woods had not really gone as expected, but at least they had made a first encounter. He had failed to properly introduce himself though. He hadn't really meant to scare her. Perhaps, if things settled down, he could do it proper.
First they would have to get away from this cursed place though. Before returning to the ship he had dealt with the other spirits, sending them to the other plane, wherever that was. It was funny how he could do that, while he himself had been unable to do the same. Still this place unnerved him slightly. Perhaps Jade felt it too. This was the first bad dream she had had since they had joined this crew.
It was a long night.
It had been even longer for others, Arlen had to remind himself. Doing basic care for those who needed it was a simple brainless activity. It allowed him to decompress. Arlen was used to foraging for food, eating barely edible things at times, but real food he could feel between his teeth seemed to keep coming to his mind. Food and Pu'aki. The man must have been ancient.
The last patient was served, and he was the only one left in the bay. The only one awake, anyway. It was only a matter of courtesy, but Arlen followed behind where Jade had worked and cleaned the work surfaces. Blood had a way of spreading infection, he was sure she knew. Other things were on her mind at the moment, like getting rest, he was also sure.
He tossed the soiled linen into a corner of the room for later washing. Arlen made a mental note to remind whoever's job is was to wash them about sharks and blood.
Above deck, Arlen saw water drops heading for private cabins. Someone must have just taken a dip not too long ago. Although Arlen wanted to speak to Gabe, he was nowhere to be found. Probably holed up in his room planning out the next move. Arlen would be, if he were captain. There was some serious work to be done. Xavier had hardly been seen, from what he could tell. He was working in the depths of the engine, cleaning and clearing it out. That was going to be the easy part, too. At least the hull had stayed intact and the tide hadn't pulled it out yet. What worried Arlen was whether it would sink into the sand now instead.
His colorful foreign clothing was rather dull and drab now, after trekking through the jungle and sweating in it for a couple of days.
The first watch was coming to a close and Arlen went to grab a quiver and bow, along with a short sword. Arlen tapped his comrade on the shoulder. "Time's up," Arlen smiled, "Get some rest, Kaltor. I know it's an uneasy night though."
"Sure," was all the man replied with a shrug.
--------------------
It was a surprisingly easy watch, but a fitful sleep. The island and strange things happening on it flooded his dreams. At times he wished he were awake to end it, but couldn't seem to breach the barrier into the waking world.
At last, it ended. Arlen was more tired than when he had fallen asleep. There was a shattered mirror piled up in his cabin, just in case he stepped on it with bare feet. Taking a shard of it, he stared at his visage. He looked drawn and weathered. Bags hung from his bloodshot eyes. Arlen looked like he'd smoked some of that five-leafed plant he'd experimented with in his youth. The name escaped him at the moment. Either way, the warm weather where it came from was much appreciated compared to the cold from where he hailed.
With a heave, he threw his unwilling body out of the cot. "I'm getting old..." he grumbled and twisted his torso. The subsequent symphony of cracks relieved the stiffness that accumulated when he slept these days.
When he exited his room, he saw a trio of deckhands watching a rather lightly clothed - lighter than he'd seen thus far - exercising. That explains a lot, Arlen thought while passing by. She finished as he passed the last deckhand, another northerner, that Arlen had found out tended to help Xavier. Probably more by assignment than choice. Xavier was strange and difficult to work with, Arlen having been assigned to him once very briefly. Arlen was familiar with the customs of the surrounding nations, having come from similar climate. Somehow, it suited the pilot.
A simple but thankful meal awaited him on deck before Gabriel waited for them to assemble. The meal was excellent, considering. No one looked quite a hundred percent this morning. Some looked less than functional. Arlen couldn't help wondering what everyone's history was. His own was so enigmatic and wild - he was sure other lives were just as interesting. He'd only been with them less than a week. Hardly enough time to know everything about everyone. Still, the ones that were lost in the battle still hadn't been properly eulogized. Perhaps the people on this ship weren't the most devout believers in their respective religions. Arlen surely was not.
And yet, something here stirred within him some doubt about his previous decisions about gods and goddesses. Still, it was probably nothing. Just mysticism at its finest.
----------------
Gabriel stood before them all gave them the rundown, and asked for any ideas. Arlen had a few, but decided to wait. Aram, on the other hand, threw him to the wolves. Thankfully, others gave valid thoughts that Arlen himself was inwardly debating.
"It could be as simple as such," he finally said in response to the newcomers. "However, the young Cyradis makes an excellent point. Discretion is needed. I hadn't exactly... gotten the chance... to talk to our Captain about my experiences. It's of a rather personal nature, really. I don't want to offend, but I'll say it now and plainly."
Arlen broke the line and stood between the groups so he could see everyone's eyes. They were tired, all of them. Some were rather devout, it seemed. "I don't believe in gods. I believe they are players in the same game of life we are. Just pieces of larger value. If they exist at all.
"This is one of those places where one of those more valuable pieces likes to enforce his will and lay claim. I can only attribute the experiences I've had while in the T'a'u'weke village to it. They gave me a fruit that was laced with something that put me in a sort of trance. I believe it was poorly refined magicite. During that event, my mind was open to unwilling intrusion by a being who calls himself T'a'u'weke, and who these people identify themselves with."
Arlen looked at them all. Some probably thought he was crazy. The magic users among them probably figured that T'a'u'weke did exist, and tethered himself to the island through the abundance of magicite. Either way, the only one he had to convince was Gabriel. Arlen looked at both Sephara and then at Gabriel. "I believe the test was one of heart and intent. I vouched that those aboard this ship were good people, though I haven't known any of you for very long. Being that he deemed my own intentions and heart to be of the right condition, whatever that might be, we were allowed temporary residence without issue."
His eyes rested on Sephara's face. She reminded him so much of another. She had a taste already of what powers this island held, he knew. Arlen then looked to Cyradis, Cailey, Archamae, Xavier, and finally Gabriel. Arlen was feeling rather exposed and uncomfortable, but this was as good at time as any to say what he did.
"I think T'a'u'weke is bound to this island due to the abundance of it beneath our very feet. It's circulating through the island like blood. It comes from the lava, which then seeps into the water, causing all the plants to grow wild. However, it is also sacred. They would never share it."
The rest was for Gabriel, and not the crew. Arlen stepped back into place.
"It's far too deep to dig," he added, "And the tunnels are guarded by the tribesmen. I believe Cyradis would agree that as much magicite as I know is down there could be too dangerous to attempt siphoning through magical means."
OOC: Hope I'm not screwing up anyone's ideas.