The Skysail Treasure Co.

Gabe tilted his head in the direction of Arlen as they moved towards the biggest hut in the village, cocking one eye in mock suspicion. As he listened to the man plead his defense, he kept his focus in the corner of his eyes, on the lookout for any sudden movement by the islanders. As luck would have it, they simply looked on with intense curiosity.

"Stow it Arlen, I'm not interested in any reassurances you're offering. You're intentions were good, and you didn't act, so as far as I'm concerned you didn't do anything wrong. We have more important things to worry about at the moment, don't ya think?" he flashed a devilish smile and then resumed his watch of the village people. Like a tree springing to life, a native stepped out of a nearby treeline not twenty paces away. Gabe flinched minutely when he saw the javelins he held, but he was moving slowly and didn't appear to be looking to cause any harm. The captain exhaled in relief.

Over his shoulder he spoke to everyone, "From here on Weka'u does the talking. The more we speak, the more likely they'll think our intentions aren't rainbows and sunshine." He took the silence to mean everyone understood. He motioned to Drice to take the right flank, and Kaltor to take the left. If they were attacked, the natives would find themselves up against two very strong adversaries, and he was confident enough in both of their abilities to by the others time to respond should any surprises pop up.

The female who'd come out in front of them slowly lowered her bow, and shook her head in response to Weka'u's question, and merely motioned over her shoulder towards the enormous hut behind her. Shadows flickered across the external face of the hut, cast by two torches guarding the entrance. The two windows and arched doorway made the building looked like it was preparing to blow a strong wind towards any who dared to enter, or maybe it was a shocked expression.

From the doorway the hulking frame of Pu'aki appeared. His gut swelled from indulgence and Gabe was pretty sure he could even hear the slaps from the fat of his breasts against the man's own chest. Gabe had to stifle a laugh with a fake cough. It always amazed him how power and wealth not only corrupted a person's soul, but their bodies as well.

Pu'aki erupted like a volcano, his voice booming like thunder so the whole village could hear, and he spoke in anger as his jelly-like hand pointed and waved wildly in their direction. This was it. The first salvo. In battle, the first attack is often the most important. He'd seen as many well constructed plans crumble because of what happened in those first precious moments. He wasn't a religious man, but he figured asking for a little luck couldn't hurt.

When Weka'u countered in an assertive, yet calm tone, Gabe felt a weight evaporate from his shoulders. The exchange between father and son lasted for some time, and Arlen was probably the only one who understood anything going on. From the corners of his eyes he noticed the villagers starting to have their own hushed conversations. It was a good sign. If they had believed Pu'aki, they most likely would have rushed the crew straight away.

Since he couldn't follow what was being said, his eyes fell to the massive red stone that hung around Pu'aki's neck. The source of his power. If they could get it off... Damnit! Why hadn't he thought of that before. Jasper could have easily moved in behind the Chieftain and broke the amulet off Pu'aki's neck as soon as things turned sour. Too late now. Or was it? Was there some way to get to Jade without risking the plan?

His mind was working as hard as it could when he realized the ground in the village wasn't the soft jungle earth, but well worn soil from constant walk, with a layer of loose dust. He hoped this got her attention. Without turning around he began to write with his foot in the ground behind him. He was sure what he was trying to write would come out as gibberish, but it was worth a shot.

Behind him he tried to write a single word. When he looked down, he figured it was a 50/50 shot of anyone recognizing it. He simply wrote, "Jasper" with an arrow pointing towards Pu'aki, and his attempt at a necklace, which pretty much looked like a big circle on top of a little circle.

Maybe once this was all over, he could look for a career as a code maker.

"My son Weka'u, you call me to the mouth of the Great House for reason? You wish to side yourself with the rabble before you or do you wish to follow your brothers in Awai'aka? What is it boy, speak!" His tone was condescending, perhaps more than some had heard before.

The tone of Pu'aki did and didn't surprise Arlen, when he finally emerged from his den. That in itself was spectacular. Perhaps that is the usual when son comes to father demanding he step down. The subtleties, though he seemed to know them inherently, were almost astonishing. The level of perception among these people at minutia of stance or voice seemed to remind him of his own people in a way.

"The small things in life are what matter," Arlen could hear his old mentor tell him some thirty odd years ago. "The largest machine works by the turning of the smallest cog. So too do governments. Remember always the least of a people and you'll see their greatest one fall by them."

Weka'u's face hardened and his brow furled in consternation. "Grandfather Pu'aki, why do you insult me so? As elder are you not to love your sons and daughters of the village in the stead T'a'u'weke's burning love? Yet here you pain me as I bring them to you in a time of good will. Look! They come bearing no arms and you have your priestess aim the bow at-"

"You damnable child! You know all too well they come with murderous intent! As for MY priestess... What do you take me for, a heretic?!" his arms raised and jiggled in his fiery anger. He knew why they had come, perhaps others did as well. "You know also very well that Amateira is an outspoken girl in love with the Fire from Beyond. Perhaps too outspoken. She serves only T'a'u'weke! If she were to let go the dart it would be in T'a'u'weke's name and in his will! She made only too clear of that before you came."

"As it is, then, 'father', she did not send the missile upon us," Weka'u responded softly. "Perhaps it was you who planted the thought in her heart to begin with? What other thoughts have you planted in OUR hearts? Why has T'a'u'weke allowed those murderers upon our island? I say, T'a'u'weke has sent these kind flames to help us rid our home of the Cloud-Riders! To do what you have failed to, and I shall work in league with them! You, though, have gotten fat and lazy! You horde the Fire Stones for yourself and keep us shut off from the Eternal Flame! Our TRUE father!"

It was then he heard the scraping of dust, ever so quietly. Gabriel had done a good enough job of looking idle while Weka'u and Pu'aki duked it out among them. "Jasper," the message said, with a line and a circle. It was obvious enough where the line went. The circle..? As he stared at Pu'aki the stone became evident. Arlen's hand grazed Gabriel and he whispered ever so quietly that even Gabriel would think it were just in his head, "he will need to be distracted or Jasper will be noticed."

Arlen grunted in his throat and muttered further to Gabriel, "Weka'u is not going to win this without a sign. He is saying that we are here to help them get rid of the smugglers, Cap'n. He's accusing Pu'aki of being impotent to rule, looking for himself instead of the others and planting fear in the people where they should have courage. It is time to act, or Pu'aki will exile him. Shall I step forward?" Pu'aki looked at Arlen, but could not hear what it was he was saying.

"Look how they plot now, Weka'u! They look for the village once you have gotten me out of the way! My power and wisdom are what keep this village safe and secure. T'a'u'weke is NOT with you in this fight. You will be a pet to them once you get rid of me! Look how your heart is softened to the Arlen-man so easily! Only thrice have you seen him and already you give your allegiances!" Pu'aki spat in Weka'u's direction. The fat man's face was contorted in anger, and Arlen could see the flames of his power just behind his eyes. He was soon to act before losing his hand to Weka'u's tongue. "You are dead to T'a'u'weke!"

Weka'u shook his head and lowered it. There was a rumble some distance off, Arlen could feel it beneath his feet. Smoke began to lift from the volcano, slightly at first. Weka'u stepped forward and beat his chest. "T'a'u'weke knows he can take my heart and body as home if all other fires go out. My heart will always burn for him. As your son it is my privilege to defend his people, and my duty! My flame will not go out until the smallest of us is safe from your corruption! I have felt the Eternal Flame grow cold under my feet for decade upon decade, Grandfather, while you have sat idle as black stone! I wish to see the Red River run again!"

The rumble grew more noticeable, and the people who once murmured between each other about the conflict now grew silent and looked above. Smoke now rose from the top of the volcano black as night. Arlen felt his body shiver as it had in the previous few nights. T'a'u'weke was with their cause. Somehow, it frightened him. Indeed, a simple man had brought a god to its knees by capturing its power and reigning it in as his own. It was as much a sign as T'a'u'weke was able to give in his weakened state, and he wouldn't let it pass ineffectively if he could help it. If just to save his own hide from the fire god.

Arlen's hand went to his head and he quickly doubled over. Turning his head up, his eyes were red beyond bloodshot. "He's here, and he's not happy with you, Pu'aki," Arlen said in common. His voice somehow layered with another ever so vaguely.

The village elder jumped from the platform his house stood on to the ground as if he were as finely framed as Weka'u. In another setting, perhaps it would have been amusing. His hand was held high and a ball of roaring fire a foot wide formed. Villagers screamed and ran inside as warriors stepped forward, not acting but wary. Arlen recognized them as Weka'u's men from before. This was between Pu'aki and Weka'u apparently. He wondered just how long it would take for the priesthood to act.

Amateira's bow burst into flames as Pu'aki stepped forward, flames licking the ground where he stepped. The ball of flame slammed into the ground and a shockwave of fire spread out. Arlen wasted no time and pulled Gabriel's collar and wrapped his body around his Captain's. He wasn't sure why he did this, really. He held no ties to the man and could just as easily sail under Sephara's flag as his. Weka'u simply jumped over the wave with a higher than expected dive and rolled to a crouch, his spear ready.

Flames licked against Arlen's back and he screamed in the flesh searing pain. It must have been Cyradis that kept him alive, blocking the flames enough that he only was wounded. The wall of fire was simply too strong to have survived otherwise. And yet...

As the wave passed over and subsided he groaned into Gabriel's ear. "The necklace... Jasper... Now! While Weka'u has his attention!"

Cyradis was only mildly suprised at how quickly things got violent. One does not simply stand by and let himself be supplanted without a fight. Indeed, it may have been easier to have Drice employ his ability to be inconspicuous and open a new hole somewhere in Pu'aki's neck. That would have certainly been easier than countering the unexpectedly powerful wave of fire the fat chieftain unleashed. Cyradis had just enough time to create a small gravitiy well to absorb the fire just in front of the group, but not enough to consume the flames entirely.

Arlen was burned, but that was a problem beyond Cyradis' skill. She glanced at Cailey who was admirably calm. Cyradis didn't know many girls her age so accustomed to battle. She had little time to linger on that thought, however. Around her, the tribe's warriors were poised to attack, yet held back. A female priest near Pu'aki's hut held an enchanted bow but had yet to notch an arrow. For now, it was only Weka'u and Pu'aki who were engaged. Weka'u, however, would not last long against the power of that stone. Cyradis had no doubt Pu'aki could obliterate the whole village if we wanted to.

"Contingency is the definition of preparedness. Out think your enemy, and his strategies are folded." Strange how quickly old lessons make themselves remembered when the situation calls for it. Weka'u would be destroyed instanly with Pu'aki's next attack. Of that, Cyradis was certain. Her knowledge of fire was basic, but she knew enough to help Weka'u. The magic emplyed by the stones was wild; uncontrolled. And Pu'aki was no mage. He was merely a tool, much like a staff is to a real mage.

Cyradis exhaled, her eyes taking on thier familiar violet glow. She focused on the head of Weka'u's spear. It was, as it turned out, made of obsidian. Cyradis smirked and grasped the sharpened obsidian with her mind's eye. She could see and feel the energy around the village swell and grow attracted to the spear head. With a single push of her will, the obsidian ignited into a perfect - almost as if it were sharpened under a forge - blade of fire. Weka'u and every other villager was taken aback. If they needed a manufactured sign from thier god, this would surely do the trick.

...

Amatiera stood listening intently to the argument the whole time unsure what to do. Pu'kai had always been leader long before she was born, in a way she trusted him. But Wek'au was... was... everything she wanted in a man, strong, handsome and a good hunter. Her face went bright red in a blush that went by unnoticed by all. The argument quickly divulged into a fight between the two. Pu'kai's anger clearly went to breaking point and fire spouted from him in a shockwave.

Amateira raised her hand to her much smaller Fire stone and barely had time to push away the flames. Amatiera herself couldn't create fire but she could definately manipulate it. In a slight panic but outwardly calm she raised her voice magically to be heard over the flames. "People of T'a'u'weke leave the village, return after victory!" she urged them, if they hadn't already. "Whomever that may be," she added quietly.

Now was time to act, likely the others of her order were looking out of the temple and contemplating what to do. Amateira in the midst of a battle did not have that luxury. Tearing off her necklace she held the stone in her hand. Although she didn't truly know what she was doing she parted the flames as she moved forward. "Pu'kai step down or as a messenger of T'a'u'weke I shall have to declare you Exile!" she yell continuing her inexorable walk.

She knew he wouldn't step down it was up to her to force him. The only way was to assist Wek'au, she looked over to him through the swirling wall of flames to see him, somehow protected by a wall that sucked the flames into it. How... odd, it didn't occur to her there would be a mage here. Taking a deep breath the priestess embraced the flame, similarly to Pu'kai himself, instead of creating it she merely brought it to herself.

It couldn't burn her now, she continued her walk toward Pu'kai. She would attempted to draw ever lick of flame into her, disabling him long enough for Wek'au to stab him with his spear... now flaming spear! Had he obtained a Stone? Impossible, only priest were allowed to collect them, Pu'kai wouldn't have given him one either. Or was it yet another sign? That didn't matter, she had to do her task, for T'a'u'weke. Even if it likely would be her end, Pu'kai was much more powerful, she would eventually lose control and with so much of T'a'u'weke's fire under her control and simply explode in flames. Hopefully Wek'au would have slain Pu'kai by then.

To keep the balance, such was the duty of a priestess no matter the cost. Something that should have been done long, long ago.

Like a duck upon the water. That's how she felt. Outwardly she had a false image of strength and self confidence. Beneath the facade of the watery surface though her heart was racing and she was inwardly terrified. She had always been this way. She wished she had her brothers confidence though, no matter what situation he was always ready to react and it was rare when his emotions had gotten him in trouble.

Of course he had years of training and he had even confided that most of the time he felt exactly how she felt now. Projecting a calmness yet battling fear beneath it. Fear he had said will keep you alive, it will keep you thinking. But as most things, to much fear and you will do nothing. To little and you will do something stupid. It gave her reasurance that even her brother ran into things that scared him.

She wrapped herself in her faith wearing it like a thin blanket. She knew little of these islanders but she had a feeling from Cyradis's reaction to her use of magic that they could not sense magic within others, only see it. With a thought and crook of her finger the small orbs of light floating around everyone vanished beneath a veil. Oh they were still there she could feel them as extensions of the power she was weilding but naked eyes could not pierce the veil so most people would not be able to see them. In fact she most mages were unable to pierce her veil very well. It took focus and understanding of what they were trying to see. She wondered if Cyradis would be able to see them? She grinned at the thought of picking that Mage's brain.

She could feel Nepheli's strength within the world around her. Oh they had all talked about this 'false' diety and his domination of the island. But it was like an ant crawling through the den of a home. They felt like the land was there and yet the building the home, the world itself belonged to someone else. Nature...trees the soft soil beneath her feet these were part of Nepheli's gift.

Her mind settled down as she felt the strength of Nepheli resting within her. She took her place slightly to Cyradis side closer to Drice who was watching their flank. His fingers rested at his side but occasionaly she saw the brief twitch of his fingers touch the twin blades at his side. The Kamir was still down which meant he was true to his word he was not looking to start a fight but she knew that he must be scared. Timing was everything in battle to him. They had already removed his element of surprise and if there was an attack he would have to react which placed him in a disadvantage.

She watched the exchange with a lack of interest. She could not understand anything being said but she could get a pretty clear idea from their body language. There was a lot of anger in the two locals as they battled with words. She had an eery feeling that Drice was right. People with power were never accepting of losing that power. A fight was brewing she could feel it. And yet she glanced and Drice's hands were still at his side a sad smile appearing on his face as he watched the locals moving closer. The Kamir was not raised.

She felt the power brewing just moments before the wave of flame exploded towards the group. If she hadn't already prepared her spells she might not have had time to throw up her defenses. Cyradis proved to be her better. Instantly she felt raw magic being used and the flames were sucked away. It was not enough to completely stop the wave but it slowed and limited it enough for Cailey. Without missing a beat she took a deep breath and called the Chenkari to her. The invisible balls of light that surrounded the group explanded to a shield deflecting what was left of fire.

Her shields were strong but those up front had probably felt some of the residual heat while everyone in the back should have been fine. She took a moment to glance at Drice just catching the signal that she had been waiting on. Two outstretched fingers on his side before clenching them into a fist.

"Everyone close your eyes!" he yelled to the group.

According to everyone the locals didn't speak basic. But she wasn't going to give them the chance to prove her wrong. Two orbs lifted from her fingers and spiraled into the fray. As they moved they grew bigger. They had started as no bigger then fireflys by the time they were between their guide and Pu'Kai they had grown to the size of fists. Of course both were still hidden by the veils. She closed her eyes a mischevious grin playing at her lips. Only Drice would ever have thought of how to use the Chenkari like this.

She closed her fist removing the veil. The two orbs exploded flooding the air with pure unrelenting light. Even with her eyes shut she could feel the light burning through. Any who were foolish enough to look into it would be momentarily blinded...

ooc: Aka its a flash bang

The twins had followed the rest of the group, Jasper gliding ahead of his sister from time to time. Now Jade stood a bit behind Arlen and Gabriel with Jasper next to her, sword already drawn. It was useless, while he was invisible, but he knew that she would feel at least a bit better in what would come, knowing that he was here to protect her. She looked a bit nervous, he could tell, but he doubted the others would notice where she stood with her head held high and her eyes calm.

<Nice writing> Jasper scoffed slightly as he looked down at the writing the Captain had managed to produce with his foot. <Does he mean to say that I look like a round ball with a very large obtrusive belly button?> he s******ed.

Jade, unable to reply, squinted her eyes at him.

<You have to give it to him though, he did do it without getting caught. He might have to give up his dreams of becoming an artist though.>

<Yes yes... I know.> Jasper said in a hurry when Jade shot him another meaningful glance. <You need the dead guy to save the day from going boom.>

He was just about to move up to Pu'aki when the old man send roaring flames at them. Without hesitation he threw himself at Jade who fell to the ground by his weight. Just as the flames were about to hit them he became a visible and protective shield over his sister. He winced at the pain, but surprisingly enough it never came. Quickly rolling off his sister into a crouching stance he focused, unsure if he could move the necklace from this long of a distance, but sure enough, as his eyes were locked on the pendant around Pu'aki's neck it suddenly broke loose and soared through the air following his eyes towards Weka'u.

Suddenly bright light filled his eyes and he quickly shut them, but he was too late. When his sight finally came back to him he could see Jade moving, still on the ground. She was wincing with pain, that was clear, and he saw large burns on her naked arms. To his disbelief they were increasing by each heart-beat. Looking down at his own arms he was in much better shape than she was, how that could be when he had shielded her from the fire. His own wounds were already beginning to heal and he felt a tingling sensation in his body that he had never felt before.

"No! No!" he said with disbelief in his voice when he finally realised what was happening. "NO!"

By each heart-beat his wounds seemed to heal while hers grew. Afraid of touching her he stared down at her, and his heart became a bit lighter when the wounds gradually seemed to be healing, slowly being replaced by red marks of the newly produced skin. She was getting better! Then he noticed that as the wounds began to heal she began to drift into unconsciousness. It looked as if all her strength had been pulled out from her body.

"What is happening?" was the last thing Jasper said before his mind lost control over his body and he became a spirit once more.

OOC: tired.. but wanted to at least catch up a bit

ooc: read the rp message board before posting. sorry geco, i felt it pertinent to post here in case someone didn't see your questions and some possible answers.

Geco- feel free to use weka'u in your post to land the finishing blows.

tip to the mages- I doubt an obsidian spear-tip would be able to destroy the stone alone. anyone know any magacite liquidating techniques? ^_^

OOC: I guess it's after hockey now =P

IC:

He had expected Pu'aki to attack them just as he had, he just hadn't expected it this quickly. A wave of flame extended from the Chieftain's hands and threatened to incinerate them all without a second thought.

Gabe could almost hear Drice and Kaltor standing over his smoldering corpse, "I tried to tell him it was a stupid idea," as they both shook their heads. Of course his plan was stupid, but it was the right thing to do. Some people didn't believe in trust. For them, it was like handing your life over to fate and saying, "Do what you want with me." And while the captain was known to chance his fortunes in a game of cards or dice every now and then, he rarely toyed with the lives of his crew so freely. It might have looked stupid, but he trusted the people beside him would come through when the time came.

It all happened to fast though. The tongues of flame were lapping at him, salivating over his delicious flammable body, ready to burn him to a crisp. Instinctively he raised his hands to his face and began to fall backwards, but someone tackled him to the ground, keeping their body in between himself and the fire. Heat enveloped them, and he caught a whiff of the dreadful stench of scorched flesh. It made him want to vomit.

When the heat dissipated he opened his eyes and saw the majority of his crew unharmed. Cyradis had taken a defensive stance and had done the job he'd asked of her. Meanwhile the fighters had pulled their weapons free, having thrown a punch at them they were ready to punch back. On the ground not five feet away was Jade. He couldn't tell immediately what had happened, but he supposed that perhaps the heat itself had been enough to overwhelm her. And in between them lay a shining red stone. Gabe's eyes locked on it for a moment. It could have been their deaths just as easily as their salvation.

With no doctor to call upon he rose to his knees and rolled over the body of Arlen. Fool of a man. Why'd he do that? Gabe felt a rush of anger swell inside him. Anger at everything. At himself, at Pu'aki, at the damned Orcs who'd forced them here. It had been a long time since he'd seen someone die under his command, and he hoped it would be awhile yet still.

"You have shown yourself false father!" Weka'u had somehow stayed upright during the magical assault and was pointing the tip of his flaming spear directly at his father's heart. "You would kill us all, these strangers and even your own son, to silence the truth. To keep our people ignorant and to keep power to yourself!"

"I have protected our people these many years," Pu'aki screamed in defiance, "The decisions I made kept our people from harm. I could not abandon them now, not when they still needed me!"

"Stop this charade father. Give up now. Reclaim some honor and return to the ways of our people."

"No! NO! NO!!!" the fat on his chin jiggled as he shook his head violently in protest. Pu'aki began to lift his hands once more.

"Don't do this father, I beg you!"

A fierce roar erupted from Pu'aki as a fireball swirled to life in his hands, and he threw it directly at his son. The fire vanished before it reached Weka'u who had not moved. The islander lowered his head in sadness and Gabe thought he saw the man's eyes glisten with tears.

Pu'aki's expression had turned to surprise, then fear. He stumbled back a few steps, "You cannot do this! I am your Chief! I am the blessed one! Chosen by T'a'u'weke to lead you!" he said flustered. The big man turned and sprinted towards his hut. Weka'u caught the motion and with primal instinct lifted his head and tossed his spear all in one motion. The flame-tipped weapons soared through the air and plunged into Pu'aki's back. With a final sigh the Chieftain flopped to the ground and laid there splayed out with his limbs slightly contorted. Weka'u's shot must have severed the man's spine because he did not even so must as twitch after that.

"I'm sorry father..." Weka'u dropped to his knees and pressed his head against the earth.

Amateira watched in shock as Pu'aki's glowing red stone broke off from his neck and floated to the ground behind Weka'u and the strangers. The powerful elder still seemed to be able to use the stone from a distance and attempted to throw a fireball at Weka'u, fortunately it fizzled out before reaching its intended target. Next the old man ran back toward his hut and Weka'u's strong arm drew back then flung his flaming spear right into Pu'aki's exposed back. It sizzled away flesh as it struck, Amateira could only look on in shock rooted to the spot. Never in her life time had she expected to see the Cheiftan pass on.

"T'a'u'weke has decided, a new cheiftan has been chosen! T'a'u'weke bless him, may his reign be just and bright as the Eternal flame! Come see your new leader, villagers!" she spoke the words stone faced in her native tounge but the words were understood by all, even the strangers. "Cheiftan Weka'u, let the Eternal Flame be your guidance. Let your guidance be long and just. Let the people speak their mind and always give them your ear, no matter the time," she told him stone-faced.

Amateira's voice was loud and clear, as she had always been taught from a young age. But despite all her teachings, Amateira felt like she was in a dream, she would never have been allowed to say such words. It seemed the other priests were still in the temple but a few began to stumble out dazedly looking up at the volcano.

"Amateira, will you tend to my friends here? The flames injured them," the new Chieftan asked.

"Of course, Weka'u," she said subserviently. She moved toward the strangers cautiously, making sure to keep them all in view.

"Any hurt?" she asked showing her lack of knowledge she bent down to a man who had been standing at the front of the strangers. He had moderate burns covering his back, already some were crusting over with pus and blood, she knelt before "T'a'u'weke, oh mighty Eternal Flame, our father will you help this kind flame live out his full years, enough blood has been spilt this day," she nearly had tears in her eyes.

Amateira's soft hands brushed the burns lightly, causing a low moan from the man. Make sure to touch every inch of burnt skin, she removed her hands and awaited something to happen. Slowly the man's skin began to bubble where a bubble burst unblemished skin was revealed as burnt flesh flaked off onto the well trodden ground.

"T'a'u'weke must like you man, I have only seen that work once before in my life," she told him forgetting about the language differences.

"Yes, I guess he must, miss," the older man spoke back. Amateira had a shocked look on her face.

"You speak my tounge?" The man nodded.

"I'm Arlen. Your a priestess?" asked the man. Amateira responded with a similar nod absent-mindedly.
How had this Arlen-man learned her language? What had she missed up on the mountaintop? Who exactly were these people? Friendly Cloud-riders?

...

"I see," remarked Arlen in response. Maybe T'a'u'weke isn't real after all... Yet... if that's so, how to I know so much about the island? The idea struck him with a smile and a sort of light hearted laughter. Perhaps in the case of the magicite, it played off of his already overactive imagination and analyzing mind. At the same time, he might have doomed a perfectly pleasant chieftain to his untimely death. No... He'd lived long enough to see himself become the enemy.

"There is one thing left I must do, if Jasper is able to do it. I'm sure he has already passed the old Chief to the next realm, but I have one more favor to ask of him," Thanking those helping him with a gesture, he took himself out from under their care and turned. Stopping, he looked back to Gabriel and nodded, "With your permission, Captain, I'm taking a temporary leave. I'll be back post haste - fear not."

Arlen realized that without the stone, it was still possible, but only with an intermediary. The refined magicite allowed the transfer of experiences between chieftains before passing away. Unrefined Magicite though, perhaps not. A being of pure astral existence like Jasper might just be able to bridge the gap of minds, though.

He reached the village and some eyes caught him as he exited the jungle. Some smiled and some watched with looks of suspicion as he approached the new village head. Arlen couldn't tell if Jasper was with him, but who could, a being such as he? Standing in front of the man, he spoke in Weka'u's native tongue. "Pu'aki left this world without giving you his gifts. You're the first Elder in many generations this is so. Perhaps the first since it's start. T'a'u'weke came to me in dream last night and I didn't understand what he wanted, until now." Arlen, of course, did know what had to be done - he'd known all day. Weka'u also knew. That didn't mean that the villagers had to. This was for Weka'u's benefit alone, to ensure his transition without any dispute. Without this gift, others might make a move for leadership without having anything but doubt as their ally.

"What about the gift?" they could ask - justly so. "T'a'u'weke curses his actions." No longer. Arlen could already see grim faces, their plans shattered so. Here stands the newcomer, a member of two tribes and he speaks for T'a'u'weke. Even Pu'aki didn't doubt it. It was obvious to all when Arlen spoke in voices of his disapproval that Pu'aki was shaken into violent action.

"Weka'u, do you accept the gift of wisdom from an old outsider?" Arlen asked, giving him the option to decline. For a moment Weka'u was surprised. Arlen knew what he was thinking: "Without the stone how would it be possible?"

Weka'u nodded and grinned, "I do, Arlen-man. I agree to a Gift of Wisdom from one who rode the clouds, but is now one of T'a'u'weke's own. Not an outsider. Your wisdom shall be cherished."

"Come, then. Let us have only one witness," Arlen said. "Without the stone, the transfer may be... shocking. Your people have had enough today to talk about for generations without seeing this thing."

"Agreed, then. Come," Weka'u said, motioning to come into his hut. Smaller than Pu'aki's was, but still quite large for the rest of the villagers. "Amateira, you will see, and no other. I would like the Priesthood to be satisfied."

She bowed silently and thoughtfully before following after them. Not a bad choice, she stayed neutral in the conflict though of the priesthood, Arlen noted.

In Weka'u's common room stood many spears, probably all made by him and all very deadly. In addition were the heads of what Arlen presumed to be those of unfortunate smugglers. "They deserved it," Arlen said, motioning to the heads with a grin.

"Yes... They did," Weka'u smiled back.

"Amateira, I thank you for healing me. I noticed that you have a Fire Stone. May we borrow it?" Arlen asked, hand outstretched. She looked to Weka'u, who nodded, but removed it. "Thank you, my young lady." He motioned for Weka'u to sit and Arlen sat opposite.

"Amateira, touch my head with one hand, and touch Weka'u's with the other. You will be our channel." He held his hand out with the stone in his palm. Weka'u wrapped his powerful hand around Arlen's, palm against palm, as if to test the other's strength in a match. Though Jasper was not to be seen or heard, Arlen knew he was there. He was a curious, if not dead, young man. He would have to be here for his interest alone.

To queue him, Arlen spoke. "Ancestors, hear us. May this stone be the catalyst between us. With this priestess as a conduit, may my wisdom be Weka'u's."

At first it was as a warming tingle in his hand, before long it was a burning. Both Weka'u and Arlen held fast, despite a smoke rising from their palms. Something is happening anyway... Suddenly it was like when he was asleep, but much worse. His life was flashing before his eyes, what he wished to pass on and somethings he wished to keep for himself, it made no difference to the bond. No doubt, Jasper had no control either, if he was here. Who knew if he was even necessary now anyway?

The pain was almost unbearable, physically and mentally. The images stopped a moment, frozen in time as a woman's face appeared. It was white as porcelain, beautiful as the spring. She was wrapped in mist and green grass. Arlen's heart stopped, Not again... I don't want to see this! Tears rimmed his eyes as he saw the rivulet of blood from the corner of her mouth. His hands, younger than they were now, stained by blood came into view. They wrapped behind the woman's head and lifted her to his breast. He could still feel her body growing cold against it as if it were yesterday. How beautiful she had been, and how lovely had she smelled. The image of a man clad in metal machinery unlike the world had known when Arlen was a young lad appeared above her. Arlen's hands lowered the woman, grabbed a spear that crackled with enchantments of lightning, and he stood.

Arlen sobbed and the smell of burning flesh entered his nostrils. Weka'u sobbed with him. Good experiences and bad, Weka'u would have it all. As Arlen ran toward the metal enwrapped man, more memories poured like a great waterfall against stones beneath, drowning out that particular low point in Arlen's life. Images of the island now enveloped his mind, things he had seen and things Weka'u had seen. It seemed the bond went both ways.

They could hold onto the stone no longer, so hot it was. Then men peeled their hands from the other and yelled from the agony of it. As they panted, Arlen thought he saw a shimmer beside him pass through the wall. "So there... you have it... my brother," Arlen wheezed in common. "I trust, you'll remember who you are and who I am. That you have not made my mistakes..."

Weka'u lay back, his hand still smoking, just as Arlen's. The stone burning a black hole in the wooden floor, but not catching it aflame. "Mistakes and success, are they not both victories? A man is not defined by what he says, but as how he works. It saddens me, the godless world in which you live. I see clearly where our people should go from here."

Weka'u looked to Amateira, who gathered her stone from it's leather thong, strangely unburnt. "You will go with them. You must find the Awai'aka and bring them back. Arlen will help you. Until then, you must learn of the outside world. Bring back your wisdom so that I may not be the only mouth that has tasted it's poison and it's fruit."

Amateira started to protest, but knew it would do no good. "Take her with you Arlen, as my gift to your Captain. He is a good man, through your eyes. She will be a good companion. Watch over her until you bring her to the Awai'aka, and so she is not strayed from her path in the world beyond the sea."

Arlen nodded, but it would be up to Gabriel. He knew Weka'u understood this. Somehow, Arlen also knew that Gabriel would accept. This was the best for the people, and she would be a capable deckhand, once taught. "As you wish, Chieftain."

Arlen stood, shakily and so did Weka'u. Both of their hands were burned in the center and blistered. It would be a mark that would stay forever. Perhaps the bond of eternal friendship as well. As they walked out, there was an unease. Weka'u smiled and raised his burned hand, Arlen followed. The people cheered. The sign of a true chieftain was accepted by the people, then. Amateira followed, her disposition diminished no doubt. After Weka'u explained the situation, Arlen walked through the people with Amateira behind him.

He was tired, worn out, and burned quite too often for one day. For another, he had seen the death of his beloved Raedett anew. As if it weren't enough for one lifetime. To watch the love of your life die twice was sin. The burning of his hand was nothing in comparison. Before he realized it, they were walking up the gangplank of the ship. What he now knew so warmly as home. Would Gabriel be happy with this new addition? Probably not, heh.

"Its cold."

It was as all mornings tended to be in the dense thickness of the Juvarian wilderness. The dampness clung to his shirt as he pulled it over his head ignoring the the chill in the air. The sun had yet to rise but it would humid and hot by the afternoon. Cold nights, blistering muggy days...enough to wear down a foreign invasion. Or so he hoped.

He stiffened nearly melting at the unbidden touch that followed the words that broke the silence. Delicate fingernails traced down his spine removing the tension in his muscles as they journeyed. He turned failing to hide the blush that warmed his cheeks.

"I like when you do that." Arieko whispered wrapping her arms around his neck. "Reminds me that you are human. Though after what we did..." she left it unsaid though she looked at him amused. Perhaps it was the constant strain of impending death from the war, or the budding of their youth, perhaps even a combination of both but somehow they had found comfort within each others arms.

It had been two weeks since the raid and nearly a month since the start of the war. He knew little of what happened beyond his own sight but the whole thing felt wrong. They were winning and yet...where were those damned airships? They had fought minimal incursion forces, more like light scouts and they had even raided into Dominion territory and yet the fleets had not come. That worried him.

He glanced out into the woods from beneath the thin tarp that veiled their underground den they shared at the base camp. Arieko nodded in understanding to the unsaid comment. It would be light soon and he needed to get into position while he still had the cover of darkness. "Where are you going today?" he whispered.

Arieko shrugged. "Wolf pack with Draven and a few others. Berak said there were some reports of a few squads trying to scout just north of here. We are to make sure they find something." she smirked.

Drice nodded. Checking his gear one last time he rose to his feet. Arieko frowned. "Alone? You know he is trying to kill you?" she hissed.

He shrugged. "We follow the orders given..."

A blade flashed into her fingertips. He raised an eyebrow, now just where had she hidden that gem?

"I know you Drice, more then you realize. How can you not see what Gavin is doing? No one else travels alone, no else is given entire sectors to patrol and no one else is given a quota either?" The quota had been the latest suprise placed upon him. A dozen dead ears every time he left camp. "He is pushing you until you die."

He leaned forward brushing his lips upon her forhead. "I know, but you should be careful with that talk. He is still the clan cheif and we are Maktah."

He thought he saw her eyes moisten but she turned away to quickly for him to confirm it. "Damn him I don't care. He is trying to take you away from me which makes me mad. And you've seen me mad."

Drice laughed. "Then I am sure that thought alone will keep me protected I doubt Gavin wants a visit from you in the middle of the night." He paused a grin playing at his lips. "Though I must say I have enjoyed those visits." He stumbled back as the pillow hit him square in the face preoccuping him enough that he did not catch the right hook to the stomach. He sucked in air and tasted her lips as she kissed him deeply. It was a moment before the kiss broke off.

"I know why you put up with it all." She seemed to let the words hang in the air. He knew it too. A little girl who looked up to him, who thought the world of him. "But you better keep surviving you better come back to me." he nodded as he lifted the tarp, the feint smell of roses carrying on the wind as he scurried into the darkness....
______

.....his fingers tapped the twin blades at his side and he blinked. A sad smile played at his lips as his mind tried to make sense of his surroundings. Why? Why was the past coming back to haunt him now? Why the glimpses and memories why were the shadows of the dead restless now of all times? He tried to push the thoughts aside and concentrate on the business at hand.

He caught a worried glance from Cailey but he offered a sad smile that he felt. He had honestly hoped that their captain had been correct that the morally correct choice would work. In a way he knew that he was drawn to the crew because possibly in another life he might have turned out like the captain. He seemed to have a toughness to him yet somehow he had kept his morals something that Drice had long ago abandoned. Perhaps at the conclusion of all of this it might be time to retrieve them...

Although he could not speak the language he could easily translate emotion and body language. He left the Kamir hanging loosely in the still air around his neck keeping an eye on the locals that ventured to close, while also watching the confrontation between Weka'u amd Pu'aki. He never even flinched as the fire waved roared out towards them. He had faith in Cailey and sure enough it broke just before him like a wave upon a reef. Oh he could still feel the residual heat but just enough to crack a sweat.

He dropped his fingers and closed his eyes waiting for Cailey to catch the signal. A brilliant pulse of white light burned through the darkness of his lids threating to invade its way in. He opened his eyes accustomed to the spell and bared a few inches of steel towards the locals in case any of them had the idea to get involved.

It was a wasted effort the commotion ended with a spear through the formers chiefs body. Drice nodded. The way it should end. He moved catching Cailey as her knees buckled. She smiled and looked tired. He knew that she had prepared the entire track and although she had a few days to rest since her near death experience it was no where near long enough to recover her strength. She reached into her pocket producing a piece of bread from the morning meal. She knawed on it trying to regain her strength.

The rest of the day was uneventful. The locals offered a feast one that Drice was not of the right mind to enjoy. His thoughts kept drifting back to the memories that seemed to be haunting him. He was dreaming while awake. That was bad, he was losing his focus, losing his edge. A maktah without an edge was buried six feet below the ground.

Upon the completion of the festivities the group made their way back to the airship. As the pilot explained the magicite and its connections to the islands religion he heard Cailey respond with a very short but disagreeing hmph at the notion. Her faith in Nepheli was rather unquestioning and he had to admit that there were many times that he was firm believer as well. There were just to many things that were impossible to explain. Be it a god or demi god or just some more powerful being, he did believe in a higher or many higher powers then himself.

ooc: Will stop here getting real sleepy

...

When Jade regained her consciousness the first thing, or first someone, she saw was Kaltor. Green eyes met hers. He was carrying her through the jungle, she soon realized. Back to the ship? Was it over then, she wondered. Where was Jasper? She tried to move a little but the pirate's strong arms held her in a firm grip. Her instinct was to protest, but she felt week as a kitten and all she could muster was a week smile.

"Jasper?" she finally managed to ask a couple of minutes later. She had seen most of the crew, that had journeyed to the village, by now. The only ones she had yet to spot was Jasper and Arlen.

"If you can't see him, I sure as hell can't," Kaltor replied lightly. "That devil brother of yours is around somewhere, not to worry."

Jade couldn't help but to worry though. Last she had seen him was when he had knocked her down on the ground, after that it was all a blur.

"Arlen?" she asked Greycloak. She remembered having seen him got hit by the fire. Did that mean that he had not made it? Suddenly she felt ashamed at her own incapacitated state. If she had not fainted, perhaps she could have...

"The old man is just a couple of minutes behind. He must have gotten slow of old age," Kaltor jested. Jade gave him another smile in return, warmed by knowing that Arlen was okay. The group continued in silence, it seemed as if everyone was deep in their own thoughts. When they got closer to the beach Jade felt a bit stronger, but she had yet to see Jasper.

"I think you can let me down now," she said, and after a minute re-assuring Kaltor that she was well enough he put her down on the ground, surprisingly gently. "Thank you," she said with a warm smile. "I owe you one!"

"I won't forget," Kaltor merely replied with a wide smile of his own.

Making her way, though very slow, towards the ship she saw Arlen emerge from the treeline with a native woman in tow. Her heart felt even lighter when she saw Jasper walking behind them. However when they got closed she wasn't sure she liked the look of Jasper's otherwise handsome face. Something was wrong, she knew it, but the others around them kept her from saying something outloud.

OOC: Rensha - Jasper was with them as a "connector", just too tired to write it up, my body is hurting quite a bit at the moment. So I skipped that part from Jasper's angle. I'll work some in later though!