The Skysail Treasure Co.

"Then you should let her be." The abrupt nature of her comment caught Jasper off guard. "For my people, there is a spirit in every living thing, and when death comes, the spirit travels to the next world, the spirit world, where they are all become one. A whole and complete existence."

He was obviously waiting for an answer, so she fast forwarded her explanation, "A spirit without a living vessel is lost. In some cases they become malevolent and can harm the living. If I were still among the Emiru, I would be tasked with seeing you find your way to spirit realm, before you cause any harm."

Sephara thought back to their encounter with the Chief on the island, and immediately thought she had spotted a connection, "I have never seen a spirit bind themselves to another living person. Usually, spirits fail to make the transition across into the spirit world because they have unfinished business in this plane. They remain here because they bind themselves to something in our realm; most commonly an object of some importance. Resolving their unrest allows them to finish their journey."

She stood up then, more confident in her assessment, "You have bound yourself to your sister. Because she is living, you could very well be feeding on her life force. The energy you use to materialize, another aspect of your circumstance that I have never before heard of happening, could be coming from her. Her collapse on the island could be part of the cumulative decay she feels because of your bond."

If she was right it was an unfortunate situation for both Jade and Jasper. To have found each other after death like they had most would consider a blessing, but it could very well be killing to living sibling.

"If you are serious, then we must send you on your way as soon possible. We have know way of knowing just how much Jade can endure before the effects take a much greater toll," she said ominously.

"I think that is enough for tonight," she suggested, "you have stayed in this state long enough. Think upon what may be keeping you here, and when you have some answers come back and visit me." Jasper nodded. She had given him a lot to think about. Before her eyes he started to dissolve and fade away.

"Oh and Jasper," she called out before had fully disappeared.

"Yes?"

"I promise to protect your sister until we can figure this out." He smiled at her, then vanished from her sight. She felt his presence drift away, leaving her once again alone in her room. It was uncommon of her to involve herself in the affairs of others, but there was something in the sibling's predicament that spoke to her own past. Once, she would have performed such functions whenever needed, and it felt good to be able to capture something of her former life in this one, even if only for a short time.

-----o0o----------o0=O=0o----------o0o-----

They landed in the light wood turned port late in the evening on the third day after they left the island. Magicite beacons illuminated the paths between the docks and toward the city. The lights reminded her of the fireflies that used to dance in the night as she ran across the forest floor, feeling the soft dirt and moss getting tangled between her toes. As soon as the engine turbines were shut off there was a line waiting to get off the ship and back to civilization. Kaltor and Aram were already beginning to lower the gangplank when she temporarily halted their efforts.

"Duties and chores will be performed each morning before the midday bell. Regular watches of two will continue as long as we are here. Everyone is back for the midnight bell or you might as well find another ship to travel with. Aside from all those things, you are free to your own accords. As always, if you get in trouble, do not expect the captain or I to be there to bail you out." Everyone was to antsy to argue, so they just mumble their assent and nodded and watched with glee as the plank was lowered.

It hit the ground with a thud and the crew scattered, save Ari and Gabe, who'd take the first shift. Meg went strolling by with a twinkle in her eye, "I'll let you know what I find out tomorrow dear Captain." Sephara's eyes cooly followed her off the ship, and Gabe threw her a shrug in response, but couldn't hold back a childish grin before he'd fully turned his back. The last off, Sephara head to the office of the port authorities to register their ship and advertise their need for a few new crew members to fill the holes left by the Orc raid.

Gebron was a city of dichotomy. The lush valley surrounding it had attracted wealthy merchants to take enough interest to found the city. A trilateral partnership between three wealthy families proved enough in terms of financing, and soon after settlers poured into the valley. It was a rule of governance that had not been broken. The same three families ruled the city-state as a Triumvirate now, and the rich farmland had become home to a wonderful variety of crops including grapes, oranges, berries of every kind, apples, and olives. Industry boomed, and wealth spilled over to those lucky enough to be involved. However, the bulk of the population still lived meager lives, tilling the land and harvesting the crops.

The port itself wasn't busy. From previous visits, Sephara knew that only harvest time drew merchants this far inland. But when harvest came, it was like watching a horde of locusts descend into the valley as they tried to devour as many of the resources as possible. Great big cargo ships would line the docks for weeks, each eagerly waiting to fill their bellies before flying off to some distant part of the world to sell their newly acquired product for a small fortune.

Sephara entered the office and noticed a man in line ahead of her. He seemed to be inquiring about travel aboard an airship.

"Perhaps I can help with that," she stepped in and smiled. "The Requiem Dawn," she said more to the clerk behind the desk than the man, "just arrived from Coral. Treasure ship. Room for up to," she quickly did the math in her head. Eight men and six women, assuming Drice and his sister stayed, and 25 rooms, two rooms hired out to Meg, one acting as an infirmary, left, "Five new crew members. No passenger spots," she added."

"Four if you're interested," she spoke directly to the stranger this time.

"Where are you heading?" he asked.

"Not quite sure yet. Once our business here is complete, we'll have a better idea. If you're interested, we're landed in Dock E."

Rama turned slowly as a rather striking woman spoke from behind him. He waited quietly as she listed her ship for travel. It wasn't entirely unhearrd of for a woman to captain a ship, and judging by her looks, this one commanded either a great deal of respect or fear. Her arms were toned and well adjusted to the rigors of airship travel. Magicite made airsailing easier, but a hundred meters in the sky made everything else very much more difficult. As she finished speaking with the clerk, she turned to reguard Rama himself, and offer him a position. He considered briefly. He'd already sent his team off to other corners of the world. Cid was here on the Occident, but his activities would likely be underground. As long as they stayed on the Occident, Rama wasn't wasting his time.

"Where are you heading?" He was hoping for a solid destination, but remained disappointed.

"Not quite sure yet. Once our business here is complete, we'll have a better idea. If you're interested, we're landed in Dock E."

Rama clutched the brow of his helmet and pulled it off his head as he turned to a window looking over the docks. The individual ports were clearly marked to make shipping faster, and the big letter E was painted in yellow next to a docked galleon. Sephara told the clerk she had room for five, but on a ship that size, a lack of five crew would hardly be missed. Why would she spend the money on more hired hands? Whatever the case, Rama felt something when he looked at the ship. It was rare when someone knew an even would lead them to their destiny. Her timely entrance and offer of employment were as good as any holy omen. He turned back to her and enxteded his leather-clad hand.

"Rama Morell du Karatam." He introduced himself in traditional Kellan style. She accepted his handshake, "I'll just gather some things from town and meet you aboard, Captain."

She gave him a comical look and laughed lightly, "The captain, Gabriel Solomon, is on deck. He'll greet you when you get there. I'm his first mate, Sephara Na. Take your time, Mr. Morell, we will be sailing tomorrow."

Rama nodded and replaced his helmet on his head. He was sure he didn't need to detail his skills to the woman. His full armor, wing shield and longsword spoke well enough for themselves, and unlike most not used to wearing heavy steel battegear, the protective plates did little to hinder his movement. Outside, he made his way to an outfitter and purchased maintenance supplies for his armor upkeep as well as some sturdy clothes and a pair of soft-soled leather boots. He would need the garments for deckwork, as his travel clothing wouldn't likely last very long in the harsh, windswept conditions of an airship. Half an hour later, he found himself looking at the keel of the Requiem Dawn. Upon closer inspection, he realized there was significant hull damage recently repaired. The setting sun shaded most of the side of the ship he was facing, but it was easy enough to spot a patched hull. Raising his eyebrows, he ascended the gangplank with a fair bit of clanking from his armor. At the top, he was greeted by a young sailor and a man he could only describe as dashing. They simultaneously extended their hands.

"Captain Solomon? I'm Rama Morell du Karatam. Your first mate hired me from the port authority office."

...

"Hey Ari," he called back to the novice airship pilot who was busy changing the oil in the lanterns to keep them lit. "Come here. Is that guy coming towards us?"

Ari dropped down from the second tier of the mast with the grace of a cat and quickly parked himself beside Gabe as they peered out over the railing. "I believe he is Captain."

Gabe squinted trying to see more detail around the man. He had dark blond hair and large frame. Each step he took seemed to hold a cold, determined purpose. "Is he from the port authorities?"

Ari, being one of the recent Coral additions, was put off by this unusually lengthy exchange with Gabe. He'd grown used to the Captain being involved very little, and instead taking orders from Sephara. He wasn't quite sure what to make of this, "Uhh... no, I don't think so."

"Don't you have good eyes?"

"Pardon... Captain?" he bumbled.

"Your eyes," he turned and opened his as wide as he could, "Aren't pilots supposed to have great eyesight?'

"It helps I suppose-"

Gabe continued to stare at him without blinking, "So you suppose you have good eyes?"

Ari's eyes shifted back and forth, desperately looking for an escape route, "I feel a little uncomfortable... could you blink your eyes?"

"Why?"

"Cause it's unnatural."

"I'm making a point Ari," he stated.

"Feel free to make it then Captain."

Gabe relaxed his eyes and leaned back on his heels, "My point, is that if you learn to keep your eyes open, you can often see a lot more clearly."

Ari thought about it for a moment, "I don't fly with my eyes closed Captain, I swear it!" he protested, anticipating the scathing he was sure would follow.

Blinking slowly Gabe shook his head, "You're as thick as that mast aren't you."

"Sure," Ari hurriedly agreed, "can I go back to work now?"

"No."

"Please!" he whined, "I'll keep my eyes open."

Gabe placed one hand on Air's back and spun him forcefully back towards the stranger who was now walking up the gangplank, "I was talking about him Ari."

"Oh," the younger pilot was surprised, "then why didn't you just say that?"

"Captain Solomon? I'm Rama Morell du Karatam. Your first mate hired me from the port authority office."

As the trio exchanged handshakes and names Gabe muttered to Ari under his breath, "We only been here fifteen minutes, we just survived be stranded on an island, and she's still working." Ari stifled a laugh. There was no question as to the she Gabe was referring to.

"I'm sorry?" the newcomer asked.

"Never mind," Gabe smiled wide, "Let me welcome you aboard our humble home in the sky. So, what kind of experience do you have with airships? Worked on the engines? Handled the lines?"

"Something like that," Rama's neutral expression didn't change.

"Why are you Kellans always so serious?" Looking Rama over it was evident that he had military training. The expression soldiers always made the worst civilians aptly applied to this man. Regardless, Ram did feel a niche need in his crew. "I suppose you think it's part of your charm. Well, I can't offer you much in terms of payment. We're treasure hunters mostly, but any job we do we split equal shares. If that suits you than feel free to find an open bunk downstairs."

"The First Mate mentioned you didn't have a destination in mind for once you left?"

"Right," he smiled confidently.

Surprisingly, the man shrugged, "Glad to be aboard Captain. If you don't mind I'll take my leave," he nodded curtly to each of them and walked past and down below.

"See Ari," he pointed two fingers at his eyes, then at Ari's, "you have to look in order to see."

"Look," Ari mumbled.

"To see," Gabe finished, opening his eyes wide again.

"Captain?"

"Mmm?"

"Can I request a new watch partner?"

Gabe's eyes immediately went dead and humorless, "Go finish changing the oil."

As LaRire walked into the port, she threw Guiliani into the air. "Ka'ana tou kafka, Guiliani." <Take me to them, Guiliani.> The bird squawked once, indignant at being flung about like a rag, and caught herself in the air. She did as she was trained to do at that phrase: seek. The bird started to fly in circles for a moment before going a little further in the mass of airships. LaRire kept her eyes open, watching for pick-pockets and for which ship her Caracara would land on.

After walking for a few minutes, Guiliani lazily drifting in the air, the bird screeched to get her Mistresses attention, then dove towards a...well, saying the ship looked a little battered was being gentle. Guiliani landed on the railing near the gangplank, and started to preen her feathers. As she walked up, she stopped by the bird for a moment. Looking around for a moment, she didn't see anyone that looked like they were missing any clothing. "Na, dama? Ko'ota?" <Well, brat? Who is it?> The bird didn't even look up at her mistress' voice, causing LaRire to sigh in exasperation. "Dazu dama to'oti nema..." <You are such a lazy brat...> With that, she walked up to teh first person she saw that looked like he would know to whom the fabric belonged to. He was just dismissing a younger man, saying something about changing the oil.

"Eda...Sir? My tuma...my bird made off with something belonging to one of your people earlier." She held aloft the fabric, bringing attention to her left hand. "I was wondering...if you knew to whom this belonged to?"

OOC: Zran, let me know if this is too much control of Ama. i'll reduce or eliminate it in the future. I just didn't want to get into a long string of posting for something rather unnecessary to take a long time. Arlen said to stay close to him, but you don't have to if you don't want to, obviously.

IC:

The ship was obviously being piloted by Ari for a while longer. Arlen could feel the ship move restlessly while he smoked his pipe in the galley. It didn't take long before he stopped feeling it, either due to Archamae taking over or the opium . The others in the galley moved out and away while he stayed. Some looked back at him, watching him mellow out with some discomfort. If only they knew the pains a simple poppy can dull... Once all others were out of the mess, Arlen himself began to arise. Pipe sticking out the side of his mouth along with a streamer of smoke, he strolled through the belly of the ship with his bag over his shoulder. His feet slid across the deck sluggishly on the way to his cabin. A slight shudder fell upon the ship as the weight of it was now supported by the ground and his hand went to the wall, steadying himself. "We've landed," he mumbled. A grin wrapped around his face and his teeth held fast on the pipe. "And the ship is in one piece for once... heh heh..."

Arlen rolled his shoulder, remembering now, as the opium took its effect, how it felt without that pinpoint pain between his shoulder blades. The sting of war never leaves... I suppose. He could get refined morphine easily enough, but why live in stupor? He was no addict. He was a patient. "Travel is glamorous only in retrospect," he reminded himself, as he opened his door and tossed his bag onto his cot, then neatly closed the door behind him.

He was off-shift, not too long ago, and had helped prepare for landing. They had been expecting to run into land about this time hours before. Amateira was a quick learner, which was a valuable asset. With Sephara's permission, he had made her an outfit with a spare top sheet for a cot. At least for being around town. At most, to keep new deckhands on their duty and off of her mostly exposed person. The current crew had some manners and decency, Kaltor excluded; Arlen doubted he'd be so lucky about Gebron. He'd visited the place years before, passing through. It wasn't quite as bold then as he saw it was now, at the head of the gangplank, ahead of some and behind others.

As his foot touched the sparse grassy clearing, he hand darted for Ama's shoulder, firmly but gently pulling her aside. "I think it best you stay with me, my dear. At least for now, until you get used to life off of T'a'u'weke's island. Alright?" She nodded hesitantly. She was stubborn, but smart. Weka'u had said the world had flavors of sweet and bitter. If he knew what Arlen knew, then this man knew them well enough to keep her safe. Mostly. Weka'u had trusted him. That much Arlen knew. His heart was big - perhaps too big. "And make sure you speak to no one of your lands... Even on the ship, unless it was with others that were there. At least until you know when you can trust someone."

The rest of the crew was getting ahead now, and he glanced at them. "Come, let us linger with our comrades... Perhaps we can go... shopping?" Arlen smiled and motioned her on. As they walked, he showed her his hands were empty. Turning his palms away, suddenly, a silver coin appeared between his index and middle finger, right below her chin. "Magic... Things are not always as they seem. Keep your eyes and ears open. Be watchful, my child." Placing the coin in her palm he patted her hand, "This small piece of silver is what we use to trade for objects or food. Women like to buy things. There will be much to buy. What I gave you is not much, but enough. I ask you to spend it on something that is useless. Something irrelevant to survival."

"But, Arlen, if what I have has value, why would I trade it for something that has none?" she asked, a look of confusion on her face. Their pace brought them a few strides behind the group. The pipe still hung from Arlen's mouth, white smoke sometimes puffing from his lips, though he remained silent. His eyelids were getting a slight bit heavy.

A potent batch. Perhaps soaked too thoroughly. I shall have to inform Jade of my intent with it. Maybe I could have her skilled hands make higher quality blends. I wonder how she is feeling? I haven't seen her this morning...

"Did you hear me, Arlen-man?" Amateira asked, still confused by his words.

"Uhm..." Arlen closed his eyes and shook his head, "What was that?" His eyes opened, as he recalled what she asked him. "Oh, yes. The silver. We call it money. People often waste money - things like gold, silver, copper, or gems. I want to teach you the value of waste."

"The value of waste? How is loss a gain?" She asked, further confused.

"When you experience addiction and the need to stop it, instead of just see it in others, then you'll have learned the first lesson of this world. Self-control will be the first lesson from this world. Most never learn the lesson and they do just fine. You, my dear, are not so fortunate. If you are to survive from here on, you must learn self-control. This world is too different to the one you know," he raised a hand to stop further questions. "It is something you must feel. I cannot explain it further."

Amateira felt her stone, "What is this, thing 'addiction'?"

"Uncontrolled lust. Being consumed by something that makes you feel good. Fake security," He noted how she felt her stone as she asked him, but barely. It was nice to have his senses slightly dulled. Information at times is too... abrasive. Intrusive. Silence in a screaming crowd, Arlen mused. "So buy something you like that serves no purpose with that coin I gave you." As she touched her stone, a wave came over Arlen. He looked at her a moment as they walked and looked ahead again. It was like a stone in his stomach. Heavy and sharp, like hunger pains. It unsettled him. Then again... It was magicite.

"By the way..." Arlen said. "Remember, conceal your firestone at all times. Tell no one of it. It is precious to others than yourself. Worth at least ten gold coins for a stone of that size. That's about a hundred of that little coin I gave you. You know this number?"

"Yes," she said, nodding her head. "I understand."

JASPER

He hadn't spoken to Sephara again since their late night talk and so far he had managed to avoid both her and Jade. Sephara because he wasn't yet sure what to tell her and Jade because he couldn't face her just yet. Sephara was easier to avoid, she could sense her when he was invisible but it seemed as if she had to be actively searching for him to find him. Jade was more difficult to avoid, especially since she had spent a lot of time looking for him. She was worrying about him, he knew. Not about her or what had happened, but she was worrying about him which made is so much more difficult for him to meet her eyes. Jasper had never felt much guilt from his actions in the past, but here was this awful feeling gnawing on his insides every time he thought of her. He felt terrible for what he had caused her, he alone and no one else to blame. Pain. The very thing that he had wanted to protect her from.

For some reason he made his way to the galley. He knew that Jade was outside on deck, he had snuck a peak earlier. Perhaps he needed the company, the sound of voices, even though no one knew that he was in there, or something else had drawn him there. He sat down next to Arlen and Archamae as it just happened to be some space next to them. The food didn't look very tempting, but he could still feel his mouth watering, a human reflection that he hadn't been able to shake off as dead. If that was what he was. He was thinking of Sephara's words. Was he still dead, when he was unable to move on? Or was he something else, tied to his sister's life? Why was he still here? Had his wish of not dying been so strong that he had managed to grab onto the thing that he loved and cared for the most? Jade. Or did he still have unfinished business here? If so, what could it be? He wanted to keep Jade safe, but was that wish strong enough to keep him here forever? What if he couldn't be able to move on even if he wanted to, would that kill her in the end? There seemed to be more questions than answers.

"... Tresdon..."

A familiar name suddenly brought him out of his deep thoughts. Tresdon. From where did he know this man? Jasper turned his head to look at the one that had said his name. Arlen sat across the table, talking to Archamae, unaware of that someone was listening in to their conversation. The name had triggered a sleeping memory of a man. A brother. A sibling. But Jasper had never had any brothers, yet the man seemed so familiar to him. His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at Arlen. Was the memories his? Had the connection transferred memories from Arlen to Jasper? Arlen spoke of good memories but Jasper had a feeling there was more to it, something he couldn't quite put his finger on just yet.


JADE

Jasper was still nowhere to be seen. He had managed to hide from her, despite her efforts to find him. He was avoiding her and Jade could do nothing but to hope that he was okay. Ever since... his death... they had stayed close to each other, he had never left her side for long. She felt naked without him. Alone in the world, and vulnerable. They hadn't spoken yet of what had transpired on the island and she knew that the event was effect Jasper. She was worried that he would do something stupid, even though she wasn't sure herself what that could be. If only she could speak to him, she was sure that everything would be okay.

Suddenly she became aware of that Drice was looking back straight at her and she quickly turned her eyes down to stare at her own two feet, blushing slightly at being caught. She hadn't been meaning to stare at him, but there was something about him that kept pulling her eyes back at him. Jade continued to steal glances of him, hoping that he would not notice. There was an air of darkness and pain that surrounded him, a lot like the large black hole that she was carrying inside. Their pasts were nothing alike but she saw the pain, even though no feeling was reflected from his face. A master of hiding his inner feelings. She had also become quite good of hiding her own feelings, locking away her past in the back of her mind. The island had brought them back though. The nightmares and the memories. And now she felt she was closer to them than she had been in years. Gebron. It was not far from a place that she'd rather forget existed. Vishay. Wherever their journey would take them she hoped that it would be in another direction than west.

"Jade."

It was the first mate that was pulling her back to the present after they had landed.

"Here, make sure that you have the supplies that you need when we lift off." The first mate gave her some coins. "It isn't much, I know, but it is all we can spare at the moment."

"Sure," she replied watching Sephara leave to continue to give out orders. She put away the coins in a hidden pocket of her skirt and stared out over the city. Gebron. It was far away from Vishay, she tried to convince herself. What reasons would bring them here. No one would recognise her. But what if they did?

She had her orders, yet she was unable to take even one step closer to leaving the ship. Where was Jasper when she needed him?

OOC: hope it is ok, took some minor liberties here...

Meg disembarked with the rest of the crew, but quickly isolated herself, and eventually lost them altogether. Most would head to a tavern or quite possibly a brothel depending on which urge they felt the need to fill. Instead, she made her way towards the rather unique triangular square at the center of the city. As she walked she look over everything as if it were her first time here. In truth, it was closer to her seventh visit, but small details could save your life. In her head, she mentally confirmed all the notes she had stored in her memory banks. Street lengths and widths, spacing between magi-tech lanterns, number of people on the street, paths back to the docks, and the list went on.

She crossed the square and continued for a while longer until she came across a shop, aptly named 'The Little Shop of Potions, Tonics, & Other Exotic Brews.' The windows were slightly tinted, and it looked almost pitch black inside save for a few sparse candles. Opening the door caused a soft bell to chime above her. Tripping the casual alarm caused a smile to cross her lips.

From the backroom came a lean, clean shaven man with dark clothes and glasses hanging on his pointy nose. Thin eyes regarded her with indifference as he positioned himself behind the counter. "Can I help you Miss?" he asked.

"I think so," she maintained a hint of her previous smile, "I'm looking for something strange and yellow."

"That is hardly specific. What benefit do you seek? Or perhaps it's an ailment you wish to cure?"

"Just something strange and yellow. I'll find a use for it," she completed her part.

The expression on the shopkeeper's face turned from indifference to annoyance, "You are late."

"Who am I to argue with a sky captain who wants to crash land on an island in the middle of the Haloed Sea," she shrugged.

"One more day and I was going to send a report back saying you had abandoned ship," he probed to see her reaction.

She wagged her finger, "Tsk tsk tsk, that would not have been good. So, let's just be happy I'm here now."

His eyes turned slightly sour, as if he'd been hoping for something more exciting. Stationed agents were usually simple locals who been bought to report and act as a contact for any professionals that came through. Almost all had some bizarre fantasy at what real spy life would be like. "The decision is being put before our friends in three days, so you have two," he turned and carefully sorted through a set of vials behind him. Taking a small clear one, he handed it to her, "For our closest friend. Be sure if you give it to him, it's a surprise."

"Thank you," she said without a hint of the condescension she felt at an amateur trying to act like he was giving her orders, "I'll be sure they never see it coming. You have yourself a pleasant evening."

"You too," he called after her, a single chime echoed in her wake.

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

"So, we're going straight to his home?" Gabriel asked, slightly confused by the tactic.

"That's right," Meg replied, lifting a hand over her eyes to block the noon sun.

"Doesn't seem like the best approach," he grumbled.

She laughed, "Common courtesy and manners don't appeal to your delicate sensibilities Captain?"

He growled at feeling like a buffoon, Meg had a way of doing that to him, "I just meant that he'll probably just refuse to see us. We should catch him when he comes out of a tavern or from the civil office."

"He could still say no to us there too," she cooed.

"Yeah, but at least he'd have to see us."

"Problems with rejection now too?"

Gabe sighed, "I just think it's going to be a waste of time."

"Won't know unless we try, will we?" she beamed.

"I'll bet you we don't even get past the guards," he responded, feeling slightly more like himself by presenting a wager.

"Oh? And what do I get if I win?"

"I'll let you have my cabin for the rest of the trip."

"It smells funny in there."

"But the bed is soft. Feathers."

She smirked, "Very well. And if you win, I shall give you something I've never given any man before."

Gabe immediately perked up, "I like the sound of that."

"Easy tiger, first we try it my way," she was pointed towards finely liveried guards standing outside the gates of a monstrous and ornate palace. She walked straight up to them without the slightest hesitation.

"Hi there," she led with a charming smile, "my friend and I were wondering if we could see Triumvir Blackwell for a short moment?"

The lead guard looked the two of them over and scoffed, "Do you have an appointment?"

"Not exactly-"

"Then no." The three additional guards behind the broad man laughed coarsely.

"The thing is," she continued undeterred, "we've traveled all the way from Coral, fought Orcs, smugglers, and one really fat island chieftain who was stealing powers from a volcano just so we could come here and talk to your boss about a book that he has in his possession."

"Wow, that's quite impressive," he commented sarcastically. Gabe just lowered his head, he couldn't bear to watch anymore.

"Thank you," Meg had chosen to pretend like it had been a genuine compliment, "And so now we just have to see Triumvir Blackwell for a few minutes. Would you be so kind to let us in?"

"I would be so kind to let you suck my prick," an even stronger round of laughs.

"He doesn't pay you to be friendly I take it?" she cocked her head.

"No, he doesn't," stuck out his head just a bit at her, and before Gabe knew what had happened the guard was lying on the ground from a vicious right cross she'd thrown and he was running as fast as he could away from the palace.

"See!" he yelled as they ran.

"Just shut up and run!" They wound their way through the city long after the guards had given up trying to catch them. They stopped in at a small restaurant for some kebab and light refreshments before heading back to the ship.

"So, what's the plan now? Go back and punch out the other three?"

"Seems viable."

"Maybe I should go try to meet this guy alone next time. I don't think they're going to forget you any time soon."

"No," she burst into a laugh, "I don't think they will." Gabe joined her laughing.

"So when do I get my present?" he was curious if she'd actually follow through.

Meg looked up from her Kebab with a mischievous glean in her eyes, "Before we leave Gebron good Captain, I promise."

"Eda...Sir? My tuma...my bird made off with something belonging to one of your people earlier." The strange woman in front of him held aloft a piece of fabric. "I was wondering...if you knew to whom this belonged to?" Gabe had been asked some bizarre questions in his life, but this had to be one of the oddest. This girl was obviously not from around here, or anywhere in modern civilization, and her accent slightly reminded him of how Sephara's tribe, the Emiru, spoke.

Gabe continued to look at her for a few seconds, unsure of what to make of it all, "Can't say I do. Can't say I care much either." He frowned, trying to make it evident that she was pestering him with unwanted questions, "But, if you really want to return this, um, thing," his finger flicked the fabric, "You can probably check some of the nearby taverns just inside the city there. That's where most of my crew will be I reckon. Or if you'd prefer, you can take your pick of logs there," he gestured to the many stumps around the port. "Crew's due back some time before midnight."

Garin Wiljatai

Gebron. The city was a hobbled together farming town trying to be a major city with some long-winded history. True, it was near the coast. The sea was hardly a league from the East end of the valley. As the warm moist salt air rushed in you could almost taste it- and definitely smell. Merchants came and went, unsuspecting travellers wanting to break into either peddling or the airship industry, amateur conmen; the easiest to be conned. This time of the year, this season in particular, Gebron was a place to be fleeced.

Legitimate career-men were not good targets. Their eyes were fixed on their coinpurse, knowing other eyes also judged its volume. Too many coinpurses cut, stolen and pilfered gave them experience enough to keep a hand ready at all times. They were always willing to make a nugget, and sometimes, when the opportunity is right, that becomes the best way to find your way into their pockets. A man's heart is through his belly. The same is true of his coin, if one is male.

Which Garin was. "It's so much bother," he grumbled as he sat in the town ... triangle, thinking about exactly the same thing. "Women have it so easy... Just seduce and steal... happens a hundred times a minute... bleh." Garin saw a red-haired beauty take a quick look around the square before ducking into a potion shop suspiciously. "Like her... She's up to no good for sure. Probably getting some little potion to put in someone's drink, let them pass out, take their money, and boom... go... Never seen again."

Garin stood and straightened his light coat before walking past the potion shop and down the road. "Off without a trace, a few coin, and do it again for another two nights. Seems like she does well enough..." he kept talking, out loud. Complaining, more like.

"I could make a fortune off of finding a potion that just detects the most commonly used knockout substances for drinks," he thought. Shaking his head, he waved the concept away. "No way. I would sell the idea, not come up with it. There's no money in making something. The idea can be stolen as easily as someone walking by and hearing-" Garin stopped walking and looked around, seeing the red-haired woman leave the shop. He continued walking, As easily as someone walking by and hearing you talk to yourself... he reminded his mouth.

"Time to go to work..." He sighed. "Selling locks... again... I'm glad I'm a thief. It doesn't pay to be straight," he sighed again. "I'm bored. I'm broke. I want a lady in my bed and an ale in my hand. I want what every man wants, I suppose, heh." A smile crept on his lips while he strutted to his stall, locked up with a ridiculous assortment of anti-theft devices, simply for show. Even if just to demonstrate a product, it was an interesting idea. Alternatively, it kept his stolen valuables safe. Get it? Safe? HA! he thought passively.

"Oh... Forget it," he said, stomping a leather-bound foot and changing direction for Tavern Row just before the gates to their idea of airdocks. "It's time for a damn drink, is what it's time for!"

A short walk further and Garin passed a thin young pale woman with black hair that flowed like ink. Her slight scent told of decent hygiene - airship water for sure, it smelled like air. She had a shopping list in her hand - she forgot to put it away. She wasn't an old face, and heading the wrong way to the market. A step had hardly passed when he turned to face her, "Miss - Misses, perhaps? You look lost... Can I help you?"

The most honorable man Garin was not. In this case, either money or immediate pleasures were on his mind. She would get what she came to get either way; whatever was on that shopping list. The greedy get caught. I'm that, but I was caught once already and I learned my lesson. Take what's left over. She won't notice until she's gone and on her way out! Most ships just offload, upload, and go anyway. This could be easy money.

He was already playing her. If she said miss, Garin knew she was single. Misses; she was taken, perhaps he could find out if there is a lover's quarrel he could take advantage of. He saw no ring or other emblem, but one never knew for certain. Additionally, it could have taken her off her guard. A decent man wouldn't consider her marital status if he were going to take advantage. He might just want to help.

Hope was always a part of a con. Hope that they hadn't fallen for some similar words before. Hope in the gullible. I hope you're easy. I could go for easy right now... The corner of his mouth perked and his eyes smiled with it. Easy is nice.

OOC: Queue Jade. :)

Cyradis disembarked along with the rest of them. This trip down the gangplank felt somehow empty without Sephara handing out pay cuts to the crew on the way down. Apparantly, this stop was a layover rather than a job well done. Cyradis didn't usually find herslelf thinking about money, but there the thought was nonetheless. Perhaps Gabe's influence was rubbing off. She shot a somewhat slanted gaze back up at the captain before heading off into the town. Luckily, she had's spent much of the cut from Coral, and had enough to buy what she needed: wooden staff stock. She had plenty of obsidian, but making at staff purely out of what was basically burned glass would likely lack for durability. Geborn, however, was lush with wooden tradecraft. All there was to do was choose a type of wood that would fit comfortable around the obsidian core and headpiece.

A fair bit of searching led Cyradis to a carpenter's shop that apparantly specialized in walking staves and canes. She entered and was greeted by a robust fellow with calloused hands. He greeted her with suprisingly gentle handshake, though she had no doubt he could crush every bone in her hand if he wanted.

"So! What can I get for you Little Mage?" His accent was thick with a barbarian dialect from deep in the Orient. Cyradis sampled the speech back in Coral, and was somewhat alarmed to hear it so far from its homeland.

"Looking for staff stock, master carpenter." She replied respectfully. "Something that will compress after treatment, and smolder rather than burn, but not too heavy." The big man's face rolled with a solution and he disappeared briefly into his storeroom. He reappeared holing a yellow-orange milled plank.

"Fir!" He declared, "This'll serve you well, miss. Damned near impossible to burn without magitek lamps or.. well magic, and should be wieldly enough for you. This timber'll set you back three silver, or I can whittle it for you for a soverign. If you gots some of that Kell red gold though.... I can finish off the one I'm workin' now and you can pick it up tomorrow morning."

Cyradis gave the Oriental a suspicious, but curious look, "What makes you think I'm Kellan?"

He blinked a couple times then branded a big smile, "Your looks, missy! White northern hair, common in Kell; violet eyes, a birth trait found only in pure Kellan bloodlines; and you're a mage. If you're not born of Kell, your whole damned ancestry was!"

Cyradis raised her eyebrows and lifted her coinpurse. From within, she drew a single Kellan crown and showed it to the merchant, who smiled even bigger. "How do you know so much about Kell?" she asked as she followed him back to his workbench. He sat an began carving a staff of the same color as the timber he showed her.

"Lived there some twenty decades ago. Before y'all got the attention of Dominia. Left right before the war, and landed here." His jovial tone of voice dropped noticably, "Wanted to go back last week, but it's all doors sealed in the heart of the Occident."

Cyradis sat on a nearby bench, absorbed by his words, "Sealed? They've closed the borders?"

He nodded, still working the staff, "A few months ago, it seems. Guess you were abroad, eh? Some trouble at the capitol, and those shiney new obelisks are blasting down any airships that cross the Wildes without turning back after the warning or with imperial permission writs. I hear they're still letting Kellans in though. That's why some red gold is so rare."

Cyradis stood, her brow creased in thought and confusion. Obelisks? Open fire on trade ships? What was going on in Kell? Cyradis placed the red crown on the carpenter's desk and gave him an polite nod, "Thank you, sir. I'll be back in the morning."

The merchant bid her farewell and continued with his work as Cyradis left the shop in something of a trance. She had hoped to ask Gabe to stop in Kell so she might get some things from the University to help mentor Cailey, but now she had to tell him to avoid her homeland or risk losing the Dawn. Cyradis had no idea what an obelisk was, but it was obvious from the merchant's tale that they were a powerful new defense weapon. She made it back to the Dawn at twilight, and made for the dining hall. Hopefully, Gabe would have news of their destination. Hopefully still, Cyradis wished it was not Kell. She wouldn't exactly be celebrated as the bearer of bad news, but more than that, she wanted to find out exactly what was going on at home before the Dawn set course for the isolated valley kingdom.

...

Don't be silly. No one will recognise me.
Don't be silly. No one will recognise me.
Don't be silly. No one will recognise me.

Jade repeated the same words over and over again inside her head as a mantra, hoping that the mere words would make it come true. After having failed in locating Jasper on the ship she had forced herself into the town. She was clutching a list of things she needed to purchase tightly in her right hand, hardly aware that she hadn't put it away. Everywhere she went her eyes darted back and forth, seeking a familiar face or rather hoping she wouldn't find one. Perhaps Gebron was not a place where she would expect to find the family of Worthingstone or their likes, but that didn't mean that no one could recognise her as the previously Lady Worthingstone, or rather the widowed Lady Worthingstone. After all the highly-bred destriers of Edric Worthingstone, her late husband, was well known around these parts. One could never be too sure. It would be foolish of her to believe that all would be well.

"Miss - Misses, perhaps? You look lost... Can I help you?"

For a moment it seemed like the world stopped spinning and time froze on the spot around Jade. An involuntarily feeling of flight entered her mind, thinking that someone had recognised her, and as her head turned to face the man that had spoken her legs got tangled as she tried to turn around ready to sprint and before she knew it the ground came dangerously close to her face. No longer than a second had passed but it felt like ages as she looked up at a man, seemingly trying to look concerned rather amused, holding out a hand to her. If possible her face looked even paler than before, but as she did not recognise him and neither did he, her cheeks flushed red suddenly aware of the situation.

"Thank you," she said taking the hand that was offered to her, feeling incredibly clumsy. He hauled her up to her feet again and she began to dust off whatever dirt she could see, feeling revealed that she had something else to focus on than the man's eyes that she knew were still focused on her.

"Miss...," she said still looking down. "Miss Alexander." Just as she said her last name she looked up, straight at him and to her great relief she saw no reaction to the name given. He was not going to call her out as a liar.

deleted, found myself suddenly in the wrong thread...

The crackle of the fire could be heard in every corner of the room. Each snap and pop was like a part of a soothing lullaby easing the listener off into the dreamscape. She slid out of the shadows from the corner of a room from where she'd been sitting prone against a bookcase for several hours. Her prey had fallen asleep almost thirty minutes ago, a symptom of what she'd slipped him, but she'd waited this long just to be sure.

Walking over to a lacquered and lavishly carved bookcase encased in glass. Meg pulled out a pick and file and fiddled with the tumblers until the were all in place. CLICK. Giving the lock a gently turn the latch slid up and the door popped open ever so slightly. She smiled. Before hiding, she'd already located the text she wanted. A perfect arms length above was the golden leaf of a perfectly preserved copy of The Spider's Way. With the care a mother would give a baby, she lowered it from its resting place and wrapped it in silk cloth and slipped it into a satchel she'd brought just for this purpose.

When she was ready, she made her way over to the man that lay slumped over in his arm chair. A book had tumbled to the floor and a deep velvet glass of wine was still half unfinished beside him. She picked up the book, found the place he'd taken it from, and placed it back. It would be out of place in the narrative she had weaved. Then she tossed the remnants of the glass into the fire, causing it to hiss in delight. The actual bottle was on a silver tray near the eastern door. This time from her satchel she removed an identical bottle of wine and eye-balled the difference. A few pours onto the carpet later she was satisfied, and switched the two. Lastly, she dropped the glass, watching it shatter. There. The portrait was complete.

"Wake up," she nudged him.

"Huh-wa... wa... mmm..." Triumvir Blackwell mumbled.

"Up I said," she poked him harder until his eyes flickered open. "There we are."

"Wa- Hoo- Iwa-" he was struggling to adjust, no doubt feeling quite hazy.

"You're under the influence of a paralytic Triumvir. Unfortunately it's also numbed your tongue and throat muscles, so you won't be able to make much noise."

"Hoo... hooooo..." she caught the drift.

"Who am I? I was hired by the Confederacy. Bad news Triumvir, we found out about the bribe you took from the Empire. We can't have Gebron switching side now can we. The coalition needs your finances."

He tried to speak again, but this time she just held up her hand, "Please, allow me to explain. I broke in and slipped a vial into your bottle of wine before got here. Then I waited. You arrived at your usual time, poured yourself a glass of Castra Belle Rose, and then picked out a book to read before you retired for the evening." She bent down so they were at eye level, "I would tell you that people with habits are incredibly easy to predict, but you probably won't get to benefit from that advice."

That made the nobleman's eyes bulge as he realized what would follow. She dragged him out of the chair and across the floor to the doorway. He squirmed a little, and moaned in place of yelling, so she gave him a swift kick to his gut and knocked the wind out of him. Then continued on her way. She picked him up and turned him towards the center of the room, everything had to look realistic. A few feet from the broken glass she stopped, turned him at an angle that faced the glass encased bookshelf, and then gracefully slid around him.

"May death bring you peace Triumvir." The firelight caught the finely polished steel blade just before she plunged it into his abdomen and chest a few times. It was quick and messy as blood spilled onto the hand-crafted rug. His body folded into a lump on the floor, looking perfectly natural. Meg tossed a small table over that was in between the bookshelf and the now dying Triumvir.

"Now to finish the job."

She scurried through the halls of the palace and out towards the back entrance, then waited. It was the same way she'd entered and avoided detection, but this time she had the opposite intent. If her timing was right...

She stepped out into a lit part of the gardens just as two guards turned to face her. They weren't more than twenty feet away, and instant recognition dawned on one, "You *****!" he bellowed, and she bolted. "Sound the alarm!" she heard him bark, but he'd taken off after her judging by the new position of his voice.

Hitting the wall at full sprint, she had enough force to carry her up until she could grasp the ledge, pull herself up, and slide herself over. "I'm going to find you and kill you you whore!" His fury at her escape was evident. Inwardly she basked at how well she'd planned this, but never stopped moving her feet as she ran back towards the Dawn.

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

It was late into the night, or the whee hours of the morning depending on how you looked at it. It was the second night they'd been shored in Gebron. After Meg's tactic of just asking nice had failed, Gabe had found his way towards the civil offices and waited for the Triumvir to exit. When he did, he'd had an entourage, and Gabe never within an arms reach, let alone able to speak to him.

Meg had reassured him they'd try again tomorrow, but in the meantime he'd drawn the roach shift, and watched as his crew returned from the city and found their way to their bunks. They'd managed to find a few new crew members in the short time, but no real sailors to speak of. They'd have to try again in their next port. Sephara however had kept busy with Aram. The two had busied themselves with business, and after checking Aram's records settled on buying several crates of Gebronese White Wine, which had just been corked and would fetch a decent return anywhere, as well as a healthy weight in a variety of local fruit, which was more temperamental, but they might be able to sell for a lucrative price in the right market. All in all it was worth the risk, because with the repairs to the ship they were almost flat broke, and they'd need to mercantile funds to pay the crew.

Bells suddenly rang in the distance. It was no church bell either. It was the constant and panicked ring of the local guardsmen being summoned. With the timing of an actor Meg appeared from the darkness and quickly ran up the plank and onto the ship.

"Ari!" he called immediately. She wore that damned devil grin and he knew trouble was on its way, "Rouse the crew, fast!" Ari sprinted, recognizing the seriousness in the order.

Meg was breathing heavy, but somehow didn't seem to be struggling greatly. "I should apologize captain."

"What's happened?" he said concerned for her more than his crew he realized, but he also knew what was about to come.

"I've put you in a bad position," she said and removed a cloth-wrapped bundle from her satchel and handed it to him.

Opening the wrappings he saw the title and sighed, "What did you do?"

"My job," she replied cooly. Gabe wore a genuinely surprised and confused expression now, unsure of what was going on. "I'm an agent Gabe," she confessed, "A shadow lurker. I was hired by the confederacy to get rid of the Triumvir before he could maneuver Gebron out of the coalition and into an alliance with the Empire."

Taking a deep breathe he bit his tongue. What had this woman got him into. She rented a soft hand gently against his cheek, and he closed his eyes, letting his anger subside, "I'm sorry captain, but what's life without a little danger," her eyebrows flinched suggestively.

Despite everything he was still drawn to her, "So be it. Help me with the plank, we need to leave right now."

"Yes, you do." There was finality in those words. "You have the first piece of the puzzle now and I am no treasure hunter, as much as I enjoy your company."

The book weighed heavy in his hands, "But how will I know the clues with only one book?" he asked, hoping to keep her beside him a bit longer rather than get a real answer.

"You know where some of the other copies are. The Arcanum in Kell, the Grand Library in Veyldor, and the Royal College in Caildonia. You can take your pick."

"If this was all a plan to use me," the words knotted in his throat, "Is the legend even real."

"Yes," she said without hesitation, staring him directly in his eyes. "It was only fair. It may seem an odd system of balance to you captain, but I consider it payment for services rendered." Gabe couldn't help but laugh at that.

He shook his head in disbelief, "That's why we went to the manor today isn't it?"

"They had to know where to look. Show them a face, give them a reason to remember it, mention we'd come from Coral, I figured it wouldn't take much for them to connect the dots. They'll probably check the docks first anyways. Since you registered, they'll have no trouble finding you. Which is why you need to leave," she added.

"Captain!" Sephara was the first was up as he knew she would be.

"Seph, we're leaving, and in a hurry. Get Arch on the wheel if she isn't too drunk and get us out of here."

"What did she-" his first mate began.

"Not now Seph," he snapped her a cold look.

Her eyes were like daggers when she looked at Meg, then she turned and saw to her orders. Gabe felt bad for chastising her. This was mostly his fault, but there would be time for her I told you so speech later.

"One last thing," Meg's voice drew him back, "You get your prize from the bet." She took a step forward and leaned in close. Her hair smelt faintly of jasmine, and the touch of her hand on his was electric. She pursed her lips and whispered in his ear, "My real name... is Autumn." She pulled back slowly and Gabe drank in her features like an exotic bottle of liquor he may never have a chance to taste again. Somehow the revelation made her more attractive. The fall colors in her hair, the hot and cold temperament. Her hand slid up his neck, and he moaned with pleasure. Like a butterflies gentle touch, she placed a kiss upon his cheek, but close enough to his mouth to let him enjoy it for what it was.

"Goodbye captain."

"Goodbye M... Autumn."

She smiled once more, and then disappeared into the night.