The Skysail Treasure Co.

...

Cyradis was somewhat reluctant to continue the journey. The power in the trees fascinated her in a scholarly way. Why would a tree on a remote island be such a conduit? Was the whole island this way? There were a million other questions she wanted to discover the answers to, but unfortunately, not only did she lack the knowledge to study earthen arcana, but it was likely something to take at least a year. And that's if she found the power's source.

Eventually, her intrest passed to the back of her mind as she concentrated on workign her way through the jungle behind Kaltor's trailblazing. They came to a series of drops almost as far down as Cyradis was tall. Archamae, who seemed to be far more knowledgeable than anyone realized, recognized the formation as a terrace. Taking a closer look at the drop behind her, she could just make out the masoned stones behind the vine sheath. Minutes later, the group entered a ruined city, and Cyradis' intrest in this island was renewed full-force.

The entire place was made of masoned stone bricks not unlike the ones that were used to build the terrace. There was a definate city plan and roadway system. Whoever these people were, they were quite civilized, and perhaps even advanced for thier time. Exploring the ruin was like being at a fair. Though there was nothing left to tell Cyradis anything about the former inhabitants, she considered bringing something back for Arlen to apply his expertise in the matter.

Ducking into a nearby house to look for some pottery or drawings to retrieve, Cyradis heard Kaltor suddenly shout and shepard Arch into the house with Cyradis. Ducking down instinctively, Cyradis gathered almost immediately that they were being attacked by someone. Apparantly the ruins had not been entirely abandoned. While Archamae readied her weapons, Cyradis tenatively tapped into the magic around her. She was still unsure of the effect those magical trees were playing on the natural ley energy. Gently brushing the nearest flow, it responded typically, and Cyradis drew it in.

So far there was no apparantly link between the natural magic and whatever was affecting the trees. Cyradis turned her attention to the present as she felt herself fill with power. As Arch fired her enchanted crossbow, Cyradis took the oppertunity to peek out a window next to the door with her now-glowing eyes. Someone was limping away with a number of small bolts in both his legs, but she saw no on else.

"I guess we're camping here after all," Cyradis said somewhat tensely, "Anyone know how many of them there are?"

OOC: I've asked Zed to discontinue his posts here for the moment. I'm happy that this thread is doing so well, and it's good quality writing, and I just didn't think Zed was at a strong enough level to continue with us. We'll keep Wintrow with us as an NPC, free for anyone to us.

IC:

"Wait!" Wintrow interrupted the stowaway before he'd even had a chance to speak.

"What now?" Gabe was obviously exasperated.

Grinding his teeth in an effort to not say the wrong thing, the captive forced himself to be polite, "I'm sorry about your friends," the words came slow. His voice was deep and mournful, and Gabe actually thought it genuine. "I wish... I wish it didn't have to happen like that."

"Playing to my better side now?" It was half a joke and half a serious question.

Wintrow raised his head and locked eyes with the Captain, "No games." As Gabe looked into his eyes he saw that they were cold and hard. These were eyes that had seen things that troubled their owner. One could only guess as to what the half-Orc had locked up inside himself, but it was easy to understand why someone with such a history would use his strength and pride as a shield.

"How can I trust you?" he finally asked.

Gabe was really asking for more. I need to understand, he thought to himself. And Wintrow complied, "I left my clan because there was no place for me there. My father openly refers to me as His Bane and my mother died long ago. There is nothing for me there. I have lived in oppression long enough. I'd rather die than go back. So, I took a chance and gambled on this ship." If this guy was acting he was damn good at it. "If you're not going to give me a chance then just put me out of my misery. I would rather cease to live than be trapped in a prison for a moment longer." There was sincerity in every word he spoke.

From the corner of his eye he saw Meg looking at him like she already knew what he was going to do, and it annoyed him to no end. She seemed to catch his discomfort and squeaked a giggle into the empty silence. Gabe let out a long sigh, "Untie him," he gave the command to Jade, "I'll give you your chance. No weapons until I say otherwise, and all engineering sections are off limits." Just then Xavier entered carry what looked like sketches, "You'll report to Xavier. Your his aid until further notice and will help us to repair the Dawn. Welcome aboard Mr. Wintrow."

Xavier seemed completely uninterested in getting a new assistant, and was instead eagerly shoving the drawings into Gabe's hands and explaining about an idea he had to convert the ship's balloon to mast and sails plans to add gears and levers to the turbines to make them fully rotatable and Gabe had to admit that being able to sail on water when all else failed would be a great backup.

“Sounds like a lot of work. Can we do all this?”

Xavier just shrugged as if it was no big deal. Gabe could tell he’d made up his mind and would find a way to make everything he’d just explained a reality, “Hardest part will be putting up the masts. It will require completely different rigging and all that sewing... but it’s doable.”

“Well, then I trust you. Take Wintrow here and get to it,” he smiled and gave his engineer a pat on the shoulder, then watched as the pair left to start Xavier’s latest project. For a man with half a memory Gabe wondered where he was always coming up with these ideas and new inventions.

Gabe was left with Meg and Jade and their stowaway, “Now then, where were we? Oh yes. I’m Gabriel Solomon, Captain of this ship, and you are a no good rat who snuck aboard and stole our supplies. Now that we’ve been introduced I think you should tell me why we shouldn’t leave you tied up in the jungle for some over-sized snake to gobble down,” he smiled widely. No reason this couldn’t be a little fun.

-o0o-

Sephara wiped a thick layer of sweat from her forehead with the sleeve of her shirt. They'd be trudging through not just a jungle, but a giant overgrowth of branches, moss, vines, and other assorted vegetation. She owed Gabe a punch in the face for giving her this assignment.

Swinging her machete several times to cut away a thick vines blocking the path, she angrily yelled at it, "I... was... born... on the... plains... damn you!" Behind her she could hear Aram's chuckling. Arlen, thankfully for his own sake, or maybe hers, had kept quiet. She was ready to strike at anything that she could inflict pain upon. Aram was an old friend, but Arlen was a relative stranger she wouldn't have had any trouble taking her anger out on.

"KHUTRA NOM!" she exclaimed in bitter frustration.

"Don't think that was a smart thing to do ma'am," Arlen's cool, experienced voice came from behind her. Looking back she remembered the edge of warning it had possessed, but at the time she thought she was being chided.

With the force of a tornado she turned and closed the gap between them, "Well then please, tell me oh wise one, how you're going to be able to give such wonderful nuggets of wisdom when I bash in your skull," her fury carried to a new height.

Arlen's eyes weren't even looking at her, he was checking the surrounding trees, and it incensed her even more. Luckily before she did anything else stupid, he replied with the only words that got her to suppress her emotions back to controllable levels,

"I think we're being watched..."

OOC: Kich, waiting for your cue to initiate what we talked about last night ^_^

Ren and Dar, balls in your court. Not sure if that's where you were going with it, but figured it was in the right direction.

Oh, and Vagrant, Mike, even Darlok... hope you guys are still around. You should all know, I have no problems pushing on without you, and it seems neither does anyone else =D

EDIT TO DARLOK: Dude, come on. You're going 3 or 4 days between posting and giving us 1 or 2 paragraphs? I know you're more the capable enough to move plot along and jump in, as I mentioned, this is in your's and Ren's hands. Seph is just along for the ride. Kich's char Xavier is back on the ship, what we discussed has to do with the chars still there, so no need to worry about that ^_^ I demand more from you sir.

OOC: Yep. Was planning something like that myself. thanks for starting it. :) wanted to let darlok catch up though. he can always retro. will post tomorrow I think. maybe tonight, i'll figure it out in a bit. Darlok is showing as online, so i'll just wait and see what happens.

Aram bound through the brush like a child, taking big strokes with his sword as if he were being attacked by the overgrowth surrounding them. Ahead of him, Seph let out a loud curse, her frustration beginning to show. "KHUTRA NOM!" Aram chuckled. He had known Seph for a long time now, and rarely had he seen her visibly frustrated to the point of cursing aloud. Beside him, Arlen voiced his disapproval at Seph's words. That seemed the last straw as the first mate turned and began to focus her frustration on Arlen until he managed to get in a word between Seph's ranting. "I think were being watched..."

At those seemingly innocent words, Aram felt the hair on his neck stand on end. Glancing about, Aram wondered what caused Arlen to say such a thing. All around, the vegetation looked the same. Dense, tall, green. How would anyone be able to watch them through this infernal jungle? Still, Aram knew that Arlen was a traveller, experienced in these srot of situations. Aram held his sword at the ready. "What makes you think were being follwed?"

OOC: Not sure what you got discussed Geco or Kich, so I'll hang on from moving further just yet...I'll be on and off URP all day today though, so I'll get caught up. ;)

...

OOC: Heh, this sounds like it'll be fun. :)

I agree with Geco on this though, Darlok. I'll PRP your character along if we have to, as I will be gone I can understand it needing to be done at times, however I won't do it forever. He's going to be rather periphery if you don't set him into the plot. You must make room yourself. Perfect opportunities never come, and there is never a time when it is ideal. You make those opportunities yourself, and you make the ideal moment. In life, and in anything, this is true.

IC:

Perhaps it was a mistake to warn them. Or perhaps it was a mistake to bring the young cook. Being that these situations could potentially be dangerous, it might have been a folly to bring someone with little to no survival skills. In either case, neither party had the element of surprise anymore. "How do you know we're being followed?" Aram asked and Arlen's eyes traced over to him without moving his head. He looked back to Sephara and gave a comforting smile, like he felt it would be all okay, and put a hand on her shoulder.

"Because you get a seventh sense about these sort of things," he explained simply. Arlen turned his back on Sephara and Aram, and walked a few paces toward the denser jungle, overgrown and menacing in its own right. "Put your sword down, boy. You don't fight someone before knowing what they want. It's just not decent," Arlen cautioned.

Arlen threw his machete point first into the ground where it wagged side to side. Aram put his sword down, though still in hand. A calm boy, Arlen knew the adventurer had a romanticism starting for the blade. Sephara, wise in her youth but still firey, had tossed her anger aside instantly upon the thought that they were surrounded and being watched. The whole idea was, truthfully, quite unsettling, and always would be.

"Hello," Arlen said to the jungle, projecting confidence in his voice, "We are travelers and new to your land. Our ship crashed here. We come in peace, and wish only to be friends. There is much to learn from each other, I am sure."

Silence. Apparently, they are wary for a reason. Perhaps the other settlement and the inland peoples didn't get along. If that were the case, then Arlen hoped they realized the small group was not affiliated with them. Perhaps, though, they have a remembrance of where they came from and why they left there. Hopefully, in either case, they were not the cannibal variety of primitive.

"Suto," Arlen said in a foreign tongue. In his sailing days, he'd come across some isolated groups that controlled several chains of smaller islands. It wasn't far from Coral, relatively. It was possible they were related somehow. "Hekame la moatuloka kahemo maka moloaka. Uhm..." A few moments went by while Arlen rubbed his chin, trying to remember how to relate a ship crashing when one of them dropped from a tree above them and landed a few paces beside Arlen.

"Mekoatola pehuha alanameka a'auila'u?" Arlen turned to the man and was not surprised that he wore very little real clothing. He was covered in green ropes and looked like the jungle itself. Besides that, he wore a loincloth made of some coarse fabric. He was strong, lean, quite lanky, and tall. Most intimidating was the spear he carried, no doubt tipped with some poisonous substance. Wasting no time, Arlen brought his hands up to either side of his chest, palms forward and fingers straight out. He bowed his head and pushed his hands out away from his body in greeting.

The strange representative looked at Arlen suspiciously. "You know old language," he said, like it was awkward and unnatural. He made a motion with his head, "How?"

Arlen looked the man in the eyes and the corners of his mouth perked up, "I lived with your brothers many many days ago. They called themselves Awai'aka."

The native simply grunted and looked up at the trees around them. Motioning with his hand, four others like him dropped all around bearing spears. "You will see Grandfather Pu'aki. We see if you no kaukipua. Not here to steal T'a'u'weke. Not like others that come."

Arlen bowed in agreement, "I am Arlen Vegough, this is my..." he scratched his head and motioned to Sephara, "My... chief? Leader?" his hand moved about while he tried a few words, but they seemed to escape him. Rather, he motioned at Aram, "This is Aram, a young but good cook." He smiled and motioned like he was eating something with his fingers. "We'll happily speak to Grandfather Pu'aki."

The tall man stuck a thumb to his chest "Weka'u," he spoke and turned. Raising his spear into the air he walked forward through the vine Sephara had chopped to bits, his men grunted in unison following him, escorting the trio. Arlen looked at his two companions and motioned for them to gather themselves up as he grabbed his machete and fell in line.

"Not bad," Sephara acknowledged Arlen with a smirk tugging at her lips. "I'll do the talking with this Pu'aki," she said, and Arlen agreed. "But I want you as my counselor in this... I'm impressed that you know their language."

Arlen shook his head, "I don't, really. What I said and what he said were quite different. Just close enough we can understand each other." His eyes opened wide with a skeptical look on his face, "They must have been here a long time... And had a lot of hostile visitors... These latest ones probably settled. Goodness knows, there's nothing here to warrant spears but other people."

"Good point," Sephara replied. "Good thing we don't know anything about what they might accuse us of stealing."

"T'a'u'weke is a god of fire to the Awai'aka," Arlen mumbled, "I don't know how you would steal a god." He shrugged, "Maybe the Awai'aka came from here, instead of the other way around."

OOC:

So. Thoughts? Like the direction?

OOC: Yeah, I guess apologies may be in order for a lack of....commitment, in my posts lately. I guess I've just been rather uninspired by life in general and it has been showing in my writing.


IC:
Aram felt foolish at Arlen's rebuke. He knew better then to act rashly. Words were his forte, and why he had been with the crew so long. And now here he was, brandishing a weapon he barely knew how to use at an unseen audience. He had been so intoxicated by this strange land, so unlike the cities where Aram was normally put to good use, that the cook was unsure how to act and possibly even a little spooked. Rather then continuing to criticize Aram, Arlen turned towards the bush and the invisible person. Or perhaps People.

Hello," Arlen called out, "We are travelers and new to your land. Our ship crashed here. We come in peace, and wish only to be friends. There is much to learn from each other, I am sure."

Aram, sword still in hand but pointed towards the lush green underfoot, slowly glanced side-to-side in search of a body, any body. After what seemed like an eternity of silence, Arlen gave a call in a language Aram had never heard before. The call could have been a greeting or a warning, Aram was unsure. It seemed to have the effect the explorer desired though, as a tall and slender man dropped from the sky and landed among them. The stranger and the traveler made conversation, first in the strange language and then in common, and with a signal four others dropped from above to surround the group. Aram had heard enough to know they were going to go to the village of these tribesmen. Sheathing his sword, Aram fell in behind Arlen and Seph as the group headed west-northwest. From what little he could see between the tops of the trees, the giant volcano was almost straight to the North and getting closer.

~~~~

As the group entered the boarders of the small village, the children leaned out of windows and doors yelling in their strange language. Mothers shooed the children, trying in vane to distract the little ones from what would obviously become a topic of discussion for years to come. The houses were built fairly close together and made of wood and clay, with clay tiles on the roof to keep out the tropical storms that occasionally hit the islands. The homes were to the left and right, with the path the group walked down being the main street, of sorts. Strange smells came from several of the houses, probably families cooking dinner over a fire. Several of the smells were new and quite appealing. Strange for a man, even a cook, to think of food at such a serious time as this. The truth was, Arlen and Seph were the experienced ones here and although in normal times Aram himself would take the lead when talking to dignitaries, here he would be of little help.

As the pathway came to an end, it arrived at what these people must have thought was a palace. The truth was that it was a shack, much like the others the group had past. The only real difference was that it was two stories high. Just before the locals lead the group through the entrance, Aram took one last look at the massive volcano looming over head. Was it just his imagination? Or had he seen a reflection, possibly a mirror or glass? Aram shook his head. He would have to remember to talk to the others about it later. For now, Aram leaned in towards the others in front.

"Hey Arlen, you seem to know a little of their culture. Any tips on not offending our hosts?"

OOC: Okay, from what I can gather from everyone's posts, the basic layout is this. Roughly near the center is the volcano. The Pirates live on the North-Eastern coast while the Natives live to the south, fairly close to the Volcano. The Requiem crashed in a bay somewhere to the South-East of the volcano. Does everyone agree with the basic layout? or did I miss something?

...

The village was deceptively more modern than Arlen would have expected. Either they'd observed well from their visitors, or they indeed had been here for quite some time and didn't settle for good enough. "Any tips on not offending our hosts?" Aram asked as they neared a two story structure. Fairly plain, but well kept. Inside, Arlen expected all sorts of wooden art. It wasn't just a home, but a temple. A modest one for the people. The grander temple was the home of the god, and probably was built into the volcano itself.

What more obvious can you get for a god of fire than the volcano? Something else bothered him though, than just the whole stealing of T'a'u'weke. Nothing Arlen had seen convinced him that one god was better than the next, or even if one existed in most cases. Though he always kept an eye open just in case he was wrong and should repent of his sin of disbelief.

"Well... I would assume that you should do as little as possible. Unless asked to do so. The Awai'aka were friendly people, but you could see an intolerance for bad manners in their society a mile away, just as here. There wasn't anything really bizarre about their customs, so I don't expect as much with these cousins of theirs," Arlen advised.

Arlen turned to Sephara as they were motioned to stand in front of the building and wait, "Unfortunately, I don't know if a woman will be able to speak to the chief." He shrugged in the little control of the situation that he had, "Some tribes do have a matriarchal society... We'll know shortly if Grandfather Pu'aki tolerates females. If not, I will be your mouthpiece, ma'am. Rest assured."

Arlen hesitated before continuing and put his palms together, as if asking Sephara to forgive him and whispered, "Pardon me, miss, but you might be used to stares... I don't expect you to take offense if they find you to be erotically exotic. Men of our culture find you to be irresistible, after all. I would imagine these men will think so as well." Arlen continued to plead in whispered breath, "Try, my dear Sephara, try very hard not to be offended if they ask anything... you know... sexual from you... I'll try to explain the situation somehow. Perhaps that you are... as weird as it might seem, Captain Gabriel's spouse and a warrior."

Although the thought made her blush, which was indeed rare and out of character, Sephara slowly nodded once with her approval. "In this instance, I suppose it might be prudent," she said awkwardly. Apparently the thought of Gabriel being anything but her captain and friend was somewhat of an embarrassing subject. No doubt he's tried a time or two, Arlen thought, to make a slick move on our first mate. If I were younger and stood a chance, I know I would have by now.

OOC:

marc, fix anything you think is out of order for Seph. keep in mind, too. That Arlen's thought is that Gabriel has tried on Seph, not that anything had actually occurred.

Ten years ago, Cyradis would have never even dreamed of seeing an airship. Most Kellans viewed the merge of magic and technology as some kind of blasphemy, though, they had no real deity to invoke. Younger Kellans, raised in a ever-changing world were less superstitious. Cyradis was really no differant then her peers. Even her purple eyes and silvery blonde hair, viewed as exotic and interresting to non-Kellans, was rather unextraordinary in the valley.

Remembering her past wasn't entirely what she wanted from the Requiem Dawn. It was a vision of freedom, and a life without the boundaries of properiety and society. Up until a few hours ago, the Dawn and everyone aboard appeared to live up to exactly the idea Cyradis had of living on an airship. Cyradis sighed as reality came creeping back to her. She couldn't help her more rational mind throwing the adverse elements of their situation in her face. First, they were rediculously outnumbered and outgunned. Three verses at least seventeen remaining outside? Even an ogre would think twice, and that's probably never happened before. Second, they were provisioned for only one day. Naïve, in hindsight, but then again, no one really expected they would be besieged in a ruined house countless centuries old.

Cyradis had been absently gazing out the window at the barely visable stars behind the red veil of the setting sun. She was curled up with her arms around her shins, and her head resting on her knees. Sleep was out of the question, but not out of her mind. The exhausting heat more than actual physical exertion undoubtedly took its toll on the entire group.

Archamae's voice suddenly broke the silence that had befallen their shelter. Cyradis lifted her head and turned her eyes to the pilot. She recoiled slightly from the flask, putting her had up and shaking her head. "I don't drink liquor," she said with some apology in her voice, "Or rather, I can't drink it. Kellan physiology is fragile and I'm afraid I'd end up drunk or unconcious fairly quickly. I guess it's a side-effect from valley life. Kell isn't exactly a welcoming place."

Cyradis released her legs and crossed them in front of her as Archamae withdrew the flask with a your loss look on her face. Cyradis just smirked as she passed the offer on to Kaltor.

"I can help to warm the blood if that's what you need." She surveyed the room briefly. When she went inside she never really had the chance to take a good look around. The floor was dusty, but they weren't the first to peek inside. That became obvious when she saw three dry logs in a firepit built into the wall opposite the window. Concentrating on the logs, Cyradis thrust her right hand at the hearth. A firey little spark streaked across the little room like a firecracker and popped against the log followed by a sizzle. Eventually the logs caught fire. She gave Archamae a triumphant grin, despite the fact that virtually every Kellen over six years of age could perfrom the exact same feat of power she'd just performed.

Cyradis pushed herself against the wall and scooped up her legs again, this time resting her chin on her knees and gazing into the flames. She watched the fire lick at the stones until the room around her faded away. To lookers-on her expression was indecipherable, much like her realationship with the rest of the crew, she realized. She had never really connected with any of them on a level deeper than the front she put up every day. A front that was virtually skin deep. Her trance-like face adjusted slightly as her lower lip curled under her teeth. What would they remember of her if she never left this island, or was shanghaied into the service of this group outside. Her lips moved again, forming words unaccompanied by sound.

Cyradis suddenly shook her head and moved across the room and sat beside Archamae. She plucked the flask from the slightly confused pilot's finger and took a drink before returning the foul-tasting stuff to her.

"Good a time as any, right?" One drink wouldn't kill her, after all.

OOC: Sorry guys, just got caught up reading and I'm fried... it's going to take me awhile to adjust to getting up at 5am for work =p Going to go to bed, and promise a post tomorrow ^_^

I guess I have to do this because I promised =P I was jack-hammering all day, and I'm exhausted. I apologize for glaring errors and the extreme brevity, but I just want to keep things moving and I can't muster the will for much else

KICH, VAGRANT, MIKE, QUIN - are any of you still around?

IC:

Sephara forgot one frustration and replaced it with another just as quick. Their encounter with natives on the island wasn't totally unexpected, but the manner in which they'd crept up on them, as if creeping vines part of the forest itself, was deeply disturbing. Worse yet, Arlen had made a grievous mistake... he'd called her the leader. She had wanted to scream, 'NOOO!!!' even as the words came out. Of course, since nothing could be done about it, she did the grown up thing - started sulking and pretending like she didn't care.

Of course, she had no one to blame but herself. She'd forgotten to explain the rules before they'd left. One of the great things about Gabe as a captain was that he recognized the individual skills of the people, and could find a way to utilize them within the larger idea of a team. The first mate knew her skills one, and being a diplomat or ambassador was not one of them. Cue Aram. Since the young man had joined them roughly a year ago he'd shown his ability as a negotiator. True, most saw him as nothing more than a common merchant haggling prices with his own, but in numerous occasions Gabe sent Aram to speak on their behalf to local dignitaries or to clients. The man had a way with words, and it was why he was with them.

Today, Sephara was meant to be nothing more than some added muscle, Arlen the experienced outdoorsman could lead and see to their safety in the unknown wilderness of the island, and Aram to parlay with any groups they may meet. And now it was all on her.

She was hardly paying attention as they entered their camp, and in truth, probably couldn't have even found her way back to the Dawn if she tried. Each step brought her to certain doom, one more step up the metaphorical volcano, filled with imaginary lava that would metaphysically consume her whole, like sounds kind of red goo monster. What time they had she spent trying to work out a plan in her head. A way to sound as least awkward as possible. Her eyes rolled up into the top of her head as she silently rehearsed several greetings. Who was she kidding. This was going to go badly.

Arlen turned to Sephara as they were motioned to stand in front of the building and wait, "Unfortunately, I don't know if a woman will be able to speak to the chief. If not, I will be your mouthpiece, ma'am. Rest assured."

"Oh, well, no need to worry about that. That's why Aram's here. Actually, I'd prefer he talk. He knows Gabe and I much better, no offense Arlen," she smiled, "Yep, I have full confidence in Aram if that is the case" she replied masking her glee. But she was really thinking, 'YES YES YES YES!!!! LET IT BE THE CASE!!! LET IT BE THE CASE!!!'

Arlen continued talking but she wasn't really paying attention, too caught up in hoping she'd be able to worm her way out of this predicament she'd been thrown in to, that was until she heard the word 'erotic'.

"What?" was all she said at first. Then she noticed the many sets of eyes on her, men's eyes, many with that lustful glean. She waved at the air, as if brushing some invisible fabric, "As you say," and she smiled, still too happy about possibly not being forced to talk. And in truth, she was used to it. The world outside her tribe had been shocking, and although such incidents did not thrill her, she'd learned to deal with it... in her own way.

When Arlen mentioned Gabe as her spouse she raised an eyebrow at Arlen and furrowed her brow, "Now that, that I do not approve of. If they need an explanation, tell them that where we come from women can be warriors just like men, and if they need proof, I'll be happy to embarrass one of their big strong men," she shot Arlen a venomous smile. She'd never be enslaved or possessed. She learned of the world and how people thought of women as possessions to be owned, and she would have none of that. "And if you ever bring up me being married again, I'll steal your soul from your body and cast it into the Demon Realm of Aja'nul for eternal torment. Clear?"

Before the survivalist had time to reply they were interrupted by one of their guides, he spoke what sounded like gibberish to her, but Arlen translated, "He says we can go," indicating himself and Aram, "But you must wait here."

Sephara nodded, a calm happiness returning to her, "So be it. Aram, good luck. Do us proud," she smiled encouragingly and watched as the pair entered the tent of Grandfather Pu'aki

...

Cyradis smiled when Archamae asked about Kell; the question summoning cheerier thoughts to her mind. If there was one thing she knew well, it was her home. Talking about it easily lifted the heavier and more depressing reality off her shoulders. Crossing her legs again, Cyradis picked a fallen stick off the ground near the hearth and stoked the fire as she began.

"Most people describe Kell in one word: mystical. It really does fit, though. Under almost constant fog, the valley has a sort of intrigue about it. Like the gods are hiding some secret in the wilderness outside the city. The city itself is built into the mountainside where the West and East Wilde mountain ranges converge into the Great Wilde Alps, very very far from here. Some Kellans say that the location is the exact center of the world, but I think when the ancients built Kell they simply realized the tactical and resourceful advantages it held. Healthy gold deposits and plenty of building materials make it a self-sufficient place."

Cyradis' thoughts shifted, getting more sentimental, "I remember when I was selected to enter the University. Contrary to popular opinion, not all Kellans are mages and not all of the mages are powerful. The University was established to give the more gifted of us a place to hone our skills. My mother was absolutely beaming when the letter came." The corners of her mouth dropped slightly and her eyebrows beveled, "I was twelve at the time, but I didn't see her again till the day I graduated eight years later."

Cyradis shook her head and sighed, running her fingers over her eyes, and preemptively banishing the tears threatening to leave, "Well, anyway. It was a long time ago. The important thing is I at least got to spend a few more years with her before she died. She was seventy-seven; not a bad lifespan for a Kellan." The hard swallow following her words also supressed anything else she might have said about her mother. Suddenly, those heavy, depressing thoughts made a comeback.

Aram gave a shrug and cast his gaze down, obviously embarrassed with Seph's comments. True, Aram had known the Captain and First Mate longer then any of the crew, even if he hadn't joined until much later. Since the two had hidden in his father's shop, they had formed a close relationship with the blacksmith and his son.

The explorer and the first mate debated the fabrication Arlen would tell of Seph's relationship with Gabe until they were inturrupted by one of the men who had guided the party to the village. In his strange dialect accompanied by hand signals, the man asked the two men waiting outside to come in. Aram followed behind Arlen, giving Seph a departing look, silently offering his assurance that all would be well.

Once inside the temple, Aram caught up to walk beside Arlen. The inside of the temple was fairly plain, a testament to the simple folk who worshiped here. Candles were lit everywhere and a elegent yet simple alter sat near the back wall, closest to the volcano. In front of the alter sat Grandfather Pu'aki.

Grandfather Pu'aki was an older man, with a full head of shoulder length gray streaked hair and piercing brown eyes. His eyes held the wisdom gained from a long life in charge, and the wrinkles creasing them showed the life dealing with the burden of authority. Aram had seen several leaders and diplomats from different kingdoms, and there was a certain innate quality that shone through the exterior. Were he dressed in regal colours and flowing robes, he would look no more a ruler.

As the pair of outsiders approached Pu'aki, they were stopped and asked to remove their weapons. Laying aside his sword, Aram rejoined Arlen and the two were approached by the elder. Stopping infront of Aram and Arlen, Pu'kai gave a small bow, which the two outsiders returned. The elder gave a warm greeting to the pair, but wore no smile on his face as Arlen translated.

"Greetings strange ones." Pu'kai said through Arlen.

"Greetings noble one." Aram replied, "We are sorry to disturb you and your village. We are humble sailors who have had the unfortunate pain of crashing onto your beautiful island."

Pu'kai nodded solemnly, "Yes. We witnessed the heavenly battle, and the decent of your floating boat. In was truly a sight to behold. Tell me, why have you come to us? You must know, you are not the first of your kind here. On the other side of the Temple of T'a'u'weke, men of your kind have built their own village. They are cruel men, with savage intentions. On more then one occasion they have come here intending us harm. But our power is great, bestowed on us by the great T'a'u'weke. They can not harm us."

Aram frowned at Arlen's last translation. What 'power' did this tribe have? He could see by the shared look that Arlen was concerned as well.

"Weka'u," Pu'kai motioned to the man first approached by the group in the jungle, "has told me a little of you and your group. He is our expert in tracking and war. Last night he went to the site of your boat and had followed you until you realized you were being followed. I am impressed, not many would have noticed Weka'u. So now we come to the present. Why are you here? Do you wish us harm or have you come for help?"

Aram held his palms to the side, openned as a pictoral symbol of innocence. "We have no intentions of harming anyone. We seek aid to repair our ship so that we might leave you alone to your paradise here."

Pu'kai hesitated for a minute, as if weighing the outsiders words. "I am not sure of your intent, but I believe you when you say you mean no harm. Please, stay a while. I go to consult the great T'a'u'weke. I will come back with his decision."

Turning to Weka'u, he told the warrior to bring in the woman and let the 'guests' wait in the temple. Aram and Arlen were taken to a comfortable room to the side of the temple where Sephera joined them. Aram broke into a huge grin seeing the first mate.

"Seph! You alright?"

OOC: Ren, feel free to flesh out the conversation if you wanted to add or expand on anything.

It was difficult to translate something that wasn't exactly what you knew. He had only been there a few months, living among the others of Pu'aki's kind. Some distant relatives, it was supposed. Fluency wasn't exactly the other of the day, but the idea got through. It was a simple language, as far as was relative to common tongue, but very frilly. Arlen found it difficult to understand which was superfluous ritualistic prefix and suffix, and what was actually important. It was a slow process that took a minute or two on each exchange, but in the end it seemed to go well for them, and a little bit of information to boot.

Arlen was not surprised to hear Grandfather Pu'aki wanted to consult T'a'u'weke for his decision and usher them into another room. Grandfather was probably the closest thing in their eyes that matched their idea of a leader. A wise, old patriarch who was father to many in the tribe either figuratively or literally. Upon seeing Sephara, Aram's countenance seemed to be greatly improved, though it wasn't too bad previously.

Arlen was still pondering the thought of power that could hold off modern technology and many many people who came looking for something important there. Treasure hunting wasn't his career and he didn't know much about things like that. It being his current profession, though, it might be useful to expand his thoughts to the subject. First he would need a history. Being the only link to the outside tribe that knew of T'a'u'weke, he would have to look through his journal to that time and study it a little.

"Seph! You alright?" Aram asked, rather full of enthusiasm. Arlen put a hand on his neck and squeezed it gently in reassurance.

"If she's here, my boy," he grinned, "and there is no blood on her blade, then I assume she was not molested by more than simple eyes." A stiff pat on Aram's back and Arlen caught her up.

"They are going to make a decision, based on their God, T'a'u'weke, whether we come in peace or not. They saw our battle, and believe we are here by accident, but still asked us why we have come. They are very wary of outward appearance," Arlen's shoulder went up in a shrug, "out of necessity it seems. Although, he spoke of a power they have that keeps the settlers on the island from causing them harm. I think there is much more beneath the surface than we might see."

Weka'u drew near from seeing Grandfather Pu'aki, reporting they were together. "I honor you. You know we near. T'a'u'weke bless you with k'ela'toa," he said and held his spear out horizontal, like he was offering it to them.

"Insight," Arlen said to his friends, translating the meaning of the word. it was close, but different, to another word he had heard before.

"Old man, you know Awai'aka people. That mean..." Weka'u hesitated for a couple of seconds and then he made pushing motion to the air.

In Arlen's curiosity he crossed his arms and started rubbing his chin. "Did they do something bad?" Arlen asked Weka'u.

"Awai'aka try take T'a'u'weke hoa'we'i," Weka'u said gravely. "I like you," he said but followed it with warning. "You try take T'a'u'weke hoa'we'i, I no like you. You moa'eke. No Awai'aka."

Arlen cleared his throat quietly, "We don't want to take T'a'u'weke hoa'we'i," he said shaking his head.

Weka'u smiled and nodded, "Good. We pa'ela if Grandfather Pu'aki say so then! Not like bad men past T'a'u'weke. Grandfather Pu'aki give me warning for them. That why I know your speak. T'a'u'weke teach me." With a beaming face, he beat his chest twice and walked away.

Arlen turned to look at his friends. "I wish it was always this easy in my travels," Arlen said smiling, "people like this usually offer death as your first option." He talked quietly while filling them in, "Apparently the people I visited before came from here. They exiled them instead of killing them. Someone wanted to make a coup against the current leadership system and take the heart of T'a'u'weke. Probably some religious artifact except for the fact that they refer to T'a'u'weke as giving them gifts and some power of a sort."

"Well," Aram interjected, "on the up side they will be our friends as long as grandpa says it's okay to be. The warriors anyway. Stranger things have happened."

"Nothing as critical as crash landing on a strange island, though," Sephara said, looking altogether out of place, uncomfortable, and wanting to go back to the ship. "Good job, both of you," she said, though eyed Arlen with the same sort of look he often got. One that told him it was time to disappear again. Familiarity breeds annoyance, and no one understood him like he hoped some would. Even travelers of his own people didn't get it. Perhaps he was alone in this world. Maybe he would stay with these unnamed people who worship T'a'u'weke. They seemed to appreciate him.

No, you old coot, he told himself mentally, you're just imagining it all. First off, no one cares about you enough to worry about you. Second, you're just being helpful. You just need to shut your mouth so you don't sound like a no-it-all smart-aleck trying to show off.

"That's true," Arlen grumbled all of a sudden while nodding looking into space. He realized after the fact it was out loud. "Eh... nevermind," he said, waving the thought away and coming back to reality. "Thank you," he said and bowed his head briefly.

...

OOC: Ugh. Sorry. I'm not dead and I will have a post up tomorrow (I'll probably edit it in here instead of taking up more room), just need some time off work where I can sit down and write instead of coming home and falling asleep.

<Is he trying to get himself killed?!> Jasper commented with a grin as the Orc began to speak.

Jade ignored him but had to agree. If he was trying to convince them to let him go his speech was in need of a bit of improvements. She held her tongue and fell back, allowing the Captain to do his thing. After all, this was his ship and his crew and the decision lay with him. She was a bit uneased by the fact the Orc spat out to them. They had already been attacked and if someone already knew that they were looking for Shandalaar it wouldn't be the last. Glancing at Jasper she could tell from the look of his face that he wasn't worried about that, not that she had expected he would have been.

After a while she couldn't help but to feel a bit of sympathy for the Orc. If his story was true his life had not been a dance on roses. She didn't object when Gabe told her to let him loose.

"There you go," she said as she untied him. The orc instantly felt his wrists where the ropes had been tied.
"I have some balm for that later if it is still bothering you."

<I still don't trust him.> Jasper pointed out to her. <The captain shouldn't trust people so easily. You shouldn't either.>

We would probably not even be here if he did, she wanted to say, but instead she threw him a quick scolding look as the other remaining in the cabin was turning their attention towards the other newcomer. How on earth he had stayed hidden this long she couldn't understand.

"He looks a bit dehydrated," she noted after examining him with a piercing look. "It would be a kind gesture to at least give him some water before throwing him out as food," she smiled.

OOC: is mike still here?

Vagrant - I think it's best to do a new post, otherwise we ( - I - ) will probably miss it.

bah-- uninspired post... sorry.

OOC: Alright then Marc. :) I'll just keep going.

IC:

The trio waited in the antechamber for some time and were offered water, fruit, and other pleasant things by a few attendants, like giant fried insects. Being quite courteous, Arlen partook of at least one of everything given. Nothing really quite turned his stomach but grubs, and as long as they didn't bring any of those out, then he would be fine and happy. The others in like fashion had little qualm about what was presented, except perhaps the insects, but that we more mind over matter. Aram was well suited to being an exotic traveler some day, in Arlen's eyes. He seemed to be fascinated with the ornate carvings inside the temple, and the dress, and maybe sometimes lack of it, of the natives.

Arlen's eyes quickly wandered to some of the less clad women that came and went through the temple bearing sacrifices while Pu'aki communed; fruit, small animals, little trinkets. Innocence was a wonderful thing the world too often was lacking. Tight brown skin accompanied by small lithe frames and brown or black hair. Their eyes were quite striking though, being of all sorts of bright colors from blue to green to yellow, red, and on and on. Quite beautiful little creatures these young women were. From the elder women that came and left as well, it seemed they also aged fairly well, as far as aging went.

Before long, though, torches were lit inside, telling Arlen that it was dusk out. Not too much time had passed after that when Weka'u appeared and waved for Arlen and Aram to meet with Pu'aki again. When they arrived where they had met him before, Pu'aki was sitting, breathing hard and sweating profusely as if he had worked vigorously for hours. Indeed, for all they knew, he had. Waving his arms he called them closer. As they stepped forward, as did a few warriors that closed around them.

Nearly out of breath, Pu'aki panted out a few words, "Mehemaka ola'heka'a. Me'he'hako mena a'ke akolo'e." The warriors instantly relaxed and put the butt of their spears on the floor and held them loosely at their sides. Arlen glanced at them and back to Pu'aki, slowly, he fell to one knee and made the gesture with his hands as he had before, to Weka'u. Aram followed as best as he could in Arlen's lead and Pu'aki's eyebrow twitched in recognition.

"Awai'aka..." he softly said to Arlen. "You have seen... them?" he asked though he knew the answer. Arlen looked at Pu'aki with an equally raised eyebrow and relaxed his arms when he spoke common. Pu'aki nodded slowly, "I suspected as much of you." He spoke much more fluently than expected. Pu'aki spoke again, a little more composed, "We have had many visitors and some were good to us for a time. That was long ago, and I am the last of those days. They betrayed us and became the Awai'aka.

"The exiles. Even one of my own children! It was long ago, and T'a'u'weke bid us not to kill them, though they tried to kill him." He moved his hand and those around Aram and Arlen were dismissed and promptly walked away, save for Weka'u. It was becoming apparent that Weka'u was the next in line for leadership when Pu'aki left this plane. "Are they well?" Pu'aki asked Arlen.

"Indeed, when I left them a few years ago they were doing very well for themselves and seeming to carry on tradition. I met none, though, that remembered this place," Arlen replied, somewhat curious. "In fact, most didn't know where they came from, and the ones that did said it was a few generations ago and would say nothing more than it was secret."

"So," Pu'aki said with a smile, "T'a'u'weke was right. They have repented. Perhaps he will call them back as guardians yet. Yes, young one, I know your confusion. I am much older than you may think me to be. But for all my age, I feel every moon and can't keep others off of T'a'u'weke." Arlen nodded in understanding.

"This is a blessed place," Arlen said quite simply. "Many wish to live here selfishly. We wish only to leave." He turned to Aram and motioned for him to speak to Pu'aki. "Aram is speaker for us all. I am just a guide."

"Thank you Arlen," Aram said with a nod of recognition and a smile. Addressing Pu'aki, Aram stood and bowed respectfully. "Sir, as Arlen said, we came here on accident and wish only repair our ship and leave. On our way down, some men spotted the two settlements and we were on our way here with a message of good will. Do we have your blessing as temporary neighbors?" Arlen noticed that the young man spoke with an elegance beyond his words- he spoke with his soul. It was a magic of its own and one he doubted anyone noticed beyond results. He'd come across a few such men in his life that had a gift of charm like this. Arlen was not one of them by any means and relied on the gods of wit and luck most of the time.

"You have always had my blessing," Pu'aki said, still breathing hard but at least not with difficulty. A man of his girth breathed hard normally, more often than not. "T'a'u'weke is another matter. Being of fire, he is easily angered and quickly does his mood change. He must be appeased. He blesses you only if you do something for him. If you sacrifice yourselves in his name." Pu'aki stood then.

"What do you mean?" Arlen asked, and stood. "Surely, you don't mean we kill ourselves, or we would get no such blessing," he reasoned.

"Not at all. This is to make sure you do not die," Pu'aki agreed. "I have spoken long and fought hard for you all. When Weka'u heard your speech in the jungle, he knew you were different and that T'a'u'weke had plans for you. T'a'u'weke told me that any who speak the tongue of fire are committed to his purposes as trespassers. You must earn the tongue to speak it. Earn it or die."

"I see," said Arlen grimly. "If it is a physical test, I am getting a little old. If I fail, please don't hold it against my friends."

"That is for T'a'u'weke to decide," Pu'aki said with a big smile. "You will all stay in the home of fire tonight, but tomorrow, you are tested by fire. You have gone to places of rock and of tree, of water and of sand. If you have the fire of your youth, you should survive. You will have earned the tongue of fire and have his blessing upon this land."

Pu'aki started to walk past the two with an ache in his step and he raised his hand. "My memory seems to be fading in my last days," he said and laid a hand on Aram's shoulder. "You have three friends that are surrounded by our enemies. We cannot interfere for strangers, that is, we cannot risk ourselves. You two can be guided to them to help if they wish, but the older one must stay with us for now."

Aram looked at Arlen, who simply nodded that he would take whatever happened to him. After all, life was what he lived for and death was a part of it. If that was his fate, so be it. If not, he would be stronger for it. Though, if it had anything to do with hot pokers, he might regret that.

OOC: Long post.

Basically: Pu'aki is allowing them to stay if Arlen survives a test for consorting with the Awai'aka. If not, then he will reconsider if the boat and natives will be enemies. I'm giving Aram and Sephara the opportunity to save the other group so the odds are a little more even. I figure they are not exactly hours away if they are guided by the natives.

I sort of did a few things, help explain the advanced and abandoned settlement, make it easier for the tribe to communicate with the boat if Arlen does not survive, give Darlok a little thing to work off of if he so chose for Aram (or leave it as a simple inaccurate observation). A long living native (parallel to long living trees, something mystical).


Darlok - let me know if you want to change any speech, and I will in my post. tried to keep it to a minimum but also have him speak. I also left it open for a dialog with Pu'aki from Aram's perspective from here on out. Sorry if I have him speaking a lot, but i just want to move this along. tell me if i am prp too much. don't hesitate to move Arlen around, especially about a week from now when I am AWOL.

Geco- trying to catch us up to Arc. nothing more nothing less. Also having Pu'aki test Arlen to see if the Awai'aka told him anything he might be using to try and steal T'a'u'weke's 'heart'. if he survives they are friends and the Awai'aka can be summoned back to the island to rejoin their brothers. maybe. who knows. just somethign extra I threw in there. but basically, if he lives, the requiem crew is safe.

arc- I can delete the last paragraph where Pu'aki is talking about you three. let me know what you want to do.

OOC: Whoo, so much, but that all works for me Ren. Hope you don't kill Arlen, I like him ^_^ Brief post to keep things moving.

IC:

Arlen and Aram returned after what she assumed were long-winded introductions and friendly banter. If she knew Aram it was his usual song and dance, 'We just want to be friends... you look so lovely in that attire... have you lost weight?' She conceded to herself she may have been underplaying it a little, but her feelings occasionally got the best of her.

Having time to look around the village for awhile she was reminded of her own home, which she had been away from for many years now. People leaving away from the world, having to defend themselves from outsiders who had no respect for their ways, sometimes she wondered if she'd made the right decision. Then again, it hadn't really been a decision.

In the antechamber she met the boys and they filled her in on what had been said. Sephara nodded and said yes a lot, something she picked up from Gabe, as a way to make the underlings feel appreciated. In truth she had just never been that good with people. But anyone on their crew was like a sibling to her, whether she could convey that through actions or words was another matter entirely.

"Good job you two," she was proud of them. It was a delicate situation, no doubt, but they'd handled it well. "What happens next is anyone's guess, although, I come from a place not unlike this one. We are most commonly called the Horse Peoples of the Shimmering Plains. A people who live in isolation. I see much of my people here. Traditions, rituals, these ways are familiar to me." She was staring off at something the others could not see... her home.

"I can also feel a magical energy. Whether it is the island or something on the island I would bet it is what the outsiders are after. And, as I walked around I noticed a lot of obsidian tools and earthenware. The great volcano in the heart of the island would be seeming god-like force to them, it is probably at the heart of their culture and what they worship," she figured they had come to the same conclusion, but someone had to say the obvious.

"When you go back in, if necessary, let the Grandfather know that we can prove our friendship by helping them get rid of the outsiders," she instructed, "But ONLY if necessary," she stressed, "I don't want to commit us to something we can't handle. We don't even know how many there are or their strength."

Each nodded, finding it a sound plan, and soon after they were called back in for another audience. The second time they returned, it was much to her dismay.

"What's the verdict?" she asked hesitantly, hoping she wouldn't soon be tied to a pole as a part of a sacrificial ritual.

"I'm to stay and be tested. If I pass, we will be considered friends," Arlen said unemotionally.

"Very well," she nodded, "I guess this goes without saying, but do your best. We're counting on you," she beamed him a smile. Arlen had grown on her almost as quickly as Gabe had. He was a brave man, capable, wise, kind, and effective... four out of five of her favourite traits.

"Sephara there's more," Aram cut in, a rather worried look crossing his features. "The natives say our friends our surrounded on the northeast side of the island. They'll take us there so we can help, but cannot help us themselves." His expression was somewhat grim, and it mirrored her own thoughts.

They shared a look that said, 'If three of their best fighters were in trouble, how much use would the two of them make.' Sephara turned her back to them, buying a moment to think. Aram and herself would not be enough. Only one option really. "Aram," she said as she spun, "Run back to the ship. Tell the Captain what's happened, give him the location, and have him bring the rest of the crew." She hoped whomever these outsiders were they weren't so cunning and powerful as to trick them off their ship so they could ransack or, worse, steal it. "I'll go with a guide to try to help Kaltor, Archamae, and Cyradis."

"Seph I can-"

"You have your orders Aram." She was stern, and Aram realized fighting would be futile. The First Mate hoped the lad wouldn't be too disappointed. She didn't doubt his bravery, but in this instance he was most likely outmatched, plain and simple. Alone, she only had to worry about herself, and perhaps could ambush their attackers. Arlen remained silent throughout, and she wondered what he thought, but had no time to ask for his opinion.

Before they split up to go their own ways she took one last moment to grasp both their hands, "Good luck gentleman. I'll see you both soon." Whether the last part was for herself of them she couldn't be sure... probably both.

Aram listened with interest to Arlen's account of living with the natives he called the Awai'aka. Aram loved stories of different regions and the peoples that inhabit them. Language and politics were the cook's first true love, and he had proven to be quite able in both. When Pu'aki mentioned his own child was one of the exiles, he was shocked. The pressure of sending off one of your own must have been hard.

Aram stepped forward when Arlen gave over the floor, introducing the young cook as the speaker for the group. "Thank you Arlen," Aram said with a nod of recognition and a smile. Addressing Pu'aki, Aram stood and bowed respectfully. "Sir, as Arlen said, we came here on accident and wish only repair our ship and leave. On our way down, some men spotted the two settlements and we were on our way here with a message of good will. Do we have your blessing as temporary neighbors?"
Pu'aki waved the question off as unimportant. "You have always had my blessing, however T'a'u'weke is another matter. He blesses you only if you do something for him. If you sacrifice yourselves in his name."

"What do you mean?" Arlen asked, and stood. "Surely, you don't mean we kill ourselves, or we would get no such blessing," he reasoned.

"Not at all. This is to make sure you do not die," Pu'aki agreed. "I have spoken long and fought hard for you all. You must earn the tongue to speak it. Earn it or die."

"I see," said Arlen grimly. "If it is a physical test, I am getting a little old. If I fail, please don't hold it against my friends."

"That is for T'a'u'weke to decide," Pu'aki said with a big smile. "You will all stay in the home of fire tonight, but tomorrow, you are tested by fire. You have gone to places of rock and of tree, of water and of sand. If you have the fire of your youth, you should survive. You will have earned the tongue of fire and have his blessing upon this land."

Arlen agreed, and Pu'aki began to lead the two out to where Sephera was waiting. Before the door, Pu'aki turned back to the two outsiders. "My memory seems to be fading in my last days." Pu'aki said and laid a hand on Aram's shoulder. "You have three friends that are surrounded by our enemies. We cannot interfere for strangers, that is, we cannot risk ourselves. You two can be guided to them to help if they wish, but the older one must stay with us for now."

Aram and Arlen shared a look of concern as they followed Pu'aki again until they had met up with the first mate.

"What's the verdict?" Seph inquired, a slight hesitation in her voice.

"I'm to stay and be tested. If I pass, we will be considered friends," Arlen said unemotionally. Aram kept to himself the unfavorable results should Arlen fail.

"Very well," she nodded, "I guess this goes without saying, but do your best. We're counting on you," she beamed him a smile.

"Sephara there's more," Aram cut in, a rather worried look crossing his features. "The natives say our friends our surrounded on the northeast side of the island. They'll take us there so we can help, but cannot help us themselves." His expression was somewhat grim, a look Seph shared.

Sephara turned her back on the others as she took a moment to think. Spinning around, the first mate glanced "Aram," she said as she spun, "Run back to the ship. Tell the Captain what's happened, give him the location, and have him bring the rest of the crew. I'll go with a guide to try to help Kaltor, Archamae, and Cyradis."

"Seph I can-"

"You have your orders Aram." Seph looked from one of her comrades to the other. "Good luck gentleman. I'll see you both soon."

~~~~~~~~

Aram ran as fast as his legs could carry him, but it felt like the faster he made himself run, the farther the boat seemed. Ahead of him, the woodsman Pu'aki sent to guide Aram back to the ship bobbed and weaved between trees and brush. On more then one occasion, Aram would strike a low lying branch or root sticking out of the ground. The cook would be sent sprawling, falling in mud or on rocks. Still, Aram's purpose had him up and running again almost before he had hit the ground.

Finally Aram broke through the tree line and headed down the bankment onto the beach. From atop the ship, Aram could see torchlight burning to provide an artificial replacement for the waning sunlight. Almost completely out of breath, Aram made it to the shoreline where Gabe was speaking with a couple members of the crew.

"Gabe....Gabe.....Trouble..."

The captain shushed the others as he put a hand on Aram's shoulder. "What's going on? Where's the others? What happened to Seph and Arlen?"

Aram finally managed a deep breath. "Not Them. Cyradis. Kaldor. Archamae. The settlement they found is not friendly. We need to gather some men and go help them. They are under attack!"

It took less then a second for the captain to react. Running back onto the ship, Gabe made motions to his crew to gather arms and join him on deck. Splitting the group into two, one crew was sent down to the shore to wait with Aram. The other was to keep working on the ship. The crew remaining behind would report to Xavier while Gabe was gone.

Gabe joined the crew heading out. Amongst them was Aram (who refused to remain behind) and Jade (incase anyone needed help). Sword drawn, Gabe motioned to the woodsman to head out, and the crew jogged at a pushed yet steady pace. Aram only hoped they would make it before any harm happened to his friends.

Aram fell in the line beside Jade near the back of the line. Jade was fiddling with her bag of medicinal supplies, trying to get it settled on her shoulder. Aram would have offered to carry it, but Jade had seemed like the type of girl who liked to do it herself, much like Seph. At the name, Arams heart twisted in a knot. He had not wanted to leave her, but she had ordered. Besides, Aram knew it was the right idea. He just couldn't make his heart understand. Aram tried to take his mind off the situation for a bit by making some light conversation with the young doctor.

"So how's the ship looking? Xavier performing miracles?'

OOC: Whooh. That was a lot to catch up on in after only two posts. ;)

JADE

Jade was putting the infirmary back together, as best as she could after the crash. Some vials had been crushed and its content poured out on the floor, but luckily her own private medical kit was intact. During the years she had made some own mixtures and they were safely wrapped inside her own bag.

"Doc!" the call came from upstairs. "The Captain wants you. It's urgent he says!"

<I smell trouble!> Jasper hummed as he followed her. More by habit than thinking she brought her medical kit.

"Someone's ill?" she asked Gabriel when she found him, surprisingly with Aram. "Where are the others?" The next question came rapidly before Gabe had a chance to reply. The reply came quickly from Aram, spurting out what he had already told the others. Jade instantly shot Jasper a look. It was filled with a question. He nodded, so did she.

"Let me come with you, I can help" she begun, but was quickly interrupted by the Captain.

"I surely hope I don't need your help there."

"No, I mean... like this," Jade quickly explained and as she snapped with her fingers the air almost seemed to flicker slightly around where Jasper stood. To her there was no real difference, of course, but the way Jasper behaved she knew that he had allowed some of the sun's rays to reflect upon him. He wasn't as solid as them but transparent. With a foolish smile on his face he made a mocking bow.

"Jasper Alexander at your service. Captain. Aram," he said with a melodic voice, much like Jade's but deeper and more intense.

They all stared at him, then turned to stare at Jade. Jade's cheecks flushed red.

"My brother," she explained, throwing Gabe a quick apologetic look. This was not at all how she had planned to reveal their secret, but if their friends were in need Jasper could become a valuable asset, being able to hide himself from everyone.

"Explain while we move," Gabe said. Jade didn't dare to look up at him but exused herself with fumbling with her bag. They started with a quick pace, but she didn't have too much trouble to keep up with them, much thanks to her long legs.

"So how's the ship looking? Xavier performing miracles?"

Jade shot Aram a thankful look as they zig zagged between trees. He was tactful enough not to mention Jasper who was catching up with Gabe.

"Indeed. I haven't been here very long, but if anyone can produce a miracle it would be him," she replied.


JASPER

Jasper, light spirited as he was finally recognised as part of the group. Most because his existence hadn't been known before, but still. After making sure that Jade would be alright he moved up alongside the Captain, more gliding than running, feet barely touching the ground, even though his legs seemed to move as should be.

"Don't hold this against her," he said. "Now if you have any questions I would gladly answer them."

...

Cyradis groaned at Archamae's words. She suddenly felt very restless, and developed a sort of nervous anxiety. She rose to her feet, careful to avoid the window or door of the tiny, single-room dwelling.

"We're dead if we wait any longer, Arch. It won't matter if they attack now or eight hours from now. Gabe doesn't expect us back until tomorrow afternoon, and he'll have no reason to come looking until tomorrow evening. Unless you'd rather be a corpse when he gets here, I say we take them by suprise." Cyradis knelt and smoothed out a patch of dirt. With her finger, the mage traced out a rough, and mostly guesswork, map of the area around them.

"If we do something, it needs to be an escape, not a last stand. West and north leads to the sea, east and south is jungle. The ship is southwest of us here. A break for the ship is suicide; we'll never make it in time, not to mention we'd lead them to our only route off this island. If he's got as many men as he claims, he could overwhelm our severely depleted crew and easily claim the Dawn for himself, especially if he has spare parts from his own ships.

"I was busy with crashing, but on our way down, I think I saw the jungle gets much denser east of here, up to the volcano. I say we make for the thickets and put as much wood, rock and greens between us and them as possible. To get out without being slaughtered," Cyradis stood again, hidden from viewports, and pressed her hands together, locking her fingers. "They have some magitek weaponry, but nothing I can't handle, and judging from their pathetic ambush, I'd guess they're farily inept with them."

Closing her eyes, Cyradis gathered the energy she tapped in to earlier. The natural magic on this island was intoxicatingly potent. She was careful not to draw too much in. "Right, so I'll - "Opening her eyes, she realized her friends were looking at her with slightly confused expressions, and she decided a short explaination might help to ease their curiosity at her sudden display of tactical aptitude. She hadn't put very much thought into her abrupt change of mood, but the prospect of imminent death brought out a side she had probably never shown even to Gabe and Seph.

"Ah, well... While at the University I... aquired some military expertise during the Dominion invasion. They didn't know how long the threat would last, so the students were taught to be officers, at least, those that showed promise. I'm not a soldier, but..." she didn't know how to continue, "... try to trust me." She gave the two a apologetic look. She wasn't sorry for hiding the truth, though no one ever asked about her past before Archamae just moments ago, but rather for springing command on them so suddenly.

"Listen, this will work. I'll put up a magnetic barrier while we run. Arrows and bullets will bounce off as if hitting steel. You two will need to keep the front clear, as I can't maintain a full circle barrier long enough to get clear. I can hold a narrower, rear guard much longer, as I only need to concentrate the force in one direction. When we run out, I'll have it in the front to preempt any hair-trigger sentries out there, but as soon as we break east, it's up to you two to make sure no one gets a shot off, and take care of anyone who gets in the way. As for the odachi, I think our new friend will be sorely disadvantaged when it goes flying into the jungle."

Cyradis sighed, having said much more than she though she would. In fact, she couldn't remember the last time she even spoke as many words in one conversation. "Just... let me know when you're ready. And, if you want a better explaination, I can give it when we get out of danger."

OOC:
Ah, the little mage is more than she seems, but really, was anyone suprised? If not, dont' worry, that's not all I have planned for her *moustachecurls*

Arc, Vagrant - Feel free to write beyond where I stopped. All she's going to do is fling awya the odachi, and direct a repulsive magnetic force beind her. The idea is to catch the pirates off guard, as they probably wouldn't expect a direct attack. Probably. Also, I think I got our location right. Northwest of the Dawn, which crashed in a bay on the east side of the island. If not, just correct me or whatever. The plan is to make a break for a thicket in the direction of the volcano.

...

OOC: OMG I'm so sorry for my lateness!

IC:
On Kaltor's order, the badly outnumbered trio bolted from the door. Immediately, Cyradis pushed out the barrier even as the pirates fired their weapons. As predicted, the rounds met the magnetic resistance and either bounced away from it or stuck to it. Following Kaltor's lead, they veered off westward, and Cyradis shifted the barrier. Projecting it behind them took more concentration, as she chouldn't see and needed to keep her eyes ahead.

Archamae fired often into the pirate ranks while Kaltor dispatched any of them who decided to try a more personal assault. All in all, Cyradis expected at any moment to be blasted by a cannon or some kind of explosive, but apparantly, the pirates didn't percieve them as so much of a threat to deploy either. Thanking the Gods, Cyradis pressed on even as the weight of supporting the barrier continuously began to make itself known. Finally making it to the trees, Cyradis let the barrier disperse, and began weaving through the vegitation, and heading into the thicket.

The dense collection of trees and underbrush was impassable, except to those with the ability to make a door themselves. Cyradis took another slice from her diminished pool of magic and pushed her hand outward. Distorted space in the underbrush pushed out on the thick brush just as the three came to it. Holding the spell in place for Kaltor and Archamae, Cyradis slid through last, closing the portal as they passed into saftey. The anguished moans from the other side affirmed the pirate's futile attempts to hack away at the brush, which just absorbed the blows and swung back into place.

They navigated the thicket slowly, picking their way deeper into the relative shelter it provided. Finally reaching a clearing - a space little bigger than one of the cabins on the Dawn - where a tree had fallen over, Cyardis slouched against a fallen branch and breathed a huge sigh. Her head hung as he neck decided not to support it. With some effort, she lifted her head and leaned back against the splintered trunk in the center of the clearing.

"Watch for snakes..." was all she really had to say at the moment.

ooc: I have time on my hands and this looks interesting. Room for one more? :-)

OOC: Speaking in Geco's stead - always room for the Drice. :)

I'll be leaving this coming wednesday for up to about 3 weeks before I assume to have access. What with China's firewalling of the world and the pace at which I'll be moving, not to mention a connection stable enough in some of the places we'll be going.

Between now and wednesday? Who knows. I'll try to finish my test for Arlen before I go. If not, assume he survives and i'll play later when I can get access. Probably in New Zealand.

It wasn't supposed to end like this. This couldn't be the last chapter of his story. The youth walked within the darkness. He was not a large man but of average size. There was little remarkable about him from first glance except for his shinning blue eyes that hid something deep and the short green hair. He growled out a profane curse to whatever god was listening. No this island was godless he was on his own. A twig snapping behind reminded him that he wasn't exactly on his own.

A foot shorter the girl hovered a few steps behind him awkwardly stumbling, no longer graceful on her feet. Her white tunic was smudged with blood and dirt, her long black hair hung from her tattered white cloak. For that alone he was in the mood to kill something. Her feet shuffled slowly and her breathing grew shallower and shallower. The poison was taking its toll, that and two full days sense they had slept.

He raised his eyes upward, to the unseen night sky hidden from beyond the neverending tree tops. It was his own fault they were in this prediacament, not some random chance of fate. He had rolled the dice and they had obviously crapped out. It was beyond time to re-examine his rules. The first rule was money silenced questions. If he had just asked the questions he could seen that they were walking into a colossal nightmare. The whole thing had just been to good to be true. However the promised riches and the just as rewarding escape from Delsheir had let him ignore his instincts.

It was apparant they were in trouble the moment their shabby crew had left the docks. First it had taken only an hour to excess that he was the most experience member of the crew. That alone spoke of caution. Although he had been raised a mercenary he wasn't able to overcome their lack of experience. Cailey, the stumbling slip of a girl behind him had seen more adventure then their most likely dead captain.

And then they had spent two days sailing in the wrong direction. He should have just swam back. Would have been better. A uninhabited island, filled with riches and easy plunder. Bah, he must have been drunk when he signed on. No...he considered a moment. No it had been the authorities getting far to close after his latest escapade.

From now on, money be damned he was going to ask questions.

They had cast a shore only a few moments before they had skirmished with the locals. Half the crew dead the others running back to their boat. Leaving himself and cailey behind. Cowards! The last he had seen the boat was a flame heading to sea, listing heavily to one side. Hopefully they were all at the bottom of the sea, good riddence none of them should ever sow their seed in this world.

He paused as he picked through the foliage wipeing the sweat from his eyes. His own clothes were in taters as well. His twin blades had sung a battle cry and he had dispatched a few but these islanders were as quick as he was and just as tenasious. Not to mention treacherous. Poison tips...that was nasty work. Although he had avoided them, Cailey had not been so lucky. Purple puss bubbled from the wound in her side. It was taking all her powers to keep the poison at bay, but the fever showed that even her strength was running low.

*Healers are great boy, but they can't heal themselves. Likely kill themselves if they try. You remember that boy keep her safe* His fathers words echoed in his head. A dead voice long gone, but still haunting him.

He shrugged their pack to his other shoulder and placed his hand on her forehead. "The fever is getting worse." he whispered.

"...you worry to much..." Cailey coughed.

He could surrender. Maybe the locals would go easy on a twelve year old little girl. Or maybe not. He bit his lip. His head ached a massive migraine from the lack of sleep and the constant pushing. He knew he was in no shape to fight anytime soon. Cailey was worse. A healer, a white mage if she fell asleep her magic would slip and the poison would kill her. A race, against their own bodies. Which would occur first? They found help or ran out of energy and wilted away in this cursed forest.

They were lost in the dark presumabely far away from civilization. No he would not give up. His story..no their story would not end here. He had made a vow to protect her. He would not fail.

Her eyes rolled back and she swayed falling into his arms. "Someone approaches..."

The twin blades rang as they slipped from their sheaths and his side. He raised his black Kamir, the death veil that covered his face all except for his eyes. Beneath the shimmering light, lost in the darkness Drice Malehn prepared to make his final stand...

ooc: Not sure if anyone wants to run into me or not but just wanted to get a post in. Sorry all still a bit rusty

...

OOC: Where to begin?

Thanks to all for your efforts during my little absence. My cold turned into a full blow flu and I was bed-ridden for the past few days. Sorry to say, I've had no desire to write while I've been recovering. Now that my energy levels are back up to normal, I'm back to continue our little adventure.

Shari and Phoenix: your posts really brought that whole scene to life for me... it was awesome, I felt compelled to tell you guys that

Rensha: oh you know me so well ^_^ Sorry to see you go, but have fun on your trip! Although, I know you can't stand to be away from here for long haha

Drice: as Rensha mentioned, welcome! I'm a little concerned about your character Cailey. SoHee has already got a doctor/healer char and so far there is little enough for her to do in that dept. Not sure what your plan was for Cailey, but have 2 on the ship seems excessive. Can you send me a msg outlining your idea for? I'll be able to tell better if she fits in.

Phoenix: got your msg, ideas sounded perfect!

All: Geography clarification. The Dawn is on the far east coast. The Volcano is in the center. The smugglers are on the northeast tip, while the natives are on the southern side (close to the base).

IC:

Running.

Gabe wasn't used to this kind of thing. His chest felt like someone had placed a heavy grain sack inside of it that got heavier with each breathe. Aram's grim news had spurred them all on a full out sprint towards their isolated friends in dire hopes that they wouldn't arrive too late. Even as they tore across the tiny island coast, the sun was dipping into the mercurial waters of the Halo Sea. The island suddenly seemed much darker and scarier than before, and he could only imagine how the scouting party was feeling.

Ignoring his bodily weariness he pushed forward. A sideways glance told him that Jade had dropped back, probably long ago, but he'd only just realized. Amongst everything else to process was the fact that she had a ghost haunting her. Maybe it was the spirit of her brother, but it was still just as creepy. At first he'd thought maybe Sephara had just made a bad call, and that their new doctor had fallen off the normal wagon some time ago. When Jasper had materialized beside her though he'd only been able to stare and nod. What do you say to something like that? Perhaps he should just be happy or having another 'hand' to use.

Speeding forward he couldn't help but feel that maybe this was a very bad mistake. No one had so much as batted an eyelash before offering their help. Courageous and selfless no doubt their actions would be labeled, but would that really matter if they all wound up dead? Three of his crew were pinned down, perhaps hurt or dead already. They were charging at an unknown number of enemies with a band of five if you included the ghost.

Aram, their kind and friendly trader. Gabe had known him the longest. What would he tell his father if he fell? The doctor. She was no fighter. Just because she had a ghost for a brother who probably wouldn't care if he died again, was it right that he'd consented for her to come along. And Meg, their employer. She'd insisted on coming, saying she was, 'Protecting her investment.' If she died so did their job, not to mention their payday, and his dream.

It was all too much to think about. His thoughts drifted like that the whole time as they ran with reckless abandon. With some calculations he done in his head before they'd left, accounting for time since they departed, approximate pace of everyone involved, he'd figured that they would quickly be approaching the area where Arch, Cyr, and Kal would be.

Raising his hand in a fist he called for the group to hold up, and they all reined in beside him as he bent over a patch of dirt, spitting out what little wetness remained in his mouth, hands over both knees as he sucked desperately for air. "Catch your breathe," he ordered. Each of their eyes silently protested the command, but their bodies held back putting up any resistance having been overworked these past hours.

"Jade," he addressed the dark haired woman who seemed the be fading in and out of the shadows, "Take the right with your brother. You're the feint. Make noise and draw their attention, draw them out of their hiding places and flee towards us," it wasn't an elaborate plan, but in this darkness he figured an ambush was the best thing for them, and the easiest thing to execute. Jade was the obvious choice. She seemed to be the hardest to see, and he guessed her ethereal brother would protect her at all costs. "Aram, take the left, Meg, the right. I'll be in the center. If they pursue Jade we ambush them as they come by."

He hated this. He felt trapped into acting without know how to act. It was like fumbling around in the dark. He had no idea of the status of the scouting party, if they were dead, alive, or even still trapped. No way of knowing exactly where they were or where their assailants lied in wait. No numbers, no idea of strength or prowess...

"Good luck to everyone. May the Gods have mercy," he said quietly and sent them on their way.

ooc:

Glad to hear you're feeling better marc. :)

Don't forget about the native that is running along with you. ;) He can show you what is going on at least.

IC:

While Sephara discussed her decisions and said her goodbyes, Arlen could only think about what his test could be, and how it could effect everyone. It was weighty and important indeed. Both of Arlen's companions made their exits, each with one of the original natives that Weka'u brought them to Pu'aki with. Weka'u himself handed Arlen a bowl of fruit and escorted him to a room for an honored guest. Something Arlen imagined they had not had for some time indeed. It could very well have previously been Weka'u's room, or even that Pu'aki's rebellious ilk. Maybe even one time, long ago, Pu'aki's very own quarters.

Weka'u left him with a firm grasp of Arlen's forearm and a respectful nod of his head. There was a curtain that marked the entrance to the room, and Arlen could see the shadows of men on either side of his doorway to prevent his departure.

Hot coals were already lit in a hearth to keep the room at a cozy warmth and probably, due to a certain odor they seemed to make, kept flying insects to a minimum. After eating some refreshing fruit for supper, Arlen began preparing his quite elaborate sleeping arrangements. The wooden floor was covered in numerous fine cloth sheets, the make of which was of exceptional softness. A mattress of sorts was made, with a raised portion for his head.

"The sign you make," an unknown voice began just as Arlen pulled the top layer of covers aside. The voice was masculine and robust in nature, commanding of attention. Arlen turned but saw no one. Neither was it from outside of his little enclosure. "It is the sign of the Awai'aka. A sign of rejection. A way of recognition," it continued, "You know of Awai'aka and T'a'u'weke. That makes you, until tested, of Awai'aka."

As quickly as the voice began, it left. Arlen stood and his eyes scanned the ceilings, which were full of wooden rafters crisscrossing all about, but saw no one. The room was already getting to be creepy, it seemed, and it wasn't even the depth of night. The test had already begun. Begun the moment Arlen landed, he supposed. No, Arlen thought, I am giving myself too much credit. It was the motion I made after Weka'u dropped from his tree. Awai'aka greet by a bowing in submission and a push of their hands... They're telling each other they are rejected by T'a'u'weke...

Arlen slid out of his tunic and tossed it on the floor, and would have discarded the sweaty, sticky mess had he another option to clothe himself. Removing his footwear as well, Arlen sat crosslegged on the floor to await his test, under the impression that mention of morning was a ruse. He closed his eyes, letting his mind wander about freely. Some quiet minutes passed before a hissing sound had built inside his room and Arlen opened his eyes. The coals began to melt in the hearth, and spread quickly up the walls and around, covering everything in fire and glowing red embers.

Everything around Arlen fell away in cinders. Above, dark red clouds swirled among each other, and lightning flashed between them silently. Golden, red, and hot lava flowed all about. The wind kicked up, blowing hot air in his face. As he sat, the floor around Arlen burned, crackled, and splintered while the lava closed in and rocks burst around him out of the ground.

From a pool of lava some distance away a figure emerged. It was male, glowing hot, and walking calmly toward Arlen as if it were routine. The figure's eyes were a bright white and unblinking. Stopping in front of Arlen, it held out a hand and spoke in the same voice he had heard only a few minutes before.

"Come with me, Arlen. Your test awaits."





OOC: That I will keep a surprise. :)

by the way. just noticed I'm at 301 posts ^_^ changed my status.

...

Aram paused, hands on his knees as he bent over trying to slow his heart rate. Gabe had ordered them all to pause and catch their breath. The sweat dripped off the young cook's face onto the brush below him, artificial droplets of dew dampening the brush underneath. As they caught a second wind, each member stood in silence waiting for the captain to devise a plan. Gabe decided an ambush would be the best course of action, considering how little was known about who the group was facing and what they were capable of.

Jade would be the decoy, luring the enemy into the trap. Meg and Aram would flank from the sides, while Gabe would take the center. Gabe sent the guide to find Seph and bring her to the others. With a quick hand signal the guide was off, a noiseless exit on a noiseless night. When there was just the five, including Jade's bizarre shade/brother, Gabe looked each in the eye in turn. "Good luck to everyone. May the Gods have mercy..."

Aram gave a shoulder squeeze to Jade and a nod to Meg and Gabe before heading into the bushes to the left of the small path Jade would use. As he disappeared through the brush, he gave his own whispered prayer. "T'a'u'weke be with us..." and with that he thought one last time of Arlen.

~~~~~~~~~~~

It had seemed like hours since Jade had run up the path, though in fact it had probably been no more then fifteen or twenty minutes. Aram sat crouched behind a tree, his sword drawn with the point resting on the ground. Although he knew Gabe and Meg were located just across the path, in the dark he could neither hear nor see the Captain or their Employer. The silence was scarier then the sounds of battle, like the plays he used to watch back in Coral where a criminal lie in wait for the victim and the audience would sit with breathe held.

It wasn't long before there was noise coming from the path. Aram concentrated on the sound. He wasn't quite sure why, but something bothered him. The hairs on the back of his neck rose. The sound! No running, no screaming. The sound wasn't Jade...and it was coming from the wrong direction! Aram silently panicked. What should they do? As the footsteps got closer, Aram could hear two voices. The voices sounded younger, possibly teenagers. Aram edged closer to the path's edge. The voices were close enough to hear bits of the conversation. The two sounded like scouts for the currently unknown enemy. Aram gripped his sword tighter, ready to follow Gabe's lead and pounce...

...

ooc: Sorry for the ooc post but its late and I have to work early. Thought I would post my character sheets up and will post ic tomorrow after work

Name: Drice Malehn
Gender:Male 21
Race: Human (Juvarian)
Profession: Redistributor of Wealth (Thief)/ Merc
Description: 5-8 average build. Wears a black tunic, with a green dragon on the back (symbol of his tribe), blue eyes, green hair
Skills: From the young age of 8 was trained in the arts of fighting. His fighting stlye is quick precise strikes with his twin blades relying on speed and finese rather then power. Descent tracker was considered a point man when he fought in the Jelom Tribal War.

Name: Cailey Malehn
Gender: Female 12
Race: Human (Juvarian)
Profession: Mage
Description: 4'7, long black hair that she normally has in a pony tail, wears an all white tunic. She has a red ruby star that she wears around her neck, given at birth by her mother.
Skills: White/Enchantment Magic and Chenkari
She is an adequate healer and also poseses a few enchantment spells which she has attuned with her brother (the side effect is his green hair).
Chenkari is mostly known as a performers magic. Able to focus her magic into 3 orbs that spin around her, able to move them about as she likes. She has with Drice's help found practical and battle uses for the Chenkari
Bio: Cailey is Drice's half sister. Drice's father died when he was young, and his mother remarried quickly resulting in his sister. His step father was a leader of his tribe's militia and took Drice as his pupil when his sister was born. 3 years ago the Dominion empire came to the land of Juvaro, a country of 8 tribes. For the first time in a generation the tribes joined forces to counter the emperial threat. The war lasted only a few months and was a dismal failure. As a result of the final battle Drice barely survived thanks to the healing effort of Cailey and they like most of the young Juvarians were orphans. Rather then stay Drice took his sister away to find a new life...

IC:
The respite in the dense tree thicket didnt last long, as it were. Cyradis was up on her feet after only the brieftest moment of rest. She had exerted a lot more energy in the last two days than ever before. Being so far from Kell, it was difficult for her to constantly adapt to new ley lines and keep herself attuned. This island made it easy, but it was not always so, especially while cutting through the horizion on the Dawn. In the end, all the travelling and constant movement made her realize just how difficult it was for Kellans to travel abroad, and likely, the reason for their reluctantcy to leave the valley.

Unable to ponder that for long, Cyradis found herself being lifted to her feet by Archamae. She had always though of the mysterious pilot to be short with people, even uninviting. Recent events showed how commited she really was, or at the very least, how commited to herself she was. Either way it was good for the crew, as a selfish pilot tends to be less inclined to crash a ship. Truthfully, Cyradis didn't see selfishness in her. Mabey a lack of general social aptitude, but Archamae was a much more complex person than anyone seemed to realize. Perhaps the pilot wanted it that way.

Long after Cyradis no longer required Archamae's aid to move along, she still rested gently on her friend's shoulder. Slowly at first, like a trickle of water coming off the melting of snow, Cyradis felt a strange draw on the energy around her. After a few dozen more yards it became apparant that the draw was another mage accessing the island's strangely steep level of power.

"Stop," Cyradis broke the silence, "Someone's coming..." Focusing a bit harder, Cyradis got a direction, "That way," she pointed in front of them slightly southward.

Removing herself from Archamae's shoudler, Cyradis ducked down into the brush as Kaltor and Archamae took positions of their own. If the pirates had tracked them, there was no way they were going to outrun them again, but judging from the way the other mage was manipulating the energy, he or she was not pushing outwards, as one would when search for someone, but rather, they were drawing the power in. Either the person was incredibly powerful, or they were maintaining a vast amount of magical enhancement. Both cases meant very different things. Cyradis waited with bated breath as the foilage in the distance moved ever so slightly, and a man in a dark cloak made an appearance.

OOC: Sorry if there are any typos. Too tired to fix them. Anyway, Drice you can take it from there if you wish, or I'm sure Phoenix can work his own magic :P

OOC: sorry I'm a bit confused. My brain it not yet 100% functional after being sick :)
Is both Aram and Cyradis running into Drice and his two characters?

OOC: It makes sense. Archamae, Cyradis, and Kaltor are heading back towards the Dawn while Aram, Gabe, and Jade are headed towards them. Drice seems to be caught in the middle. I figured we could reunite all at once and save repetitous introductions. It's a little cliché, but it moves the plot along quicker... that is, unless my geography is wrong >.<