The Skysail Treasure Co.

OOC: Let's just go with what Shari has. I actually thought Dar was literally referring to scouts in the pirate party, but this is easier. In fact, we'll make it a 3-way ^_^

IC:

As the light melted into the darkness, so the flames melted into her mind. She stood above the small fire she'd started in the village as her Pu'aki guides looked on in silent observation. Slowly and fluidly like a brook she raised her arms from her hips over top her head, then back down again. Opening her hands wide she called the spirit guides toward her, and each time her hands felt full she released them towards her chest. A cold, chilling sensation ran through her body as she felt her senses awaken to all that was around her. With each successive breathe the Kesra poured into her body filling it with pure natural energy.

Around the fire she began her dance. It was at sunset and sunrise that the ritual worked best, when neither light nor dark were in control, when the world slipped between shadows and illusions. The foreign eyes of the Pu'aki became forgotten to her as her body swayed and twirled around the heat. Every move was precise, yet graceful. She appeared to slip between the tongues of the flames, disappearing for an instant, then reappearing again in a new position. Her footsteps marked the beat, a low intonating hum provided the melody. Inside her she could feel the Kesra accepting her request and beginning to mold itself to fit her will.

When she stopped a low audible gasp erupted from those who had been watching. Many stood where they once sat. A few were pointing, quietly whispering words she couldn't understand. One mustered the courage to approach her left, and when he tried laying a hand on her shoulder her left copy gently but firmly stopped him. He pulled back his hand faster than a snake striking at its prey, unsure of what to make of this new magic.

Around the fire stood Sephara Na, well, three Sephara Na's. Each her, and yet apart. The one real her stood in the center, intensely staring at the fire. Perhaps it had been too much for the Pu'aki, but to go alone to rescue her three friends would never have been enough. As much as she disliked to, she had needed the Kesra for this... and they had answered her call.

"Lead the way," her voice remained steady and flat. She hoped it would reassure the natives she was real, even if they didn't understand her magic.

After several moments of hesitation one guide finally stood, then another, and the rest followed suit. They bounded off into the jungle like agile cats. She followed, as did her clones. They headed north together, the Pu'aki keeping a safe distance on either side. That night would come to be known as The Night of the Three-Woman. And each hunter would recall it with pride. Along with the three-woman, they had fought the outsiders, and won.

-o0o-

After hours of running the six hunters and herself laid low in the jungle. Her ritual had had an unintended side affect, which turned out to be a great boon. By calling for the local spirits into herself she had, at least temporarily, gained the ability to understand the Pu'aki's language. Waiting in silence she could hear the buzzing and clicks of the jungle creatures and it made her uneasy. To the east was the faintest whistle, followed by three clicks. She understood the code and in no time was up again sprinting.

One click meant their quarry had been located. Two meant they'd come across friends. Three meant unknown. The nine of them came together just outside the clearing, close enough to see hand gestures as they studied a couple, and man and a young girl. Sephara wondered what the hell they were doing in a place like this. Especially the little one. Who brings a child into the jungle. She made a quick decision and motioned for the group to go around them. It was doubtful they were with the smugglers, but beyond that she had no clue, and no time to think about it. In the morning they could look for them, if they were still alive.

Before setting out the group on her right indicated they were close and that they would send one man to meet up with her other friends and lead them back here. She nodded, consumed by her goal, thinking only of rescuing their crew mates.

It wasn't long before the sound of crunching leaves and snapping sticks caught their attention. They moved to the west, and waited beside the path. Sephara was utterly surprised to see that it was Kaltor and Archamae with Cyradis wrapped around her shoulders and not the enemy she had been expecting. They'd escaped, and by the looks of it the effort in doing so had taken its toll on the mage. Judging at their hurried pace they were still worried about being followed. Rather than show herself Sephara let them carry on. Their current path would take them towards the couple, and eventually Gabe and the rest of the crew. Once again her primal instincts took over. She had come to make sure her friends were safe, and that would not be so until the men who had threatened them were dead.

"I found the trail!" she heard a harsh voice call from somewhere up ahead, followed by the clumsy movements of her prey as they rallied to the source of the noise. Her ears picked up every noise, and she could smell the individual stink of each one. There were at least 8 she could make out, and the hunters at her side seemed to agree. 'Good,' she thought, 'At least it would be a fair fight for them.'

As the smugglers approached she could tell they had no fear. She supposed it was understandable, but arrogant all the same. When they came within sight a single hoot shot through the night, and before the men knew what had hit them they were down. Arrows had sliced their way through the darkness and stuck out of men's chests. Javelins had been fired like missiles, crumpling bodies where they stood.

For Sephara's part, she let her animalistic rage take over. Each of her beings sprang forth from their hiding place with her blades drawn. This time her dance was barbaric, and she brutally carved her victims into pieces. She enjoyed watching the limbs fall like dead branches onto the jungle floor. Enjoyed the warm spray of blood on her skin, and bathed in their shrieks of terror.

When she had finally finished there was silence. Her rage consumed the spell she'd cast dissipated, and she felt a rush of power drain from her and back into the land. She stood alone on the trail, with eight corpses. The sight of her own handiwork nearly made her shudder, but she turned and ran before that could happen. Nothing she did that night was right, but she regretted none of it. No one put her family in danger. No one.

His fingers traced instinctevly along the hilt of the twin blades, two long thin knives that were about elbow length. The blades themselves had been an inheritance passed down from his real father. Where they came from he was unsure but regardless of how much force he used the metal never chipped, never dulled. In the long years of practice the blades had become like an extension of his own body.

Even in the darkness he could make out forms moving in the brush. Pushing back the leaves he found himself facing people. Two blond haired woman, and a man. His breathing slowed and his eyes focused on the new comers trying to accertain some sort of intent.

"...oh..." cailey groaned he could hear her breathing getting weaker and the pain in her voice. "There are more around us..." she whispered through tears in obvious pain. She was holding on to the power for to long. She had pushed herself to the brink. "And at least one is a mage..."

Inwardly he groaned. It was getting better and better. Cailey was swaying, he knew she was succombing to the fever. As soon as she lost conciousness the barrier holding the poison would fail and she would die. He hadn't slept in days, his own body was shot and his legs were starting to tremble ever so slightly the tension and wearness of exhaustion pushing through the adrenaline of a battle.

He bit his lip as he heard the soft thud as Cailey dropped to a knee behind him. There wasn't much choice left. Sheathing his blades he pulled the veil away from his face and hang loosely around his neck. "Peace..." he called out. "...we aren't looking for trouble. Mly sister is sick an we need help." and with that he did the last thing he expected he put faith in a bunch of strangers...

ooc: not the best post but received bad news about my grandfather and I just wanted to get something in

OOC: Ok, then maybe I wasn't so confuzzled after all :)

IC: JADE

She wasn't sure for how long they had sprinted, but her body was exhausted. The last twenty minutes or so she had managed to continue only by sheer will. When the Captain finally ordered them to stop she made sure that everyone drank some water as she had done now and then during their journey through the island. No one would benefit if someone became too dehydrated and even feinted. She was just handing Aram some water, filled with some salt, as Gabe adressed her. Hearing his plan she wasn't too overjoyed by being the bate. That would mean more running, but she wasn't about to object. She could probably push forward a little bit more.

"Sure Cap," Jasper said in her place, and she nodded. Jasper stood next to her, legs wide and arms crossed with a broad grin on his face. He was the only one that seemed to be untouched by the many hours of running.

"I'll see you in a bit," she told the others with a faint smile. As the twins started to move out Jasper shouted over his shoulder:

"Don't believe much in the Gods, Cap, but I'll take good luck anytime!" His voice seemed to fade away into nothingness as his body seemed to dissolve into thin air.


JASPER

<I'll take the lead, sis> he told Jade and pushed ahead of her. This way he could make sure to discover any hidden foes before she arrived. He drew his short sword that he was carrying on his back. In his current state, invisible as he was, the sword would only go through them, but if he became solid, so would the weapon. It was an old sword, that he had helped forged himself but the years had been kind to it. If anyting it was sharper now than it ever had been when he had been alive.

They were running, Jade a few steps behind of Jasper, when she called out for him.

"Wait!"

He stopped and looked a bit puzzled at her. Something was pulling him ahead and he was eager to continue. Whatever it was it was growing stronger. He could also see that something else had caught his sister's attention. Their minds were pulling in two different directions.

<What?> he asked.

"I'm not sure," Jade replied hesitantly in a whisper. She glanced to the left.

<Wait here> he told her and swooped away. When he heard the familiar voices he quickly dodged back. Jade was standing where he had left her, holding one of her knifes in her hand, deadly as it could be to those that came too close. She looked startled for a second before she recognised him.

<It's them!> he told her. <And some strangers. One looks ill.>

It was probably the young girl that she had sensed. She had always had like a sixth sense for these things.

<I must continue> he told her. It was as if he was connected with an invisible string to whatever it was that was pulling him forward.

<I'll find you!> he reassured her when she shot him a reluctant look. After making sure she was on the right track he hurried forward. As he could hear shrieks of horror, that would have made his hair stand up had he still been alive, he knew he was on the right way. He didn't know what he would expect, but he knew it had something to do with what was calling him. He could sense them in the surrounding before he even saw the First Mate down the path.

"Whoa whoa there," he said as he materialized in front of the running Sephara. It felt strange as the woman ran through his transparent body. He could feel others circling around her now. The souls, the shadows of the dead men which bodies she had left behind. "There are some things that you cannot leave behind no matter how far you run. You must cut the cord and best do it here when they are close to their bodies."

OOC: It will Drice and company Jade will be running into.

...

His eyes sank in the scene unfolding around him. With a steady breath he dropped to his knees his hand reaching out to Cailey, wincing. Her skin burned with fever. In all the years of training the one thing that his step father had instilled in him was unwavering thick headedness. He was designated and trained as a 'maktah', demon shadow. The first to enter a fray and the last to leave. His tactics had always been more individual rather then team oriented.

That changed with his sister though. Cailey... he could feel the calmness wavering, emotion threatening to over take him. Of all the courses in the world the idea of their bond was something few really understood. He should have despised her, she was loved and he was nothing more then cannon fodder. Yet she had always looked at him as a true older brother, she had always bore nothing but love and admiration.

The girl before him was on the brink. Her eyes were closed, her breath growing shallower and shallower. Time was running out. The veil hung loosely around his neck, he listened carefully to the noises around him. The soft crunching of leaves, the trickle of wind as branches were moved. He closed his eyes and took a bearing of those around.

"Move and you're dead." a strong femine voice spoke behind him.

They were all close the women from where he had caught a glimpse, the man had slipped into the woods. He was good if not for Cailey's warning he would not have recognized the subtle noises of his passing through the thick foliage. "Death comes to us all." he replied without looking back. He had thrown his fate into their hands he knew he didn't have the strength to fight them...not now of course.

"...co..ld..." Cailey shivered burrowing her head into his lap. Without thought he ripped his cloak off laying it over her shivering form.

"Stay awake little one..." he whispered. "...it will be ok." he added for as much for himself as for Cailey.

She shook and he passed his hand through her hair. "We ran into some of the locals." he called out. "They weren't to friendly. We thought we got away clean but its seems they have an appreciation for the darker arts." he licked his lips still watching his sister breath. "She got touched by a spear on her side. I tried to suck the poison out but it was to late. Only the spell she is holding keeps the poison at bay. When she falls asleep so will the spell fail...can you not help us? I have already shown you my back! I have already put away my weapons and shown my face. As long as the Kamir hangs loosely you have no fear of fight with me." he yelled out.

...

Hearing the obvious distress in the young man's voice, Cyradis stood and moved out from her hiding palce. The girl was much younger than Cyradis realized, yet still able to contain so much magical focus. If she had been born in Kell, her fate would have been that of a Kellari spiritmaster; the most powerful of all Kellan magi. Even Cyradis had to recognize the girl's potential, and because of that, she was inclined to help her. Such a talent shouldn't be lost on this peculiar island just because of some xenophobic natives.

Cyradis, finding some of her strength returned, walked up to Archamae and paused. She met the pilot's eyes before continuing foreward as Archamae spoke. Cyradis knelt next to the unidentified man and gave him a sympathetic look. Turning her attention to the girl in his arms, Cyradis tenatively touched the vortex of energy she was drawing in. Restorative magic wasn't exactly Cyradis' forté, but she could help the little one to channel the energy more efficiently, and perhaps allow her to rest.

Cyradis placed her hand on the girl's fevered forehead, and nearly withdrew her fingers from the sensation. Her temperature was well above anything remotely resembling healthy. Cyradis was struck rather suddenly by a great deal of pity for her. It was a miracle she held on for any length of time with a fever this high. Redirecting her attention, Cyradis opened herself to the chaotic energy around the girl. Her struggle was desperate at this point; drawing in anything she could to sustain herself. Slowly, Cyradis began focusing the magic, her eyes instantly blazing as soon as she touched the girl's mana.

Once she was in control, Cyradis had little trouble reducing the force of the energy against the girl's strength to contain it. What was once a wild, violent hurricane was now a steady, stable orb. The stricken child's breathing slowed and her body relaxed as Cyradis withdrew. Cyradis didn't have the strength to hold the spell alone, but between them, the toll on the girl's body was greatly reduced. Cyradis smiled as she opened her eyes, looking at the stranger kneeling over her.

"That's better isn't it? You need to stay concious for a little while longer, though. It will take both of us to keep you from succumbing to the poison, but it should be easier on you now." Wiping the sweat from the young mage's brow with the hem of her sleeve, Cyradis helped the girl's companion lift her to her feet.

"My name is Cyradis, of Kell. This is Archamae and Kaltor. We're members of the crew whose airship crashed on the east shore of the island yesterday. We would be happy to offer the services of our ship's medic. It's about a two hour walk from where we are, I think."

OOC: Obviously, Jade isn't two hours away, but Cyradis doesn't know that :P

Leaving her brother behind Jade rushed forward in search of the group Jasper had told her about. If he had been telling the truth it would mean that they had escaped. Her heart felt a bit lighter, but her focus was still on the one soul she felt tugging her in the right direction. It was not the first time it had happened, her sensing a certain state of mind or illness in someone. However she was surprised over the distance. Either the person had some great magical talent, or hers were growing. She had never relied on her magical abilities to heal, but put her trust in her skills as a doctor. Healing smaller wounds or head aches was one thing, but she knew she would never become a great mage.

It didn't take long until she heard voices and she felt the person close, almost amplified, by the shortened distance or something else she couldn't tell. She saw them probably before they saw her. As she slid out from the shadows it was with great relief in her voice.

"It IS you! Are you okay?" she asked the crew members. Gabe would be thrilled to find them, as was she. But after making sure that they did not have any death threatening wounds her focus turned to the pair on the ground. The man on the ground, cradling a younger girl, had tensed slightly at her sudden arrival. She held up her hands, palms forward, as a sign of peace.

"Let me take a look at her," she quickly said, kneeling next to the pair, throwing her bagpack on the ground. Focused entirely on the girl, without hesitation to what the man would do, she touched the girl's forehead. It was burning.

"Bite or poison?" she asked him, by quickly assessing the state of the girl. "Show me the bite mark, wound or what she has eaten."

It was beyond him. Like a fish attempting to fly, magic was a realm he was forever denied. He watched his sister her eyes growing wider, her breathing growing stronger. Was it his imagination or did she look a little less flushed? Whatever the mage was doing it was working and for that he would offer his thanks. As the blond woman worked upon his sister he took a moment to study the other two.

The man was a sword hand, a good one by his stance. There were those that were born to the sword and others that were given it. This man's pose showed that blade was anything but embroidery, it was a part of him. His eyes seemed daring, and he was sure that he had seen his fair share of death.

It was the other woman, the demanding one that kept his feelings rattled. It was like trying to find something in fog. There was something about her, about her speech, that peeked the awarness in his mind. However much though he thought about it the reasons seemed to alude him. The weapon...he had seen its like before...

His thoughts were interupted as the mage broke away seemingly done with whatever had transpired. "My name is Cyradis, of Kell. This is Archamae and Kaltor. We're members of the crew whose airship crashed on the east shore of the island yesterday. We would be happy to offer the services of our ship's medic. It's about a two hour walk from where we are, I think."

An airship? He licked his lips. He had never been on one of those and his only memories of the things were anything but happy. That was moot though, the past was the past and he needed to get Cailey off this wretched island. Flying? Ugh it just seemed to get better and better.

His fingers twitched to the hilt of his blades as the a newcomer crashed through the bushes. Her hands slid up showing signs of peace, though he didn't begin to relax until he noticed the recognition that the others had for her. She must have been part of their crew, and by the way she moved towards Cailey she was obviously the one they had eluded to.

"She wasn't bitten. She took a wound from a spear head on her side." he pointed just above her waist. "A glancing blow but we realized quickly that it was anything but..." he stopped as his sister began to whisper her eyes locked on the mage Cyradis. She spoke quickly her words barely audible.

"Manek ju Nepheli?"
_______

A deep sadness exploded over her. A feeling of melancholy as her knees trembled beneath her light weight. She was supposed to be stronger then, she wanted to be at least...she didn't want him to worry. Her breath caught and darkness swallowed her even as she choked out the warning to her brother.

Drice...

Her friend, her protector, her brother. Regardless of what her mother had said he was her brother. He should have hated her and at times she had wondered why he didn't but he had never left her. Never treated her badly, never made her feel ashamed.

*I couldn't save them*

The thought burned her. She wanted to cry. It wasn't fair. She had been only been nine! Yet why did she feel so guilty! She knew that was the real reason they had left, the real reason they had escaped....

No that wasn't right. Her head burned her body ached. These weren't her thoughts. She struggled with the magic an inferno racing around her threating to consume her. She moaned the pain intensifying if it slipped for an instant she would lose her spell. The poison was to strong and she was far to weak from exhaustion.

A light pulsed and presance gathering around her. At first she resisted but then gradually she gave into the other one. A mage...someone trying to help her. The presance channeled and broke the magic down like little streams diverting from a river. She could feel her strength returning the magic that had nearly slipped was now firmly in her control again.

She blinked. "Manek ju nepheli?" she whispered. She peared at those around her repeating her words again before the realization hit her. She was muttering in Juvarian, they probably thought her mad!

"Angel of Nepheli." Drice translated. "She called you a divine angel." his gaze was towards the blond woman at her side.

Her head still burned but with the magic firmly in her grasp again she felt a little better, a little stronger. "Drice?" she let out her senses feeling over the group. There was a second mage, much weaker but still with magical abilities kneeling at her side. "Thank you." she whispered to the mage that had helped her.
_____

Cailey rarely spoke around strangers. She had said all of three words in the presense of their last crew which made it all the more meaningful that she seemed at ease with these people. It must have been the presense of the mage. A kin of spirits, drice wondered. "My apologies." he offered late to those around forgetting himself, he had never offered his name. "I am Drice and this is my sister Cailey. We came ashore with another crew but were seperated shortly after landfall." it was all true though not the whole of it. He still didn't trust them completly.

"This may hurt." he warned as he pulled her clothes away from the wound exposing the hurried bandage that they had rigged. The once white cloth was now black as the poison oozed from the small incesion above her waist the skin discoloring and the wound had grown from the last he had seen. "I will be forever grateful for your help." he offered.

"Quickly, show it to me," Jade told him as she turned to her bag. It was important that she managed to figure our the poison before she began treating it. Wrong treatment could cause more problems than no treatment at all. She watched as he unwrapped the wound for her. The smell found her nostrils and she wrinkled her nose as she saw the discoloured skin.

"How long since she was wounded?" she asked. "Have you done anything to stop its progress? Judging by the colour I would guess her state would be worse than it is."

"By magic." The answer did not come from neither of the pair but from Cyradis. Jade nodded.

"Cailey, Cyradis, can you continue to hold it off for me, just a little while longer?" Jade asked. Both mages looked tired, but if the poison spread it would be difficult, if not impossible, for her to save the child. She produced a thin needle and said with a calm voice to the girl.

"Now this is going to hurt a little, but I need you to be strong for me Cailey. Can you do that for me?" Cailey gave a weak nod in return. She began to puncture the skin around the wound, as she wanted to see how the coloration would change. Close to the wound the skin turned greenish, but further our a healthy red.

"Now I'm not sure, but my guess is snake venom," she told the others after a couple of minutes. "Have any of you come across any particular snakes on this island?"

OOC: too tired to do more now...

...

Drice listened intently a frown playing at his lips. There was something they weren't telling. Not that he wasn't surprised, but there was a sense of urgency from the group. Something plagued them, something that made them want to leave this forest just as much he himself. "I have seen little life in these woods that has not produced a spear. What toxin they used..." he shrugged. "I do however agree that we should not dally here. Cailey do you think you can move?"

Cailey's eyes were closed she had not said anything but a brief grunt when the woman had jabbed the needle in her side. Although she seemed more at ease he could tell the obvoius discomfort hidden behind her facade. "I can hold the spell." she spoke aloud as much an answer as a promise to herself. She had to much spirit for her own good sometimes Drice decided.

He reached down taking her by the hand and helping her to her feet. She stayed upright for a moment upon wobbly legs her breathing shallow but not as weak as earlier.

Drice retreived their pack slinging it across his shoulder grunting beneath the strain as his own exhausted legs trembled beneath the forgotten burden. He took a breath focusing upon the calmness, trying to lock away the distractions like pain and sleep. It almost worked. "How far?" he asked aloud.

ooc: I am sorry but I am going to a training seminar out of town next week. I will be there from Sunday night til Friday night. They have told me I will have internet access but I am making no promises. So after my post sunday please feel free to carry the two with you to advance the story

"Jade," the familiar voice was like a fire in the darkness, "We have to leave this island. Is the Dawn flight worthy?" A wave of relief swept through his body as all the images of dead of injured friends were expelled from his mind. Perhaps he was being premature. Was it so wrong to hope? To be a Captain was to manage one's emotions, so he reminded himself that he had only heard one voice and really still knew nothing. The Dawn's young ambassador was clearly having similar thoughts, and the two shared a hopeful glance before bushing forward into the clearing.

"I'm afraid we are still stranded on this island, unless Xavier has performed some miraculous feat of engineering since we left to come rescue you," he took his time studying each of their faces. There was happiness in all at this chance reunion, but cold tension and worry had not fled their visage. "I'm glad to see we could be of so much help," he offered a momentary respite from the worry with his joke.

"I never thought I'd be glad to see your ugly face Solomon," the mercenary pirates gruff voice was emotionless, but he half smiled as the two embraced with a quick handshake and exchange of shoulder pats.

"Definitely no more regrets about hiring you. Thank you Kaltor," he wasn't sure what role the man had played just yet, but he was the type of person that radiated calm in even the most unsure and dangerous predicaments.

It was then he noticed three things. The first was Jade, hunched over a small body on the jungle floor - twigs, leaves, and even spiderweb had been caught in her hair. The unknown girl, he was young enough to be his daughter he guessed, was in bad shape. Just off to the side was a warrior who was obviously close with the girl judging by the pained desperation he wore in his eyes. Despite this small frailty, Gabe could tell the man could handle a sword. Gabe wondered who was the better between him and Kaltor. Perhaps, if they made it off this island, they would get to find out.

The second was the plain state of exhaustion Cyradis was in. Her robes were ruffled and wrinkled all over and her hair a mess. A thin glistening layer of sweat covered her forehead. Archamae, the ever sturdy dominion pilot, was helping her and ignoring the out of place goggles diagonally covering her head.

"Are you two alright? Who are these people?" he asked with great empathy. He looked to Arch for the answer. Even as he waited he found the fondness for the drunken mess of a woman grow exponentially within him. Something about the possibility of not seeing her again had sent a shock of emotion through his entire body. He swallowed hard, fighting to retain his composure.

His final observation he dismissed as quickly as he realized it, and did not dare to even ask. Where was Sephara?

-o0o-

Sephara made her way back towards where she'd come from. With any luck she'd run into the strangers she'd seen earlier and, if everything had worked out as planned, all her friends as well.

She hadn't taken more than ten steps when something suddenly materialized in front of her. The apparition threw her off balance, and as she passed through his ethereal form she could felt a sensation in her skin and bones she never had before. Skidding along the path she tumbled and rolled up, turning to face the ghost, blades drawn.

"Whoa whoa there," he said as he became more substantial. It was a human man, one who apparently thought he knew her, "There are some things that you cannot leave behind no matter how far you run. You must cut the cord and best do it here when they are close to their bodies."

"Begone demon of the night," she crossed her blades in front of her chest to ward herself from its malcontent, "I have more important places to be and no time for your musings. Step back into the depths of the abyss of which you belong, or I will send you from this plane altogether." Her voice quavered slightly, but it held force and edge. The threat wasn't empty by any means. She was a Spirit Dancer, and banishing such creatures was integral to such a role in her tribe.

Around her she could here the terrified voices of the Pu'aki, and heard their hurried feet scamper south towards their village. Clearly, they had seen enough magicks for one night, and if like her own people, dreaded such encounters with spirits.

So there she stood, alone, awaiting the ghosts reply.

OOC: So originally I HAD meant that it was a couple of pirate scouts coming up from behind but whatever, I'm flexible. ;)


IC:

Aram let out a sigh of relief at the sight of the others. None looked wounded, although the mage looked near exhaustion. Then Aram noticed the other two. One, a young girl being treated by the doctor. The other was a young man was looked a couple years younger then Aram. It seemed the newcomers were already accepted by the rest of the group so Aram didn't concern himself with the two. What did concern him was the voices about. It seemed the enemy was out searching for the three escapees and a battle in the dark was the last thing the crew needed right now.

Gabe turned to the pilot. "Who are these people?" After exchanging quick pleasantries and introductions, the crew gathered their gear and shouldered their packs. The voices were getting closer, the pirates picking up the trail of Kaltor and the others who had made good their escape. Even now through the dense brush the light from a torch indicated just how close they were getting.

Aram didn't want to say it out loud, but the shared look with Gabe said it all: Where was the first mate? Aram knew that she had to be around here somewhere, the villagers would have made sure of that. But they had said they wouldn't interfere. Sephera would be on her own once she had arrived. Did they wait for her? It would mean having to battle it out with the pirates. Did they wait for her at the ship? The pirates would find the ship for sure, but it might be easier to defend against them on familiar ground.

Aram checked that his blade was clear in its sheath, something Kaltor had shown him during training. Gabe was the Captain, he would make the call. Aram only hoped it would be soon...

"There you are!"

A growl was the only warning they got that they had been found. A giant of a man wielding a large hammer broke into the small clearing where the group had been hidden. "They're over here!" He shouted while at the same time bringing his hammer above his head to inflict as much damage as he could. Aram, quickly recovering from being startled and being closest to the giant, drew the giant's attention. Directing his anger, the Giant let out a roar and began the hammer's deadly decent.Aram dove out of the way just as a couple bolts pierced the chest of the surprised pirate. toppling over, the Giant let out a last moan asit hit the forest floor. Aram glanced over to where the bolts had come from. Archamae stood with her weapon aimed at the fallen enemy.

Aram gave a half smile. "Thanks Arch. Gabe, what's the plan?" Everyone turned to the captain, expecting a direction from their leader...

...

It seemed as though life fell away for a while. The fires of T'a'u'weke rose above all else and came from far beneath. It was a spiritual experience that Arlen had found himself often lusting for but just out of reach. He had hoped he would find faith, but always felt lacking.

"So..." lava streamed by Arlen's feet and the bright burning figure that had been by his side for hours seemed to have cooled to black and a deep red. "It's all settled then, is it?"

With a small laugh, Arlen's companion replied, "So it would seem, my fleshy little friend."

"Well, I thank you. It has been quite the experience, T'a'u'weke. I appreciate your consideration in the matter, and your benevolence," Arlen said, bowing. "I don't really know the proper thanks."

"There is no way you can know, my child. Go back to your friends, they need you now. I will call my children back to me," it replied.

Before he knew what had happened, Arlen was back in his room, staring at the now long dead coals right where he had been hours before. Sweat and fatigue coated his body like something of a heavy weight. "How interesting," he noted and slowly stood like a newborn fawn first learning to walk.

Stumbling from the curtained entrance, those beside it were surprised to see him. Perhaps surprised to see him breathing. "T'a'u'weke has allowed you to live," one said to him. The fluency with which he understood their speech currently was quite dramatic.

"I... suppose so." Arlen could only guess as to the nature of his experience. Was it genuinely a spiritual experience, or some concoction they mixed and gave him without his notice? Was it in the fruit? If so, how would that explain his sudden revelation with their language? Or of their knowledge of his friend's danger? There must be more to it that Arlen just didn't see. Some smoke or mirror he didn't catch. Or was it that he still lacked faith in something of another plane? If so, what gave them the right to suppose themselves gods? The questions came too quickly and answers too laboriously.

"Where is Pu'aki?" Arlen said, breathing hard.

"We will get him now," an attendant told him.

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

"So you live," Pu'aki said, somehow not surprised. "Your kind I expect to. Your mind is open but hard to read."

"I take that as a compliment," Arlen replied. "I was told that-"

"I know what you were told," Pu'aki interjected. "As you are one of us, you are a servant of Pu'aki. You are now his child. He has told you this. Though you do not have to stay here. In fact, I encourage you not to. It isn't personal," he said with a shrug. "But you have much to learn still. You still do not believe T'a'u'weke, but he does not hold it against you. Neither should I. You do believe in your friends though. And in them you should put your trust. They need you, we know."

"But how?" Arlen asked, ever curious. "How can you know? How do you know you are right? I can do something from birth to death and still wonder if there isn't a better way. A more correct way."

"You speak with a wisdom of things that don't matter," Pu'aki said, shaking his head. "You think too much about too many things, even at your age. Listen from a man who makes you a baby. What would you do if you did something better than before? Would it save you days? What would you do with your extra days? Think about how to save more?"

A few moments passed and Arlen gave a low huff in defeat. "You speak with a wisdom of things that make sense." Arlen bowed and turned to leave. Pu'aki hadn't mentioned something T'a'u'weke had told him. Perhaps it was smoke and mirrors after all. Perhaps it was all a dream and Pu'aki knew that whatever Arlen was given it wouldn't have killed him.

"Until next we meet," Pu'aki said and bowed.

"May your life be long and your eyes never fade, Grandfather," Arlen said and walked away slowly.

After his experience, he saw the small village with new eyes. They were divided eyes. One hoping that things were not as they seemed, and one hoping that everything could be explained by science and theory. Maybe he just had his eyes and ears open really wide before he had his episode and it jolted his mind in a good way. In some ways, Arlen felt as he did when he was a child. Like he was ready to learn anything and everything all over again for the first time.

Maybe it was a second chance. A way to replace the hole in his heart.

Either way, Arlen had two new families in the space of a week. He would always be welcome on the Requiem, he felt. However, Arlen would only be as welcome here as long as it took to do what T'a'u'weke told him had to be done. His test had only begun, and Pu'aki hadn't even touched on it. Or maybe he knew and was trying to get him off the island before it happened. Maybe he wanted things to go on as they have been for so long. Arlen might not know any better, but the all-knowing T'a'u'weke probably did. If he was indeed alive and as powerful as he seemed, then Arlen would damn well do what he asked, just in case.

For now, he needed to get back to the Requiem and help out in anything that had his name on it. As the sun rose, so did his hope of seeing his friends alive. That hope became reality as not ten steps on the beach passed by before Archamae ran onto it.

"How's our saucey pilot these days? Looks like you've seen better ones. Seems like my time with the natives went better than yours with the settlers," he mused with a stern face. Arlen started his walk toward her noting her weapon was in hand. Usually, that would dictate that bad things followed not far behind. "I assume the captain isn't far behind. How can I help?"

He bit his lip. It had all happened so fast. It wasn't like he could fault them. It had started when the group had reunited with their comrades. An eye of suspision had fallen upon them, Cailey taking a step hurriedly behind him hiding her face in his back. He knew she was tough, knew that she was hiding the fear and the exhaustion. He could feel her resting against him. He had been about to introduce himself to the one in charge when the gathering had exploded in confusion.

It was a measure of his own exhaustion, that is the slowness of his own reflexes. The large man was already spitting blood falling to the floor before Drice had even placed his fingers upon his own weapon. The words that came next brought about the current fear, the current crisis. Someone had yelled run....such a simple word.

Yet that word had likely led them to their own cruel fate.

The group had found a new sense of urgency, obviously they too had enemies upon this wretched cursed island. The strength and speed they exhibited put his own strength to shame. And as they dashed into the trees he had snatched the small hand at his side and moved to follow.

Steadily though they had fallen behind as the little legs had stumbled to keep up. It wasn't fair. He chewed his lip in thought. He had finally slowed to a brief walk knowing that it was futile to try and keep the pace. All around he could hear the searchers closing in on them. Cailey whimpered behind him he thought he recognized the word sorry through her muffled cry.

It wasn't her fault....

He paused embracing her, smoothing her hair back. "It's ok little one..." he whispered soothingly. Although he knew it wasn't. Staying with her was against everything he had been trained to do. She was a liability, she was already dead...but those thoughts melted away against the inferno of his own resolve. The strangers had said they had ship. They had offered help before the commotion...there was still a chance. But could she do it?
_____

Why didn't he go? Why didn't he leave her behind? She was holding him back, she was going to get him killed and still he didn't move. She cried harder. Why was she so weak...

"I need you to be strong little one." he whispered in her ear. "You can track them right?"

She was so tired she had been afraid to channel anything besides the simple spell that held the poison at bay. She considered for a moment and knew where he was going with it. With a deep breath she cast her senses upon the winds and a chill ran down her spine. She could feel them...so many. There were individuals surrounding them gradually closing in like a noose. But there was something else...a group...she opened her eyes. "Ahead...not far."

Drice nodded drew one of his blades and bid her forward. "You lead."
____

They made better time then he expected. Occasionally Cailey would place up a finger calling for a silence as someone came to close. Each time however she led them away without notice. He was begining to believe his luck was finally getting better when the trees thinned and they broke out of the forest onto the beach.

"An airship!" Cailey whispered excitedly as they hurried towards it...

OOC: SoHee, not sure what you had planned for Jasper and Sephara, but I'm just going to improvise something. Just Sephara tonight, will post for Gabe and Co. tomorrow.

On another note, my profound apologies for missing bits of info. Ren, is Pu'aki the name of the people? I completely missed that they weren't supposed to "get involved".

IC:

The eyes of the ghost squinted as he looked her over. What he was looking for she couldn't tell, but she kept her guard up all the same, unwilling to risk even a moment of carelessness around one of the Fallen. The first mate couldn't be sure, but it looked like something had dawned on the spirit, and a feint smirk crossed his face.

"We haven't met, formally I mean," Jasper realized his mistake.

"I don't make it a habit to keep the dead as friends," she countered. Her eyes closed ever so slightly, as if she could kill him again with just her stare. 'Keep your guard up,' she reminded herself as she scanned his features to see if a closer look would spark something in her memory. Inwardly Sephara cursed - she had no patience for such games.

"In my case, Sephara, you may have to make an exception." His smile felt like ice water being poured over her skin and disturbed her greatly. How did he know her name? "Haha," now he was laughing, "You'll soon find out how I know your name," he said.

Gripped in shock, her eyes widened and her body went stiff. Was he reading her mind? Khutra Nom! A Fallen that could steal the thoughts of the living. He was laughing again, this time at her reaction, "No, I cannot read your mind. For now, simply know I mean you no harm," he paused a moment as if to consider what he'd just said, "Whether or not you believe me."

Before she could respond there was a rustling leaves and distant voices moving her way. Instinctively Sephara dropped her guard against the spirit, and keenly concentrated on trying to hear what other danger might threaten her. Although her eyes had never actually left the dead man, when she returned her attention to him he had already begun to melt into thin air. "Go," he told her just as he completely vanished.

Sephara did not need to be told twice. She tucked her blades back into their homes on either side of her hip, and began ran back towards the clearing she'd passed earlier. Taking one last look to be sure the ghost was gone, she cast her eyes forward and ran as fast as her legs would carry her.

Aram gave a half smile. "Thanks Arch. Gabe, what's the plan?" Everyone turned to the captain, expecting a direction from their leader...

Before he could make his decision his pilot made it for him. He didn't appreciate Archamae taking matters into her own hands. Any good Captain knew that order and discipline were what kept a ship and its crew alive. By going around the chain of command Archamae could very well have planted seeds of doubt in the minds of the other crew members that Gabe didn't know what was best for them.

But he bit his tongue. There were times when you needed to lead by words, and other times when you led best by following the sentiments of the majority. This was one of those times. Everyone ran south, back into the dark jungle and back towards their home. No one even really seemed to notice that it had been Archamae and not Gabe who'd given the command. One night in a jungle surrounded by enemies could have that effect.

"Perhaps I should have made my deal with her instead," Meg quipped into his ear as she passed by following after the rest. It was enough to make his blood boil, and he clenched his hand into a fist to relieve the frustration. The breach in command hadn't gone unnoticed, and it made him feel... impotent.

Footsteps. He turned to try to locate where they were coming from and was suddenly acutely aware that he was the last remaining member of the crew in the clearing. Even the stranger they'd stumbled upon had managed to shuffle off with his sister in his arms. His hand went to the hilt of his rapier, readying to fight whoever came down the path. If he ran it left an easy trail for whoever came after to follow, and this way he'd buy his friends time - even with his life if need be.

A figure robed in vegetation and shadow burst into the clearing. His sword was halfway out when he caught a glimpse of Sephara's face in the dim moonlight.

"Seph!" he exclaimed with great relief.

"Sir," she said breathing hard, "Good to see you. Where's everyone else?"

"Headed back towards the ship. You alright?"

She nodded, "Ambushed some of the people that were coming after us, should slow the rest down some if they care about their mates at all. Just really, really tired sir."

Gabe couldn't help but smile, and gave his first mate a pat of the back. "Come on, let's get back to our ship."

-----

Stepping out onto the beach was like stepping out of prison for the first time in years. Gabe took a moment to appreciate his release from the humid jungle letting the salty sea air fill his nostrils and the bright night stars and moon pour over him.

"Go make sure everyone's fine," he told Sephara.

"Don't be long," was all she said before happily sprinting the last few hundred yards back to where the Dawn sat lying calmly upon the cool sand, oblivious to everything that had happened in the past twenty-four hours.

Gabe waited only long enough for the two newcomers to catch up with him. For better or worse they had helped the pair and he felt as responsible for them as anyone else who flew with him. He met up with the man and stopped him.

"Let me take her from here, I think you've carried her far enough for one night," he offered to help.

The man look torn, his gaze altering between the Captain and his sister. "Thank you, but I'm fine."

Gabe was ready to insist the man stop trying to be the hero, but then he caught the look of determination he held in his eyes, and Gabe understood. It couldn't have been easy. Stranded on some foreign island, his sister ill, taken in by strangers but helpless all the while. Carrying the girl was all he could do, the only thing in his sphere of control, and Gabe wouldn't take that from him.

Instead he just smiled, "Very well," the girl looked like a sack of potatoes in his thick arms, "Come on then, we're almost there."

As they approached the gangplank they were tired and sweaty, but first the first time that night both men looked hopeful. Standing on deck he could see Sephara had kept the crew assembled up top. Wintrop the half-Orc was scurrying back and forth between the crew and the stairs to the lower levels bringing food, water, and any needed medical supplies. Jade had already checked the crew for any injuries, and seemed concentrated on Cyradis, who looked even worse than before. The physical demands of the run had drained her body even further.

"Thank you again Captain. I'm Drice," he said loud enough for everyone to hear, "And this is my sister Cailey." Jade and the others had paused what they were doing and watched the exchange.

"Welcome aboard the Requiem Dawn Mr. Drice." Smiles seemed to spread across many of the crew's faces as their captain officially welcomed the siblings as part of their meager band. "Jade..."

"Right away Captain," she called immediately and made her way towards Drice and Cailey, continuing what she'd began back at the clearing.

"Who's the least exhausted?"

"You have some more fun in mind?" Kaltor grinned widely.

Gabe scoffed, of course it would be Kaltor, "If standing watch is your idea of fun, than yes, loads of it." Greycloak simply shrugged, happy to prove his prowess by whatever means available. "Wintrop, Kaltor and I will take the first watch tonight. At noon I want everyone back up here. We need to figure out how we're getting off this island. Arch," he added, "I want a debriefing before you go."

Murmurs of assent were accompanied by weak nods, and the men and women of the Dawn made their way below deck to try to find some respite, if only temporarily.

...

...

OOC: Pu'aki was the name of their human leader. They typically adopt the name of their God, T'a'u'weke, when naming themselves. And yes, they were to just guide them and not act to save anyone. They were being tested by T'a'u'weke in their minds. If they survived, they would be worthy.

IC:


Arlen didn't even get so much as acknowledgment from the pilot, but it didn't bother him. Something told him that they'd been through a sort of hell in their run back to the ship. They'd gone through the thickest portion relatively unscathed. An amazing feat in itself, and told of their sense of direction. <How did I know this?> he wondered. He felt exhausted and hungry - like he'd dropped a few pounds. Hard to do for him, he didn't have much to lose. Not eating much did that when you expended yourself, apparently even on other planes.

Seeing Sephara brightened his mood a bit. She always did seem like a light in a dark place when she was around. Sephara reminded him of someone else in his past. A path he didn't want to mentally explore at the moment, but it came unbidden regardless of his wants. Arlen followed her aboard and turned to see two newcomers to the crew as Gabriel popped out with them. They needed every hand they could get. The island tugged at his mind and whispered in his ear that they were good people. They were lost in more ways than one but had each other. Perhaps T'a'u'weke's power didn't expand beyond the island, but Arlen was beginning to believe there was something here beyond flesh and blood or even magic.

Rest was what he needed. Rest and food. Water preferably. The Half-Orc from earlier seemed to have been involved in the crew after all as a sort of cabin boy, helping in any way he could to earn his trust. It was a form of racism, but Arlen wouldn't press the matter. It really wasn't his place. He'd probably suffered enough from the Orcs he was subject to his whole life. Why make him suffer more cruelty from his other half as well? If Arlen had gotten to know Gabriel though, things like that seemed beyond the man. He saw into the eyes of people before he made judgment. One of the things that endeared him to Arlen.

The stand to attention wasn't long before Gabriel arrived with the other two. Orders were given quickly and Arlen walked toward Sephara to fill her in. "I'm sure there are more pressing things, but the test has been passed for now. For whatever reason, I feel it will never and for me though. We have been accepted as tentative friends. It's quite exhausted me, but I think you all had a more difficult matter than I had. Perhaps I should volunteer for the second shift. I would like to speak to Gabriel anyway."

Sephara nodded, "I will pass that along to his attention. As you can understand, he's a little busy at the moment." Arlen nodded in agreement and his gentle smile returned.

There was an odd look in her eye, as if she'd seen something she'd rather not. The odd tug at the back of Arlen's head returned and his face changed to one of curiosity. "Hmm... it seems you've changed somehow," he spoke slowly. Immediately he dropped it, not wishing to pry and waved his hand. "Never mind, I'll help Jade with whatever she needs and take care of my belly afterward. I've got some field experience, and should be able to help," he offered.

Sephara's eyes squinted and her forehead creased as she could only guess at the meaning behind his words, though she had a clue. <For now,> Arlen thought, <She's probably thinking I've had an equally change-worthy night.> She nodded but said nothing. Sephara directed him to Jade's direction with a graceful hand stained with blood. Arlen knew it was not her own. He smiled comfortingly again, and strolled over at a calculating pace toward the doctor. He took a look back and Sephara was already turning her attention elsewhere.

"Anything I can do to help?" he asked Jade.

OOC:

He's in ya'lls hands for now. I'll probably just pop in for introspective moments here and there. I think all I'll have time for is catching up with reading. I'm feeling much better than I had earlier.

Gabe listened to Arch's story about everything that had happened, and her explanation for usurping his authority when they'd been together in the jungle. The highly skilled Dominion pilot was putting on a good show, but he wasn't buying in the fantasy she'd created. Ever since he'd brought her on as a part of his crew he knew she brought baggage with her from her days as a soldier. He'd hoped, with time and a new family, she would be able to lighten her load, but it had never happened. The woman was stuck at the bottom of a bottle.

The Captain of the Requiem Dawn found himself gazing up at the stars, wondering what problems waited for him once he made his way up into the black.

"It was the right call," he finally spoke. From the bottom of his eyes he saw her shift and pull back, had he managed to catch the grizzled war veteran by surprise this time.

Tilting his head back down so he could look her in the eyes he continued, "You knew more about the situation than me and what kind of trouble we could be in. At that point, you made the right decision to take control and lead us back to the ship." She barely blinked and just sat waiting for what was to come. Arch was smart enough to figure out there was still more he had to say.

"We follow order and rank here, but this isn't a military outfit. I expect the people who fly with me to carry out my commands, but I, out of everyone, am fully aware of the people I've surrounded myself with and their capabilities to lead in different situations," he held up a finger in protest, "So long as it does not undermine me in the process."

"You going outside the chain of command is not my issue, it's why you did what you did." Gabe stared straight into her eyes. He knew there were secrets she kept locked up, perhaps the darkest kind, but he wasn't scared of them or her, and he wanted her to know that. "I saw you in that clearing. There was something... like recognition in your eyes. Like you'd seen it before," his voice trailed off.

His face became deadly serious, "I can tolerate insubordination and a lot of other vices, but panic gets people killed, people who've entrusted something of their lives to me when they sign on aboard my boat. I don't know what happened, or why, but I know it has something to do with your past."

Stopping to take a step closer and put his hand on her arm, he softened his tone a little, "I know you keep demons inside, and you'd prefer to drown them than face them. I've overlooked that, probably for too long, but I'm worried now. Worried it may harm someone. And I don't want that happen."

He began to walk towards his cabin. There was something else about the ruins that Arch had mentioned that had jogged something in his memory. He wanted to do some poking around in his notes and books to see if he could find any references to islands and ancient ruins, anything that might give him some kind of grasp on what they'd crashed into, but he'd one final piece of business with Arch.

"You're stuck where you are until you decide to face forward and confront your past head on. I don't know what I can do, but I want you to know, I'm here for you... always."

He stopped and looked at her, one foot on the stairs ready to ascend to his private quarters, "Now get some sleep. Tomorrow we find a way off this beach." Each step seemed to groan louder than the last as he walked up. Closing the door behind him he settled into the chair near his desk. Moonlight flood through the aft window, basking his room in an eerie azure glow. 'What a day,' he thought, picked up his notebook, and began searching its pages for the clue he needed.

Sorry for the trouble i caused guys. Since i am unable to find any time to be here anymore i am deleting my character. I also kinda lost my enthusiasm with all the waiting and the harsh schedule i am going through right now. I believe It'll possibly be too late for me to join the game when i find appropriate time to read all the stuff you guys write. Besides skysail has already more than enough writers that are contributing.

I believe if i show my face back again in RP boards, I'll possibly start a new thread rather than joining any existing one, since by the time any thread that has already started would become too old to participate in.

OOC: Alright. It ended up taking me this long to reply to you Aposai because I felt I needed to carefully think this over.

I like how much effort and detail you've put into your character, and I'll preface my decision with the following: my own personal preferences are for human only worlds, less magic, and more realism.

Now then, I created the thread and gave free reign to be creative, so while I'm hesitant, your character is approved, but I do request some guidelines.

First, if you're going to post and play here you need to participate. I'm not sure what you meant at the beginning about your storytelling, but if its going to be all past stuff that simply won't fly. I'd prefer you focus on the present. You can look at what Phoenix has done, with his char's flashbacks, to bring that history forward, but flying solo is not what this is about. Also, when you talk about the past it has a great effect on the world today and how the other players have to then think about that world. What you say essentially becomes 'fact' and everyone else has to adhere to it. And because you are new here, I'd prefer to stick to more to current events.

Second, with how you've described her Iona would be susceptible to many forms of magic. Basic elemental magic could 'hurt' in many different types of ways, so just keep that in mind (e.g. she's metal, so theoretically hot enough fire magic could melt her).

Lastly, I'm very very uncertain about the history as its not what I had in mind at all for this world. It turns it into a world that was very advanced many years ago, some disaster happened, and just now are they starting to get back to that same point. Because it doesn't hugely affect the storyline at this point though, I'll allow it, but I'm just giving you forewarning that my feelings may change as we progress.

Welcome Aboard ^_^

TO ALL:

Well, it's been almost 2 weeks now, and I think it's time to start things up again. I'll post today or tomorrow and with everyone pitching in, we'll be off this island in no time at all ^_^

OOC: *saunters back in casually*

IC:
It was hard for Cyradis to feel safe after nearly a day of such closeness to death. Even thinking about it from the confines of her cabin sent chills down her spine and turned her stomach. The reality of the situation was finally setting in. She could have been killed a hundred different ways she hadn't even realized while fleeing and during their tenuous standoff at the stone house. She suddenly felt like vomiting, but was able to resist the urge - largely due to her lack of food.

Cyradis stood and reguarded herself in the mirrior over her dresser. Her silvery hair was brown and held traces of leaves and small twigs. Her face was equally dirtied and had a few shallow scrapes that would probably heal overnight. Lowering her gaze, she could see several tears in her robe from crawling though the thicket, some leaving red lines across her arms and legs. She pulled her robe off and let it fall in a pile at her feet. the plain white dressing gown beneath was in better shape, but still ripped slightly across her abs. Even now should couldn't remember what she could have possibly been snagged on that ripped both her robe and dressing gown. At leat the gown was worth mending, but the robe was better off being scrapped for dishcloth.

Finally, Cyradis pulled off her dressing gown and inspected her bare flesh. She could feel the adrenaline starting to fade and all the injuries she might have suffered were making themselves felt. Overall, she had only a few bruises and a light scratch on her stomach. No bleeding or unmanagable pain. Pulling her slightly ripped dressing gown back on, she knelt over the crumpled robe, spending the next few minutes picking the debris from her hair and letting it fall onto the robe. Never before had she so badly wanted a bath. Airships, however, were even more cramped than seafaring vessels, and had even less room for a washroom. As such, the Requiem Dawn was without one. There was, however, a bay full of water outside at her disposal. Soap aside, it would be nice just to wash the filth from her skin and hair.

She grabbed a clean robe and dressing gown and made her way into the corridor. Stepping up onto the deck, she saw Gabe entering his private quarters with Archamae standign nearby looking slightly dejected. Cyradis decided now might not be the best time to approach her. Despite whatever Gabe may have said to her, Cyradis was happy Arch was with her in the jungle. The enigmatic pilot was a far more complicated woman than she realized, and hopefully, a new friend.

Cyradis desceded the wooden plank, leaving the dry robe at the foot of the ramp, to the shore and stepped barefoot onto the slushy volcanic sand. The tide apparantly rose at night. Wading her way to the keel of the ship, she was waist-deep in the cool, black water. Taking a breath and closing her eyes, she dropped beneath the water's surface. Beneath, she vigorously rubbed her face and hair to release the dirt before breaking the surface and releasing her breath. Feeling somewhat refreshed, she sighed and waded back to knee-deep waters. Lowering herself gently to the saturated sand, she laid back in the water. The shallowness and her natural bouyancy kept her face above the water without needing to hold her breath; allowing her to drift effortlessly, gazing up at the stars.

Despite all the events that the day's trauma had caused her to forget, one moment stood vivid in her memory as if it were being played out before her. Back in the stone house, huddled around her small fire, Archamae asked about Kell. Cyradis could admit to herself that she wished she had stayed back in Kell during all that had happened, despite how little she had left there. Her mother's estate was capitolized by the Kellan government not long after her death, leaving Cyradis with a small house and University diploma. But with the Dominion threat passes, there wasn't much use for a Arch Mage these days.

She wondered how much Gabe and the rest of the crew actually knew about her. When asked, she had never been particularly elaborate about her past. Even when Arch asked back at the ruins she held back. She liked her position among the crew, though. She could easily talk to any of them and as far as they knew, she was a moderatly talented mage, if slightly reclusive. After her display during the ship's crash, though, she may have risen some eyebrows. How would they react if they knew she was an Arch Mage? In other parts of the world, Arch Magi are viewed with a necessary degree of fear. Telling someon you're among the most powerful of Kellen military battlemages is not something easily said.

Sighing, Cyradis resigned herself. Gabe should know, and hear it from her. But after tonight, it would be better to break it to him in the morning. Rising from the water, Cyradis returned to her folded robe and dressing gown. She scanned the edge of the ship deck for curious eyes, then quickly swapped her soaked dressing gown for the dry one with the robe following. Ascending the ramp, she draped her wet gown over the rail to let it dry overnight, and returned to her cabin for much needed sleep.

OOC: Got sloppy at the end, but I needed to wrap it up :D

OOC: Ok i have seen your point. Actually thats the reason why i had said "I wont try to affect the current storyline, and leave current situations to you more experienced folks hence you guys know each other for a time"

OOC: I was going to write up this whole game show bit to try to make this funny, but I figure it will just come off as condescending =p

Aposai -- there are several things amiss with your post. Warning, I'm honest, and it can seem harsh at times, but I'm hoping it helps improve quality in the long run. Frankly, I was surprised by your first post... I was expecting more.

1. Powerplaying

As a good rule of thumb here, minor powerplays are fine especially when it something small and you just want to keep the plot moving, and with any kind of powerplay you try to keep it to the bare minimum so that you don't misrepresent another person's character. Those of us who've been here are comfortable enough with each other to allow larger scale powerplays, but we still minimize them as much as possible. As a newcomer, you should try to avoid it as much as possible.

Your post was a fairly siginificant powerplay of Ralse - Phoenix's character. And if you look between your post, and his, there are glaring differences in how Ralse is portrayed. In the grand scheme of things it can be ignored, and our image of Ralse will remain with how Phoenix has built him, but it's mostly about respecting artistic rights.

2. Editing, Typos, Grammar

If you say any of our discussion with Zed, you can see how large big a deal simple syntax, spelling, grammar, and editing can be. The large paragraph in the middle needs to be broken up for easier reading. Anytime a new character is talking I think it's a general guideline to start a new paragraph (I noticed you had Iona and Ralse speaking in the same one once). Also, anytime you use quotation marks, there needs to be some sort of punctuation at the end, "Like this." Most of your dialogue ends, "As such" - missing the punctuation mark.

There's also some spelling mistakes and misused words. I know that english isn't your first language, so it's not a big deal, but do try to keep an eye out for these things. Re reading before you post will help a great deal. And I don't know if it had any affect, but if being tired means sloppy posting... sleep first ^_^

3. Exclamation Marks!

You used so many I had to devote an entire section to it. ! should be used sparsely... very sparsely. LIKE ALL CAPS IT REPRESENTS YELLING AND GETS VERY ANNOYING WHEN ALWAYS USED - plus for you scene there was really no reason to yell.

This ties back in with point 1 as well. Ralse comes across as a very cool, collected, and precise man, and having him yell lots of his speech goes against that image.

4. Story & Problem Solving

Don't feel you need to solve the problem all neatly. It's typical, I did it a lot in my younger years, but it usually mucks up the story in some way. In this case, you couldn't possibly know that Phoenix and I had already discussed that Gabe and Ralse are business rivals, and that he'd be a reoccurring obstacle for the crew. With that known, your post doesn't really work.

Join the story, but play a backseat for a little beat until you feel more comfortable with us, then you'll be good to step in and lead the story - I probably should have said that in my PM =p



TO EVERYONE

I'm going to ask you ignore Aposai's post.

TO APOSAI

PM me with other ideas of how you can intro your character.

OOC: Shari, actually we're going to go with the ship being decently large, so decent sized cabins and that there is an internal water system... not a lot mind you, but a purification system and a steam heater (a byproduct of the engine I believe). However, the engine needs to be working, so no heat and limited clean water.

Gabe thumbed through over half the books in his collection before for finally finding what he was looking for. Night had grown so large as to completely fill the chamber, forcing him to light several candles and work with the dim light. Completely focused on the task, he was oblivious to the sinking cold that wafted through cracks in the glass window. He sat, for hours, in the loneliness of the darkness, the only thing keeping him company was the occasional scratch of turning pages, and his low, barely audible murmurs as he read.

When he found the name his finger moved to immediately cover the surrounding words, so his eyes could more clearly focus on it.

Moorea.

Removing his finger so he could see the rest, he quickly read aloud the entire passage that referenced the ancient city, 'Ralse is going on again about trying to convince the Captain to try to find an island in the Haloed Sea that might hold the ruin of the once great naval power of Moorea. The man is nothing if not persistent. I believe he would swim from coast to coast and pole to pole just to find the ruins so he could prove he was right. I told him the Captain would never go for it, too big a risk, but he's convinced the city lies untouched, and there'd be priceless artifacts and treasure a plenty for the taking. He was disappointed, to be kind. Said I lacked vision. We land at Westport in three days time and he's threatened to leave us then. I have a feeling he's serious this time...' The date indicated the passage was almost 10 years old.

Closing the journal he slowly sat up in his seat and stared out into the dark folds of the sea. Were those your boys back there Ralse? In a way Gabriel hoped it wasn't. Ralse was keenly intelligent, cunning, and driven. If he thought Gabe and his crew were an obstacle, he'd find a way to eliminate them.

He gently rubbed the back of his neck, trying to rid it of the tension that was sending throbs of pain up into his head. If this was Moorea, there was still no guarantee it was Ralse out in that jungle and not some other treasure hunter who'd come to claim the lost artifacts of Moorea. It fit though, he had to admit. From what Arch had told him about the ruins, they were exactly how Ralse had described them many years ago. Expansive, untouched, and beachside with a great dockyard. Did you find it after all these years?

Gabe couldn't help but smile at the thought of his one time friend find his own Shandalaar. Maybe there was hope for him after all.

Whatever the truth was about the men they'd encountered, there was one undeniable fact. They had to leave this place. Soon.

-o0o-

The cry of a flock of ospreys hailed the dawn of a new morning. Gabe forced himself upright onto his elbows. His room was a disaster, still. The crash had dislodged all his belongings a mixture of maps, books, clothes, and other trinkets littered the floor and he hadn't bothered to fix it yet.

Last night he'd fallen into a deep sleep, but a short one shortly after satisfying the nag in his brain. He pulled on his boots and laced them up. It had been so late he hadn't bothered changing out of his day clothes. At least he'd managed to discard his leather vest, which he located on his desk chair and quickly button it back over the loosely fitted linen shirt, rolling up his sleeves to his elbows.

The rest of the ship was stirring. No matter how groggy, tired, bruised, sad, or sick they felt, they all knew they couldn't stay here any longer. Whatever was needed from them today, they'd give everything they had to find a way off this island.

Those already up seemed to have the same idea as Gabe - water. The crash had rendered the Dawn's purification and heating systems powerless, so they had only a limited quantity left. Aram had already set portions on the tables in the kitchen for everyone. Some stale bread, a mix of assorted berries and other local fruit, and a small jug of water. He eagerly pressed the jug to his mouth, savouring the feeling of the water breathing life into his weary body. He wished there was enough to splash onto his face, but he dared not waste a drop. Finished with breakfast he headed topside, it was time for their meeting.

The crew of the Dawn gathered under the early morning sun aboard their broken ship. They were a frazzled looking bunch, but there wasn't a hint of defeat in any of their eyes. He took a moment to look at each of them.

Sephara. She stood as resolute as any statue, unphased and unintimidated by what they faced.

Aram. Still so young. Leonetes would be furious with him if he knew what kind of danger he'd put the lad in. There was a growing confidence in the boy though. His passion for learning would soon make him more than just a force with words alone.

Archamae. Running, but from what? She was strong, but she could be stronger. There were people around who cared for her, who would help if asked - yet she needed to want to change, no one could force her.

Cyradis. Power, beauty, and wisdom all rolled into one. Like any mage mysterious, even cryptic at times, but loyal and a true friend.

Kaltor. The one-eyed pirate whose skill with a blade was unmatched by anyone Gabe had ever met. Ambitious too. Best keep one eye on that one or risk losing more than your coin purse.

Arlen. Learned and skilled. Wandering the world with no true home to speak of. The man was the type of crew member every Captain wished he could have ten of.

Jade. Smart and sexy... and haunted. There was clearly more to the quiet doctor than first glance told. He looked forward to finding out who she really was and what had compelled her to this life.

Drice and Cailey. The latest to join their family. Bound to each other so tightly Gabe believed whatever happened to the one would happen to the other. He hoped they would fit in, and if last night was any indication, they were off to a good start.

Gabe stood silent. commanding their attention, and they waited patiently for him to begin.

"As we discovered yesterday we're not alone. Thanks for Arlen, the islanders have greeted us as friends, but as Kal, Cyr, and Arch found out yesterday, there's another group who doesn't exactly play well with others," there was a quiet round of laughter amongst them.

"Staying here isn't an option." He decided not to elaborate, feeling no need to emphasize the danger that was on this island.

"From everything that's happened and from what I've heard, this island seems to have some great source of power. Something strong enough that Cyradis can feel it in all the living things that exist on this island," he gestured to the ship mage, who nodded in confirmation. "We need to find the source, and find a way to use it to restore the Dawn." It wasn't a great plan, one very lacking in many ways, but it was the only way they were flying off this lump of sand before nightfall.

"That said, anyone have any bright ideas on how to do that?"

OOC: Sorry if I left out any characters, and I figured I'd open it up to a bit of quick discussion as to how we fly away exactly ^_^

Aram leaned against the railing, the turmoil faced over the past few days finally getting their chance to boil to the surface. He felt drained, empty. But mostly the overwhelming sensation of pure relief. Relief that Cyradis, Arch, and even Kaltor were okay. And Sephara! Aram hadn't even seen her catch up with the others until after they had arrived at the beach. He had been sick with worry that she would still be in the brush when all of a sudden there she was talking to Gabe like nothing happened, except she looked like the young cook felt...exhausted.

Orders were issued and watches assigned. Jade, a recent addition herself who had already proved herself useful, took the newest members of the crew downstairs for first aid. Others prepared for the night. There would be no entertainment tonight. No music. No stories. Just the deep sleep of the weary and worried. The only ones still business like were Gabe and Arch as the two headed to the bridge for a debriefing. As the moved towards the ships innards, they passed by Cyradis heading toward the wooden plank towards the beach. Probably in need of some quite time Aram thought inwardly. Outwardly he gave a weak smile to the mage, who returned the favor in kind as she made her way down to the shore.

Aram wandered along the railing of the Dawn's deck as he mentally went over a checklist of tomorrow's goals. Being chief, That meant first was breakfast. After the crash landing there was little in the pantry that was not spoiled. Luckily there was still some of the exotic fruits from this morning that the crew had found. It would have to hold the crew over for now. The problem would be once the ship was in the air again. With no supplies and no idea how far they would have to travel before they could reach somewhere they could restock the cupboards, meals would be pretty bare. Aram gazed out at the water as he pondered this latest predicament. Death from lack of nourishment was as fatal as death by sword. Maybe they could catch some fish? and of course hey could load up on fruit, but they might spoil after not long.

A movement in the water caught Aram's attention. Was it a fish? in the shadow of the dawn being cast out on the water, Aram had to squint to see. In the surf Aram could make out the shape of Cyradis. The young mage was bathing, rinsing the past days activities from her hair and her gown. Aram smiled. He could probably use a bath himself, but he needed sleep more. Just as he was about to turn to head for bed, the young cook watched the young mage emerge from the water. With a quick look about, the mage slipped out of her gown and into clean robes she had laid out. Although he could see little more then a silhouette, and even less from this distance, Aram could feel his ears burning at such an unexpected and exotic intrusion into Cyradis' privacy. Eyes closed, Aram could still see the outline of the young mage's form burned into his mind.

Cyradis had always appealed to the young diplomat since the two met. She seemed so captivating, so mysterious. A powerful, secretive woman from a far off land. Being of the same age, the two had shared many similarities. Both had lost parents. Both were ambitious, and went through life with the impervious recklessness of youth. Both were eager to see the world. Her purple eyes were bewitching. And yet, with all said, never before this night had Aram thought of Cyradis in any way indecent. She had always been a close friend, perhaps even a confidant of the cook's. As Aram made his way to his room and quietly climbed under the sheets, one thing was for certain. He wouldn't be able to look at the mage in the same way again...

~~~~~~~~~~

Aram awoke bright and early, used to being one of the first up. Shuffling through the pantry, the chief tried his best to ignore last night as he scrounged up what he could for breakfast. A loaf of bread, some fruit, a half a wheel of cheese, a jug of water. Aram frowned. On any other given morning, such a breakfast would be a precursor to grumbling and groaning. Today the crew probably wouldn't even notice.

As the ship's members filtered in, Aram gave each a nod or a smile. When Cyradis entered, the smile was accompanied by a slight flushing of the face. Aram quickly put his head down as he continued to slice the bread and chop some fruit. When the Seph entered Aram's smile returned twice as wide. After all that had happened yesterday teh cook hadn't had a chance to talk to the first mate about what had happened since the two separated. the chance would have to wait. Gabe had finished his breakfast and was waiting for the rest on deck.

gathered on deck, the crew stood silently as they waited for their esteemed leader to issue the days orders. When the captain gave them, Aram almost laughed. Harness the power of the Island? How was anyone supposed to do that? But then, the idea made sense as crazy as it was. But where should they start looking?...

Aram sat up. "Could Arlen try talking to Pu'aki again? He seemed to have won them over...and they seemed to be able to harness at least some of the power of the island..."

...

Cyradis rose drastically more sluggish than normal. Usually she sould do a few stretches and rub the sleep from her eyes and be ready to greet the day. This morning, however, the warm embrace of the sun's rays from her window were returned by a grumble and yank of her sheets to cover her eyes. She dozed for perhaps another half hour before forcing herself to her feet. She stood and stretched briefly before putting on a blue robe with gold trim around the hems. Standing before the mirrior, she was immediately thankful she had washed the night before. Her hair was still in need of proper soap, but it was at least untangled and quick to style into a braid.

Breakfast was expectedly meager. Aram somehow seemed disappointed, as well, evident by the less than enthusiastic demeanor he abnormally carried. Cyradis didnt' really blame him though. She could tell he took a genuine pleasure from cooking the fine meals they'd come to enjoy so much. It must have felt strange for him to have to ration the remaining food. There was little talk during breakfast; the air was heavy with last night's complications. After eating, the crew gathered on deck to hear an address from the captain.

He took a moment to reguard them each in turn before laying down the reality of the situation. He concluded with a mission to find the island's source of power. Aram suggested the local natives might be willing to help, but if they did know of the power and how to tap in to it, Cyradis doubted they'd be free with that information.

"We might have to be more... discreet about it," she offered. "If the natives have managed to manipulate the island's power in some way, they may be offended if we ask to have it as well. It might be sacred to them. Often, gifted magical users in nomadic and secluded societies are revered as shaman or wise men, unaware they are simply naturally attuned to magic. On the other hand, the power I felt is not like what I can normally feel throught the world. It seems to have a definate physical source, rather than an ethreal one. Perhaps an artifact in the ruins, or even in an inactive lava floe inside the volcano."

Observe. Remember. Exploit. It was a measure of his own fatigue and worry that he was not taking in all the details of his surroundings. It was simply to much to take in. His mind was over loaded with the past two few days and the constant worry of Cailey's health. Her breathing had grown shallower, her fever burning fiercely. She had not spoken or opened her eyes since he had stepped on the beach.

The captain had been polite enough, offering sanctuary where just hours before none had existed. He could not and would not forget this kindness, this debt that he owed these people. It would be even greater if Cailey survived the night. They were rushed off to the healers quarters below the deck. As instructed he lowered Cailey gently on a bed, taking a moment to run his fingers through her hair. He felt the tears, his eyes mysting. What would his father have said? Or Rahiem? A Maktah at the brink of tears? But then even Rahiem had admitted that he was different.

"May Nepheli's blessing be placed upon you, may she bath you in her divine light." he prayed before moving out of the healers way. He unshouldered his pack to the floor and leaned against the wall, sinking slowly to the floor. He would not leave her side. He could not leave her. The tear ran unexpectedly down his cheek as the darkness and the exhaustion over took him...
______

The youth stood straight his heart racing as the wagon disapeared over the horizon. He had known this day would come, the chief had hinted as much had committed every waking hour in training him. Training him to prepare him for this moment. And the only thing the youth could think of as the old man eyed, sizing him up like butcher at an auction, was the only thing he cared about slipping away in that cart. He had made a promise...anger swelled within.

"You aren't much boy." the old man sniffed. "Kind of raggly I dare say." The man was hard. It was the best way the only was to describe him. There was a hardness about him, like a man who could stare down a dragon. His hands were the size of the youths head, his eyes a raging inferno. "You've been trained boy?" It wasn't much of a question it was like a dismisal. As if his years of training meant nothing.

"You wish to speak?"

The youth glared back.

The old man grinned. "So there is some fight in you after all. Just push you a bit. He wants you to be Maktah. You know what that means? Its the incarnation of death. But I am not impressed with you yet." he reached behind him rummaging in a pack before producing two wooden wands. A with a flick of the wrist he flipped one to the youth who caught it in air. "Strike me boy."

The youth stood still his eyes still on the horizon.

"Strike me!" he grolwed. "Strike me and you can go home." he hissed.

Recognition entered the youths mind and with nimble reflexes he slashed forward intending to strike.

*Whap*

The wooden wand exploded against his cheek dripplets of blood flew in the air as the darkness and pain over took him. The youth hit the ground groggily. "You will have to get better boy if you wish to live..." the rest words faded as he slipped into unconsiousness.
______

His eyes opened wearily unsure of how long he had slept his bag still rested where he left it, the room empty. Panic was pushed aside as he felt the familiar weight resting in his lap. He reached down stroking Cailey's hair unsure of when she had curled up next to him. Foolish child she had had a bed. At least she seemed well. He owed the healer thanks as well as the captain and crew.

He waited till he felt her stir. "How you feel little one?"

She yawned stretching like a cat. "Sleepy." A soft growling broke the silence and they both laughed. "And hungry." she added. There clothes were a mess as well as themselves. Dirt and dried blood steined them both yet they had not received quarters and they had been in worse shape before. He nodded and led her up stairs.

They hadn't wandered long before they found the crew and what seemed to be the mess hall. They nodded to the others and took a seat. He cut off two chunks of cheese and some bread. As he ate he noticed Cailey's little fingers sneak a piece of fruit into her pocket. He understood her feeling one never knew when the next meal might come. Neither of them spoke while they ate instead listening trying to figure out their new surroundings. Cailey seemed enchanted by the mage, Cyradis. She watched her when she wasn't looking and cast her gaze down when ever the mage looked her direction. Drice tried to conceal his grin. After breakfast the group began to discuss their next move.

Magic was not his realm of knowledge nor was the workings of this ship. He could stand guard, or scout if they needed.
_____

"From everything that's happened and from what I've heard, this island seems to have some great source of power. Something strong enough that Cyradis can feel it in all the living things that exist on this island," Gabe gestured to the ship mage Cyradis, who nodded in confirmation. "We need to find the source, and find a way to use it to restore the Dawn."

"That said, anyone have any bright ideas on how to do that?"

But wasn't magic part of all things? Cailey furrowed her brows in thought. Her teachers had lectured as much however she cast her senses out into the air around her. Yet there was something different to the power here compared to the blessing of Nepheli. She bit her lip. Could she really do it? She wanted to pay them back for what they had done. In helping not only her but Drice as well. "I um..." she whispered. "I might be able to find it."

She gave Drice a nervous look wishing to hide behind him as she gathered the others attention. "I mean I can feel things with my senses. If I get close enough I should be able to..."

"She was able to sense you all in the darkness, as well as you track you to this ship last night." Drice offered. She shot Drice an appreciative look thankful for his reassurance.

As soon as the beach spread out before her Jade's heart skipped a beat. There was hope for them yet, but she knew that even though her entire body ached now was not the time for rest. She cast a quick glance over the crew, making sure none of them was in any mortal danger.

"Anything I can do to help?" Arlen came up to ask her.

"Yes, I need to see to this girl, but check if the others need any help." Without any further explanation she quickly ushered Cailey and her brother down to the sick bay.

"Put her there on the bed," she told Drice while she moved around in the room, as if looking for something. She cursed inwardly at not feeling quite at home here yet. The vials that stood on the shelves, some broken from the crash, was unfamiliar to her and she had to check and re-check them a couple of times until she found what she was looking for.

"Here, eat this." She held out a spoon of dark brown liquid. "I know it taste horrid, but it will help you to hold off the poison." The girl did as she was told, and from the grimace she made, she probably agreed that the taste left something to wish for.

"Cailey, I need you to hold of the poison just a little while longer. Can you do that?" She was worried that the journey through the jungle had weekend the girl too much, however that had also given her time to think, to look at what was right in front of her. The fever, the colouration, the shallow breathing, and perhaps the most important, the flower. She had seen it, more by luck than skills since she wasn't looking for it. It was green with two large black dots on the petals, and even though this was an island, somehere totaly unexpected, it was not the first place she had seen the plant. It must have been planted on the mainlands, as this place seemed more like a proper habitat for it. She wasn't sure of its name, but she was quite certain what symptons it would give if you came in contact with its poisonous juice. And the cure. From her own medecine bag, whick she knew every corner of, she quickly produced a small green vial along with a syringe. She actually did have the same flower juice that had poisoned Cailey in her own bag. It did have healing powers if you extracted it correctly and mixed it with the right ingredients. She crushed some leaves in a bowl before mixing it with a few drops of the clear green liquid. After adding a couple of other ingredients she filled the syringe and held it up in the light.

"This will help pushing out the poison," she explained to both of them. "It will take time," she warned Drice as Cailey moaned slightly as she gave her the shot close to the wound. She held her breath, without realizing she had done so, as she stuck a needle through the skin next to where she had given the shot. She gave away a sigh of relief. No matter how certain she had felt, there was always a small chance that she had been wrong. Seeing the skin blush by the prick of the needle she knew for sure that she had been right. It would take a couple of hours, all night perhaps, but if no complications arrived the girl would be safe.

As the body would work on itself now to push out the poison Jade started working on the wound. Looking up several minutes later she saw that Drice had fallen asleep, leaning against the wall. She smiled slightly, knowing very well the strong bond between siblings. Speaking of siblings, she had not seen Jasper for hours. She hoped that he was safe and then chuckling a bit at her own worries. Jasper would always be safe. In a way. It took her almost an hour to clean the wound and then more to stitch it up. As she had finally closed the wound with some stitches she focused on her inner light. Holding her open palms over the child's side a warmth began to spread. When she removed her hands the skin had already begun to heal with a fresh pink colouration.

Exhausted she finally allowed herself some rest, crawled up on the floor by the end of the bed. Cailey was still having a fever, but her breathing had begun to go back to normal.

----

She was standing in a bedchamber, looking out through the window. It was a beautiful sunny morning.

"You look like a dream," a male voice said from behind. Her insides grew warm as she recognised the voice. Edric. Edric Worthingstone. She turned around and threw her arms around his neck, feelings his muscles as she pressed her body against his.

"So what do you want to do your first day as Lady Worthingstone?" he asked after he had let go of her lips with his.

The dream shifted and she gave out a slight moan. Her eyes began to move under her closed eyelids.

Suddenly she felt a fear spread through her entire body. She was running through a dark corridor. Someone was following her. She couldn't see who it was.

----
A soft hand on her shoulder. At first she thought that she was still in the dream world and that whomever had been chasing her had caught up with her and she let out a squeak. Soon she realised that she had been stirred, not by something, but someone. Jasper had returned and he looked down at her with a worried look in his green eyes.

<You were moaning and moving around,> he said and without thinking she held up a finger to her mouth to silence him. She pointed at the other two. The girl had moved during the night, down to the floor next to her brother.

<It's morning, and the ship are starting to wake,> he said, ignoring her attempt to silence him. They would not hear him. Moving silently she stood up, still trying to shake away that feeling of fear from the dream.

<You look awful,> Jasper told her with a grin. He was probably right, she thought. Both her clothes and hands had traces of dried blood. She could only imagine was her face looked like. Deciding to let the newcomers sleep it out she tiptoed out from the room, followed by Jasper.

Before breakfast she waded out into the water to splash some fresh water to her face. At least she didn't have any more blood on her, apart from the clothes, that was. Her hair was still a mess, but she was too tired to care. Later she joined the rest of the crew. She listened to what they had to say, but was too tired to add anything to the conversation.

Jasper was standing next to her, holding a comforting arm around her, invisible to the rest. He knew that whatever the dream was, it was still troubling Jade. She had that same look in her eyes as he had seen many years back. If only he could remove her troubles for her. Glancing at the rest his eyes fell on Sephara. The beautiful first mate. Their encounter in the woods had not really gone as expected, but at least they had made a first encounter. He had failed to properly introduce himself though. He hadn't really meant to scare her. Perhaps, if things settled down, he could do it proper.

First they would have to get away from this cursed place though. Before returning to the ship he had dealt with the other spirits, sending them to the other plane, wherever that was. It was funny how he could do that, while he himself had been unable to do the same. Still this place unnerved him slightly. Perhaps Jade felt it too. This was the first bad dream she had had since they had joined this crew.

It was a long night.

It had been even longer for others, Arlen had to remind himself. Doing basic care for those who needed it was a simple brainless activity. It allowed him to decompress. Arlen was used to foraging for food, eating barely edible things at times, but real food he could feel between his teeth seemed to keep coming to his mind. Food and Pu'aki. The man must have been ancient.

The last patient was served, and he was the only one left in the bay. The only one awake, anyway. It was only a matter of courtesy, but Arlen followed behind where Jade had worked and cleaned the work surfaces. Blood had a way of spreading infection, he was sure she knew. Other things were on her mind at the moment, like getting rest, he was also sure.

He tossed the soiled linen into a corner of the room for later washing. Arlen made a mental note to remind whoever's job is was to wash them about sharks and blood.

Above deck, Arlen saw water drops heading for private cabins. Someone must have just taken a dip not too long ago. Although Arlen wanted to speak to Gabe, he was nowhere to be found. Probably holed up in his room planning out the next move. Arlen would be, if he were captain. There was some serious work to be done. Xavier had hardly been seen, from what he could tell. He was working in the depths of the engine, cleaning and clearing it out. That was going to be the easy part, too. At least the hull had stayed intact and the tide hadn't pulled it out yet. What worried Arlen was whether it would sink into the sand now instead.

His colorful foreign clothing was rather dull and drab now, after trekking through the jungle and sweating in it for a couple of days.

The first watch was coming to a close and Arlen went to grab a quiver and bow, along with a short sword. Arlen tapped his comrade on the shoulder. "Time's up," Arlen smiled, "Get some rest, Kaltor. I know it's an uneasy night though."

"Sure," was all the man replied with a shrug.

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

It was a surprisingly easy watch, but a fitful sleep. The island and strange things happening on it flooded his dreams. At times he wished he were awake to end it, but couldn't seem to breach the barrier into the waking world.

At last, it ended. Arlen was more tired than when he had fallen asleep. There was a shattered mirror piled up in his cabin, just in case he stepped on it with bare feet. Taking a shard of it, he stared at his visage. He looked drawn and weathered. Bags hung from his bloodshot eyes. Arlen looked like he'd smoked some of that five-leafed plant he'd experimented with in his youth. The name escaped him at the moment. Either way, the warm weather where it came from was much appreciated compared to the cold from where he hailed.

With a heave, he threw his unwilling body out of the cot. "I'm getting old..." he grumbled and twisted his torso. The subsequent symphony of cracks relieved the stiffness that accumulated when he slept these days.

When he exited his room, he saw a trio of deckhands watching a rather lightly clothed - lighter than he'd seen thus far - exercising. That explains a lot, Arlen thought while passing by. She finished as he passed the last deckhand, another northerner, that Arlen had found out tended to help Xavier. Probably more by assignment than choice. Xavier was strange and difficult to work with, Arlen having been assigned to him once very briefly. Arlen was familiar with the customs of the surrounding nations, having come from similar climate. Somehow, it suited the pilot.

A simple but thankful meal awaited him on deck before Gabriel waited for them to assemble. The meal was excellent, considering. No one looked quite a hundred percent this morning. Some looked less than functional. Arlen couldn't help wondering what everyone's history was. His own was so enigmatic and wild - he was sure other lives were just as interesting. He'd only been with them less than a week. Hardly enough time to know everything about everyone. Still, the ones that were lost in the battle still hadn't been properly eulogized. Perhaps the people on this ship weren't the most devout believers in their respective religions. Arlen surely was not.

And yet, something here stirred within him some doubt about his previous decisions about gods and goddesses. Still, it was probably nothing. Just mysticism at its finest.

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

Gabriel stood before them all gave them the rundown, and asked for any ideas. Arlen had a few, but decided to wait. Aram, on the other hand, threw him to the wolves. Thankfully, others gave valid thoughts that Arlen himself was inwardly debating.

"It could be as simple as such," he finally said in response to the newcomers. "However, the young Cyradis makes an excellent point. Discretion is needed. I hadn't exactly... gotten the chance... to talk to our Captain about my experiences. It's of a rather personal nature, really. I don't want to offend, but I'll say it now and plainly."

Arlen broke the line and stood between the groups so he could see everyone's eyes. They were tired, all of them. Some were rather devout, it seemed. "I don't believe in gods. I believe they are players in the same game of life we are. Just pieces of larger value. If they exist at all.

"This is one of those places where one of those more valuable pieces likes to enforce his will and lay claim. I can only attribute the experiences I've had while in the T'a'u'weke village to it. They gave me a fruit that was laced with something that put me in a sort of trance. I believe it was poorly refined magicite. During that event, my mind was open to unwilling intrusion by a being who calls himself T'a'u'weke, and who these people identify themselves with."

Arlen looked at them all. Some probably thought he was crazy. The magic users among them probably figured that T'a'u'weke did exist, and tethered himself to the island through the abundance of magicite. Either way, the only one he had to convince was Gabriel. Arlen looked at both Sephara and then at Gabriel. "I believe the test was one of heart and intent. I vouched that those aboard this ship were good people, though I haven't known any of you for very long. Being that he deemed my own intentions and heart to be of the right condition, whatever that might be, we were allowed temporary residence without issue."

His eyes rested on Sephara's face. She reminded him so much of another. She had a taste already of what powers this island held, he knew. Arlen then looked to Cyradis, Cailey, Archamae, Xavier, and finally Gabriel. Arlen was feeling rather exposed and uncomfortable, but this was as good at time as any to say what he did.

"I think T'a'u'weke is bound to this island due to the abundance of it beneath our very feet. It's circulating through the island like blood. It comes from the lava, which then seeps into the water, causing all the plants to grow wild. However, it is also sacred. They would never share it."

The rest was for Gabriel, and not the crew. Arlen stepped back into place.

"It's far too deep to dig," he added, "And the tunnels are guarded by the tribesmen. I believe Cyradis would agree that as much magicite as I know is down there could be too dangerous to attempt siphoning through magical means."

OOC: Hope I'm not screwing up anyone's ideas.

The Captain of the Requiem Dawn listened closely to what his people had to say. This crew was possibly the best he'd ever sailed with, and he had no doubt their bonds had only grown since surviving the Orc raid, and crash landing on this forgotten isle. Together, they would do great things together... but it all hinged on getting a source of magicite that they weren't even sure existed.

He rubbed the back of his neck with one hand, placing the other on his hip. He didn't like his options. Pragmatism was pointing him to simply take what they needed, find a way to get the magicite, but betray the natives trust in the process. Principle dictated he return the friendship these islanders had shown them, but it could mean being stranded indefinitely.

A stiff morning breeze floated in from the sea, filling the deck with the sea salt air. Cascading down slowly from the heavens was a grey and white feather that had fallen from some bird. It was picked up by the wind and danced across the dark wooden planks, which were looking older and more splintered than ever, before landing on the foot of the jade-eyed doctor. Like a lightning strike, he suddenly remembered the revelation she had revealed last night.

"Jade," he said eagerly, "Is your brother here right now?" He didn't even have to wait for her to reply as Jasper thinly materialized beside her. Startled eyes and moans regarded the apparition as Gabe realized not everyone had met Jasper yet. Sephara's eyes were perhaps the widest. Something like disbelief mixed with recognition was plastered over her usual stoic look.

"Everyone, meet Jasper. Jasper, everyone," Gabe side with childlike glee, "Meet the man who's getting us off this island."

-o0o-

Three days was all it took to finish repairing the ship. New planks and been cut from the sturdiest trees they could find, and while it now formed a mishmash pattern of light and dark wood in various places around the hull, everything was ready for they to depart. Enough food had been foraged, sails reknitted, and Xavier had been brilliant in working to fix, or at least patch, any of the broken machinery.

Now it was time to find the last piece of the puzzle.

The plan was simple. Sephara would lead a small team to find and retrieve a source of magicite from the tunnels formed from liquid hot magma pouring out of the volcano. Cailey would use whatever magical talents she possessed to find a magical source, and they would then locate the nearest entrance. Jasper would appear in front of the guards and chase them away. Sephara had assured him the natives were not accustomed to seeing spirits, and although she had called it nether magic, she'd had no other alternative to offer, and accepted the decision. The team would then enter, find the magicite, and bring it back.

It sounded so simple, too simple. He prayed nothing went wrong.

Standing over the deck with the members of the crew that were left behind watched their friends disappear into the jungle foliage. Cailey with her big brother watching over her went first, followed by Jade, and he assumed Jasper had already moved out front to scout unseen. Cyradis came after, he magical abilities and knowledge could prove invaluable, followed by Kaltor and Sephara.

With any luck they'd all return shortly... and unhurt.

OOC: A bit rushed, but it works ^_^

...

"Everyone, meet Jasper. Jasper, everyone, meet the man who's getting us off this island."

Jasper grinned broadly as he materialized next to his sister. Could you get any better introduction than that? Some already knew about his existance, but to most it was still news, which was easily read from their surprised faces. He stayed transparent, since transforming into a solid body would take too much strength and energy from Jade. With the state she was in now she would probably fall into pieces if he did. Well that or at least fall into a coma. Why they were connected like this was unclear. None of them understood how it worked, or why it had happened. Then again, it didn't really bother as much as Jade. As long as they knew the consequences. He only took a solid form when it was really needed. When Jade's safety was on the line was one of those moments.

"Jasper Alexander." He gave them all a nonchalant salutation and winked at Sephara. Her reaction amused him widely.

---

Three days later he stood on the same place waiting for the group to gather. They had gone over the plan several times. He was actually rather bored thinking of it by now. With the help from the girl they would find this magicite, and with his help the natives was no longer a problem.

"I'll see you when I see you," he told the others before he became invisible to their eyes.

<I'll run up ahead> he told Jade as the girl and her brother, who had been too close to Jade these past couple of days than he liked, took the lead. Jade had assured him that he had nothing to worry about, that she only sought their company to look after the girl making sure that she was getting better, but sometimes he wondered. After all, Jade wasn't ugly, even he could see that, and he had saved the man's sister. That was probably not a turn off. He didn't like how the captain looked at her sometimes either, which he had said many a times. Her bad dreams had continued to visit her every night, and if anything it didn't help his worrying. He had wanted to speak with Sephara, one on one, but with the state Jade was in he had refused to leave her side, even for brief moments. He had watched her closely, and he could see that she had changed. She put on a brave face, but he saw how she twitched involuntarely when someone came too close, or moved too quickly. If he had been in charge he would not have sent her on this mission at all, but the Captain hadn't seen what he had seen and it was not for him to tell her secret. Plus it seemed like the magicite was the only thing that would get them far away from this strange place, and hopefully that would lead to the better.

Almost an hour he went ahead of the group, sometimes doubling back to make sure he was on the right path. The jungle was silent apart from the birds that warned others that they were moving. Suddenly he heard something. Or rather, he didn't. The birds fell silent, and he felt that it was not only because they couldn't hear the others yet from behind. It felt like they fell silent for another reason. Anticipation or wariness. Or acceptance of ones presence. He stopped and glanced around. The others were still a bit behind so he would have time to return and warn them if need be. Suddenly a man more or less walked right through him. So silent had he appeared from the green thickness that Jasper hadn't noticed him until he was right upon him. It was one of the natives. Who else could move so silently through the jungle and who else would the animal life accept in their proximity. Quickly Jasper moved past him and headed back for the group.

He showed himself to them just in front of Drice, who reacted by trying to slice him into pieces. Luckily that was impossible.

"A man is approaching. He's alone. Native," he said with a hushed voice. Without waiting he moved back to Jade and pulled his own weapon. Both man and sword became invisible.

For the first time in a long time, Arlen had "slept in". For the past four nights, though, all he has had was the nightmare of a mental sort. <This island is cursing me,> he thought as he awoke. Arlen had never been to most places on the island, yet he knew what he would find at any place on it through its history from then until now. The last thing he remembered before awakening was that Weka'u was on his way.

Nearly dragging himself top deck, Arlen looked extremely haggard. Between working during the day and not really sleeping at night, he looked awful. Like a few too many hangovers. Not far away was Gabe, and he felt it was time. "Sir," he started, and walked over.

"Captain Gabriel, I have to tell you something. It might be out of my better judgement, but I think you'll see the team again soon, maybe. They are going to run into Weka'u, Pu'aki's replacement, should he die. Can we talk in your cabin?"

"Uhm... Sure." Gabriel asked, confused, but trusting of Arlen's hunches after the recent events. He seemed to cast a suspicious eye over him, regardless. "You don't look so great. Come to think of it, since you came back you've been a little out of it. Are you sick?"

Arlen just shook his head and motioned for Gabriel to follow him, already taking tired steps toward the suite.

--------

"So Sir, that's how it is..." Arlen said, slumping in his chair. "That's the secret of this island that T'a'u'weke has been trying to get through. It's the reason, the real one, for the decline, and for the Awai'aka's exile. Weka'u needs to know. It might save lives, in the end... Actually, I know it will. Innocent ones. Ours and theirs." Arlen rubbed his eyes and chuckled nervously. "I'm actually afraid to go back to sleep now. I feel like I'm seeing things through T'a'u'weke's eyes when I do."

Gabriel nodded, taking it in before asking any other questions or making any judgments. It was a completely plausible story - if not also a very possible hallucination. Gabriel's brooding was one of the reasons Arlen liked him so much, he didn't just leap into a situation if he could help it. Gabriel reminded Arlen of himself at his age, except perhaps a little more fascinated with treasure. These days, it was lounging that he took as treasure, over luxury. He was getting older, after all.

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


Weka'u broke through the foliage, as he had countless times in his life, with hardly more than a whisper to show for it. It was no more a barrier to him anymore than open air.

"A man is approaching. He's alone. Native," he heard. It was only a few feet away. Even after a lifetime in the thickness of the trees, he still couldn't see through it. He didn't need to though, they sounded like the giant lizards of the north shore fighting when they tried to cut their way through his home. The Arlen Man and Aram, they didn't look like brothers though their names sounded it, were good people anyway. Weka'u shook his head, thinking about how Pu'aki just asked him to come down here. Apparently, the old grandfather felt that since they weren't gone after three days, something must be happening to threaten them.

"I will talk to the Arlen Man, then. Have him tell us what is happening," Weka'u offered. Pu'aki had thought for several seconds about it before answering him.

"Okay, but be careful. His heart may be to T'a'u'weke's liking, but he is smart. He could be tricking even the Great Fire."

He walked into the group and saw two men and four women. Weka'u smiled as they saw him, and lightly bowed his head to them all in greeting.

"How is fix? Can I see?"

*threadninja!

IC:
"There you are," a deep, warm voice broke through the silence behind an auburn haired woman leaning aginst the rails on a pier. It was well after sunset, but the orange glow of the invisible star was still washed over the horizon; dancing like fire across the ocean's surface. The woman spun, her face beaming. She crossed the pier in two bounds and clasped the man around the waist. He laughed, and gently put his arms around her shoulders.

"I thought you'd never come back from the front, Rama. There's talk of war in the University. Invasion." She looked up at him, her eyes bent with worry.

"Don't worry sister. The rumors are exaggerated. High command assures us the borders are safe. Mother always said you were quick to stress, X'Irah. You should really be more relaxed or you'll get old faster."

X'Irah glared at Rama and stepped away from him in mock anger, folding her arms across her chest, "Fine. I'll just never show any emotion to anyone ever again." Rama burst out laughing and began to walk away. X'Irah quickly ran to catch up.

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

The distinct sound of a magicite-infused Dominion war cannon boomed in the distance. the earth shattered not ten feet from where Rama stood. He cursed and threw up his arm to block the shower of mud and rainwater following the round hitting the saturated dirt. All around him the battle raged. At his feet were the bodies of three dispatched Dominion soldiers still clutching thier magicite powered chain swords. Rama knelt and quickly reattached his wing-shaped shield to his arm before raising his voice over the chaotic battle.

"Get back in to line! Form up!" His phalanx had been breached moments ago, but they had recovered after some losses. His men were shuffling through the mud, still warding off the attacks pressed by the persistant Dominions. Rama took position in the front of the line, his decorative, but incredibly strong shield forming the base around which the phalanx spread. He felt the men behind him press against his back with thier own shields, further stengthening the unit. Past the third row, lancers began hurling thier javelins over the heads of the defenders as Rama ordered his men to push. His abs burned hotter with the stress of each subsequent push.

Like before, the Dominion commanders sounded the retreat after hours of fighting. The Dominions lost this day, but with each passing battle, more and more Kellans fell to their relentless onslaught. Thier enchanced weaponry consistantly passed through all but the thickest of armor, and their cannons wrecked havoc on fortified positions. Rama felt this battle marked a turning point for the Kellans. They had to do something - anything - to stop the invasion.

---Present---

Rama passed through the doors of the Kellan seat of the government, the Grand Citadel. His steps were loud against the marble floors, and his polished steel armor reflected the light from the glowing crystals illuminating the halls. Each guard he passed saluted sharply to him and held thier spears at attention. Rama didn't stop to return the salute or even acknowledge the men. When one is summoned by the high council, one does not tarry. He halted only after reaching the closed doors of the council's war room. The two guards blocking passage reguarded him briefly before staning aside and pulling the doors apart.

Rama entered the torchlit room, and he immediately knelt before the congregation of robed men gathered around the table in the center. The doors were closed behind him, and the Kellan emperor stood from his lavish chair.

"She has gone missing. Her orders were to investigate claims of theft from the border village of Tsav. Her report is almost a year overdue, and any attempts to find her in the past have met with failure. This time, we're sending you. Take three of your best and find her. The diviners still sense her life flowing through the energies. Begin in Tsav; a full mission history awaits your team there. As of now, you are advanced to the rank of captain. That is all."

Rama lifed off his knee, but still in a deep bow. The doors parted and he exited the room walking backwards. He did not stand upright until the doors were closed. His face was stone as he stared at the ornate oaken doors.

"Good luck, captain." One of the guards said, giving Rama a deserved salute and slight bow. Rama nodded and left the Grand Citadel faster than he'd arrived. He had almost a year's worth of catching up to do.

OOC: If anyone who wants to join in right away, and needs a door into the thread, I can work you in to the team mentioned above. They will split up anyway, so your posts can be all on your own terms instead of waiting on me. Just send me a PM or an e-mail to the address listed on my profile.

*vanish