2021.02.04 A Spear in the Deep 1
The Pacific Ocean
Setting
The Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean, in the Autumn World, is a vast and endless landscape of ocean. The largest ocean in the world, it is also the most turbulent. Heavy waves are a dime a dozen once out beyond civilization and the heavy winds make sail-travel, pardon the pun, a breeze. The upside? Excellent conditions to travel via sailing vessel. The downside?
A lot of emptiness. The ocean is a silent void out here beyond the reach of civilization. If something happens, there is no one to save you. If danger strikes, there is no Fiefdom to protect you. The isolation, to the uninitiated on the waves, is almost oppressive.
To the fae of course, the Pacific is not empty. Out on the High Seas it is almost Romantic (capital R). A breaching whale, of almost mammoth size, is an uncommon...but sightly occurance as the barrier brought on by the Shattering, what keeps the Near Dreaming and the Autumn World independent realms, brushes heavily against each other but still do not cross. The presence of ambient glamour, naturally occuring, is still present out here in the middle of nowhere. A small relief...to seaworthy Kithain.
Scene
On behalf of His Grace, the Duke Aeon ap Fiona, the Duke of Goldengate of the Kingdom of Pacifica, hereby contract and proclaim as servants, the crew of the NRS Journeyman - for services resided therein:
In the name of His Grace, and of His Dukedom, and to Her Majesty the Queen Aeron ap Fiona, the Queen of Pacifica, the NRS Journeyman is hereby discharged to patrol and assert the presence of the Dukedom upon the Pacific Ocean.
At Issue, the NRS Journeyman is hereby discharged with the hunt and elimination of the rebel ship known as 'The Invictus'. Proof of destruction shall yield reward and completion of this writ of service.
For performance of this service, the NRS Journeyman and it's crew shall keep 1/2 of all assets collected in completion of it's task. It shall also yield a reward of arms and armaments for it's personnel and crew at the behest of His Grace the Duke Aeon ap Fiona and a cumulative reward of 50 Dross.So, at dawn, the crew of the Journeyman once more pack at the Marina to begin their journey on the waves. Tabin is looking over maps at the dock as he checks in with everyone. Everyone best be having their piece clean! Remember the charter. This time however, they have EPIC patrons. The dukedom being their sponsor, the Journeyman is packed with all sorts of goodies from food to wine to actual RUM. Because...the rum can never be gone. Once everyone arrives, Tabin gets everyone onto the deck.
"Alright peeps. Two things before we get sailing out." He says. "First and foremost we have a guest on the ship." He points to Vika. "That, is Vika. A Mer whose been staying on the Journeyman since she arrived. Since we're heading out, she'll be coming out with us." He says, noticing Maggy once more squirreling onto the ship as the Journeyman's prized Stowaway.
"Second. Our target is the Invictus. I have...mixed feelings about this run." He says. "If it's the ship that I think it is, we're in for a slobberknocker. The Invictus is a renowned Accordance War Ironship which means if it is? Then the seadogs manning it are going to have more wartime experience that probably the entirety of Tara Nar, put together. But we got our orders. Gotta put it out of commission...if you want my opinion? Going at them guns blazing is going to be a dangerous proposition. But that's a crew decision. Otherwise, we have two tasks ahead of us. The first is we have to find it, and the second is how to take it out without trying to blow it up...if that's what people choose. Alright then. Let's get ready to sail. Wiiiiiiick, man the helm. Clover! Get up to the nest and get those sails ready. Bosun!" He looks to Cicada. "Take us out."
Timand leans against a railing as Tabin speaks and he nods slowly. Being on land for a few weeks has been nice, but now that the ship is starting to move again he's looking a little..well..unwell. Here we go again. He takes a little breath as the shop rocks, then looks to Tabin "Do they expect us ta be comin' at 'em? What do we know about 'em? How many guns, how many crew, we know anythin' at all?"
Erin and Kringer listen to Tabin as she looks thoughtful at this and she nods thoughtfully " I say we don't go guns blasing and think of another way to maybe sneak onto the ship?" Erin then moves to inspect the ship making sure it's all in good shape for the trip.
"Yes, Cap'n!" Clover cheers when given the order, lifting one hand to salute Tabin before she's turning away and heading on over to get to work on the ropes, unlatching bits and getting them ready so once they're out far enough she can lift the sails! As she hangs on to the ropes she glances about, and that grin goes wide when she sees Timand having to get used to being on the water again.
Erin adds and gives a wave to Vika and smiles at something.
Vika lifts a hand to greet the rest when Tabin mentions her, then otherwise stands to the side and waits. She stays out of the way, but she watches everything with interest; seeing this all for the first time as well as preparing for helping later on.
Conn profers a courtly bow to the Mer guest "Murid Sorceror Conn ap Scathach, this is Wick, first in my heart, Tabin, Erin and Krieger, Cicada, Maggy, Clover," he says gesturing to each in turn "and the pest on my shoulder," he says nodding to a Chimerical Crow perched there, "is Beanna."
"Mer?" Cicada looks up from applying a fresh coat of lip-gloss to her lips to peer towards the guest Tabin had announced. An aquatic cousin? With a blink her fishy eyes of abyssal black shift to gold. "Konbanwa!" Her lips purse around her sharky teeth as she peers towards the 'cousin'. Though there's little time to stare, as Tabin calls to set sail. Her sandals slap on the deck as she scampers off towards the anchor to raise it up and take them out of port. "Maggy-chan! You help Clova with those sails!" She looks over to Tabin. "Do we raise the Duke's flag now or when we make our approach?"
"If it's THE Invictus?" Tabin regards Timand. "Then it'll be a Cargo carrier that works off a Nocker Something-Or-Other Engine." He's not a Nocker. He doesn't know the names of things they make. Just that they make engines sometimes. "9 Roaring cannons on each side with a mortar at it's bow. Designed to be a portable fortress during the Accordance War. So if it has a crew it could be small? It's a cargo carrier, not much needed to run one...or a fuckton of marines." Cuz...you know...fortress. When Cicada asks about the Duke's flag he nods. "Raise it. Hopefully it will deflect some unwanted company until the time comes."
Wick stands at Conns' side as introductions are made to the merfolk guest. He smiles with a a nod before dipping into a bow as Conn does. But then Tabin the DASHING captain is calling him to the helm. "Aye, captain." And with that, the Satyr is leaping up to take the wheel. And under the bosun's orders, he guides the ship out to sea. And as he does, a mechanical little sparrow comes fluttering down from the sails to settle upon his shoulder for the moment. But soon, it takes to the crow's nest to join Clover.
Maggy can't help but perform some sort of faux-cartoonish-sneaking motion after she's spotted. Hunched over, hands held in front of her gingerly, stepping on tip-toe with long strides till she's gotten herself scooted over to lounge about Cicada. All this despite being completely and utterly visible. Looking to Cicada as the Bosun's order come right from the captain she grins,"Ply stickin' rods outt inna blaze past tha' crick 'n churn." eyebrow waggling to Cicada after her speech, uncorking a couple 5-hour energies and downing them immediately before pocketing the little bottles. A shudder running through her before she flexes her arms inwards a bit, and makes a gruff exhale,"OOogh! Stars pullin' bright, 's sharp!" She hangs her head a bit; faux sulking as she moves to help with sails.
Clover smiles over to Vika, and she sends her a friend wave and a quick, "Hi!" as she watches her. Her attention shifts to Maggy and she giggles, asking, "Holy cow. How many of those drinks do you have? I can't even handle one. I'll be up for about thirty-six hours from it. Yeesh!" She smiles wide at Maggy and looks to appreciate the help, and once the sails are up she's heading on up to the nest above, greeting the little birdy with a, "Fancy meeting you here again." She giggles and hops on in, looking out to the ocean. The Romantic ocean! Ouu lah lah!
Erin moves to help once she's done checking the ship over. She does hear Tabin and she blinks "Nocker well fuck yeah that will be .." she hmms "Cuz he could have golems instea of people on his ship and all kinds of toys if he is any good and smart" she shrugs as she comments before she gives a little grumble.
Timand is leaning casually on the railing, leeward, but people who might be looking at him can see that his knuckles are white as he squeezes the railing. Another deep breath, and he eyes the dock moving away. Turning his head back to look to Tabin he gives a little grunt "Yeah, so goin' toe ta toe against 'em probably ain't a good idea." He glances up at the flag and hmmmms a bit "Is flyin' that gonna alert 'em that we are around? They gonna see it and be on guard or somethin?"
Maggy just grins a bit at the question of how many she has,"Sittin' fired up inna duodecad wit' a handle chasin' ferry weight, if'n ya'll're pluckin." eventually going her own way to lounge about like some sort of ne'er-do-well near Cicada. Jittering a bit as she does so before calming and finally relaxing.
Conn nods "Well I know little enough about Nocker engines or golemns, but I do know that if you hit things with a sword enough, they tend to fall apart. Be it dragon or ship. We should probably Oakenshield up, does anyone here not have access to Primal? We should address that now." He looks around the crew to see if anyone needs him to take him up on the offer.
"Possibly. If that happens, if push comes to shove we'll white flag if they get the drop on us." While anyone might wonder how a cargo carrier could outmaneuver a caravel, Tabin isn't leaving it to chance. Not with so many unknowns, and known unknowns, floating about." Tabin watches the dock flow away and then gives Timand a stern pat on the arm. "Told you. See? Your not vomitting yet. Your getting some sea legs on you yet." He looks to Conn as he addresses hitting everyone with Oakenshield and then heads up to the helm, next to Wick, pulling out a map and unravelling it. His nagivation charts, making plans. You know. Captain stuff, while the crew get accomodations, greetings, and pre-planning underway.
Erin looks to Conn "Kringer and I are good, thanks" she gives him a little smile as she looks a little thoughtful.
Leaning over the nest railing and peering on down at Conn, Clover calls, "I don't! And we all know how I bled all over the place last time!" Still, she laughs about it, grin going wide. Better get down there. Clover makes quick work of getting down to the deck again, and she hops her way on over to Conn, smiling brightly. "I'd appreciate a little help with it. Justttt in case. Thanks!"
Vika watches Timand's reaction to heading out on the water, then slides her feet a couple of steps to the side. The pants have been traded out for a skirt, easier to jump in the water with, and she wears her armor and bow. Conn's offer has her looking, her hand lifting to knock on her chestpiece. "I have this, but no shield." The inky black Mer armor's sheen shifting colors in the light. "And if it is of any help coming from below is an option as well."
Wick studies the map that Tabin unfurls with care. And though the Satyr might not have much of a head for calculations, he's able to set their navigation by decent 'feel'. Somehow. It's knowing where to go in the music. Best not to ask too many questions. They'll get there. But then gazing off towards Conn as he calls for people to take Oakenshield, he says, "We should spend some time setting it on the ship too. I'd hate for her to get damaged. We got lucky with that last time."
Timand scratches his chin as he thinks about this, then nods grimly towards Tabin concerning the sea legs "We'll see..I'm still feelin a bit floopy in th' belly but...i aint horked up yet so thats a plus." He notes Vika stepping away from him and he gives her a little smirk "Don't worry, i'm makin' sure I'm downwind from all yas." He then takes a deep breath and asks "So uhh...first we gotta find these guys first as I see it, right? Then we gotta figger away ta get close to 'em before they blow us outta the water. Maybe we can fake some sorta emergency an draw 'em close, make it look like th' ship is burnin' or somethin?"
| Conn casts Oakenshield for the crew! | Conn rolls Primal + Fae vs 5 for 3 successes. |
|---|
Conn takes out a mason jar of water from the lake by his Holding, purified and rarified in the flames of his balefire. "Okay, you two get over here, I'll pour this around you and anchor an Oakenshield to you both. Wick can you see to the ship?" And so he gets to it, pouring the water in a circle around anyone who needs Oakenshield and intones the few sacred names of stone that he knows in the area.
Tabin looks over at Wick. "...What? I've been around." He nudges Wick and looks back to his map. Since Wick is the helmsman, he leaves the map with him in case they need to go somewhere specific. "Don't worry, I remember our deal." He then steps away from Wick so Wick can deal with the Journeyman.
Erin looks a little thoughtful at Vika then looks at her curiously "How good is your knowledge with Wayfare?" she looks to Timand "/not a bad idea" she looks towards Conn and Wick and let's them do what they need to do.
Cicada listens to the talk of strategy, coming back over when she'd walked a single check around the ship. They stand in place as Conn sloshes the water around, holding out their arms as if they're being sized for a dress or something. "Mmmm. Are we supposed to destroy the other ship or steal it?" They ask with an unsureness in their voice. "I can help... with my water alchemy. Perhaps I could go over and break some things before sneaking away... or calling a great wave down upon them. I have... regained some strength over Metal, too, but only a little."
| Wick Oakenshields the Journeyman! | Wick rolls Stamina + Prop vs 4 for 8 successes. |
|---|
Wick nods off at Conn. "Mm. Sure, I can do that. Let me know if you need help with the others." He keeps Tabin's map with care. And he smiles at the captain with an appreciative warmth. "Thanks." As soon as the heading is set, he tucks away the map and pulls out an ocarina. Preparing his bunk, he plays a bright little song of birds singing in the springtime. And he dances in spirals until his bunk is set.
Clover stand there next to Cicada, sending her a friendly smile as she does, and she then focuses on Conn while the water is poured around them. She begins to look excited as it's done, giving a little clap. "Ohh, this is great. No more bullet holes.. and hopefully no cannon.. holes." Yeah. Cannon balls might hurt just a biiiittt more.
Vika stands still while Conn sets the shield on her, then goes about checking the rest of her gear to make sure it is ready. Erin's question brings her pause, and her eyes unfocus as she tries to think, then finally ends with shaking her head. A soft sound slips out, perhaps frustration, and she says. "I do not think it is something I am currently skilled in, my apologies."
As Conn tends to the crew, and Wick tends to the ship it is obvious the crew is in agreement that more than likely a direct attack to sink the Invictus is a fools errand and that something else needs be done. So, after ruminating and listening to the offered ideas Tabin comes up with a few ideas, to be handled by Crew Decision:
1. Hunt for info on the Invictus. This will take a while, but Tabin offers two places one can go to get info about the High Seas Pacific - Fairytales, a Tiki Bar on Hawaii Island and a renowned port of call for High Seas Kithain - or Haven, in the Cook Islands, which is a 'liberated city', ie Pirate Haven. Hence the name.
2 Draw them out. This would require spellwork to track the Invictus, then stage a faux emergency to get their attention and come to them. A risky gamble, if they are pirates they may take everyone captive. They are, afterall, 'rebels'.
3. Parlay. Like Draw them out, but draw them in to talk under terms. Also risky, they could just blow up the Journeyman, but this too would require spellwork to track.
| CREW DECISION | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hunt for Info | Draw them out | Parlay |
| Maggy | ||
| Wick | ||
| Clover | ||
| Vika | ||
| Cicada | ||
| MAJORITY WINS | ||
Erin gives a little nod to Vika "No worries, just thought I would ask" she nods "It's all good" she looks thoughtful.
Sitting cross legged, Maggy with her tail swaying behind her gently in thought,"MMmmm..."tapping her chin in thought,"So 's a pride pullin' fer a glass peek on tha' colors...a tug to a partin' flay with dregs scracthin' wounds....or tha' jaws goin' twine six-day fer a wag at it.....Callin' spits - Yeh'd sit fraid better toting smoke up tha sterns fans."
Wick kneels to set a thick layer of Oakenshield across the Journeyman's hull. It won't be easy to bring her down. He gives the deck's surfaced a pleased little pat. But then catching the threads of the discussion, he rises and approaches. Far more cautious than their last adventure, he says, "I think... It might be best for us to know more. We should track down that information first. And then we can do the other options. But not yet."
Cicada peers over towards Vika. "Nande ya nen? Water alchemy is the birthright of our kind, omae, the Shui Shen." She tilts her head squinting at the Merfolk. "Are you a memember of the Ministry of Water? Simply unleash righteous judgement." Cicada peers back over to the group making suggestions. "Mmm! I want to go to Hawaii!"
Vika listens as the discussion for their choices commences, and while armed for a fight she does say. "Finding information then going for a fight is an easy path to walk, but once the fight is underway I do not think the enemy will pause for us to do the opposite."
Timand considers the options presented to him by Tabin and he's about to open his mouth when he turns a nice shade of blue-green. Guess its that time. He makes a dash for the railing and starts to heave. Yuck. After a few moments of feeding the fish he wipes his mouth, spits into the ocean and turns around. "Yeah..well...least i lasted bout an hour.." He gives his head a little shake of his head and says "I don't like th' idea of jus' charing in. We gotta find out more shit bout these guys, but also gotta be careful we ain't gonna tip off any spies they got." He looks towards Conn "Remember what th' captain said th' other day when we was questionin 'im? He heard about us at Haven. Somethin' ta think about. If we go there we might be tippin' em off, but we might also get more info about who hired that fuckstick."
Tabin takes a tally of the crew's votes, and slowly a majority emerges among the crew. "Alright. We're heading for info. Wiiiiick! Second map in the stack. It'll give you nav charts." To the others, eyeing Cicada - the Bosun. "Figure out where we're going and inform the Helm."
On her way back up to the nest, Clover pauses mid-climb and grins wide, calling, "A tiki bar? That sounds great! Hawaii, too? Whooooo boy, yeah!" That gets her vote! She finishes her climb to the top, and once she's back on her perch she gazes out at the ocean.. till Timand's yacking. She glances down and giggles, calling, "Ya ok down there?"
Wick nods and returns to the helm where he digs out the maps he needs. Studying it with care, he turns the ship off towards the South and West and takes them off towards Hawaii. With the wind ruffling his hair and the sunshine bright overhead, he smiles flush with the adventure of it all. Starting of well. Glancing up at Clover, he grins. "All good. You and Lark ok? See anything?" He pauses a moment and glances off towards Tabin and the others. "Should... should we maybe... hide ourselves somehow? To avoid an early fight?"
Vika looks at Cicada with confusion on her face, but she does her best to push it back. "My memory is...lacking at the moment, but my skills in the water are not in question. At least I don't think they are." She checks the string on her coral bow, then her chin lifts and she looks to Timand, blinking. "What is this word? Fuckstick?"
Conn tilts his head at Erin "Why did you want to know about Wayfare mastery, Erin? It was the first Art I remastered this lifetime, so that I could get home and back without worrying about immigration."
Timand gives a thumbs up to Clover and a loud "never better!" Uh huh. Sure. Looking back at the rest of the crew he says "I really think th' Haven is our better option. Th' captain of th' other boat we captured was talkin' bout that place, bein a place where lots of secrets are passed an' shit like that. Right Conn?" He nods to the other troll "I think goin' there would be better than Hawaii or somethin'. Can always hit up th' tiki bar when we get done. I vote Haven." He looks to Vika and grins "Er, fuckstick means some asshole, dipshit. ummm...chum bucket?" He shrugs.
Erin looking to Conn as he asks her that question and gives a shrug "Cuz I was thinking if we happen to run into them or have them close by since she is better at swimming she could just go put a hole on the ship like the other guy did to ours" she shrugs "It was a thought." she shrug again like it's not a big deal.
Clover sends Timand a thumbs up at his less than convincing answer, but hey! Maybe he got it all out of his system. Clover then leans over the other side of the nest to peer down at Wick, and she sends him a bright smile as she says, "Everything's okay so far! Haven't seen anything headed our way yet! Nothing but beautiful skies and glittering waves and.. dolphins sometimes!"
Cicada blinks a fishy eye at Vika. "Ohhhh~! I get it. You must be newly reincarnated. Can't remember everything yet. Mmmm. Fuckstick means 'stupid asshole'. You'll figure out the rude words. Those are the most important ones in this Age." The Japanese Kith snaps their fingers in an animated aha moment before scampering off after Wick. The smacking of sandals against the deck can be heard in the distance. "Okay... Yagi-kun we need to find a way to get to Hawaii."
Maggy chuckles a bit and finds herself a spot to sit. Looking to Tabin she pantomimes a bottle to her lips, and them motions below deck with an eyebrow waggle with a questioning look on her face.
Erin looks at the ship looking thoughtful "Well we could hide but why do it now? Maybe when we are closer of something?" she shrugs looking curiously around. Wick smiles at Cicada as she comes to join him at the helm. And with a sharp nod, he says, "Yes Bosun. The course is set. Captain Tabin's maps are clear and well-made. So. We shouldn't have any trouble getting there."
Timand looks decidedly unhappy that they are going to Hawaii, but he was outvoted. "A drink sounds good right now too, need somethin in my belly now that I ain't got anythin' in it." He heads below decks to get a bottle, then comes back up to sit at the stern with a fishing rod. Time to help catch some rations for the ship.
Cicada draws a circle on the map over Hawaii with blue crayon and then draws an arrow all the way from Prospect's port to the circle. "Like this... looks like would be the most direct route, hai? But... it would be faster if we go south a little first. This is the California current. It'll zoom us there quickly!" They start to squiggle marks on the map of all the major currents they could remember. "HEY!" They call out to the rest of the crew loudly. "Is it al El Nino year?" The suijen looks back to Wick and then shrugs. "Mmmm. Don't think so. Hopefully it isn't."
As for Clover? She's just up there in the nest, having the best time leaning over the rail and feeling the wind in her messy hair. She looks out over the ocean and smiles to herself, arms lifting out to her sides to take in that breeze.
Erin gives a shrug about something and goes to join Timand and pats his arm as if thats going to make it all better.
Wick winces as Cicada starts to draw on the map with crayon. But realizing that she's showing them the best currents to sail on, he brightens. "Ah. Thank you. I'll adjust our course for that then." And then with a musician's care, he makes turns the ship's wheel with his eyes on the compass.
Conn shakes his head "I don't think so. The weather in Ireland hasn't been batshit, that's how I tell anyway. I think it's a normal year, in as much as we have those any more with the decreasing salanity of the ocean thanks to the melting of the ice caps," he says as he whets the blade of his Autumn sword Peace with a large solid Chimerical snowflake, imbuing it with a hint of the Dreaming.
Hawai'i Island, Hawai'i
Setting
The trip to Hawaii takes a day and a half, as the archipellego begins to emerge on the horizon mid-day on the second day. Anyone worth their geography class knows, or perhaps not, that Hawaii is made up mostly of volcanos, therefore many of the islands are mountains in the interior. The tourist trap of an island chain is riddled with surfers, yachts, and cruise liners. For Wick however, the chart leads all the way around the island, toward the interior of the island chain. There, as the Journeyman circumnavigates the island, banners of the Kithain Dominion of Hawaii is seen flying high. A few regular ships, with no chimerical seeming, are docked that host chimerical banners of Hawaii's Court. Only one has a chimerical seeming, able to withstand traversing the Dreaming - a yacht, much like the Journeyman...but with far more cannons and more warfare tied to it. Docking of course is simple, the gruff Nocker Kinain at the docks does nothing more than charge Dross for docking rights. After which the Kinain becomes so unimpressed with the Journeyman that he goes back to his booth.
It isn't hard to find Fairytales from here, as Tabin leads the crew. Fairytales, is a freehold. Found going off the beaten path into the wilderness of interior hawaii, it's literally a dance (if one follows the path and steps) that leads to a tiki bar surrounded by the Hawaiian forest. As Tabin described, it is a Tiki Bar - open, save for gates and wooden fencing that keeps the periphery from invading the bar and a Rath beyond, blocked by two Boggans. Everyone here is of Polynesian heritage, save for a few American Kithain - almost all of them carry the salt air around them. At the center of this circular bar surrounded by Tiki torches is the bar, encircling a tree whose brancehs and leaves make the roof. A lone, young Eshu woman mans the bar, serving drinks in everything from coconuts to glasses, to mugs, to wooden cups. The place is rowdy, and music is a constant hear. A brief reprieve, from the Autumn World comes across you as you breach the threshold into the Freehold proper.
Scene
Timand follows Tabin towards Fairytales, but before they get into the freehold proper he holds up his hand and says "We got a plan on how we are gonna be gettin' information on this ship? If we go in there askin' people 'hey, ya seen the invincible so we can sink it', we are gonna look like a buncha assholes."
Clover is soon enough off the ship and stretching her legs, and as she wanders about and follows after Tabin on the way to the tiki bar, she's squatting down here and there to pick up little rocks or shells, whichever seem more interesting to her. Into the pockets they go! She heads through the forest, skipping now and then, and when she spies the bar she releases a far too-excited squeal. How could you not!? Magical tiki bar in the forest on a Hawaiian island?! Woot! She's too excited to hang back and hear the chatter, and she's quick to find herself at the bar where she can chat up the Eshu and tell her how excited she is to be there!
Cicada takes out a yellow crayon and draws a in sun on the corner of the map with a pair of sunglasses to make the map %1000 cooler. The suijen spends the majority being lazy. When they aren't performing some necessary task for the ship, they can be found sunbathing alternating between Wani and Hotei form. Gotta start on that summer tan early. In January...
When they arrive at the bar Cicada seems excited at first, but their lips quickly form a from. "Hum. I thought some of my kind would be here... but I guess not. Shame that the Japanese people of Hawaii live without their gods." They sigh and seek out one of those kitschy coconut glasses with a crazy straw(for their collection). "Too be fair... it's not -hard- for some people to look like assholes." She turns and peers after Clover. "Clova we gotta get Poke bowls while here! The real kind from a real Hawaiian gas station!"
Erin hmms a little bit "So are we all going in. Kringer and I can stay back to watch the ship. I don't think we should be leaving the ship alone and shit.." she actually stays back since everyone else is going to go find info.
Wick does his best to salvage the map from Cicada, trying to keep her from coloring on it any further. Lark (his mechanical bird golem) remains on the ship, hidden up in the crow's nest. And Wick heads off after the others, hands in his pockets as he follows them to the bar. He takes in the sights and ounds with keen interest. He's never been to Hawaii before.
Sleeping like a rock the whole night, Maggy awakes once they get to shore and dock. Despite her drinks she'd seemed to sleep just fine. Stretching - yawning, and making dance of it as they make their way up onto the deck while they dock. She decides not to leave the ship herself - Lounging on the boat and having herself some breakfast rum. What else could a free-loader want for?
Conn perfomes the dance that gets you to the tiki bar, because he's in the spirit of things, laughing at how absurd an armored, heavily armed, Troll must look dancing his way to the bar. When he gets there he makes an order from the bar for "whatever the barman recommends", grinning like a child at Wick, "and one for the love of my life."
Vika hasn't been to shore, period, so she's going to tag along even if just to play tourist. She sticks close with the group, and keeps her mouth shut lest she say something she shouldn't, but her eyes are wide as she takes it all in.
Wick smiles up at Conn with a glow of affection as he comes to stand in at the bar next to him. "Hopefully something with like... fruit and stuff." As the bartender starts to mix the drinks, he settles forward on his folded arms. "Seems like a good place for sailors here," he says to the bartender.
The Eshu, Nualla, is a Grump. Unlike Tabin, or any other Eshu for that matter, her twilight eyes carry the weight of years and countless stories - but it doesn't seem to smirch her charm much. Her story, has ended, but it doesn't mean the fun stops. When the crew make it to the bar Nualla eyes the assembled and the Eshu Captain and arches a brow. "You multiplied." Nualla smirks and says to Conn, Cicada and those who get drinks. "I'll just put it on your Captain's tab."
Tabin deflates.
For Timand however Tabin lets out a breath. "Well, everyone here is either a Hawaiian native or a tourist. Which means they see people come and go, or are coming and going themselves...No Menehune this time around, which isn't surprising. The Island has been running them to ground recently." He frowns.
Around the bar, there are 3 assembled gatherings apart from the random two-fer or single drinker. The first is a gathering surrounded by a Sidhe of dark features, enjoying a few festive drinks together - potentially a Household. Another is a gaggle of Commoners (including Piskies), that are more group-scattered across one side of the tiki bar. The last, and most ominous, is the Shadowy Corner (tm). Wherein two Kithain in grey cloaks are quietly talking, sharing a drink together.
"We just work the room." He says to Timand. "If the Invictus has been seen recently, guaranteed someone has rumor-spun around here."
Conn grins at Tabin "Turn about is fair play Cap'n. I'll let someone else be the face, I'm not a good choice for the crew's face. Not good with people outside of a courtly setting," he leands in and whispers "on account of the Scathach thing" and gives a sage nod, taking a sip of whatever fancy drink has been put in front of him. Timand glances around the place, then taking some coconut filled with six different types of rum, he makes his way towards the commoners area, and plops down. "Evenin' folks." he says jovally. "How ya all doin'?"
MEANWHILE, ON THE SHIP...
As the crew has departed, Erin and Maggy (with Kringer) have stayed on the ship. Apart from the Kinain Nocker, the sightings of Kithain are rare - undoubtedly they have gone ashore and are not lingering on the ship.
However, as you sit you notice the approach of an emerging vessel - It would appear at first glance to be a dark sea dragon of black scales. But that is merely it's chimerical quality. The yacht is black tinted with silver trim, and an aura of glamour surrounds the "dragon" as it comes to shore - flying the black and silver banner of House Ailil. While it looks...not like a ship at all, anyone with a good eye will tell you that under the veneer of intimidation, is a warship that makes dock.
Maggy peruses herself amongst the stores - checking things out - gandering the stocks. Eyeing some things here and some things there. All while sipping and happily drinking her happy and merry way through what rum she's poured...sure to get more. Her metabolism being insanely powerful for things like this. Coming atop the deck once more. She waves to Erin turning mid-sip with her lips to the edge of her cup only to freeze and stare wide-eyed at the Black sea-dragon skirting it's way into the docks to park with the meticulous ease that something of a Noble house would have. She downs her cup immediately and scampers for a moment to get a refill in a bit of excitement, a giddy look on her face before she finds a spot to perch and steal a 'scouting' look at the newly docked terror-boat.
At the bar, Clover glances to Cicada and says, "Poke bowl!? Sure! Never tried one of those!" She giggles a bit and reaches over for her drink, sipping at it through a curly straw and going cross-eyed as she watches the drink slip up the straw and finally to her mouth. As she sips away she glances to Conn when hearing him ordering the drink, and it makes her giggle and glance over to Wick for a second. She smiles at him and looks away, then says to Cicada, "Don't let me forget we have to do that!" She giggles, then slips from her seat to hop around, making her way over to the piskies and tossing an arm over a random one. Don't you know they're ALL FRIENDS?! Maybe. Clover seems to think so.
MEANWHILE, AT THE BAR...
Nualla puts a single coconut shell in front of Conn and Wick, a shell with two straws that holds a milky white drink that seems to prismatically shift colors in the torchlight. Cicada and others get the same, save without the romance factor. Conn did say lover after all.
The Commoners look at Timand and immediately greet him with friendly banter. Offering some 'hawaiian hospitality', whatever that means, Timand has no issue ingratiating himself with the Commoners.
Tabin takes up a chair near the door, talking instead to the random singles as the crew either takes a break from the sail, or works the room.
The Piskey who gets an arm thrown over them, like with Timand, immediately swathes Clover in greetings and warm welcome. It's a party on this side of the bar, and making friends amongst this raggled batch is easy for the duo.
Tabin leans over to Vika. "You should get a drink. Might as well celebrate your first step inland with a drink? Conn and Wick are good people. You can stick with them. You'll be okay." He nudges her.
Erin is just kinda looking around just kind keeping her eyes open because well someone should. She glance at Maggy as she is enjoying the Rum and grins. When the dragon ship comes into the area she blinks "Holy shit" she watches it with a rather curious and admiring way because that's freaking awesome I mean the Journeyman is aweseome but tha's a dragon there.
| What is that House? | Erin rolls Intelligence + 2 vs 8 for 1 successes. | WP |
|---|
House Ailil is reputed for being the 'Gwydions of the Unseelie Court'. The titular (but not actual as far as Unseelie are concerned) leading House of the Unseelie Court, Ailil are master manipulators and schemers by reputation. Some say that when everyone got along, a Gwydion would sit the Throne but an Ailil would be behind them in a shadow pulling the strings. Schrewd political masterminds. Of course there are the rumors that swallow them from being all members of the Shadow Court, to patroning them, and everything in between.
Vika laughs and nods, giving Tabin a nervous smile before she moves over towards the bar to sit down on the other side of Wick. She asks the Eshu for a drink as well, but leaves the choice up to her as she doesn't know what she'll like anyways. Doing her best not to gawk at the others in the room, she does her fair share of crowd watching, enjoying seeing their social habits.
Clover giggles when greeted with such kindness, and as she chats with the little group there she offers to share her drink with anyone who wants a taste. Ew. But okay. She's a giggling social butterfly, eventually moving off to where she can dance with any soul who wants to, though she does stop to mess with her phone a bit before the real dancing begins!
Timand just chatters with the commoners at first, and hell, since he ain't paying he orders a round of drinks for the table. Thanks Tabin! Drinks are had, and stories exchanged. AFter about two of those rum devil drinks, he kicks a food up on the table and lets out a little burp "So whats th' good news round 'ere? We ha ta haul a buncha shit fer some count or another out 'ere, now gotta make our way back."
Cicada scurries up to Conn and tugs on his sleeve. They point over to the Kithain in the corner wearing gray cloaks. Without saying a word she turns to the bar counter. She lifts a hand to slap the counter and call out 'Kanpai!', as one would do in their homeland, but something about the age of Nuala's eyes gives her pause. She clears her throat and asks for: "Libations." If she gets her drink she plops down to where Wick, Vika, and presumably Clover were sitting. "Hai, we need to get some Poke before we go. With the spicy aioli!"
Conn leans in to the coconut and waits for Wick to do the same before taking a sip, making eyecontact with that ridiculous grin on his face, "Working vacations are the best work," he says through the smile on his face, "oh, yeah, Poke sounds good. Can I get an order of that too, Mx Nualla?"
Wick turns a bit pink at the single coconut with two straws, though he can't help but glow with a shy pleasure. "Thank you." And leaning in, he peeks up at Conn as he takes a sip. But then smiling back up at the Eshu gump tending the bar, he says, "You must get all sorts here. I expect you've got the best stories..." He has always loved Eshu stories. But maybe one of her stories has information that could help them.
MEANWHILE! ON THE SHIP!
The Black dragon seems to go to sleep, and from it's scales emerge a retinue of Kithain surrounding a central figure. A Sidhe. Naturally. But as Maggy spies him there is something not right about him. Something that makes you blanche, or cringe, or feel nervous. The feeling of a friend betrayed, or that of a lover scorned, or a brother/sister left behind. hits your heart when either Erin or Maggy see him. Kithain can spot an Oathbreaker a mile away. And you are looking at one.
Erin has Kringer kinda hide down below as she tries to look totally relaxed at the ship that has just arrived and ooo ooo she tries to see if she can listen in on any conversation well like that's possible but still it could happen.
| The Crew of the Journeyman work the room | |
|---|---|
| The Piskies | Clover rolls Manipulation + Empathy vs 6 for 0 successes. |
| The Commoner Gathering | Timand rolls Manipulation vs 6 for 1 successes. |
| The Barkeep | Wick rolls Charisma + Expression + 1 vs 6 for 4 successes. |
| The Scathach Knights | Conn rolls Charisma + Etiquette vs 6 for 2 successes. |
MEANWILE! AT THE BAR!
Clover is too busy dancing with Piskies. Invinctus? The hell is an Invictus when you can BUST A MOVE! The fact that fun is to be had too much to pass up, Clover dances away.
Timand has a little bit of better luck. With 1 success the Commoners can confirm that yes, the Invictus is the Invictus of reputation. It has kickstarted it's Pogrom several weeks ago targetting Concordian ships that cross from the Dreaming into the Autumn World. AKA, the Invictus is hunting Trods.
At the Bar, the Bartender can also confirm that the Invictus is the one of reputation. The fact that the Invictus has shown up again makes her nervous. Why? She was there when the Invictus was active, and saw it earn it's reputation single-handed, battering the Noble fleet like flypaper. The fact that the Invictus is active can only mean that war is coming, because the Captain of the Invictus would never bring out that ship again unless there was a dire need for it. Why? She doesn't know, and that is what troubles her. Also, like with Timand, she can confirm that it is stalking Trod access to the Dreaming from the Pacific, destroying ships as they come through to lock their presence in the Dreaming.
The Scathach, like Conn, are here seeking information about the Invictus. The Morphean Circle suspects that something is afoot in the Pacific, and thus they have been discharged to investigate. To date, they have learned the captain of the Invictus is Goggen Ironfoot. A Boggan Grump and Veteran of the Accordance War who fought for the Commoners. His name doesn't come from Banality, but simply that he lost his leg in a naval battle and now has a steel prosthetic leg, courtesy of his Knocker Wife. The Captain is held in high esteem, so much so that the Kithain of the Pacific honored his wishes of retiring following the conclusion of the war and hasn't been seen since, until 7 weeks ago, when the Invictus started sinking ships.
Clover is having a great time dancing with whoever she's dancing with, and maybe she's having too much fun, for she sure doesn't get that info, does she?! Does she!? Grrr. Oh well! At least she's having a good time, dancing and sipping at that fruity drink while hanging with her new buds. Her phone comes out again and she cracks up, then takes a picture of herself with the people she's with. It's.. kinda like vacation, right!?
Maggy's eyes squint a bit, narrowing down as she continues to sip her rum. Slowly moving to lie flat against the deck, only her head and arm propped to allow her to continue her breakfast. She turns her head to look to Erin,"Cast a blanche in tha' crosser's sprint, yeh?" nodding in the direction of the sensatious 'Oathbreakerening',"'R finder bit kinda rot with a trace callin' thing splayed wayside?" turning her gaze to watch things unfold. She snaps her fingers and points to the Wicks bird up in the crows nest while talking to Erin,"Feather flot inna trickle outta the race, yeh? Ply tossin' ties to the ways if'n ya'll can." motioning then to the island in the direction their compatriots left for.
Timand grins to his new buds, and toasts them as they talk to him about the Invictus "Thanks guys..ain't gonna be doin' any of that shit. Any idea where th' fucker is, so we can steer well clear of the thing? I heard that sucker has somethin' like twenty cannon an a hull thicker than a hundred year ol' oak."
Erin looks at Maggy and tilts her head to one direction then to the other "Say what?" She looks to where Maggy has guestering then back to Maggy again "What about it...
| Maggy needs to speak english! | Maggy rolls Willpower vs 8 for 1 successes. |
|---|
Maggy rolls her eyes, downs the rest of her cup with a gentle cough and a huff. Clearing her throat,"Think we can send a message 'bout that ship and the pointy-eared-peeps scanterin' up the roads to that hold, via the metal birdy Wick's got flocked up in the nest? 'M feelin' like the crew'd wanna have a decent warnin'...I'm no good at wordin' shit though. Ya'll're prolly best suited to it since yer speakin' words 'r clearer." she states quite clearly.
Wick listens with wrapt attention as the Eshu bartender tells him what she knows of the Invictus. One couldn't hope for a more engaged audience than a tender-hearted Satyr. He shares her apprehensions and cautions. "It's destroying ships to keep them out of the Dreaming? But... but why?"
Erin looks up and then over to the other ship as she softly comments to Maggy "Well if they are watching us and the bird flies off well that's going to look like super suspicious now, so hold on let's see if we can get a break.. next time shit needs to be lower to be able to send messages"
She makes sure the other ship is not watching them if no one is then she will go get the damb bird.
Conn nods to his Scathach siblings "Don't suppose we know what happened 7 weeks ago to turn him brigand? Well, if I found out I'll be sure to file a report Undermoon, in the mean time, let me front you a drink at the bar, yeah?"
Maggy shrugs,"Jus' my two-pence on the matter...I figure yer prolly better judge of when than I'd be...I'd've sent it off. Since killin a chim this side of the autumn'd put them outta sorts...you know...lil' banal-bake 'fore they e'er get to the place...an' everyone knows sidhe don' like the grey-stuff." she teases, chuckling a bit to herself before she sits up, stands, and sliiiiiiiiinks her way down into the hold for more rum...and maybe a chunk of bread. Mostly rum though.
MEANWHILE! AT THE BAR!
Nualla doesn't know, but she corrects Wick on something. The Invictus is keeping them in the Dreaming, not keeping them out. A ship that sails the Silver Path and exists into the Autumn World runs the risk of crossing the Invictus, and while the ship does not murder, they never leave the ship intact.
The Commoners tell Timand that the sightings flank the Cook Islands, but have recently been heard to be as close as Johnson Atoll, about 30 nautical miles south of Hawaii and the closest Ocean Trod to the Dreaming near Hawaii. The rumors keep widening the gap of Invictus sightings, but the sightings are always the same. A ship in the Dreaming passes the threshold, and the Invictus is there blowing them to smithereens. Captures the crew, sinks the ship, and dumps them at the nearest port of call on the mainland.
The Scathach appreciate a bought round, but do not know the cause. There is no singular event, which is why the House has a keen interest.
The Piskies are dancing with Clover! Duh!
Erin moves up to get the bird and gives it the message that bad shit heading their way and to be careful. Then she sends the thing off. As she's up there she does try to take note of how many people are on the other ship and how scary do they look.
Timand huhs a bit as he starts to just gnaw on his coconut, having finished the drinking part of this round "So they like...sink th' fuckin ships as soon as they come over? Do ya know if they are capturing stuff from th' ships first, or jus' sinkin it right away." He glances over towards the others to see if they are ok, then back to his new friends. "An who wants a third round, i sure as hell do!"
MEANWHILE! ON THE SHIP!
The Retinue depart the dragon and the Nocker Kinain, much like he did for the Journeyman, approaches to demand payment. What he gets, is a backhand from one of the members of the retinue that sends the Kinain reeling. A few drams of dross are dropped on the ground, and the retinue continue past him leaving him to scramble for his 'fee'.
The retinue consists of five people, not counting the Sidhe at their center. A splattering of Kiths, some wearing noble vestments, others more humble attire. They encircle the Sidhe as if he is a Ringleader but all of them are armored and armed. From the Crow's Nest, the Dragon can still be seen as manned, but it is difficult to see a head count on the ship given the design of the dragon.
Wick thanks Nualla for the clarification. And for her stories. But the dancing Piskies are starting to distract the Satyr. And as he finishes his drink, he can't help but go off to join them. To dance! But also to see what they might know.
Up on the crow's nest, Lark keeps a sharp eye out. He doesn't miss much. He catches that ominous ship's arrival. He ignores Erin's approach until she delivers her message. Though he isn't /her/ golem, it doesn't take much to send him off after Wick. He flies high, careful to keep out of sight. To sneak into the bar through the door, he'll need perfect timing
Wait, people are gathering info!? Clover's still dancing and having herself a good time, and when she spies Wick headed over she laughs happily and says, "I wondered when you'd come on over! Didn't think you'd be able to sit still with such great music!" She giggles more, then goes about rattling off the names of those she dances with, cause she's nice like that, and these are -friends-!
Cicada slurps down the rest of her coconut drink, peering from conversation to conversation. In seeing that Wick is joining the dancing Piskies. The Suijen is going to attempt to Nurture the Water Soul of the Piskies to make them more talkative and perhaps give up more information.
Cicada scoots so she would be facing the piskies and facing north at the same time. She clears her throat and mutters to herself in Japanese. "<<They dance their own way, no music moves their limbs, like trees in the wind.>>"
| Cicada does that Weird Wu Tan | Cicada rolls Shui Tan + Manipulation + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 vs 7 for 6 successes. |
|---|---|
| Kith bonus, season bonus, color bonus, wani form bonus, haiku(bunk), direction bonus (North) | |
Erin tries to keep an eye on the other ship though mainly to see what they do but doesn't try to be obvious cuz that's stupid. She does get down as she doesn't have the view she was hoping for up there and goes to find a good spot to lean and pretend to look totally bored.
Vika continues to drain her own coconut, probably faster than she should. A second is asked for as she focuses on one group and the next, storing away how the land-dwellers deal with one another. She's wallflowering really, but better than than start a bar fight on her first day.
MEANWHILE! AT THE BAR!
The Commoners don't know. Many of them weren't even born for the Accordance War, though they say Nualla was. Some of them admire the captain, a seadog worthy of the name, like a youngster hearing a folk hero is out and about. But in terms of MO, apart from what they have told Timand there is little else they know.
The Invictus? THEY WANT TO MEET THE CREW SO BAD! A group like the Invictus have to generate glamour right? They say the Captain boinked the Queen of the Sea before he settled with his Nocker Wife. It made them sad to hear that she died when a patrol skiff sunk her fishing boat.
Wick absorbs the information the Pisky commoners offers with keen fascination. But just as they're wrapping up their stories, a mechanical bird flutters in through the open door as someone steps out. It's Lark! And as he settles on Wick's shoulder and chirps in his ear, his eyes shine with caution. He thanks the Piskies with earnest appreciation before he hurries off to whisper into Conn and Tabin's ears - warning them of what Erin and Maggy have seen from the ship.
Conn nods to the other Scathach with a raised eyebrow when he hears the rumors that a patrol skiff sank the ship of the Captain's wife. "Bigger snags in the loom have formed over smaller things, and it definitely tracks."
MEANWHILE! ON THE SHIP!
Once the Retinue depart, the dock is peaceful. The dragon continues to loom as if it slumbers, resting in the water as if it is either floating or resting on a floating rock. It is hard to tell which.
MEANWHILE! AT THE BAR!
The Scathach purse their lips, listening to Conn give what he overheard and nods. A VAW is not someone you should piss off. They thank Conn and will send word as they investigate further in gratitude.
The Piskies continue to dance!
The Commoners with Timand are MORE THAN HAPPY TO HAVE A THIRD ROUND! DUH!
Tabin however gives the warning to wrap everything up. Erin and Maggy are waiting and the crew needs to regroup. Thus! After heaving a heafy pricetag in dollar bills to Nualla, who winks and takes all his money, offers the Captain and crew good fortune and hopes to see them again soon.
Wick absorbs the information the Pisky commoners offers with keen fascination. Outside, Lark is watching people come and go from the building that his Wick dissappeared into. At first the dances just seem odd. But then he realises their significance. With an inward sigh, he deigns to do a mecanical mating dance. And then! He swoops in.
And just when Vika's liquid courage had her edging off her barstool with her eyes fixed on the dancing group. She backs up the step off her seat she'd taken, goes ahead and polishes off her second drink before hopping to her feet. There's a little wavering as she gets her land-legs under her with the rum tinkering around her balance, and then she's good to go.
Clover is still dancing with the new friends, but when she sees Lark and watches how he goes to Wick.. and Wick goes to Conn and Tabin? Clover decides maybe the dancing should ease up. At least a little so she can keep tabs on what's going on with Lark swinging by.
Tabin listens to Wick give a description of who they saw. "Fuck. Yraltien." He says. "Yeah. Time to pack up guys. We need to scoot. Double time. Back to the ship."
Erin continues to watch and pretend she is bored. She looks to Maggy and gives her a wink. She takes a breath as they wait for the crew to get back
Timand is looking a little bearly eyed as he takes his third round, then glances over to Tabin as he gets the news. Turning back to his commoner buds he gives them a nod and says "Thanks fer th' jawin', see ya around sometime. First round's on me." He rises and makes his way over to Tabin, idly sipping his drink.
"Well, gents, that's my Cap'n issuing the return order. Nice seeing fellow Shadows out among the world, I wish you well in your endeavours. Go néirí an t'adh libh," he says by way of blessing, "Double time it on foot, Cap'n, or Flicker Flash?"
Time to go!? Awww. Clover leans over to hug any of the new friends who will accept and return a hug, and then she's heading over to place her empty drink to the side. A quick thanks is given to Nualla, along with a wave, and she meanders towards the others. She finds herself a sot near Timand and sends him a smile.
Cicada slurps loudly on her crazy straw and peers over at Tabin. "Whomst?" She pouts on the way out: "We gotta go already? But we're in Hawaii!"
Of course - continuing her escapades. Maggy's got a bit more booze - this time with a lime edge she's haphazardly cut with something 'r other...probably her own claws. Sipping at the edge of her cup. Despite the amount she's had - she doesn't seem affected much if at all. The time comes of course though - and with a hand stuffed into a pocket - withdrawing a pair of 5'hour-energies, and into the rum they go. She makes eye-contact, and begins slurping loudly before gazing slooowly back to the ship while hanging around on the deck.
Wick hurries to leave a generous tip for the bartender. But then he tucks little Lark into an inner pocket of his jacket. Hearing something about Flicker Flash, Wick steps forward to offer out his hands to help anyone who needs a magical lift back to the ship.
Erin grins at Maggy "Oh boy your going to be so wired aren't you" she shakes her head as she keeps a lookout.
Cicada holds out a hand begrudgingly to Wick or Conn, whoever they'd get grabbed by. "Uuuuuuuuuugh okayfine. We'll go back." So much for tropical vacation. Having never been flicker-flashed before, the Suijen screams all the way back to the boat.
With the crew languishly slumping together, or not pending how many drinks you've had, the group gather up and join hands. "Hey Nualla. Yraltien's on site." Tabin offers the bartender, who rolls her eyes. "I'll be fine. Good fortune to you all."
And with that, one moment you are among friends and companions, new friends and fellow Housemen, and the next you are on the deck of the Journeyman. And nearby is a sleeping black dragon, just as Lark described.
"Alright. WIIIICK. Get us sea-bound. We got a Ducal flag up and Yraltien is bat-shit crazy. Get us oceanside."
Which is not hard. It's an island chain. Doesn't take much to get the ship out to open sea. And once there, the crew will have a chance to ruminate on their next steps before deciding how to approach the issue of the now-confirmed, infamous warship.
Maggy's eyes merely grow till they're fully open. Staring daggers at Erin despite the smile pressed to her cup. As the rest of the crew just sort of -bloop- into existence causing her to stumble back a foot or so - caught only by her tail going rigid stiff and catching herself against the deck with it. Moving upright again she huffs - some drink sloshed onto her. OH well she makes a gesture for with a roll of her shoulders. She leans her head down and slurps some of the fluid off of the cloak about her shoulders. Like a lime-rum salad, what a strange flavor that must be.
Once Cicada stops screaming she looks around the deck contemplatively. She peers up towards Cap'n Tabin. "You know what we should get for the boat if we survive this? A biiiiiiiig harpoon gun." She spreads he arms as wide as possible, which is only modestly wide considering she's probably the shortest person here. With a sad sigh she waves good-bye to the island of Hawaii.
With everyone on board, Clover will set about getting the sails where they need to be before she's up in the nest, keeping an eye out!
