2023.12.02: Treasure Talk

Treasure Talk
Kieran comes to talk to Miranda about a Treasure, while the Baroness and Deirdre talk watermills.
IC Date	December 2nd, 2023
IC Time	Evening
Players	Deirdre, Miranda, Kieran, Sark
Location	Capricorn Glade
Spheres	Changeling, Bygone

It's a lovely winter evening, and bells can be heard lightly ringing around the Glade. Is it really winter in here? No. The cupid chimera have all put on elf hats with jingle bells on the top and are dancing around and having a merry time for no good reason at all!

For her part, Miranda is sitting near the river and sketching on a notepad. Nothing too artistic, but fairly basic as she is mapping it out around here.

Kieran pokes her head in, looking around to see if the place is really busy, or if it's a quiet moment... and, no doubt, to see what the stup-err... *cupid* chimera are up to. Seeing the glade is mostly quiet, she comes inside more fully, "Hello? Is this a bad time?"

"♫I'd like to be, under the sea, in an octopus's garden, in the shade♪" Deirdre swaggers in, with a bottle of rum. "Ahoy! Kee! Miranda! ♪Yo-ho-yo-ho, will you come swimming with me?♫"

Miranda looks up from her work. "Good evening! Happy December! Now is just fine, I'm dreaming and planning a bit." She rises and straightens out her voile. Seeing Deirdre in full Captain Jack mode she grins. "Are ye searching fer the Black Pearl? Or simply Tortuga?"

Okay, Sark might have been distracted by losing track of time flying around out over the woods, but when he sees others are gathering in the glade, it doesn't take long for the dragon to come zooming over the treetops and come to a more or less graceful sliding stop in the grass close to the three. He stops to shake his wings out and fold them up, lumbering closer to chirp, "Hello, beautiful people..."

Kieran smiles, "Happy Dec-Oh!" Deirdre's entrance more or less completely derails whatever Kieran was going to say (so mysterious! what could the rest of that word be? Decimeter? Deckhand? Dechestershire? That's not a real place, but it could be a chimerical one! What could she have meant?!? THE WORLD MAY NEVER KNOW! *ahem*) and she laughs at Miranda's question. "More like Long John Silver's..." Sarkesian's entry gets a wave, as well.

With a flourish, Deirdre removes her hat to flourish it in a bow. "M'lady. Kieran, Sarkie! Ahoy. And m'lady, you should know that the pirate movies do not portray the truth of piracy. They are criminals, not nearly as amusing as the movies. They rape, murder, and pillage, leaving helpless sailors and passengers adrift, lost at sea to die a slow, painful death. I, m'lady, am a proud sailor of the United States Navy, and we shoot pirates. They ruin the sea for everyone else. Well, them and billionaires with yachts."

Miranda grins to Deirdre and then sees Sark sweep in. "How majestic! It is wonderful for you to grace us with your presence this evening!" She still giggles a bit with Kee's comment. "How are you doing tonight? We know how Deirdre is... three sheets to the wind."

Sark bows his head in a bit of greeting, smiling a little more at the pronouncement as to Deirdre's status. He sits up and murmurs, "Captain Floppybottom has had her share of rum already for the evening?" Scaly brows are waggled before he addresses Miranda, "And can I be nosy and ask what planning you are working on?"

Kieran scoffs. "Oh, I doubt she's all that into her cups. God knows I've done been a lot more drunk in public than she might be here..." She blinks a few times at Sark. "Planning? Me? Do I plan things?"

Deirdre puts her hat back on and then takes a swig from her bottle.

Miranda shares the rought sketch with Sark and the others can see if they wish. "I'm working on where I want to place the Mill building. And see, a water wheel here." She points to it. "Not to be a mill, just it will look nice on the outside here. The inside would be a carpentry workshop. I was thinking this would be a good addition to work on the skyship with. And many other things."

Sark lumbers a little closer and craaaaanes his neck in to get a better view of her sketching, "Ooo. And you said building the ship would take a while even if we had all the materials gathered and ready to go, right? So at least we can have picnics and watch it slowly getting put together!" To Kee's protestations, he leans over and rubs the bottom of his chin against her head. You know, rather than licking her again.

Kieran acks quietly when Sark drops his chin on her head. "Deirdre, come take a look at this... It's your ship that'll be getting worked on, yeah?"

Miranda nods to Sark, "Exactly. There is much work to do, and we need a location. Now, while I'd hate to disturb the splendor of the Glade, we do need an area to create it in. Once it is completed, it does not have to stay here, but the dream coming alive? It will be resplendant."

Sark bobs his head at that, "Do you need some help hauling materials for it, or is that something you have an Art for that could help you rapidly put it together? Im still learning what some of the neater fae abilities can do and I know the Wyrd gives you a lot of leeway since you hold the title of the land..."

Kieran watches as Deirdre goes to get some quality time in with the water, then returns her attention to the discussion at hand. "There's magic for it, but... for a lot of it, it might actually be easier just to find some amenable fae or chimera to build it the old fashioned way."

Miranda waffles her hand. "Dasia was offering to use one of her arts to just enchant an already built boat. Deirder was asking for a specific design with specific materials. Ironwood. Which we will need help to get. I think it would be a wonderful project to work on and I can invite other crafters from House Dougal to assist with some of it as well. Erin can lend a hand too. We'll build it the old fashioned way so it is meaningful and has a piece of all that work on it with in."

Sark bobs his head slowly again and rumbles happily, "I dont mind playing 'heavy lifting mule' if it helps get things gathered up for the crafters to work. Just tell me what needs moved and where. Alicia and I are just spending one evening a week working on her flying and fighting skills, so Im still free just about any time..."

Kieran contemplates quietly as the others discuss matters, looking thoughtful. But for now, she adds nothing.

Miranda smiles, "That is perfect. If only we had some trolls as well - they are wonderful with that as well. But we'll get it together." She looks to Kieran, "It felt like on Monday night that you had something you wanted to bring up. Or was I just misreading?"

Kieran nods, "Yea, er... no... I mean, no you weren't misreading." She sighs, "I... it's Stella. She's... very important to me, and I know it bothers her that she can't remember half of the things we do together. I.. we... there'd been discussion of looking for ways to keep her... to keep the Mists parted for her. But permanent enchantment.. it's too dangerous. She'd be defenseless against chimerical attacks that could come. And if she learned to harness the Glamour to defend herself.. she could render herself... completely cut off from the Dreaming. I don't... I don't think she could handle that, and I don't think I could, either." She takes a deep breath, "So... I was thinking... what if we found or made a Treasure for her?"

Miranda listens carefully to what Kieran says, "I've been wondering about that for some time now. When I asked Sark to join my household, I told him that Stella would always be protected by us all. She is an important Dreamer. She is important to you, to Sark, and growing to be .. family so to speak. I'm glad you are here tonight. This secures my current thoughts." She pauses and asks, "I would love to create a Treasure specifically for Stella, so she can remember and be enchanted for the long term. I wish we could perform the Ritual of the Parted Mists, but I understand the trepidation. I will need a few things to create this, including speaking to Stella to design it. Something not too large, something she can wear. Perhaps a set of ear cuffs. Something that would not be easily seen, and would be attached to her. If you would help in the quest for part of it, I think the other important part can come from Sark. In return, I ask one thing. I ask if you, Kieran, would consider joining my Household. Swear the oath of fealty to me, and as I would swear the oath of the escheat to you. I only ask that you consider it, and if you say no, I will still do this. I just think it would be a good fit to have us all together, all for Stella, all for everyone."

Kieran is nodding along agreeably, happily... eagerly, even. "I'd be happy to go out for the materials, of course..." She hesitates at the next request, though, and looks... thoughtful. "I'll... consider it. I expect to be doing a lot of traveling come spring, and... it may be easier if I'm not... attached. If I can't be... a poor reflection on you." She smiles a bit, "I uhm... don't always /behave/ when I'm performing."

Miranda aahs, "Well, how about this. Let's work on this - for Stella. For Sark. And frankly - you've seen Alicia? She can disappear for a bit and plans to for filming. And behave? She has much honor but she also has strong passions. I'll take the good with the bad. It's more interesting that way. I have no problem if you need to go off on an adventure, travel, perform. But the choice is yours and know that you are accepted for what you are."

"Okay, now that I have enjoyed the water, what are we talking about." Deirdre has lost all track of time while she was swimming. This is not unusual. A quick swim for her can turn into hours. She'll come out of the water and wonder when it got dark. To her it seemed like 15 minutes.

Kieran nods, "I appreciate that... and I will... consider it. Thank you. I really do appreciate everything." She waves as Deirdre comes back up out of the water. "Hey, you. We're talking about arrangements for Stella." She looks back over to the sidhe, "And I think the ear cuff idea is a good one. Not many people are gonna be touching her ear."

Miranda smiles to Deirdre. "What do you think of a mill with a water wheel over closer to the waterfall? Do you think the river will be ok with it? I do not want to stop anyone from enjoying the water. Also talking about Stella. To have her be able to remember and be so much more a part of us with a treasure."

"As long as you don't mess with that area right there," Deirdre points to a part of the stream near to the waterfall. "See the little whirlpool right there? From the way the current flows. The fish like it." There's a very slight circular current that might be hard to see. "They think it's fun." Of course chimerical fish like their water ride. "What is the mill for? Doesn't seem like there's any wheat around here."

"Making bread from the bones of her enemies," Kieran offers brightly.

Miranda shakes her head, "I'm not planning to mill rice or wheat. It's just what that type of building is normally called. It would be a workshop. The water wheel would be more decorative. A way to feed something into the water perhaps? I have to look into it. I have seen these great pictures of them from back east, surrounded by trees, and it is so inspiring."

Miranda nods as well, "I'd be sure it is far away from the whirlpool as well. Like I said, I do not want to mess with the fish and life within the river."

Well, most waterwheels are set up so that the water falls on them for more energy, so it would make sense to put it by the waterfall. But I don't know how much that would interfere with everything," Deirdre says

Kieran nods, "I think it'd look pretty cool there, too. Be all picturesque and stuff."

Miranda mms, "Like I said, more decorative than anything. I want to set something useful, yet beautiful. Something to dream about."

"Oh, decorative? I'll leave that to you landlubbers. So long as I can swim in it, that's all that matters," Deirdre says

Kieran chuckles, "That sounds about right. So, sounds like we've got a plan on that, huh?"

Miranda nods! "We do. We'll catch up with Sark for the first part I need for the ear cuffs, because I'm making a pair, not just single one. Back up you know. Then I will get a couple options for the other part. Either a mine, or maybe fishing for mini pearls. Ooo, maybe that underwater cavern... We'll figure that part out very soon." She smiles to Deirdre. "We'll make sure you can swim in it and enjoy. Soon we'll have it dreamed up and built and oh so much more we can do."

"Uh, like, don't settle on ear cuffs. There's also bellybutton piercings and toe rings," Deirdre says. "And what about underwater cavern? What what what?" She bounces excitedly.

Kieran says, “Yeah, I don't think Stella's really looking to get her navel pierced... and toe rings... " She makes a face, "That's kind of a... Dasia... thing, you know?”

Miranda holds up a hand, "We'll offer her an option. She wears her hair down. You would need to be very personal with another person to touch their ear, let along take something out. It will not be large either. In the end, I'll leave it up to her." She smiles, "There is an underwater cavern I have heard about, somewhere past Lodestone Island. In the Barony of the Astral Seas. I'm afraid it is a location that has been lost - at least the entrance into it. I know you can get there by boat, but the Mists are covering it some. I've heard that some pirates may have left booty there, which could hold some things that would be perfect for what I need to create such a treasure."

"WHY DIDN'T YOU LEAD WITH THAT!" Deirdre exclaims, bouncing over to Miranda. "Let's go. What are we waiting for? Kee, grab your scuba gear and let's get going!" The Selkie looks back and forth between them. "Of course, we'll need to rent a boat; I don't want to take Siren's Song into the dreaming. But I am sure we can get one rented from Baroness Amber's holdings. You could talk to her, couldn't you, Miranda? Of course, we'll need to get a boat that you can pilot. How much experience do you have piloting a boat, m'lady? We'll need someone to stay with the boat while we dive."

Kieran just starts snickering. "yeaaaaaah, couldn't have seen *that* coming, huh?"

Miranda looks between them both. "I should have seen that reaction coming. I only just was thinking about it and what would be needed for that treasure. You never asked for some big adventure and you were off fishing.. worlds away. And I do not have much experience piloting a boat but I can learn. I'm happy to stay with the boat. I'm sure we can arrange for one."

"Kieran, you're not going to get your scuba gear. You're just standing there. And it's easy to learn how to station-keep with a boat. I'll get you a sextant and then you—well, this assumes the stars are the same in the dreaming, which I am willing to bet they are not. Shoot. Station-keeping in the dreaming's ocean. I guess we can go with a tether, depending on how far down the cavern is. Yeah, that could work. But wait, if the dreaming is a reflection, then there's got to be a way to navigate with the sun and stars in the dreaming, even if it's not the same. All I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by. Too much glamour in that poem not to have celestial navigation in the dreaming. Okay, well, I can figure that out later. We're going to need some rope. Is there some in the Gazebo?" Deirdre asks. "Or will we need to get it when we get the boat?"

Kieran quirks an eyebrow. "I'm not going to get my scuba gear in part because I don't *have* scuba gear. And also, we're not haring off to this place immediately. First, I mean... the plan is to get you your tall ship, right? And I'm sure we can get you some *real, elvish rope*, Sam... no need to worry there... probably won't even run into any giant spiders... though... giant *crabs*... But then, you might like that, huh? Good eats, and all?"

Miranda blinks, "Spiders? Ok, crabs maybe. I do not go that far underwater, but this is the Dreaming and anything including nightmares are possible. But if it is sitting on a shiny hoarde and singing? Then well... Call Moana." She shakes her head, "We do not have a bunch of equipment here at the moment. When I get the crafting workshop together, then maybe? Get your list of what you need together. The ship is going to take longer than I think you want to wait so hiring a smaller boat for now would not be a bad idea. But plan it well. Just rushing off is not going to work. Let's plan things this weekend, and finalize ideas for the quest on Monday over drinks at the Blue Boar Inn."

"No scuba gear? My God, tell me you're not a protestant too, my dear Kieran. It's going to take months, maybe even a year to make the ship, even if we have the Baroness and Erin leading a team of a dozen skilled crafts people. It's not tiny. But, on to other things, this sounds like a day trip. No more than a 12 hour dive, nice and short. Of course I base that on absolutely nothing, so take it with a grain of salt. Won't be my fault if we're in and out in under two hours. What is there to plan? Get a boat, some provisions, and set sail. This isn't complicated. Respectful, Miranda," Deirdre adds. "It's just a trip out to sea. Not like we're going to Mars or something."

You say, “No, I'm from *Ohio*! Sheesh, Deirdre..." She sighs, "Ok, ok, I'll learn to dive when I learn to surf, ok?”

Miranda explains, "If what I heard was true, more of this trip is finding the place and swimming underwater to get in to the cavern - but it isn't totally submerged. We'll have to look into it more. I think one of the Boggans at the Blue Boar may have more information he can share."

"Well, that's Monday, right? Why don't I swim out there and look for it? If I know where it is, it will make it easier for our salvage expedition to get the materials for the treasure, yes?" Deirdre asks. She looks around. "Which way to get to the ocean?"

Kieran points in a totally random direction, complete with cheesy grin.

Miranda hmms, "Well, go to the garden maze, then north, then east into the woods, then south down to the lost in time market. Then you need to take the portal to Lodestone.. wait no, the amethyst tower. Then go across Lodestone Island, and you are there!" Writing reality out to disk. Please wait... Reality saved. Thank you for your patience.

"Okay! I'll see you all Monday!" With that, Deirdre heads off, on the bounce!