continue trek to  Trace wood here.

Luthien watched the finale, and, "Well played."

Giving the cat a bloody knife to swim with...well...

"If he truly followed a cat god of the hunt, he would've smelled the blood."

But he did not, so that was the end of him.

Star went to tend to the wounded man on the wagon as the others dealt with the cat.  She carefully removed the arrow and bandaged his wound.  "In the morning perhaps Orlin can help.  This will help you be at ease for the night" she smiled softly.

 Elandra had escaped the attack of the Cat People, and she had to get away and find shelter. There is no way she could hold them off if they decided to come after her after they finished their meal. Then the Cleric of Amot saw torch light and wagons, she went as quick as she could trying to get to the caravan before the Cat People possibly came after her.

 Elandra would approach the wagons and not having any weapons drawn except using her staff as a walking stick. She would say when she thought she was close enough so they could hear her without yelling too loud and drawing undo attention to herself. " Hello there weary traveler who could use some help I am a Cleric of Amot?"

  Kree waved the   wago9ns to keep   rolling,Hail and well met. You brave the night? We were set upon  by CAt Folk, but they appeared to have no heart  for a true fight...

 he looks  to teh second wagon  it  gets it to  stop, he waves the  crossbow man to   sit on thr  cargo  and will  help the woman  to the seat.

 we are headed  to  Tracehome.. we are aiding this caravan...

 Elandra smiled and headed for the wagon, and was very happy to find people. " I was with a group and we where attacked by the cat folk, they got him and the horses, I ran and hid. I made my way here, I am a Cleric does anyone need any healing?"

 Elandra will look around to see how many people are here and what she is dealing with.

I think everyone is  fine, at the Moment... In another  hour,  we will be  Enterign teh Trace Wood.. they are  Allie sof My own, Black Timber

 Elandra smiled and replied," Well that is good, is it okay if I travel with you, I can earn my keep and it is a pleasure meeting you all, oh my name is Elandra Jalvian Cleric of Amot, Peace be with you."

 Elandra was happy to find people to travel with and she is glad to feel safe at least for now.

She looked to Kree as he was speaking to the lady and approached "Well met.  I believe that the 3rd wagon driver is a bit injured.  I bandaged his wound, but I do not have any formal skills as a cleric" she spoke.  As large as she was her voice was kind and her moves nonthreatening.

 Kree turns  to  Stardancer as she mentions the  wounded driver, then Back to Elandra...I am Kree... Quickshadow.  The  Griining  Elf on the  4th Wagon is My Cousin, Ivyian Nightblade, mhe was  wounded,, I am unsure  if he has been healed  yet.

 He  motions to the third  wagon as he says ,I will have  my people  introduce themselves  as they   feel comfortable.... We  are a Unit  of Crimson Arrows.. I am their  Captain

 Elandra saw the Centaur, and she bowed her head, Elandra will say," I will take a look at both of them and heal their wounds." Elandra will make her way over to the third wagon first and check out the driver and she the extent of his wounds.

She walked with the woman towards the other wagons."I am called Stardancer.  from the Shee-Atika tribe" she introduced herself.

 Ivy's  Calf  was   sliced  from the   arrow, he had used his   blade to make the  hole, slightly  bigger, to get the arrow  out with less  damage. Crimson  Arrows' Black arrows  were  made  with the inside sharp so it would do as much damage  coming out, as going in..

 The   Driver   had an arrow   wound in his left thigh. All the other wounded had been Tended to  by Stardancer.

……………..

 Kree    watched the   wagons  rolling again before he continues to walk he  smiles a  bit at Luthian,I imgine the Blood  that had  been  spilt  was enough to  'dull' the CAt's  senses..and the  thoughts  of returnign my own dagger  to me, was more then enough reason for him not  to realize  what he was about to try and do...He did  swim  rather well though,,he might have made it..

 Elandra followed Stardancer," Pleasure to meet you Stardancer I have never met a Centaur before." She checked the driver first, she looks over the wound and she says," It isn't bad this will help." She cleans the wound and then she places her hands over the wound and says," Peace be with you." Her hands glow and she casts cure moderate wounds.

 Elandra will watch to see if she had to use any more of healing healing spells to cure the driver. Once the driver was healed she would make her way ove to Ivy and his wound.

When Krwyn passes the woman, he stands for a moment: 'Hi, I'm Krwyn, I'm with Kree longer than I would like to remember. Nice to have a cleric to help us out.'

 Elandra saw her magic heal the driver of the third wagon. Elandra would say," There you go, you will be fine now, Peace be with you."

 As Elandra finished healing the driver, Krwyn would talk to her. Elandra smiled and said," Hello I am Elandra, pleasure to meet you and of course I do not mind helping out. Well I will do my best, and I am very happy to travel with you, Peace be with you."

 Elandra would smile and nod, then head for Ivy. Once there she would check his wounds and then again cast a heal moderate wounds, she will say," Peace be with you." Her hands glow and his wound is completely healed. " There you go Ivy, I am Elandra, you will be fine now, Peace be with you."

Niphre had escaped with no injuries, luckily, and she tried to help where she could.

Then she noticed a priestess come up to them, and Niphre greeted her with reverence,in defect of her station.

 Elandra smiled at Niphre when she greeted her, Elandra bows her head and says," Pleasure to meet you, I am Elandra Priestess of Amot. Peace be with you."

In reply to Elandra Jalvian (msg # 18):

"Thank you. It is good to have you here, seeing that several men are wounded."

Stardancer laid a gentle hand on the wounded wagon driver and smiled softly.  "I am glad you are better" Looking about and then nodding to Kree "Perhaps we should get underway"

  Kree  nodded to Stardancer,..at normal  speed... we should reach the  forest edge by  day break... then..maybe another few hours to Timberhome..

 he waved  t and the wagons began to move.

 Elandra smiled and joined the wagon caravan as they headed for the Forest. Elandra smiles at Niphre and says," Well thank you I am just glad I can help and to spread the word of Peace that Amot stands for. It is an honor for me to travel with your group."

  The  wagons  rolled. Kree    was  out  a lot  further   from the  road  now. lookign for   Cat Folk sign..his bow  was in his left hand, his  right hand  ready to go to Bow or blade.

 Ivy  sat on top watching the other side of the  road.. glowering at the darkness..angry at himself for letting a Cat wound him..

 The   Caravan Leader says,Captain? If  we   came in say? half an hour.. we'll be able to reach the  Forest  before Mid day..

 we move on until we   reach the trees..., we can rest there if you feel the need the time making  and tearing down camp  is better used, moving.

 as you say captain..

 Elandra was exhausted from her ordeal with the cat people and hiding and running for your life would take something out of you. She would find a good spot on the last wagon and keep an eye out behind them just in case those Cats decided they where hungry again. Elandra was so happy the group brought her in and she would say a prayer to Amot as she sat in the last wagon as they continued on.

In reply to Elandra Jalvian (msg # 22):

"That's good to hear." Niphre smiled back. She didn't know too much of the priestess's religion, but she supposed she would learn more on the way.

>>>>>>> On the  'Raining Sorrow.

  the  ships went under the bridge,  They could see kids  and   older folk fishign from shoore.... the Massive  gates were opening.. a merchant ship about twice thier  size  was  coming up on thier left  to enter, while they passed on the right...

  three 'half Bodies' hung from the bow of the  ship..

 well?  that's   3  pirates that won't  raid  anymore

Lysander was fascinated by the journey on water.  Whilst there were bigger ships, and bigger waters, this was a first for him and he looked forward to the experience.  He didn't mind being out on the deck, it gave him a view of landscapes only heard of in stories.

Being attuned to more severe weather and waves on the seas, Vilmund was completely relaxed on the river and this 'soft' craft. Lounging about the deck until called upon for any sailing to be done, he felt at ease yet kept an active eye and open ears for any unsavory activity from the sailors.

Tyri looked around in pure curiosity. She had never been on a boat before. The rocking was unfamiliar and while she easily kept her balance, she wasn't too sure on how she felt with the experience. The others seemed fine which only made her feel more out of her element. She looked to Ivy and decided to keep close to him more out of comfort.

Krwyn sees Tyri's problem to keep her balance naturally: "Tyri, it's just dancing on the music. Most rivers and the seas have their own rhythm because of the current or the waves. You must try to feel that rhythm, like listening to the music you would dance to. If you feel the rhythm, you can easily move in time. To someone so musically as you, it should come fast."

As Krwyn long ago had crossed the seas to reach the lands here, he is quick accustomed to the gait againa and moves around with his usual souplesse.

 Elandra was enjoying the boat trip down the river, she had been on boats before in her travels, she traveled a lot spreading the word of Amot, and had been on quite a few boats. She watched the scenery and she also kept a watch on the sailors as well, but she was all smiles as they traveled the river.

  Tyri lass, kree be c'rrect, j'st like yer dancin', loos'n up yer legs, feel the roll a th' deck. keep yer hips steady, and allow yer knees to take the flex. it also might help if ye don't be look'n at the h'rizen, er the r'vers banks. You'll be fine Lass. he stands with his hips and truck steady, and allows the deck of the ship to move under him, slightly bending his knees when they need to.

 Kree  stands   on the Bow  watching the  Massive gates    as the pass , each  bar 20 feet in diameter  and rise from the  bottom of the  river to   the  wall  on the ramparts., the drawbridge is closing now, ..ever  so slowly.. as the Bigger ship entered  the  City.

 As the  pass the   'man' made Isle  in the middle of the  River, Built  by rock and  stone from the Ironmound tunnels, a small fort   with  40 or so River Guards manning the  8  foot walls...3  Ballista are on the island, and a Pot of  Tar-fire is   kept Bubbling.. two   Jolly boats  are more there  for  troops to    board merchant ships  and ship from other cities.

 As the Pass the Island and wave to the lookout in the tower, Kree walks  Back to the waist to the vessel.

 ..Ivy?  when it  get dark, send up the arrow to signal are dark-loving friends..

 Hooka  looked up  at Kree, he patted her Nose   and she laid  back down.. then he moved of down to the  quarter  deck to take with the Master.

 ..This is My Deck, Elf!...

 ..Never said it was not?.. However  as a Captain, and  an Agent  for the crowd, I  took fro granted, that i would be permitted on the Deck since my people and I helped defedn it?.. If mot?..You are more then welcome to try and remove me..

 he turned away from the Master  and looked towards  the   west..there is  faint  dust in the distance, I cannot  see   from here.. the  Trade road  is much to far... But  there are people traveling there..

 The captain gets his Glass   , walks over   as he studies the   area..he hands the Galss to kree who looks through it...wagons... carriages.. horsemen... all trying to make the Next road hosue  compound before the sun goes down...

 using  his cloak , Kree wipes off  any  finger prints on the  shiny brass case of the spyglass.

 The captain Hrumphs..your Elven  eyes see more then mine..i see you car for the   Glass?

 Kree nods with a smile...I had one  once... on the other side of the Mists.. Me..Ivy..Krywn were there. We got   aboard  a Merchant ship that was attacked by pirates, they did not Know we were  aboard....The Captain of  the Merchant vessel awards  me  the spy Glass of the Pirate Captain..He and His people  loaded  all his Goods on the Pirates ship, and used that to sail to his next port..he left his master   and  a few crewmen to  get us to our  destination .. somehow the rudder  was  fouled  during the fight.. or  the Sahuagin..that attacked us  fouled it  for us.. we survived the battle , lost some of our people  and    were driven into the Mists..  we came out this  side...I lost mu spyglass in the storms, but  they are beyond Value.

 ..only a select few can travel through the Mists  and Back

 ..we went chasing Slavers.. we only caught a few.. the lands  we went to? Were a mixed bag.. Ivy  and I became ..'harpers".. it suited our tasks.... when we came back..well.. I figured the sisters  wanted us here.

Tyri smiled warmly at Krwyn and Vilmund and moved up to each, bestowing a kiss upon the cheek. “Thank you...this is definitely a new experience. I am...trying.” Falling into the rhythm was easy enough, feeling that rocking and going with it. In a way, it reminded her of the gypsy wagons that she had ridden in a number of times. Once she had her ‘sea legs,’ she dared to move up to the railing and look out over the water, that curiosity clear in her icy gaze.

Lysander finds the gentle rocking of the boat much like being in a tree in a breeze.  He hearkens back to the days of his youth, when such frivolities were tolerated by his parents.

  After the kiss, and watching her to move the railing, looking out over the water and the river's edga, he sees she has relaxed and drifted off to another place. Th' best part o' rid'n the water, it tak's yee to 'ther places. mak's yee t'ink o' t'ings. M'kes fer restf'll slumb'rs as well. He pats her on the shoulder, Yee be ok lass, ok yee be. yee sleep w'll t'night fer s're. He walks towards a ladder and sits to the side, so as not to be in anyones way if they climb or descend.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:45, Tue 25 Aug 2020.

 Elandra just relaxed by the rail watching and learning as they went, she said prayers to Amot for a Peaceful journey. She waved to the guards in the man made fort, and then just watched the water as they traveled down the river.

   Kree watched  from the quarter  deck  witht eh Captain as they pointed at things to the  west.. they could barely see where the  'line' cut through the  forested  part of the  mountains, that was the Furman's Trail.

  ...

 Ivy  looked out over the River and he said aloud, but almost to himself...see  how calm the water looks....but  under the  wave  there  are life  and death struggles. serpents, fish, water   lizards...there might even be sea folk down there..

 The Tall Man Bumped  Ivy  hard  as he  carried a Coil of Rope... Ivy  caught  himself on the railign   as the Man said,..wadda ye know  'bout   the water, Elf....

 Ivy  Grabbed  the Coil of  rope , pullign the Much taller man off  balance.. he   turns   and  shover the MAin to the Railing,  and the hiss of  an Elving was now at the Man's throat  as he   was   bent over the railing.

 I know this?... when we  feed  slavers, Red Isle Halflings, or  pirates to the serpents... we know they  do not , just 'appear'.... They   are out there, and that is a fact... shoudl i try to swim from  here to the   eastern shore.. i have  1 in 3 chances to make it...but,, a little bit of blood... he  nicks the man's neck as   lets a few drops  go into the water,,,

 ..then the serpents come.... slow at first..little ones that are close to the surface.. then bigger ones... if the bodies  make enough  noise and the little ones tear off  enough flesh... Then the real Hunters  come, sometimes eating thier own  kind, in a frenzy...

 ..we have tied, many a  slaver to a over hanging    Tree, and let the blood  drip into the  water, before  dropping him or her  in, a foot at a time...we even  managed  some good meals out of it... hitting a nice sized serpent, for  our camp fires.....

 behind the  ship, there is  only a slight  roiling in the  water, a dark chuckle from the  Blue eyed  elf as he wipes his bales on the man's pant leg,.its   funny as you see the  Body jerk  witht he impact of  each bite.. they scream and beg, thinking they might  yet live?... but? once the biting  starts...its all over...

 ..so?... we may not know  the waters  as a goodly sailor..but we know how to use it as a weapon...now?.. get back to work...

 The other sailors looked at Ivy with some anger, some with  a bit of  fear...

....

  Standing with the Master, Kree said,..you should have brought your own people.. you already  are short one  of  whom you signed up...

 The Master   gave a dark Chuckle,..I live through this?  Me own folks are waitin' in the city, enjoyin' thier time, one or two have a woman waitin' they  with them...but  I have heard of your travels,,and  i know you lose alot of people..

  with a  comic  frown, Kree replies.....I never lose  anyone... i knoe  excalty where they died...

Lysander sees the altercation with the loud-mouthed oaf and takes more to watching the so-called sailors than the shoreline,  for now.

As Lysander moves , ever so slightly, Vilmund picks up on his body language and spys where he  is looking. noticing the sailors' attention towards Ivy, Vilmund also makes slight  adjustment to his stance and balance, ready for anything that may happen.

 Elandra saw the tall man bump Ivy and she waited and then Ivy had him on the rail, she saw the blood and she was about to see if the stupid tall man needed assistance but she could tell it was only a scratch to prove a point. She smiled at the tall man as he went back to his duties,  she said to him," May Peace be with you."

Riven seemed at ease on the vessel but kept somewhat near to where Kree was, always keeping a vigilant eye upon him and any potential danger that could be around.

  The ships  went down  river.even with a fair  breeze, it  would take the  a few days to reach Olant..Kree    still mulled  over the thoughts of  disembarking before that.

 another  Ship, a Bark was anchored  about   50 yards off the western  bank  some people  were sitting in the  ship's boat be  Rowed towards the  Ship as they waved to people by some wagons, who were waving back..

 the Captain Hands his spyglass to Kree pointing at the ship...river captains  call that 'quick coin'... you  are sailign  down River or up river and someone hails  you from the shoreline, you send  you boat to shore, and if the  people look right. you take them as passengers, adding them to you manifest as passengers... The people don't have to stand in line at the Gates, and we get   quick coin without havign to feed them....

 Kree studied the passengers, then swung the glass to  the River Bank......small time merchants..maybe  some folk hoping to make a living in the city...

 Aye..maybe..or thieves hopin' to find more coin in the streets , then the highways...its not all good though, like everythin' elese.. you got bad captains who take on Slavers and such, to get the same coin,but help them transport priosners?... alot of them will Hail ships going  down River  and   sail for Olant..... I hate the town with a passion, but we make good coin hauling Goods   from there to   'The Mound" and  visa versa...

 There  was a stern thin smile as he  watched the  people in the  boat,..those  folks look happy enough..saving time in entering Iron mound  is  always good... Once more he wipes the brass tubing  down with his  cloak, handing  it back to  the Captain as he says...

 where  darkness  Comes,  Ivy will send a signal arrow towards  the  East.... if it is answered, we will have   an 'odd guest'..no matter what your people  think of the Guest... no one is to harm him or her...regardless of  anything , in thier bones that they feel...I will  cut  down  anyone who tried to bring the Visitor  harm. myself....It is not
 the kind of folk, most folk deal with, but it has  aided us , many times over.

While it was still light out, Lysander saw that things have moved into a routine flow on board.  He took another look at the shore and, not seeing anything really change, he decided to get some sleep there on the bow.  Who knew what the night would bring, and he wanted to be ready.  The rest could watch for now.

With her growing comfort on the ship, Tyri danced to over to where Ivy was and stopped, waiting for the altercation to come to an end before moving up to him and wrapping her arms around his waist from behind. "Well aren't you all full of morbid...ness," she purred, nuzzling his neck. It wasn't out of the desire to bed him (even though she never minded that!) but more just those signs of affection she bestowed upon those that took her fancy.

  Hooka was down in the Hold sleeping, the hold  was  crowed  with  crates and barrels, with only the hammocks  for the crew that would be   pulled out across the beam of the ship, for those  off  watch to sleep.

   Mik  was   splicing Lines  with  quick nibble movements of  his fingers  and the tools he used. a pot of tar near him to cover the splicing.

 Ivy grinned,,,the best way to look at something, is clear... once  you can see clearly, you can act, Too many folk act on what they think they should  do, or what they think others  will do? Many  folk  were surprised  by a blade in thier chest  or  shaft  deep in thier   innards... other thigns   are for BArds to write and sing about.

  Ironmound  was  growing smaller, as the captain steered to the deeper  water of the Middle. From the Brig's  Mails mast   was carrying the wind, while the  Fore  MAst  had lighter   canvas up... from the MAin mast one of the sailors called  down..

 sail... south  by south west.. three  Masts... cannot see the  flag yet...

 The Captain Nodded to  kree  and  Kree called out to his people,Ready your  weapons,  try and act  like you are lazing about,,, a good  spotter  will tell we are not Sailors, but if that  ship has three masts, it means they have people whose   tacks  are to board  and fight.

  if we keep this wind,  we'll pass  meet them in 2 hours...

"That's almost 2 more hours of sleep."

 Elandra was relaxing and watching the shore and enjoying the peacefulness of the trip so far. When the call of another ship and Kree said get your weapons ready, Elandra smiled and prayed to Amot for her power and guidance, her hands glowed slightly with her divine magic. She did get her hand x-bow ready as well. Yes it would be 2 hours away but Elandra wanted to be ready, she also made sure she had healing spells at the ready as well.

She listened quietly, a smile on her lips as she looked out over the water. “Mmhmm...I think I will just blame the water,” she teased, letting out a soft, wistful sigh. As she stood there, her arms still around Ivy, she could hear what Kree called out and sighed a bit, enjoying the moment and the different scenery. “I suppose duty calls...”

Riven remained where she was, having already taken up such a farce. Her bow remained up against her leg thought mostly hidden to others thanks to the place where she chose to sit and recline though she kept Kree within her line of sight.

Lysander wondered if the bow sprint would help conceal him, it wasn't as if he were that large.  He would rest as far out of sight on the bow as he could and hope to surprise anyone who boarded.

"Flaming arrows in the sail, if necessary?" ask Krwyn.

  Kree walks   over to the portside  railing, he looks at the  ship ,..it depends ..if they attack and we can take the ship, that's alot  of coin for  The Arrows, and Our  good Ship's master..

 thier timing for  night fall will be  almost perfect.. the city  will not be able to see us...Lets hope they are a merchant vessel

  Turnign to the Master drop your    Jolly boat to the  starboard  and  tow it astern.. have a   Keg of  Oil and some packing    in the Middle... if they down  attack  when can  cut it loose  and Let Krywn  set it alight with his arrows.

 I'll lose my Jolly boat?

 if they attack,, Aye... if  we lose? it will not matter, if  we win, you can take one of that ship's  boats,

 The Big  sailor  says,.. you know  how many boarders a  Ship like that can have!

 kree Nods  slowly as he looks down river...Aye?... so  we  best not let them Board...

 ..Hooka?... you stay in the hold for a surprise.... when I call..  fly out and torch the   Quarter dec

 The Big sailor  says,you're gonna get us all killed!...

 ..That's for the Sisters  to decide...its our Job to porve  worthy of thier gifts...Niether  sister  loves  cowards...

Nap time over, Lysander thinks.  Time to play.

 The ship was getting near, Kree said   just barely loud  enough for his voice to reach the  waist of the ship.

 the  wind  is  is pushing  us down river... our voices  will travel... None of the arrows should  take Loudly..Sailors?.. speak as you would  ... Krwyn?...Your Arrows   and Hooka, as well as the Jolly boat will be  enough fire, should  we need it..., the rest use normal Misslies.... Your targets  are anyone one that looks  Like a spell caster.. and  any archer in the shrouds , if they have an Archer up there, it means he;s good..whatever happens,  they must strike first... get ready.. we have..maybe..10 minutes...

 The Captain, less  stern then nomral,you ever  fight while on a Ship?

 Ivy and I have...Krwyn  as well on the other side of the Mists....the others?  I am unsure

Lysander had done a lot of fighting on land, but this terrain would be a new experience.  He was excited at the prospect, but kept his nerves at a battle ready.

 Elandra got her x-bow ready and her guiding bolt, she nodded to Kree after he spoke and would stay silent, and then pray to Amot for guidance and help.  She was ready she also thought she could produce her spiritual staff and trip people off their boat, hmm that might work  she thought.

  hearing Kree talk of the battle forthcoming and the questions of water borne combat. Aye, ship combat be diffr'nt, if'n ye arr'w sl'ngers do yer w'rk, I be re'dy for bord'n. He stands and walks along the railing, looking out over the water. gripping his shield and hammer and rolling his shoulders to bring blood into the muscles that will be called upon shortly.

Tyri chewed the corner of her lips, a little nervous about the idea of combat on the water. She had never been on a boat before and now this? Inhaling deeply and letting it out slowly, she moved a little closer to Ivy.

  As Shadow had   requested, the sailors   went about thier Business... The captain shouting, the standard " veer to the  Starboard' that both ships  should  do, to eliminate  any  chance of  Collison..

  but the  Bigger  ship did not  veer, The smaller  ship moved  faster, the bigger ship was  against the   wind.. the  Jolly  boat was   being helt   tight  by a   sailor on the ster, when the word  was  given( if it was given).. three of them  would Puller  the   Jolly  boat around the  stern and  let the  current  take it  towards  the bigger Vessel

 The Captain  picked up his call Horn and shouted into it..AHOY, THE SHIP!...MAKE YORU STARBOARD  TURN

 from the   crows nest, the sailor shouted...There's people On Deck  captain,,crouched  down... wearing Leathers...  Kree  could see two people  climbing the Rat lines to her to the Main Mast's  crosstrees.

     takeing  quick steps  down to the  waits of the ship. Kree said to   Ivy, Go up and use your Bow from there... send the sailor  down...

 what?.. why me? you always say your are better with a Bow then I am...

 I am?  but who is better with  sword?...... Loke  for   Mages  or priests...  kill the captain if you can..... but wait  until there is no doubt what they are doing

 Ivy  swore  Under his breath  took two  leaps to the ratlines  and scrambled up as if he had been a sailor  all his Life.

 The Bigger  ship.. the Voice  was   heard through the  same  Type of horn.....Ahoy... This  is  The Tiger's Teeth!./.. we  Hail  from Vestes!.... heave to and surrender your Goods  and Half your  crew, and we will let you free....if you try to  Fight..you will lose...

 The   Taller Sailor  started to shake... Kree looked at him,..show  some back bone Man?  There are  women and a Child watching you...

 turning his  head Upwards... the sailor   Just   came   down, grabbing a Cutlass from the Boatswain...How Many!

 20 troops on the Deck.. more movement   i can see throught he cargo  hatch..maybe?  another   20 sailors for certain...

 ..Gods  be damned... Kill  the fellow  with the Horn...


   Hooka!.... the dragonettes  head   popped out of the Hold.,,they have Archers... they can Kill you?... I want  you to  fly across,, one fireball  into the men on the deck.. one into the Main Mast shrouds to cook the archers..Then?  fly to the shore line, so they do not  kill you...Under stood...?  The beast Looked at  Mik who was  down in the Hold with his crossbow, where the captain sent him to 'protect the good"

 I am ready, Cousin...

  Kree looked at Hooka, ..go!..
 .. The arrow     zipped    from the  main mast of the Raining Sorrow.. There was  a shout of  Pain  and surprised   Followed  But shouts of   confusion..   Hooka  Zipped across the water,,   rose over the  Railings of   The Tiger's  Teeth,  spit   A fire  Ball into the  midsts of the  crouching warriors  ,, she Zipped Upwards   and fired tow   Balls into the   Shrouds,,and the  Flames   rose  quickly , aid  by tar  and  oil treatments..  Then the  Dragonette  was  Gone as she  zipped to the   east   shore Line.. some troops  tried to Knock her   down with Arrows, but everything happened too  quickly...

 Another Arrow     Zipped  from  Ivy's bo a female shriek  was  hard over the water  as the  Larger ship Bore  Down on them.

 Kree stepped to the Railing , Nocking as he walked he stood  for a  second   and let fly,   a fellow on ther other ships  railing that was   spinning a Grappling hook   was  hit  in the  thing, he  toppled  screaming  into the water...

 The  darkening  sky made the Flames  seem more  horrid..  the   canvas  on the  Main Mast  was Burning  Up wards..  the archers  and the two men in the crows nest  would  dire.. either from buring... from the fall to the deck..or from the fall into the river, which would be  soon  roiling with serpents  sicne  the grapple  man had  Fallen in  ...

 flames  were Burning on the   deck , that's to the  Viscous  fireballs of the   dragonette.. Men where  screaming as thier oiled  Leather  became   an enemy yo them one fool dove into the  water..the fire  was spreading on the  deck as unprepared  Sailors    lo0oked for  Buckets of  sand, as water   cause the  flames to  spread..

 from the stern the sailors  said... Jolly boat is ready Captain  Kree!

 Hold it until we need you to fight!

 Aye , Holding  'till we fight...

 ..Krwyn, see if you can get the Mizzen Mast Burning...

  The Captain looked on in shock...The main Mast  will begin to fall the  burning canvas  and spars  will be the death of her...

  Kree   knocked   another   arro  and Let  Fly  at a fellow   who was   trying to aid  one of the Burning  Men... the arrows  seemed to sprout  from the Man's Back.

 The Tall  sailor  was saying prayers  to  20 differant Gods...Kree said,Foucs on the Sisters you fool!..if you think anything but  lick will get us through the next hour..you are sadly mistaken..

 everyone with  Misslie weapons..,  start to knock down  any sailors  you can  see, or warriors  with grappling Hooks..DO IT NOW!

 Elandra watched as the ship got closer, then Kree sent Hooka out and she did great, and she got away safe. Elandra watched the deck of the other ship she focused and readied a super charged guiding bolt, she looked for a mage or the Captain if she couldnt see them she would aim for the closest sailor or a warrior with a grappling hook, she then fired off her double charged spell. She then got another ready and waited for another target.

Watching the action so far, Vilmund still paced the decks and spoke prayers to his god, I will send them to sit w'th thee Trall, if'n ye deem mee worthy, 'llow mee to kill th'm in good combat.

Lysander stood on at the bow with hand axes ready.  He looked for any ropes coming across the gap.  He would hurry to cut them.  If there were any targets of opportunity for a thrown axe, he would take it.

Krwyn started to shoot Burning Arrows as fast as he could into the Mizzen Mast sails. As large as those sails were, it was hardly needed to aim so he could fire at topspeed.

Riven took position, nocking an arrow to her bow and readying it, eyes scanning the other ship for any target. She seemed rather unphased by it all, calm and collected like she normally always was.

Tyri watched as Ivy quickly scrambled upwards, suddenly feeling a little vulnerable. Biting her bottom lip, she unshouldered her bow and readied an arrow, that nervousness clear. While she wasn't unsure of her shooting, it was more the unfamiliar battleground that caused the discomfort.

  The Mizzen mast started to Burn.. sailors    were shouting Of  of the archers   fell  with his cloak on fire, to turn into  pudding when he hit the hard  deck from the  perch on the Main Mast.

  Kree  watched  as his people sent   arrows over well placed , no hurry  as  one might  expect from a smaller ship..


  captain?  May I have your Horn? Teh captain approached , his cautlass  in hand,

 AHOY, THE SHIP!.. STRIKE YOUR COLORS< OR FEED THE SERPENTS!

 YA BASTARDS YA...YA KILLED OUR  CAPTAIN AND THE MATE!

 SENT OVER , WHOMEVER IS IN COMMAND, AND THE TWO  HIGHEST RANKING FIGHTERS....'WARE..SHOULD YOU TRY TO BOARD.. WE WILL SINK YOU!

 almost like  a warning, the  portside  crosstree  snapped , falling to the  river, Sailor  ran over with hatchets  to  Cut it loose  from the   ship  so it wouldn't  catch the  deck on fire.

 other sailors  scrobble up the Mizzen  mast  cutting away the burning   tar-covered rat lines    about   5 minutes Later    a rough looking  sailor  with  a leather vest climbed up the  ladder, followed  by two men in leather  armor   who bore  nice  lookign short swords.

 Well Met, I am Captain Kree Quickshadow of the  Crimson Arrows..This
 Is Captain  Gravin of the Raining Sorrow..he now  owns your ship...

 I what!

 I be   Fackin, the Boatswain of the  Shackled  Maiden.. This be    LT  Kest of the  Vestes Marines.. and  SGT  Grenn  of the same.. ye  kilt our captian and Mat, and thier  Captain was  Burned  by the beasts  fire  Balls...

 Indeed?.. Mik.. Call Hooka  Back... then pointing to Fackin,shout over to   drop anchor, and bring your slaves on dec...

 Ivy calls down,They are  either slaves   or cowards?.. bring them up..

 The Boatswain calls  across and the Achor  drops.. there are  sounds  of screams and shouts,  but soon the  deck  of the Shackled Maiden  Has  22 people   from yopung Adult to child.

 You know these are Empire Waters.. Veste knows this well...and you carry slave in her  waters, and  attack a ship?

  Kree turns to the  tall sailor..Take thier   swords  as  an act of surrender... the Three men hand over thier  swords. The Sailors gives them to   Gravin.

 ..now?  Throw  them  all into the river..Slaver  has one punishment  to the Crimson Arrows... Them Men  tried to  Struggle, the Lt    went over  first, then the SGT... The  Boatswain   begged  and pleaded, Kree throw him over himself.. the watrs were already  rough  with the  serpents.. the  men's screams did not last long.

 Taking the  Horn, Kree  called over,unchain the slaves... use those  same chains, ont he Marines.... Sailors?  you may continue  to save your ship

 Hooka  Landed  on the waist, Mik   gave her a  hug around the neck..Kree turned  and Looked at Hooka,That was  better... the   Dragonette    pupped some smoke in answer.

 Ivy!..send the signal an arrow   burned an odd  color  and went   high into the  Air,  where  it burst into  a bright  , sprinckly ball

Lysander was sad that they didn't get boarded, he wanted his pound of slaver flesh, but he was still enthralled by the light display.

Stalking along the railing he kept a keen eye open for anything that would signal to him a double cross. Finding nothing to do with his weapon but let it slightly swing in anticipation near his leg, he grumbles under his breath, those near him would say he said something about not getting to- nor needing, to do his ghastly business.

 Elandra watched the quick fight come to an end, she didnt have to waste many spells at least. Once she saw the slaves she headed to them to check them over and to see if anyone needed immediate healing or care.

 There is a  Rustle of  fabric and a gasp.. there  are shouts of  fear from  the crew.. A pale skinned  woman stands on the Dec  with a wine dark cloak  around  her.. she  holds a  strange arrow out to Kree.

 The Big  sailor tries to stop  Kree  from advancing, But Kree  just smile s and him , taking the arrow..... the replacement for Ivy's   signal.. what need do you have  of us?

 The Ship next to ours, we have captured, Slavers  from  Vestes... I need  two thngs... A message sent to the palace to have a  ship sent down to  help the captain get the ship to Ironmound. its his prize as  Master of this vessel you stand on...

 ..what is the 2nd...

 there are   peopel from Tou, and perhaps  mercs, waiting between  Tou and Irounmound, looking to waylay my group, they did not know, we would be leaving by Ship... It would be nice if they all died..

 She smiled    and  stepped  closer  to kree, ( causing the tall sailor to back away.) her hand touches kree;s face,..you ask much...The Palace is warded...

 You need only to get word to Luthien...Antok, or AxeHandle... I do not  want you to risk yourself or others..if you must, go to Reedrick....But this ship must be taken in.

 ..what offer , besides the Tou Hunters  is there , for  us?

  Kree takes the Ice  Cold hand  and   leads her to the  railings, sailors    stumble  over each other   trying to get out of the way, One  falls into the Hold and hands on texttile bundles.

 Using the  strange arrow  , Kree points to the frigate... everyone on that ship wearing leather  armor..are yours to take... Vestes  Marines... Blood from  the deep South of Laynak...

 her eyes  went   wide....there must be....20 people there...

 Along  with whatever  fools from Tou wait for us  in the plains?.. I should think you nest will be very well off, for a while.

 she smiles and give shim a cold kiss on the cheek...I will go to Reedrick, I trust not, the holy folk at the palace...

 there is a blur  and she  is gone..

 The Tall sailor  said..you just truned them marines over to the Undead?

 kree smiled..aye? I did. In the whole of the world, you will find, that  Coin  will only get you so far...other  payment is needed  for  some very big favors... there is also..a deep..deep payment, if  you cross the wrong people when you make  a deal..

 Turning to the Ship...captain?..  go over to your new ship..make sure  none of the slaves or those  idiot  sailors on that ship are wearing  Vestes  Leather.
  Riven.. Elandra,. Vil..Lysander.. go over  with them, check for Log books, see if you can
 find out  who was  paying for   this  expedition of thiers .. Captain Gavin?.. if you find
 Coin on that ship..i expect half for my  unit.. the rest is  for you and yor  crew..

 Ivy   scampers down the ratlines, Kree hands him the signal arrow. so we anchor here this night?

 Aye.. Slavers   will still be slavers  one day later... they get one free day, thanks to  Vestes...

 the anchor is    droped and the jolly boat brought back in, the  other ship's boat and the Jolley boat took the captain and some sailors  along with part of   Kree's group over to the Shackled Maidan .

The trip by the jolley boat is a lot more wobbly, but it is also short.  Lysander is happy to be useful in the search.

climbing down to the launch, Vilmund is heard to mumbling to himself, Aye, kno' th' man but a f'w days, and 'e 'as a nickn'me fer mee he does.Vil.... May th' Cold ones ne'er hear th't.

She looked to the new arrival with a frown, instinct telling her to raise her bow and shoot but she refrained, watching the interaction with a quirked brow. It was curious but she remained quiet, giving Kree a nod when he told her to go to the other ship and look for log books after the Undead left. Turning, she followed after Vilmund, chuckling at his mumbles.

 Elandra knew what she was as soon as she saw her, she nodded and said a prayer to Amot.

 Once that was done Elandra went with the others to the other ship to search it and figure out everything they could. Well the church keeps tight paper work maybe that will help Elandra find something.

Tyri dropped her bow as soon as Nala made her appearance. Her mouth dropped open, eyes widening. While there was a level of fear…there was also a level of curiosity. The caress to Kree’s cheek suddenly made her wonder if she should be watching this at all…it was such an intimate touch. A blush came to her cheeks as she looked away. Luckily, Nala wasn’t there for long and Ivy came down.

 The Shackled  Maiden  was   Busy.. Hooka  flew Over   at   Kree's   direction  to     sit pm the    Quartdeck  and   wcth over the sailors  and  prisoners...22  Vestes  Marines  were on thier knees chained with the  shackles  they had used on the laves... 14 slaves  , some showing signs of being beaten, were sitting on the  Deck looking around...Confused, scared and Hopeful.

 Sailor  worked  the  ship hard,  they cast off the  Burned, or burning canvas and were  hauling a  spare   spar out of the Hold  to replace the   burned and  Broken one..

 an Older  man, his  skin tanned  from  being in the south, said,we're fixin' the  ship like that  fella said... do you know what will happen ta us?

  three  smoking bodies  of   Marines. and two broken bodies of the  archers   as well as  two dead sailors  with arrows in  thier chests.

 Elandra looked at the man and replied," Well you and your men have worked hard to save this ship, speak to the new Captain he will need a able body crew, the ship is his now. Do what your told and things will go well for you get out of line Captain Kree gets upset very fast, May Peace be with all of you."

 Elandra moves towards the slaves, she smiles and asks the one who seems to be in charge," Hello I am Elandra Priestess of Amot, we are here to set you free, is anyone in need of healing or medical attention at all please let me know."

 The   Older , but well toned fellow , greets  Elandra  with  a slight head bow,we got  5  who got beaten when they was grabbed, got   some of fishing  Boats  below Olant?..Didn't think Veste would  come this  far up an' make trouble..ain't the olnly ship  enither.. another one like this  sailed down south  yestereve  with  more captured folk.

Any ide' wh'er th'y be makin' landfall? He says to man that spoke whilelooking at the group of slaves newly released. In a slightly lower and sofet tone , he says to the freed folk. Rest at e'se folk, you be not livin' in chains no more. No more hung'r er pain from th' lik's o' th'se. pointing to the marines.

 Elandra listened and said," There was another ship, carrying slaves sailed South Yesterday, I will let Captain Kree know immediately. Show me the ones beaten I can heal them or at least tend to their wounds." Elandra looks over at Riven, Riven please go check the stateroom for any evidence and see what they might have in the hold and any loot and gold,  I will help the slaves ok."

Krwyn rests after firing the Burning Arrows. He is not surprised when Nala appears as he has seen her once before. He is not completely happy with the way Kree handles the situation, but he knows the old adagium: You can fight fire best with fire, so he accepts it.

Niphre had missed the battle, as she had gone below decks, and wondered if the man she had been sent to kill was still alive. If not, her whole journey had been for nothing.

At least she had met some interesting people.

      The Raining Sorrow  was pulled  closer to the  Shackled Maiden.. captain Gravin!... have thier Cook fire  up thier stove and  have  food  for the  freed folks  and the marines, as well as us!.. they will not be needing as many provisions  for the short trip to ironmound!

 The Captain waved  and startered  shouting orders and the Sailors  seemed to  take   affront  to being made to work, Until one of them  was Tossed over the Side  By Gravin...then the work  picked up quickly.

  Kree walked to the Quarter  dec  and shouted to the crow's nest.....you see anyhtign appraoching the  Ships..if  if its a twig with a leaf attached..  you let us know!

"aye!"..the voice  came down

 Kree walked the quarterDeck as if he was  the Captain, watching the   sailors on the  other ship finishing repairs.. he would look  at the near shore and  sometimes Up river  where the faint  glow of The  Vities   lights   could barely be  seen.

 the Sisters  were makign thier  way across the   skies , now and then  the fire of the gods  would jet across the   sky in brief flashes of Light . Mik sat By Ivy  as   eye    fixed an Balck steel arrow  head to a shaft.. Ivy  and given him one and was showing him how to attach the   arrow head.

  some of the salves   walked around.. they  would  try and thank  the Arrows who were on the ship...conversely, the Vestes  marine  sneered at the Arrows , saying , they would 'yet see them dead"

Lysander was normally even tempered, but the taunts of the marines, even whilst tied up, made him irritated.  He reached his hand out, well, his knuckles, and broke one of their jaws. "What was that you were saying?"

  The marine that was  Hit    fell over from his kneeling Postion.. Gravis looked at  all the marines...ye didn't  see what   we saw on me  ship just a bit  ago.... instead of making  foul  comments..ye  should be  sending thoughts  ta whatever  gods  ye  pray ta...not..that its gonna matter.

 the  smell of   food starting to cook  came  from  the   pipe under the  Captains quarters

Riven walked about the ship, checking everything out and taking any logbooks and such to Kree. Being on a boat did not bother her that much but at the same time, being idle did so she made it a point to help out where she could or just keep an eye out though she was never far from where Kree was.

Tyri had moved to an area on deck where she wouldn’t get in the way and began to work through some different dance moves. There didn’t need to be music, one just needed to find the music wherever they were. The others didn’t know but she was preparing for the night of the full moons, a night where she danced to the sisters. It was spiritual thing for the gypsy and a way of connection to everything around her. Tyri would have loved to go and hang out with Ivy but he was busy with the lad so she did something else to entertain herself.

a bit later    the  food  was passed across the distance in the  Jolly boat for those on the Raining   Sorrow.

 On the   Shackled  Maiden  , the freed slaves  were eating and   talking, the  Marines   were Given one  free arm to  eat.

 the Sailors on Both ships  sat down to  eat... it was the   2 hours  before the sisters  would start  their  run across the heavens''  Kree, sat on  a cask  at the stern.., noting the   deep darkness.

 IT WILL NOT BE LONG! DO NOT DO ANTHING FOOLISH, AS I CANNOT....AND WILL NOT..AID YOU..

 Ivy  sat and  ate he looked   to those  around   him,what you  are about to see?.. may  frighten you?...bbut...it is a story you might use to get a few drinks!

about  15  Minutes  later..  the  figure of  Nala  appeared on the Raining  Sorrow.. and she pointed to the Bigger ship...

 coming down from the   sky  in  forms of  dark winged creatures... people appeared  they   grabbed   a  Vestes  Marine    and   took  flight as  some sickening   merger of   winged beast and   human.

 The marines   screamed  in terror as they realized  what was goign to happen..for   5 long minutes the screams and struggles  lasted... then all was quiet.

 Nala  bowed her ehad to kree and was  gone.

 Kree smiled   a bit at the  nod and drank from the grog that had been sent over...Now?  all we need to do is wait on, whomever the Emperor  sends  to help claim the ship.

watching the creature arrive on silent movements and take the men away, Vilmund Shuddered in his stand, and sat down. looking at the man he had signed up to serve. Not sure what he had just seem, between the creatures of his childhood stories, and the man cold as ice who talked to them as if old comrades..... of the two, he could not tell which unnerved him more....

A shiver ran down Lysander's spine.  He did not envy the life choices the marines made, but they all earned their fates and, though he was a bit unnerved by the site, he was soon able to get passed that and get on with his own meal, which had been delayed by guard duty.

 Elandra helped out the ex-slaves cleaning them up, helping them get fed and healing or treating their wounds correctly. She could feel Nala and her friends approach, she held onto her holy symbol and just said under her breath a prayer for Peace to ALL.  She would stay out of the way, when they took the marines and then the screams. Elandra prayed hard, Amot had a plan for her to travel with Kree, Kree has helped others find Peace but she did not know if Kree would ever find Peace and she had to help him find it.

 After the 5 minutes, which felt like hours to Elandra the screams stopped, Elandra calls out to Nala, she figured a being like her could hear her from this distance but not sure," Nala may you find Peace."  Elandra goes to helping the slaves out, they would be going home soon or somewhere a lot safer.

Tyri had stopped her dance and looked out to where the screams were heard, her eyes widening in fear and curiosity as she saw the vampires. It was unsettling yet fascinating and she had to make an effort to keep her mouth from dropping open.

  Kree  used the Horn to  call across the shorten distance  between the  Ships,where  are here  Until another ship comes to relieve us of  Gravin's new ship..then we will proceed  with out task... see if  any of the slaves   can help, but if they are not up to it, let the enjoy the taste of   fresh are  and no chains...Make sure people get the rest they need!

  Putting the  Phone  back near the  spyglass  case, Kree looks  over the deck,..That goes  for all on board here  as well...The MArines have been dealt  with, the sailors  on the other ship  have been thinned out  during the  fight..so let us relax.anyone  foolish enough to  try and harm us, will swim with the serpents

Lysander has gotten his rest, for now.  He will keep watch the remainder of the night.

  Kree    was relieved  by a sailor  who stood  watch on the  quarter  deck. while   The Elf  went to the waist of the  Vessel, scooping out  a rtather  cold  bowl of stew from the pot, eating it cold.

 Mik wrinkled his nose..how can you eat that cold?

 kree  winked at him...when you do what we do?, most of your meals are  cold.. you eat to stay alive in the field... you eat for pleasure  in the city..

  Ivy  had his   feet up on a coil for   rope, his   head  resting on his pack as he looks up at the starts.. the  light of the first Sister   creeping over as  that sister  was have  covered...

 So?...Vestes?

 kree nodded  as he scooped another   spoonful of stew,More people for us to kill....thier part in the slaving world makes Hargen look like Amateurs .. perhaps the red Elves   are using them to goad  Ironmound into war... 

 Ivy  grinned watchign the stars...I wonder which side Tou would be on?

 I hope  they go with the southerners..  The Timber  could sack  Tou and  we could access the Rivers on  either side and have lake tou...

 Ivy's head rolled back and forth,If the Timber  sacked the city?... I would not want to be a Tou citizen..
............

   On the Shackled  Maiden, they still had hot left over, ebing the  stobe that cooked the food was on board.

 Captain Gravin   walked over to the  Arrows,..I heard  many a tomngue wag about yer Captain... trucking with  Undead?  that don't seem like no good fella  to me..vestes marines or Not...

 There was a little boy siting there  eating he loked up..I don't care what they was..no sir..not one bit..we was gonna  be sent to the  Red Elves... it ain't no good down south.. we'd been dead for  sure... they can send a whole passel of them  smokey wingy things?..i don't care.. they saved us..an' them  armored guys  gots thier  reward for  folks they killed!

Tyri skipped over to where Ivy reclined and chuckled. "Can I join you?" she asked with a smile, feeling that nervous energy within due to upcoming full moons. All she really wanted to do at that moment was cuddle and try to keep her mind from her upcoming 'prayer.'

 Ivy waves a lazy hand,Find yourself  some canvas and  relax. We  will not have
  many nights like this , once  we reach Olant...

 Kree  smiled  slightly   the First  sister  had begun her race.. the   second  Sister  was just  crawling out of the trees  to try to  catch her.

   if the Emperor  sends the ships  right  away.. we shall be here  Until Highsun at least..the  longer they wait..the longer  we wait he leans back against the railing  Pulling up his  hood and closing his eyes.

Vilmund walks the deck of the large ship peering out over the water towards the far banks. His eyes scanning for anything hoped to be unseen, while his ears pick up the normal sounds of over the water, setting his mind to listen unconsciously for anything untoward.

Falco will go back to their ship when the sun comes up, and will go below decks for some sleep.

She rolled her eyes and grinned, sitting down beside Ivy, moving one of his arms and snuggling up to him, using his shoulder as a place to lay her head. She could hear his heartbeat and focused in on that, finding it calming and hypnotic in a way. Shifting just a bit so she could see the stars, she laid there with Ivy, losing herself in the beauty of the night sky.

After a bit, Riven made her way back over to their ship. She raised a brow when she noted Tyri and Ivy and moved up to where Kree was. "So what now, Boss?" She turned to lean on the railing, looking out over the water.

  Ivy     smiles slightly and he  plays a bit  with Tyri's hair...You ever  fight Slavers... I mean..in thie r homes.... Olant is  a cess pool of slaves

..............

 Kree  Looks up  at  Riven...we wait... we can't take the chance of leaving the frigate..its  too great a prize and  Gravin does not have  enough peole to hold against the sailors if they revolt...

 we cannot  trust sailors  from the Maidan  to sail with us, and  trun the  Raining Sorrow over to the Olant.. so we  wait  , for  whomever  comes  down to   aid us... then.. we go hunting

It is very clear that Tyri enjoyed him playing with her hair. "I...have not. You have to remember...this is all fairly new to me. I know how to hold my own if needed but..." she gave a small shrug, content where she lay.

"I figured we'd wait...just making sure you didn't have any other busy work for us," she said softly, still looking out over the wait. Reaching up, she pulled the mask from the lower part of her face and sighed. The wounds on her face were pretty much healed but they left a nice scar along her jawline.

  Both Moons hung in the  Sky now, the second sister  had caught the first and the magic of thier  closeness  light  the river  with silvery light.

 The Tall Sailor    pointed at the river...Fisherman's boon.. they call that.. a Gift from the sisters..  fish rise up from the bottom to catch  the bugs the light causes on the surface.. and the fisherman, catch the fish,,,

 kree  chuckles,Skavers  and Pirates call it   'Pirates Bane'..because yorunships and boats cannot  sneak up on shore line patch houses, or   ships that anchored for the night.

Tyri let out a soft sigh at the silvery light, feeling so...at peace at the moment, laying there snuggled up to Ivy. "It's...beautiful..." she nearly whispered, resting a hand upon his stomach.

 Elandra helped the ex-slaves, and then as the Sisters did their nightly race, Elandra then relaxed laying against a railing she embraced the night and said praise to Amot.

.....The Night passes, a bit quietly. there are sounds of  animals  who strayed to near the water to get a drink, as they   are pulled into the river  by serpents .. Birds and beasts of  the  forests  and   down the way.. echoing roars of Forest runners  as the fight  for  prey and survival in the swamps.

 the Early Morning comes... the deck is  damp with  dew,  Kree had the Shackled Maiden's Cook prepare morning fest  for both ship, still conserving    the stores on the Raining Sorrow.

 from the  crows Nest of the   Raining Sorrow, a Sailor called down...I can just see  two sets  of sail!...not wure  what they be  yet! They  Come from  'The Mound'...

 Kree  calls up...Come down to sup!... Ivy will check after we eat..if the come from up stream , we should have little worries, unless a merc Group hired a vessel out, and  are on the wrong   side.

Lysander will miss the morning meal, for now, as he catches up on sleep below decks.

At some point in the night, Tyri drifted off to sleep, snuggled up to Ivy, an arm draped around his midsection. Maybe it was due to that inner peace that she felt at that moment in time but regardless, it was needed. She popped an eye open when she heard Kree call and groaned, burying her face in Ivy’s neck and almost forgetting that they were out in the open on the deck of the ship. “But...I don’t want to get up...” she murmured into his neck.

 Ivy   disentangles himself and goes to clean up for the Morningfest.

 Kree looks  brght eryed  and  ready as he stands on the quarterdec  using the   the spy glass.....Two Sloops..... They Both Might be  Arrow  Sloops , from what we captured.. we'll know.. in 5 hoiurs?..maybe  4 if the winds stay fair...

 Captain gravin    came over on a boat witht eh frist  servings of  food,oatmeal, slightly stale bread and  a chuck of sizzling   meat that looked like steak..

 as  food  was being   cut up and  served  by The Raining Sorrow's cook..Gravin Joined   Shadow, he smiled at   Kree using the spy Glass..so? what happens  now?

 I am thinking on that?... perhaps  we'll send  some of the  'normal' goods  up the Tou  to be  Unloaded  at the ferry and taken to the Timber, the rest wil be yourse to sell as well as whther you want to sell the frigate to the  City, or keep it and sell your  brig..or?.. keep them both..I will not Lie? You will get a healthy  sum for  the frigate

 I think  my people will take ship on an Arrow Sloop, and have them take us the rest of the way.. I do not what you to lose   a ship or people, after  snatching such a prize...

 Alright?.. I will go with that.. I will also  make sure the Arrows get  part of the prize  money, no matter which ship i choose to sell?..here..Take this, I found it  as i went through the logs... he handed  Kree  a spyglass, it wasn't  as expensive  as Gravins, but  it was sturdy.

 ..Thank you!.. I had lost one i had a few years  ago.. this  will help us  alot...

 what do we do witht eh sailors and the Slaves?

 as you  shift some cargo to an Arrow sloop?.. ask  which   slave  want to go to the timber, and which want to go to The Mound?, those  goign to the Timber  can help  convey the goods and find a home  there... Those going to the city  can  either  find a place to settle in, or move on from there..

 The Sailors? you have a better  eye, then myself.. see which ones   want to join you.. and which ones are  hard  core  Vestes.. the  ones who do not join you, hand over to the Navy.

 gravin nods..Aye, that's what  I'll do... we'll be sending  more food over in a few minutes... Gravin  took his  spy glass leaving   Kree with his new toy and he   sued it to  lookign at the  two sloops again.

 Elandra helped the slaves and then finally rested for the night saying her prayers to Amot. In the morning she quickly got ready, said her morning prayers and heard Kree talking to the Captain about what they would do now. Elandra helped pass out food to the slaves, and checked on their injuries she treated the day before.

Lysander woke up about halfway through the morning and found some scraps to eat.  He found a good vantage point and watched the ships approaching.

Vilmund would take some of the food for himself, not stuffing himself, but not leaving himself hungry either. he will sit with the rest of the Arrows for morning meal.

Riven moved to take something to eat before finding a nice spot near Kree and sat. She looked out over the water occasionally, an almost wistful look in her brilliant blue eyes but she didn't say anything to anyone, just enjoyed the company and the food.

   around  High some , the lead sloop  Hailed  The Arrows ..  and in another  15   Minutes , both  sloops  sent  a  boat over  with there  commanders.

 Gravin came   other  as  well and they   sat   at the waist of the Ship.

 Of the   18 sailors  left  from  'the Maiden'  16  will sail for me  the other   two refuse...

  The Younger  Arrow commander says,I have   20  Empire troopers on my ship , waiting to   board the  Frigate  to serve as  marines

 The  older Commander  said,..we  brought  a dozen able bodied seaman

 Kree   nodded  as he  drank  some wine the Arrow  captains brought.Make sure  the  2 sailors  who didn't sign up, make it to Ironmound so they can serve in the ship building  crews.. Commander Frost.. my unit  will transfer to your ship..I leave the distribution of the good   and  slaves   to the rest of You... make sure.. if  any slave  chose to go to the Timber, that  they are taken to the ferry on the Tou? and  give them weapons .. perhaps
 suggest to the  Goblins there , to escort them to the trees.

  They all agreed,  they talked a but more   before getting  up...Kree called Out  ARROWS!!!  grab your gear, we  take  ship with The Blue  Sun for the rest of the trip!

Lysander looks forward to trying a different kind of ship.  He asks Kree "Would it be okay if I got a turn to watch par of the trip from up top, in the crows nets... I mean nest?"

Tyri danced about the deck though pausing where Kree and the commander. "Hello...who is your friend, Captain?" she looked to the other man.

Krwyn waits quite stoic till the boats and their crews are sort out. He is glad that the encounter with the frigat has been so well, but he is even so aware that more difficulties are in front of them.

 Looking  to Tyri he pauses a Moment,This is Lysander, he  has been with us a few days  now... He spent the night before  we shipped out  ,on watch  with me and  a few  others..

 Pointing to the Younger Commander,This  is  Master  Barin Hobbin, if the Sweet Water.. that  sloop that  is  unloading  troops to the Maiden

 To the older, Grizzled  Dwarf, This  is  Commander  Vogg Cress of   the Soggy HAmmer, they  once served the Empire , but Reedrick talked them into Joining the Arrows as privateers..

 The  Youner  Human , Gives a knuckle  salute to Tyri,..My Pleasure Ma'am, it is nice to see a wonderous  person  as yourself  among the  HArsh Captains  people!

 Vogg gives a snort,  'ware this Lad, Ma'am, he's  always lookin' fer a port to sail into!

  Kree chuckles  slighlty.....Vogg,  we shall go in your sloop, you have  more experiance with  night drops and the like... Barin?... You will lead the  Shackled MAiden into the  City...

 Garvin  had  approached  as he listend,..what of the   Raining Sorrow?

  Have your   first Mate sail her up the Tou to the Goblin Ferry, where they will unload  the  free folk and supplies you send  with them, When  it  returns,  The Sweet Water,  Raining Sorrow and Shackled Maiden will head  to the City...

 Garvin frowns, we don't have   any slavers or Pirates to hang from   sides fer the serpents to peck on and people to see?

 You will be led  by A Crimson Arrow   vessel...The Arrows  do not take  slavers or  Pirates  as prisoners... we kill them..

 Turning to  the Group he points to the Older looking  Sloop,Everyone..Gather  your  things  and   get ready to ferry across to  The  Soggy Hammer....lets move  smartly now..there are slavers  waiting to die!

 Vogg chuckles  at thei    and  calls out to his  slow  to ready the other   boat so they might use both to ferry  the Arrows.

Lysander grabs what little gear he carries and readies to board the launch.

 Elandra gathered her gear, she smiled at the Commander and said," May Peace be with you good Sir." Elandra smiles and then heads for the launch with the rest of the Arrows. She is still wearing her vestments over her armor, but she has found a few ways to make it look more appealing, and not so covered up.

throwing the last bite he had for himself into his mouth and following it with a last gulp of water, Vilmund grabs his shield and hammer, looking around, hmm. Me t'inks me needs m're gear. He smiles at his own personal joke and heads to the small craft. Ne'er ha'v much ta carry.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:30, Sat 03 Oct 2020.

She gave Kree a flat look when he ‘introduced’ Lysander and smacked him in the shoulder. “I know who Lysander is...” Chuckling she looked at the young commander. “Oh they aren’t so bad...just rough around the edges and Vogg...I would have no problem with that but I think that one has her sights set on him...” she pointed to where Riven stood a little ways away, minding her own business. With a chuckle, she gave Kree a kiss on the cheek and danced off to gather her things.

 Vogg looked at kree as Tyri bounced away,..She Dinna Know I was  talk 'boot the young Commander...

Hobbin   frowns,..Twas not  nice to  Say, beard-face...

 Twas  True...

 Mayhaps?.. , but  that does  not make it nice!

 Kree  Gives   Barin  a whack on teh shoudler,.Take care... sail safely...

  Kree waits for the  2nd  boat with those who are  left. Hooka lands  behind  him and Gives him a Nudge.

 Ahh,,  ye smokey filled  beastie. You did  well with the  attack, saved lots of good folks  lives.. You take care of  Mik , and we shall see  you next our  paths cross..

   The  Head drooped  down.

 I cannot  take you and Leave Mik alone.. I cannot take  Mik where  we are going...You take  care of the Lad, he loves you like no other...

 Mik  came  runnign over to say good bye  to all the Arrows. Kree Gives him a  throwign  dagger from  his back fan..Its  share.. care for it well, practice   with it.. I want to see how  you throw  when we come back to The Mound...

 The  kid grinned, Hooka still looked  said , the elf   climbed down into the  boat  , when the last arrows   were in, the crew rowed to the  Soggy Hammer.

"She probably wouldn't say no," Riven said as she passed by the young commander and the dwarf, following after Kree. Once in the boat, Riven settled in her spot, looking out over the water.

 Elandra smiles at Mik, and rubs Hooka on her head and then said to both of them," It has been a pleasure meeting you both, and May Peace be with you until we meet again."

 Elandra then got into the launch and took a seat for their journey to the Soggy Hammer.

   Vogg gets the sloop moving....Ye Know?  The Younin' is a fair had  with a Blade. might have been better to  take his  ship?

  Kree   smiles a bit,and you are a fair  hand with a Crossbow... if  you  crew has to go to Blades?.. My crew will be in dire straits. You skill in gettign agents  to  shore  in teh night is needed more then folks who seek to go ship to ship. Do you still carry  Tar, for  weapon's  use?

 Aye,  Reedrick made sure  any  ship that flies  an Arrow Banner, kin  toss them sticky burnin' balls... we took down a brig  Last month with those.. towed it into  the  city... only got have the prize money 'cause it was  burned a bit, But they almost have her   ready to leave the ship yards for the crown..

Lysander followed the rest to the boat.  He enjoyed the playful banter of the others.

 Vogg was on his smaller  quarter deck.  He  says out loud Ye know, we could  go up the Alt  River an' drop ya? and you could  go up or down the  trail as you need.

 we could  do that?  , But that means the  people at Olant get to live...

Vogg nods...we got about  4  -6  days  'til Olant...3  days with  fair winds....

Riven looked to Vogg and then back to Kree. “Might be fun to travel with more companions…” she gave a shrug with an unseen smirk. In all honesty, she didn’t care either way. If they had a moment to relax, then she would relax...if they had to fight, she would be there with an arrow nocked...

 (( moving  time up a bit here see map for 'hereabouts))

   The   crew  and the Arrows  had an easier  time of Mingling , since they were all Arrows.

   Vogg called   Kree  forward  and Pointed.. Ye See, ta the starboard side, the Mouth of the Alt, spillin' inta the Storm,  I'm  Givin' ye another chance to  change your mind,  we kin driop ye  anywhere on  either side of the Alt,  or  let you disembark  at the  ferry on either side of the  Furmans Chain

 It would save  us  time, in getting to Yad  and the  end part of  our task. But Olant is there... and some folk there needs, be  , Dealt with.

  Right Then... we'll keep sailin'  down rivers.. we have some  Good  from Tou that were..um..Liberated  when  some of the  other  Arrows ambushed a caravan,, they's  supposed to be goods, but there was some slave in the  wagons.no direct ties to tou..they was   smart enough not to wear colors..but they was Tou right enough. How ye  wanna do this?

 we pull in, you get your goods  sold like  any other merchant man..or pirate.. You  signed us  as guards , cause you heard  of Pirates lurking...which? will not be  a falsehood. me  go off  to  Town  and do what needs be done, then start our way up The Chain. If you are in no hurry to get back, you can wait for us  at Thur and we can send a report back with you

  The Dwarf  nods,your  Call, Cap'n.. wishin' i was goin'  wit your  to smash slaver heads...

 when you are in port?.. beware... you may have to  do, just that!

 the Next Night,  the  ship could see  glowing  off in the distance..they were making   good time as they had  rounded the Bend  early in the Day , heading down River...

It seemed darker   way down the river.. the Karth Swamp  almost pitch black with   'ghost lights' seen now and again, and the Roars of  Forest Runners..barely heard...but  would soon grow  louder  over the next day as they neared the  swap. On the  starboard side of the ship another Light  glowed.. The   small city of Olant... 'free city'..were all manner of   goods, both dark  and  lawful could be had, for the right price..or  taken  with a strang arm  and a blade.

Lysander looked with interest at Olant.  He had some items he needed to consider purchasing.

Tyri watches the lights, a wistful glint in her eyes, not necessarily to go into the city but more that she just thought the sight was pretty if anything. As much as she wanted to bother Ivy, she kept her distance since he was most likely helping Kree out. If she wasn’t off daydreaming, she was dancing, going through different movements as she mentally composed her ‘prayer’ to the Sisters.

 Elandra watched and learned and paid attention as they traveled into the night, she said a prayer to Amot for their save passage and that Peace will always be with us. She then saw the lights of Olant and wondered what type of trouble they where going to get into or cause when we get there.

Riven looked out, ever watchful of Kree and the others.

  We will be docking in  about an hour, , Get your  gear together . There is a very good chance  we will have a fight or  two on our hands, but  be wise... we have one target, are the rest are  just trimmings for the goose.

 Ivy   came  down the Ratlines,pulled up his   hood  as he  put his pack over  his   cloak

  Kree   stood  at the Bow watching the ships, a Three masted frigate was casting off to sail  down  rives  as men in  smaller  boats , helped  push it  to face that direction. The Flag on the ship  was from a  City , lesser known to those her in the North..

 I'd bet there were Slaves on that ship

 .... I would sasy you are  right. We cannot check, We have  bigger fish to fry , this time about. I supposed it is the balence... we saved those  on the  Shackled Maiden, but had we  sailed through,  we might have saved them...Reedrick's   words are true, no matter   how much they sting. We cannot save everyone..

Standing and stretching, Vilmund grabs his gear and, stretching his shoulders and back. he gets ready to dis-embark and ...... whatever comes will come.

Lysander gets himself battle-ready, but brings some coin  with him,  just in case he gets the chance to shop.

Tyri grabbed her gear, readying herself for the next part of this adventure, clearly excited to see the lands.

Krwyn takes his gear and makes sure his weapons are ready for use.

 Elandra gathers her gear, and makes sure she is ready for a fight her combat spells and healing are ready to go. As she stands to disembark sh says," May Amot grant us Peace here and may the Sisters smile on us, May Peace be with everyone tonight except our enemies."

 The  ship  glides   towards  the   Olant  Docks. Thorches and Lanterns Burn to Light the   docks, a few magic Globes places here and there for the same purpose.

 Of Course the  Light  draws   serpents , as  can be seen   from  swirls in the  water,  or clashes  in the river between  some serpents that  caught  a hapless   animals  tryign to swim, or perhaps  another  serpent that was   wounded by it  last meal.

 a small , one sail  boat  with a  Dozen of  so  sailors  in  draw near..

 Hail! The Ship!,,, Name of Ship and Purpose!

  Vogg shouts back, We be the Soggy Hammer, from  Ironmound, got  some goods  fer  sellin' and might be  buyin' if  yer  Slit trench of a town has  any goods  fer  honest folk to buy!

 The    Speaker from the boat  calls back,Right.. then ye  take the Firest berthin' then we don't  want Ironmound  types  tying up Docks fer   folk who  like to deal with us..

 sounds  goo d enough   fer me...


 The   Skiff  truns  away , heading back  down the line  a man with a  torch  waved  to  Vogg's  Ship  to a  rickety  dock  nearest to them, a good  30 yards  from the  main wharf.

 Vogg had the ship brought about  so it  would be  facing up river.  before  anchor.

 LInes  were   cast   and the ship secured, a very broad  Gang plank  lean up from the  wharf to the   ship and was secured. Two  rough looking Men came up the Ramp , stoppign at the edge. Vogg met them.

 eh there Cap'm  I have a crew of  6 men.. they can  unload or   help ye  unload.. they have a market area from 'outsider' goods.... what ye  don't  sell,  the  City will but  at  1/4 yer askin' price, so's ya don't go home empty handed

  How Much?

 1 gold  5 , fer  each man.. and we got 6...

 1 gold....

 1 gold  ,4....

 1 gold , 1 and  i toss a keg of  Trok Ale  fer yer people...

 The Man grins  and  overs  his  wrist  to be grasped.Done!

  yer men get  the goods ta market   so's they can start  sellin'  first light? an' i toss in another  silver each,

 The Man grinned , Whistled  to the others and the men  got up from their lean-tos   and moved to  start.

  Flax  and  Ginna will go   man the    market space to deal witht he coin and such.. dunno  get them hurt or allow them ta be hurt, , it won't be good  fer ye...

The Fellow  looked at  Vogg evenly....you think your sailors   can take us ?

 ayte?  But they woudna  be on this ship if i wasn't sure...now.. they  ain't who you have to  worry about.. its me   mercs..

 Kree  with his hood  up, only his   nose  and  chin visable in the torch lights, Ran into a frigate from  Vestes... the other ship with us, is taking it back to Ironmound as  a prize...there are not  any vestes Marines  alive...if there are any, they are whishing they were not...we had to earn our  coin on the wat down to the  Dung hole... do not  test us....


 He Truns to Vogg,we are going into town, we will meet you  where we agreed...

 Vogg and kree grassp wrists  , he walks  down  the ramp, not caring if he bumped into a dock workers nor not  as he walked straight  down the     planks.

 Ivy grins , though he has his hood up as well.....do not mind him too much, he gets  testy when he has not kill a human for   a few hours....   Kree  waits to make certain the Arrows   are coming  down the  ramp   so they can travel up the muddy path to the  docks  and the 'dockside market place"

Lysander follows Kree.  He is unknown in these parts, so has no fear of showing his face, especially given that he want to be able to see all around him, both from the perspective of seeing a new town, and from the thought of knowing where any threat may come from.

 Elandra was also new to this area and did not mind showing her face as well. Elandra followed Kree nodded to Vogg and said to all who could hear," Good evening all, and May Peace always be with you." She then followed Kree and the others.

Krwyn falls in step with Kree and Ivy at the side opposite Lysander, in an aptly named arrow-formation.

Falling into step he follows the group, ever the watchful eye confident of his footing as he moves.

  Striding up the  Hill, several  guards  in Leathers   wearing the  Mark of Olant on thier  chest..( a stylized  'O' over tope a Gold coin ) They   checked out the  Arrows, some lingered on the females, a Gruff old   fellow  sitting on a  crate , a bit  sword strapped to his back..

 ..You there!..don't  want no trouble from you, this town has laws...

 Kree  stopped  truned and Tilted His head, then began to laugh  as if he saw anew comedy at the Palace.....Thank you!, That is  the best Joke I have heard on weeks!

 Ivy and Kree continue down the  path the  the gates of the town,,  one of the younger men  went to  follow, the older  fellow   stopped him with an out stretched  arm, Chew on  some odd fuit from down south, the older fellow  just said,we'll see how  make of a jest they think  it is, if they get arrested.

...............

 >>>>>>>> arrows  to Olant thread.