BountyOfTheSeas/Session5

For all intents and purposes, it appears as though Parn has disappeared into the Wyld region that cuts between Noar and Hoark. The group has to decide what it will do, and whether it will stay together, as well as tying up loose ends in Noar. The girl who relayed much of the information about the Fair Folk attack has since introduced herself as Shore, and seems eager to travel with the brave strangers that resued her and her people. Luminescent and silver, the moon rises over the ruins of Hemlock. The Solars stand nearby, watching the trail of refugees picking up fragments of their lives. Relief workers from the town of Noar have arrived, and the long hard road to recovery has been begun.
Verdant shakes his head.
Pyhrra has since trailed off to the ruined pier to wail to herself in solitude, she was so close, but so far... Now she had no idea where he had gone, other than the heavy golden shield... she had nothing.
Verdant says, "And yet, some people think we should *negotiate* with those Fair Folk parasites."
Zeleny's lip curls, and nods his head in agreement. "They are the enemy, devourers of souls. Anyone who thinks otherwise...deludes themselves."
Callidora clucks her tongue. "Well, they are pretty, at least..."
Verdant sends Callidora a sidelong glance. And some say MEN think with their loins...
Callidora looks demurely at Verdant.
A commotion from the edge of the woods rises over the gentle sounds of the sea.
Zeleny says, "What- ?"
A detachment of crewmen from the Brilliance come crashing through the underbrush. Upon seeing Zeleny, one of them says, "Sir! Glad we *gasp* finally caught up with you!"
Zeleny says, "What has happened." His voice is still even, but it is with an effort. Alarm courses through him.
Verdant turns to the crewmen. "Something wrong with the ship?"
The crewman leans over, trying to catch his breath. "No, no sir. We just... thought you could use some backup. Lady Irisa sent us to make sure everything was okay. Phew!" He wipes the sweat from his brow. "You guys sure made good time getting here!"
Zeleny sighs. "I see. Thank you. In the future..." he pauses, realizes it would be useless, and shakes his head. "nevermind."
The crewman replies, "Er, yessir. We're ready to escort you back to the ship, sir, whenever you're ready."
Zeleny glances at Pyhrra, alone at the dock. "Very well. Then excuse me a moment...."
He walks to the shore, to stand behind the distraught Dawn caste. Tiny waves lap at his feet. He shifts uncomfortably. "If you'll pardon the intrusion..."
Pyhrra holds the old sword Memoir, chipped and worn, running her thumb over its blade, feeling every rusted pit and pockmark along its length, and the newer scratchings of words down the center of its blade. Pyhrra jerks a little, broken from her thoughts. She composes herself and half-turns to the captain.
Pyhrra says, "Yes captain... what can I do for you..?"
Zeleny says, "I only wondered....what you will do now. The trail seems lost."
The ocean gently washes against the remnants of the dock. Lit by the moon, everything takes on a pale, otherworldly quality - most especially the strange girl wearing the huge shield almost effortlessly, and the scar-faced captain standing by the water.
Pyhrra says, "I'll find a way... I'll kid myself into thinking it anyway. Just as I always do."
Zeleny's scarred faced is unnaturally solemn. His eyes are the exact same gray as the sea at night. "You could come with us. We have much to do. In time, you will find the wake of your brother's passage again. It is the nature of your fortune, I think." He seems to struggle for a moment. "And you would be in the company of friends..."
"It still feels like I'm doing nothing..." Pyhrra says, and sighs.
Zeleny says, "Not nothing. It was not nothing-" Zeleny gestures at the rebuilding villagers- "that you did tonight."
Pyhrra says, "Besides. I cant pay for future passage. You dont need a guard, I have noticed."
Zeleny raises his eyebrows incredulously. "You are a warrior superior to any that I have ever seen. You think you would need to pay for passage?"
Verdant walks up behind Zeleny. "I think you misunderstand what he's asking, Bronze Tiger."
Verdant says, "It is our nature to change the world. There are many who would rather have the world stay static, with their own petty power, instead of seeing positive change. Do you think we are so overconfident as to believe ourselves invincible?"
Verdant says, "Do you think we cannot see your skill?"
Pyhrra looks at Verdant fully, the moonlight reflecting the tears on her face. "You're going to change the world?! We're going to? We are hunted!"
Verdant says, "Then why split up? Why let ourselves be hunted? The strength of numbers has been the hunter's primary advantage. What if that advantage were reversed?"
Verdant lets his Caste Mark glow. "This doesn't mean that all your problems vanish. This doesn't mean that you'll never have a care in the world again. It means you and I are Chosen."
Pyhrra says, "Bronze Tiger? Warrior?! What do you think I am?! I dont want to topple the realm, crush evil or save kittens, I just want to find...! ...Forget it... just forget it..." Pyhrra returns to looking at the sea. "This warrior... this world changing hero you're talking about. I've never met her."
Zeleny says, "Then maybe you should be introduced."
Verdant chuckles at Zeleny.
Pyhrra says, "The humour is lost on me Captain."
Verdant says, "Perhaps. But what else are you going to do, Pyhrra? Sit here and mope?"
Pyhrra sighs
Verdant says, "I mean, honestly. We know more or less where your brother was headed."
Pyhrra says, "No... you're right."
Zeleny nods. "We may not be able to change the world. But we must try."
Pyhrra says, "Fine... but you do understand that once I find -him-, we part ways and you can change the world without me. You may have an unrealistic view of your personal power, but I have been defeated enough to know that I can't take on the world."
Zeleny lowers his piercing eyes. "If you wish."
Verdant says, "Yes, well, I don't think I can take on the world either...yet. Do you know how long our kind live? Thousands of years. Think of your skill with a blade now. How long ago was it when you knew nothing of swordsmanship?"
Pyhrra says, "That may be true, but you dont understand why I left my home as a warrior."
Verdant says, "True. Care to enlighten me?"
Pyhrra says, "Because it was the easiest to get by as. Look at me, I can't be a sailor, and I don't have the savvy to be a merchent. But the blade is easy for a person to pick up and pass themselves off as a warrior. It was that or be a whore. I would rather be poor and have my dignity," Pyhrra thinks of the defeats she has faced. "... at least most of it."
Verdant says, "Admirable to hold on to one's dignity. As much as one can, at any rate. So, you took the route that you could in order to get off your home island?"
Verdant says, "Despite the fact that women are not all that welcome aboard ships, you nevertheless made a living of sorts as a woman warrior?"
Pyhrra says, "That's right... not because it was my particular gift. I'm a librarian for heaven's sake! And a lucky one, I have had more than a few close calls trying to be what I wasn't."
Verdant says, "Despite all the hardships, despite everything, you stand here now."
Zeleny says, "And there are few now who equal your skill at arms, however naturally it comes to you," Zeleny comments quietly.
Verdant nods at Zeleny. "I for one wouldn't want to facing the wrong end of your blade."
Pyhrra says, "I am a demon that can cut people in twain. What are you getting at?"
Zeleny says, "We are none of us who we once were. I am no longer a lovesick fisherboy. We are all on our way to becoming someone else. Do not let your...expectations...of yourself stop you. Please."
Verdant says, "Oh for crying out loud, that "demon" claptrap is a load of Dragonblooded propaganda. Don't you see? They threw us down..."
Verdant cuts himself off for a moment...
Verdant says, "...for their...own reasons, and they'd rather not have the populace know the truth."
Pyhrra says, "What are you talking about?"
Zeleny glances at Verdant. It seems likely he does not know either.
Verdant tilts his head as he looks at Pyhrra, then glances at Zeleny.
Verdant says, "Haven't either of you had dreams of splendor? Of wonders beyond the scope of this age?"
Zeleny frowns. "I have had ...visions," he admits. "But nothing-"
Pyhrra shakes her head to a negative.
Verdant says, "What kind of visions?"
Verdant says, "Odd, I thought we all carried some of our predecessor's memories...it's part of our nature..."
Zeleny is silent.
Zeleny says, "A voice, mostly." he says at last. "And I have seen things...incomprehensible things."
Pyhrra says, "Well... to be honest I get dreams of great defeats."
Pyhrra says, "Of enourmous armies marching upon me. Just me. They never finish the same. Sometimes its arrows... spears... javelins..." Pyhrra pauses. "Or by swords."
Verdant says, "Well, that's something. I suppose the rest will come in time, or perhaps not." *sighs* "This will not be a short explanation, I think..."
Verdant says, "In times long past, there was a great war. The Exalted served as the armies in that war, fighting on behalf of the gods. Our opponents were the Primordials, those who were not born and could not die."
Verdant says, "After we slew many of them, their survivors offerred a surrender, and it was accepted by the gods."
Zeleny frowns. "If they were the undying, how-"
Verdant says, "Yes, I imagine they were quite surprised about it too. In any case, the surviving Primordials were sealed away, and Creation was given to us to rule."
Pyhrra says, "You dont seriously expect me to believe that do you?"
Verdant says, "The point I was making however, is that it is in the nature of the Exalted to transcend possibility. To do the impossible. Do you think the Dragon-Blooded can compare to beings older than the gods?"
Zeleny blinks. "That...it's true. I feel it." An expression of wonderment crosses his face.
Pyhrra looks at the other two as if they are completely lost to insanity.
Verdant looks at Pyhrra. "Well, do you?"
Pyhrra says, "No."
Verdant says, "See? Our job's easier this time."
Zeleny 's features lapse into their usual expressionlessness, but with more gentleness than is usual, he asks Pyhrra, "Will you come with us? At least for a time?"
Pyhrra says, "It will be easier than finding passage on another ship. Very well."
Zeleny says, "Thank you." It is possible there is a shadow of irony in his voice, but likely that there is not.
Callidora leaps into the midst of the groups, distributing affectionate hugs all around. "Aw, guys, we're one big happy family again!"
Pyhrra says, "Again?"
Zeleny in the quick look Zeleny sends Callidora's way before he is engulfed, there is as much the incomprehension-of-the-alien that there ever was.
Callidora says, "Well, sure! We all thought you'd left us when we hit Noar."
Verdant is surprised and confused. First she kicks me in the shins for looking at her aura, now she's hugging me and calling me family...
Pyhrra says, "I had."
Callidora says, "Exactly! And now you're back!"
Pyhrra says, "And if fortune smiles, I'll be leaving you all again... nothing personal."
Zeleny says, "Of course." Zeleny's face is calm and blank.
Callidora places her hands on her hips and adopts a mock-grumpy face. "C'mon now... you know you like having us around."
Zeleny says, "We should rejoin the others...there is much to be done."
Pyhrra shakes her head.
At Zeleny's comment, Callidora skips away across the sand, heading back towards the waiting sailors.
Pyhrra says, "In some ways I wish I was still able to touch my youth like that.. its been a rough year." Pyhrra thinks back to her home town, and how she longed to return to her job at the small library in the next port... It seemed to be getting further and further away...
Zeleny shrugs, and follows the bouncing Solar back to his men.
Walking up the beach, Zeleny feels a tug at his sleeve. Shore is standing there, looking pleading. "Please, kind sir... I couldn't help but overhear, earlier... could I come with you?" Shore blushes a little. "To Hoark, I mean? I... I've always wanted to see it, and, well, maybe I could find a job there and send money back to help out my mother, here..."
Zeleny says, "You would be better served to find a passenger vessel. There are no doubt many in Noar."
Verdant sighs. At this rate, we're going to need another boat just for the crew bunks.
Zeleny seems distracted.
Pyhrra says, "Wait, hold on captain..."
Zeleny turns. "Yes?"
Pyhrra rests her hands on her knees, Shore wasn't much younger than Pyhrra was...
Pyhrra says, "The captain may be right, it would be better to find a passenger ship to Hoark if you just wanted to visit."
Shore says, "But... but..." She looks shamefaced. "I have very little to pay for passage. You were so nice to us, I thought, maybe..."
"Well.... Shore... " Pyhrra begins uneasily. "The islands are a dangerous place for young women, especially ones who don't altogether know how to take care of themselves alone."
Shore sets her jaw, but the seeds of doubt have clearly been planted in her eyes.
Verdant walks up behind Shore. "Pyhrra. You said we can't change the world. I say otherwise. You've got to start somewhere."
Pyhrra says, "This isn't a game." Pyhrra says. "Shore, we're not coming back to Noar... will you be able to afford passage back? A place to stay? Food?"
Shore says, "Oh, I'm not worried. I'm very good at weaving - I expect to find work in Hoark."
Zeleny jerks his head. He glances at Verdant, and feels a curious shame steal over him. He glances at the girl. "If you wish to come, you may. But be warned we may change our course."
Pyhrra says, "Captain..." Pyhrra begins... but falls silent. It's his ship after all.
Shore is nearly bursting with joy. She thanks everyone profusely, then runs to get her few belongings.
Pyhrra says, "I suppose... being the only woman on the ship... I'll be taking care of her."
The crewmen stand around awkwardly. One of them makes to ask the captain "ANOTHER woman?" but is preemptively silenced by his friends.
Pyhrra didn't exactly trust Callidora to take care of any kind of living thing...
Verdant says, "What do you mean, only..." Verdant thinks of Callidora's recent and confusing actions. "Nevermind."
Crewman says, "Are we ready to go, then, Cap'n?"
With the consent of the captain, the crew bundles their passengers off, hurrying through the dark jungle in their eagerness to return to the warmth and safety of the Brilliance. Once back aboard, the crewmen are eager to sleep, anticipating an early departure.
Pyhrra takes the liberty of showing Shore to the small quarters she has been granted... no doubt shared with most or all of the other women aboard.
Pyhrra says, "Well... its not much really... but the captain has seen the need to keep the ladies a little bit more seperate from the rest of his crew - splendid gentlemen really... but you know..."
Pyhrra leads the young woman into a small cordoned off section of the cargo hold.
Pyhrra says, "Fortunately the captain runs a fairly clean ship... less rats around..." Pyhrra pushes a box aside. "Well, for the moment you can take my bunk, at least untill I can set an extra one up myself."
All that remains before getting under sail is making arrangements for the Starlit Waters, still slowly sailing towards Hoark with its cargo of slaves.
Zeleny waits on deck, indifferent to the cool wind that whipped through the sails. His spies were due. And he was rather curious to see how Monk had dealt with Niehan. They had...interesting similarities. A few of the returning spies had obviously gotten too friendly with a few of the local barkeeps, but Monk and Niehan at least looked sober. Zeleny nods to them. "What did you discover?"
They stand more or less at attention before Zeleny as they give their report. Niehan speaks. "Well, Cap'n, as ya'd expect, the Guild has a pretty chummy relationship with just about all the important people around here. Noar's important to 'em, 's well located for the trade route runs through Hoark."
Zeleny says, "What is the major trade in, here?"
Monk clears his throat. "While Niehan and his men took to the taverns, I and a few others tried to surreptitiously examine a few ship's registries. Well, as you'd imagine, being so close to Hoark, kelp is the largest percentage of goods carried by weight. More valuable goods are in the minority, consisting primarily of the usual assortment of worked goods and precious materials. A lot of weapons moving through the region, it seems. More than one might expect, for a confederation at peace."
Zeleny nods thoughtfully. "Thank you, all of you. We will leave Noar unmolested, I think."
They both nod their heads. "Welcome, sir."
Zeleny says, "Get some sleep. Those of you with night watches...." his gaze lingers on a somewhat sodden pair "- are relieved. We set sail on the morrow at noon."


The next day, arrangements made for the Starlit Waters, the Brilliance shoves off from the port at Noar. Shore stays in her cabin, so as not to upset the crew any further. Irisa keeps her company, out of sympathy. On deck, however...
Salas and Niehar stand and argue. "...ridiculous! I've done it a hundred times."
Salas says, "Hrmph! It's an unecessary risk."
Zeleny comes up from the stern of the ship where he had been supervising. "What is this?" he asks with misleading mildness.
Both turn towards their captain. "Sir!"
Salas says, "Niehan, sir, wants to skirt the Wyld zone that separates Noar and Hoark."
Zeleny glances measuringly at Niehan.
Niehan says, "Sir, we can shave nearly a week off our time if we're willing to spend a day or two passing through some bordermarches."
Callidora sneaks in to eavesdrop.
Salas says, "I'd advise against it, sir. The Wyld's a tricky thing at any time, and with the, uh..."
<ST_2> He glances at Callidora.
Salas says, "...the ladies on board, I'm thinking our luck needn't be pushed."
Zeleny says, "Hm." Zeleny seems to consider the matter for a few moments. He shakes his head at last. "No. There is no need to proceed in any particular hurry. I will not tangle with the Fae unneccessarily."
Zeleny says, "The ladies," Zeleny says with a certain edge to his voice, "are no danger. It is the red-haired woman who wards away storm mothers." Pity none of them had red hair...
Pyhrra snorts as she passes.
Zeleny says, "Nevertheless, we will stay from the bordermarches for the moment."
Niehan looks as though he's resisting the temptation to roll his eyes. "Well, lemme jus' say, Captain, that ya might have to be willing to travel through the Wyld sometimes, if ya intend on continuin' to..." He was obviously about to say "pirate," but seems to reconsider the choice of words.
Callidora sneaks around the corner, walks up casually.
Niehan forges ahead. "Nothing shakes off a pursuit like diving straight into a Wyld zone. Sure, some of the men might come out with, oh, longer toes, but really..."
Zeleny is unruffled. "I will travel through the Wyld if there is cause. There is none, now." He continues, "As for the two of you...your continual loud quarrels do nothing for the crew's ease or unity. Cease them."
Callidora says, "Well hey, what's the privvy council over here up to?"
Salas looks duly admonished, Niehan less so.
Zeleny looks surprised by her appearance, as he always is. "Discussing our route." He nods to is two men, and prepares to take off to help at another section of the ship.
Salas says, "Nothin' that need concern you, Lady Callidora."
Niehan says, "Ay, 's all under control, now."
Callidora raises her eyebrow. "Is this really necessary?"
Pyhrra passes on her pacing patrol around the deck. "He's right Callidora, best continue doing what you do best whilst they manage the ship."
Pyhrra pauses. "What *is* it you do best anyway...?" she asks more to the air.
Callidora says, "So, you'll be looking pretty I take it?"
Pyhrra looks at Callidora strangely. Usually those remarks came from men and were accompanied by whistling. "*I* am watching... for... things." A guard was more useful when there were things to guard against... or things to guard really... this was just a bad situation. She couldn't practice her form without breaking parts of the ship. She had once made the mistake of working out on a wooden bridge. It was moody and dramatic she thought, and she was moody and dramatic when she swum to shore afterwards when one of her downward shield strikes had proven stronger than the wood that supported her. She could still hear the old fisherman's cackling even now, but gained some satisfaction in the fact that she still had all her teeth... She didn't quite want a repeat in front of a crew of hardened sailors... after all the captain would object to her tossing them overboard one by one...
Callidora "Ahh well, this guy's secrets won't go anywhere anyway." Callidora wanders off.

Zeleny approaches Pyhrra a little later.
Zeleny says, "Pyhrra...I wonder if I might impose upon you...."
Pyhrra says, "Isn't that like asking 'Can I ask you a question?' Because you already have... its a play on language... er, nevermind, yes? What can I do for you Captain? If this is another pro-solar 'stick with us and change the world' conversations do spare me."
Zeleny says, "Many of the crew are still new to weapons. Would you consent to begin running training drills for them?"
"Well ah... " Pyhrra stammers. "I do have two glaring problems with that."
Zeleny says, "Yes?"
Pyhrra says, "I'm no teacher, and I am female."
Zeleny says, "Many still must learn the very basics, and those that don't must be kept in practice. As for your gender...that is another thing they must be taught."
Pyhrra pauses... "Alright." She says. "I want five of your men. I want the smartest, the most skilled and the ones that command the most respect amongst the men. When I have trained them to an appropriate level then they each can train five more under my supervision."
Pyhrra says, "I'll need five wooden swords and buff jackets for them at least. Helmets too. They'll need those..."
Zeleny nods. "Very well. I know the men, and can equip them." He hesitates. "I am not sure you want Wicked Mieklan. He is..."
Pyhrra says, "He is...?"
Zeleny struggles for a moment. "Difficult. Brilliant with a sword in his hand, but....he does not take direction well. I am told he was worse on the Burning Rain."
Pyhrra says, "Then would it not be better for me to attempt to break him than one of your valued men?"
Zeleny looks at her evaluating, and nods at last. "He could do with discipline." He wasn't sure he liked the idea of her 'breaking' anyone...
Pyhrra says, "Another thing. Why me? You're better in combat, you command the men's respect and leadership and instruction is natural."
Zeleny says, "I often too busy with sailing the ship to reliably make time to drill. As well, I sometimes...lose control in a battle." He does not seem eager to admit this. "I do not want my men to be accustomed to rely on me in a fight. I am not always reliable.." He pauses. "And I'm not at all sure I'm the better in battle." .
Pyhrra says, "If you say so captain, modesty seems to be in your nature."
Zeleny shrugs, turns to the crew and begins shouting out names. "Mieklan! Sarotay! Dallen Half-tooth! Calahay..."

The trip, after their course was decided and Pyhrra's training regime initiated, was uneventful. They kept a safe distance from the Wyld zone at all times, though sometimes it was close enough that one could see strange shimmering indicating water of a different make-up, or a jumping fish that looked less than normal. Swinging wide around the bordermarches that stretched out into the open sea, the Brilliance came back around to make for Hoark's eastern shore. Hoark's main port bears the same name as the island, and represents perhaps the most cosmopolitan settlement in the region. This still isn't saying much, even by Western standards, but it still may be the largest, busiest port many of the passengers have seen.
Pyhrra says, "Breathtaking..."
The Brilliance negotiates its way carefully through the huddled hulls of the many docked ships, coming to rest with little fanfare. Hoark - land of opportunity, provided that opportunity is kelp-related. Hoark is the capital city of the Krakatow City-States, and combines all the charm of a unscrupulous port town with the class of a political center.

Irisa disembarks briskly, rubbing her hands together and sizing the place up. She seems less than enchanted.
Zeleny negotiates with the harbormaster, not sparing a certain amount of cool intimidation to get the price he wants. He nods to Irisa. "What you're used to?"
Irisa says, "Well... I'm sure we're not in the nice part of town. But from what I've heard, the nice part isn't much nicer. I travel in slightly..." She looks at the dock-scum on her shoes. "...cleaner circles. Let us not dawdle here. I am eager to make contact with my associates, and will, of course, require the services of my bodyguards."
Zeleny says, "Certainly," Zeleny replies, at his dryest.
Zeleny says, "Verdant? Pyhrra?"
Pyhrra sighs and slings the sword strap.
Salas says, "Sir? Shall I send a detachment with you?"
Niehan says, "And who will be in charge in your absence, sir?"
Zeleny glances around at the company. "I think we will suffice. Expect us back before nightfall. Salas is in charge."
Both reply, "Ay ay, sir."
They needed, Zeleny decides, another ship. The tense situation between Salas and Niehan wouldn't merely simmer indefinitely.
Verdant nods silently and takes his staff in his hand as he follows Zeleny.
Once she sees her retinue is ready, Irisa strides off into the heart of the city. On the walk...
Zeleny amuses himself by acting bodyguard-like and glaring at innocent passerbyers.
Irisa says, "Oh, Captain, I took the liberty of bringing along the documents we recovered from the Burning Rain. I trust you don't mind?"
Zeleny grits his teeth. "Certainly not." He trusted Monk had had a chance to look them over.
Irisa says, "I believe my... friend may be able to ascertain more than we already have from them."
Verdant says, "Hmm? How so?"
Irisa says, "Well, 'Monk' may be learned enough to read, but he certainly is not as well-connected as associates of mine. There are names and figures in here which are meaningless to us, but may have deeper significance."
Pyhrra follows on silently. Bureacracy for the bureacrats... War for the warriors.
Irisa says, "...I think I'm lost."
Verdant raises an eyebrow.
Zeleny says, "You're joking."
This does not look like a savory part of the city. One might go so far as to describe it as UNsavory.
Pyhrra sighs. "Turn around."
Irisa says, "We're looking for the Barking Dog tavern. His offices are above it."
Pyhrra says, "Maybe your navigation is less than perfect, or you dont recall altogether where you are going. I suppose the neighbourhood could have gone downhill."
Zeleny asks a fish-stick vendor which way the Barking Dog tavern is.
Irisa gets defensive. "Well, I've never been here before. I only have some rather vague directions to go by."
The vendor points you back the way you came, with instructions to take a northwesterly path when it presents itself.
Zeleny informs the others. "This way," he sighs.
Following his directions, the Barking Dog comes into view: a relatively small and unassuming sign is the only indication that this is the right place.
Irisa says, "Come on, the entrance is around back."
Zeleny keeps his thoughts to himself, and only nods.
Squeezing into the alleyway next to the tavern, Irisa disappears into the darkness tucked away between buildings.
Pyhrra slips in behind with less ease.
Verdant glances about, and follows.
Zeleny does not so much slip into the alley as bull his way through the debris to it.
Irisa's voice comes from above. "Careful, don't miss the stairs, they're hard to see. That's right, there you go." She then disappears into the second story of the building.
Inside is a small but comfortable room, seemingly designed to accomodate people waiting to enter the only other door.
A receptionist, of sorts, sits behind a small desk next to the closed door. She greets Irisa warmly, saying that she's been expected, and to please take a seat.
Zeleny takes a seat.
Verdant sits down.
Slender, professional looking men come out of the closed door. They gesture that the visitors are to remove their weapons and turn them over.
Since it seems he is a bodyguard...Zeleny glances at Irisa for her 'okay' before handing them over.
Irisa makes assenting motions.
Pyhrra grips Memoir tightly. Then relents... "I better get that back." she warns.
Verdant hands over his staff. Not like it's anything other than a stick of wood, anyhow.
The men only nod, but they treat all the weapons with respect, even Pyhrra's beat up old sword. Once the Solars have been patted down for concealed weapons, the quiet men gesture for them to enter the second room.

A tall, well-groomed man rises from behind his desk to greet Irisa. "Irisa, dear, so glad you could come to see my offices! I trust you didn't have any trouble finding us?" Before she can even answer, he asks, "Ah, and who have we here? Quite an escort, Irisa."
Irisa makes a round of introductions, giving the man's name as "Vorn."
Vorn says, "SO pleased you could all make it. Irisa, your mother sent word that you'd run afoul of some ruffians!"
Zeleny looks at Irisa with faint surprise.
Vorn says, "I take it these fine people were instrumental in your successful defense of the Starlit Waters?"
Irisa says, "Yes, and now they are my bodyguards. I felt it wouldn't be safe until I could meet with you."
Vorn says, "Ah, well, of course you are safe with us here."
Verdant listens, face calm.
Irisa says, "Vorn, the brave men you see before you managed to recover some documents from our attackers' ship before it sank. I want you to take a look at them."
Vorn takes the papers as they are handed over; they've taken a beating in the intervening weeks, but remain legible.
Vorn says, "Hmm... well, from the looks of it... yes, I might be able to help you. None of these names mean anything to me, which means they're probably just fronts. But, we can cross-reference these manifests with ships that came through Hoark recently..."
Vorn looks put-out. "This will take a lot of paperwork, Irisa, I hope you appreciate that. But, we will happily do it for you."
Irisa leans across the desk to give Vorn an awkward hug. The gesture seems oddly out of character for her. "Thank you, Vorn. When should we check back in with you?"
Vorn says, "Give us a few days, and we'll see what we can't dig up. I think I may know where to begin looking, but I don't want to say anything prematurely..."
Vorn says, "Ah! An idea - I put you and your friends up in a nice inn, and when I find something, I will send word to your rooms."
Irisa says, "That would be wonderful. Everyone? A chance to get off that... ship?"
Verdant looks at Zeleny.
Zeleny raises his brows. "I will decline, I think. I feel better having things...under my eye."
Pyhrra says, "It's been a while since I slept in a bed, I can certainly deal with that."
Pyhrra doesnt mention that she would prefer money or new equipment, but gratitude where it's due.
Vorn says, "Ah, marvelous, marvelous. Let me show you to the door, and Geane will arrange the accomodations for you."
Verdant thinks a moment, then speaks. "I would be honored."
Geane, the receptionist, leads the group outside. Winding through the back alleyways, Geane takes the group to an inn that actually turns out to, in spite of its exterior, to be quite nice inside, even by the standards of someone like Vorn. Geane makes arrangements for their rooms, apparently paying more than enough to get special treatment.
Pyhrra walks into the room and flops down on the closest bed "Aaaah, my compliments and offerings to the god of soft matresses, his or her work is impeccable. This is lovely!" With a smile and a bow, she leaves them to their own devices.
Zeleny parts ways outside the inn, asking the others to send word if anything came up. He didn't like to contemplate what Niehan and Salas could get up to if he spent the night away.


Pyhrra attempts to make a little silver or jade... a town this size needs security after all.
Zeleny sends a few more spies out, looking for slaving vessels....
Failing that... a little vigilante cruise into the shadier districts could provide some worthwhile sport, and maybe some coin to boot. Ill gotten gains are the best gotten gains.
As Zeleny wanders around the mostly-empty Brilliance, a sailor approaches him with a nervous air. "Visitors to see you, sir."
Zeleny looks at him curiously, and nods. He follows the sailor to where the visitors waited.
The 'visitors' consist of one man who practically oozed charm, and a bevy of his retainers.
Zeleny says, "Can I help you, sir?" Zeleny asks cooly.
The diplomat makes a formal bow, a careful smile maintained at all times. "Captain Zeleny, I assume, of the Brilliance? A pleasure to meet you at last. I am Arturo, and I come on behalf of the Guild."
Zeleny says, "Ah. And what may I help you with, Arturo of the Guild? Captain, perhaps this would be a matter best discussed in private."
Zeleny looks at him narrowly. "If you wish." He nods to the nervous sailor to depart, and leads the guildmen to the state room. The state room has not undergone much maintanence, and it's gilded luxury has decayed significantly.
Most of Arturo's retainers remain on deck, although two meekly remain by his side at all times. Bodyguards, no doubt. He makes no comment on the condition of the state room, instead complimenting Zeleny on his well-maintained ship and loyal crew.
Zeleny listens to it all with something of an amused air, and sits down across from the guild diplomat at a large oaken table. "Well. What do you seek here?"
Arturo says, "I will be direct with you, sir. The Guild has a number of interests in this region, and does not wish to see them disrupted."
Zeleny says, "No doubt."
Arturo says, "We understand that you are upset about your treatment previously, as a slave. As such, the Guild wishes to offer recompense for your suffering, in exchange for a gentleman's agreement."
Zeleny says, "I am afraid, gentleman, that I am not easily bought off." Zeleny's voice is strangely gentle. "The Guild traffics in murder, kidnapping, and the debasement of humanity. And until that ends, I will not shy from 'disrupting' such activities at every opportunity."
Arturo obviously finds this distasteful. "We are prepared to offer a -great deal- of recompense.
A glint of gold sparks briefly in Zeleny's eye, and dies. He stands. "Then end your trade in slaves. Anything less is insufficient. Do you really believe a jade bit is adequate recompense for a thousand lashes and hundred brutalized peoples? Can you really understand what reveals of you, that you think no more of your brothers and sisters than you do of your mule?" His tone is almost clinical, but beneath the table, his fist clenches.
Arturo makes a gesture of helplessness. "But then, what can any of us do to change it? Slaves have always been and always be - is it not better that you, at least, profit in the meantime?"
Zeleny stares at him. "Ten thousands years ago chains wrapped even the greatest of gods in chains. Six thousand years ago their masters were overthrown and cast aside by the least of Creation, and a thousand years ago the Dragonblooded cast off their masters in turn. Dignity, freedom, change- these things exist, if only men have the courage to seek them. And I will...and if I do not seek them for others, how can I say they exist for myself? If you choose to withhold your efforts only from want of courage or lack of vision...well, that is your choice."
Arturo is taken aback by Zeleny's fervor.
Zeleny's voice seems to thunder. "But I will seek to break the chains of my brothers and sisters!" He smashes his fist down on the table, and it shudders and splits evenly in half. His gray eyes burn and storm as he stares levelly at the Guild flunky.
Arturo is only slightly put off by the horrendous noise and flying wood chips. Arturo stands. "I am sorry that you feel the need to resort to a show of brute strength at a gentlemen's discussion."
Zeleny says, "I never said I was a gentleman." Zeleny seems amused. "I am sorry you feel that the status quo can be maintained by throwing jade at a problem. You may leave my ship."
Arturo says, "I am also sorry that we could not come to an agreement on this issue. Regardless, the Guild wishes to express its deepest concern for your past treatment, and hopes that in time, the wounds in your heart may heal."
Zeleny just looks at him incredulously. "Leave."
Arturo places his tastefully jaunty hat upon his head, and leaves, assistants in tow. Outside he gathers together his retinue, refusing to be hurried by the gazes of Zeleny and crew. From the pier, Arturo waves and calls back, "Farewell, Captain."
Zeleny's eyes follow the man. "Well, he has courage, at least. It will not be a quick or easy thing, to destroy them." And Zeleny shrugs, seeming to put the matter from his mind.


Just as Verdant turns to leave yet another tavern, he nearly runs into the slender, robed figure standing in the door way.
Verdant says, "Ah, pardon me."
Pulling back his hood, Hidden Victory smiles at his young charge, his eyes a-twinkle. "Quite alright, I assure you."
Verdant smiles back.
Verdant says, "Good to see you."
Hidden Victory replies, "Come, I know of a comfortable park where we might sit and discuss matters."
Verdant nods and follows.
Settling himself in, Hidden Victory gazes contentedly at a squirrel chattering away in a nearby tree. "You have been quite busy, young friend."
Verdant sits next to Hidden Victory. "Indeed. Events have certainly become more complicated of late."
Hidden Victory says, "Your Circlemates... they present interesting quandries..."
"True," Verdant agrees. "Speaking of which, have you heard of a Solar named Parn? Apparently his sister also Exalted, and is rather...obsessed...with finding him."
Hidden Victory laughed lightly. "Another Solar? Friend Verdant Waves, you already travel with most of the Solars in Seaspray. In fact, only one other exists, and he is most assuredly not this 'Parn.'"
Verdant raises an eyebrow. "Interesting. He is most certainly an Exalt of some type, and some townsfolk who had seen him described him as having a solar caste mark."
Hidden Victory looks troubled by this. "This -is- interesting. I will have to investigate this region's Fate more carefully. ...I worry that he may be a creature outside Fate. Verdant, you must be on guard."
Verdant nods. "An unknown Exalt is not something you or I can afford to ignore. There's a piece missing. His sister is a Solar, and yet he keeps eluding her."
"If it is a demon, masquerading as a Solar, finding him may be worse than not," Hidden Victory warns.
"From what I gather, he keeps moving, which begs the question of why. What is he looking for? Or what is he running from?" Verdant nods. "A demon that can fake being a Solar is not a pleasant thought to begin with."
Hidden Victory offers a humorless chuckle. "Well said, young Solar. I wonder if you can even truly fathom..."
Verdant listens, hoping Victory will continue... But the Sidereal is obviously lost in his thoughts.
Verdant waits, then decides Victory isn't going to finish that sentence. Waiting a bit longer just for politeness' sake, Verdant then clears his throat to speak.
"Hmm?"
Verdant says, "You once mentioned a sorcerous means of communication. Is that spell within my ability?"
Hidden Victory replies, "Ahh. Yes, it's a relatively simple procedure, and one that could be quite useful for our communiques.
Verdant says, "That was my thoughts. Given my current companions, I doubt I'll be in the same place for long very often."
"How true." Hidden Victory replies. "Fortunately, I anticipated your need. I trust that this will suffice, for our purposes?" Hidden Victory produces a scroll that had heretofore been concealed in his sleeves.
Verdant chuckles ruefully. "Always a step ahead, my friend. Yes, I do believe it will."
Hidden Victory smiles. "I am pleased."
"One last thing," Verdant says. "Any suggestions on what I should say about this 'Parn'? I doubt his sister will stop looking for him, but I don't think it wise to let her go off unprepared..."
Hidden Victory considers this for a moment. "Perhaps you should express your concern that he may have become something altogether less wholesome than Exalted. You are correct in that it will not dissuade her, but I agree that she should be forewarned ofpossible danger."
Verdant nods.
"You each represent a valuable treasure, and to lose a young Solar - for any reason - is a tragic thing," Hidden Victory cautions. "It has been a pleasure meeting with you again, Verdant. I hope your studies go well."
Verdant smiles, standing. "A pleasure to me as well, and I believe they will progress nicely, thanks to you."
With a small smile, the Sidereal turns and walks into the afternoon street traffic, quickly disappearing.
Verdant chuckles. "Sometimes I wish I could do the same." He turns and walks back to his room. Ah, a soft bed, it's been a while...


On the third day, Vorn sent word that something had turned up. Irisa insisted that they hurry over immediately, interrupting everyone's lunch.
Zeleny follows the messenger Irisa sends to the inn. He is rather curious about the Burning Rain's mission, after all...
Back in Vorn's office, with Callidora this time, the man adopts a concerned countenannce and steeples his fingers thoughtfully. "I have news, though I fear to tell you, dear Irisa. It will lead you down a dark path, one that perhaps you should not tread at all. The names were all, as expected, front organizations. However - I was able to link more than one of the listed ships with those belonging to the Black Snake Brotherhood."
"The what?" Zeleny glances at Irisa, to see if this name meant anything to her.
Irisa seems to know not much more than the others. Vorn continues, seeing his audience's lack of reaction. "The Black Snakes are, on the surface at least, a loose organization of 'reputable' businessmen."
Zeleny says, "Oh?"
Vorn says, "It doesn't take too much work before you find that they have their fingers in most of the pies around here, and a very close relationship with the Guild and its local pawns."
Zeleny says, "Really." Zeleny frowns slightly. "....do you know of an individual named Arturo?"
Vorn says, "Ah. You have had some dealings with the Guild here in Hoark, then?"
Zeleny says, "Some. Does he have any association with these 'Black Snakes'?"
Verdant looks surprised.
Vorn laughed bitterly. "The Snakes keep themselves clean, but you can't do what they do without getting a little dirty. Arturo is far too upstanding a member of the community to associate with the likes of them."
Verdant says, "And what do they do? Just take a cut of everyone's illicit deals, or do they have their own operations?"
Vorn says, "They'll happily act as middlemen on any number of transactions, but I believe that most of the business that goes on in Seaspray, Skullstone, and maybe beyond - if you dig deep enough, you'll find a Black Snake buried somewhere."
Zeleny says, "Why would they give a damn about Irisa?"
Verdant says, "Maybe they don't. You said they would act as middlemen. Perhaps they're acting on someone else's desires, all for the right price."
Irisa says, "My mother, as I've said, has many enemies, but all in the spirit world."
Zeleny says, "Someone hires the Snakes...who hires the Burning Rain....who attacks Starlit Waters."
Callidora says, "Perhaps you were attacked by someone in the spirit world?"
Zeleny says, "Any enemies associated with flame?"
Callidora ponders a moment.
Irisa rolls her eyes. "Many. They cause a great deal of disruption in the water courts."
Verdant says, "Are there any you could think of that would have the necessary...business savvy...to deal with this Black Snake Brotherhood?"
Irisa says, "Yes, that is where I hit a stumbling block."
Pyhrra says, "Maybe they just raided you by coincidence?" Pyhrra speaks up for the first time. "Its not out of the realm of possibility."
Verdant says, "From those papers, I thought we had already determined that their objective was Irisa."
Indeed not. Zeleny thinks of his own stumbling upon the Waters...
Pyhrra says, "But maybe it goes little further than that? The Black snake or serpent involvement may be little more than providing information for a cut of the loot."
Irisa says, "Perhaps the attempts at extortion that preceded the attack were the work of the Brotherhood as well."
Verdant says, "I was starting to think along those lines myself."
Vorn says, "Yes, yes, we could theorize about the Black Snake Brotherhood all day and reach no workable conclusion. What we need to do is decide how to protect Irisa at the same time as we try to stop the attackers from striking again."
Pyhrra says, "Ambush. Let them come to us. Trap one." Pyhrra inspects her nails.
Zeleny says, "What exactly do you propose?"
Pyhrra says, "If you cant gather intelligence any other way, go straight to the source or let the source come to you."
Verdant says, "Speaking of sources, Irisa, if Snail was associated with the Brotherhood, do we know how to track him down?"
Zeleny says, "Specifics. What trap would you have Irisa set? Start a new....dream business...here?"
Pyhrra says, "If they wanted her once and failed, they'll want her again. If vengeance was the motive will they stop now?"
Vorn wears an expression of concern. "If the target truly was Irisa and not simply the jade aboard the Waters, they will strike again."
"Exactly.. these sort dont let things go easily, she escaped once, they'll come after her again, but this time we'll be ready for her." Pyhrra slaps her fist into her other hand.
Verdant says, "Or perhaps they'll be ready for us. The problem with the waiting game is that you surrender the initiative."
Vorn says, "I'm not sure I like your implication. Striking back at the Black Snakes directly may be impossible."
Pyhrra says, "Yes, let us do nothing."
Vorn blanches.
Pyhrra says, "What can we do? Sit and talk? This seems to be all that is on the books right now."
Vorn says, "I merely mean to say, that is..." He adopts a defeated expression. "I don't know. Poor Irisa. Poor, dear Irisa..."
Pyhrra rolls her eyes, saying, "She'll be *fine*, but if we dont take action that becomes more of a question with each passing day."
Vorn looks resigned. "I'll do my best to protect you. I fear for what forces may be brought to bear against us."
Zeleny says, "I do not think I can afford to stay in Hoark long." He looks at Verdant and Pyhrra...
Pyhrra says, "Anger someone?"
Verdant says, "Let me guess. Has to do with this Arturo?"
Zeleny shrugs. "I have my own business to pursue, as well," he says, not denying it.
Vorn sighs. "Let us retire for the evening. Perhaps things will look less dim in the light of a new day."
Zeleny says, "If you wish."
He stands, stretches. He did not entirely trust this Vorn individual. "More meetings on the morrow then." He does not seem particularly thrilled.
As the Solars lie in their beds, most in town, the captain on his ship, the night begins to move. Shadows detach themselves from greater shadows, and slink across starlit patches like cats.
In the pale light, steel is bared... and the air hangs heavy with the promise of death.
END CHAPTER 5