BountyOfTheSeas/Dragonbloods

SCENE ONE. Location: Brilliance.

[11:03] <onine> The heavy wooden noise of the hold being open is the loudest sound either of you have heard for nearly a week, only the harsh feel of steel chains and the muffled noises of the surf and the creak of the ship has been your companion for what feels like an eternity. An eternity that will now draw to a close as the Anathema's brainwashed slaves haul you both roughly through the corridors.
[11:03] <onine> The blazing sun sears at your skin and blinds your dark-accustomed eyes as the sailors yank you by the chains onto the deck of the ship called the Brilliance.
[11:04] <onine> Arrayed on the vessel's deck are the loyal soldiers of the demon, their eyes are hard and fanatical as they stare hard at you, the only thing harsher are their steel and iron weapons gleaming in the sunlight.
[11:05] <onine> The Unclean Sorcerer and the dread-pirate captain, the Blasphemous await you, their eyes devoid of any human emotion their empty souls may once have been able to express. Their hearts are nothing but pain and suffering for the world now...
[11:06] <onine> The captain stands unarmoured, his scarred face and bare chest gleam almost golden in the midday sun. He stares at you a moment with his cool grey eyes.
[11:06] * Mala jerks her arm from the slave's grasp, and straightens. She lifts her chin, composed and sure. She was ready for what the demon would do.
[11:07] <onine> An execution likely... perhaps they will finally get around to devouring your souls rather than keep you hanging for much longer - it would be a welcome reprieve from the shame.
[11:07] <onine> He observes your actions, then speaks quietly, but his voice carries. "Your jade I will keep. Your lives I return. Use them better than you have."
[11:08] <onine> He and his soldiers step aside, clearing a path for you to the gangplank, which leads to a filthy old rotten jetty. The indications of a settlement on the shore is little more than burnt wood amongst the island trees.
[11:09] <onine> He gestures at the gangplank almost cordially. "I'm sure you can find your way home from here."
[11:10] <onine> The sailors release the manacles and push each of you roughly with a hard hand in the center of the back.
[11:10] <onine> "Get moving..." One of them hisses through an array of missing teeth.
[11:11] <Mala> For a moment, Mala stares at him, and forgets her dignity in a gape. The push of the sailor reminds her, and she staggers for a moment before her grace returns to her. A poisonous look comes into her eyes as she stares at him, but she turns aside with a jerk, and walks between the ranks of soldiers with all the dignity she can muster.
[11:13] * Vokar follows Mala in silence, shaking off the slave's hand. There is nothing else to be said.
[11:13] <Mala> She sneers at the decaying jetty, but suffers herself to step into it, and is surprised by her sudden rush of relief.
[11:14] <onine> Your feet nearly go through the rotten boards of the ancient jetty, however none of the watching sailors smiles, laughs or jeers. At that they pull the gangplank back onto the ship and solemnly prepair to set sail.
[11:15] <onine> Such shames you have endured, the attempted brainwashing of the Unclean, capture and interrogation by demons, and an annoying conversation with an insipid little barbarian girl... well, at least she had respect and appreciation.
[11:17] <Mala> "We'll be back," Mala promises the ship quietly. "And we'll be asking for the return of our jade." She tilts her chin in an unconscious, haughty gesture, and turns to regard Vokar. Her red hair falls to cover an eye. "Well?"
[11:17] <onine> Now here you are stranded on what looks to be an insignifigant deserted island. That coward Kadavra fled, as did Ashiba - they're probably both on their way back to the Palace Sublime to report the outrageous tale of your incompetance and how your command of the mission was a poor choice.
[11:18] <onine> Ashiba may be old, but he's wiley. Immaculate or no, he knows the politics of the Order and the Wyld hunt better than anyone.
[11:19] <onine> The island is largely trees, with the burnt out ruins of a fishing village near the jetty. A few broken boats stick up out of the sand, and decayed fishing nets hang limp and useless from bent stands near the treeline.
[11:21] <onine> At the distant northern end of the island you can see the rocky peak of a small mountain.

SCENE TWO. Location: Abandoned Village

[11:21] * Vokar sighs. "Might as well see if there's anyone who'll give us our bearings in that village."
[11:21] <Mala> "And ask who?" Mala demands. "The crabs?!"
[11:22] <Vokar> "Survivors, if there are any. And if not, see if there are supplies we can use."
[11:22] <Mala> "We may as well scavange for supplies," she admits grudgingly.
[11:25] <Mala> With a certain amount of distaste, she sets off gingerly across the jetty, well aware the clumsy Western structure could give way at any moment.
[11:27] * Vokar walks after her, uncaring if the structure collapses or not. While Mala might not like the water, it was more like home to him.
[11:28] <onine> The village was small, probably not much more than 70 people could have lived there at any one time. The destruction happened some years ago by the looks of things, and given the localised nature of the destruction its fairly safe to surmise that it was caused by marauders rather than accident.
[11:32] <onine> Vokar seems to have his eyes planted in the sky for the most part while Mala looks. The young water-aspect feels something squeek under his footfall. Half buried in the ashes is a small burnt doll. One of the button eyes is missing, the other is melted across its face. The bubbling shell has run down the face like black tears.
[11:33] * Mala hunts diligently, sorting through the rubble with energy. The raiders had been thorough and in the end she has only a small pile of goods. She turns to see Vokar...
[11:33] <Mala> "Vokar, what �are� you doing?"
[11:36] * Vokar looks up from the melted doll. "Hmm?"
[11:38] <onine> You've noticed that despite your expectations, you have found no evidence of the dead. The attackers must have taken most of the men, women and children as captives, likely kept the women, and sold the men and children to slavers - or the Guild.
[11:39] <Mala> With forced patience, Mala begins: "We have food for a couple days, two jugs of water, rope, and a bloody hatchet, and the accursed Anathema have stolen our greatest treasures! I don't care how embarssed you may be. How shamed your sister ran away. This is not the time to..to...space out!" The patience gives way: her face flushed and hot as she finishes.
[11:45] <Vokar> Angrily, Vokar grabs the doll and throws it at Mala. "And this is long past the time to be analysing our actions. We lost, despite everything we know, everything we've been taught. And I bet those abominations chose this place just to toy with our emotions."
[11:49] * Mala avoids the doll, and turns aside from it with one elegant twitch of her shoulder. "I'm sure you're right. So take hold of yourself." Mala bends down, and scoops up a couple bundles: all the supplies she'd found, neatly divided and wrapped in some fishermen's old jackets. She tosses one to Vokar. "This one's yours. We're heading up there," she nods to the mountain. "From the summit, we can get a good look of the island."
[11:51] * Vokar catches the bundle and nods. "And then what?"
[11:52] <Mala> "And then we see what the Anathema have left us with."
[11:54] * Mala arranges her supplies on her back, and sets off into the forest without another word.

SCENE THREE. Location: The Island

[11:54] <onine> The island you find is divided into two halves, the side sheltering the burned out fishing village, and the windswept side.
[11:55] <onine> Past the ridge that runs the length of the island's center leading up to the small mountain the trees slack off, and those that still grow are very warped from constant wind. Little more than windswept grass, spiky shrubs and smooth stones exist on the western half of the island.
[11:56] <onine> You walk up the long ridge, with the wind biting at your skin and blowing your loose clothing and hair almost horizontal.
[11:57] <onine> At the top of the small mountain you are given a fine view of a horizon of blue on blue. There is a small alter for offerings at what constitutes a peak, there are small burnt fishbones there.
[12:00] * Mala sits down on a boulder, and surveys the island with disdain. She makes a fine picture, the tossing about her red red hair. "I see the erstwhile villagers were not behind with their unnatural obesciences." She compresses her lips.
[12:02] <Mala> "But if it could get us �off� this �bloody� island..."
[12:04] <Vokar> "Us? I think we both know the problem about getting off this island is your aversion to water."
[12:07] <Mala> "Oh, and you want to walk in Mela-knows what direction for hundreds of miles under the sea and slink back ...where? ..without me."
[12:08] <Vokar> "I seem to recall, on one occasion, having to walk some distance under the sea carrying someone's jade armor."
[12:10] <Mala> She laughs..and the laugh trails off. "Yes. Our first defeat." She glares in no particular direction, and then waves a pale hand in the direction of the sea. "Go right ahead, ." When he did not seem immediately disposed to move, she smirks. "So lets contact this little godling."
[12:12] <Vokar> "Go right ahead."
[12:13] <Mala> "First we've got see if it's home." She digs a little hole in the dirt with her foot, and then bends down to rip of length of white cloth from her pants. She holds it up regretfully- finest Varangan silk, this cloth- and then uses it to line the little ditch.
[12:14] <Mala> She reaches behind her and grabs her water jug. Holding it at a distance from her body, she uncorks it with a thumb and begins to ceremoniously poor the water into silk-lined hollow, until a small, reflective pool is formed.
[12:15] <Mala> She gestures to it grandly. "Now show us why you're a chosen of Danna'd."
[12:16] <Vokar> "In other words, you want me to do something, because you can't."
[12:19] <Mala> "Between and Among and Together, " Mala replies, sereney repeating a common phrase in the Immaculate Texts on the unity of the Dragonblooded. She somewhat spoils the effect by continuing acidly, "If you're not too busy with your funk."
[12:24] <Vokar> "Maybe I should take my 'funk' and go somewhere with less acerbic company."
[12:27] * Mala closes her eyes dramatically and rubs her forehead. "I'm sorry I'm upset we were utterly humiliated and defeated. I'm sorry we were abandoned by our comrades. I'm sorry this has made me. A bit. Tetchy. " She looks at Vokar almost sympathetically. "But we're going to have to work together if we want to strike back!"
[12:29] <Mala> She stands to her full height, and shakes her long hair back. Her eyes burn. "Vokar..right now, I need your help."
[12:30] <Mala> She gracefully concedes the point that, as a Water-aspect, he's in somewhat better straights than she currently.
[12:32] <Vokar> "The admission is appreciated," Vokar replies with a nod, then looks into the still reflective waters.
[12:33] <Vokar> "And it would appear that our host is indeed in residence."
[12:33] <onine> In the reflection, you can see that there is a figure sitting on one of the raised sections of the small alter with his back facing you. The god is a little man, no lager than a particularly stout house-cat. He is fat, very rotund wearing simple work clothing with his hair pinned up in a top-knot.
[12:34] <onine> Slung over his shoulder is an enormouse green carp with a wide mouth and comical near-human eyes. The carp is just about as big as he is.
[12:35] <onine> The big fish's eyes swivel from looking at you to looking at you from the reflective puddle.
[12:36] * Mala puts on a bright smile as she looks uncertainly about. "Vokar.." she hisses.
[12:37] <onine> The little man shields his eyes from the sun and looks out to sea.
[12:39] * Vokar makes a gentle gesture, as if making an introduction, towards the raised section of the altar.
[12:40] <onine> In the reflection, the carp looks over its 'shoulder' at the god carrying it, and its thick lips move in speach. The little god looks around, but doesn't find you as interesting as the sea, looking back with a disinterested look in his beady black eyes.
[12:41] <onine> The fish waves a fin excitedly in greeting.
[12:41] * Mala turns to face the alter, and nods to it with just the proper inflection for a Prince of the Earth greeting a minor spirit who is yet still a spirit. "God of this island. In the name of the Dragons, we give you greetings. Please materialize, that we may speak together in pleasant accord."
[12:42] <onine> The air shimmers a little and the image of the god appears. "Who are you? You are not my friends."
[12:44] <onine> His voice is scratchy and hoarse like an old man's.
[12:46] <Mala> "I am Sesus Mala," she replies with simple pride. "This is Peleps Vokar. We are visitors to your island." Courtesy required some adjective- 'fair' 'bounteous' 'blessed'- but Mala can't force the word through her lips.
[12:46] * Vokar gives a short bow as he is introduced.
[12:46] <onine> "I know." He replies. "You smell different to my fishermen friends."
[12:52] <Vokar> "As my...colleague...has stated, we are visitors. Could you perhaps help us get our bearings?"
[12:52] <Mala> She was sure she did smell different. She bathed.
[12:53] <onine> "Is it not customary to produce a token of appreciation of one's hospitality when entering one's home?" The small god asks.
[12:55] <Vokar> "What sort of token is customary, if I might ask?"
[12:55] <onine> The fish on his shoulder waves its fins about.
[12:56] <Vokar> "Ah, fresh fish?"
[12:58] <onine> "Mmm." The little god nods, still with his back to you. "As you can see, the fish in these waters grow fat and plentiful, and the men have been gone for many many moons reaping their bounty - as such they have brought none home - their boats are surely ladden enough."
[12:59] <Mala> "I suppose he doesn't leave your altar much," Mala mutters to Vokar under her breath.
[12:59] * Vokar glances at Mala.
[13:01] <Vokar> "Ah, what my...esteemed colleague...was attempting to ask, is if you have turned your eye to the fishermen's village recently?"
[13:03] <onine> He points to the gulf in the east of the island, likely where most of the schools of fish swim. "That is what matters."
[13:05] <Vokar> "Ah. I see."
[13:05] * Vokar thinks that this is clearly not the most intelligent of spirits.
[13:06] <Vokar> "And the fishermen's boats have been there for many moons, you say?"
[13:06] <onine> It is a fishing god, it's priorities are fish and the catching of.
[13:07] <onine> "There are no fishermen, therefore they must be fishing." It deduces. The carp on its shoulder nods in agreement.
[13:08] * Mala smiles winningly. "I wonder if we might exchange information for information, then?"
[13:08] <onine> "I have no need of your information I'm sure. However if you catch me a fish I will help you."
[13:12] <Vokar> "I...see. I suppose we should go catch a fish then..."
[13:12] * Mala looks down the long slope to the sea, and lets out a long hiss. She spins around to face the god once more. "Howabout this: we'll tell you something, and if it's something you're interested in...you'll help us, won't you?" There's a suggestion of sparks in her eyes.
[13:13] <onine> It doesn't necessarily *jot* need the information, it just doesn't *think* it does. "Very well..."
[13:13] <onine> (*not*
[13:14] * Mala doesn't soften the blow. "The fishermen are all gone. Their village was raided. Your worshippers are not coming back."
[13:15] <onine> The god sighs and looks down at his crossed legs. "I suppose so." He seems to have suspected it, but being told has cemented it in his mind.
[13:15] <Mala> "Now will you help us?" Mala presses, leaning forward.
[13:16] * Vokar sighs. On the one hand, that was rather harsh, on the other, he didn't have the heart to tell the little god at all.
[13:16] <onine> "Time to leave then fish?" It asks the carp slung over its shoulder. The carp nods and begins moving its mouth quickly, talking fast yet silent. It waves and gesticulates with its fins as it explains something to the fishing god. Or are they *both* the fishing god? The duality between fish and man and their dependence on eachother.
[13:18] <onine> "The schools are abundant around Whitecap Island, and the fishermen plentiful. Let us hope that Galla does not mind us living there..." The fish nods and almost smiles.
[13:18] <Mala> "Hey, wait! You said if we gave you interesting information, you'll help us. Where's Whitecap Island? Can you take us with you?"
[13:19] <Mala> Plentiful fisherman. A stone's throw closer to civilization..
[13:19] * Vokar says nothing, figuring Mala's direct approach is yielding results, and that it is better not to intervene as long as she continues to get results...
[13:20] <onine> He looks you up and down. "You are too big to ride Fish." He points north-north-east. "Follow the Silverfin Gar. They migrate to the volcanic islands at the turn of the seasons. You can see them easily at night."
[13:21] * Mala looks desperately at Vokar. "What's a Silverfin Gar?"
[13:22] <Vokar> "What coloration of fish should we be looking for?"
[13:22] <Vokar> "Silver fins, and what else?"
[13:23] <onine> "Scales and gills." The little god answers before disappearing again. The last you see of him is the fish nodding affirmative.
[13:26] <onine> You are left with the wind.
[13:26] * Mala glares at the spot the god had disappeared in, longing to reach out and serve the stupid fish up for dinner. "Well. Let's start building a raft."
[13:27] <onine> You have the axe, which will make wood-chopping easy, plus the rope and left-over oars... the raft practically builds itself!
[13:27] * Vokar sighs. "Indeed." He starts to walk down the path, then stops. "Do you know how to build a raft?"
[13:28] <Mala> "It seems I do," Mala replies with some satisfaction. "WIll you walk or ride?" she asks, pulling the raft into the water as the sun sets.
[13:30] <onine> After some time rowing out, the sun finally sets and you are greeted with a patchwork quilt of stars above... and below.
[13:31] <Vokar> "At the very least, you do fine with a few pointers."
[13:32] <onine> Scores of small fish, the length of your hand swim through the water just under the surface in a large line travelling north-north-west like a windy little silvery path for you to follow.
[13:33] <Vokar> "Well, it seems our course is clearly marked for us."
[13:33] <onine> The seas are calm, and the skies are clear, thankfully. With teamwork during the day to keep your eyes on the direction of the migratory fish you are able to follow until crowned in the distance by the morning sun.
[13:33] <onine> (sorry, north north east...)
[13:33] * Mala smiles, ignoring his jibe. As the moon rises, shining silver light upon a silver path, Mala begins to sing, and the Exalts follow the shining path to the sound of an ancient ballad of battles lost and won.

SCENE FOUR. Location: Sahran Bay

[13:33] <onine> Crowned in the morning sun, are the small shapes of islands on the horizon, the southernmost, Whitecap Island.
[13:34] <onine> The fish veer off to the north to follow the currents, leaving you safely within visual range of your destination.
[13:35] <onine> You sail your raft toward the Island that the god directed you to, Whitecap Island. According to the God-blood traitor, it is one of a very small chain of islands on the outskirts of the Gallan Archipelago that the Anathema have largely ignored because of its distance and insignificance
[13:36] <onine> (curses, thats what happens when you make up an adventure intro before hand and some scallywag doesnt show...)
[13:36] <onine> You sail your raft toward the Island that the god directed you to, Whitecap Island. It is one of a very small chain of islands on the outskirts of the Gallan Archipelago that the Anathema have largely ignored because of its distance and insignificance
[13:37] <onine> It is hardly a port, but it may prove to be the only way to escape from the anathemas’ hunting ground. The small blue shapes of distant islands of the archipelago sit on the horizon around the larger shape of Whitecap Island.
[13:38] <Mala> "We'll have someone �else� to build the raft this time," Mala notes, cheered. She has not faired well over their voyage- soaked to the skin, and loathing the feel of salt against her skin.
[13:38] <onine> Whitecap island sits low in the water, a mass of green olive trees cover the island and surround a single lightly sloped mountain of black volcanic stone. High cliffs make up one face of the island protecting a wide bay that holds Whitecap’s main settlement.
[13:38] <onine> Broken watchtowers and walls line the outer-cliffs, overrun by vegitation and weathered mercilessly by the wind and rain. You can see children exploring the relics of old.
[13:39] <onine> There are two inlets on Whitecap, one larger one in which you pass many small sailboats and fishing boats hard at work. Their crews watch your unfamiliar little oddity of a raft float past with curiosity, but return quickly to work when you are no longer a point of interest. Past this is a smaller inlet, protected by walls
[13:39] <onine> Here portions of the cliffs give way to fortifications of sandstone and wood. Dark shapes of volunteer soldiers march the walls high above, watching the seas for pirate vessels. On either side of the inlet’s opening are heavier fortifications the foundations of which are built into the water itself.
[13:40] <onine> Such construction is all but impossible for an island as industrially backward as this. It is more than likely these walls have been in existence since the dawn of the age.
[13:40] <onine> An impressive arch spans over the wide inlet’s opening, wide and high enough to allow any but the most sturdy Imperial Jade-clad battleship to pass through with room to spare. Two gargantuan hinged doors sit jammed open in the water, the mechanisms visibly in disastrous repair. They would never close again without a great deal of expert work.
[13:40] <onine> Satisfied that your small boat poses no threat to the wellbeing of the town and its citizens the guards watch as you pass below. One takes a great club and strikes two quick beats three times on a large signal drum.
[13:40] <onine> *Dum-dum* *Dum-dum* *Dum-dum*
[13:41] <onine> This signal is replied by a response of three from the docks.
[13:42] <onine> Past the almost impressive fortifications the town seems almost an anticlimactic disappointment. Huts and small houses rise up on the hills around you built out of wood and thatch for the most part, but a few are built of stone and have tile or wooden slat rooves. The buildings are mostly of fairly open construction to allow cool breezes to travel through and fight the western heat.
[13:42] <onine> People move to and fro in the markets up the main street and in the docks. Young boys and girls run along the beach and hunt for crabs or fish for fun. As you sail slowly through the second inlet you pass a few female divers as they fetch clams and abalone from the sea floor and drop them into floating baskets which a pair of young women empty into a small rowboat and ferry them back to shore.
[13:42] <onine> Life here seems so simple and so pure. These men, women and children know not the complicated politics and plots of the greater part of Creation. In a way the people here are pure and unsoiled, free from the wars waging across the deep blue oceans mere Islands away.
[13:42] <onine> With the two Dragonbloods sailing into their midst, how long will it be before their simple happy lives are over and they are drawn helplessly into the conflict?
[13:43] <onine> You drift slowly into the docks, picking a relatively un-populated pier. A few medium sized ships and countless smaller fishing vessels are moored both on wooden jetties and also dragged up upon the beaches on either side of the simple docks. There is one small sloop, well crafted and in excellent repair that probably constitutes the greater portion the island’s insignificant navy.
[13:44] <onine> As you climb onto the dock, a balding male dockworker with an impressively heavy moustache trots down the wooden jetty towards you, holding a small record book and a charcoal pen. His clothing is stained and he has the appearance of a seedy businessman.
[13:46] <onine> "Ahem!" He mumbles. "Sir, Madam, it will cost ye a silver to moor your... *vessel* here." He looks at the falling-apart raft with a little amazement.
[13:47] <Vokar> "And if we do not need to moor it?"
[13:47] * Mala draws herself up from the raft. She stares down at him with an expression of stark amazement. She shakes her head slightly, as one baffled at the antics of a child, and steps gracefully onto the dock. "This is Whitecap, is it not?" she demands.
[13:48] <onine> "A-aye?" He swallows audibly.
[13:49] * Mala nods. "Very well. Coming, Vokar?"
[13:50] * Vokar sighs, and disembarks.
[13:51] <onine> "B-but, the fee! You need to pay a silver to dock in Sahran! Wait!" He runs a few steps after you, then stops. You hear him take a deep breath and roar at the top of his mortal lungs, "Insolent exalted buffoons!"
[13:52] * Vokar shrugs, and hops back on the raft, sending it away from the docks without a word.
[13:53] <onine> The man's face is red with anger, both at your refusing to pay, and the cheaty way you have escaped the toll. Likely it is a lot cheaper and he takes a 'comission'
[13:53] * Mala turns back, raising her eyebrows at the squirming mortal. She shakes her head with brief pity, and raises a pale, elegant hand, and waits as Vokar pushes the raft away. Fire coleasces in her palm. "It's far away enough from the docks now, I think."
[13:54] <onine> The man splutters a bit. "Why... why you!"
[13:54] <onine> He doesn't finish however.
[13:55] * Vokar nods and slips beneath the waters.
[13:56] <Mala> A roaring bolt of fire leaves Mala's fingers, engulfing the raft in flame. The fire steams as it touches the wet wood of the raft, but catches hold, and soon the former-raft is a merry blaze of drifting wood.
[13:56] <Mala> "Is that all, ah, portmaster?"
[13:57] <onine> "Aaaah!" The fat little man shrieks like a child and tries to make himself as small as he can on the edge of the pier. "Yes! Yes! Fine, just go, enjoy your stay!"
[13:57] * Vokar vaults up out of the water onto the docks.
[13:59] * Mala smiles. "Why, I think I will, thank you," she mocks gently. "The first order of business is new clothes," she suggests to Vokar as he comes dripping from the sea. To all apperances, the mortal has entirely left her universe.
[14:00] <onine> You needn't look far, preparations for some sort of festivity seem to be under way.
[14:00] <onine> The township of Sahran is far more populated than you would have expected, and only half the number of extra people can be accounted for from the boats moored at the docks. There are obviously villagers from other settlements on Whitecap island here, and probably a few from beyond that merely docked on the other side of the island to avoid the outrageous taxation.
[14:00] <onine> The town is constructed in very much a ‘dish’ where just about every house has a view of the bay. There is one main street which snakes its way up the hillsides, lined by inns, houses and shops. Packing the wide cobblestone streets are wagons and carts and merchants all shouting at the crowds to attract buyers for their various wares.
[14:01] <onine> Baubles for the coming festival are common as well as the characteristic scent of freshly caught fish and other sea-foods, kelp and the succulent smell of roasted wild boar. People walk past with all manner of stupid items on their person, humorious jelly-fish hats, shirts with fish drawings on them, vegetables and coconuts with faces cut in them
[14:02] <onine> The only thing that makes this street market any different from the ones you’ve seen on the Isle and threshold is the total lack of domesticated animals. Horses, cows and even mules are completely absent. Two-man carts rattle past, each pulled by a fit young man wearing a wide straw hat. The young men run at surprising speed through the crowds, wearing little but loose pants and necklaces
[14:02] <onine> of shells and beads.
[14:03] <Mala> "We need to get back to Velence to plan our next move.."
[14:03] <onine> Bearing in mind that you *are* broke, and intimidation will only get you so far. There are plenty of soldiers and town guards walking about in a relaxed manner, but even these amateurs could beat you as you are, unarmoured, undernourished, tired and unarmed.
[14:05] <onine> Seeking those in power seems to be your best bet at present.
[14:07] * Mala stops a handsome young man attired in silk pants and a necklace of blue beads which look admirably well resting against his muscles. She smiles at him. "Tell me," she asks, voice throaty, "Where might I find the leaders of this place, hm?"
[14:08] <onine> "Oh, good *day* my lady!" He replies in a keen tone. "You'll need to travel up the main street, then turn left along the ridge. It's not far... I can take you if you like?"
[14:10] <Mala> "Why, that would be lovely, thank you." She smiles at him, and rests her hand along his arm as he shows the way. She gives Vokar a tight, glinting smirk.

SCENE FIVE. Location: Streets of Sahran

[10:55] <onine> Mala takes the arm of the handsome young stranger as he happilly and nervously leads you up the main street of Whitecaps port-town called Sahran.
[10:57] * Vokar sighs and follows.
[10:57] <onine> Sahran is built into a small inlet which extends deeper into a large wide bay. The town is sloped downwards to the docks, allowing nearly every building a view of the inlet, the docks and the windbreaking cliffs and ruined fortifications.
[10:58] <onine> Despite the late season, the temperature is warm and dry, the heat is made bearable by the breeze over the mountain beyond, which cools and yet does not bite harshly.
[10:58] <onine> The commotion is incredible on the main street, work-teams yell and holler as they heft beans of wood and create supports to hold flags, seat the populace and make temporary statues. By the looks of the perperations the town is preparing a festival or a parade. Hawkers and merchants approach everyone and everyone.
[10:59] <onine> Calls of "carry your bags mister? Swift, strong and cheap!" "Carp cakes, fresh carp cakes, want to try one?" "Squid rolls, best in the western ocean!" "Olives, maiden picked!"
[11:00] <onine> Despite the simplicity of the food compared to Realm fare, after many many days on dried fish, coconuts and endurance alone out at sea, the smells make your mouths water! It is hardly helped by the storekeeps young and old practically waving the food in your faces...
[11:02] * Mala looks about her with the air of one ready to be pleased. In spite of the state of her clothing, the salt grime clinging to her skin, and her otherwise dishelved state, she looks undeniably regal. With an elegant dip of the wrist, she selects a squid roll and pops it into her mouth.
[11:02] <onine> Inns and temporary flop-houses dot the main street, competing with their neigbours for the best prices - prices still well above the expected norm this far from the Blessed Isle. The preperations and tourists have the merchants in a frenzy.
[11:02] <onine> "One tinny miss!" The young boy with the box of them says as you savour the taste.
[11:04] * Mala raises her eyebrows at him.
[11:05] * Vokar calmly follows Mala and her adopted tour guide from some distance, managing with an effort of will to resist the temptations of the foods before him. He is an agent of the Wyld Hunt, an officer of the Realm, and a Dragon-Blooded. He will not tarnish the reputation of any of those three.
[11:05] * Vokar just wishes Mala would do the same.
[11:06] <onine> "Hey she didn't pay!" The kid complains running alongside.
[11:06] <onine> "Get lost kid!" The young man on Mala's arm says through gritted teeth and tosses a worn metal coin at the boy's feet.
[11:07] <onine> "Thanks mister!" The satisfied youth exclaims and returns to bothering other 'tourists'
[11:07] * Mala pats her young gentlemen absently on the arm. Any resemblence to a woman and her dog is not doubt purely coincidental.
[11:09] <onine> "Are you sure you want to go to the town hall ma'am?" He asks a little disappointed. "Why don't you let me take you on a tour of our markets first?"
[11:10] <Mala> "Perhaps that can wait until after. Thank you so much for your escort."
[11:13] <onine> The young man looks a little forlorn, but he doesn't argue. "I'd be honoured. I'm Dran, my father owns the Inn called the Greedy Otter just on the waterfront - I'll be waiting."
[11:13] <onine> The young man leads you to the top of the street and gives you directions to Sahran's town hall.
[11:14] <onine> Town Hall is a lot further than most towns, it is located at the end of a winding mountain road that overlooks the entire inlet upon which the town is set, and the bay beyond. The town hall looks like it was probably once a temple, converted to a military command center, and then converted into a municipal building.
[11:15] <Mala> "Ready to start herding the local leadership, Vokar?"
[11:16] * Vokar sighs. He was never sure which was worse: Mala's cavalier attitude, or the fact that it usually worked.

SCENE SIX. Sahran Council Hall

[11:18] <onine> Out front is a path that circles around a garden fountain that no longer works. There are no horses or carts secured in the area off to the side. The arched double doors are open and lead into a small atrium with a single soldier inside sitting bored on a little three-legged stool. Evidently the power behind this town does not fear undesirables attacking its leaders, or doesn’t believe any
[11:18] <onine> will. Probably the latter.
[11:19] * Mala walks up the front steps to the temple-fort-town hall, and gestures to the guard to open the door for them with an impatient gesture. Ordinarily, doors opened unasked. It was irritating.
[11:20] <onine> The guard look a little dull-headed and irritated, but a glance at your natures gets him moving in a satisfactory manner with a certain degree of colour drained from his face.
[11:20] <onine> The main hall which once housed the shrine of the god has long since fallen from whatever glory it may have once had. Sunlight streams through dusty air onto faded carpet - more a long throw-rug. Various naval decorations adorn the pillars and walls.
[11:21] <onine> Nautical symbols seem to hold precedence - anchors, whalebones, dire-seal tusks, cast of carapaces of pigmy sea horses, pullies salvaged from wrecks.
[11:21] <onine> Who the temple was once dedicated is a mystery now, it lacks markings of its old religion and has an archaic strange design that is no longer in use with any deity you are aware of.
[11:21] <onine> The old god’s shrine has been removed, an act that has required the largescale demolishing of the rear wall. A simple cloth hangs over the roof of the opening. A banner blows lightly in the breeze, and creeper vines curl around the broken edges of wall like little fingers.
[11:22] <onine> The banner bears the familiar crest of Galla's family of government enforcement. The God-blooded children frequently wore such colours and symbols.
[11:22] <onine> A long table with five ornate chairs sits at the end of the hall. There is a smaller table with four chairs before it, likely from which requests are made to whatever council represents Sahran. There are old benches lined up to allow audiences to observe important matters of ‘state’.
[11:22] <onine> There are a few people conversing over varied business in the nooks and crannies of the hall, but at the long council table sits only one person.
[11:22] <onine> The woman is middle aged, her once bright blue hair is streaking silver at the temples. She wears maroon and orange clothing which is slightly more elaborate clothing than the common citizen, but is by no means as extraordinarily complex as standard Realm fair.
[11:23] <onine> She casts her eyes over varied texts before her and compares them to other books and papers.
[11:24] <onine> No one seems to have noticed your entrance
[11:26] * Mala , casting only a single, indifferent gaze over the rest of the hall, marches straight to the woman. She ignores those who are- she presumes - are busy bowing about now. "Councilor,' she greets the woman in maroon and orange.
[11:27] <onine> "Yes, how may I-" The woman looks up, and to her credit she manages to control the sudden widening of her eyes very well. "Oh forgive me my lady!" She stands abruptly with a creak of the chair against the wooden floor. She bows low at the waist in the style favoured in the Western Kingdoms.
[11:28] <onine> Most of the windows are open to allow a cooling breeze to cut across the council hall. The air quickly ruffles the pages of her books.
[11:29] <onine> "Noble Princes of the Earth on *our* humble island, this *is* an honour!" She says, returning to her full, diminutive height after the appropriate time of respect holding the bow. "I am Counciller Merrewin Col, how may I be of assistance to you?"
[11:31] * Mala makes a negligent gesture indicating the woman she should think nothing of it. She smiles with a kind of determined pleasantry. "Due to unfortunate circumstances, we have become seperated from our company. We have need of transport to Port Velence." And money, and �weapons�...but this was not the moment for such crassness.
[11:33] <onine> "I see, my lady. Are you unable to find a ship to ferry you? Most vessels are incoming in Sahran this month, but surely there must be ships departing for our capital?" She asks.
[11:35] * Mala grits her teeth. She humiliation she had to endure. "We have been seperated from our funds as well," she admits after a pause.
[11:36] <onine> "My, how unfortunate." She remarks sincerely.
[11:37] <onine> "I truly wish I could help."
[11:38] <Mala> "Isn't it." A certain heat beats about the air. "You �wish�?"
[11:38] <Mala> Threshold barbarians.
[11:40] <onine> The woman catches your almost-hidden displeasure and is quick to respond, holding up her hands in front of her. "Oh, my lady, you misunderstand me, it was my assumtion that you had an understanding of our customs. We are a fivefold leadership on Whitecap Island."
[11:40] <onine> "In other words, it is not up to me to decide to provide you assistance." She finishes.
[11:41] * Mala casts a look back at Vokar. �What is wrong with these people�. "Then who should be speaking to us?"
[11:44] <onine> "Ah.. well, as I said, I am Merrewin, Representitive of Citizens and Public Works. In other words I am the lowest ranking member of a rankless membership. Shipping and even the docks are out of my authority, not to mention vessels not allied to the Gallan Archipelago."
[11:44] <onine> "Even so, opening Sahran's treasury is a matter that I cannot impliment alone regardless. It will require a majority vote of the five members." She explains.
[11:45] <onine> "Unfortunately, the other four Council members are presently busying themselves with the preperations for the Season Festival in their assigned juristictions."
[11:46] <Mala> "So get them in here and vote on it."
[11:47] * Mala 's impatience seems to spark around her.
[11:47] <onine> "It would be my pleasure, however it will not be untill afternoon or early evening." She replies apolegetically.
[11:47] <onine> "Unless..."
[11:47] <onine> "Unless Galla commands us, if that is the case, it can be done immediately."
[11:48] <Mala> "I see." Mala's voice is cool, cutting, and on the verge of a murderous lesson in teaching mortals their place.
[11:50] * Vokar steps forward. "I see, " he says, with a warmth that forms a counterpoint to Mala's icy glare. "In the meantime, any sights you might recommend amongst the festivities?"
[11:51] <onine> Merrewin looks relieved. "Anything and everything my lord - sadly the preperations are still underway, so it is far from finished - however our Season Festival should provide ample diversion. One moment..."
[11:53] <onine> The woman pulls out a thick sheet of paper and scrawls something in Seatongue on the page with a charcoal pen. She folds it and hands it to Vokar. "This is a letter for Counciller Yusto Rayn, he'll be more than happy to show you arround and see to your needs while I organise the remainder of the council."
[11:54] <Vokar> "Very kind of you," Vokar replies with a kind smile. "Where can we find him?"
[11:55] <onine> "Yusto will likely be overseeing the merchants', ask any of them and they will be able to direct you to him." She replies.
[11:57] * Vokar bows his head slightly. "My thanks."
[11:58] <onine> "Please noble lord, I should be thanking you." She bows low once more. "Please have a pleasent stay in our humble town."
[11:58] * Mala regards Vokar with a touch of annoyance as he works his way through his frivolous courtesies. "Until the evening, Councilor."
[12:03] <onine> "Untill the evening." She replies.
[12:04] <Vokar> "Well, shall we?" Vokar asks Mala, extending her his arm with a half-amused grin.
[12:06] * Mala takes it. "Well, at least we're promised entertainment, of a sort," she sighs as they sweep out the door.

SCENE SEVEN. Location: Markets of Sahran

[12:07] <onine> You make the walk down the ridge towards the town, and even such a simple place has an element of beauty to it, nestled in the harbour below you, children playing in the warm heat of the day, men working and sweating to prepare a party while the women cook and cause little trails of kitchen smoke to trail from chimneys and windows.
[12:07] <onine> But you could never make such a simple place home.
[12:09] <onine> After some brief questioning if the merchants working on the main street, you eventually find the man you are looking for. Yusto is a small man, bald, perhaps even hairless. Despite his age and apparent infirmity, he seems full of energy which sparkles in his blue eyes as he organizes a team of youths hoisting a sign.
[12:09] <onine> "Good! To the left! Wonderful!" He calls before noticing you.
[12:10] <onine> Unlike most in this backwater that treat you like anyone else from higher birth, Yusto reacts as a Realm peasant would.
[12:10] <onine> Unafraid of soiling his fine clothes, he knees on the street and bows his head low, nearly to the ground. "My lords!"
[12:13] * Mala , for her part, seems not at all opposed to the groveling. "You are Yusto, I presume?"
[12:14] <onine> "Indeed My Lady! Yusto Rayn, Counciller of Merchants and Trading in Sahran. Dynasts, you honour me, how may I assist you?" He rises partly.
[12:15] <Vokar> "We have a letter for you from Representative Merrewin," Vokar says, holding out the letter for Yusto to take.
[12:15] <Mala> "Evidentally, we must while away some some time in your little city."
[12:16] <onine> He takes the note and studies it. "Well now, why are they keeping you waiting!?"
[12:18] * Mala smiles, pleased with his quick mind. "An excellent question." She makes a small gesture. "...but one must be tolerant."
[12:19] <onine> Yusto thinks a moment and nods with a crafty smirk. "Likely thinking a full council vote eh? Smart move. Merrewin is young, and new to the council. It is wise for her to not get ahead of herself even given these extenuating circumstances."
[12:20] <onine> "In any case, it would be my *honour* to show you around our trades and mercantile sights!" He replies brightly, any displeasure about the fact that you, the Dynasts, have been kept waiting long since gone.
[12:21] <onine> At Yusto's insistance you are given an *extensive* tour and explanation of Sahran and Whitecaps trade base. He is polite, and charismatic for a mortal, but he cannot hide his ulterior motive - trying to make Sahran an attractive place to trade with for the Realm.
[12:22] <onine> He saves the 'best' for last, and gives you a tour of the varied jewel and valuable crafts sellers on the higher slopes of the main streets.
[12:23] <onine> "...so as you can see, there is quite a lot that we have to offer a trading ship, and quite a bit we need." He picks up a bronze coloured rim. "Isn't this a fine engraving? And- oh my!"
[12:24] <onine> He picks a pendant bearing a huge pearl from the array before the old bearded merchant. He hangs it in front of you. "Is that not some of the finest metalworking in the West?"
[12:24] <onine> The pearl is huge yes, but it bears little interest... the crude chain and holder however...
[12:27] <onine> In Vokars eyes, the poorly polished gold reflects the sun almost blindingly. Any imbecile knows that gold is exceedingly rare in the West, but this is no mere gold.
[12:27] <onine> A Wyld Hunter knows the particular quality of Orichalcum, the Anathema's demon metal.
[12:28] <onine> "Splendid, no?" Yusto comments, knowing that you'll be impressed.
[12:28] <Mala> "Yes, yes, very nice..."
[12:28] * Vokar plays the gracious guest, looking over everything Yusto showcases. While the man may have a clear ulterior motive, Vokar is more than willing to humor him. In this particular case, no humoring is needed. "Very impressive. You must have a supply of the finest materials for work of that quality."
[12:30] <onine> "Well er.." He says looking at the gold, realising the scarcity. "Mainly fine iron and obsidian..."
[12:30] <onine> He looks over the gold pendant carefully, evidently wondering where it may have come from. Gold in the islands?
[12:33] <Vokar> "Certainly fine work, and working with more than common materials to boot," Vokar adds, trying to flatter out an answer.
[12:33] <onine> "And its all yours for 100 silver coins - though I'll take jade if you have it, good sir." The merchant replies
[12:37] <Vokar> "I'm more wondering where you found the materials, given their nature," Vokar says, playing his hand and seeing if the merchant reacts.
[12:37] * Mala , her attention caught by all the fuss, hooks her finger delicately around the gold chain, and holds it up to her eye, letting it glitter in the sunlight. Her eyes flash at the mention of jade. "Who was the crafter? One mustn't overlook the value of establishing provenance," she chides gently.
[12:37] <onine> "Nature?" Yusto questions curiously.
[12:38] <onine> The Merchant confesses. "Alas, My lady, it was not I that crafted that fine piece. I bought it as a gift for my eldest daughter... she died many years ago. I thought it time to move on, and let a fine lady such as yourself wear it with pride rather than keep it buried away in a box."
[12:42] * Vokar sighs. "I see." The somewhat hostile eagerness that had invaded his countenance evaporates.
[12:44] <onine> "A problem...?" The merchant scratches the thinning hair on his head. "I can let it go for 90 coin I suppose..."
[12:44] <Vokar> "Ah, no problem...and I am sorry to have reminded you of your loss."
[12:44] <onine> He nods.
[12:45] <Mala> "A gift for Radi ...?' Mala asks with open amusement, naming a good-looking Dragonblooded of their mutual acquaintence.
[12:47] * Vokar doesn't turn or otherwise outwardly acknowledge the jibe. "It...reminded me of a piece I had seen before, the crafter of which I never managed to discover."
[12:47] <Mala> "Ah." Mala lets the chain drop. "Well, it is lovely," she compliments the merchant.
[12:48] <onine> "Really?" Yusto says and adresses the merchant, obviously believing he has managed to find a lead to tantalise the Dynast's interest. "Who did you buy such a fine piece from?"
[12:48] <onine> "That one's a Dauphin piece Councilman." The merchant replies. "Back when Fahran ran the shop."
[12:49] <Vokar> "Oh? Who's this Fahran?" Vokar asks, curiousity piqued.
[12:49] <onine> "Is that a fact?" Yusto exclaims and turns to you. "Dauphin Sons is a fine jewelery store in the northern heights. Fahran used to be the proprieter."
[12:49] <onine> "I bought a locket from him nearly thirty years ago."
[12:50] <Vokar> "Ah. Did he retire?" Vokar asks politely.
[12:51] <onine> "Dead." The merchant shrugs, folding his arms and letting the beard spill over them. "Struck dead by lightning I hear."
[12:52] <Mala> "How unfortunate."
[12:52] <onine> "Aye. A fine craftsman." The merchant bows his head in a moment of silent respect for the deceased jeweler.
[12:54] * Vokar sighs. He briefly considers some consoling statement that the Dragons will look upon him favorably...but he thinks again of the locket's construction and contents himself with a moment of silence.
[12:56] * Mala glances at Vokar, asking with her eyes: Done here?
[12:57] * Vokar nods slightly.
[12:57] <onine> "If you wish, Princes, I will take you to Dauphin Sons, it isn't far from here." Yusto says.
[12:58] * Vokar glances at Mala, raising one eyebrow.
[12:58] <Mala> She shrugs. "Why not?"

SCENE EIGHT. Location: Dauphin Sons Jewelers

[12:59] <onine> Yusto leads you through Sahran chattering the entire time trying everything he possibly can to flatter you, entice you and to generally ingratiate himself with you once more.
[12:59] <onine> Clearly he would just love to open up trade relations with the Realm, both for economical reasons and for those of political nature - the man that opened up trade with the Realm after nearly an age of technological, social and cultural isolation in the west would be quite a powerful reputation here.
[12:59] <onine> To him these are big goals, but in the grand scheme insignificant. The crayfish dye however… getting a cut of that market with the V’Neefs would be quite a nice sideline business. You could live *very* comfortably if you played things right…
[13:00] <Vokar> As the two Dragonbloods follow Yusto, Vokar murmurs to Mala in High Realm, "Did any of those...monsters we fought seem like the craftsman type to you?"
[13:01] * Mala humors the merchant as they walk, drawing him out with questions, subtly flattering his sense of importance. She replies quietly to Vokar in the same language, "Not especially. But we didn't exactly bandy many words about, did we? Who can say?"
[13:02] <onine> He gives up after a while and explains the general history behind Dauphin Sons. Apparently the family had lived in Sahran for as long as anyone can remember. Each generation the oldest born son would take over the shop when the father passed on. Since Fahran died sonless, his only daughter Itiao took over... with crippling business results. She was not the same level of craftsman as her father.
[13:02] <Mala> "In such a large gathering of Anathema, however..." Mala lets out a hiss. "It's not unlikely."
[13:02] * Vokar replies, "I didn't think so either...which is why that work done in orihalcum raises many pointed questions."
[13:02] <onine> Dauphin Sons is located on the upper hills far from the waterline. You climb some stone stairs along a foundation wall to your destination. Dauphin Sons seems to share its building with a baker, a baker that looks to be doing well for himself by the number of customers lined up in his shop. An elaborate brass sign hangs over an archway.
[13:03] <onine> Something about the sign bothers at the back of the mind.
[13:03] <onine> Another little wooden plaque hangs below. It looks a lot newer than the rest of the fine building. It points into a little arch and a courtyard beyond.
[13:04] <onine> The baker seems to take up the large portion of the building. A second sign points up the small, rickety wooden stairs that lead up to a small wing of the building that appears the be what remains of Dauphin Sons Jewellers. Hard times. Not surprising really, there’s only so much fine jewellery that a small island of a few towns can possibly want, need and afford.
[13:04] * Mala frowns absently at the sign as she passes under the arch into the courtyard.
[13:04] <onine> "This is all thats left now, up these stairs." Yusto comments.
[13:04] <onine> The door is open to the breeze.
[13:06] <Mala> "Tragic," Mala replies lightly, ascending the stairs with the easy grace of a dancer.
[13:06] <onine> As you enter, your boots thumping on the uneven floorboards, a young female voice promptly answers, “We’re closed for today, come again tomorrow."
[13:06] <onine> A great number of pendants and trinkets line the walls, small tables are covered in all manners of rings, bracelets and chokers made from a number of metals and other materials including bone. There are a few gold pieces that catch your eyes.
[13:07] <onine> Working at a bench is a young woman, probably only just free of her teens. She wears a simple white dress and brown waistcoat. The front is covered with a grey leather apron. She wears a pair of magnifier goggles on her forehead holding her long green hair off her face.
[13:07] <onine> An array of crystal and polished steel mirrors reflect light from the window and onto the small item she is working with a pick-file. A multitude of extremely well made tools line the bench. She blows the filings off the silver trinket and examines it in the light, turning it over in her hand. She frowns a little unsatisfied.
[13:08] <onine> "I said we're closed. Come again." She adds a little more forceful this time, though she does not look up from her work.
[13:08] <Vokar> "Closed during the festival?" Vokar asks in surprise. He could understand if the operators had gone down to the festival herself, but if she was still here?
[13:08] <Mala> "We won't be here tomorrow.." One hoped. Mala walks about the room, looking idly about at the displays.
[13:09] <onine> "We're closed okay? I dictate my business hours, now will you please get - OH Gods!" The young woman gets up and nearly faints when she sees the dragonblooded perusing her wares.
[13:10] * Mala picks up a gold ring and raises it to the light, turning it idly about.
[13:10] <onine> Likewise, orichalcum.
[13:11] <onine> They however would be next to useless as items of anything more than gaudy accessories if they werent created by a sorcerer or skilled exalted/god craftsman.
[13:13] * Mala 's eyes widen slightly, and puts it back down. She suddenly understands Vokar's interest in the pearl pendant earlier. She gives him a sour look. "I compliment you on your choice of materials..You have so much gold here. I haven't seen the like in the West," Mala says, turning to address the girl.
[13:13] <onine> "So?" She ventures bravely. "Whats mine's mine."
[13:15] <onine> "You'd better answer them girl or I'll have your trading license revoked." Yusto threatens.
[13:15] <Mala> "No one's suggesting otherwise. I was merely complimenting you on an unusual choice." She picks up a heavy gold braclet, and purses her lips thoughtfully. Orichalcum jewelry �was� popular for certain types of parties...
[13:16] <onine> "It's *gold*." She stresses. "People *like* gold."
[13:17] * Vokar shakes his head. "Not exactly, which is where my personal...and professional...interest comes into play."
[13:17] <onine> "You're here to buy?" She questions unsure of your exalted motives/
[13:19] <Vokar> "I saw one of your shop's necklaces on sale at the festival...and I became interested in its construction. It's not every day you find something made..." Vokar picks up the ring Mala inspected and examines it. "...from orihalcum."
[13:20] <onine> "Of what?" Yusto and Itiao ask in unison.
[13:22] * Mala shakes her head pityingly. "It's an unfortunate choice of material," she replies. "A girl could easily find herself in trouble." She glances at Vokar. "And as members of the Wyld Hunt, we naturally have an interest in the favorite material of the Anathema."
[13:23] <onine> "Wait wait, what are you talking about?! Anathema? I'm not, I mean..." She trails off, unsure of what to do now. Yusto has made his way to the door carefully.
[13:23] <onine> "Best cooperate with them Itiao..." He murmers.
[13:24] <Mala> "Naturally not," Mala agrees with all appearance of sympathy. "But if you are not...where are you acquiring this substance?" She taps the braclet in her hand against the table.
[13:25] <onine> She stares at the bracelet wide eyed, as if terrified by the item all of a sudden.
[13:25] <Vokar> "Easy, easy." Vokar says soothingly as the girl panics. "We simply have to investigate when we come across this material, just in case. I'm sure you understand."
[13:26] <onine> "Okay..." She says slowly, leaning on her desk to support her now nerve wracked body. "Ever since our family came here, they had a stash of gold... or orichalcum as you're telling me."
[13:26] <Vokar> "How long ago was that?" Vokar asks kindly and calmly.
[13:27] <onine> "Hundreds. Hundreds of years. When the oldest son would come of age, he was allowed to use a portion of the go... the gold to make his 'coming of age piece'. The last piece he made as an apprentice." She explains. "When he finished it, he was a fully fledged jeweler."
[13:27] <onine> "The stash was never to be touched except when the next son would make his piece."
[13:28] * Vokar nods, listening.
[13:28] <onine> "Except I'm not the jeweler my father was... and he had a lot of debts. I sold the other 3/4s of our property to try and stay afloat. And then I used up the last of the gold... at least the last of ours."
[13:29] <Vokar> "What do you mean, the last of yours?"
[13:30] <onine> "Exactly what I said. The last of my great-great-great-great... you get the idea - grandfather's treasure. Now-a-days I get the gold from divers." She says shakily. "Surio, Lemongrass and Arothi."
[13:30] <onine> "I'm not a demon! Please believe me!" She cries.
[13:31] * Mala lets the girl quiver for a moment before volunteering, "I believe her!"
[13:32] <Vokar> "As do I," Vokar says reassuringly.
[13:32] <Mala> "Now where can we find these divers, hm?"
[13:33] <onine> "They work on the beaches near the docks, diving for abalone and mussels." She pours out, nearly crying. "Arothi will teach you to dive for a few coin. Lemongrass is the best diver on the island. They're the ones who sell it to me."
[13:36] * Mala walks forward and touches the girl on the cheek. "Now now. There's no need to be frightened. One last question, I promise...you say the gold was in the family for many years. Where did it come from, originally? Surely you have stories...legends..."
[13:36] <Vokar> "This the same 'gold' that was in your ancestral treasure?"
[13:37] <Mala> The Dragonblooded stares the mortal chlid in the eyes, and her blood red eyes put her gentle gestures to the lie. They burn.
[13:37] <onine> She sniffs. "I dont really know the history. Just that it has something to do with the mountain."
[13:39] <onine> She nods affirmative about the gold question.
[13:41] * Vokar tactfully eases Mala away from the crying girl. "Something to do with the mountain? On this island?"
[13:41] <onine> She nods.
[13:42] <Vokar> "And that's all you remember?" Vokar asks while laying a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
[13:42] <onine> "Pretty much." She shrugs and looks anywhere but at the rooms occupants.
[13:44] * Vokar smiles and speaks soothingly, "See? That wasn't so bad, was it? Thank you for your candor, and I hope you understand how necessary it is for us to investigate when we find such metal."
[13:45] <onine> "That I do Lord." She nods, feeling better from Vokars reassurance.
[13:46] <Mala> "Yusto! Take us to the docks." A pause, and Mala adds as an afterthought: "Please."
[13:47] <onine> "Of course, this way..." He leads you out, and turns back before exiting. "We'll discuss your initial rudeness to honoured guests at a later date, Itiao."

SCENE NINE. Location: The Beach

[13:50] <onine> From the top of Sahran, the docks and the beach are an easy down-hill walk, but a long one. Thankfully, the 'bowl' shaped indent in the island that Sahran is built on funnels cooling breezes rather nicely.
[13:51] <onine> Eventually Yusto leads you to the beach, and looks uncomfortable walking across the sand in his fine clothing. Upturned rowboats litter the beach, along with nets, baskets and other necessities for diving.
[13:52] <onine> Further down the beach, you see the trio of women you seek, Surio, Lemongrass and Arothi. "That is them, Princes." Yusto gestures.
[13:55] * Mala nods, and walks across the sand to them. "I understand you are divers," she begins.
[13:56] * Vokar turns to Yusto as Mala walks to confront the divers. "Before I forget...please, go easy on Itiao, she is merely inexperienced and certainly cooperated to the best of her ability."
[13:56] <onine> The trio of women were enjoyoing some coconut milk, obviously taking a break. "...and then you hit him with the oar?" One laughs and turns at the interruption.
[13:57] <onine> "What gave it away?" The closest woman grins good naturedly. She's a short woman, well muscled and very voluptious. Her hair is dark and hangs in ringlets from her head over golden hued skin that marks her as being descended from Wavecrest.
[13:58] <onine> The other woman, dressed in a light tunic and little else watches silently with a neutral expression. She seems to have not taken in any of the humour the other two were laughing about. She brushes a hand through her short teal hair and watches quietly.
[13:58] <Mala> "You were pointed out to me," Mala replies blandly. "I understand you come up with more than just pearls."
[13:58] <onine> The third smiling woman however is different.
[13:59] <onine> She has slight blue green sheen to her skin, and on closer inspection her toes are webbed like an amphibian. Her nose is also pointed and a little longer than most peoples'
[14:00] <onine> "Yeah we come up with the odd boot too!" The fish girl laughs. The dark haired women chuckles at the joke.
[14:00] <onine> "If only you could find men with the frequency that you find footwear then maybe you'd be married by now!" She shoots.
[14:01] <onine> "Least my non-existant husband has a full head of hair!" The fish-girl fires back without pause.
[14:01] <onine> "Ogaro looks good in hats!"
[14:01] * Vokar moves to join Mala by the divers, though from hearing their banter perhaps "spitfires" might be a more apt description.
[14:01] <onine> The slender, teal-haired woman watches the display with a detatched smile.
[14:03] <onine> "Arothi." Yusto remarks sternly to the dark haired woman with the gold skin. "Thse are *highly* honoured representatives of the Just and Mighty Realm of her Imperial Majesty - you will show some respect!"
[14:03] <onine> "Put a sock in it Rayn, we was just talkin is all." The fish-girl says. "Ain't no harm in that is there?"
[14:04] <onine> "Then there isn't any harm in me having your wreck-diving permit revoked then." Yusto responds darkly.
[14:05] * Mala stiffens, not at all amused by the banter. She lifts her chin, examines the mutant and the mortal for a few moments through haughty, blood-colored eyes. She turns to the teal-haired woman, ignoring the scuff between the merchant and the divers. "You sell some of your catches to the girl Itiao, do you not?"
[14:05] <onine> "You wouldn't dare Yusto." Arothi chuckles. "Ogaro would shoot that one down."
[14:05] <onine> The teal-haired woman just stares at Mala.
[14:06] <onine> "Won't do you no good Dynast." The fish-girl says. "Lemongrass is deaf'n'mute."
[14:06] <onine> Arothi slaps her bare shoulder eliciting a yelp from the woman that must be Surio.
[14:07] * Mala sighs, turning back. "Then will �you� answer my question?" she asks in a much-put-upon tone.
[14:07] <onine> "What Surio means to say with all the tact of a hammerhead shark - which I might add you look like -" she returns her attention to you.
[14:07] <onine> "Is that Lemongrass lost her hearing in a diving accident."
[14:08] <onine> "Best damn diver on Whitecap still!" Arothi grips the slender woman by the shoulder and shakes her lightly and encouragingly. She gets a bemused smile from Lemongrass in response.
[14:08] <onine> "And yeah, we sell to lil Itiao." Arothi replies.
[14:09] <Mala> "How terrible." Mala sounds bored. "Now, what sorts of things do you sell her?"
[14:09] <onine> "She's so cute that one, toilin' away in 'er shop like that." Surio adds, rubbing her long nose.
[14:09] <onine> "Salvage." Arothi answers. "Which we sell lots of."
[14:10] <Mala> "Salvage? Salvage from what?"
[14:11] <onine> "The ocean floor." Arothi and Surio reply in unison.
[14:12] <onine> "We sell all sorts of stuff from the old wrecks on the rocks out near the walls, and take people to dive and look at em if the coin is right. We sell trinkets to the merchants in town." Surio says.
[14:13] <onine> "But the gold - thats for Itiao." Arothi finishes. "She may not be as good as her daddy, but the discounts she gives us along with the coin is more than enough to convince us to sell it exclusively to her."
[14:13] <Mala> "Wealthy wrecks?"
[14:13] <Mala> "Where does the gold come from, exactly?"
[14:13] <onine> "Naw." Surio shakes her head. "No gold on those old ships anymore-"
[14:13] <onine> Arothi elbows Surio to shut her up.
[14:14] <onine> "Here now miss. You offerin' a deal to us to break our agreemen with lil Itiao?"
[14:14] * Mala smiles. "Not exactly."
[14:15] <onine> "You will cooperate with them fully Arothi!" Yusto growls.
[14:15] <onine> "What so we can take Itiao's roof away?" Surio replies. "No chance little man."
[14:16] <Vokar> "Itiao was kind enough to cooperate with the Wyld Hunt," Vokar says calmly.
[14:16] <onine> "You've been trading in demon metal, which is illegal even out here I might add!" Yusto interjects. "I have a mind to revoke every permit you have right here and now."
[14:17] <onine> The boisterous smiles fade from Arothi and Surio's faces.
[14:17] <onine> "The Wyld Hunt." Arothi echoes.
[14:18] <Mala> "Yes. We've no interest in �purchasing� your contraband..." Mala smiles, like a cat with a mouse. "Now, you were going to tell us all about your sources of orichalcum..."
[14:19] <onine> "We'll show ya for a couple of coins." Surio dares.
[14:19] <onine> "You'll show them for free!" Yusto roars out of proportion with his size and age.
[14:20] <onine> "Fine! We'll show ya for free!" Surio throws up her hands in frustration.
[14:22] * Mala looks out across the water. More being wet. Vokar would love this. "Yes. You will. Thank you." She gestures at the sea. "Shall we be off?"
[14:22] <onine> "On one condition." Arothi says, her arms folded and a very serious expression on her round face.
[14:22] * Vokar raises an eyebrow.
[14:23] <onine> "We'll row you out, show you exactly where. And I'll have Lemongrass take you under to the sites we've found the gold. And we'll row you back to town or further if you want. But..." She says. "In return sell us any that you find."
[14:26] * Vokar ponders. The demon metal was dangerous for mortals to possess because it might attract Anathema, but his primary concern was discovering if there was an Anathema behind its presence here...and if so, to neutralize the demon. Besides, it wasn't like anyone else was going to be interested...
[14:27] * Mala stares the diver down. "I don't believe you understand your position here.."
[14:29] <onine> Arothi takes a subconcious step back, but to her credit holds her ground better than most. "You need us. Besides, you said you didn't want the stuff, right?"
[14:29] <Mala> "Because it's �Anathema-metal�."
[14:32] <Mala> The Dragonblooded takes another step forward, and another, until she is standing right in front of the diver-creature and looking down at her. She takes the diver's chin in her hand; Mala's skin is hot to the touch. "I do not traffic in the corruption of the Anathema. And nor will you now..hm? There are �consequences� to evil."
[14:33] <onine> "Arothi just ****ing do it!" Surio screams, waving her webbed hands in the air.
[14:33] <onine> "Fine! Fine, just cool off!" Arothi backs off.
[14:34] <onine> "Prep the boat girls..." She adds in a low voice. It didn't even need to be said, Surio and Lemongrass were mere moments away from doing it even without Arothi's words.
[14:35] <Mala> "I'm glad we've come to an agreement." Mala replies, waves of heat radiating from her skin. She smiles with easy tolerance for her inferiors.
[14:35] <onine> As the women prep the boat, Yusto lets out a long, very long sigh of relief.
[14:36] <onine> And soon, Mala, Vokar and the three female divers are rowing out towards the gates of Sahran Harbour...

SCENE TEN. Location: Sahran Bay

[10:35] <onine> Upon the southern-most island of the Gallan archipelago, two Dragonbloods act far from the dark, malevolent eyes of the Anathema.
[10:35] <onine> They have been brought low by defeat and humiliation in a distant land, however a new calling is before them and as such they may yet be able to confound the dreaded demon servants and rise to victory once more.
[10:36] <onine> With the discovery of orichalcum, the demon's chosen metal, it will not be long before they cast their eyes to Whitecap, an island almost forgotten and as far as one can get from Port Velence and still be in Galla's territory.
[10:38] <onine> There is little doubt that their infernal feet will walk this island in the future, be it for the defensible position in Sahran's inlet, or for the orichalcum itself - and when they do, the warriors of the Elemental Dragons will be waiting to seal the Anathemas' fate.
[10:39] <onine> And such is their task, so noble, and yet it goes un-noticed by the ignorant fishermen as their boats pass the small rowboat on their course back to the docks to unload the morning's catch.
[10:39] <onine> Surio and Arothi row the small overloaded boat out the main gates of the Sahran inlet and out into the larger bay. Few divers venture further out from the inlet, there is far greater risk outside the walls of tidal forces, sharks and other predators - and of course mostly the gains aren’t worth the risk from an income standpoint.
[10:40] <onine> The women watch you carefully, but are attempting to be as covert about it as possible. It is difficult for them, not to look upon the exalts. Tension flows off them after Mala's 'negotiating'.
[10:41] <onine> “There it is, just beyond that outcrop before the edge of the bay.“ Arothi points out the entrance to the river for you. “Far as we know it has no name, funny, no?“ Some distance south of the town is the entrance you seek. Cliffs rise up on all sides which are lapped by waves which explode into spray against the dark coloured rock.
[10:41] <onine> From your position at the mouth of the wide stream you can see that the cliffs subside further in and the passage becomes less of a gorge. Tropical trees that are in sharp contrast with the dryer drab olive trees of the rest of Whitecap line the shores further in. Shelter from the wind and sun has created a whole different eco-system along the river’s banks.
[10:42] <onine> "Most of the gold we find in the silt at the mouth of this river - though its still pretty rare. Only Lemongrass can dive that deep for that long." Surio adds quietly, uneasy in close proximity to the terrestrials.
[10:43] <Mala> "Row a little closer," Mala orders, her gaze fixed on the spot.
[10:43] <onine> Surio and Lemongrass comply, dipping their oars into the water, bringing the little rowboat to the mouth of the river.
[10:44] <onine> "If you're a good diver, Lemongrass can show you exactly where. She don't talk, but that doesn't matter underwater." Arothi offers.
[10:44] <Vokar> "I can manage." Vokar says simply.
[10:46] * Mala likes slightly amused. "I will accompany you as long as I can,"
[10:46] <onine> "Suit yourself." Arothi shrugs.
[10:46] <Mala> "Wait for us here." She nods to Lemongrass to get her started.
[10:48] <onine> Lemongrass pulls off her light tunic, leaving her mostly naked. She checks her diving knife and nods back once, then dives swiftly over the side of the boat gracefully, leaving almost no disturbance in the water. Her slender form cuts into the water like a knife.
[10:49] <Vokar> Vokar jumps in with almost as much grace, taking a deep "breath" as he taps into the power of his Aspect.
[10:51] * Mala takes a deep breath, and follows them down with a swanlike dive into the sea.
[10:52] <onine> The two women on the boat look over the side. "What a-"
[10:52] <onine> "Bitch." Surio finishes. "Hope Lemongrass is gonna be okay..."
[10:53] <onine> The two dragonbloods follow Lemongrass deeper into the mouth of the river - she is a very swift and agile swimmer, but she is only a mortal after all.
[10:54] <onine> Through the blur of the water you can see that the river-bed is primarilly rock, which dips off sharply once it clears the cliffs. Coral and water-plants litter the ocean floor.
[10:54] <onine> Fish swim this way and that, largely ignoring the divers. Lemongrass strokes a manta-ray, then gestures at areas of the ocean floor, likely places she found the 'gold'.
[10:56] * Mala kicks down to the ocean floor for a closer look, running her fingers along the muddy seabottom.
[10:58] <onine> After a little searching you manage to find a few tiny gleaming chunks of the stuff, barely enough to make a simple ring put together. It looks from the shape of the river-mouth, that this is run off from the river. The orichalcum has been pulled by the flow of the current across the rocky river-bed.
[10:59] <onine> Since it is mostly devoid of silt, dirt and sand, a reasonable portion has made it all the way to the sea before sinking into the silt here.
[11:01] * Mala looks up at Vokar, nods, and begins to kick upward, breaking the surface with a gasp.
[11:02] * Vokar looks up the river's path before following Mala. "Seems our investigations will be taking us upriver," he says in High Realm.
[11:04] <onine> The women can likely tell you just what lies up river, how to get there and anything else you need to know.
[10:29] <onine> The late afternoon sunlight gleams marigold off the peaks of the shallow waves that flow into the wide bay outside Sahran. The calls of fishermen hauling in their nets for the last time in the day ring out over the wide expanse of water and echo of the cliff faces and ancient fortress walls.
[10:30] <onine> Fishing boats turn their bows back towards the heavy stone gates frozen in place, preparing to unload their final catch of the day to feed their families and to feed the hungry mouths of the travellers that have travelled to Whitecap to take part in the festival of the end of the season.
[10:30] <onine> Vokar and Mala swim towards the row-boat that transported them. Ahead, Arothi and Surio help the slender diver Lemongrass to climb out of the water and quickly wrap her up in a woolen towel. With the aid of the female divers, the Wyld Hunters have developed at least part of a theory for the source of the Orichalcum that the young jeweler Itiao has been selling.
[10:31] <onine> Someone with local knowledge would be able to aid them in discovering the demon-metal's source. Maps, a guide, and of course replacement weapons are high on the list of priorities for the two Dragonblooded.
[10:32] <onine> Vokar glides naturally though the water, slipping effortlessly towards the boat with a mere gesture of his hands and a light kick of the feet. "It's definitely coming from up-river then. We need to find out just where that river's source is. My guess is we'll find the cache somewhere along the way."
[10:34] * Mala eyes the bluf, her eyes lingering on the . "Yes. We'll need a guide, weapons, and supplies." She glances at the divers and dimisses them instantly from consideration. She snorts. "That foolish councilor should have rounded up the others of her breed by now."
[10:36] <onine> "I hope so, I have certainly grown tired of the way things seem to be moving against us out here." Vokar sighs, placing a hand on the edge of the boat and hauling himself out of the water.
[10:39] * Mala pulls herself gracefully in after him. She takes a seat and leans over the boat to wring out her long wet hair. "�Weapons�..." she sighs longingly. "I've had just enough of this ...one-soldier town."
[10:39] <Mala> Steam begins to rise from her clothes and hair, and her skin shines ruddy with warm essence as she speeds the drying-off processs.
[10:40] <onine> The three women seem to have clustered themselves on the opposite end of the rowboat. "Find what you wanted?" Arothi asks, but her voice is hopeful more that you'll leave soon than if you reached your goal.
[10:41] <Mala> "You may take us back to shore," Mala replies, ignoring their query.
[10:43] <onine> "You heard her girls." She says quietly, and Surio takes up the oars quickly and begins to steer the small boat back to shore. Once there you will be able to meet with the insipid little government of this town and maybe get something *done*. As for a guide... the young man that Mala had 'escort' her earlier might make a *fine* guide. He probably told her his name, but she may not have
[10:43] <onine> been listening.
[10:43] <onine> The inn he said he worked at with his uncle had the name of some filthy sea creature. It was on the waterfront, that made things easier.
[10:45] <onine> The great walls of the Sahran Inlet cast long dark shadows across the water. They are not quite enough to block the ruddy orange sunlight from painting the beachfront buildings of Sahran the colour of dry maple just yet, but in an hour the lowest half of the township would have an impressive sillhouetted view of the ancient fortifications against a twilight sky.
[10:45] <Mala> Some sort of fish? Squid? Well, whatever it was, he was good-looking enough to be worth a little effort. No doubt all the exercise packing fish, or whatever these people did.
[10:46] <onine> The three women are not sad to see you go when they let you off on the beach. Your presence will not be soon forgotten, but they busy themselves securing their rowboat to help speed up the process.
[10:47] <Mala> "I believe we are owed funds, first of all," Mala notes to Vokar, her red eyes sweeping the bluff above, where a decayed temple housed the town's leadership.
[10:53] <Vokar> "You think the Council has convened by now?"
[10:54] * Mala snorts. "I don't care if they have or not. We've been more than patient."
[10:56] <onine> Merrewin assured you that the council would be ready for you by late afternoon - which it is now.
[10:57] * Vokar sighs softly. "Fine. Let's go and see what they have to say."
[10:59] * Mala looks at him briefly. Vokar had been so tetchy since their defeat by the Anathema. "Lets go," she agrees.

SCENE ELEVEN. Location: Sahran Council Hall

[11:01] <onine> You sweep into the hall, which is now far more crowded than it was earlier in the day. It would seem that the news of the dragonblooded presence on Whitecap and in Sahran especially has drawn quite a crowd of the curious, both in the nature of business men and gawkers.
[11:01] <onine> Many of the pews are seating various members of the public from merchants to fishermen to obvious tourists and tradesmen. Servants light torches on iron stands that do their best to make up for the light that the fading day grows less and less able to produce in such a building.
[11:02] <onine> There are also more soldiers in full armour guarding the proceedings, a show to impress - or to warn?
[11:02] <onine> The main large table is now occupied by five council members - the apparent governing body of Sahran and the island of Whitecap proper. A pair of chairs are set before the council for the two dragonbloods.
[11:02] <onine> On the left end of the long table is the youngest, Merrewin Col, the councilwoman for Citizens and Public works. The elderly Representative of Merchants, Yusto Rayn takes the middle seat and is easily the oldest member of the council.
[11:02] <onine> Between the two sits a tall, broad shouldered mannish woman in her thirties. She has her teal hair tied back in a red scarf, and her clothing suggests a worker. Her hands also bear the rough look of one who crafts for a living. Even in this council-hall she still wears a small toolbag hanging from a wide leather belt.
[11:04] <onine> Seated on the right of Yusto Rayn is another worker, a man in his forties, dressed still in the grubby tunic and work apron of a career fisherman. His skin is dark, rough and tanned like leather from a lifetime working in the western sun, and his greying hair receeds terribly from the top of his head. A leather cap sits on the table in front of him.
[11:06] <onine> Contrasting the seemingly simple councillers is the man in the far right seat. Young, clean cut and confident looking, his is the manner of a professional navyman. His short cut dark blue hair and long proud nose betrays his Coral ancestry. He wears a military uniform which while neat and respectable is not overly gaudy. A slender saber rests against the table next to him.
[11:08] <onine> As you enter, Yusto stands, beaming at you in the manner of one greeting a respect old friend. "Princes of the Earth, please let me be the first the formally welcome you to our humble island. We hope that we can assist you, and by extension, the Realm of her Imperial Majesty, the Scarlet Empress. Please, sit, there is no doubt much that we need to discuss."
[11:08] * Mala sweeps down the central aisle, ignoring the mortals to either side of her. After marooning and swimming, the garments she wears are little more than rags, but she wears them as if they were robes. She feels a flash of annoyance that the rest of the council does not rise to greet her, as is proper, but decides to tolerate this breach of etiquette as to be expected in the barbaric West.
[11:08] <onine> Merrewin likewise looks towards you with respect, and the navy officer nods politely in your direction.
[11:09] <onine> The fisherman and tradeswoman however do not look as impressed.
[11:10] <onine> "This meeting of the Fivefold Membership will now be called to order." Yusto announces ceremoniously. "Councilman Yusto Rayn presiding. There will be silence and order in the chambers."
[11:10] <Mala> �These people could be problematic,� Mala thinks, as she looks down at them. She takes a seat in one of the chairs set up for them.
[11:10] <onine> The murmers of the people in the halld grows silent.
[11:10] * Vokar walks beside Mala with his head held high. However much he may be troubled by his defeat at the hands of the Anathema, this is an occasion where he must represent the Realm. Rags or finery, he will not carry himself like a beaten man here.
[11:12] <onine> "May I introduce my collegues... Merrewin Col I believe you already know. She looks to the Citizens and Public Works." Yusto says, still standing. "On my right here..." He gestures at the female worer. "Is Isa Drae, Member for Tradesmen and Workers."
[11:13] <onine> "Pleasure." The tall woman bows stiffly and retakes her seat.
[11:14] <onine> "On my left, is the Councilman of Fishing and Private Seacraft, Dockmaster Ogaru Leech." The fisherman nods, but refuses to stand.
[11:15] * Mala raises her eyebrows at him, seemingly amused.
[11:15] <onine> "And lastly, Captain Amunde, commander of our modest but proud navy and administrator of security." The Coral officer stands and salutes when Yusto introduces him.
[11:15] * Vokar nods to each of them respectfully as they are introduced.
[11:15] <onine> "A pleasure indeed, to have you with us." Amunde says with military precision. "I hope we are able to assist you in any way possible."
[11:19] <Mala> "Good of you," Mala drawls. "I am Sesus Mala, of the 8th Legion on detached duty to the Wyld Hunt." She pauses to allow Vokar to introduce himself.
[11:21] <Vokar> "I am Peleps Jumin Vokar, also attached to the Wyld Hunt," Vokar says with a bow.
[11:23] <onine> "We are indeed honoured." Yusto replies. "Now then, councilwoman Col has already explained to me *in brief* the needs of the Wyld Hunt here on Whitecap, and likewise I have informed my peers. Given the events of the day, and that I am loath to speak for ones such as you out of turn..."
[11:23] <onine> "...may I ask that you state your requirements to the council."
[11:29] <Mala> "Very well," Mala replies. "Simply put, we require funds, weapons, and transportation off your isle." Simple enough for this council. She gives them a few moments to proccess the reasonableness of her request, then continues "There is a another matter. We have become aware of a certain prohibited materials for sale here. We will spend a day destroying the source of it, that the Anathema will not trouble you."
[11:30] <Mala> "For that, we also need a fair map of the island."
[11:30] <onine> "Anathema do not trouble our humble island," Ogaru Leech rumbles deeply. "In fact, the only trouble we have witnessed in any recent years is your presence here in Sahran."
[11:31] <onine> "We pay our tributes to the Imperial Ministries." Isa, the craftsman says. "We have no need to pay more to your coffers when we receive nothing back."
[11:33] <onine> Merrewin Col takes an objectionary expression, as does Yusto. Captain Amunde remains neutral.
[11:35] <Vokar> "Recieve nothing back?" Vokar asks calmly. "I suppose risking our lives in battle against the Anathema counts as nothing to you?"
[11:36] <onine> "We are a small island in Galla's nation. I see no Anathema here, nor any positive action on your part that does not involve intimidating and threatening local workers." Ogaru grunts.
[11:36] * Mala stiffens, eyes flaring. "Your island," she hisses, "is home to apparently rich deposits of orichalcum. Orichalcum which is turned into jewelry and �sold�. Advertised. Orichalcum the Anathema can- and will!- turn into hellish instruments of destruction. Anathema may not have troubled you in the past, but I assure you, they will. There are Anathema on Galla now. Do you really think they will spare your little town on their way power?"
[11:37] <onine> "With respect to you as a peer and a friend Councilman Leech, the Princes of the Earth are correct." Yusto says. "We are at risk."
[11:38] <onine> "Then you can deal with it." Ogaru grumbles at you. "We pay our tribute to you."
[11:40] <Mala> "We plan to do deal with it," Mala replies, blazing. "You pay tribute to House Peleps. You do not speak to Peleps now. You speak to the Wyld Hunt, and this not a matter of �tribute�." She says the word as if he's foul for bringing it up. "It is a matter of duty. Duty not only to the Dragonblooded and the Immaculate Dragons, but to your fellow mortals on other islands."
[11:41] <Mala> Rage burns in her. Folly, men choking on their own folly. "Every moment your greed delays us is another moment the Anathema ravage free and unhindered. Do you really believe," she thunders, "this is a matter of COIN?"
[11:43] <Mala> She settles back, her rudimentary self-control reasserting itself. "Heisesh's fiery blood, man," she says softly. "Need evil be on your doorstep before you recognize it?"
[11:44] <onine> "This is not a matter of greed, Noble Lady, but a matter of loyalty and mutual respect." Isa says. "You take a great deal from our people to the point where there truly is little to give - and for what? An Imperial Navy that does not seem to exist - my children do not know what an Imperial Jade-clad looks like."
[11:44] <onine> "Isa!" Yusto cautions.
[11:45] <onine> "Let me speak Yusto. You speak for coin, I speak for the people." She counters. "You still demand more from us. We are already poor maintaining our military - which is not said to disrespect Captain Amunde at all. You are here because you have misplaced your pocket money and seek to throttle us for more?"
[11:46] <onine> "Please Isa, some respect for their predicament as soldiers...In respect to that..." Captain Amunde speaks up. "If you are the Wyld Hunt - and I do not insinuate that you are not - why are you here on Whitecap where the Anathema are not and as... ill-equipped as you are?"
[11:49] <Mala> "You need not see a thing to benefit from its protection," replies Mala coldly to the slander of the navy. She turns to Arumunde, lifting her chin. He was a soldier, however, and he raised a (damnably pertinent) point, and he deserved an honest answer. "It is not a thing I am proud to speak of," she replies at length. "We were captured by the Anathema when we battled in Port Velence, and in their arrogance they chose to marroon us,
[11:49] <Mala> rather than slay us outright. A miscalculation they will pay dearly for," Mala says, fire in her eyes.
[11:50] <onine> "Hah!" Ogaru Leech barks. "You have failed once, what assurance do we have that you will not fail again?"
[11:50] <onine> "I wish to know also." Merrewin Col adds.
[11:54] * Vokar slowly stands up. "I ask you, then, what soldiers you intend to field against the Anathema."
[11:55] <Vokar> "I ask you, if you realize that each and every member of the Wyld Hunt, ourselves included, understands that the next Anathema we Hunt may well take us with them. Or we may perish in the attempt."
[11:57] <Vokar> "I ask you, who else is prepared to do the same. To stand against the Anathema's power because it is what is right, not because it is what is expedient or convenient, or popular."
[11:58] <onine> "Galla." Ogaru grunts. "He will protect his subjects and punish the Anathema."
[11:58] <onine> "Councilman Leech, please see the situation for what it is!" Yusto pleads the fishing master.
[11:59] <onine> "No Yusto, he's correct. It requires four votes to pass a bill in this council and I support Ogaru. Galla will protect us as he always has." Isa says with finallity.
[12:00] <onine> "Surely we must investigate the option the Princes of the Earth offer..." Amunde begins but is cut off by Ogaru's shout.
[12:00] <onine> "Galla will protect us!"
[12:01] <Kadavra> "And there, I'm afraid, you are wrong."
[12:01] <Kadavra> A cloaked figure to the back of the room rises.
[12:01] * Mala looks down her nose at them, cold and regal. "There are no assurances," she tells them, her voice laced with contempt. "This is not some game. If we must spend our lives to destroy them we will. And if we fall, others will come. Because the Dragons will not fail before such evil..."
[12:02] <Mala> She chokes, turning around, "What-?"
[12:02] <Kadavra> Removing the hood, the pale face of Peleps Jumin Kadavra is revealed.
[12:03] <Kadavra> "Galla is dead. The Anathema slew him."
[12:04] * Mala closes her mouth. She glances back at the other councilmembers, and nobly triumphs over the temptation to say, �I told you so.
[12:04] <onine> "What?!" Yusto and Ogaru gasp in shock, while Isa watches on gaping. Amunde looks less surprised, but the information certainly makes his brow furrow in concern.
[12:05] <onine> "This cannot be true!" Merrewin says with disbelief.
[12:05] <Kadavra> "I saw it with my own eyes."
[12:07] * Vokar turns to face the familiar voice, smiles slightly too see his sister despite her dire news, then solemnly turns back to the council. "So. My questions stand. Who else do you have?"
[12:08] <onine> "You will have detailed maps and one of my finest scouts in less than an hour." Amunde nods.
[12:08] <onine> Isa sighs and sits back defeated, and Ogaru merely folds his arms and frowns darkly.
[12:09] <onine> The news of Galla's death has had a profound impact on the gathering within the chambers, and hurried gossip has already begun to take precedence.
[12:11] <Mala> It seemed she would have no opportunity or reason to retrieve her puppy with Amunde's scout. For the appearance of things, Mala keeps her sigh on the inside.
[12:11] <onine> "I will have my people retrieve our finest weapons for you." Yusto adds. "And a ship will be standing by to transport you as early as tomorrow morning - that is, if everyone is in agreement?"
[12:12] <onine> Merrewin Col and Amunde are quick to throw in their support, and Isa grudgingly adds her vote in as well. The fisheries master stands and exits the hall bitterly, saying nothing more.
[12:14] <onine> Captain Amunde refastens his swordbelt and rounds the table, walking over to you. "It would be my pleasure to assist you if you would be generous enough to brief me on your mission and requirements?"
[12:23] <Mala> "Certainly, Captain," Mala replies. "The orichalcum needs to be destroyed or scattered before the Anathema can discover it and use it as a power source. The divers have been finding it near the mouth of the river...the logical conclusion, of course, is that the source is upstream the river. As you supposed, we need an accomplished guide to find the place, as well as weapons for Vokar and myself.
[12:23] <Mala> "
[12:25] <onine> "Certainly your ladyship, the weapons and provisions are being taken care of as we speak." Amunde nods. "As to this 'Orichalcum' as you call it... the river that empties out in Sahran Bay drains from the Crater Peak. She was once an active volcano up intill Galla blew her to smithereens two thousand years ago (as the story goes)."
[12:26] <onine> "Sincen then a few Age's worth of rainwater has filled her right up and spilled over into that river to the east..." The captain rubs his chin in thought considering something. "Maybe...I dont know."
[12:27] <LaggedServer> "Orichalcum deposits are often found in or about volcanos...the metal seems to require massive heat to form."
[12:29] <onine> "It's just a theory...but you may be looking for Shade Ledge." Amunde says.
[12:29] <Mala> "Shade Ledge?"
[12:29] * Vokar raises an eyebrow.
[12:30] <onine> "Yes." Amunde elaborates. "Its a place of legend, the tale of which gets tossed about by young folk and degenerate punks. Its an old remnant of a ruin up on the side of Crater Peak right next to the river. Lot of strange stuff happens up there, and people tend to get uneasy in the vicinity."
[12:31] <onine> "Kids like to go up there and see how long they can last standing on one of the ruined pillars before getting too scared and running to their friends who watch from the trees nearby."
[12:33] <onine> "Im told that there's a hearth there, one that never goes out. I'm not one that puts much stock in folktales like that. I'd rather not spend my time on a frivillous waste of resources - such as snooping about up there."
[12:33] <Vokar> "Hmm...you may be right."
[12:33] <Mala> "It seems it may not be so frivolous an expedition after all. A place to start. Thank you, Captain."
[12:34] <onine> "A pleasure. Oh, one more thing that may be of interest to you." He adds.
[12:35] <onine> The Captain moves through a throng of people and gestures to one of the decorations that hangs from the hall's wall. "I dont know the tale exactly, but apparently an old prospecter that went mad from spending too much time up there was able to salvage this from the ruin - oh about two hundred years ago I'm told. Does it mean anything to you?"
[12:36] * Mala frowns at it.
[12:36] <onine> The item is about a foot in diameter, with various clamps and attatchments. The steel is pitted, in places but still has a perfect mirror polish on most of its inward curving surface.
[12:38] <onine> Vokar recognises it as one of the powerful lense-mirrors that the Anathema use in the refinement of the Orichalcum. A complex system of such mirrors are used in conjunction with open lava veins to reflect sunlight onto the item they are working on to give it its demonic properties.
[12:39] <onine> This changes much. It may not just be a deposit of demon metal, but the makings of an entire demon workshop.
[12:40] <onine> The fine tools that Itiao was working on her jewelery with were likely First Age anathema tools passed down through her family while they ran the Dauphin Sons store here in Sahran.
[12:40] <onine> "Is there something amis?" Amunde questions, his expression mirroring the concern in yours.
[12:40] * Vokar looks over the mirror. "We'd best get to Shaded Ledge as fast as we can. This mirror is part of the apparatus the Anathema used to refine Orihalcum...which means that at the very least it is, or was, a processing center for them...and more likely workshop as well."
[12:42] <onine> "Heaven's mercy..." Amunde breathes. "This is dire news indeed..."
[12:44] * Mala 's eyes burn.
[12:44] <onine> "Sir!" A soldier shouts from the doorway over the throng of people. "Varack is ready to travel, and the provisions will be prepared when the Princes pass the final depot on the way out of town!"
[12:46] <Mala> "Then let's be on our way!"
[12:47] <Vokar> "Agreed."

SCENE TWELVE. Location: Shade Ledge

[12:48] <onine> The sky is tainted with the red of spilt blood by the time that you arrive at Shade Ledge. The windswept grass and low trees are bathed in a dark brown light by the coming sunset, and the shadows are long inky lines that stretch out in front of you.
[12:49] <onine> All around you is the flat expanse of the sea on the horizon, the only lines breaking it are the almost mirage like shapes of the rest of the Gallan Archipelago in the distance...where the Anathema march. The babbling noise of the rapidly moving river peaks above the howl of the evening wind as you move through the craggy rocks just below the Shade Ledge ruins.
[12:51] <onine> The place is hardly a ruin per se, more a collection of broken white rock in vaguely geometric shapes that sprout up from the long island grass and shrubs that nestle themselves into a little alcove on the side of the extinct volcano.
[12:52] <onine> A factor that was not mentioned however is an enormous statue, what was once a man of steely grey rock sits on a natural stone chair. The northern side of its body is now worn almost smooth by sea-winds and rainstorms obliterating any features on that side.
[12:53] <onine> The other half has not faired much better over the ages, the only details you can discern is that the statue was of an athletic bearded man wearing a simple toga and sandles.
[12:53] <onine> An outcropping of worn stone juts out over the edge of the cliff, allowing one to look into the swirling rapids of the river below.
[12:54] <LaggedServer> "I suppose the demon once set himself up as a god of these islands..." Mala remarks to the others.
[12:54] <onine> "Yeah, this is the place." The scout murmers. "You can see over there, on the plateu of rock. That's the hearth where the fire doesn't go out. This place gives me the creeps."
[12:55] <Mala> "If you wish," Mala says absently, "You may a short distance down the trail. We won't have need of you while we search this place."
[12:55] <onine> The massive statue sits amongs broken columns to left of you, the cliff and river is to the right. The hearth is dead ahead.
[12:55] <onine> "Gladly, my Lady." The scout says relieved, quickly making his way back down the path between the jutting white rocks.
[12:58] <onine> As you are about to move, you spot a glimmer of movement amongst the red scenery. A hunched humanoid shape makes its way across from the north. As it closes you soon discover that it is a mandril.
[12:59] <onine> Strangely, unlike the mandrils common in the Gallan archipelago, this one has a mane and fur of reds and browns, as opposed to blue green. It shuffles awkwardly, under one arm it holds a small bundle of twigs and firewood obviously stolen from human settlements.
[13:01] <onine> It shuffles across the stone platform and looks about almost guiltilly.
[13:02] <Vokar> "Odd coloration on that...wait...it's carrying firewood...is it keeping the fire going?" Vokar whispers.
[13:03] <Mala> "Ahh..." Mala releases a breath.
[13:03] <onine> True to Vokar's guess, the monkey carefully and intelligently loads the firewood into the ash filled hearth, scooping out some of the grey ash and tossing it over the precipice into the river.
[13:05] <onine> Finished with its work, the mandril takes another look around, then moves quickly off in the direction it came, then descends down the volcano side into the forests.
[13:05] <Mala> "Bad monkey," she whispers. "We should catch it.."
[13:07] <Kadavra> "Or put out the fire."
[13:07] <Mala> "...that might be a faster way to trap it," she admits, moving towards the hearth.
[13:11] <onine> The hearth is a simple one, a temporary structure that has somehow survived since this place was built. Inside the hearth is the fire, far smaller than you would imagine for one so amply and regularly fueled. The flame is no larger than your thumb.
[13:12] * Mala frowns, and blasts the pile for gout of fire to see if it would catch.
[13:13] <onine> It does. The flame grows.
[13:14] <onine> <Thank you, but that is not necessary.> A sleepy crackling voice says.
[13:14] * Mala looks startled. "It isn't?" she asks cautiously.
[13:15] <onine> <In fact, it is an inconvenience. Now I require more fuel.> The voice replies. Two pinpricks of white light appear like eyes in the heart of the fire.
[13:16] <Mala> "What are you?"
[13:18] <onine> <Fire.> It says matter-of-factly. The pricks of light narrow as it regards you. <What are you doing here? Footsoldiers are not supposed to be here you know.>
[13:19] <Kadavra> "Footsoldiers...?"
[13:20] * Mala 's spine stiffens. "I am Chosen of the Immaculate Draogns, an Exalt, on a holy mission to..."
[13:21] <onine> <To guard the master's forge? Yes, yes, good, good. I do not know when he will return so that you may report to him.>
[13:23] <Mala> "How long has he been absent?" asks Mala through her teeth, not pleased to be mistaken for some Anathema's thrall.
[13:24] <onine> <Oh, a thousand years, give or take a century or two.> The fire says.
[13:25] <Mala> "Who's been keeping...you..burning? Why?"
[13:27] <onine> The fire says. <While I remain in the fire I can maintain it indefinitely, and with the mandrils providing ample fuel I can remain here as long as I please.>
[13:27] <onine> This flame has likely been burning since before the contagion without break.
[13:28] <Mala> The solution was clear: kill all the mandrils.
[13:29] <onine> <What *do* you want anyway? Are you going to provide me more fuel? If not you'd be wise to hurry up and leave before you wake Ulf.>
[13:29] <Mala> "I see." She nods to the fire. "How do we access the workshop?"
[13:29] <onine> <Only Ulf can. And he will not do so for Terrestrials.>
[13:32] <Mala> "Ulf?" Mala perseveres.
[13:33] <onine> <Ulf> The flame echoes.
[13:33] <Mala> "Who is Ulf?"
[13:33] <Mala> She glances, a touch nervously, at the massive, worn statue to the left.
[13:33] <onine> <Ulf is Ulf.> The statue is standing.
[13:35] <onine> <WHAT is this?!> The giant stone man booms. <WHY are there FOOTSOLDIERS here?! Did YOU grant them entrance Naxuus?!>
[13:35] <onine> The giant guardian's face is no longer worn, the statue's features look as crisp and detailed as the day they were cut - presuming they were. It is no small wonder how it managed to stand without you hearing it.
[13:36] * Mala backs away warily, touching her hand to her insufficient sword.
[13:36] <Mala> She looks back at Kedavra and Vokar.
[13:36] <onine> <No most certainly not Ulf, I would never do such a thing!> The fire chimes in merrily.
[13:37] <onine> <WHO ARE you?> The massive stone figure bellows, taking a groundshaking step towards you, the stone-sandaled foot creating a deep depression in the grassy soil.
[13:38] <Mala> "I am SESUS MALA, leader of the Wyld Hunt!" Mala shouts back.
[13:38] <Mala> She is rather wishing, at this point, that she was a leader of the Wyld Hunt with a warstrider.
[13:39] <onine> The impassive stone eyes narrow. <The WYLD HUNT? If this is some kind of JEST Footsoldier, my humour rapidly wanes!>
[13:40] *** Vokar has quit IRC (Connection reset by peer�)
[13:42] <onine> <I told you to leave before you woke him...> The fire pipes up in a small I-Told-You-So voice.
[13:42] <Mala> There's a pause, as Mala evaluates the capabilities of three underequipped Dragonblooded againt a massive earth elemental. "Didn't Naxuus inform you? We sent word ahead."
[13:43] <Mala> A spark of flame dances in her eyes and her voice fills with smoke.
[13:43] <Mala> �It's worth a try..
[13:45] <onine> <Thats a lie!> The flame spouts.
[13:45] <onine> <He said NOTHING of the SORT, Footsoldier. STATE your business IMMEDIATELY!> The stone giant booms.
[13:46] * Mala frowns. "Perhaps our messenger was delayed. We were sent to take an inventory of the progress of construction," she tells him. "And inspect the status of the workshop. There's been word of Fae probes of the Western perimiter.."
[13:48] <onine> <Do you take me for some sort of FOOL, Terrestrial?> The statue rumbles menacingly.
[13:48] * Mala straightens up. "Not at all," she replies coldly. "I seek only to do my duty. Why else would I be here?"
[13:50] <onine> <WHO has sent you then? I will NOT allow enemies to STEAL or SABOTAGE this work before the OATH is fulfilled!>
[13:51] <onine> "Mala..." Vokar murmers. "May I confer with you a moment?"
[13:52] <Mala> "What?" she mutters under her breath. Was she supposed to remember the name of ancient Anathema? "Of course not," she replies cooly. "You have guarded this place for a long time. You would not be lax in your duty now."
[13:54] <onine> "My fellow officer and I must confer on the matter of our orders, if you will allow us a moment?" Vokar requests the statue.
[13:55] <onine> <Very well. BUT BE SWIFT. I have NOT the patience for your terrestrial fumbling!> It rumbles.
[13:55] <onine> Vokar leads you off to the side. "Keep nodding and acting like you're discussing our 'orders'" He says quietly.
[13:55] <Mala> "Big words from an elemental," Mala mutters. She nods her head obediently.
[13:58] <onine> "I think we can turn this apparent oath to our advantage rather than destroying this Ulf." Vokar murmers and salutes to keep the ruse up. "It sounds to me like he still thinks this is the First Age, and that he's still bound to complete this construction."
[13:59] <Mala> "Guard it until its completion," Mala corrects him. "What do you want to do, other than persuade him we belong here?"
[13:59] <Mala> "He doesn't seem eager to leave..."
[13:59] <onine> "Well who else can his enemies be? Not us, we're servants - but rival Anathema." Vokar raises his eyebrows meaningfully.
[14:00] <Mala> "So?" she asks impatiently. "He thinks we're servants of those Anathema."
[14:02] <onine> "Maybe, but if we can convince him that his master's rivals are close, and that we're here to fortify... he'd be obligated to aid us in protecting his master's property." Vokar explains. "If we just leak the information on the orichalcum when we're ready we can turn this into a fine trap for our quarries."
[14:02] <onine> "The demons wont be able to resist such a lure." Vokar continues. "Have Amunde send for reinforcements from the Isle and those Anathema wont stand a chance against us."
[14:03] * Mala begins to smile..
[14:04] <onine> "Factor in that statue, look at him! He's essentially a Warstrider we can use against them. It's a perfect trap, plus we have the support of the Sahran government against them. Its perfect!"
[14:05] <Mala> "Yes!"
[14:06] <onine> "We repair those dock gates on the Sahran inlet... and we can trap their ships here...."
[14:07] <onine> Everything would fall into place perfectly, kill the Anathema, sink their ships in the bay, execute their fanatical slaves... vengeance!
[14:08] <onine> Save the Blasphemer till last, let him watch his ruined ships sink under the water amongst the blood of his thralls, his empire burning around him!
[14:11] <onine> Vokar smiles as everything seems to fall into place.
[14:11] <Mala> She gives him a giddy smile, would have laughed, except it might have revealed to Ulf that something is up..
[14:12] <Mala> "�Vengeance�..." she hisses.
[14:12] <onine> "Yes..."
[14:13] <onine> The plan is set in stone, soon the anathema would fall. And the last things their twisted eyes would see would be your triumphant faces...
[14:13] <onine> As it must be...

THE END...