"Ah, you know how that is with these things." Lasuri replies to Jadira, shaking his head softly, a small smile on his lips. "Even if I give an amount of time, something's gonna happen that's gonna push it forward or backwards. Especially here... We're not really considered friendlies at this point in time, so who knows when they'll ask us to leave and for what reason, for example. So yeah, better off just doing what we do best: play it by ear." He grins to the brown-haired woman, not bothering to extrapolate further. From the look he gives her, one would likely find a goldmine should one manage to learn about all the anecdotes they seem to have to have gone through together.

"Good point about the selling though. That's definitely something we should take care of while we're here. Might as well get some of our unwanted stuff out and split the shares. We might be at sea for a while longer after this."

Seeing Treon's arrival, Lasuri salutes him, greeting him with a warm and friendly smile, but not stepping into the conversation. He instead takes a respectful step back, letting it play out as Treon intends.

"'Course it's a good point, you've got to have me around for something." Jadira winks and nearly nudges Lasuri's ribs until she remembers that he's still sore from the previous battle. "Sorry, Captain," she says soothingly -- and mischievously, stealing a kiss on his cheek before turning to smile at Treon briefly.

"Well, I've already taken stock of everything we took from our last... venture," she continues, minding her business with Lasuri for now. "There should be enough to trade here to give the crew a decent bonus. So, will we take care of it today, or give it a rest for now? Not that there's much crew at all left to haul the goods..." She laughs and shrugs, leaning close to whisper something in the Dryad captain's ear.

[Private to Lasuri Leomaris: "How about we head to a nice place, with a proper bath, and a bed? They must have wonderful hot springs here with the volcano so near..."] Treon and Tethia here snippets of what the armswoman murmurs, something involving 'hot springs'... likely a private matter.

"Good afternoon, mister Fireblade," Tethia returns in a neutral tone, relaxing only slightly at Treon's friendly stance. She is in slightly better shape, aided in her healing by Tageru's medical care as well as much needed bed rest. No matter her pain or discomfort, though, she stands with a proud, if somewhat stiff stance, as if to make certain people do not assume her weak without a weapon.

"That is a question I've answered more frequently than not, lately. The Alliance has treated me well enough, and I believe I will stay aboard for at least a few more weeks." Her aquamarine eyes meet the Fire Aspect's gaze boldly, now, as if sizing up his intent. "May I ask what you wish of me?"

Treon had acknowledged the salute with a nod, and smile from Jadira with one of his own, a look in his eyes suggesting a desire for a slightly longer talk than just that, at least if she wasn't busy.

"I am glad to hear that," he continues on in the same, warm tone.  "What I wish from you is ... well, not a wish at all."

"Merely an offer.  If you would like to return to the Hammerhead ... although not to your old cabin, I would be more than happy to have you aboard.  If you prefer the Dryad--and I really cannot say I blame you--then you still have some of your personal belongings on the ship.  I can arrange to have them moved over here, if that was your wish."

"Ah..." Tethia looks a little forlorn for a moment, dropping her guard for just a second before the aloofness returns to her expression. "Well, sir, I thank you for your offer. I would like to consider returning, after I am better healed, if you do not mind."

"In the meantime I'd like it if you sent my belongings." She nods, and pauses, watching Treon's expression with the intense scrutiny she often gives people she hasn't yet 'figured out'. "So, do you enjoy the cabin? I suppose it's just another place to sleep, for you."

Out on the docks, workers and passersby have begun to disperse from their gawking at the Dryad, perhaps seeing that despite all its majesty and formidable armament, it's still just another ship. A few others are still coming out from the city limits, though, having just recently heard the news of a ship that could put the Wavecrest Navy's best to shame (though none would say it to First Captain Buruku's face.)

---

OOC: Helkar's Folly people could come in at any time, really! The long desc. of the Dryad, Hammerhead and Marlena is further back on this thread.

Treon gives the woman a sympathetic smile at the forlorn look, but doesn't do any more.  He nods easily, "When you are better healed, of course."

"I will send people over with the chests when I return then," he says.  Done.  "It is a pleasant enough cabin.  One obviously previously inhabited by two different people, who were still close to each other," he says, sympathy in his tone and an almost involuntary movement to caress one of the long braids in his hair, the white one.  He knew about loss, although he didn't have the luxury of blaming anyone else.

Making his way through the crowds of sailers, longshoremen, and merchants, Amonth heads out into the harbor area. To those that know him it is obvious that he is greatly interested in the flotilla that has been described to him. As he heads for the docks he does take the time to listen to the rumers but does not delay for long.
As he finally gets close enough to see the rumored ships he stops dead in his tracks for a moment. "Magnificent!"
Moving forward after a moment he walks down the dock to where he can take a better look. Taking in the lines of the ships, where they show where and how they are armed, he examins them for a few moments. Finally he walks closer to the First Age ship staring in open admiration. "Look at the lines, the way they come togetter there where the lower hull fades into the support for the forward platform! Form and function meshed, beautiful!"
Shaking free of the awe for a moment he starts towards the gangplank to the anchient ship.

Jadira touches Lasuri's shoulder lightly, as she notices the man in bright colors and feathered hat coming toward the gangplank. "Looks like we've got a visitor," she murmurs before stepping apart from him... for now. "What'll we do?"

The brunette lifts a hand to silently hail Amonth and anyone else coming toward the ship. Just to let them know they've been seen.

Walking twenty paces behind Amonth, Darel closes the distance between them. "Nice work," he commented, "I would have thought such designs were solely fielded by the Realm..."

Darel waved back at the woman onboard the ship.

"Thank you," Tethia says, some of the guardedness dissolving as she nods tersely to Treon. "I appreciate it, and your understanding. In a few days, I would see for myself what you've done with the ship and crew... it is yours now, and at least Reed has accepted you. He will serve you well." She does not mention anything about resuming her position as first mate, though she has considered it, quietly. Just... not yet. Not this soon.

The dark-haired woman's gaze flicks towards Amonth and Darel, and she frowns slightly, clenching her fists. Unlike Jadira she is not a particularly welcoming personality, as her first instinct is generally to mistrust.

"Welcome him, of course. Would be bad form not to play hosts in that case, wouldn't it?." He smiles, taking a few steps towards the railing before also waving towards the incoming visitors.

"Don't compliment her too much, or she'll get an inflated ego." He utters to Amonth and Darel's attention, a warm smile on his lips. "She's got her little pride, you know how that is." He takes another step, then leans over the railing.

"I'm Captain Lasuri Leomaris, and this is the Spring Dryad II. Is there anything I can help you with?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:29, Wed 10 Dec 2008.

"As you wish it," Jadira answers Lasuri merrily, and turns on her best smile toward the newcomers, sketching a short bow. She is dressed rather masculinely, in a dark green coat and snug leather pants, but she does not bear any of the tattoos of the Tya. She is one of the exceptions Wavecrest accepts concerning female sailors, being a Wood Aspect of noticeable bearing.

"I am the Dryad's first mate, Jadira Thornbloom," the armswoman introduces herself, then pauses to see how these men will answer Lasuri's inquiry.

Kiana walked with the captain and Darel, but spoke precious little despite knowing that the ships were not, in fact, from the Crimson Isle.  She didn't recognize any of the sailors, and Kiana's eyes were nothing if not sharp.

She didn't return the wave, though did give eye contact to the other women when she got close enough.  Kiana, too, was initially filled with mistrust--however, the Captain was wise enough, and he had yet to lead them into hardship, so she trusted him more than most.

She stayed beside the two, looking more like a silent slave than an important member of the crew.

Treon nods.  "You will be welcome on that vessel whenever you choose to visit," he says, voice warm with encouragement.  He smiles a little ten.  "It is heartening to hear ones own judgements echoed by another, so thank you," he says softly to her words on Black Reed.  "It appears, though, that we have visitors," he says, by way of apology for cutting their conversation short.

He walks over to the railing, only coincidently--perhaps--moving himself in such a way that anyone of the visitors moving to Tethia would move past him first.  He smiles at them friendlily though.  "Treon Fireblade," he introduces himself.  "Captain of the Hammerhead," gesturing to the sleek, although second age, yacht moored just beyond the much smaller courier.

Amonth smiles and returns the wave of the striking brunette and walks forward onto the gangplank.
"Greetings good Captains, and to you as well First Mate. I am Ferem Amonth, Captain of Helkar's Folley."
Amonth points over a few docks to where the Folly is docked.
"I heard rumors of this ship in town and had to come see for myself. Magnificent! I have studied for years and have never had the opportunity to see a ship like this before. I would like to invite you and your ships officers to join me for a dinner, though I warn you, I will surely pick your brains for details on your ship. "

Darel cleared his throat, then added: "My name is Darel Arwan," he said. "I have joined the Captain in his journeys. I, too, have studied a lot, and I would like to discuss with those who have unearthed or are maintaining these wonders of old. My curiosity is... quite aroused."

Jadira returns Kiana's gaze kindly, and a little curiously.

She can't really be a slave decked in those jade boots... I think. I wonder what her story is.

Listening to the others introduce themselves, Jadira is rather surprised that a man from House Ferem has sailed so far west. No need to ask unnecessary questions, though. After all, she is far away from home, as well, and with no hope of returning. Not to mention that little outstanding bounty back in Lookshy...

"Pleasure to meet you," the brunette replies, putting aside her musings, "and I wouldn't mind obliging your questions about the Dryad if you like. Of course, it's ultimately up to her Captain."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:14, Thu 11 Dec 2008.

He smiles warmly, and peers back at the Dryad with a kind look in his eyes. "She has a tendency to turn heads so don't be sorry." He pats the railing fondly, then turns towards the newly arrivals. "We're not really used to people being so hospitable, to be honest, so that's a good change of pace. And just 'cause of that, that makes me want to take you up on that dinner offer." He grins, then leans back slightly.

"You can ask what you want, of course. And you can also come aboard for a bit, if that's what you'd like. Between sailors, there's no reason why we can't accommodate each other, right?"

He also makes certain to acknowledge Kiana with a welcoming smile, not wanting her to feel excluded. No matter what her station, Lasuri would want her to feel welcome as well.

"Right," Darel said. "You realise, of course, that you are bound to recount us the tale of how you came into ownership of such treasures around a casket of ale, don't you?" he smiled.

Jadira chuckles, a mischievous sparkle in her emerald eyes as she turns to Lasuri. "Look at that, Captain... They want to hear the story."

"Well, I'm sure we can oblige. Both to the story-telling and the ale." The mischief is gone now, but not her warmth and friendliness. It may be seen as a sign of foolishness for she and her captain to show such kindness to strangers unusually interested in their unique relic of a ship. But time and circumstance has taught her that the best armor against those who might deceive her is to appear oblivious of it.

"The obvious question of course, is... when?"

Tethia raises her eyebrows slightly at Treon's subtle show of protectiveness, but so far has said nothing more, not even a name to introduce herself. Much like Kiana, she remains silent and guarded.

Her glance toward the other young woman is impassive, but not dismissive. She folds her arms in front of her, waiting for the others to be done with her conversation. Though the Water Aspect does not express it, her wounds still leave her aching and weary, even after the few days' rest she's had so far.

"Don't they all?" He adds, grinning widely at her. Just like his first mate, however, he soon turns back towards their 'guests', and nods with a warm smile.

"We're not usually making stops in Seahaven, so I'm afraid we're pretty much the equivalent of tourists here. So name a time and place, and we'll do our best to find our way there." He chuckles, then leans back as he folds his arms on top of his chest.

"My only real condition is that we get to also talk about the Helkar's Folly as well. I admit you've sparked my curiosity as to what could bring a group like yours to these parts. That, and I don't do so well when I hog the spotlight."

"You should've seen him when he was young," Jadira comments, unable to keep another bemused smile from surfacing. "He was the shy, awkward one... don't think anyone would've pegged him as the leader figure."

"Oh, but here I am ruining the grandeur of the 'Sea Drake'. I should apologize." But she doesn't look apologetic in the slightest, not with that look on her face.

Despite her stony disposition, what with her crossed hands and her slate-like face, it was a moment of surprise when laughter escaped her lips.  Almost as surprised as the others, a hand quickly came to her lips and quieted the mirthful noise almost as quickly as it had erupted.  Apparently poking fun at the 'Sea Drake' had struck her as funny.

The laugh seemed to break at least a small amount of the tension the girl held in check.  Her arms unfolded and rested behind her back as her stance widened as well--a much more comfortable position, though almost slightly trained, if not military.  She looked at all of them, old and new alike, her eyes lingering on Jadira and Tethia most of all, seeing as they were the only other women there.

Then, amazingly, she answered a question.  "It would be our pleasure, Captain."  She said, her eyes focused on the 'Sea Drake', but then sneaking off to look at Jadira and Tethia.  An opportunity to talk with others like her?  It would be a welcome chance to vent her fears and anxiety without fear of men-thoughts getting in the way.

"I must confess I'm curious to hear 'the' story too," Treon pipes up from his position on the rail, after a glance to the couple which headed the ship and the Alliance.  His face is a grin.

"You'll have to watch him though," he 'confided' to the visiting Captain.  "He's been promising us the story for weeks and it never quite seems to be told."