Zeru waits patiently for most of the gathering to leave. His gaze towards the queen shows that he indeed has something that he wishes to say, although he was hesitant to do so amongst his friends and peers.

Though Kiana was not the most perceptive in terms of sensing the intentions and emotions of others, even she noticed that Zeru was waiting behind to speak with the Queen, or perhaps her sister, on her own.  That being the case, she turned to join Jadira on the Dryad.  "I will return shortly--I am going to make a last round with the injured aboard the Dryad."  She informed any who were curious, and then made her way onto the Dryad, her heart still pounding from monumentous change that had just occurred in her life.

Kareth cocked his eye brow at the monk's request to speak with him.  Given everything that had happened, he wondered what the monk could possibly want to ask him, unless he knew more than he let on.  "I have a feeling I will be most busy with several projects but I'm certain we'll be able to find a moment of free time."

With that, Kareth did not wish to linger any more than necessary.  He had things he needed to do and preparations he needed to make.  He gave a quick bow those remaining and left just behind Kiana, seeming to pay little attention to Zeru's discomfort.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:42, Thu 08 Oct 2009.

"Eh, there's no reason for thanks, Captain White-Fist. I told you I'd give you a chance to prove yourself, and you did. So you've pretty much earned what you got. Besides... When I was your age, people just dismissed me constantly, and shoved me aside 'cause I was pretty inconsequential where I came from. I learned to accept that, and I don't think I should have - or that anybody should. So I'm just trying to not repeat those same mistakes, and to give you a chance to shine when you deserve it. That's the least anyone can do."

With that last statement, the Captain turns towards Melusine, Sylpheel, and Rakatau, and bows low and respectfully to all of them. "You're doing us honor, all of you. I want you to know that we won't forget your kindness and your help - I've a long memory, believe me. I hope we can make it up to you one day."

Also sensing Zeru's shift in attitude, the Captain takes a step backwards, before falling in step with Jadira up the gangplank. He does exchange a nod with Zeru before stepping away respectfully, however - perhaps a nod of encouragement?

Silently, Lasuri makes his way back to the Dryad, leaving those remaining behind.

Hirdu is among the last to leave. The rotund Captain salutes the elementals and Zeru, ambles his way across the plank to the Dryad, then across to the Ambition.

Seeing the meeting dispersed, Rakatau turns his attention inward. The jokun head back into the maw of the great island, to bring in equipment that they or the ship will need. A few nymphs stay with Queen Sylpheel, or to remain as Melusine's guides; the others dive gracefully into the sea, either for some moment of relaxation or to check the island ship from below.

The Nymph Queen tilts her head at Zeru. "You are Peleps Zeru, correct? Is there something you still wish to speak about?" she asks the captain of the Marlena. "Please, feel free to speak openly."

Melusine turns her head toward his general direction, as well, a curious expression on her eyeless face.

"Yes majesty" Zeru says respectfully. "You and lady Melusine both. I wish to apologize..." He almost stops there but he swallows his pride and continues. "I wish to express my deepest apologies at the loss of your sight." He says to Melusine, "I was weak willed." He explains, sorrowfully. "When we came upon the chamber in which you were held, I froze. I saw you in pain, I saw the others move on, but I froze." Although Melusine can't see it Zeru lowers his head and thus the volume of his speech lowers as well. "If I had acted sooner I could have saved your sight." He finally admits.

He picks his head up again, and this time speaks more confidently, with the force of character that he is usually attributed. "I wish to make amends, I would do whatever is in my power to apologize for my cowardice."

The two nymphs are silent for a time, after listening to Zeru's confession and request. After a moment, Queen Sylpheel starts to speak, a small frown creasing her fine features. "As it was in the heat of battle, Zeru, I am unsure I ought to truly feel anger or upset toward you..." But Melusine raises a hand and says quickly, "Let me answer him, sister."

Melusine steps forward gingerly, until she is close enough to find Zeru's arm and touch it gently. "You may not think so, noble Dragon-blood, but I think you tried the best you could. If you faltered before the horrors of the demon-chalice, I did worse... I succumbed to it. I helped hurt your friends because that horrible demon was in my head and I couldn't fight it off."

"I'm... scared." This close, Zeru can actually feel the blind nymph trembling. "I know I'll be traveling with the Chalice close by and I'm frightened. The horrors I saw inside, how it tainted my thoughts, how it made me believe all my sisters and the world would be dead! I am still upset with myself for succumbing, too. So I travel with you for the same reason you come to us with your confession, because I want to better myself. I want to be stronger, and I want to help take out the Chalice that almost turned me into a monster. And I think it is with you humans, who know much more than we elementals about growth and change, that I can accomplish this."

"Melusine..." Queen Sylpheel seems deeply affected by her sister's words, but lets her continue.

"If there's anything I would ask you, Zeru, it would be to treat me as you would your comrades. Accept me as one of yours, protect me when I cannot help myself. And one day, we will break even with our pledges." Melusine steps back, and presses a hand to her heart, like she did in response to Lasuri and Kiana earlier.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:08, Fri 16 Oct 2009.

Zeru was afraid that they would deny his request for several long moments before they answered.

But still when Melusine started to speak, and he felt her fear he couldn't help but gently touch her hand reassuringly.

"It's a deal" Zeru says with still more of his confidence returning. "I sail with the alliance to deal with the cursed-goblet, and I will see to it that you are treated as crew. Whether you sail with the Captain, Miss... Captain White-Fist, or myself." Zeru takes her hand and grips it firmly. "You'll do fine in the Alliance, you got the spirit for it." He says warmly before releasing it. "Thank you Melusine, and thank you Queen Sylpheel." He says with a bow and a swish of his tattered coat. "I must admit this is my first time before royalty, but I get the feeling that I will be better for meeting you."

"I'll thank you as well, Peleps Zeru," says Melusine, gripping Zeru's hand when she feels it close over hers. "For showing such concern for me! I am truly moved. Still, I feel I owe the Alliance as much as you owe me."

Queen Sylpheel smiles and returns Zeru's flourished bow with a more sedate one of her own. "We are not so much like the royalty of humans, perhaps. Nor are we typical for our kind. Rakatau has been generous to us at our time of need, sheltering us from Storm Mothers and Deep Behemoths and Fair Folk, and so we are more inclined to be kind toward others. The powers of the sea and sky are not often kind, though as a sailor you know all about that."

"Humans such as yourself and the Alliance intrigue us. The potential in you mortals, when pushed by adversity, is astounding to see. I hope Melusine learns very much in your care." The Queen gazes fondly upon her sister. "I've no doubt one day she will see again."

"I have thought of asking aboard the Black Marlena, as Calliope and the others are already with Captain Kiana. But would I not cause trouble? We nymphs... are known for certain appetites," Melusine remarks tactfully, but not ashamedly. Zeru would understand what she means: not only are nymphs beautiful, but they have a reputation for being beguiling and seductive, pulling men beneath the waves never to arise again. "I would not be aboard to satisfy such cravings, but some may not believe it... I have heard you travel with a lady on board."

"I have no doubt either your Majesty, and I will protect her as I would any of the Alliance." Zeru promises Queen Sylpheel.

"I do, she is my first mate. But so long as you as you explain your situation I'm certain we can find a place for you." Zeru says, "There is one other catch, I would ask the ship if she will have you aboard. We have only met a scant time ago and I do not yet know her prejudices. All of the crew have had to meet her standards."

He waves back towards where the Marlena is moored, and then remembers her blindness so he gives her shoulder a gentle squeeze instead. "If you like, we may ask her, and then introduce you."

"Go, Melusine, meet your new allies and make friends among them," says Sylpheel gently, running a hand through her sister's hair one last time. "I will leave it to you, Peleps Zeru."

Melusine smiles at the reassuring squeeze on her shoulder, and replies earnestly, "I would like to meet the spirit of your ship, and your crew. I am unsure the ship will be pleased by me, given the reputation of my kind, but I will do my best to impress upon her my true intentions."

---

OOC: I'll make a Marlena thread shortly. This thread will stay open for when all the mini scenes reconverge.

2nd Day of Resplendent Water, RY 768
Early Morning

Another day dawns, and it is time for the Cobalt Alliance to depart from the Seven-Day Island. Queen Sylpheel and a host of nymphs and jokun stand atop the crags of Rakatau's broad face, bidding them a final farewell.

"MAY YOU BE SUCCESSFUL ON YOUR QUEST TO VANQUISH THE CHALICE, BRAVE CHILDREN OF THE DRAGONS," rumbles the island behemoth. "I HOPE TO HEAR SONGS OF PRAISE SUNG IN YOUR NAME, AND FOR MY SON AKIHIRO." He uses the name Kiana gave the fledgling island ship, implicitly stating his approval of it.

"Take care of Melusine," says the Queen, to Zeru and Marlena in particular. Her face is serene and smiling; no tears shine on her cheeks. "From all of us who dwell in the depths of Great Rakatau, we wish you the best of luck."

The gathered elementals wave as the Dryad, the Marlena, the Ambition and Akihiro begin the journey southeastward toward An-Teng. When the ships are far enough that the island is a small speck on the horizon, Great Rakatau finally sinks back into the ocean from which he came, to rest there for the months to come.

Resplendent Water - Resplendent Earth, RY 768
3 months of travel

Traveling from the Wavecrest Islets to the southern mainland is a lengthy voyage, not cutting straight across the ocean but taking a more cautious route that intersects with several island settlements along the way. This ensures that supplies remain plentiful and the Alliance members' diet (at least, the human members) is supplemented with plenty of fresh food.

As such, the journey takes an entire season to complete, giving plenty of time for Kareth to make headway on his projects, and for officers and crew to get some much needed training. The delay is also necessary to give a chance for their allies on the Hammerhead to catch up with the group from their far western excursion.

Fortunately, the Cobalt Alliance's burgeoning fleet remains undisturbed for the majority of the trip. There are of course unpredictable storms, and now and then altercations with small-time pirates or sea creatures, but these are minor problems compared to what they have faced in the past.

---

OOC: For this portion of the trip -- which will likely be the last part of Chapter 2, besides meeting up with the Hammerhead -- please summarize IC how your character spends the 3 months of time. Mention any projects you work on, any training you do, whom you tutor with if applicable, and anything else you think is appropriate.

If you'd like to discuss OOC before posting your IC summary (or summaries, if multiples are needed) go right ahead! Just use the OOC game talk, or PMs if you prefer.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:02, Tue 27 Oct 2009.

Zeru keeps himself busy during the 3 month voyage. He and his crew keep up work to make the Marlena shine as a ship among ships, and as they Sail Zeru focuses his abilities into being more efficient. His motions with the wheel, and his ability to communicate effectively with the Marlena all coming into play. His crew helps him as well, Brogan and Curran manning the sails, with the others helping them or working on other parts. It seems that Zeru has managed to get this down to a science. He's also worked on using his essence to aid the Marlena, further increasing her speed.

He takes his time gathering the crew once Antov is recovered. "Well since we've been seeing a lot of combat I feel that I should probably teach something about the way I fight. This is by no means mandatory and anyone who feels that their time can be better spent learning something else can do so, but I won't brook any lollygagging during this brief respite we seem to have stumbled into. We need to better ourselves on behalf of the alliance." Zeru will help Melusine should she wish to learn, or allow her to train herself should she wish to. "My style of fighting comes in 2 flavors." He says trying to put it simply. "Step 1 is to avoid being hit." He grins and does a backflip into a split to show his point. "The second... is hitting back." Without the chain he goes through a simple Kata, his arms flow like water moving back with and imaginary blow only to spin to the side and throw a powerful kick. "Which would you like to start with?" He of course invites Melusine to train with them, certain that Sunden or Himself would be more than happy to show her the proper motions although she can't see them.

However Zeru is not only teaching in his free time. He learns from anyone who would teach him. He spends some quality time with his flute, and asks Melusine if she would help him to develop harmony rather than just replicating the songs he's heard before. He takes the time to go over the lessons he has learned while in the House of Ancient Stone, and he continues his learning of the wonderful sounds the instrument can make.

He discovers that Antov is a wonderful cook and begins to learn from him as well. Learning how to mix ingredients and create something delicious.

One evening as the ships dock he even makes his way over to the Dryad to ask a favor of the people there. "Who might the purser on the dryad be?" He asks Jadira if he sees her.

The 3 months of travel are a much quieter time than the excursion into Rakatau, that much is certain. Of course, for Lasuri, 'quiet' is not at all the same as 'not busy'.

A lot of things need doing during the trip. Bearing the Chalice, for one, is a burden that demands a lot out of Lasuri. Besides planning and helping out with the construction of containers alongside Kareth, Lasuri also has to maintain his constant vigilance to weather the mind trickery of the Chalice. It might not be able to use any of its supernatural means to try to influence Lasuri, but the damnable object still has a voice. It continually taunts and plays with Lasuri, trying to make him lose his composure and cause him to make a mistake in the hopes of getting free.

Much time is also spent organizing the Dryad's crew, which is now skeleton-sized. Many things have to be re-thought and rearranged since so many were lost, to insure that the remaining crew are not overworked. This is a difficult endeavor, but Lasuri is very diligent in trying to cut slacks for his people, even if he has to take on more work himself. During lulls, he keeps himself busy with training of his own, working hard to become the champion Danaa'd seems to wish him to be, and here and there giving some instruction to his fellow Alliance members when they seek his counsel or tutelage. Similarly, the Captain also goes to others when he hits a wall himself, listening to their advice to better his own skills.

Lastly, and more somberly, Lasuri spends a lot of time mourning and remembering those who have fallen. Anyone familiar with the Captain would see how heavily the losses weigh on him. Some of these people, like Leeds, had been with him since his youth, and seeing them go, as unavoidable as it was, is a sad thing for him. He makes certain that Jadira does not feel like she caused the deaths, however - likely, as he tells her, many more would have died were she not there to organize the defense. The two of them seem to mourn together, making certain to remember those who passed away to allow the Alliance to live on.

When Zeru comes to the Dryad and asks his question to Jadira, the Captain's familiar voice surges from behind Zeru. "I am, actually." He says, obviously having heard Zeru's inquiry. "It started because we didn't have anyone else, but in time it just stayed that way. Probably didn't think I had a head for numbers, right? I don't even believe it myself, half the time. But hey, I get all serious-like when I put my reading glasses on." He adds, with a wink.

"Hope I'm not barging in or anything. Miss Thornbloom can repeat what I said, if you'd prefer it being said in a more feminine voice." He smiles playfully at Jadira, before turning towards Zeru and extending a hand to shake.

"Always good to see you here, Captain. Hope everyone aboard the Marlena is doing fine. Now, is there anything this purser can do for you?"

Kiana, unlike the others, has a completely different set of adjustments to make during the three month 'lull'.  Specifically, the whole process of becoming a Captain!  Though her position was already settled, and Akihiro christened, there was the simple matter of Kiana getting to know her crew, getting to know her ship, and then getting to know herself as a Captain...the latter being the more difficult of the trio.  The Nymphs and the Jokun were not hard to get along with, and to be honest Kiana enjoyed their company greatly.  She was completely at ease with the male Jokun, partly because they were not the males of her species, but also because they shared the same elemental aspect, though the Jokun much more closely than Kiana, despite their insistence on calling her 'Princess of Earth', 'Earth Princess', and other variations of the same name.  The Nymphs were also a joy, as they were very different from mortal women, whom Kiana had also been greatly spurned by in the form of her mother.  All in all, it was kismet that Kiana had become Captain of a crew of Elementals.

This isn't to say that she didn't train.

On her own time, Kiana went to Captain Zeru in order to better round her martial prowess, and enhance her fairly weak avoidance techniques in her fighting style.  Earth endured, after all, and Kiana was very adept at blocking and shrugging off massive damage, but not so much at avoiding it altogether.  Though it went against her training, Kiana was quick to notice her own faults, and with Zeru's help, was able to greatly increase her adaptability in combat, and thus become a much stronger Martial Artist because of it.  She also went to Captain Lasuri to study under him--she admired the way he lead her troops, and she was not shy about letting the man know that she aspired to be a Captain of similar mettle--and would greatly appreciate his tutoring in becoming that very thing...and when she wasn't training with those two, she was helping those who would come to her, such as Kareth, who was curious about how to sharpen his own senses and his internal mettle, something Kiana was more than happy to help with.

There was also the matter of her Immaculate Training.  Though technically not an Immaculate Monk, Kiana's training by her father had lead her down the path of an especially rare variant of the Earth Dragon Form, designed solely by her Father.  Before she had no chance of furthering her studies, due to his death...but upon finding her Father's Breastplate, and his spirit that still rested within it, Kiana was able to commune with her Father.  It wasn't actual communication in terms of words, but by channeling her essence through the breastplate, the Smashfist and the Godkickers, he guided her hands to learn the next step in his powerful techniques...what he called the Diamond Fist.  And though she wanted badly to follow his training more, her other studies came first--she was already a very adept fighter--but a Captain had to be much more than that.

Kareth spent most of his time locked away in the forge of the Ambition.  For once he wasn't actually trying to avoid anyone.  He simply had work that needed to be done.  Fortunately, this wasn't work he considered difficult, but it was still time consuming.  He spent the majority of his days building the Cache Egg for Lasuri.  While he was able to easily and quickly construct the two containers asked for by the captain, the cache egg was a magical device and required time to construct.  During the time he focused on his work, he could slowly feel his mind starting to expand.  His thoughts became quicker and his memory better.  His studies from Lookshy flooded his mind.  It seemed as though no memory or idea was out of his grasp.  Simply being in the forge strengthened his connection to his natural element, causing his will to grow.  The physical exertion from the work also seemed to show itself in Karth's body.  While he was not actually more muscular, he did appear to grow more toned, sure of step, and generally sturdy.

The time he spent away from his project was divided among several endeavors.  Primarily, he focused on improving his ability to perceive minor details, but he also sought on ensuring that his mind would never be assaulted again like the chalice had done. For both of these he turned to Kiana.  When she was unavailable to help strengthen his mind, he turned to Zeru for help.

Throughout the trip, it became apparent to him that replacing his dissolved weapon with a more suitable one should be a priority.  Using his skill, essence, and enhanced memory, he crafted a Khopesh of excellent quality which excelled at defense.  However, he wished to ensure that this device didn't meet the same fate as his short sword.  Given the amount of time he spent on the Ambition, he began to take note of Hirdu demonstrating a great deal of proficiency in occult matters, particularly in the area of Thaumaturgy.  After spending a day reading notes prepared by the captain on more advanced techniques in the art of enchantment, Kareth decided to consult with the captain on the matter of his weapon and armor.

[Private to GM: Got 2 sux on the craft roll and bought 2 with my excellency.  That should be enough.]

Jadira does not waste her months idling by, either. She has also been deeply affected by the loss of the crew. Some of them had been there with her and Lasuri for the full eight years they have sailed with the Spring Dryad both I and II. When it is her time to mourn, far away from the eyes of her peers and subordinates, she weeps for them, and for her own carelessness.

Publicly, though, the First Mate of the Dryad shows herself to be resilient and determined in her efforts to improve herself. Her skill with bow and cannon is nearly at its peak, but as a leader of men, she lacks any sort of formal, military training. After speaking to Kiana about the prospect of training with her in the art of war, Jadira spends the first several days meditating on methods to increase the speed at which her mind absorbs new knowledge.

Afterward she focuses on working closely with Amon and the other nine artillerists and archers remaining with her. With Kiana's aid, she learns how to better coordinate their actions for devastating attacks. She also develops a much better understanding of strategy on a larger scale, dividing the battlefield into military units working together uniformly. After several days Jadira is able to apply this knowledge on her own to drill her troops, even extending some of that training to Amon so he can serve as her next in command.

While Jadira's natural talent with archery aids her in developing ranged unit maneuvers, her familiarity with performance art bolsters her efforts to inspire morale in her men. The Wood Aspect is confident in her voice, and her natural charisma continues to develop strongly throughout her rigorous training with the Dryad's Thorns. She even tries out a few performance tricks now and then to lighten the mood, knowing her men do not like to see her so sorrowful.

Early morning to late afternoon serves as her time with the Thorns, but afterward Jadira devotes herself to personal pursuits. First and foremost is her desire to gradually improve her sword-fighting skill. She insists to Lasuri from the start that she doesn't want to be coddled through training, so the sparring matches between them are intense, drawing crewmen in to watch from the sidelines. The Captain drills her to adopt proper stance and sword grip, illustrating every last opening in her defenses as she grits her teeth and swallows her pride.

On evenings she is not sparring, she instead seeks to discipline her mind. While in Wavecrest she'd bought a few tomes to study which focus on occult topics and obscure lore, aiding her in piecing together a couple of sorcery spells she has yet to learn, but would eventually master. Captain Hirdu of the Ambition has several more books in his own personal library, which she kindly asks him permission to read. One of these includes an initiate's treatise on the art of alchemy, which she borrows for a time and studies from cover to cover.

Keeping busy seems to take away the edge of the pain Jadira feels for the deaths of many old comrades. Still (perhaps at Lasuri's request... or order) she manages to find time to unwind and socialize, even if briefly. She smiles wearily when Zeru comes to speak with her. "Lasuri's right, we pretty much do our own finances. I keep the money safe, but he's turned out to be a better bookkeeper than I am. Is there something you're thinking of purchasing, Zeru?"
This message was last edited by the player at 08:37, Sat 24 Oct 2009.

Captain Hirdu seems surprised but pleased that Kareth and Jadira show interest in his library and workshop. For the majority of the trip he has been working non-stop to improve the quality of all metal weapons and armor employed by the Alliance, so the Ambition's forge is almost constantly aflame, except during the night hours and when stealth is required (the belching smoke-stacks make for rather poor subtlety). This makes the vessel quite hot, though Hirdu and his eight remaining crewmen seem well-suited for the heat, perhaps due to a Southern heritage.

The rotund captain is eager to address Kareth's concerns about equipment durability. He has in fact heard of an alchemy procedure that may work, but the process itself requires the very vitriol that claimed Kareth's last sword. As the only source of this substance nearby is the chalice that the engineer has recently labored to contain with lock, key, and artifice, Hirdu suggests a more Essence-intensive but otherwise safe and permanent way.

As an enlightened or possibly god-blooded mortal (he does not confirm or deny any guesses), even the first circle of sorcery is draining for Hirdu to wield. Thus he prefers thaumaturgy and mundane artifice whenever possible. However, after observing Kareth's crafting prowess with envy, he gradually reveals that he has mastered one important spell for strengthening items: the Ritual of Elemental Empowerment.

"An Earth Enchantment would easily convey the durability you're looking for," Hirdu informs Kareth grudgingly, "but I can only manage one enchantment a day, so don't overload me with work!"

Zeru scratches at the back of his head. "Not as such no... but that thing with the old woman in Wavecrest got me to thinking. I really need to learn how to more effectively bargain and wheel and deal so to speak." He smiles. "If the captain was the purser did he know any... more essence fueled bargaining tricks?"

Kareth's own affinity for fire seemed to cause him to not be bothered by the heat of the forge as well.  He simply arched his eye brows at the news of of Hirdu knowing sorcery.  Here was yet another person who could do what he could not.  "Thank you for you assistance Captain.  I have only two items I would like enchanted:  My breastplate and my khopesh.  I am in no particular rush to have these done, but I would like to get them done before we reach our destination.  Will twice in 3 months be too much?"  It's hard to tell with the engineer, but the last sentence might have been a joke.

"Oh, no, it won't be much trouble." Hirdu replies to Kareth with a small shrug and a smirk. "Just'll put me out of working for a couple days, but I've got a head start already on converting more of these Lintha swords."

"I'll just fit it somewhere in my queue of things to do. Do you have the weapon and armor with you already? If you'd rather not leave your things with me I'll signal over to the Dryad when it's time for me to take them. Otherwise..." He fetches a couple of empty trays from a shelf and puts them down on a counter. "Give 'em here and I'll get back to you in a few days."
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:46, Mon 26 Oct 2009.

"I know a couple Essence tricks to help with these types of things, yeah. Might not be precisely what you want, but hey, the principles are the same." The Captain smiles at Zeru then, and raises his chin slightly. "If it's a few tricks you want to learn, I'd be more than happy to teach them to you, Captain. After all, these sorts of things come easier for us children of Danaa'd."

Kareth handed over the two pieces of equipment and gave his thanks to Hirdu.  "If any assistance is needed with the lintha swords, I am at your service."

Hirdu puts the equipment in the trays and places them on his 'to do' shelf, and gives Kareth an appreciative nod.

"Don't feel obligated to, if you've better things to do. Your own projects will take much more time than shaping some quality into these cursed swords."

The Captain of the Ambition is true to his word, devoting the days necessary to conserve his Essence and enact the laborious dawn-till-noon ritual and incantation. He does his best to convince a couple jokun to help with the Earth enchantment, though of course he asks Captain Kiana's permission first. In less than a week, Kareth has both his armor and khopesh back, freshly enchanted to be as durable as any artifact.

Time continues to pass. The members of the Alliance have made various arrangements to aid one another in training, which prove fruitful in speeding up the learning process and broadening their skills. The crewmembers train as well, as sailors and combatants, crafters and students of lore, honing their minds and their senses to ensure they can be of use on board in a variety of ways. Some study occult knowledge so they can eventually learn thaumaturgy and differentiate various supernatural beings and powers. Donnegal, Saari and Amon practice speechcraft and group coordination on the Dryad, in case their Terrestrial leaders are indisposed.

Toward the end of the third month of the voyage, Jadira receives Wind-Carried Words from the Hammerhead, informing her that they would rendezvous within the day. This creates a whole new burst of excitement among the other four vessels of the Alliance, as it has been quite some time since they have all been united. It seems Treon and Darel were successful in their quest to seek the whereabouts of Cynis Megara, the Dynastic savant, though they have already since parted ways. Instead, they have some other surprises to unveil to their allies...

---

OOC: Edited things slightly to fast forward a bit. I'd like to definitely move on, so if you need any further interaction for the 3 month training period, please request a separate thread.