Kiana gave a big smile and, without a single mew more, was quick to scoop up the kitten and begin to lavish pets upon her, even going so far as to rub her cheek against the kitten's face.  Kiana just couldn't help herself, and the result was well too cute.

"That is quite alright Zeru, I think I enjoy petting her more than she enjoys the petting, to be honest."  Kiana said cheerfully.

Jadira is standing next to Lasuri, of course, wearing her dark green and red-embroidered coat unbuttoned, showing beneath a dark blue blouse laced up to the neck and her close-fitting oiled leather pants. Since she's been experimenting with alchemical dyes, she managed to extract some squid ink from the fishermens' catch that made a nice indigo color. A little lighter and she'd get the cobalt shade just right!

"Welcome back, Treon and Darel. It's been a long few months. We've sustained some losses since you've been away... ran afoul of the Lintha, and they're not the type to give up easily." Her expression looks briefly pained, and she rubs her temples, letting out a small sigh. Still, she truly is glad to see the other Alliance members return to the fold, especially after losing nearly half the Dryad's crew.

"It looks like you've picked up a few new people yourself," Jadira points out, and turns to the two women she doesn't recognize, Hera and Aranita. "Welcome to the Cobalt Alliance flagship, the Spring Dryad II. I'm the first mate, Jadira Thornbloom, and this of course is our Captain and leader, Lasuri Leomaris..."

She goes through introducing the others, should they not offer their own names, then chuckles at herself. "I sound like a tour guide. Seriously though, an ally of an ally is welcome to stand with us, as well."

Darel stepped lightly on the Dryad's deck, his shapeshifted neomah in tow. He seemed more... detached, airy and otherworldy than the last time he had been with the rest of the Cobalt Alliance. Probably a result of a greater connection with the element of Air.

He scanned the crew, noted the thinning of their ranks. He acknowledged Lasuri's welcome: "It is a pleasure to be on your ship again, Captain."

Nodding to Jadira, he spoke: "I am glad to see that you are unharmed. The Lintha are bitter enemies, and a plague for the West."

"Well, they're a sight, and that's for sure," he says, not wanting to pry into Black Reed's past over much.  The Alliance represented a new start, after all.  "I'm sure we'll find out her or his story when we meet with them."

"That's the Spring Dryad II, the flagship of the Alliance," he identifies her for Aranita.  "There arn't many ships like her in Creation, quite how they got her I'm not entirely sure," he grins.

"It's good to see you again too," he says in greeting to all.  "My sympathies for those who won't be sailing any more.  The Lintha are a terrible scourge.  Still, Darel informs me that their loss was not in vain.  But I think we're being overly sad for a reunion, which should after all be a celebration.  Please allow me to introduce you to Hera, from the Kingdom of Nan and Aranita, from Nkiru of the Sunset."

Kiana watched carefully, petting Coral all the while, as the reunion took place.  She recognized the faced, although she didn't truly know any of the 'new' members of the Alliance.  It had been more than a few months since she had seen them, but was quick to put name to face as others spoke to them.  Perhaps it was the same across the board for them as well, though, because Kiana was much different than the girl they had met just as she joined the crew of the Spring Dryad.  For one, her hair was much shorter...and for two, her body language and countenance was much more open and friendly--to say Kiana had been reserved when she had met the Alliance for the first time would have been a serious understatement.

And though the three months rest had done Kiana a great amount of good in terms of her, well, just about everything for the girl, she remained silent for now, though a smile was prominent on her face as old friends were reunited.  Then when the introductions of the newest members of the Hammerhead crew came about, Kiana would bow deeply (Coral snugged closely in her arms).  "It is a pleasure to meet you both, Hera and Aranita.  I'm Kiana White-Fist."  She said, fighting the impulse to offer Coral as a sort of gift of petting.  She was sure the kitten wouldn't appreciate the hand-off too well, and the thought of the offended 'Mau!' that would come made the young girl giggle--a sound she would have rarely made so many months ago.  She left out her title purposefully, not wanting to be lavished with 'Captain', and, furthermore, not wanting to explain the circumstances of the promotion in the midst of a reunion such as this.  And anyway, she sailed under the flag of Lasuri, so in her mind, he was the only Captain that really needed pointing out, since they were all grouped together like this.  In the Cobalt Alliance, she had quickly found out, rank was not your identity.  Everyone had an equal share, and she was not about to bring undo attention to herself.

"Treon, Darel, I'm glad to see you well!  I hardly recognize the two of you, I am glad to see you back safely."  She said, her words entirely true--though it wasn't from their changing (though grown they surely had) as much as it was that she had not a chance to truly get to know the two of them.  And honestly, there was no better time than now for Kiana to correct that mistake.

Kareth hung back and maintained his status as one of the more antisocial members of the crew.  Truth be told, he probably would not even be here if it hadn't taken place on the Dryad.  With Darel being a sorcerer, Kareth decided that he should be careful about spending time with the man.  He had a similar attitude about Hirdu but there was only so much he could do about that.

When Hera was introduced Kareth's eyes shot open.  Surely this girl isn't....  Despite his misgivings about spending time with sorcerers, he decided to have a discrete conversation with the man using wind carried words.  Simply mouthing the words, Kareth relied on the power of the charm to make the words audible to Darel.  Anyone else who noticed him talking would have to read his lips to understand the question.

[Private to Darel Arwan:
Darel hears Kareth's wind carried words in his ear: "Is she born of an 'Anathama'?"]

[Private to GM: Figured 3 sux was enough to get a suspicion of her origin. :) ]
This message was last edited by the player at 18:07, Thu 29 Oct 2009.

Darel raised an eyebrow, then stared at Kareth, intrigued. His lips moved slightly. [Private to Isole Kareth: "It appears so. She has proved a reliable ally, though. Will you judge her based on prejudice and Immaculate dogma rather than deeds?"]

Again Kareth moved his lips silently.

[Private to Darel Arwan: "I've long since lost faith in Immaculate dogma.  Still, she's a curiosity."]

There was the hint of a mischievous grin on Darel's lips.

[Private to Isole Kareth: "You're certainly right. She's interesting, in more ways than one."]

The young woman besides him nudged him in the ribs with an angry stare. He made an embarassed, apologetic smile.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:03, Thu 29 Oct 2009.

Kareth wondered what Darel's last response meant but decided to not press it at this time.  This form of talking required essence and he didn't want his anima flaring again.  Especially not in front of the sorcerers.  He continued to study the new arrivals though.  He figured he could ask Captain Fireblade if he had heard anything concerning the old Lookshy expedition later.

Aranita smiles softly at Kiana upon being introduced by Treon and welcomed aboard. The girl is slim, with tan complexion and waist length dark hair, wearing at the moment an orange and yellow sari that covers her body but leaves her arms bare, and jewelry around wrists, neck and ankles made from bits of shell and coral. As young, or even younger than Kiana, she appears the shyest of the bunch, though with that shyness is an immense and obvious curiosity.

She bows deeply and respectfully, then looks at everything and everyone wide-eyed. "Thank you, I am honored to meet all of you. I am on my ordeal by journey, I have chosen to leave my island in the distant west to see the outside world." Aranita speaks looking down toward the ground. "We are such a long distance away from my homeland now. It is amazing and humbling, as are the ships you sail on."

Tethia sighs Darel's way, looking plenty disgruntled herself at whatever he is whispering to Kareth. She is also dark haired, but it is a jet black with a blue sheen, heavy and straight, and longer than Kiana's now - a few inches below her shoulders, enough to wind it into a short braid. The practical-minded Water Aspect crosses her arms and focuses her attention on the other Alliance members on the Dryad. "We had our own set of trials among the pelagials, but Megara is safe now, as is this 'Libram' we liberated from their lair. I do not know much about it except it is only half of a whole, and Megara for whatever reason desired to let us keep it."

"It really is a cause for joy," Jadira says warmly, nodding to Treon. She gives Hera a second, briefly surprised look, but does not press the blond haired woman directly, letting her speak whenever she feels ready to.

"I've never even heard of Nan, and Nkiru I only know of because it was Treon and Darel's original destination. But we have crewmen that hail from all over the West, and even outside it. We accept all sorts. Should you stay with the Alliance permanently, we'll find a place for you."

Jadira addresses Aranita's wonderment with a knowing smile. "The Spring Dryad is a rare treasure, and we care for and protect her dearly."

Then the Wood Aspect addresses the gathered group as a whole. "It's early in the day but we are already close to An-Teng. I'd love not to rush the day and spend some time catching up." She looks questioningly toward Lasuri, her gaze falling on the Chalice still on his belt. "Speaking of liberating treasures, we've got another of our own now..."

(OOC: anyone's free to follow up to explain about the Chalice and Rakatau and all that :D)
This message was last edited by the player at 21:58, Thu 29 Oct 2009.

"I am pleased to meet each of you as well." She says either in a rustic Seatongue or an incredibly unsure High Realm depending on what current language is. "I am not suprised you have not heard of Nan, my father. His kingdom and land, Home, has been alone for ages. I am his eyes. I am his words in this world outside Home. This crew has been kind to allow me to travel with them to learn much of this world. I have lent the strength of Nan to them against the pelagials, I think their name was. Many things here amaze me and I wish to learn about the world beyond Home."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:55, Fri 30 Oct 2009.

"We've had some tough times, yeah." Lasuri says, casting a glance towards the now-skeleton crew. He shakes his head, however, agreeing with Treon's assessment that now is the time for celebration. "But I'm really glad to see you back with us, Captain and Mister Arwan. You've faced some tough opposition up north too, from what I've heard." Turning towards Hera and Aranita, Lasuri bows, greeting them both with a warm smile on his face.

"Miss Hera, Miss Aranita, you have my welcome to the Cobalt Alliance. Friends of Captain Fireblade and Mister Arwan are also our brothers and sisters-in-arms - so you're more than welcome among us. We don't own much, but I hope you'll find it to your liking nonetheless."

As Jadira speaks, Lasuri nods wearily, patting the small container tied to his belt. "Yeah, we've actually found what the Lintha were after - this Chalice, hidden inside there. There's a powerful being trapped inside, and it's able to control people's minds - hence why it's locked. I've got this ring here that renders its powers useless, so I pretty much have to keep it with me at all times. Though Mister Kareth found an even better way to lock the thing up..." Lasuri taps the egg-like object he is holding, and once again gives a thankful nod to the engineer.

"The thing was swallowed by Rakatau, an earth behemoth. We had to step inside to actually retrieve it, but the thing had taken hold to the poor creature's innards like some sort of festering tumor. Had even possessed a nymph to do its bidding, and had corrupted a bunch of Jokun - both races servants of Rakatau living inside it. We had to find our way through and take the thing down - all the while Jadira had to face the returning Lintha who were hot on our heels. It wasn't a walk in the park, but we made it. And we even have a new ship, courtesy of Rakatau..." The Captain nods his chin towards the living island-ship, and then smiles to Kiana. "That's Captain White-Fist's ship though, so the Captain can introduce her ship herself."

Scratching the scruffy growth of stubble on his cheek, the Captain looks a bit more pensive then, as if bothered by something. "I suspect the Lintha will want our hides after that. We've got what they're looking for, so they're bound to try to hunt us down. It might be difficult from here on end, at least until we find a way to destroy the damnable thing."

Kiana blushes ever so lightly as Lasuri revealed her for the Captain that she was.  At the explanation of the Jokun and the Nymphs, she was almost sorry that she left her crew back on Akihiro, but only lamented the decision for a moment.  This was a reunion, after all, and adding otherworldly elementals, as much as they belonged to the Cobalt Alliance as any of the others, would have complicated things a good deal (and made for more NPCs for the poor ST to narrate! :P).

Her glance stole across to Aranita a few times as she began to speak, aware that the girl was actually closer to her age, if not younger still.  The mere thought of having a peer in terms of age was something she would have been happy to embrace.  She enjoyed her time with the Alliance, of course, and had grown very fond of Lasuri, Zeru, Jadira, and at least friendly with Tageru and Kareth...but more still, Kiana new what it was like to be far away from home at such a young age.  She was, in fact, still that young age!

"Ah, it seems I've been found out."  She gave a teasing smile to Lasuri, turning to address the Hammerhead crew. "I am Captain of the Spirit-Ship Akihiro, the son of the Seven-Day Isle, Rakatau.  He has been entrusted to the Cobalt Alliance, as a token of Rakatau's favor and his approval of our cause.  Sailing under me are a number of Water and Earth Elementals, the same Nymphs and Jokun who served Rakatau.  If any of you would like, I would be more than happy to give you a tour of the newest ship in the Cobalt Fleet." She finished with a bright smile, all the while petting Coral, who looked as if she were ready to fall asleep under the careful massage of Kiana's fingers.

Treon listens appreciatively to the tale Lasuri tells of the Chalice and the Behemoth.  "A loathsome cup indeed," he agrees.  "The foes we bested ourselves, the pelagials, were fairly grim, twisting and mutating their servants.  But I get ahead of the tale."

"We put ashore on Nkiru, at Umai, Aranita's home.  There we discovered that the Lady Megara might have been investigating an area known as the Black Rock Chasm.  This is also where we met Hera, as well as one of the Dragon Kings, Tomistoma and his thaumaturge servant, Indrid.  On sailing to the chasm, Hera, Tomistoma, Indrid, Darel and myself dived down to try and find our way through the labyrinth, which we did eventually.  Between Darel's demon, and some talking, we managed to persuade one of the pelagials' servants to show us through the labyrinth and to Lady Megara's cell.  There she told us that the servant, Louis, was actually a servant and not a plegial proper.  And she informed us of the Libram which she had actually found, or at least a part of it.  On freeing her, we returned briefly to the surface, to get the wounded remains of her crew to safety."

"After that, it was just a simple case of launching a daring commando raid into the depths of their redoubt to retrieve the Libram from their treasure room," he said with a grin.  There was a lot more to be said there really, but not much to say about it.

"I would be honoured to see the Akihiro, Captain White-Fist," he said.  He would call her by her correct title.  At least once.

"I would indeed be pleased to visit such an interesting vessel, Captain White-Fist," Darel said. The idea of a living ship filled with an elemental crew aroused his curiosity to no end.

"A tour sounds like a great idea," Jadira says encouragingly to Kiana, then returns her attention to Hera and Aranita. Both of them young island women with a desire to see the world, but for entirely different reasons -- and with entirely different physiques, at that. While the blond one is incredibly strong, the dark-haired Aranita looks like she's never picked up a weapon in her life. She says to the two newcomers, "You've both yet to see the Spring Dryad for yourselves, would you prefer to go with Captain White-Fist to the Akihiro, or enjoy the flagship tour?"

"I should warn you, you might be subjected to Lasuri's rambling..." Jadira grins at the Sea Drake; she's just teasing of course, "but she's an impressive vessel. Of course it's up to you whether you'll take lodgings in the Dryad, stay with Treon or one of the other Captains."

Kareth listened patiently to what everyone else had to say, and his eyes arched at the mention of the Librum and quickly interjected, "Captain Hirdu mentioned that a crew from the 7th Legion went in search of the Librum many years ago.  My mother was among that crew.  I am curious as to whether or not you found anything relating to that group on your journey?"

Darel's carelessly blissful mood vanished at Kareth's interjection. "I... I did not know. Unfortunately, I must confess that the circumstances prevented me from noticing anything so specific... I am sorry."

Treon is pleased to see how quickly Jadira seems to take to Aranita.  He wouldn't mind if she chose to sail on in another vessel, although he would be more than happy to continue having the dark-haired lady on the Hammerhead.  If she did decide to stay, he might have to ask Jadira if any of the female crew members of the Dryad might mind a transfer, to give her some more female company.

"When we found the Libram, it had already been taken from the last person to find it, the Lady Megara," he says to Kareth.  "She did not mention the circumstances in which she found it.  However, I'm sure if we were to make enquiries of her, she would mention if she had seen sign of the Lookshy expedition or your mother."

Kareth nodded but then decided to clarify.  "I can only assume that the Lookshy expedition Captain Hirdu mentioned is the same one about which I'm seeking information.  Regardless, she returned from it so I doubt there would be much evidence of her specific presence at this point.  I simply have a personal interest in discovering what happened.  We can Lady Megara at some other point."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:18, Sun 01 Nov 2009.

"Yeah, as Miss Thornbloom says, if someone wants to have a tour of the Dryad, we'll do the honors. Don't feel shy, just ask away." The captain then turns towards Treon, pursing his lips slightly at the recollection.

"Oy, it looks like you've run into a bunch of trouble too." Lasuri says, as those who traveled with the Hammerhead recount their experiences. "Maybe the Pelagials are brewing something of their own, from what you're recounting... Well, the Libram you got is one thing they won't get their hands on. Good job, Captain, and everyone who participated. You're all making the Alliance proud." The Captain smiles and nods at Darel and Hera, a silent gesture of thanks for the services they have performed.

"Do you have any idea what's actually in that book though? That's got to be the reason why people want it so bad, right?" The question is as much directed to Treon as to Kareth, who seems to be at least familiar with the book itself...

"They could be, yes," Treon considered.  "Their vaults were filled with a cornucopia of artifacts, it seemed.  But they themselves seemed almost reclusive.  Something like that can always change, of course."

"The Lady Megara suggested it was a manual of artifice and contruction," Treon replied.  "Beyond that, I can say very little.  The text is entirely beyond me."

Aranita looks thoughtful, and doesn't answer immediately about a preference. To her, both the Dryad and the Akihiro are equally novel and magnificent. However she is not quite willing to push aside Treon's kindness and hospitality just yet.

"I would like to stay with Captain Treon a little while longer," she finally says to Jadira, her eyes politely downturned. "If there is time afterward I would very much like to see more of the Spring Dryad."

An entire other reason makes her hesitant to join the tour on Akihiro, though. "But on the living island... those women..." Aranita glances to Kiana with a mix of nervousness and apology. "Are they not nymphs? My father and his father before him have always warned us to stay away from them... that they will sing a man into a love akin to madness, and drown jealous women under the sea."

"Please correct me if I speak out of turn, but in Nkiru we have never known of a nymph that is friendly and honest."
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:55, Mon 02 Nov 2009.