Jaleh listened in silence, sitting unobtrusively next the A'kos. Not missing the sniff he gave, she whispered to him.

Heinrich nods his head to Miroslav, and grins at Loukas and Balthazar. The grin might grow wider at the snort from A'kos, but it's hard to say for sure.

He then looks back to Loukas, and says, "Being a drover not good enough eh? Lots of wagons in the world. I'm a fair shot with my bow. I wouldn't say I'm a warrior, but I've stayed alive for a good while on my own since ending up on my own out away from the army.  Does that count as a skill, not getting dead? Both the annoying crew that dumped me here and the locals have done their best, not too mention everyone Otto decided to war against who tried to hit the baggage train."

With that bit of talking done, he takes a quick drink from one of the waterskins hanging off him.

"Your practical Drover skills will be useful, but what we need to know is that you can fight. It sounds as if you seen your fair share of scrapes and are here today to talk about them, so that tells me everything I need to know."

Loukas nods and looks at Miroslav, "If he's willing to pull his weight I say we let him stay on for a while."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:26, Tue 11 Oct 2011.

Not missing the widened grin, A'kos leans toward Jaleh.


"I recall raiding Otto's supply lines, German.  You ran from such a fight?  We were outnumbered in nearly every raid, yet disappeared with light losses despite such and causing grave damage to those who would trespess upon our lands...at least until Ge'za's betrayal."

To the others he says, "One who abandons his comrades in a fight is like to do the same.  I say send this wanderer on his way...he obviously lacks the courage to stand with his companions."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:17, Sun 09 Oct 2011.

Still holding food and drink, Barmak the-hard-to-insult opines Let him stay. Situations and motivations affect character. If he chooses to leave sometime, we're no worse off. Besides, he makes an extra target.

A'kos hears Barmak's reply, and laughs.

"I appreciate such candor.  I still say let him wander on his way, however."

Heinrich barks out a quick laugh after A'kos does, and turns to look him in the eye.

"Did I say anything about running? And I worked the Italian campaigns, so I'm sorry to say I can't recall running into any of your people.  If you have questions, ask. I may give you the truth. But be careful with assumptions, I try to be."

He glances quickly at Barmak, gives him a quick nod, and says " I like the way you think."

A'kos squints as Heinrich replies.

"I fought Germans to the north and west of the Carpathians, near to Bratislava," he replied.  "Mayhap we did not meet upon your journey south, but doubtless you met my folk at some point or another as you made your way to the boot of Italy.  We are a fierce lot...Germans, eh.  Some, yes, they are fierce.  Others, not so much."

"Which are you, drover?"

Heinrich looks back at A'kos and shrugs, "Hmmm. fierce. Sometimes I guess. I am still breathing when a good many people have tried to get me to stop. Does that count? And I have to say I was never that impressed with the 'emperor's' campaign strategy. And I'll continue to gain more knowledge of other peoples, as going home is not going to happen anytime soon."

As they talk/squabble, Balthazar takes Cuivi off to the side and engages him in a private conversation:

"Why don't you both spar or play fight and get it over with?" Jaleh suggests to A'kos.

Miroslav finally stands and nods his head towards Heinrich. He takes the plate of food and drink from Barmak and hands it over to the German..."No need for any sparring...yet. Can you pull an oar boy? If yes, then you are welcome. We can always use another back at the oars, he looks stout enough."

"I'm resting," replies A'kos pointedly.  Taking a deep breath and ignoring the German he goes back to snuggling with the little woman and enjoying the day.

"All to soon we'll be chasing some dark prince of the elements or another.  I'd as soon relax until urgency pulls us away."

Loukas laughs, "And so, my friend, you see the challenges before you. Heinrich you must withstand the withering wisdom of The Falcon (and myself if you push me) and the desire that will doubtless well in your heart for the lovely, albeit deadly, women of our crew, which really seems to make them all the more appealing..." Wink in Bathazar's direction, "And you will do well."

Raising his cup, "I welcome our newest crew member and look forward to his proving himself to A'kos!"

"Maybe we won't have to chase the next one," Jaleh told A'kos. "We didn't have to chase Phasis. Maybe we can work a deal or something."

"That'd be nice, dear," murmurs A'kos sleepily, content to laze in the afternoon sun on the banks of the river.

Barmak looks around. Rest to regain our strength well we may, but I bode lazing fritters precious time away...something my momma done told me (when I was in knee pants).

Heinrich accepts the plate of food from Miroslav, and replies to him,"Thanks. I've helped with oars a few times before, I can manage a passable job.  Although I will be glad to depart here, where am I being recruited to go?"

He then turns to Loukas and raises the cup, and says, "To interesting times, and not killing each other."

"We're seeking a legendary library.  We have the needed key now, and I believe we have a map to the locale.  So I think we'll be putting out to sea shortly."

"Party poopers," mutters A'kos.  "Avail me not of your diligence.  Sleep, I think, is the most valuable commodity of all!  Still, if wakefulness is needed, rouse me when we're ready to depart."

With that the Falcon throws an arm over his eyes and finds what rest he may before they leave.

Cuivi the older Chud shaman rambles up to the Germanic newcomer and extends a hand in greeting. "Much like you, this group came upon me in an hour of need. I have been with them since. I can see the same being the case for you. They are a rough lot to be sure but exceedingly fair and good natured."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:01, Thu 13 Oct 2011.

Dyanna refills the Germans drink with her own hand and says in near perfect Germanic,
Herzlich Willkommen auf unserer Crew Herr Heinrich. Sie werden feststellen, dass wir ein freundliche viele sind.

Balthazar concludes his conversation with Cuivi by loudly saying, "Good deal".  Then he listens to Dyanna speak German, and remarks, "Doesn't she sound sexy when she talks like that?"

He begins to head towards the Heart of the Oak.  "I think it's time we set sail."  He waves to the trees, where he has no doubt the surviving amazons are watching from within cover. "So long, fair maidens!"

Hearing Balthazar's pronouncement, A'kos sits up, blinks his eyes a few times, gathers his kit and offers his hand to Jaleh.

"Bah, couldn't get any sleep with all this talking anyway!"

The grin belies his tone; he's excited to be onto the next phase of their journey.  Thinking he knows what's in store, he shouts, "What do you think a Lord of Earth might look like?" to no one in particular.

Miroslav turns to both Balthazar and A'Kos..."I am afraid the Hedonite has lead you astray an disturbed your slumber for not good reason...remember we are here for the day while Oleg does some minor repairs to the ship."

He looks to Heinrich and continues..."We travel north along the coast just one day to reach our destination...the Library of the Dioscuri."

Ok talk here as long as you need to finish up and then join me in the "Library" thread.