Miroslav checks on the progress of the god post. He is overjoyed to see that Radvila had worked through the night, stopping of course to feast, had finished the post. Less than an hour after sunrise the post was set in the ground near the mouth of the great silty river Phasis.

As he gives Radvila leave to get some sleep, Miroslav rouses the sleeping victims of the Hedonite's feast. Some get a gentle nudge and some get the point of a booted foot, regardless it is morning and time to get a move on with the days activities.

Dyanna looks at the idol and says,

"The idea of offering to such a god is not beyond my scope of understanding, indeed, i have come to know the Moist Mother Earth of the Rus very well since last year. This seems more of the realm of Cuivi or even Barmak who made the suggestion."

A'kos awakes, Jaleh cradled in the nook of his arm, her head upon his chest.  He's surprised to find that his head does not ache; strangely, much as he might try he failed to lose his wits during the evening feast.  All he'd really accomplished was to stuff himself, and in so doing exhaust himself so that he swiftly fell into a deep, dreamless slumber.

Surely Jaleh would give him grief about that!

Still, he grinned, and carefully woke the tiny woman, enjoying the look as always of her disheveled hair and her dark eyes.  After a moment he said, "Come, little doe, a new day dawns and new adventures await!"

Standing, he offers a hand and helps her stand, then makes his way to where Miro is gathering the others.

"What news, Miro?" he calls as they approach the others.

Awake, Loukas felt unexpectedly refreshed. These Hedonites have something worth understanding! He quickly stretched and joined Miroslav and the rest of the party, "Very impressive, Radvila. The god will certainly note your efforts."

Nodding in agreement with Dyanna's comment he turns to the Chude shamen, "Yes, Cuivi, would you please lead us here? I am happy to assist, if you wish."

OOC: Do we still have the bull we purchased as a sacrifice or did we lose it when the Amazons attacked us"

Miroslav fetches the bull that was acquired from the Amazons. It's eyes are covered and it is being lead on a chain attached to a ring in it's nose.

He leads it to the waters edge near the god post.

Jaleh got up when A'kos awoke then began getting ready for the day. It was several minutes before she came looking for A'kos. Unlike her lover, she did not particularly care for her own disheveled appearance.

"Bull killing for breakfast?" Jaleh asked when she caught up to the men.

Loukas joined Miroslav leading the bull to the water and when Jaleh caught up he replied with such a serious expression that he must be joking, "More like a breakfast for a god... Though, given that Phasis is a spirit of the rivers, perhaps we ought to have sought out a water-buffalo?"

Barmak wanders near upstream, sits down cross-legged, and looks into the river.

Cuivi smiles warmly at Loukas, "Yes, I will need someone to dispatch the sacrifice." He hands Loukas a bronze sickle-bladed knife.

"Once I read the words inscribed on the post and Miroslav has lead the beast to the waters edge, I need you to slit its throat, releasing it's blood into the river."

Cuivi stands before the idol and motions to Miroslav to bring the beast to the waters edge.

"Phasis is a god of the rivers? Why not drown the thing then, give it to the rivers directly? If I was a river god that's how I'd like it." Jaleh told Loukas, equally serious.

Loukas winks at Jaleh's very serious statement as he takes the bronze blade from from Cuivi, "Very well, Father. I shall do so."

A'kos ignores the banter, ignores as well the rumbling in his stomach as he realized with some surprise that he is hungry.

"I wonder if this Phasis is going to grace us with a feast in honor of this sacrifice similar to that provided by the Hedonite."

At the talk of food, Jaleh held her own stomach. "As far as I've ever heard, the sacrifice is always the god's and there is rarely ever any feast left over or rewarded to the followers. I think we'll have to supply our own food."

"Hmph," mutters the Falcon disconsolately. "What use a god, then?"

"I ask the same question a lot," Jaleh admitted with a shrug.

Cuivi answers Jelah,
"Normally I would agree about the drowning but I think this is a special case calling fr blood as the first offering. The body of the bull will go into the river as well after it's throat is slit.

He then turns to stand in front of the post and read the words of Barmak that Radvila has inscribed. Raising his hands to the sky,

When you drink of this river,
Give thanks to the giver.
Say a prayer to Phasis
Whose bounty this is.
For here the water is sweet
Where Europe and Asia meet."

He motions to Loukas.

The Frankish knight looks on as the ritual is performed. He is clearly uncomfortable.

When Cuivi gives him the signal Loukas uses the blade to slash the bulls throat and is careful that the blood from their sacrifice flows into the river.

Once Loukas slices at the bulls throat, the great beast drops to it's knees, letting it's blood flow freely into the river. After a few moments it falls forward into the water.

A moment later and the water begins to roil and a froth forms along the shore. Clearly Phasis is accepting his gift as the the body of the bull is puled under by something unseen.

Through the rolling waters a large figure emerges. Standing roughly 15 feet or so high, the being, obviously Phasis, stands on top of the water..."This sacrifice, the monument, what is the meaning of such?"

Phasis looks to be made of the stuff of the river...mud, silt, reeds etc...his great watery maw looks to have river stones as teeth.

Loukas kneels formally and in doing so washes the bull's blood off into the water ensuring that Phasis receives every drop of their sacrifice. Standing he speaks, "Mighty Phasis, we have come to you because we are seeking a legendary place that we believe you may permit us access -- The Library of Dioskurios.

"We make these offerings with the hope that with them we might gain the key that will permit us to save the knowledge within the Library from turning to dust."

A'kos looks on, nonplussed.

"Y'don't see that everyday," he mutters to Jaleh.  "You'll note the elemental patterns, though, eh?  Fire, Air, Water...I wonder, then, when we'll meet earth?"

Balthazar looks on, clearly very impressed.

A'kos grins at the Hedonite.

"Din't think I had it in me, d'ja?"

Phasis rises up a few feet above the level of the river then splashes back down under the surface which goes unnaturally still upon his entry.

A few seconds later a small river otter emerges carrying a brass key in it's mouth. It sets the key at the feet of Loukas and splashes back into the water.

Once, Loukas would have shrugged, smirked, and made a wise crack about how easy all of this had turned out to be. But that was before he became a Brother of Veles. This is the new Loukas. When the otter drops the key he kneels down again, sends a prayer of thanksgiving not only to Pharis, but to Veles as well, and stands...

Smirking and shrugging, "Well, that was simple enough. Now... How do we get to the Library of Dioskurios again?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:57, Thu 29 Sept 2011.

Dyanna stands with he hands on her hips looking on.

"And here I thought we would have to do battle with this godling! Good job avoiding battle my friends."

Miroslav nods in approval..."Yes! A good job! Much of the credit must go to Barmak who came up with the idea on how to appease Phasis. It seems that playing upon his need to be worshiped did us well."

He takes a moment and looks at Loukas holding the key and says..."We have a few minor repairs on the ship to make according to Oleg. It should take the rest of the day, we can set out for the library in the morning."

Barmak rises and goes to the river. He lies down and says Thank you. You may wish to observe what happens. If it's feasible and You care to observe, I'm going to drink of Your water. In any case, I wish you well...and may all who come here offer You their respects. Then he immerses his head and drinks deep.

Cuivi smiles and nods at Barmaks actions. He does the same a few seconds later.

In response to Miroslav Loukas nods in agreement, "Aye, Barmak, your understanding of the gods would make a fine cleric out of you..."

As he speaks a thought occurs, "Are you a cleric?"

No...just a trader...well, I've done some...now, a traveler...coming along for the ride as it were.

Loukas smiles understanding, "Ah, yes, I was born into a merchant family myself and my early days were training to become a trader myself. Of course, since those days things have... Changed. But I learned something vital from them. Something that you seem to have learned as well: understanding others is vital to making a good trade. You clearly learned this better than I, because your understanding of the gods has served us all quite well. Well done, friend."

Thank you. Of course, I may have been lucky in this case...or, who knows, inspired by Phasis himself.

"Perhaps Balthazar will offer us another feast to while away the rest of the day and to celebrate our appeasement of the great River."

A'kos looks hopefully at the mage...his stomach is growling again.

"Can he conjure up another bull? I would've liked to had a big juicy steak." Jaleh said in a half-teasing manner to A'kos.

Balthazar does likewise, knowing just how big a boon the key to the library is.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:15, Fri 30 Sept 2011.

Miroslav goes to the ships stores where he gets one of the swords of the fallen warrior women. He stands on the shore at the edge of the rive and places the point down on a flat river rock as he hold the handle. Pressing his foot against the blade he bends it past the point of recovery into a crescent shape. He then tosses it into the river saying..."Another gift for Phasis."

He then bows down and drinks from the river offering his thanks.

"Quite right. One never knows when the gods are affecting us."

Having already offered the last of the bull's blood from the sacrificial knife and a prayer, Loukas takes a sip from the river and when Miro makes his offer to Phasis he turns to the party, "It seems to me that Jaleh makes a sound point: we have earned ourselves breakfast."

Sir Jean stands back and watches shaking his head. "I am sorry my friends but I cannot take part in a heathen ceremony such as this. My lord has touched me and I will not bow my head to another, would be a sin."

"Ha," grins A'kos.  "I'm touched as well.  My stomach calls for sustenance!"

Sir Jean, you saw Phasis, and what you observed was business; or, if you like, the beginning of a relationship atl least resembling friendship. Phasis is an intelligent entity beyond mortal scope who is associated with this river and its watershed. Because you reverence another entity is no reason deny this one the respect called for by your ethics.

Balthazar shakes his head with a wry grin, "Despite the 'Hedonite' title, we do believe in the saying 'all things in moderation'.  If you had such a feast regularly, it would become mundane."

Jean looks Barmak in the eye and says,
"There was a time not long ago where I would have taken offense at your words, that time is passed. But for now, know this, I pay no respect to any river demon. I will accept no false god. For me there is only one, all others are pretenders."

And what is your definition of "demon"? And of "god"? And Who is this god you speak of?

Loukas rolls his eyes. Jean's wisdom has occurred once. Before that time and since that time his lack of wisdom has resulted in the party picking up after, or rescuing him. So much for wisdom...

"Careful, Barmak, you tread on tender ground that will provide neither of you any comfort or pleasure. Jean is a Christian and his great god provides for a small world filled with greater horrors -- I know, because I have attended Christian churches. They speak without attending to the realities and truths of the world about them. Anything that does not fit their vision is demonic and evil, because their god is vain. As a result they reflect that vanity and seem to feel as if the louder they speak the more true truth their words hold. Let us let Sir Jean recover from his recent adventures and hope that the fact that his rescuers were all demon worshipers might provide a little perspective on the world we live in."

"Speaking of small worlds and greater horrors," remarked the Falcon.  "Mistake me not, little thief, I am no Christian.  I believe the gods have their own ways and own concerns and most care not for what happens upon this world.  But there is a difference in this Christian God that marks him greater than other gods, and most of mortal ken, including yourself, fail to note the difference.  Even our friend the Frank, I think misunderstands for his God sacrificed his own son of flesh and blood for one purpose - peace!  And that son went willingly, with love in his heart for the folk who killed him."

Pausing a moment he then added, "No other god ever made such a claim...no other god ever had such courage, and all have been be humbled by it.  Perhaps if humans had such humility and courage they would set aside their own weapons and spend more time on living righteously as that God's son preached, rather than killing and destroying everything they attempt to build."

Grown thoughthful by his retort the Falcon turned away from the others and made his way to the shore to stare at the flowing river.

Well, yes...so I've heard. But that begs the question. Phasis is an intelligent, immortal or long-lived  inhabitant of this river and its watershed. Shouldn't He be granted, if not hostile, the same respect one would give a stranger who has granted a favor...or at least made a deal we asked for?

I've heard something about this son before. As I understand it, he was interested in goodness of heart...anybody's heart...not status nor power nor wealth.

Loukas shrugs, "Quite so, A'kos... I suppose. The Christian god claims to have sacrificed his son for peace, but he also set his followers against all others by claiming all other gods as false. Many of us know and have actually seen in the past few hours, not to mention at other moments in the past few years, that there are indeed other gods and powers around us and by disrespecting them 'peace' is hardly inspired. In fact, it seems like a justification to hate and a reason to wage war, does it not?

"Were I not a man of faith myself I would not find Sir Jean's thinking and faith problematic, but I am and I do. I stopped being a Christian a long while ago. I've seen too many Christians do no better and quite as bad as men of other faiths and find some of the Christian's claims specious and suspicious. Nevertheless, I have given blood and still show some of the burns I received in the name of friendship and brotherhood to a friend who happens to be a Christian. Indeed, my belief in Veles empowered me to do my part in his rescue yesterday, which even you with your 'little thief' and other attempts at belittlement must admit was not minor! Yet, he baldly states that my god is a 'pretender'? I am judged as somehow false, because I give my faith to a god other than his? Even after being willing to give my life to save his?

"Sir Jean, please, I realize that this must be difficult... But I ask you as a friend, which my actions must make me even if you think that my merchant's blood makes me unworthy, to please look deeper. I do not care whom you worship, but if you are going to continue treating those of us who do not share your beliefs disrespectfully, why do you continue with us?"

Jean sighs deeply.
"I understand your words but I believe you are being duped by demons int eh guise of gods for there is and can only be one true god. As for why I continue on with you, well my outlook has changed since my encounter with the Amazons. I was willing an able to overlook the lack of true faith as you were all my comrades in arms. After my experience, I cannot overlook these things any longer.

He looks at the ground for a moment and says,
"It is in my mind to travel to the Holy Land as soon as I can. If I can find a suitable mount here, I will leave in the morning. I am sorry to leave you like this but this is now my calling and I cannot ignore it."

Be very sure of your motives, Sir Jean. The wicked flee, 'tis said, when no one pursues. And it may be that one who does not answer honest questions flees also. But the memory of the question s will follow. Barmak shrugs. I admit doing so is better as far as I'm concerned than being, say, decapitated.

Dyanna watches on in disbelief as Sir Jean announces that he is leaving for the holy Land in the morning. She says to him,
"We all must do what we must in order to find peace. I wish you good luck in your travels my friend."

A'kos listens, unsurprised.

"You will be missed, Sir Jean," he says.  "Your sword arm was strong, your heart full of courage and I begrudge you not your choice.  Your God's blessings be upon you."

After a moment he grins, "And try not to get yourself killed on your journey."

Loukas listened to the Frank's decision and nods sadly, "As you will, Sir Jean. As Dyanna says, we must each do as we must do. I hope we shall meet again some day and look forward to hearing the tales of your travels."

Balthazar is shocked.  "Gee Jean - um, Sir Jean - wow.  Now that I think of it, you've been overdue for a religious calling.  I suppose finding some musty old library really can't compare.  Jerusalem is a wonderful place, but also a place of duality.  You'll find much spiritually there, but not much peace, so keep your sword close at hand.  I wish you good luck in your travels.  I'll be visiting Jerusalem myself soon; I have a little villa there on the outskirts of town.  I'll look you up when I arrive, and introduce you to my wife.  And, if you're interested, the Hedonite headquarters is only a few miles away, in the hidden Garden of Eden."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:35, Mon 03 Oct 2011.

Jaleh was also not very surprised by the announcement. "Well, I wish you good luck too. I'm rather sad to see you fall into this brainwashing of the masses, but to each their own."

"I will be sorry to see you go and your sword arm will be missed. Since your mount was slain by the women, I feel it only right that i give you my own horse. She is far from quality compared to your own but she is a fine may still and will serve you well. You will be outfitted with whatever you need from the ship stores...what of your estate in Khorsun?"

I appreciate both your concerns and your well wishes. As I said, this is something I have been called to do. I am not sure I would have it any other way if I could. We may meet again one day."

He turns away from the group and says, "For now I spend the day in prayer, if you will excuse me."

As Dyanna watches Sir Jean ramble off in search of a safe place to pray she says,
"Well, that was a sobering experience. I know it is still early in the day but if that does not encourage one to drink a flagon or three of wine, I am not sure what does."

She begins to walk towards the ship, saying,
"I'll be back in a few with some wine, we can toast our departing friend and spill a few drops int he river for our new one."

While surprised by Jean's decision, it did seem for the best. Loukas never had gotten on very well with the Frank, but he had not wished for his departure.

As Dyanna returns to the ship, Loukas steps alongside her, "You are a wise one, Woman of Greece, permit me to assist you -- if nothing else, two may carry more than one and I think we will all wish the grape this eve."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:46, Wed 05 Oct 2011.

A'kos frowns, his thoughts turning inward.  He finds a shade tree away from the group; he has no wish to see the Frank leave, no wish to toast the river whom he never had much truk w/ anyway.

Sitting beneath the overhanging eaves, he finds small pebbles and tosses them...and considers much as the others start their revel.

After a few moments Jaleh followed A'kos over to where he was sitting. She picked up a few pebbles then sat down and began to toss them across the water, making a game of skipping them farthest.

"Hmph," says A'kos critically, eying her attempts at skipping stones.  "Get your arm lower, nearly parallel to the ground, little one.  If you have good arm angle, the shape of the stone doesn't matter nearly as much."

When she looks at him he grins sheepishly and shrugs before continuing.

"I've got good arm strength, I just still think a smooth bottom helps it skip." Jaleh leaned over to cuddle on A'kos a moment before sitting right to gather a few more stones.

PM

PM

A'kos sets his arm around her shoulder and pulls her gently near.  He kisses her head for good measure.

Loukas and Dyanna have no problem finding a keg small enough to carry back to the shore. They note that Radvila is beaming with pride after the success of his carved post.

Loukas raises his glass to Radvila, "Here is to Radvila, whom I will call The Carver from this day forward. Your work was vital to helping us get Phasis's attention, my friend. Your artistry summoned the great spirit of this river and appeased the gods!"

When he finishes his toast he walks to each member of the party and leans in closely where A'kos and Jaleh sit. His face is bright and friendly from the drink and celebration, but when he leans in and speaks in a low voice, as if telling a joke, its tone does not quite match, "It seems we are being watched."

His hands are gesticulating as if he is drunk and telling a story and as he does this he just so happens to point his mug quickly in a specific direction, "I saw a man several hundred yards in that direction. I only saw him for a moment and he slipped back into the bush."

Delivering his warning he laughs as if just told a joke and moves on to the next party member. He does this until he has warned everyone, including A'kos and Jaleh.

"I see" laughs Balthazar.  He says out loud, "I forgot my wine!"  He makes his way back onto the ship, then when he is out of sight, he casts invisible and fly and flies over to investigate in the direction Loukas pointed out.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:12, Thu 06 Oct 2011.

"Balthazar forgot his wine? Impossible!"

Laughing (and this isn't fake laughter, because the idea that a Hedonite would forget his wine is funny), "Ha! You're right, Miro, the only thing Balthazar 'forgot' is that he drank his wine. That is the only reason his cup is empty!"

Balthazar casts protection from normal missiles just to be on the safe side.  Then he flies over to about 15 feet above the man and, still invisible, says, "Howdy.  And who might you be?"

Dyanna says to the others quietly,
"I got a glimpse of him as well. Probably not as good as Loukas did and definitely not as good as our Hedonite friend is getting right now. I thought he might be a hunter since I thought i saw a bow."

Miroslav wraps a meaty hand around his flagon of wine and down it in one long pull..."Let us not concern ourselves overly yet. If you sure it was a man you saw then it is doubtful that he is in league with the locals if a bow he carries."

He sets his flagon down with a bang, fully expecting someone to be kind enough to refill it.

Dyanna laughs and begins to refill the captains flagon saying,
"Of course my Lord! If there is anything else you may need, do not hesitate, to get it yourself!"

Barmak takes nourishment and then...patiently waits.

Cuivi chuckle softly at Dyanna's jest. He then goes back to looking nervous and out of place. He knows that he is a relative newcomer to this group and keeps himself in the background most of the time. He is content with his role though as he slowly sips his wine.

Heinrich drops the large bundle he was carrying, that looks like a bag lashed to a shield with an axe tied on as well. He looks around him, an altogether average-looking man with brown hair and eyes, his face studiously blank as he looks around for the disembodied voice he just heard. He keeps his bow on his shoulder, but very slowly and deliberately opens his gray cloak, placing one hand on the hilt of the sword at his belt, letting the other hand hang loosely by his side.

"I'm just a traveler, trying to stay out of trouble, and alive. Are you just another voice in my head?", he calls out in a voice only slightly louder than a normal conversational tone.

"No, I haven't yet mastered projecting my voice into people's heads yet.  Something I should definitely work on, though.  Jolly good idea, that.  I'm a wizard, and I would like to know where you travelled from and where you are traveling to.  The reason I ask is because my companions over there are about to lose a valued warrior companion, and you look like you could handle yourself admirably in a fight."

Heinrich cocks his head to the side, and then replies, "I'm heading from here to there, but the in between has gotten to be rather long. And the natives here are... rather....unfriendly. As for fights, I always prefer to avoid them. They tend to be messy and uncertain. "

He then stands quietly, waiting to see what happens next with the disembodied voice.

Miroslav turns a keen ear toward the brush covered edge of the forest. He holds up his hand for silence and says quietly..."Balthazar has obviously found his quarry."

He stands and cups his hands around his mouth, calling out..."Balthazar...what have ye found? Who speaks in yonder bush with the Hedonite?"

A'kos looks on with some interest, though he does not leave the comfort of the shade.

Loukas also turns his head towards where the voices seem to be coming from. That the Hedonite's tone seems to be conversational is welcome sign, but knowing the Wizard it did not necessarily mean that whomever he was speaking to was friendly.

DRAFT, subject to change or even deletion

Barmak gets up and appropriates a plate, a cup, some food (including bread), and some wine. He purses his lips and adds some salt to near the edge of the plate. Then he walks over to the newcomer. Traveling is hungry work. Here is refreshment. If you're worried, I'll taste it.

"Hmm, well, tell you what, come and meet my friends."  Balthazar wills himself visible and ushers the newcomer over to the group.  "My name is Balthazar the Hedonite.  I mainly use my skills to act as the party's advance scout."  Balthazar lets the rest of the party introduce themselves, then urges the newcomer to introduce himself as well.

Heinrich follows Balthazar, again hefting the bundle attached to his shield. He glances at Balthazar, and says, "You make quite a scout, with the flight and invisibility. I'm afraid I have fair poorer abilities."

Once he reaches the main group, he looks around and says, "Well, it seems your friend Balthazar has retreived me. I'm Heinrich."

He sets down the bundle attached to his shield, and waits to see what happens next.

Loukas gives the newcomer the once over before smiling, "Welcome, Heinrich. Forgive us for the care we are taking, but we have not had a good time with the locals. Your name is Germanic, no? May I ask what brings you out this way?"

Heinrich looks for a good spot to sit, and eases himself down, easing off his backpack and bow.

He then looks at Loukas and says, "I have had some issues with the locals too. I'm from Hamburg originally, but spent some time as a drover in Otto's army for his Italian campaigns.  Since then, well it's a long story, but it just seems like I end up getting places that are less and less friendly. Some rather unfriendly sailors decided to dump me here when I objected to being robbed."

In reply to Heinrich (msg #89):

Nods sympathetically, "Ah, yes... We have had similar experiences, yet we were fortunate to have them together. As a result we gained ownership of our unfriendlies' ship."

Clasping Miro's shoulder, "This is our Captain, Miroslav. We are a free vessel, though we have often served Sviatslav, Knyaz of the Rus and do so proudly....

"So, you are a drover? What else? We all have useful skills, eh? You have met Balthazar our 'scout', who happens to be a wizard. I pull an oar, myself, but was once an agent of the Empire -- today I am a Brother of Veles first and foremost."

"Well, with a little experience working with this team under your belt, I'll bet your skills will flourish.  Why, it seems only yesterday that Jaleh here was convinced that I had no magical ability because she never saw me cast any spells."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:31, Sun 09 Oct 2011.

At the newcomer's tale A'kos sniffs, glares at the man with sharp disdain but says nothing.

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.