Thorfinn's dragon ship sits in the harbor well stocked and waiting for her passengers. Thorfinn himself is no where to be seen. Dobryny seems to be in charge of getting everyone and everything on board for this voyage.

The crew is bustling around or waiting at the oars. There are 24 crew members, half look to be either Rus or Norse and most like go by the distinction of Varangians. The other half look to be from all over the place, a white blonde youth that wears the local dress, even two women are on the crew which is very strange.

A plank has been set to let the passengers load themselves and their mounts onto the ship.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:58, Thu 23 July 2009.

Jean had packed up his goods once more and made ready for travel.  He had been doing much of that of late, so this little adventure did not seem to bother him.  That he would acquire some wealth for his efforts was good for the longterm.  There was always a chance of losing arms and armor in a tournament, so acquiring additional ones was always a possibility.

He walked to the harbor, the tethers to his horse in hand.  Finding the right ship took some time, but find it he did.  The Frank walked up the gangplank with his horse behind him.

"Where would you like to store my mount and his gear for the time being?"

Armin and his appointed assistant Alexander board the ship right after the Frankish knight. Alexander has no horse of his own, instead he takes care of Armin's horse and gear and stows everything away where the Varangian orders.

Armin sits on the rail of the ship near the oars. it is clear that he has no plan on lending a hand.

The Varangian sailor points towards the back of the ship near the stern and says..."We do not have much room for the horses but towards the back is some room for them and the luggage."

The crewman with white blond hair moved quickly to assist the boarding passengers. With a smile he makes an effort -- moving boxes and barrels -- ensure their luggage and horses will be as comfortable as possible. He eyes Jean's shining armor somewhat hungrily, but before it becomes too obvious he quickly responds to another summons to another job.

A'kos arrives.  Standing quayside, he eyes the ship warily - seems more of an oversized boat to his way of thinking.  He sees the scribe aboard already - torn, on the one hand he wishes to see the man's arabian, on the other he hardly trusts himself to lead he and Storm's Wind up the gang plank to the ship's deck.

Slowly he moves forward, but the horse, sensing his anxiety, whickers nervously.

Halting, he turns and calms the beast, smiling at his own cowardice.

"Ah, Storm," he mutters quietly to the beast.  "No worries, eh?  Quick as a spring zephyr we'll have you tied and munching happily on a bag of oats."

Turning, he steels his heart and leads Storm's Wind up the gangplank and onto the deck.

Balthazar is next to board the ship. he does not bring a mount. He is followed closely by both Thorfinn and Miroslav. Miroslav does not bring a mount but instead has what looks to be a seachest in his arms. Once on board he stows it under a bench. He clearly is going to lend a hand at the oars.

The ship itself is halfway between a galley and a knarr. A bit wider than the standard dragon with a few less oars, relying as much on the sail as anything else.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:01, Sat 25 July 2009.

Storm's Wind proves tempermental next to the other mounts, so A'kos ties him up as far from them as the space allows, and stands between he and the others.  His eyes inspect the Arabian expertly, and with a quick glance to see that Storm' is settled, he goes about inspecting the smaller horse's hooves.

"Persian!" he calls as his hand runs gently down the beautiful horse's legs.  "Come tell me of this horse."

After helping load and store Balthazar's gear and Loukas takes a breath and wanders over to where Jean stands. "Pardon me, sir... By your armor I see that you are a Frank. Is this true?

Smiling sheepishly, "I hope you will not mind my prying, but I have never met a Frank before... How have you found Constantinople?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:30, Sun 26 July 2009.

Armin slowly makes his way to where A'kos is inspecting his horse. He says "She is from the finest Arabian stock in all of Persia, from the private stable of the Caliph himself. What do you think of her?"

The question was one which he was not expecting, at least from a crewman of the ship.  Had they met before?  What Jean could tell was this crewman was of unusual stock: his attributes marked his as uncommon

The knight offered a hand  to Loukas in greeting, "I am Jean.  And yes, it is true.  I hail from the land of the Franks.  Well, I haven't been in the city for long, but she seems a mighty city, with a large population, a cultural heritage, and strong walls as well."

"Pray tell, what are you called?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:07, Sun 26 July 2009.

Taking the offered hand the crewman bows his head, "I am Loukas, Sir Jean. I am Loukas Ouranus. Welcome to Constantinople! Though, I suppose you are leaving now, so I hope that you have enjoyed your time with us..."

Still looking at his feet shyly, "I have heard some tales of your people, but I have never met a Frank before... If I may be of any assistance to you while you are aboard, I hope will call upon me."

"She's a beauty," nods A'kos with a critical eye.  "I suspect she ran like a tempest in her younger days."

Roderychus takes his mount to board and loads his belongings silently.

Having the entire crew and passengers assembled on the ship, Thorfinn gives the command to head out to sea. Backs of the crew and any passenger that wishes to bend at the oars propelling the craft out into the harbor, the dock area growing smaller ever second.

Within a quarter of an hour the ship is in the open water and the sail is employed along with the oars and the ship is making great time. Thorfinn and Dobryny look very happy and comment that with the favor of the gods, that they will be ahead of schedule.

Disappointed by the Scribe's lack of tongue at his thinly veiled jibe, A'kos shrugged and patted the Arabian on its neck, and whispered soothing words.

Turning, he made his way to Storm's Wind, the stallion still out of sorts on the open water.  Leaning against the rail he looked about at the open sea, his mouth quirking in a grin at a sight he'd never seen before.

"Stop complaining, Wind," he muttered with a gentle laugh.  "It sparkles like diamonds on a dancers belly."

When Thorfinn gave the command to get the ship underway, Loukas quickly bows his head and excuses himself, "Ah, pardon me, Jean, I must attend my duties!"

He then dashes to his post at the fourth starboard oar...

Miroslav the Rus just happens to be seated at the bench that Loukas takes. He smiles at the white haired young man and says..."Yes, join me at the oar!"

He then leans closer and says something in a low tone.

Settling in on the bench next to the Rus, Loukas laughs, "Don't mind if I do, big man!"

His face holds its smile as he settles in next to Miroslav and replies in an equally low tone as the big man as they prepares for the ship's launch.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:45, Wed 29 July 2009.

Turning from the sea, A'kos notes the strange behavior of the young man, and the quiet conversation between he and the Rus.  Leaning against the rail he watches as the two begin to oar.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:32, Wed 29 July 2009.

Jaleh had been scaling the rigging and checking the sails when the call to leave port came. She then finished what she was doing and hurried down to the deck where she moved her selected position on one of the oars. Not for the first time she wondered just what she was doing on a ship. She considered that she must have lost her mind or gotten possessed, even though she felt perfectly sane now and remembered everything.

There had been a need for her to leave the city quickly and while deciding how best to do that, she'd heard about the unusual northman hiring crew for his ship and specifically seeking a few women. It could only have been the gods trying to tell her which way to go and she had always been one to listen to the gods, even if at times they seemed utterly insane themselves.

As he was studying the two, his eyes turned to the unmistakable form of a woman walking down the aisle to take a seat at an oar.  Bemused, he studied the lithe form, taking note of the deeply burnished skin and appreciating it from afar.

Noticing one of the new men on board looking her over closely, Jaleh looked back his way to flash a smile and wink and eye before returning her attention completely to the task of rowing. She was certain that not only his eyes would be on her, watching as she strained with the effort of moving the oar.

A'kos grinned back at the bold woman.

"Ah," he muttered, "a jewel is found among stone."

Making his way forward, he sat next to the woman.

"I would row for awhile as well," he offered, flashing a ready smile.

Jaleh smiled again as she looked up at the man and then slid over a little to allow him room. "Be my guest, please. My name is Jaleh, I feel that I will welcome your arm in this soon."

Arranging himself on the bench, A'kos reaches out to the oar, and begins to move in the slow, easy rhythm set by the drumbeat.

"I am called A'kos," he says offhandedly, his attention on matching her pace.  "I am a Magyar, a horselord, and am called 'the Falcon' by those who know me well."

"Tell me how you come to be on this ship, Jaleh," he asks, after a few strokes.  "Surely you are not part of the permanant crew." 

Thorfinn who had been walking the deck stops by and answers for Jaleh...or at least partially answers..."If Nicephorus had known how undermanned we sailed into the port, he never would have hired us. We lost several crew members on our way to Byzantium, not lost in a bad way, they decided to stay at one of our stops. We were already a wee bit short so it really hurt us."

He looks at Jaleh and the somewhat butch looking woman seated behind her on the benches and says...Twenty years ago when my wife was giving birth to our first child, I almost lost both of them. The midwife claimed all was lost unless I promised Frigg, the wife of odin, a favor to assist in the birth. My wife and sone made it though fine and the very next night, Frigg appeared to me in a dream and told me that my crews must always include women. I don't claim to understand the gods but I listen to them when they are so direct."

A'kos smiles at the tale.

"Smart man to listen," he notes drily.  "if for no other reason than the Goddess of the North is a woman."

"A wise choice indeed," Jaleh agreed, flashing the captain a smile in thanks. "I try to always listen to the gods even if I do not understand them. It has not served me wrong yet."

Chuckling, A'kos asks, "So you listen to your gods, eh?  They speak to you?"

She laughed, "I listen to any of them that speak to me. Do you not listen to yours?"

"Hah!  I listen to the sun and the rain, and the roar of the wind in my ears as I ride the open plains!  I've yet to have a god speak directly to me so that I could hear," he replied.  "I suppose if one truly wished to speak with me, I would hear them."

He chuckled as he pulled back on the oar.

"Very well, Loukas.  Pleased to meet you."  He watched as the crewman took to his station and loyally performed his task.

Then the Frank noticed another crewman, and a woman at that, chattering away with the Magyar and ignoring her duties completely.  He shook his head and wondered if the Captain would seek any discipline.  Either that, or he ran a loose ship.

Jaleh laughed as well while she rowed right alongside A'kos. "Perhaps they have and you just did not understand. Did you not say that you listened to the sun and the rain, and the wind in your ears? Those are the voices of the gods. You just need to understand them."

Roderychus smiles to himself and says under his breath "No wonder they say women are bad luck on board."

As if to prove the near silent words of Roderychus wrong, a near gale force wind catches the sails and the dragon ship is propelled forward with a great increase in speed.

Dobryny calls for the oars to be pulled in and the ship operates on full sail for the time being. The Varangian smiles over at Thorfinn, who smiles back, each of them knowing the reason behind the gust...or at least thinking they know the reason.

Most of the crew who are manning the oars are free to do as they please for the time being since the Norse contingent of the crew takes over the sailing portion of the voyage.

The Rus gets up from the bench and stretches his shoulders and arms towards the sky. "It has been too long since I manned a bench. It feels good to be back at sea. Soon I will be among my own people when we reach the mouth of the Danube."

Jean moved over to Roderychus to have a friendly word with him.  "Roderychus, is it not?  I am Jean, and was relatively new to Constantinople.  Are you from this region?  Do they use ships for traveling so often?  I'm accustomed to riding my horse."

In reply to Miroslav (msg #38):

Standing himself, Loukas also stretches his arms. "How long have you been away from your homeland?"

Wiping the sweat from his forehead, "Are you parting from us there at the mouth of the great river?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:20, Wed 29 July 2009.

"Well met Jean. I have to confess being more used to the horse as well, but waterborne travel is as common as it can be in this blessed land. I have seen most of my days in northern Thracia, but my religious formation has taken place in Constantinople. What about you, brother Jean?"

In reply to Loukas Ouranus (msg #40):

"I make a trip back every few years, so it has been almost two years for me now. I came south with a band of Varangians ten years ago in service of Nikephoros, the last emperor and we captured Crete back from the Muslims." He stops talking and looks towards Armin for a second.

He continues..."I will be staying on for the whole trip. Pereyaslavl is now the capital of the Rus. Knyaz Sviatoslav has moved his base from Kiev to the mouth of the Danube now that he has taken the areas from the Bulgars. He says it is the hub of all commerce from east to west and that it should be held by the Rus over Kiev. I agree with him but I fear your Emperor may have designs on the city.

"Well, if those are the voices of the gods," laughed A'kos loudly, looking at the full sail, "they must be shouting now!"

He turned the full affect of his smile on the young woman, a broad jaw framed by the thin line of a goatee'.

"I am no religious scholar," he smiles after a moment.  "I do believe in spirits, and purpose, but devote my life to no particular force but my own.  It is a simple life...far simpler certainly than the cults that devote their waking moments in ostensible service to some supposed greater cause."

Jaleh turned to sit sideways on the bench to face A'kos once they had pulled in the oar. She smiled brightly at him when he trained his smile on her. "That is not so different from the way I live. I listen to the gods, I do not serve them." She leaned forward to speak more softly to him and with the way she was sitting, it pushed her leg firmly against his side. "They are fickle and insane. It would be foolish to serve them. So I just listen and try to make the best of it while serving myself. I like your beard. It really suits you, makes you seem more commanding." She reached out to touch it gently.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:52, Thu 30 July 2009.

In reply to Miroslav (msg #42):

Loukas appears to consider Miroslav's words, but it is possible that he is doing so more out of politeness than interest, "Yes, well, only God and the Emperor knows what the Emperor wants, I suppose... My mother was from Kiev and I have cousins and whatnot there, but I am a Byzantine and must trust that the Emperor is doing what is best for us."

Looking about and reveling in this relatively free moment, "Quite an interesting group of travelers that have joined us, eh? A Frank and a Persian! The latter seems important... Think he's hiring? To be honest, I would love to see the country and wherever they are going, it would be more interesting than returning to Constantinople."

A slightly embarrassed smile appears and he looks quickly at the ship's deck, "I love the City, but I think it is time for me to see more and my family does not seem interested in what I do..."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:40, Thu 30 July 2009.

"Until fairly recently, I had spent most of my life in the Kingdom of the West Franks.  It was a good enough life, but the time came to leave.  Unlike my brothers, I decided to see the world and seek adventure elsewhere."

"I visited the Holy Roman Empire, as well as made a pilgrimage to Rome before making my way here.  I'm hoping to one day complete a pilgrimage to Jerusalem."

In reply to Loukas Ouranus (msg #45):
"I can tell you for sure that he is hiring...in fact I am hiring for him! When we reach Pereyalaval I am to hire a number of retainers to go further on the journey with us. If you are truly interested, and it is my bet that you are, I can discuss the situation with Thorfinn and he will surely release you from any contract, just as long as I find a replacement among the Rus."

Miroslav then says in the language of the Rus..."blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah Rus blah blah blah blah blah."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:20, Thu 30 July 2009.

In reply to Miroslav (msg #47):

When Miroslav says that the Persian is hiring, Loukas sits up a bit straighter,"You are? Please, my friend, I can use a blade and speak Rus. I even speak Persian as my family's business often put us in touch with traders from there!"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:43, Thu 30 July 2009.

A'kos enjoys the warmth of Jaleh's leg where it lay against his thigh, the gentle caress of her hand against his chin...

"The Holy Land would be a glorious sight indeed... I hope to prove myself worthy of beholding it someday."

Roderychus turns to face the sea "And about the task that has been set for us, Sir Jean, what judgement do you make of it?"

Jaleh laughs softly as she studies A'kos then asked, "Did I steal your words away?"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:04, Fri 31 July 2009.

"Protecting a mapmaker?  I have never heard a song sung or tale spun about anyone who protected a mapmaker.  It sounds like we will be going to pagan places barely even civilized.  Hard to say how much danger there will be, but the payment will come in useful."

Balthazar replies to Miroslav in "common", "Yes, I speak a great many languages.  Probably why I was brought onboard for this trip.  Unless the Emperor is aware of some of my ... darker secrets."  He laughs loudly, thinking this a great joke.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:21, Fri 31 July 2009.

Loukas turns to see who has spoken. Smiling wryly at Balthazar he replies in Slavic, "Or perhaps he feels that they might become even darker with a trip to the Rus?"

In reply to Loukas Ouranus...

"No worries my young friend. I will make sure you are among those hired to escort the Persian but mind you it will mostly be in the capacity of a porter rather than a guard...but there may be plenty of crossover if all goes as I expect."

The Rus then turns to Balthazar and says..."Undoubtedly you were chosen for your language skills and i am sure whatever other talents you have just as the rest of us."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:47, Fri 31 July 2009.

In reply to Miroslav (msg #55):

Turning back to Miroslave, "I am happy to join in whatever capacity... I can carry things probably better than I can speak anyway!"

Thus ends the first day of sailing across the Euxine Sea. The next several days pass by quickly as the favorable winds continue. Only a little time is spent manning the oars.

Within the week the port of Mesmembria has been spotted...the last Byzantine city any of you will see for some time. Thorfinn says that you will make landfall before the sun sets. This will be the last place to buy anything you need except for horses which will be purchased in the Rus capital in roughly 3 days time. The plan according to Thorfinn is to only stay one night in Mesmembria.

Standing on the aft castle of the ship, A'kos rests his arm upon Wind's neck while thinking of the past few days.  He glances ahead, watching as the woman assists in prepping the ship for port, and a grin comes unbidden to his face.

He has enjoyed fine sport with her...certainly she is far different than the tempermental, often shrill women of his folk.  Bright, energetic...coy, Jaleh is a woman beyond his measure, though he has chased her much with words and flattery.

Sighing lustily he slaps his horse's neck and mutters, "Now I understand why they call the sea a temptress...though she has met her match, maybe."

Turning then, he studies his horse and says, "Soon, stoutheart, you'll feel the firmament beneath your hooves.  I look forward to riding with you once again."

With a gentle rub upon Storm Wind's neck he makes his way forward to the bow, and looks over the railing to watch as the land approaches, saying nothing, and pretending to ignore Jaleh.

"One night in Mesmembria, eh?"  Balthazar contemplates his options, "Hmm... I'll have to choose then between visiting Sylvia or Elsmeera."

The Slav smiles at Balthazar and says..."Why choose one over the other? Visit one first then beg off and visit the other, then join us all at the tavern for a drink! I plan on setting up shop at the Boarshead tavern near the dock area. Good food and drink, plenty of women of ill repute and cheap but clean rooms."

Just as Thorfinn said, before the sun has set you are in the dock and offloading onto the pier.

Dobryny reminds all that the ship sails with the sun as all who wish to go ashore, go ashore.

The Boarshead Tavern can be seen from the dock and looks to not be too crowded and definitely looks like a well run establishment. Miroslav is first off the ship and can be seen making a beeline for the tavern.

Armin leaves the ship with his aide Alexander in tow. He also heads right to the Tavern but does not mingle in the common room. Instead he pays for a private room and goes right to it leaving Alexander to fetch food and to make sure his mare is taken care of over night.

Looking about A'kos spies Jaleh.

Smiling at her approach he asks, "Well, little angel, what plans do you have for this brief visit to port?  I would share a drink with you if you're amenable."

"Amenable to a drink with a handsome man? Always." Jaleh replied to A'kos while joining him at wherever he was on the ship. "I've been using my sea legs so much recently that I mean to spend as much time at this port on my arss or my back as possible."

A'kos raises an eyebrow, then laughs aloud.

"A worthy goal!" he says with a chuckle.

His laughter subsiding he says, "Some of the others headed off the ship to a Tavern called the Boarshead...perhaps we can find refreshment there...then a room, later, from which to rest weary sea-legs...and arses."

He winks, and steps back, allowing her to lead the way.

Once his work was done on the ship, Loukas put on his clean tunic, studded leather armor, and his sword. Excited at the idea of a night on the town, IN a town, he leaves the ship and heads to the Boarshead.

When he arrives he sees Miroslav has already established himself and he joins the big Rus and laughing say in Slavic, "You are still conscious, my friend? I admire both your constitution and your Christian piety... Those are the only things I can think of that would enable you to stay as sober as you are!"

A great geyser of wine issues forth from Miroslav's mouth when he hears Loukas talk of his Christian piety. He laughs heartily and says in Common(Greek)..."I am no Christian my friend...I follow the gods of my people not of someone elses. Sure some Rus have gone over to the Christians but for the most part we are still faithful to our own."

He looks around the still uncrowded tavern and continues..."Be wary speaking the language of your mother here in Mesmembria. Relations between the Rus and the Byzantines are at a very low point right now and the population of Mesmembria is very paranoid...being this close to the captial of the Rus, who could blame them. Just take care."

Taking A'kos by the hand, Jaleh laced her fingers through his and began to lead him off the boat. "We seem to be in agreement on our most worthy goal. You will need to tell me the way to the Boarshead however, I have never been there before."

In reply to Miroslav (msg #67):

Laughing when Miroslav spews his wine, but when he hears the man's words he looks around guiltily and replies in Greek, "Of course, that was foolish of me."

Sitting down, "Perhaps I may replace the wine you just shared with the rest of the tavern?"

Signaling the server for more wine Loukas sits down, "So what have I missed, my friend?"

Miroslav gladly accepts the wine from the server, then turns to Loukas and raises his goblet saying..."May the gods or God bless our journey!"

He drains the goblet in one long pull then says..."As you can see, you have not missed much. You are the first here besides the Persian and his lapdog. And he went right to a private room. Alexander is still running about for him though, on errands I presume."

Taking a drink from his cup, "Alexander is the Persian's servant?"

Glancing around the room, "What do you think of the locals?"

In reply to Jaleh (msg #68):

Appreciating the view from behind, A'kos replies, "I saw them head that way," pointing with his off hand as they followed the gangplank off the ship.

In reply to Loukas Ouranus (msg #71):

"I don't know what Alexander is. I know his name and that he follows on the Persians heels like a dog but that is it....as for the locals. They are afraid of the Rus, the Bulgars and the Pechenegs, not to mention the Magyars. I think it is tough living in one of the Empires outpost cities."

In reply to Miroslav (msg #73):

Loukas listens intently, "Aye, I imagine it is difficult living out here."

Taking another drink, "How large will the Persian's party be when we set out? I know that the passengers are all members, but besides myself and Alexander, who else will be along?"

If Roderychus spots a church he will go to it to say his prayers and to speak with the priest.

If not, he will take a little walk around before getting a room and settling for the night.

"Well, we shall go that way also. If we do not find the Boarshead, perhaps it will be something just as nice." Jaleh, replying to A'kos, continues to guide them down to the street and then off in the direction the others left in.

In reply to Roderychus Venturos (msg #75):

Roderychus is in luck, just a few blocks north of the tavern the domes of a church can be seen. As he approaches he sees that it is a church dedicated to St Elijah and it looks like there are several Rus entering and exiting the building along with the Byzantine citizens.

He spots a cleric kneeling in the front near the altar in prayer.

In reply to Jaleh (msg #76):

Jaleh and A'kos quickly find themselves in front of the Boarshead. it is fairly obvious why Miroslav would chose this tavern. it is large, well lit and well maintained.

"After you," says A'kos, holding the door of the tavern open.

"Because my good friend, I value quality over quantity.  I'll see you in the tavern in a bit."

Later on ...

Balthazar enters the tavern with a lady friend.  She is clearly older than he, but has retained her youthful figure to a certain degree and has a regal countenance. "Miroslav, I'd like to introduce you to Elsmeera.  We go way back."  He winks at her.

After some small talk, Balthazar looks around and says, "Where's Armin?"

The Rus looks the women up and down and gives Balthazar an approving glance and says as he bows..."I am pleased to meet you my lady."

he then turns to Balthazar, while grabbing to goblets and a pitcher of wine for the newcomers..."Armin in hiding in his room. I am not sure what he thinks he will learn if he will not venture from he safety of his bed. There is much to learn here in Mesmembria, yes?"

After leaving the ship, Jean made arrangements for his horse for the night.  He was certain the mount would prefer some flat land under its hooves.  In the morning, he planned on letting it dine on some fresh foliage as well.

Once that was accomplished, he had no plans in particular, the entire trip having been unexpected.  He looked for unusual architecture or customs as he may at this time of the day.  Jean also listened to see if they still spoke Greek in this town.

Jean quickly notices that the common tongue here in Mesmembria is indeed Greek. There is not exceptional about this city really, he does notice a large Church a ways from the dock area and spies the Byzantine paladin, Roderychus, entering through the large double oak doors of the building.

Other than that it is looking to be a very mundane coastal city. Perhaps a few more Magyar looking types and a few more of the Rus than he has encountered before but that is about it.

Considering that this town seemed just like any other, it brought no excitement to his heart.  It was nice to be on land again; Jean had never been much of a sailor.

Spying Roderychus entering a church, the knight decided to take time to visit it as well.  Upon approaching, he noted that it was Greek Orthodox, which was most common in this region.  It didn't bother him overly, as the political split of the Church was not something he felt needed fixing (at least not by him).

Entering after his new compatriot, Jean first observed the interior of this holy structure, first in the entranceway, and secondarily in the main chamber.

"Well, I don't see what kind of an escort I can be if he just hides in his room.  There will be plenty of time for scribing on the ship, unless he can't write on a ship. I know some people have trouble with that."

Balthazar and Elsmeera head up to Armin's room and knock on the door.  "Armin, are you in there?  Would you like to see the town?  I do believe I know a nice local young lady that would look simply dazzling on your arm."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:24, Tue 04 Aug 2009.

Smiling happily, Jaleh slipped through the door in a manner that brought her body in close proximity to A'kos. An alluring habit that she had picked up while plying her trade in Constantinople. One could say that it was a valuable skill to have. As she whisked nimbly past A'kos and into the room, she granted him a musical little giggle.

In reply to Balthazar the Hedonite (msg #85):

Armin walks over to the door and opens it up but a crack and peers out with one eye.
"No thank you. I must admit that I am tempted but this past week on the ship has done horrible things to my stomach. I fear I will never be the same again, surely you understand."

"Of course, of course.  I do hope you'll be feeling better sooner than you think.  Come on Elsmeera, let's return to the common room."

A'kos felt the fool.  In retrospect he didn't think he'd spent this much time grinning in his entire life as he had since they'd set sail.  The girl...nay, woman was a wonder, and as she entered he followed close behind.

"Our companions, it seems," he said to her, nodding toward the table.  "Shall we join them?"

He hoped she declined, and chose a table for the two of them to share alone...

Turning around to face A'kos with a wry grin, she asked him a simple question while placing her hand upon his chest. "Would you rather share my attention with them or save it all to yourself?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:44, Wed 05 Aug 2009.

Placing his hand over hers he smiled warmly.

"Your attention is all I need, and I would not share it with the king of paradise himself."

"Then perhaps our companions can fend for themselves." she suggested quietly, bouncing up on the balls of her feet to give A'kos, a swift kiss on the chek.

Sliding his hand to her lower back, A'kos grins stupidly but guides her to a table by one of the windows.  As they sit he nods at one of the waitresses and says, "A pint of ale, and whatever the lady is having..."

Miroslav watches A'kos an Jaleh take another table at the tavern and calls out while laughing..."What, do we offend your senses?"

He downs his last swig of wine from the goblet and calls to the server to bring mead.
"Enough of this rotten grape water! I can feel the wind sweeping across the sea fromt he plains to the east. We need a good Rus drink at our table now...mead or even Kumiss but I doubt we will get fermented mares milk in a Greek city!"

Tempted to reply, A'kos forestalls his baser instincts and instead offers an amused grin to the other table before turning his attention back to Jaleh.

"Heh," he chuckles quietly.  "I had a feeling he would respond like so.  He is a large boy...he would contest everyone and everything for the sake of competition."

As the night goes on the Boarshead starts to fill up and things begin to get more loud and rowdy. The more Miroslav drinks the more wild he becomes but luckily for most of the patrons the wide Slav is not a mean drunk...just boisterous.

Alexander, the man who is acting as Armin's aide has even made an appearance and is quietly sipping some ale in the corner.

Overcome with the flowing wine, mead and ale and the camaraderie of new found friends on the ship and in the tavern this evening Miroslav hops up on the table grabs a pitcher of mead, takes a huge pull from it then holds it over head and begins to sing in a fairly strong and surprisingly pleasant voice...

"If we drink we will die
If we don't drink we will die
So we might as well say "What the hell!"
And raise our glasses high
Whatever your name You'll be dying just the same
So you might as well say, "What the hell!"
and join us in a drink Hey!"

He then tops off everyones drink at the table from the mead pitcher...even if they were not drinking mead! So some of those around the table now drink a mixture of mead and wine or mead and ale.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:47, Thu 06 Aug 2009.

Loukas has spent his time since sitting down next to Miroslav doing his best NOT to match the big Rus's drink capacity, but drinking nevertheless. When his cup is filled after the song he takes a quaff. "One wonders if your voice is as good when you aren't drinking, Miroslav. Give us another!"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:08, Fri 07 Aug 2009.

Jaleh walked closely to A'kos letting him virtually cradle her in his arm as he held her by the small of her back. When they sat, she slid a chair, presumably for herself over near the one A'kos chose but rather than sitting in the chair, she spun around and sat in his lap while hooking an arm around his shoulders. A moment afterward, the hand of that arm began teasing his goatee.

She was tempted herself to respond to Miroslav's question, but as A'kos had declined to respond, so did she, assuming that since A'kos was a man, he would know better whether to respond or not. As the night went on and things became more festive, Jaleh Stayed with A'kos and took her queues from him on how to please him, whether to stay with the party or move to a private room.

"Ha Loukas! You have discovered my secret! I sing much better when I am in my cups, lyrics seem to flow better with drink yes?"

He settles back down on the edge of the table and begins to sing a more subdued tune...
"Don't rejoice oak trees.
Don't rejoice green ones.
Not to you are the girls coming.
Not to you, the pretty ones.
Not to you are they bringing pies, pastries, omelettes.
Yo, Yo Semik and Trinity!
Rejoice birches! Rejoice green ones!
To you the girls are coming!
To you they are bringing pies, pastries, omelettes.
Yo, yo Semik and Trininty.

When he finishes he plops down back into his seat and fills himself a new goblet of mead..."Enough song from me...I am spent! now for the rest of you...surely you know some good songs to drink to? Balthazar, surely you must know a few?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:57, Fri 07 Aug 2009.

Alexander gets up from his spot in the corner and walks over to the table, taking a seat next to Loukas..."You all are having so much fun here, I thought it was a good time to join you."

Loukas smiles at Alexander and makes room for the man to join the party, "You are welcome to do so! I am Loukas. You work for the Persian, don't you?"

Alexander"I do not work for him, I was loaned ot him by Nicephorus. Normally I work as a scribe but for some reason, my employer felt that I would be invaluable to Armin and set me as his aide." nods his head at Loukas...

Shrugging his shoulders and grins, "Hmph. Well, good luck with that!"

Grabbing the jug of mead he offers it to Alexander, "Will you share our wealth?" If the offer is accepted he pours, if not he puts the jug down and returns to the conversation, "So, this is not your first journey away from the City, is it?"

Alexander waves his hand in the direction of the pitcher that Loukas is holding and says...I am afraid I am not much of a drinker and must make sure I wake early enough to get Armin's affairs covered in the morn. You are correct in reading me, I am very well traveled having visited the lands of the Rus before as well as Persia and even India."

Upon a closer inspection, Alexander seems a bit older than he has the previous week. Perhaps near thirty years old perhaps.

"Well, I am not sure I am such a read of a man, but it seems that one inexperienced in such things would not make you as useful to the Persian... Or Nicophorus for that matter."

Taking another sip, "Well, this is not my first journey either and I speak Persian and Rus as well... I am very happy to have joined the Persian's mission, but I can do more than 'port', so if you'd keep that in mind if your boss needs anything done, I'd appreciate it. For that matter, if I may be of use to yourself, let me know."

A'kos attention is absorbed by the woman sitting pleasantly upon his lap.

"You are a wonder," he laughs huskily, leaning forward to nuzzle her neck.  "Perhaps some privacy is in order - let us bring a bottle of spirits and go up to a room."

Snatching up the bottle of spirits, Jaleh hops off A'kos and heads for the rooms.

A'kos follows the woman, offering a brief grin and nod as he passes the other table.

"Why of course!  Here's a song I've utterly loathed for 15 long years, but it's been rearranged to a slightly more tricky form to make it a little more fun to play, this one is c-a-l-l-e-d Living In the PAST."  Out comes the flute and the one-legged stance...

Happy and I'm smiling,
Walk a mile to drink your water.
You know I'd love to love you,
And above you there's no other.
We'll go walking out
While others shout of war's disaster.
Oh, we wont give in,
Let's go living in the past.

Once I used to join in
Every boy and girl was my friend.
Now there's revolution, but they dont know
What they're fighting.
Let us close out eyes;
Outside their lives go on much faster.
Oh, we wont give in,
We'll keep living in the past.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:52, Sat 08 Aug 2009.

Alexanders eyes light up as Balthazar begins to sing the familiar tune. When finished he replies with much enthusiasm..."I have heard that song before, it is one of my favorites. I believe it was written by the bard known as Anders son from far in the western Isles! He is likened to Homer by some including myself."

The party continues well past midnight when all good travelers should already be in bed. Several of the revelers find companionship and head up to private or even public rooms including the much intoxicated Miroslav who seems to have picked his strumpet while peering through mead-goggles.

(Let me know what the rest of you are doing here and we will move on to the morning and the real start of this adventure. If I do not see anything fairly quick I will assume you all go to bed...and not together.)

In reply to Nestor (msg #112):

A'kos didn't need mead-goggles. But he ended up with a better class of woman than a typical strumpet. :)

A'kos and Jaleh will be claiming a room for the night and then Jaleh will be encouraging him to do his manly best.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:38, Sun 09 Aug 2009.

In reply to Alexander (msg #111):

Loukas claps his hands when Balthazar is done in appreciation, laughing, "There you go, Miroslav, a Byzantine response!"

To Alexander, "I do not believe I have heard this song before, but if it is by this Anderson, I agree that he is quite good. The Western Isles are known for their bards, no?"

To Loukas..."Aye, the western Isles are know for their bards...the son of Anders being one of the most famous. As fr me, I am full of wine and must check on Armin to make sure he has everything set for the mron. Goodnight to all."

When Alexander excuses himself Loukas says, "Good night, my friend. Until the morning!" But before the man gets away from the table he grabs his arm and moves in close enough to quickly whisper, "And, please, do not forget that I am here. I would earn myself some larger role in this expedition that porter, if permitted!"

When the scribe is gone he sits back down and tops off his drink. He spies a woman who seems as if she might like some company and nods a greeting to her. She approaches the table and he says something to her in a low voice, which causes her to laugh. She is not quite pretty, but he is not looking for a wife. Perhaps that is what he said to her? Probably not...

Nevertheless, she sits down next to him and he pours her some mead. They take a few more drinks from their perspective cups, but it is not long before she leans in, whispers something, he smiles, takes a big drink from his cup and nods and then follows her out of the inn. He waves at Miroslav, Balthazar, and whomever else is at the table as he leaves.

Morning comes as early as it does every day and Dobryny and Thorfinn were not jesting...they planned to leave with the sun. Of course the passengers had other ideas and slowly trickle onto the ship.

Miroslav is among the first, he looks surprisingly well rested for having such a wild time at the Boarshead. He settles in on the same bench that brought him here. One of the Rus crew members laughs and says that Miroslavs neck looks like it ran afoul of a dread Upyr in the night.

Alexander has all of Armin's gear on board is is patiently awaiting the Persian.

A'kos wakes Jaleh with the sun.

"C'mon, girl," he says contentedly.  "We better hurry, else we'll miss the tide.  Of course, I'm thinking that would not be such a bad thing!"

Laughing, he gets out of bed and gets dressed.

Loukas makes it back to the ship before the Sun's appearance looking rather worse for the wear. Stowing his armor and blade and washing his face he seats himself next to Miroslav, grunts an hello and awaits departure unenthusiastically.

Armin the Persian finds his way to the ship alone carrying nothing but a small bag. Alexander has obviously brought the Persian's gear aboard earlier.

He finds himself near the prow of the ship, smelling the salt air and already wishing for home. He asks Dobryny "How long till we reach the mouth of the Danube?"

Gasping when she became fully aware and thought of the time, Jaleh began fairly bouncing around the room and collecting her clothes. "Not such a bad thing? I am a member of the crew, I am already late! That northman could have me beaten for this. You are a passenger, you do not need to be there until the sunrise, I should have already been, preparing the ship for sail." Dressing herself as she moved, Jaleh hurried out of the room and ran for the ship.

"Northman won't touch you, I assure you," he calls to her, as they race from the inn.

If Thorfinn notices that Jaleh is a little late getting to the ship he does not seem to care. Dobryny gives her a slight disapproving glance but nothing is said.

The Norse captain says that all they are waiting on to sail is the Frankish knight, the Byzantine knight and the man called Balthazar. Once they are on board the ship will leave port under the power of the oars.

Assuming the events on the other thread have no surprising developments, Roderychus will present himself at the ship as soon as his morning rituals are done.

Balthazar arrives promptly, and he greets one and all with a slight nod, then retires to his cabin.

Just for the sale of moving on, I am going to bump us ahead a bit, get Jean on the ship and the ship out to sea. I will be starting a new thread for the next leg of the journey called Ships on the horizon.

Balthazar starts to hum in anticipation, "I see a dark sail on the horizon, set under a black cloud that hides the sun."

"Balthazar! You are killin' me with the Son of Anders!"