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.