In reply to Zosha Davij Inan (msg #49):

Wraith raises a quizzical brow at Zosha.  "That is very hospitable of you to allow us to visit with your brother - so long as he is well enough."  He looks around at the rest of the group and says, "It will be nice to have some firm ground beneath our feet."

She smiles, uncertainly, "I'm sure, if he is up for the visitors, you would be most welcome," with a very slight dip of her head.  "In particular, I was thinking of Mirna and Jaxar.  I understand they traveled far with my brother, before the trip to Golarin and his illness." 

In reply to Zosha Davij Inan (msg #51):

"I look forward to seeing your brother."

There is a good deal of hustle and bustle about the windship over the next day or so.  Minor repairs to be made, and Zosha is able to get some good deals on supplies and, with the aid of Wraith and Aeletheros, materials for repair.

Those who wish are able to visit, briefly, with Zarkosh, who is still weak from his illness, though he does show pleasure most especially at seeing Mirna and Jaxar again.

The time passes quite quickly, and it seems so soon that it is time to be back in the sky once again.

Not really knowing the people his new crewmates do in Kasmir, Aeletheros stays on board the ship working as much as he is able on the minor repairs that need doing. When he takes his rest for meals he studies his grimoire, going over arcane formulas in his mind and trying to carry them to the next step, taking notes diligently of his thoughts.

Taking a cue from Aeletheros, as well as Zosha, Wraith decides to remain on the ship as well.  As the rest of the crew wanders about or meets with Zosha's ailing kin, Wraith paces to and fro on the deck, taking the baked, arid expanse below them.

He peels a few splinters back from where the blade of a weapon missed its mark and struck one of the masts.  There are also, here and there, some dark stains on the deck, which Wraith is certain is blood spilled during the savage battle that recently ensued.

By the morning of the 43rd, all is ready to depart.  The trip to Cymril will likely be a couple of days.

On the flight to Cymril from Kasmir, Aalistair watches the scenery go by as much as he can, marveling at the transition from desert to fertile fields and green hills.

It is indeed an interesting change, the dry, sandy dunes of Kasmir slowly giving way to hills and forests of Cymril, bright with the fall color still.

Supplies have been loaded.  Aalistair has visited the small Aamanian temple and pilgrim way station near the city.  J'landria has accompanied Zosha, and even encountered some few Jaka, but none have seen a youngling in the area.



OoC:  Just moving things along... we can RP out any of the above if people really wish to, but I'd prefer to open a separate thread for it.

The crew retake possession of the Wind of Fate on the last day of Talisandre, and begin training on the first of Zar.

The Marukans, other than Rammid and Rioniv, are almost hopeless crewmen.  They stumble, and bungle, but slowly, as the days pass, they seem to begin to catch on.  And they are willing to work hard, and seldom complain about the conditions.

After a week of training, and maneuvering the windship around the rolling hills and woodlands surrounding the beautiful city of Cymril, they are perhaps ready for a longer voyage.

During the week, Zosha gathers those available during a break in the training.

"I have secured a fare for us.  Apparently, the Wilderlands routes have had increased attacks by bandits of late, and we have some merchants who would like to negotiate with the Thralls in their city of Tor for guards directly.  We will be providing them with quick transportation.  They would like to leave on the 8th, and I've told them we will be ready."

"Will we be transporting the Thralls back with us as well, or just the merchants," Aalistair asks. "Furthermore, Tor... isn't that a jungle city? Will we need special supplies for a journey there?" Clearly, Aalistair is taking the position of quartermaster with some degree of seriousness.

J'landria shrugs, unfamiliar with what's being talked about.  She listens carefully though so that when the situation is in place, she understands better.

"No, no Thralls returning with us," she pauses, considers, "unless, perhaps we may have opportunity for further business arrangements once we get there..."

She paces, "Tor," she continues, "is indeed a jungle city.  But we will not be there long, and largely staying aboard ship.  But, as you point out, preparation is always prudent.  If you would be willing to work up a list of the needed supplies, we can make a trip to the markets and pick them up."

"My main concern will be crew health. Jungles are rife with strange insects, stranger diseases, and even yet stranger beasts. I trust that our mode of transport should deal with the beasts on its own, but the prior two are things we may have to deal with. While some of the local merchants would be pleased to inform us of exactly what it is that they sell to alleviate such things, I would rather have someone without an interest in the gold of our pockets informing our purchases."

She nods to Aalistair, "Good thinking.  That would not be myself.  I am not a jungle traveler.  I do not know if any among our crew are.  But I am comfortable leaving the task in your capable hands," she smiles.

After the many flights out and about, Zosha has arranged a final one to Sindar.

She spreads her hands, somewhat apologetically.  "It would appear, that though we offer a limited service, word of our low rates while training our crew have gotten out."  She shakes her head, "While the transportation we offer is not glamorous, it is fast, and others in the windsailing business would ask that we desist.  And, true, what fees I have collected are scarce enough to keep the Fate running, and us supplied and fed.  In any case, we have completed our training, and as part of my agreement with some of the merchants in the area, we will be running one last trip to Sindar with a few passengers."

She pauses, looks around at those gathered.  "Many here have expressed desire to assist our friend J'landria with her noble cause to recover the lost youngling of her people.  While I would be remiss if I did not search for ways to keep us funded along the way, that will be my part.  Of this resourceful group, your job is to do the actual finding and recovery!" 

"Two questions. First, will we be able to resupply in Sindar: food, water, perishables. Second, do any of us have an idea where to start looking for J'landria's lost cub? Has there been any news from the wilderlands about the Beastmen and the Rajani?"

J'landria shakes her head in reply to Aalistair.

"May I ask a favor of you, Chosen of Aa," she says quietly.  "I can't find the youngling, not anywhere.  The only one who said they saw anything is," she pauses and looks around before leaning in.  "Is someone who still seems... Something.  Does maybe Aa know where the lost one is?  You could find this ship, could you find my... the cub?"

Her expression speaks loudly while her voice is quiet.  Even on such a different face with odd features Aalistair can see the worry and anguish at the thought of the child being lost for much longer.

"Please," she pleads.

"I have no doubt at all that Aa indeed does know where your missing kin is and what he is doing right this moment. However, touching the will of the divine and attempting to commune with Aa's grace is difficult at best for one of mere mortal flesh." Aalistair sighs. "And yet, I will do what I can."

"Thank you," she says simply.

Zosha replies to Aalistair, "On your first question, we will supply here in Cymril, as the trip to Sindar should only be a day, two at the most.  Of the Beastmen and Rajani, I have heard little.  Though it is said the Za have been raiding more of late." 


Aalistair settles down in prayerful meditation, somehow finding a serenity amidst the clamoring of the still green Marukan crewmen.

"East. We should head east after Sindar. Perhaps as far as Maruk, unless any of you know of any other Marukan settlements or ghettos. Or... maybe, perhaps. Are there slavers that run large groups of Marukans anywhere in the Wilderlands? Perhaps that is what the Za are up to?"

Aeletheros looks over at J'landria's worried expression talking about the lost cub and addresses her; "I know I am new to your group and I have no skill with divination unlike Aalistair. I will however pledge my assistance in any way to help in the return of the cub. No youngling should be in a position of danger if it can be helped."

"I am happy to travel wherever the wind pushes," says Wraith.  "My heart lies with J'landria, though.  I would fain devote all my energies to locating her missing cub."