"Ha! Well, we weren't the pirates! What's to be unsettled about?"

In reply to Mirna (msg #84):

"She's absolutley right", Jaxar chimes in. "Most of our original group had just finished a tour serving at the outpost of Akmir, on the outskirts of the 7 Kingdoms, and were individually contemplating our next course of action when fate stepped in . . . actually, when Fate drifted in would be more accurate." He pauses for a moment to sip his tepid water. "Mirna and I, along with a cymrilian named Arkannon and Katas, a Kang warrior, originally went out to gain control of the abandoned ship as it drifted past Akmir. We were quickly joined by Athellin, Rioniv, Rammid, and a few others." He glances at Mirna and Athellin briefly to see if they have any additional comments before continuing.

In a solemn voice he continues, "We cleaned up the ship and did what we could with the remains. Then we made repairs, took stock of the hold, and set sail for adventure."

With a confident swagger, Callianos stops before the Danuvian warrior, drinking down his glass of wine.

"Greeting, lovely warrior, I was quite hoping I'd catch you in this fine establishment," he says, looking her over from head to toe with a grin.

His glance steals over to the Gryph.

"And well-met again to you, friend from Tamaranth! What brings you so far from your home? I suppose introductions are in order, and you've now developed a wider circle than I'd originally encountered, to boot! I bid good morning to you all," Callianos says with a bow to the Gryph and the others at the table.

"I am Callianos of Sylvanus. Minstrel, freebooter, poet, scribe and fortune-teller, at your service."

Kolarios listened with some interest to the abbreviated histories of each and his brow grew furrowed. With each person’s tale, it would seem that more questions would arise. As a lull in the conversation ensued, the Zandir knew that it was his time to inform the others of his involvement with the blasted ship. He rose, sketching a quick bow, and managed to grab his wineglass before the sweep of his arm dislodged it from the table. ”I am Kolarios Viramos, gentleman, swordsman extraordinaire, recently sailor on the fine vessel of Captain Ceramose. I was a passenger by my own design and yet, the Captain being quite kind although a bit cunning I do say, allowed me to stay on and assist in the many tasks that, being Zandir and naturally gifted, one of my expertise could be of assistance.” He took a sip of his wine.

”I hail from the Viramos estate in northern Zandir, the son of Etrolian Viramos, I am sure you have heard of him. I traveled to Zanth to enroll, per my dying father’s wishes, oddly enough it turned out he did not die, thank the Ten Thousand, apparently it was just a minor sniffle, in the Sultanate’s Guards, which I may add, I managed to accomplish with little difficulty… well there was that whole episode with the Imp but I digress,” he shrugged. ”My companions and I served the Sultanate quite well, perhaps you heard of some of our exploits? The Razing of the Wine-Taster’s Guild? The Crashing of the Tower of Ikrios? The Falling of the Statue of Dubilan the Just? Yes, I confess, it was our great skill and courage that caused all of those things to happen.” He stopped to inspect his blade for a moment. ”This is my blade, did I introduce you? No matter, introductions are best done amongst many bottles of wine and we have only quaffed a handful. That is something we, my old friends and I that is, learned over several years service. Steel in hand, wine in belly! Courage for all, you know.”

The Zandir was quite perceptive, with flashing, intelligent eyes. So it must have been the excitement suffusing him that caused him to miss the glazing look in the eyes of his audience. For truly, they all were his audience. That thought caused him to pause and wonder on the words of the famous and renowned Charlatan-Playwright, Wilvanos T’akapear. He nodded quietly to himself in agreement. Truly, his words have meaning today. ‘All the world a stage…’ And I, his left brain noted to his right brain, I am truly an actor on this grand stage. Alas, my audience! He shook his head and smiled at the table. Turning to the Cymrillian, he inclined his head. ”Where was I? Did I mention the Burning of the Tavern Elegance? No? Well, I should save some glories for later. I would hate to beat upon my chest before we have had a chance to truly bond with wine and oaths and all that stuff that will make this a Grand and Amazing Quest and, therefore, worthy of my blade.”

”Egads, it is dry here. Maybe the wine… a bit more, maybe?” He smiled at the servant who topped him off again. ”So I must pass over many things although I would be unkind and ungracious to note that I am here, and no longer a Sultanate Guard, for the love of a woman. A beautiful woman of emerald hair and sparkling eyes, she will love me forever. Tearfully, for my road travels on but the love, it was true love truly.” He winked at the Sarista, newly joined to the table and raised his glass. ”I’m sure you would understand that I had to free her from the bedchambers of that slovenly beast, yes-no? Pah, to my own dismay to find that the bastard had the ear of the Chamberlain of the Room of Many Tiles in Strange Colors. Odd job that, now that I think about it. Regardless I was forced to run with my sweet, sweet love and we did so with much haste and lots of assassins. All dead now.” He winked at Mirna with a knowing nod of his head. ”Aye, my steel did save me as usual. Although, I confess to playing some small part in that. Twas my hand guiding it after all.”

”Regardless, I-“ At this point, rapture in his own tale aside, Kolarios noted something very interesting at the table. How odd, it would appear that Cymrillian is snoring… Have we been poisoned? Magicked? He looked around the room for surely that would be impossible without his noticing it. Naturally, I am highly-trained after all. That was truly true. That worry dismissed, he noted the others seemed a bit distracted, talking amongst themselves and looking around the room in that strange way that Kolarios recognized at other times where extolled his conversational brilliance. Surely, my exploits overwhelm them. Perhaps it is best to be sparing. Although it was sure nice of them to recognize my bravery, especially that quietly snuffling Cymrillian, by offering to pay for my drinks. Perhaps later then.

”Well, obviously I did sail upon the ship of Captain Ceramose with yon Cymrillian here, thank you for your kind offer, I do believe I shall have another. Naturally, it took many Rajan blackhearts to stop my assault upon their nefarious plans. I was struck from behind naturally. Cowards with horns. Honestly… horns? So last season. Well, I had no choice but to seize upon the needs of the Wondrous and Decidedly Purple Lady Inan.”

He snagged a glass from the tray of a passing server, his previous two seemed to have gone dry in this odd climate. He winked a thanks at the kind Cymrillian and quaffed half of it. ”So, it stands to reason that I make this my life’s work by destroying the foul blackhearts, seizing the ship, returning it to the Diminutive Lady of Purple Hue and eventually adding it to the fine and great events of my life.” He looked over at Callianos. ”Minstrel, eh? I have some ideas for a wonderful epic that you could write. All true, of course.”

---

((OOC: I promise shorter posts in the future... he's just so much fun to write ;-)-))
This message was last edited by the player at 17:17, Sun 06 June 2010.

J'landria watches Kolarios intently the entire time he is speaking, cocking her head at times, obviously trying to tie things together and unfamiliar with words and places that he mentions.  She watches him play the table, having seen one of the other Jaka do something similar at other times back in her home, this seemed far more.... MORE than she'd ever experienced.  When he ceased in his ramblings J'landria looks to Jaxar and Aalistair to gauge their reactions to the Zandir and his rambling.

"Oh, of that I have no doubt, friend Kolarios, no doubt whatsoever," Callianos grins slyly.

"I'd offer drink to commemorate your great tale of derring-do, but alas, my pouch seems as flat as a drunkard's skin the day after the Night of Fools. I've played my heart out here as of last night, with little to show for it. Unappreciative lot, these are."

Callianos pulls up a chair, wedging himself in beside the Danuvian, with a grin to her.

"I've heard that Tazian fire-ale can put hair on one's chest. Seeing as every Thrall I've met has been completely hairless, I have my doubts as to the veracity of that statement. But if you need any help investigating that claim, I'd volunteer my services," he winks to her.

"So, it seems we have a band on a merry chase here then, if I hear Kolarios' tale rightly. A windship, is it? Must be a quite fine vessel to have attracted so much attention. Is it a relic, then, from ages past?"

The Sarista's left hand raises drink to lips, finishing off his cupful, while his right rolls what appears to be a small pealescent plectrum between his fingers.

In reply to J'landria (msg #88):

Aalistair shrugs when J'landria looks his way.

He claps, softly and quietly - is that a hint of sarcasm? - as the Zandir wraps up his speech.

He leans on to the table as the Sarista speaks. "The miners here, most of them toil day in and day out, and have little to show for it. While I do not doubt that your talents of entertaining are many and varied, this is not the place to make your fortune with those skills."

He sits back. "Though perhaps if you were to hire on permanent with one of the dance halls... and did not get a knife in the back or a bottle against your head from some disgruntled and benighted soul... but I digress."

He looks to Jaxar. "Your next move?"

In reply to Aalistair (msg #90):

Jaxar lets out a low growl, "I truly do not know what course of action to follow. I fear for the safety and well-being of my companions on the "Fate" but there seems to be no trace of their whereabouts and I do not know where to search next. In addition to this I have been told that cubs are disappearing from my homeland and there are hints of an ancient evil returned to trouble my people." Banging the table in frustration he continues, "How does one choose correctly under these circumstances? Does your all-seeing Aa see the answer, Aalistair? Will I find the answer at the bottom of a wineglass, debonaire Kolarios?"

"I'm sorry, I mean no disrespect gentlemen", he continues as he shakes his head, "I am not accustomed to finding myself in the position of not knowing the correct course of action."

At that point, there is a small commotion as the door to the inn is opened and held by a Cymrilian man, dressed as an airman, and a bulky Monad squeezes through carrying a large trunk and several other parcels, followed by a gangling Sindarin, almost invisible behind the mass of the Monad, and followed by a tiny figure clad in a purple robe, and followed by an obvious Zandir in a bright, emerald green shirt and bright red pantaloons, talking as they enter, "...well yes, ma'am, I see you have made your decision to stay in this establishment, I simply suggest that one of your means might more enjoy the accommodations at a variety of other locations..."



As they are entering, there is a quieter entrance from the rear of the tavern, where the stables are, as your two Marukan companions enter bearing large and apparently heavy burdens.  Even as they cross the floor, Rioniv's grip slips, and his bundle crashes to the floor with a loud metallic crash.  The Cymrilian rushes to his side, bending down and saying, "Here, let me assist you with that," and as he helps the Marukan with the bundle adds, "if this is your blue iron find, you will be well off, indeed!"

Aalistair nods to Jaxar.

"Aa can help us with these things yes." Before he can continue however, the commotion at the doors interrupts. Looking back and forth, he smiles slightly. "If you'll excuse me a moment, however."

Aalistair rises and leaves the table. He moves to help the Cymrilian and the Marukans. Looking up from one of the bundles, he nods to the Cymrilian. "Good day, Peregrinus. Aa sees fit to bring us together once more." Smiling he stands, hefting one of the bundles. "Come, let us sit together and have a drink. Perhaps your employer can spare you for a moment since we are on good solid ground."

Seeing the agitation in Jaxar, J'ladria's ears perk up and she holds her hands up, making a few quick movements, one ear cocks back and then perks up again.


She stares at him, watching and waiting.

Mirna takes in the newcomers with a glance, noting numbers and weaponry, then turns back to Jaxar, "J'landria here needs to find the lost cub, and the Orgovian trader. I suspect our best choice is to look for them, hopefully that can be quickly tied up and we can return our efforts to looking for The 'Fate. As for Her..." Mirna shakes her head, almost sadly, "I agree, we've no good leads as to where to look. Perhaps if we had another windship to scour the area from the sky." her voice trails off and she shrugs.

J'landria's ears cock to face Mirna before her own head turns to look at the warrior woman.  Her mouth opens for a moment and true surprise is spread over her features.

"You would help me," she asks.  "You are not beholden to this... task.  I do not wish to burden you."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:14, Mon 07 June 2010.

"I think that can be arranged.  After all, our main purpose was to escort our guests to this establishment, and that appears to be accomplished.  I'd be most pleased to join you.  And from what little I know of he situation," he continues, looking about, "I expect our guests will be joining you as well."

With Aalistair's assistance, he helps stack the gear the Marukans are carrying in the corner, and he joins you at your table.

The Sindarin and Kasmiran spend some brief time discussing with the tavern keep, and then turn towards the table as well.

The Zandir remains at the bar for a time, having apparently not had anything to drink for the better part of a week.

In reply to Peregrinus (msg #97):

*Kar begins to twitch his shoulders with the additional "company"*

"If you'll excuse me, I think I need some air"

*Looking between both doors, unsure which would be the easier exit, he settles for the one the Marukan came in through...at least he's somewhat familiar*

In reply to Aalistair (msg #90):

"Sorry good sir, but I've no desire to hire on here permanently at all. A wide world awaits," Callianos says to the tattered man with an amused smile.

The gypsy's sparkling eyes catch the All-Seeing Eye about the man's neck, and a curiously indescribable look passes through them.

"My but you all do keep strange company," he says to the Danuvian with an odd look.

J'landria cocks her head as Kar leaves their presence again.  She sighs slightly as his form leaves the room.

Those attentive enough can see her thoughts are a tempest and her eyes are locked on the door he left through.  She sighs again, this time a long groaning one before looking back to the other people in the room.  She stands and bows to the table, finishing her cup in one swallow and packing the rest of the meat into her mouth and follows after him.  As she reaches the doorway she bows again, mutters "Excuse me," she says as she ducks out of the door behind Kar.

In reply to Callianos (msg #99):

Aalistair returns to the table as J'landria leaves.

"A wide world indeed," he nods to Callianos.

He turns to Peregrinus and offers him J'landria's vacated chair. "Come and sit, old friend. Unburden your soul and lighten your spirits."

The tiny Kasmiran, completing her business with the bartender, turns her face up towards the much taller Gryph as he rises and passes by her to head to the door.  "You might want to wait, friend Gryph, and hear the rest of the story."  She glances at the door where he was headed, and shrugs, "Or, you may not, and would rather inspect the stables... it is your choice, of course."

She continues on, retrieving a cushion from the Monad, arranges it upon a chair, and sits quietly and calmly upon it.  She looks around at the table.  "I am most pleasantly surprised to see those here... if I am not mistaken, Jaxar, and Mirna, and Athellin?" she looks around the table, saying your names, and nodding at you each in turn.  "I am Zosha Davij Inan, of Kasmir."

"Just days ago, we encountered the Wind of Fate, under the control of its current crew.  How they got there, I am not certain.  As to the encounter, I'm sure some of our illustrious crew," and here, she nods towards Kolarios, Lacus, and Peregrinus, "can relate the tale.  But let me tell the beginning of the tale.

"The windship came to us, barely crewed.  As some of you may know, my brother, Zarkosh, was gravely ill, having fallen ill sometime after your departure from Zanth.  Arkanon, and his few crew, made a mad dash back to Kasmir, which is what likely saved my brother's life.  Before he could leave again, the windship was stolen, by some few criminals, that we saw.  They must have had some Rajan accomplices nearby, from our later encounter.  With my brother being ill, my family appointed me to look to our investment for our share of our windship."

"I see also, your Marukan companions, but tell me, what of Katas?"

"Thank you, friend.  We have had quite a wild time of things.  These Rajans are nothing to be trifled with; we went up against them, and lost several of our crew, and I daresay, barely escaped ourselves."

He pauses a moment, adds, "Forgive my manners, as I say, it has been quite a time.  It is good to see you again, old friend," and clasps Aalistair's arm.

((OOC: this is said prior to us being joined by Zosha))

"Keeps life interesting!"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:55, Tue 08 June 2010.

In reply to Zosha Davij Inan (msg #102):

"Well, that is one mystery solved. As to Katas' fate," Mirna pauses and looks to Jaxar, then back to Zosha, and says with a shrug, "We were attacked by beastmen. We burned his corpse seven days ago." She finishes the ale and waves to the barmaid for another.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:22, Tue 08 June 2010.

In reply to Mirna (msg #105):

Releasing Peregrinus' arm, Aalistair leans over the table.

"While I was not a part of this ill-fated expedition concerning the missing windship, it does disturb me that both Rajani and Beastmen are attacking indiscriminately so close to Deadwood. I do not know what aid I can offer, but when it comes to ridding this area, aye this area and beyond, of those who would bring evil and destruction, you have the pledge of my arm guided by Aa's strength."

In reply to Aalistair (msg #106):

"Well said, Aalistair.  I do not know if I can pledge my assistance, as I am already beholden to my captain on The Horn for at least the duration of the voyage, but I would at least lend what aid I can."   

In reply to Peregrinus (msg #107):

Aalistair nods.

"If you would all excuse me for a moment." The Aamanian stands, taking his simple clay cup with him. He moves to a spot near the door where the light of the twin suns filters into the room. Kneeling in the beam of suns-light, dusty motes drifting around him, he kneels his head in prayer.

Quietly, but distinctly, he prays:

"Aa, I beseech thee to hear thy humble servant's prayer. A ship known as the Wind of Fate has gone missing. It is thy servant's fear that it has been taken by scoundrels and ne'er-do-wells who only wish to use the vessel to do harm. If in your beneficence you would see fit to guide me towards the windship's location, I would pledge to enlist my aid to see it freed from evil purpose."