Queen Sylpheel gracefully returns the various bows and greetings from others, Alliance and otherwise. She is clad in what looks to be a gown of pure ocean water, a deep indigo compared to her paler blue skin - a rather fitting color to meet the Alliance with. Atop her brow shines the tiara of her station, and she supports her sister Melusine with one arm, who is dressed more simply, an ornate bandeau and skirt of the same deep watery substance.

Rakatau rumbles approvingly at the gathered group, particularly Kiana for her gracious reply and Lasuri for his sentiments. "I KNOW OF THE PLIGHT OF MELUSINE, CURSED BY THE CHALICE. I UNDERSTAND VERY WELL WHAT TAINT IT WILL MEAN FOR ALL CREATION SHOULD IT BREAK FREE. LISTEN TO THE STRONG WORDS AND CONVICTION OF CAPTAIN LEOMARIS. FIND SOLIDARITY IN ONE ANOTHER, AS I HAVE WITH MY NYMPH AND JOKUN HOST. YOU WILL NEED THE COURAGE YOU HAVE SHOWN YESTERDAY TO SERVE YOU THROUGH THE QUEST FOR THE CHALICE'S DEMISE."

"That the Chosen of the Dragons would have a care for my sister in her suffering truly warms my heart," adds Sylpheel, her sapphire eyes shimmering. She doesn't seem to have noticed Zeru's hesitation yet, or is politely leaving him be. "In the end, it is you and yours who suffered the greatest losses. When we arrived with Rakatau's child, I fear it was too late to do more than end the battle." The island ship trembles slightly when he is mentioned, and Sylpheel kneels to stroke his broad back, serving as the deck that the Terrestrials and Elementals are gathered on. "You have done well, do not be disturbed. In time we will correct what we can, though we cannot bring back the dead."

The island behemoth continues in its massive, earthshaking voice. "TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION, KIANA, DAUGHTER OF KIANDO. I HAVE CONSULTED WITH THE ELEMENTAL COURT OF EARTH. THERE ARE THREE AREAS IN THE WEST WHERE ONE MIGHT FIND THE POWER TO DESTROY THE CHALICE. ONE IS NORTHWEST, PAST THE LAND ONCE CALLED OKEANOS, TOWARD THE DEAD LANDS OF SKULLSTONE. THE SECOND IS BENEATH THE WAVES, BEYOND WAVECREST, IN THE DROWNED METROPOLIS OF THE PELAGIALS. THE THIRD LIES SOUTHEAST, PAST THE LINTHA'S STRONGHOLD OF BLUEHAVEN, TOWARD THE FIRE MOUNTAINS OF THE SOUTHERN THRESHOLD. AN-TENG, THE CITY OF FLOWERS... I BELIEVE YOUR NEXT PATH SHOULD BRING YOU THERE."

---

OOC: Just a little contrived, but I'd wanted the group to go to An-Teng since, what, the beginning of the game? ;)
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:07, Mon 28 Sept 2009.

Captain Fairwind coughs a little uncomfortably somewhere between the speeches of Lasuri and Rakatau, but waits for a point when the comments from others die down to speak for himself. "Excuse me sirs and ladies - this is all quite touching, and I am honestly humbled by your desires to bring an end to this vile artifact of the demon-pirates."

As Fairwind goes on, his voice becomes surer and more certain, though he knows his sentiments are not commonly shared. The Wavecrest captain brushes away a lock of dark purple hair that has fallen over his eyes, and continues resolutely.

"However, my crew has already lost about twenty percent of its strength. We only came in the first place to watch the Alliance while they dwelled in Wavecrest waters. I believe I have made enough of an assessment at this point. I must apologize to all of you, but I think that the Falchion has outdone its involvement in these affairs."

Loukan Hirdu, on the other hand, listens with great interest to the words of Rakatau. He hasn't had much chance to speak with the people of the Alliance for days, but he doesn't seem unhappy in the slightest. Physically, the rotund, mustachioed Captain looks healthy enough; the ministrations of Dragon-blooded and artifact healing saw to that.

"Go on and run back home, Fairwind," Hirdu says with a hard grin, just short enough of mocking to be polite. "I for one am proud of my participation in the ruin of Hazhain Sul. If I could be of further aid to the Alliance I'd be thrilled. I am a Southerner born and bred, if you go that way I can guide you true."

"We will carefully consider your wise council, Great Rakatau.  Thank you."  Kiana said as she, too, bent down to stroke the Spirit Island's back in comfort.  "The Child of Rakatau did very well yesterday, as well did your Nymphs and Jokun, your majesty.  The blow you dealt was decisive and sure--many more lives would have been lost if not for your swift hand."  Kiana had given the orders, of course, but she was more than away that there was a large difference between giving orders and executing them.  War was very, very different when you were on the front line, which explained largely why Kiana was constantly fighting along side her men.  A fond saying of her Father kept her there...'He who leads from the back gets it in the rear'.

Then, perhaps surprisingly, Kiana turned to address Captain Fairwind, of all people.  Through out her dealings with the Captains of Wavecrest, Kiana's interactions with them had been little else than a salute and a nod, but now her soft, calm voice rang out toward Fairwind as he tried to pry himself from the meeting.  "Of course, Captain.  No doubt you have a papers to finish and reports to file, all very important tasks for an efficient naval force.  Before you go, however, might I be so bold as to inquire where you received your training as an officer of Wavecrest?"  In truth, it seemed almost like a compliment, asking where he learned how to sail and command.  In truth, Fairwind had lost the least amount of men, and had been dealt the least amount of structural damage to his vessel--surely that meant he was a masterful tactician.  Surely.

"WHATEVER YOU DECIDE, YOU WILL HAVE THE FAVOR OF THE EARTH AND THE WATER WITH YOU," says Rakatau with satisfaction.

The island ship makes a contented sound as he is comforted. Finally Queen Sylpheel straightens, and accepts Kiana's comments with a slight bow. "Perhaps it is futile to wish that one could have done more, but the sentiment is still there."

Next to her, Melusine remains silent, as if she were also struck mute by her ordeal.

Captain Fairwind gives Kiana an odd look, but answers promptly, "The Naval Academy of Abalone, of course. Wavecrest's mighty navy has shielded the homeland from a West fraught with pirates and sinister powers for countless generations." The purple-haired man lifts his chin sharply, his eyes gazing at Kiana with a sliver of disapproval before staring Hirdu down with unmasked dislike. "My departure is not for mere paperwork, lady, nor is it for cowardice, Loukan Hirdu. My duty is to Wavecrest, and your Alliance will soon be leaving it. I have completed the task set out for me by my superiors, and thus I will return home."

"Say what you like," Hirdu snorts, even less scrupulous than Kiana in his opinion. "You won't be able to affect our opinions while you are back on your luxurious island retreat."

---

OOC: Rakatau and others still have more business to address but want to give others a chance to respond first. :)

"Thanks for the thought, Mister Kareth - I know what you come up with will be worthwhile. We can meet later on our own time to discuss that matter more at length, if you're amiable to that." The Captain nods and smiles, before taking a more somber expression, turning back towards the others.

"I do really think we all wish we could have done more. For your Jokun, mighty Rakatau. For Queen Sylpheel's sisters, too. Even for our own people." Lasuri risks a side glance to Jadira at that statement. He knows she will feel saddened at the lost of those who died defending the Dryad, under her command. He knows exactly how she feels as well, having been in her very position in previous battles - it is a heavy burden to bear, and he'll help her with it any way he can.

"The only way we can do this honor is if we see this damnable object destroyed. I won't dictate where we go - that's for all of us to decide - but I'd suggest we carry it Southwards, to An-Teng. We'll be in Lintha territory which is not so good, but the plus side is that we were headed there and are already prepared for that trip, and we also have Captain Hirdu willing to guide us. That's going to be risky, but An-Teng would still be my choice based on the fact that we just plain know more about what we're stepping in than in the other locations."

Finally, Lasuri gazes at Captain Fairwind, and nods tersely, a faint smile on his lips. He seems a bit more pragmatic about Fairwind's actions that Kiana or Hirdu - perhaps because Lasuri never really expected much heroics or selfless behavior from the navy man. After all, the Sea Drake sees Fairwind's presence for what it really is: a glorified escort, so the Wavecrest Navy can ensure that the Alliance is not out to endanger or inconvenience the island nation in any way or form. Hopefully, the last battle showed him the Alliance's true colors, which is what Lasuri hopes for.

"You're in your own waters, Captain Fairwind. You don't need our permission or even our agreement to leave us. You've got the info you wanted to have, so you can take it back and make your reports." Lasuri stares at the man then, and something in his gaze is different than the way he looks at the other people assembled here. It is not disrespectful, but there is a palpable sense of ideals separation between the two men as the Sea Drake speaks.

"Just carry the word of what you saw here. I think that should satisfy your people as to the how and why concerning the Lintha's recent odd behaviors. You've seen what they seek firsthand. And although you should remain guarded in case they come by again, they're not likely to bug you much now. Long as we have this here, they'll be coming after us, and we're leaving your lands." Lasuri shakes the chalice as he speaks, to illustrate the object he is speaking of.

"The only thing I ask is that you respect those that died for this. The Lintha will leave you alone, but that's due to the sacrifice of many brave souls all around who gave their lives for that to happen. Honor that when you pass the word along. Tell people that it's those sacrifices that drove the Lintha off."

"Otherwise, just leave as you please, Captain. I'm sure your duties don't ask that you justify yourself to us."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:39, Mon 28 Sept 2009.

Zeru remains oddly silent at this meeting. His typical discomfort at such multiplied by his supposed failure. He listens well and weighs every single comment, cringing almost at the words the Captain spoke to the Queen of the nymphs. It was not directed as such but it was as if he was speaking of Zeru particularly.

Zeru is not surprised nor saddened by the Departure of the Captain Fairwind. It was the navy afterall, and the good Captain held much more apart from the Alliance than mere protocol. Zeru shakes his head and lets the man have his own way.

Kareth simply looked at Fairwind's back as he spoke to the captains.  Unlike Kiana and Hirdu, Kareth did not hold the man in contempt for not going with them.  He too had belonged to a military at one point.  And not just any military.  He had belonged to the 7th legion.  The military mindset was something all Lookshians understood.  This man had been given orders by a commanding officer and those orders did not include risking his life or his crew in pursuing the Alliance's agenda.  These people were not their allies.  They simply had a shared interest to which Wavecrest had not committed as fully as the alliance.  So Fairwind gets to claim part of the destruction of the Lintha and the Alliance gets to keep the chalise.  If they ever met the man again, Fairwind would probably be promoted for his participation in the fight against the Lintha.  Most probably in command of a better ship and well on his way to becoming and admiral.  This was simply the business of war.  The engineer hadn't counted on the navy to stick around after the mission had been completed and he didn't begrudge Fairwind for leaving in the least.

As Lasuri spoke to Fairwind, Kareth noted the differences in the two.  The image struck seemed to represent the difference in his life now verses his life in the threshold.  Military versus civilians.  In many ways, he understood Fairwind more than Lasuri.  But with that understanding came another realization.  His fate would never again lay with men like Fairwind.  If he was to find answers to questions, it would be in the company of men like the ones of the Cobalt Alliance.  And after the answers, perhaps the new beginning that Captain Leomaris spoke of often.

Tageru stood silently and waited for the others to finish. He was never the one to enjoy formalities, even when they were necessary, as they were now. He learned that as a Dynast well, but he still never liked getting involved in things. Only when the captain mentions that they will be leaving for An-Teng he nods slightly, mostly for himself, as if this decision pleased him.

As the Wavecrest captain announces his departure, Tageru simply gives him a formal military salute and bows slightly, without saying a word.

Kiana narrowed her eyes at Captain Fairwind as his snide reply.  "With all due respect, Captain, it is not Wavecrest you serve, but her people.  And I pray that when the day comes that you are called upon to protect their lives, just as yesterday we protected their freedoms, I pray you show more compassion and steel than what you gave to the Cobalt Alliance last night.  The Lintha was not attracted to us from the onset, Captain--they knew of the Chalice as well as we did.  And were we not here to stop them from gaining control of the cursed thing, these waters would be running red with the blood of not just your people, but every life within their reach."  She paused, no doubt infuriating the Captain with her words, but caring less for it.  She was being civil, after all.  She was not yelling, screaming, or even crying for the loss of the Cobalt Alliance, or the lives that Fairwind could have saved were he more of a Captain.  "Every Captain has a duty to uphold.  Sometimes going above and beyond that duty is not only the brave thing to do, but it is also the right thing to do.  I'm sure the Abalone Academy would have been in support of your discretion, and we are thankful for what support you did give.  So thank you, Captain Fairwind, for your service, and Godspeed."

Kiana's anger, unlike with Rakatau, was cold now, no longer the seething fire that she felt within Rakatau.  Her memories were her own again, and she did not have images of the darkest kind invading her mind--but her anger was justified, in her own mind at least.  Her Father had sought to spare as many lives as possible on both sides of whatever conflict he was a part of, and though not every man and leader could be as great as Kiando, that would not stop Kiana from holding them to the stanard.  Lasuri, though not the greatest military mind, was still an amazing leader.  And Kiana had no doubt in her mind what Lasuri would have done in Fairwinds place, or any one of them.  The military mindset was alien to some, and while Kiana understood it, that did not mean she liked it, or thought it right.  The military shielded cowards like Fairwind, who hid behind regulations and orders.

She shook her head, looking instead to Lasuri, thinking that maybe her words would have brought anger from her Captain, but tossing the errant thoughts aside.  She was part of the Alliance--speaking out of turn was not a problem.  Her opinion was important, and she would not let those feelings lay idle in her heart and mind.  "I am in favor of An-Teng as well, Catpain."

Captain Fairwind raises his eyebrows as he is suddenly the focus of attention for the Alliance. He is at the least disciplined enough to keep himself restrained, though his jaw clenches when Lasuri addresses him, and his brow raises challengingly toward Kiana. "That is correct, Miss White-Fist, that is what you are named now is it not? As a soldier of Wavecrest, I protect her people. This includes all of the members of my crew, all of them born and raised on the Wavecrest Archipelago."

As he continues Kiana has the feeling Fairwind hardly even considers her more than an inexperienced child, despite her prodigious mind for the art of war. And that is on top of the fact that Wavecrest men dislike sailing women to begin with. That attitude of veiled condescension is so familiar to her from her years on the Crimson Isle that her insides feel curdled to remember it.

"I still lost men in the last battle, for exactly the reasons you spoke - for I knew that cup could mean a terrible future for my homeland. But I could have just as well made a tactical retreat, and returned with all the might of First Captain Buruku's fleet for a more decisive victory. I did not have to sacrifice the lives of twenty good men to aid yours. Yet I did. Perhaps you shall remember the same." Fairwind's dark eyes glitter as he bows, short and stiffly, and turns away from Kiana to move toward the gangplank leading back to his ship.

As he does so, he passes several of the others. The Wavecrest Navy Captain nods imperceptibly to Kareth, as if recognizing the unspoken similarities between their backgrounds. His gaze brushes past the stoic Tageru and the quietly discomfited Zeru, until finally he pauses a few paces from Lasuri, briefly meeting his eyes. "My report will not do you dishonor. Though I may not vouch for every one of your men, as a whole I have seen the Alliance fight courageously against an enemy common to us all."

"However, having seen the Chalice's power with my own eyes, I must admit that Wavecrest would be ill equipped to be its keeper. For the sake of national security, I will recommend to the First Captain and the Feathered One himself that you are barred from returning to our waters until you have disposed of it."

"May the wind blow fortuitously at your back, Cobalt Alliance." Fairwind hardly even gives Jadira a glance, saluting Lasuri before departing for good.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:39, Wed 30 Sept 2009.

Jadira keeps her thoughts to herself for the majority of this exchange. She had been there the entire time. She knows that Fairwind held back and allowed the Dryad to take the brunt of the attack, as the Lintha Dara-Said recognized her as the flagship of the Cobalt Alliance. His excuse, of course, was that the Lintha's quarrel was with the Alliance, not with Wavecrest.

Only when Fairwind's eyes seem to skip her over does the Wood Aspect speak, "Don't worry, we'll bring no ill fortune to Wavecrest. I suspect there are many who would refuse us port should they know what we have seen and faced. That is our curse, and our pride. We do what few others would dare, for the sake of all the West. But we also do this because we are free to, unbound by other duties."

The brunette shrugs, letting Fairwind go whether he heard her words or not. She ought to be angrier, perhaps, and she feels a surge of warmth toward Kiana for expressing it despite etiquette. Still, Jadira has no delusions that her words would change Fairwind's heart, and she would rather look toward the future, than continue to lament what is past.

She turns to face her fellow Alliance members again, along with massive Rakatau and the graceful Queen. "Anyway, I really doubt we're ready right now to charge right into the deadlands, or go on a full scale undersea expedition. So let's start with the choice that makes most sense and works with our agenda."

After everyone else had said cast their vote, Kareth shrugged his shoulders.  "I supposed there is logic in that destination.  I would like to go to Skullstone, but it isn't pressing at the moment.  And as Miss Thornbloom suggested, we should recoup our man power before heading there."

Jadira glances with genuine curiousity at Kareth when he speaks his own opinion. "That isn't the first time you've mentioned going to Skullstone. Have you business on the isle of the dead?" The thought of why has not crossed her mind until recently, as recent signs have made her wonder... "The Alliance has yet to have any significant dealings with Skullstone, so if you've connections in that area it would be most helpful to us. Honestly, if we haven't lost so many men and suffered so many injuries, I would suggest splitting up."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:44, Wed 30 Sept 2009.

Kareth meets Jadira's eyes cooly, and speaks in measured even tones, "No.  I have no connections.  But according to Captain Hirdu, there is someone there I wish to meet.  He might have some answers I seek.  Besides, the Alliance is already partially divided.  Doing so further might prove to be unwise.  The matter isn't pressing enough to warrant risks."

"I see," Jadira says, nodding as her memory is jogged. She remembers vaguely the moment Hirdu told him about this, in the midst of their planning to come to Rakatau. There was a name... was it Tiger Shadow? It seemed personal, so she decides not to pursue her curiosity further at this time.

The Dryad's first mate continues with a small smile. "However, Kareth, considering you've come along with our crazy plans so far, I at least feel it appropriate to pledge that we will bring you to Skullstone as soon as circumstances make it feasible. I think Lasuri would only agree." Her emerald gaze shifts toward her Captain and long-time companion, confirming the approval she knows would be there.

(OOC: edited slightly as Lasuri's player is having computer problems right now!)
This message was last edited by the player at 04:09, Fri 02 Oct 2009.

"Miss Thornbloom?" Zeru asks quietly and seriously. His carefree grin absent from his face. He blows a few strands of dark blue hair away from his face, as if thinking of the right words to say. "How fares Antov?" He decides to start with. More would come, but for now it is all he dares to ask.

It took a tremendous amount of will power for Kiana to simply charge the man then and there.  Kiana was not just some little girl, despite appearances to the contrary.  She was the daughter of Kiando Mehkong, the rightful heir not only to the Crimson Isles, but the heir to the legacy the great tactician had left behind.  She knew things about warfare that Captain Fairwind couldn't imagine.  Strategy that could make or break nations--and she was just a child.  What right did he have to treat her with such dismissive contempt?  Her eyes stared hard at the Captain as he took his leave, a silent vow growing in her heart to show the man who he dismissed so freely.  A gentle tug at that same heart however, growing from the breastplate she wore under her dress, took her attention away.  Her father was concerned about what she was feeling, and though he was certainly not happy with the Captain, she distinctly got the impression that her father did not want her to dwell on the matter.  And for her part, Kiana agreed.

Seeing that Jadira was busy talking to Kareth, Kiana stepped in to answer Zeru.  "Antov is doing just fine, Zeru.  I checked on him last night.  His wounds are closed and his condition is stable.  He is going to be just fine, given rest, though he can probably due with another session with the Needles."  Kiana said, happy to have something to take her mind off of The Captain.  Then, if Zeru had no further questions, she would turn to look at the Queen and Rakatau.  "And what you two, great ones?  Do we leave you well enough to continue with your lives as you did before the Chalice cursed you?  Is there anything else we can do?"

Kareth simply nods his head and says "Thank you.  That promise is appreciated."

The elementals seem uninterested in the quarrels of humans, but are once again engaged in the conversation when the topic swings back toward the chalice quest. "AN-TENG ITSELF IS NOT YOUR ULTIMATE DESTINATION, ONLY A BEGINNING," clarifies Rakatau. "THERE YOU MAY FIND ALLIES WHO CAN GUIDE YOU TOWARD A TRUE END FOR THE CHALICE, SO THE LAND AND SEA SPEAKS TO ME. YOU WILL KNOW THEM, FOR THEY WILL BE CLAD IN GOLD, AND THEY WILL HAVE NEED OF YOU."

"Should you dare it, your path may bring you to the lands of the Dead and the Undersea, the courts of the Fae and the Elements. You may one day stand between the Wavecrest Navy and the pirates of Coral. You may be faced with the might of Bluehaven and the Realm, with the Sun and the Moon at your back." As the Nymph Queen makes these statements - truth or simply hypothesis? - her sapphire gaze meets the eyes of every gathered Alliance member, even the reluctant Zeru. Melusine stands straighter, now, as if expectant of something. "With or without the Chalice, you navigate a storm of shifting alliances and dangerous powers. Truly, it is you who should be helped, not we."

"DO NOT WORRY FOR US NOW, YOUNG KIANA," says Rakatau as gently as one can for a being so massive. "I AM REGAINING MY STRENGTH, AND IN TIME NEW JOKUN WILL ARISE TO REPLACE THOSE WHO WERE LOST."

"And we would help make up for your losses, as well," pronounces Queen Sylpheel.

She touches Melusine's back, signaling her to speak. The blind nymph takes a tentative step forward, then a more decisive one.

"I would accompany you," Melusine declares, her voice surprisingly strong despite the nightmare the Chalice put her through. "Ten of my sisters and myself, as representatives of the Queen."

"FIFTEEN JOKUN WILL GO WITH THEM, INCLUDING THE FIVE WITH KIANA," adds Rakatau with a stirring of pride in his voice. "THEY WILL RIDE THE YOUNG ISLAND, MY CHILD IN SPIRIT. WILL YOU TAKE THEM WITH YOU, AS OUR PART OF YOUR ALLIANCE?" It is ultimately Lasuri's decision, of course, but Rakatau scans every one of them for dissent or doubt.

"Jadira's pretty much spot-on with that. I'm a bit iffy about the circumstances, but as long as we have this Chalice with us, things are going to be kinda tense and sometimes downright dangerous with us. So... That has to take priority, I'm afraid. But you're a member of the Alliance just like anyone else, Mister Kareth, so your wishes will be addressed when we're done with this. That's the least we could do for your loyal services."

When Melusine speaks, Lasuri nods to her, but he does not have the expression of one who will bow down to such difficult occurrences. "My Queen - we're not a group that has much influence in the West, as the dealing with Captain Fairwind probably taught you. We don't have that many people backing us up, just those you see here. We don't have much resources outside of what we can make while out seafaring, and what we can gain through our wits and hard work. All we have is our will and our word. Now when we said to Rakatau we were going to help get rid of this damnable Chalice, we all meant every word we said - and we're not willing to back down until we've seen our whole promise through. It's going to be dangerous and hard... But that's pretty much our bread and butter, it seems." A soft smile lights up the Captain's face, but it is tinged with a hint of shadows - perhaps at the thought of those who lost their lives for these ideals.

As for Rakatau's proposition, Lasuri nods and folds his arm across his chest, leaning back slightly while a smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. "If you or any of your servants and comrades want to join the Alliance, they're more than welcome, Mighty Rakatau. Anyone wanting to join in and share these dreams and ideas with us is welcome to come along, if they want to share in the work. But as for whether or not they can be the crew on that stone ship... I can't respond to that. It's not my ship." The captain's smile widens, and he turns towards Kiana before returning his gaze to Rakatau.

"That's your child in spirit, and you're doing us a great favor by having this ship join the Alliance. But someone's got to Captain it, and I can't do it. I've already said to Miss White-Fist that she was responsible for that ship, and that still stands if you and her are willing to maintain that. And if you are, then it's up to Captain White-Fist to see who she wants in her crew."

"Worry not, if the new Captain gets picky I'll be more than happy to find another spot for your loyal and devoted Jokun." Lasuri finally says, turning to Kiana with a teasing smile.

Though it had not happened much thus far in her career within the Cobalt Alliance, Kiana found her face turning a deep and flushed crimson.  She had not expected to be presented with the opportunity to be Captain once more--she had, in fact, convinced herself that it was simply a required part of the melee, a careful use of resources.  She had not even allowed herself the fantasy that it would be a permanent fixture.  Captain White-Fist?  It wasn't even logical.  She had no real seafaring experience, and had only been part of the Cobalt Alliance for a short time, relatively speaking...but it was true that she believed in it with every fiber of her being, and would do everything in her power to see these people succeed in their (and HER) endeavors--and perhaps that was one of the contributing factors to Lasuri's decision.

"I..." She stammered, blushing fiercely still as she tried to gather herself.  Being told to take command during battle was one thing.  This was something else altogether.  "It would be the greatest honor imaginable." She said and she gave a low bow to both Lasuri and Rakatau.  She turned to look at the Jokun behind her, her 'Honor Guard', perhaps to see what their reaction to this new post would suddenly entail--but seeing as those five had insisted on following her to the Dryad, she had a fair inkling at what their disposition might be, and it only caused her blush to run deeper.  "We will happily take you into the Alliance, Melusine, and your people as well, if...you would accept me as your Captain." She gave a soft, but certain smile as she rose from her bow.  Captain White-Fist.  Under her dress, her breastplate practically glowed with pride as her Father's heart soared for his child.

Melusine listens solemnly to the reply from Lasuri, then Kiana, turning her head toward each in turn. Her blindness is a strange one, as a spirit ought to be able to form a new shape with eyes regenerated, given time and Essence. Yet the way she moves and gestures, depending more securely on her sense of hearing and touch, seems to indicate quite strongly that she is truly blinded and it is something so ingrained that even her supernatural senses are bereft of sight.

"Thank you, your hearts are both kind and noble. Though I am blind in body and spirit, I can still serve a purpose in your Alliance, if only as a spiritual leader of my sisters." Melusine's expression is hard to read without eyes to gauge it by, but she touches a hand to her heart and bows her shoulders slightly - a mix of thankfulness, of relief and sorrow, and then, when she lifts her chin again, determination. "The demon-chalice scoured my mind and tainted my spirit. Knowing what I have seen, what it can do," and here she gives a violent shudder, "I won't stand by while others do the work of ridding it from the world. I would trade my sight away forever if that would see it destroyed."

Then her face points toward Kiana, or at least the direction she last heard her voice. "I do not know you well yet, Kiana White-Fist, but I believe you would do a splendid job. And I already know the jokun will follow you to the ends of the Earth." Behind her the jokun murmur solemnly in assent.

"Then it is settled," says Queen Sylpheel with great satisfaction. "So long as as Melusine is with you, my heart goes with you as well." She steps up to Melusine and embraces her, before gesturing a pair of nymphs to guide her beloved sister. Eight more nymphs and ten jokun join Melusine to assemble alongside the Cobalt Alliance members.

"And Captain Leomaris, will and word are the best any being can give without turning to outside sources of power and motivation. Danaa'd has blessed you at least in part because you accept power with humility, responsibility with honest determination, and react to changing situations in unconventional but no less effective ways. You may not believe it now, but in time, the Alliance may be the saviors of all the West." The Nymph Queen gestures to the group of mortal, Exalts and now Elementals gathered before her, her small smile a mysterious one. "That all depends, of course, on all of you."

"Excellent," says Captain Hirdu, smoothing down his oiled mustache. With Fairwind gone and the Falchion preparing to sail, he looks happy as a clam! "Now when do we get started?"

Great Rakatau rumbles approvingly, apparently also quite pleased by the proceedings. "YOU MAY LEAVE AT YOUR LEISURE. THOUGH YOUR JOURNEY TO THE CITY OF FLOWERS WILL BE A LONG ONE, SO YOU MAY WISH TO LEAVE SOONER THAN LATER. WE DO NOT HAVE MANY SUPPLIES HERE THAT WOULD SUSTAIN HUMANS, SO MOVING TO A PORT FOR SUCH NEEDS WOULD BE IDEAL TO YOU." Underfoot, the still-unnamed island ship quakes with a small thrill of excitement, eager to be away and see the world as promised.

"HOWEVER, SO LONG AS YOU REMAIN HERE, YOU ARE IN A SANCTUARY OF CALM. NO STORMS WILL TROUBLE YOU IN MY DOMAIN, AND THE FULL MIGHT OF MY JOKUN AND QUEEN SYLPHEEL'S NYMPHS WILL AID AND DEFEND YOU IF NEED BE."

"Please let us know if there is anything else you need," Queen Sylpheel adds graciously. Though she is addressing everyone, her eyes rest on Tageru, then Zeru, who have been mostly silent throughout the entire exchange.

---

OOC: I will be starting the mini threads shortly so you can go to those if applicable. I'll also leave this scene open for any last comments and then push onward with a time skip.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:10, Mon 05 Oct 2009.

Jadira addresses Melusine and the others joining the Alliance's side. She smiles at the blind nymph, knowing she cannot see it, but hoping she can at least somehow feel the sentiment. "Welcome to the Alliance, Melusine, and all of you. And the island ship, too. I have to say this is the first time I've ever had to welcome elementals to our team, so I'm not sure if there's any special etiquette. Spiritual matters were never my forte. But believe me when I say I'm glad to have you aboard."

"I'm not sure what sort of needs or preparations an island ship would have, but that is for Captain Kiana to find out, now isn't it." The brunette nods proudly at Kiana, remembering how meek the younger woman seemed at first, when she first joined the Alliance. "I ought to return to the Dryad to check on the patients, and see about whether we've got enough healthy bodies to set sail. Tageru, we'll probably need more help with the Satchel, if you don't mind."

She glances sympathetically at Zeru. "It's like Kiana said, Antov is going to be just fine. He's under the best care he can get in these waters."

"With your leave..." Jadira bows to Queen Sylpheel and Rakatau, and gives Lasuri's arm a gentle squeeze before heading toward the gangplank of the Dryad, her mind churning with all the preparations that need doing.

Tageru, who had been silent for most of the morning looks at Jadira, and bows his head. "Of course. The Satchel belongs to the Alliance, and I am merely its' carrier. If there's anything at all I could do, tell me, whether it's using it to heal others or giving it to you or someone else to help. The only thing is:
In it is a hearthstone that belonged to my grandmother, and I got the rights to it when I Exalted. I can certainly borrow it if you need it to power the Artifact, but I cannot part with it permanently. It is a family heirloom, and it belonged to my family for generations, since before the Contagion." he says taking out the small glowing gem to show it to the others.
"As for what I want, there are some things I would want to do in An-Teng, but since we're going there anyway, then I am happy with our present situation. I will spend the time in meditation and practice." Tageru says very formally, and then looks over to Kareth.
"I have a few questions for you, but we can talk later. If there's one thing these past few years I've spent in the West have taught me it's that sea travel is long and boring for the most part. There's plenty of time for that..."