"Fair enough," Jadira replies to Aranita with a warm smile. She allows Kiana to field the question about nymphs -- after all, they are part of her crew now.

The Dryad's first mate catches part of the conversation about the Libram, and listens curiously. "I remember Captain Hirdu mentioning that particular artifact, Treon. So no one else among you was curious enough to crack it open and read through it?" She includes Darel, Hera, even Tethia in that particular question. Anyone on the Hammerhead who may have had the expertise to understand the book. "Were you were waiting till you brought it here? Which would be kind of you, by the way, sharing the surprise with the rest of us. Or is the book dangerous, the way the Chalice is? Lasuri's endured three months of travel with that thing trying to poison his mind. If not for the ring that he received in the Seven-Day Island, he might be certifiably mad by now." She squeezes Lasuri's arm sympathetically.

"If the Libram's about artifice, maybe Kareth would be the ideal person to interpret what is written there... if you want to read it, and not just destroy it," Jadira finally suggests. "I've studied sorcery and other supernatural subjects, but crafting is sadly beyond me."

Kareth nods and says "I will be happy to examine the book to see what I may learn.  I fear I know little about it other than Captain Hirdu's explanation that people seemed to think it contained secrets for building ships similar to Skullstone's.  Do you have the half-Libram here or is it still on the Hammerhead?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:58, Wed 04 Nov 2009.

Kiana was a bit surprised by the question, though certainly not upset.  She gave Aranita a patient smile and gave a small shake of her head.  "No Miss Aranita, that is certainly a good summation of what is commonly thought of Water Nymphs, but that is not accurate of my crew in the least.  The Elementals that travel with the Alliance are a unique breed, in the Water Nymphs at least.  Rakatau saw to their every need, so they are not practiced in the art of seducing mortal men, though I'm sure they have a craving now and again."  He amended slightly.  Even Elementals had vices, after all.  "They are hardly stereotypical in any way, however, and you can be very sure of their allegiance and good intentions toward the Alliance and her people, male or otherwise."

"I am interested in seeing both vessels or all of the vessels or places. So I will go with everyone and then join Aranita if there is time. I would also like to know more of these Water Nymphs, these ones here and of the ones more common ones that seem to terrorize the outside. We have nothing like that in Home, not since Nan defeated Fiery Home Held Contained and freed us from his tyranny."

Aranita listens respectfully to Kiana, her expression still vaguely doubtful, but it's clear she wants to believe the young woman recently made Captain. "They sound very different from the stories my father told. But if they are with your Alliance and have not harmed your men, I think they must be good elementals." She edges a little closer to the Earth Aspect, allowing herself a small, shy smile. "Please allow me to accompany the tour on the Akihiro, then. I'll be on my best behavior."

Curious as ever, Aranita's questions toward Kiana continue as the group visiting the island ship starts to gather. "I'm intrigued to meet so many women who travel the sea. Are the women of the Alliance all Chosen of the Dragons or are there passengers like me, or Tya sailing with the men??"

Tethia doesn't look particularly interested in coming along, though she gazes at Akihiro and its elemental crew from the Dryad's railing, scrutinizing them from afar. "If you don't mind, Captain Treon, I'll stay where I am for now. I would like to be here to find out what Kareth reveals from the Libram." Just as likely that she wants some time alone (or as alone as one can be on a ship). Socialization has never been the Water Aspect's strong suit. Jadira at least can find something in common with her... IF what she wants to talk about is ranged weapon tactics.

---

OOC: In case anyone's forgotten, Nkiru is the westernmost island of the Wavecrest Archipelago. The general belief of Wavecrest is that women should remain on land and only men or Tya (women who are treated as part of the male gender, who render themselves sterile and mark themselves with distinctive tattoos) should be sailors. The only exception to this are female Exalts, whom Wavecrest people assume can sail without being Tya, though it may still make them uncomfortable.

Unless requested otherwise, I will wait at most a day, then summarize the ship tour(s) and fast forward things by Wednesday!
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:36, Tue 03 Nov 2009.

Jadira smiles at Hera as well. Listening to the blond woman, she gets the impression the place Hera calls 'Home' is even more isolated than Aranita's Nkiru. "Our invitation remains, you and Aranita can return to see the Dryad whenever is convenient for you. We've still got several days yet before we reach shore, so there's plenty of time."

"If you're up to new experiences, there's a lot to see at our next destination, An-Teng... though there's also some things you might want to avoid. We can talk about that later," the Wood Aspect offers kindly.

[Private to Hera: Are you wearing orichalcum in any obvious way right now?]

The pale golden haired woman smiles, "Wonderful, I do look forwards to it. I am always up for new experiences. It is the will of Nan for me to see all I can so I can relay that to him."


[Private to Jadira Thornbloom: Yes. Lashed to her belt are a set of fine chain orichalcum gloves (Smashfists) and on her arms are two orichalcum bracers set with a hearthstone.]

"Any and all of you are welcomed to tour Akihiro.  He is a gentle and honorable spirit, and will be just as honored as I am to demonstrate the majesty that the Alliance has been blessed with."  Kiana said with a warm smile, her eyes looking to everyone who has expressed interested in touring Akihiro, though her eyes are drawn back to the ever-young Aranita, whom Kiana feels is looking for a bit more familiar ground here on the high seas.

"Do not worry Miss Aranita, I am not offended by your caution.  When confronted with something new, caution is a very proper way to react.  But I can assure you, the Nymphs that make up my crew are certainly the exceptions to what you and your father may have heard." Kiana did not shy away from the girl when she edged closer--instead she seemed to warm a little more, perhaps honored that the girl would try to open up to her.  Kiana knew what it was like to be shy and awkward in such a new situation.

"To my knowledge, the majority of women who current travel with the Alliance are of Dragon Blood, but that is certainly not a requirement.  Captain Zeru's own first mate, Cinna, is not Dragonborn, but she is just as much a part of the Alliance as Jadira or myself.  Everyone is welcome to join us, Elemental, Exalt, Mortal...whoever is in need, and agrees with our tenants, we will not turn away."  She knew well the code the Alliance now, our new Captain, in much part due to her time spent with Lasuri.  Much of the man's passion for the Alliance and their cause had been imprinted onto her, and there was no finer a home for that drive and passion than Kiana's heart.

Seeing as he was responsible for keeping the boats in repair, Kareth had long since familiarized himself with each vessel.  He was also aquainted with Akihiro as he had trained with Kiana over the past several months.  The engineer had planned on studying the Libram while the others toured, but he furrowed his brow at the mention of the new Water Aspect staying with him.  If Tethia wanted to stay and learn what he discovered from the Libram, then she might know enough of crafting to make her both useful and dangerous to him.  "Miss Tethia, if you don't mind me asking, do you have much knowledge in matters of artifice?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:11, Wed 04 Nov 2009.

Aranita smiles, genuinely happy that Kiana is so patient with her. "The Alliance sounds truly wonderful. Maybe I would like to meet this lady Cinna later on. But it amazes me the storm mothers and nymphs don't get angry and destroy your ships! Women sailors that aren't Tya are supposed to be bad luck, but it looks like your ships are all doing very well." An odd expression crosses the island girl's face, as the slow realization comes to mind that not everything her father and elders said were completely true. Whether by exception, or because they had a reason to hide the truth, they could be wrong!

Tethia frowns at Kareth's question, but answers it without complaint, meeting the Fire Aspect's eyes plainly. "Not particularly, besides what little I have learned to make my own arrows. I am more interested to know what it is we risked our lives diving into the deep ones' domain to get. And why Megara seemed to be very concerned about the book falling into the wrong hands. I do not like to do anything without just cause, so knowing the contents of the book would relieve my curiosity."

"Does that answer satisfy you?" [Private to Isole Kareth: I'd say that it's Tethia having a high Investigation score that's making her curious, not a Craft score. Though as stated she does know a small amount of Craft, probably Wood and Water, and pretty much amateur level compared to you.]

Kareth simply nods as both relief and disappointment wash over him.  Relief that the girl was not yet another person he had to be careful around and disappointment that she would not be of more assistance on future projects.

"It's here," Treon says, reaching into the satchel and producing an impressive looking tome.  Or at least, half of one.  This he hands to Kareth.  "The Libram."

"Of course, Tethia," he says with a nod to her.  "You may stay or go as you will."   Aranita gets a smile, an encouraging smile, for deciding to stay on the Hammerhead, for deciding to go and visit the Akihiro and for her questions of Kiana.  "You will be welcome to stay onboard as long as you wish," he offers additional reassurance.

Darel looked at the tome with a mixture of reverence and sadness. "While I have not been trained in the ancient artifices, I will be glad to lend my magical expertise if it is required."

Island Ship Akihiro - Tour

Akihiro, son of Rakatau, is anything but an ordinary sailing ship. As he entirely lacks sails (being a large earth elemental, rather than a true ship) Kiana explains that he swims to keep up with the crew, much like a tortoise would. The part of Akihiro most analogous to the 'deck' is actually the living island's back, which has grown flat at the top with natural 'rails' around the edges made of earthen ridges to make it safe for passengers to stand on.

Here, several of the jokun and nymphs are lounging in their usual way, which more often than not involves singing or trading tales. These elementals are rarely silent, though of course they keep to quieter amusements when Kiana is sleeping. The jokun like to polish weapons or gemstones, groom one another by extracting plant life, insects or small crustaceans from their earthen skin. The nymphs might braid or style one another's hair, weave cloth or other items from the improbable medium of water, or spend time admiring themselves in the polished shells they use for mirrors.

All of them bow their heads when introduced, and just like Kiana said, are the most well-behaved elementals Aranita has likely ever met. Akuj and Calliope are the unofficial leaders of the jokun and nymphs on board, naming their colleagues one by one. Gral, Solum, Tarsk, Urdu, Norn, Oruk, Vord, Brun and a handful of others comprise the stalwart jokun. Among the nymphs with Calliope are Amathera, Delphina, Precia, Sianessa, Rosamonde, Lysandra, Halcyone, Tallulah, and Nadine. [Private to Kiana White-Fist: I named more of 'em!]

The stranger part about Akihiro is not the exterior of the island ship, but the interior, which can only be accessed through Akihiro's mouth. For the jokun, used to navigating complex rock formations, and the nymphs, who simply dive into the water and swim to the mouth opening, this is easy and even commonplace. For the humans among them, though, it takes some getting used to. Akihiro (with the help of the jokun) has gradually been shaping a convenient staircase leading toward the mouth opening, but for now a rope ladder is extended down from the top of Akihiro's head to his jaw for those with less climbing or swimming skill.

Once the visitors get past the novelty and possible discomfort of stepping into an elemental's mouth, the interior of Akihiro lays before them: a series of caves lit by luminescent fungi that have been adapted into rooms for both function and comfort. Unlike Akihiro's 'father', though, the scale is much smaller, more like the size of a merchant ship, and what water finds its way within is diverted into earthen channels or ducts so that the majority of the floor stays dry. The central chamber is Akihiro's heart room, a crystalline chamber kept clean and empty but for a large, throbbing egg of living crystal embedded into a thick central pillar. Rather than pumping blood, the vessels of this 'heart' pump glittering sand, giving off a sibilant hiss between heartbeats.

Several caverns are used as storage areas and armories, but one of the larger chambers has been appropriated for use as a dojo, another as a meeting room with stone tables and chairs. Kiana has her own Captain's cabin as well, and her own private bedroom and dining area, again with mostly stone-based furniture plus hand-me-downs brought in from the Dryad The elementals don't at all seem concerned with their own privacy, nor do they need the sort of comforts and nourishment humans do, so plenty of rooms remain unused.

Spring Dryad II - Tour

While Kareth preoccupies himself with absorbing the knowledge in the Libram of Adamant Artifice, Lasuri and Jadira prepare a tour on the Dryad for Hera and Aranita when they return. [Private to Isole Kareth: I'll be PMing you the OOC details I've been writing out about the Libram.]

The Spring Dryad II is named for the ship of the same name that Lasuri explains was destroyed in an unfortunate accident. The spirit of the ship lives on in its successor, which was found wrecked and neglected, but not so much it was rendered useless. 'Wrecked' by the standards of First Age construction is still better than most of what the Second Age can produce, after all. But that does not change that the Dryad is still currently damaged, its paddlewheels incapable of attaining maximum speed for more than a short burst of time.

That aside, she is still a fabulous vessel, her superior hull made of a lightweight blend of specially treated wood and organic crystal that shimmers in azure, purples and hints of gold when struck by the sun. She's more compact than most merchant vessels, with but a single retractable mast, but carries an array of five weapons -- a pair each of ballistae and catapults, and a large, rather formidable looking artifact cannon lashed and mounted to the foredeck. The deck itself is less crystalline and more of the water-tight wood, still plenty sturdy enough to weather tempestuous storms and enemy cannon barrages alike. The last most prominent feature of the ship is the figurehead on the prow, carved into the shape of a lady with flowing hair clad in flowering vines, her hand held outward as if blowing a kiss into the wind.

Once Hera and Aranita have seen enough of the exterior, they are guided to a tour of the Dryad's interior facilities. The bridge consists of the pilot's room and the navigation room, windowed on all sides with glass as hard as steel, where a detailed map of the West has been spread out with pins marking locations of importance. The quarterdeck holds the dining area and accomodations for the ships' officers, with the large cabin at the stern shared by the Captain and First Mate. Below deck is where the galley, the sick bay, the armory, and the common crew quarters can be found, and below that the cargo holds and the bilge.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:22, Fri 06 Nov 2009.

2nd Day of Resplendent Earth, RY 768
Location - Cobalt Alliance Fleet, ~1 week NW of An-Teng
Time - Early evening
Weather - Clear sky, light breeze

At the end of the tour, Lasuri and Jadira bring Hera and Aranita back to the main deck of the Dryad, and the other members of the Cobalt Alliance reconvene.

The sun is low in the horizon, and the hue of the sky deepens as the day winds toward evening. Donnegal at the helm directs the men on evening duty, while the rest busy themselves with chores, cooking or friendly card games in the galley. Though normally they are known to be jovial and energetic, there are sometimes awkward silences between them, as if they wait for voices that never come. Even the Dryad herself creaks mournfully as dusk approaches, an evening ode for the departed.

Given the latest series of inter-ship visits, the Alliance fleet has not made very much progress toward An-Teng today. The general consensus is that they will resume full speed the following morning, though some may feel uncomfortable remaining still in the water for so long. Fortunately, the evening is quiet, the weather fair, and no strange curses fall upon the superstitious.

Those who would retire to their own ships can do so, though others may wish to linger to see what Kareth has discovered from the half-Libram retrieved by the Hammerhead.

---

OOC: Moving on, then. Please specify IC whether you'll stay aboard the Dryad for the time being or return to another ship. Also, if you're on deck and attentive of your surroundings, roll Perception+Awareness.

Once Kareth received the Libram, he took his leave and retired to his quarters to study this half of the book.  His excitement grew as he studied the tome.  This was demonstrated by the twitching at the ends of his mouth which could be the beginnings of an attempt at a smile, a facial feature that the brooding engineer never showed without at least of hint of sarcasim being involved.  For the moment, his curiosity about the Libram had even surpassed his curiosity about the young half-caste now in their midst.

The engineer taking his studies to his quarters had little to do with keeping the others from seeing him work and more to do with staying out of the way of the day to day business of the ship.  As such, anyone who came to him to query about the progress of his study was met with only the usual amount of cold annoyance and not any outright hostility.

At the end of his studies, Kareth decides to make a report to the officers of the Alliance.  The slight tinge of excitement in his voice could not be hidden.

"The Libram appears to be an instruction manual.  This half gives me designs for a variety of artifacts of first age quality.  It contains a great deal of knowledge about artifice, lore, and occult and anyone who reads can use it to raise their abilities in those areas.  I can even find blueprints for the class of ship the Dryad belongs to, Captain Leomaris.  There is more, as well.  It gives clues to the location of several first age workshops, including, the one the Alliance has already found."

At this Kareth become more somber and looked to the officers in attendance of his revelation.  "I know for a fact that Lookshy would be interested in the Libram.  According to Captain Hirdu, their last expedition, the one with my mother, ran afoul in Skullstone so we can only assume that they have some sort of connection with it as well.  Furthermore, Lady Megara was from the Realm.  We know of at least three powers who would want this book.  Pragmatically speaking, we are only a few ships strong.  I recommend that we both regulate access to the Libram and try to not let people know we are in possession of it.  Loose lips sink fleets.  This is, of course, only my opinion and it is up to you, as the officers."

In the chill of the evening, Lasuri stands, visibly unperturbed by the cold. His coat and hair dance lightly in the breeze, his gloved hands reaching for his face once in a while to brush away a loose strand of dark blue curls. His expression is solemn, yet hopeful - the face of a man who has seen a heavy burden lifted from him, and yet one who realizes the price that was paid for it.

"Excellent work on decoding that book, Mister Kareth." Lasuri nods to the engineer, obviously very pleased with the progress he speaks of. Despite the overall heavier, darker mood of the crew, Kareth can see that since the Cache Egg has been created and the Chalice was banished to Elsewhere, the Captain seems much more alert and rested. Seeing him now, it becomes evident that the time he spent with the Chalice in his possession must have eroded him in ways he would not dare mention in front of the rest of the Alliance, bearing this burden silently until Kareth provided him with a solution.

For now, the Captain listens to Kareth's explanations, his expression darkening when the implications about the dangers the Libram's possession presents and nodding his agreement of the engineer's assessment. "Yeah, you're right, Mister Kareth. That's certainly something to consider. We'll contain access to that information and keep it as secretive as we can. You should speak of that to Captain Fireblade, since he's the one that found the Libram, but I'm thinking you should be the one to safeguard it."

"In fact... I'm thinking of giving you a rank reflecting those responsibilities, Mister Kareth." The Captain's expression shifts to seriousness, and he gazes off in the distance as he speaks the next. "When I was younger, I was handling that sort of work with my group - you know, being the paranoid one, keeping them safe from possible hidden threats and thinking of ways to keep them safe from less evident dangers. Now, with the Alliance expanding, I'm finding myself being less and less able to devote the necessary time to think of everything, since I have to split my attention between many things and many ships. So I have to delegate."

"You have a good head for these things, Mister Kareth. Your training and mindset make you predisposed to it. You've been key in helping with safeguarding and containing the Chalice when we got it in our hands, and your points concerning the Libram are similarly well-thought of. So here's my pitch here - if you'd be so inclined, I'd make you Chief of Intelligence Security for the Alliance. Your counsel seems to indicate you've been thinking along those lines all along, but I'm thinking of making the responsibility official."

[Private to GM: 18:10, Today: Lasuri Leomaris rolled 2 successes using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 5,1,9,8,5,6. Per + Awareness. ]
This message was last edited by the player at 02:39, Sat 07 Nov 2009.

Unlike Lasuri, Jadira has her coat buttoned up to the neck again to protect against the chill. The breeze ripples through her wavy brown hair, braided to keep it out of her face. She gazes out from the deck railing, but only briefly, seeing nothing of note. Just the wide blue sea, and the setting sun's rays glittering across the waves.

Though happy for Lasuri's recent freedom from the Chalice, Jadira's expression soon grows pensive and serious. Kareth's report on the Chalice gives plenty to consider. Still, she doesn't react immediately, letting the Dryad captain be the first to speak his mind. Some of what he says, they had already discussed in private, though she wonders whether Kareth would want to accept such a role on top of his work as an engineer.

"I definitely think Treon, Darel and Hera should have the final say about who watches the Libram," the Wood Aspect interjects after Lasuri gives his pitch, but before Kareth can answer. "Though, speaking of security, I agree that we should keep the book, and the fact that we possess it, hidden safely. Eventually, I think that we will have to consider both stepping up recruitment and allying with other groups, such as the Tya or the Emissaries." She names two that she thinks the Cobalt Alliance would have a chance with, but those are by no means the only choices. "Knowing what sort of knowledge and power we're sitting on right now... well, it's not something I think we can hide forever."

"The Chalice, I think we all agree needs to be destroyed. What of the Libram? What will we do with that knowledge if we keep it to ourselves? And should we refuse everyone but our own organization the possibilities that lie in that book? Our role in the future may well be to decide how the technology of old should be used. And I would hope that we can be good role models, a people above and beyond using power for personal gain or political superiority."

Darel listened to Leomaris and Jadira's words with grave attention. The Emissary of Perfect Waters scanned those present, and his eyes came on the Libram in Kareth's care. "I will echo the Lady Thornbloom's suggestion of alliance. While I am of the Emissaries, we are a loose association whose convergent interests and goals include the safeguard of the West's independence. I cannot yet speak on behalf of all of our 'organization', and my participation in the Cobalt Alliance is currently a strictly personal commitment.

Regarding the Libram's safekeeping, I am averse to the idea of keeping it on the seas - it should be taken to a safe location as soon as possible. Immediately following our stay in An-Teng, I would say. Because I doubt that it will remain a secret for long - not with a whole crew of Realm sailors who know its recent whereabouts."

He cleared his throat. "Regarding the sharing of the knowledge contained therein, I must say that I am favorable to negociations with the Emissaries - some of us have the occult knowledge and resources to put it to good uses against the Lintha, Fair Folk, and other enemies of the Western people. I shall abstain from divulging it should the sharing be decided against, but I am clear on my preferences in this matter."

[Private to GM: [OOC: Totally forgot if we were on the deck or not, but here comes: 01:14, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 3 successes using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 10,1,2,1,9,2. Perception+Awareness.]]
This message was last edited by the player at 23:50, Tue 10 Nov 2009.

True to form expected of an Earth Aspect, Kiana was calm and quiet as she listened to Kareth explain what the Libram held.  The Earth Princess had been fairly well educated during her time on the Crimon Isles, and it was with above average understanding that she soaked in Kareth's words, as well as his concerns and his ideas.  Unlike many on the deck of the Dryad, Kiana wore little in the way of warm clothing--just the earthen red dress that she had been wearing when welcoming the remaining half of the Alliance.  One would think that someone so small as Kiana would be freezing out in the chilly wind with just a bit of a dress.  It took much more than a chilly night to make Captain White-Fist uncomfortable, however.

After Kareth finished, Kiana gave her impressions of what it all meant--waiting her turn to speak, of course.  "Without going into detail over who specifically should watch over the Libram, I find the idea of not keeping it at sea disagreeable."  She said, leaning against the railing as she observed the others, her voice calm and sure, her slate-blue eyes spanning across and making eye contact with nearly everyone there as she spoke, lingering on those she knew more intimately than others.  "The only harbor that the Alliance calls truly safe is Sorrow's Veil, and that is a journey unto itself.  And even if we could safely deposit the Libram there, it would not do to leave it unprotected.  I believe the best course of action, regardless who who attends to the book, is to keep it with the Alliance fleet at all times.  The better for us to protect it, and its secrets."

With that said, Kiana went on to add to the strategic value of the book.

"Using technology as a token of esteem is an age-old tactic, and one that is proven to win friends and allies both.  It is a careful path to tread, however, and something we should not consider lightly.  The wonders of the First Age are called such for a reason--having access to these blueprints and other designs gives us a significant advantage however we decided to distribute or harness them.  Once we share such information with one party, it becomes available to others, after all, for trading further still.  We should be careful who we offer such things, lest we find our gifts used against us later down the line."

Zeru did not have much to say during the reunions, he did not know the others very well and his mind was occupied with thoughts of what was to come. And so he excused himself as the tours were granted and moved back to the Marlena. He practices his flute on the deck and watches the ocean, enjoying the small break. The warm and mellow notes carry in the calm breeze making it to, hopefully, both the spirit ship and the dryad as well.

[Private to Storyteller: 19:16, Today: Peleps Zeru rolled 2 successes using 4d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 10,5,2,1. (Perception+Awareness).
19:15, Today: Peleps Zeru rolled 4 successes using 9d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 2,4,7,9,4,4,10,1,2. Performance Flute. ]

"I, too, vote for keeping it at sea," Treon says, after some consideration.  "For a number of reasons.  It was entrusted to us as the Cobalt Alliance, not to anyone else.  Until we can give it to a true ally, I do not think it should leave us.  As you noted, Darel, you cannot speak for all the members of your organisation.  I don't think the Libram should be given to people for whom that is true."

"I also agree with Kiana's point.  It will be far easier to protect here on the sea, surrounded by the officers and crew of the Alliance than languishing in some hidden place on shore.  I think it is better the Libram remain on the Dryad, or perhaps on the Akihiro.  They are both sturdier vessels than Hammerhead and with larger crews.  Her sentiments about the use of such designs mirrors my own."

"With respect to your feelings about keeping it secret within the Alliance," he nodded toward Kareth.  "I am not sure how practical that is.  The crew of the Hammerhead certainly have an idea of what it is about, if not the full scope of it.  I had to explain why we would return to the Pelagials redoubt than sail away immediately.  While I can impress upon them it is something they should not share, they are likely to do so with people they trust--other members of the Alliance--sooner or later.  The Alliance is, I am thankful to say, not the kind of organisation which fosters the attitude which would prevent this.  I think a revelation on our own terms, not one which just happens, is better for keeping the information within the Alliance."

On the Black Marlena

The flute music flows soothingly, pleasing Marlena. The performance drifts faintly toward the other ships, carried there by the evening breeze. Zeru is becoming quite competent with the flute, enough that crewmen from other ships look up and pause for a moment when the melody reaches their ears.

Melusine is proud of the instruction she has given Zeru, and sits nearby to harmonize with his flute playing with her beautiful voice. Brogan and Curran, Cinna and Sunden, and even Antov (long since recovered from his wounds, and better than ever!) come up to the deck to listen. Phantasmal black feathers drift down around the two performers.

At one point, Melusine falters in her singing, suddenly standing alert. Her face turns toward the south. "I hear something... strange... the waves tell of a dark tide coming."

On the Spring Dryad II

Loukan Hirdu, Captain of the Hirdu's Ambition, has opted to come aboard this time. He is obviously Southern, with dark hair and a mustache greased at the edges, sporting a pot belly despite his strong upper body.

Hirdu's initial reaction to Kareth's report is completely at odds with Treon's desire for a planned revelation. "By the forge gods of Fire Mountain, I never thought you'd actually find the Libram! Or even half of it!" he crows loudly, pacing back and forth while the other Alliance members give their opinions and points of view about the Libram, the responsibility it represents, and where or how it should be guarded.

By the time another opportunity comes for him to speak he's calmed enough to quiet down... somewhat. "This discovery is an incredible advancement for the Alliance!" the rotund captain says in a dramatically hushed voice. "We could train a competent crafting and repair team, restore the Dryad to her former glory, upgrade our mundane AND artifact equipment... and we have to keep it to ourselves? Such a shame. Damn politics to Malfeas, if you ask me!"

Aranita is more or less lost in terms of understanding the significance of the conversation, though she hides a giggle at Hirdu's almost comical excitement. Tethia, on the other hand, is her usual distant, standoffish self, distracted by something off the starboard bow. Kiana and Darel glance in that direction and notice something as well... [Private to Darel Arwan: You've just barely glimpsed the shape of a ship coming toward the Alliance fleet from the south. From this distance you aren't sure yet what kind of ship it is, or whether it may be accompanied by others. However the ship does appear somewhat larger than the Hammerhead, and bears black sails. It's still pretty far off, so the Alliance has time to react.]

[Private to Darel Arwan; Hera: BTW, have either or both of you decided which of the Alliance ships you'll stay with?]
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:13, Sun 08 Nov 2009.

Jadira smiles wryly at Hirdu's expected reaction. Keeping it silent, indeed... She doesn't expect that to last very long, at least among the Alliance ships. Outside it, now that would have to be controlled.

"I think for now we'll have to keep the Libram with us, in any case," she points out. "Sorrow's Veil is north from Wavecrest, we're many hundreds of miles away from there now. And I wouldn't trust keeping it in An-Teng either -- though I've a Manse there, it's not nearly as secure as it ought to be."

"We'll need to make an announcement to all our crew members before we get to An-Teng, to warn them about keeping the book secret, and other things." Her gaze flicks over to Hera, or more importantly, the orichalcum she wears.

"I don't think anyone is suggesting we give the Libram away, though," she says, addressing Treon's earlier words to Darel. "More like selective pieces of the knowledge within, as bargaining chips. In any case, while Darel is not the leader of the Emissaries, he certainly has some weight in the organization, and their cause to create a united West is far from threatening to us. When we are done with our business in An-Teng, we ought to consider a meeting with them."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:29, Sun 08 Nov 2009.