Ivy looked at the Kids   the   sickly women  were trying to move the weak bodied  kids....He's not going anywhere.. and he knows it... Once  we  get the  children   out... I supposed you may have a talk with him

 The  slaver sneered,so?.. yer  tryin' ta  act like  heroes.. But ya  have a Cat with ya?

 ..You should see  some of the Folk  we deal with.... you see, My cousin.. he  doesn't give   a damn what you are... it is how your treat those who cannot  fend for themselves....so...in your  case.. you aren't even fit   for the few Goblin tribes  that are allied with us...

............

  On the Deck , Kree  had  slowly  got to his feet.. he watched  the   pale  kids  and women come up on deck...Luthien.. call for   brother  and bread... and clothing....

 he  made a 'stay' gesture,.. sit on the Dec... relax.. we  will get you food  and clothing. we'll set up tent Cloth on the Deck.. you can eat.. and relax.. well have braziers  for heat
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:56, Tue 28 Nov 2017.

Luthien gets everyone situated with what they need. His presence is usually a relief for the rescued, looking like the Knight in Shining Armor everyone dreams of being rescued by come to life.

"Let me know who needs what, I am here for you all."

Food, clothing, broth, all of it.

  Some of the Market {alce  guards  thought it  would be wise to Help and they  took the Body of the leader and  any dead away, and  scrubbed the deck..

 Kree leaned on the railing, as he said tp some of the guards, I want tubs set up, close to the ship  with a tub.. inside a tent...so they can wash up... then settle in to eat  and  sleep on the deck.. Get that tent cloth set up.. leave the hold  open to air out.

  Kree  shakes his head,we will take this ship up river.... sell of the cargo... but keep the ship, incase we need it... if  we do not?  we will sell it  at Mok.

Lafisual heads down and looks for folks that might need healing and helps them.

In reply to Kree's Unit (msg # 223):

Lucy let out another low growl.

"I am no gods damned catfolk!" She snarled.

"I am an elf.  My mother was an elf.  Call me a cat again, and even Ivy won't be able stop me from ripping your throat out." She hissed.

.. the logistics  were a bit  rough, but things got  settle.. Half of the slaves  that were at the Camp.. went into the  cave system.. the  other half stayed to help the  kids.. women helped with the  baths.. and the men helped get them on the ship..already the braziers  were warming up the tent cloth  that was rigged  around the Deck.

  Kree went into the Stern castle, there was small rom for the CAptain. and  a dozen hammocks  for the crew.. Kree looked  through the  captain's things, he found the Manifest and say on the  small bed  and began to read through it.

 Ivy waited in the hold  with Lucy,alright by slaver  friend? Now it comes  to your choice.....You may drop your weapons belt and sword  to the  Deck.. or?... we  will drop you.. and  we can take what we like.

 what manner of fools  are you? None other bothered to waste their  time  on this ship... what make you   so  big nosed?

 ..well?  there isn't  any wagons   out there...so  that  would have meant., that you walked those slaves  at the camp?.... But they did not look too bad off... not compared to the little ones you hid in here..... So?... there is  your Camp... no horses.. no wagons...so?.. it had to be a ship?  but which one? we know snadfolk  won't talk to us  elves , unless  you have  entered out  forest with trade goods... then.. to get our coin, you will gladly speak. But none of   your snad brothers  would have  Given information about your ship...nor  could we just walk aboard.....

 The Slaver looked  at  Ivy, with a sidelong glance to Lucy,... so?  ye start a fight..that turns into a battle.. and by chasing us  down to the boat....

 ... we found out which one, was yours...and? Put the fear of god in the other boats...if they felt like helping you out...now?  Belt?

 The  Man snarled,..TO THE  9 HELLS WITH YOU! He  brought his  sword around from a Slash at Lucy...but the Blade  bit into  a beam and stayed there...

 ..foolish snad crawler .... enjoy yourself... Lucy. I will make certain he does not escape...as if he had  any chance...

......

 Hearing the muffled  words of  a shout... Kree continued to mark items on the  manifest and shook his head  with a dark smile.

In reply to Kree's Unit (msg # 228):

Lucy sprang with catlike speed.  Her left hand ripped the slaver's gut, while the right hand ripped at his face.  As he began to scream, her knee came up to his groin, driving it viciously home.

The man doubled over.  Lucy was about to administer the coup de grace, when she paused.

"Ivy, how about we sell this piece of shit into slavery?" She asked, a very nasty smile on her lips.

"Give him a good taste of the live he would have others endure." She said.

"Now, I know we don't normally engage in such a thing, but wouldn't the irony also send a message?  Sell slavers into slavery." She said with a chuckle.

  ... we can ask Kree?.. we only gave away 3  people since we started  The Black Hunt... that was the Slave Master's  wife and daughters, we gave to the Goblins.. There's a good bet they are ready fed the others to the river..

In reply to Ivyain Nightblade (msg # 230):

Lucy grinned, and slammed her fist into the back of the slaver's head, knocking him out.

Then she bound and gagged him.

"Let's go and ask Kree." She said, with a smile.

She dragged the slaver up the steps, letting him bang against each one.

Then she dumped him on the deck.

She then went to find Captain Kree, and propose her idea.

"Captain, I have an idea, I wanted to run by you.  It will make us some extra gold, and send a message to slavers.  Why don't we sell the survivors into slavery?  Give them the life and misery that they inflicted on others.  Now, I know the Arrows don't deal in slaves, but the irony could send a devious message." She said.

She didn't really expect him to say yes, but hoped he would at least give it some thought.

 The slaver  was  moaning on the deck. Ivy looked into the   room and Called to Kree.

  After a  Moment Kree came out , still holding the Manifest. He looked a bit worse for wear, but still alert as the Night began to claim the lands.

 Upon hearing the  Idea  , he first shook his head no.. then stopped,looking  at the sky,.. the Goblins  we  deal with  are  not near enough for us.. i wil not sell them sels where, because they will, most likely be freed....

 Then he  turned,send the signal to Nara

 Ivy looked  surprised,..Nara?.. her people are far away?

 indeed.... but they may have scouts out.. if not?.. we'll use the fellow  for serpent bait.

 Ivy looked   Unsure, But nodded  and  went off the deck  to a dark place  away from the market and the ships.

 Kree looked at the    fellow who was trying to get up,..there are places  further  down river... where it gets hotter.. the  trees are as big as the  Blacktimber... but made for  growing in the heat...exotic fruits.. and berries.. hard woods,, that are used for everything, from  ships to decorations.... There  the  Black  Folk of what they call..The Jungle..hold sway. If we traveled there.. we could sell this fellow  for a handsome sum. Ane he would   work as hard as the quarry workers in the high peaks.. those  folk have been attacked  and enslaved themselves over  the history of the realms. They take  extra  delight in capturing a slaver.

 ..Still.. he might  find that better, then  meeting Nara's people.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:59, Wed 29 Nov 2017.

In reply to Kree's Unit (msg # 232):

"Captain, no fate is too good for this piece of shit." Lucy hissed.

When the slaver tried to rise, she slapped him in the mouth with open hand, leaving a bit of claw marks.

"Stay down." She commanded.  "Try to get up again, and I will hamstring you.  Then you will good for nothing but sex work." She threatened.

"And there are men who love having sex with other men.  I hear they are very well hung, and just love busting open virgins." She hissed in his ear.

  kree smiled a dark smile...you may understand, once you meet Nara..if you have not met her  already.

 As he says this,  in the Darkness a Reddish  fire arrow shots  into the air... it sparkles and Glows   as it  slowly falls towards the ground.

 ..A special signal arrow... one of Nara's people is a sage, and alchemist.. if she  , or one of her  people appear, they will give us another.... if they do not?.. well.. we have wasted  our  only arrow.

In reply to Kree's Unit (msg # 234):

"Captain Kree, Don't misunderstand me.  I was born into slavery.  I hate everyone or anyone who would dare practice it.  So, believe me, when I say, I will find great pleasure in selling this piece of shit into slavery.  And the more brutal the treatment the better." She said.

She gave the slaver a kick in the ribs, just because.  Not a hard one, but one to cause discomfort.

She grinned when the slaver grimaced in a minor bit of pain.

  Ivy returns to the ship,..You saw the Arrow?... Let us hope  one of them sees it  as well..or  we wasted  an important  safety trick..

 ..well, Good Ivy? Mid of Night is  but 5 hours away... if we do not ehar by then.. they did not see it... or did not wish to take the chance to answer..

 ..how many Slavers  are  still alive?

 ..Counting this one?... 4.. there  are three tied up at thier Camp..

  ..Bring them down.. use  the shackles to bind them all togther.. back to back with   thier hands chained to thie feet. There are  2  kegs of  wine there as well..  bring them aboars the ship.. tell the Merchants they  can have all the left over goods

 Ivy Nods and   asks if anyone wants to help with the slavers.

In reply to Kree's Unit (msg # 236):

Lucy volunteers.

She gives the chain on her "pet" a yank.

"Get up piece of shit." She commands.

When the slaver was slow to respond, she gave him a kick.

She takes him to where Ivy wants to chain the others together.  She takes great pleasure in chaining the slaver's hands to his feet.  He is locked into a position, where his ass is forced into the air.

She gives him a hard slap, making him yelp.

  Kree   carries the manifest with him, ..he stops at Orlin, and gives the fellow a Shake... did that fight take  too much out of you?

 the   woman are feeling better..most of the children are still scared, but  love the feeling of the fresh air and seeing the stars and the  first of the Moons

 Kree looks at the  woman who seems to be in the best shape...Keep the  tent sheets up until it gets to cool.. then lower it to keep warm... you'll see blue skies in the morning.

 Ivy  comes  ans  sits on a small keg near Orlin and looks over the fellow as he says , quietly, to Kree,..what if  Nara cannot come.. what if one of ....the others...come... you are not their favorite person...

 Kree chuckles,..i am very few...people's favorite person... but?..if things should go bad..then Nara will have less people...

 ..now  why did i know you would say that?

 ..because  you are blod.. the words  sing to you even if  i do not speak them.

Orlin attempts to rouse but the effort seems great.  "I...am sorry... sir,"  He takes a deep slow breath.  "The ....old one... is much bigger than me.."  He seems to drift off a little then shakes himself, "it takes...a lot of energy to control.  I'll....I'll just get somwhere ....out of the way."  Orlin drags himself and his staff to the edge of the deck and props himself into a sitting position before passing out again.

    A low, but not quite evil laugh echoes from the staff.  Only five of it's seven Gliffs glow active.  The jewel on it flickers as a deep masculine voice resonates seductively, this time for all to hear:  "He is being modest.  It's quite adorable really.  I'm afraid I wanted to go and play but her overpowered me.  That's not easy for a humanoid.  Even one as robust as this one."

   Again the chckle rumbles forth.

  Kree's eyes shift to the gem, unlike most elevs, the only magic he  liked was healing magic  and weapon magic.

  well?...for whatever side of the  grey line you walk... take  care.. I hear serpent  bellies are full of shiny coins and gems.. and are never  found unless they are caught and killed... it is rumored the bottom of the rivers  are paved  with the treasure that rotted out of  dead serpents ....

 There  is  a eerie whistle from the darkness...Ivy!..Lucy?... lets us go see out.... friends

 the staff can feel the darkness near by..as well as some that tread Grey .

 Luthian shivers at the feeling.. but he has felt this before..

   The staff sighs, "Orlin and I are bound, we have become dependent on eachother.  I've rather grown fond of the little guy as he has much more imagination than his predecessors.  That said I've never been happy about imprissonment of any creature, myself included." There is a pause as the Jewel feels the darkness. "Oh my, what evil this way comes?"  The voice is truly anticipatory.

   It doesn't hide it's nature, and if an alignment could be assigned, it would be chaotic neutral with plaful tendancies.  Yet there is a peculiar dgnity about it as one feels in cats.  Almost a noble sentiment.  Fear seems as beyond it is if it were a Kinder.

  Kree  smiles a bit darkly,..those that have come.. are allies, but not so much...friends. There are one or two  that are..or were... but things have changed in thier lives, and thus..thier lives have changed. I grant them what safety i am able.. for what aid they are able to give us... the balance  shifts..many times...and many times, there has been less people, on one side  of the balance or the other. But?  I maintain my bargain, solely for the one who has caused the bargain to be made. There have been times good folk have suffered for this. But ..as the cards are played and the dice  are rolled, the Sisters seem to favor the  agreement....

 he takes a step then looks back at the resting Orlin and staff,..I think yuou might be interested in them...

   "They sound fascinating, though I dare say Orlin might be less impressed.  I won't tell him if you won't.  It is so nice not to have my speech bound.  Perhaps I should bargain for it with a greater level of cooperation."

 Kree stood there a moment, looking around as he said,..I know....not..what you are. But these things I do know. You helped  a child. made him feel special... Orlin has joined us.. to whatever ends  we seem to be about...

 He pointed to Lucy and Ivy as he made their way to the darkness,..those..'people' there... I know what they are... only one of them.. i know why.... in the end they help me fight, what i consider darkness.. whatever any others feel...That is fine by me. Unless... they  hurt  those who cannot  fight back...

 ... you should try to rouse Orlin... and you both can see, of what i speak.

   There is a pause, the being is not inclined to be cooperative but seems to come to a decision, "The boy has earned respect, and will continue to do so. I'll do what I can with Orlin."  The gem flickers and Orlin's eye's pop open but almost immediately start drooping "Fer heavens sake , couldn't ye leave a poor Ogre to sleep?"  The staff whispers something, and Orlin growls and grabs the staff.  He uses it to lever himself up and look around.  He's very shaky.

  Kree   walks  past the  4  captives, one of them says,..hey!.. ye  pointed ear bastard.... I wan't  even in the camp... i was  shoppin' in the bloody  market!

 ..They paid you... with  coin earned  as a slaver..so.... you are tainted as they...

 There is a  small light  from candle  in the Darkness. as  they neat the Light  they  see  six figures shrouded in Black  step a bit closer.. 5 of them stop.. the smaller one keeps walking, it stops   before Kree and Ivy ( and any others that came with).

 The Hood is pulled  back, a pale skinned   woman looks at them with a sad  smile... glistening fangs show in that smile...Hail and  Well met... you shot the  arrow?

  Well met, Nara...We have   seized  a slaver ship.. there are 4 slavers  who are alive....  they are yours... I ask only that you question them, as to where they  Lave MAster is   stationed...and if they know of the Missing Arrow  Unit.

 ...there will be no....fault to us..for taking them?

 ..they are dead  , anyway. But i must watch my stem, this far away from my stomping grounds.....what ever  information you find.. is more then we have... you need not  be mericful with them.

 ..Cles  and Vira  are here as well... Cles as  another  Arrow  for you...have you any need of thier skills...?

 Her  nose   sniffs a  bit as she licks her  lips,..you have been sorely wounded.. but  are mending...Aye?  she takes  a  step nearer to him,..is there  anything... i..can ..do....

  Kree holds up his sword Pommel, the  holy symbols  of   The Sisters    on it. causing  Mara to step back...

 ..I....I...meant to ill treatment..

 ..I know that.... Now?  if you please.. you can take the scum, now..if you find  information.. you can seek us  out, we are headed to Mok

 The two alchemists  mobe to  Ivy  , to offer him the  replacement arrow.

   Orlin stops shaking when he sees who approaches but must hunker down on one knee to stay upright.  He had pulled his hood up against the chill.  His lips are tightly pressed together.  The staff flikers gently