Miroslav stands on the deck of the Heart of Oak finished with his preparations even before the rise of the sun on the proscribed day of departure. He and several of the crew have spent the night on the ship getting it ready.

As the sun rises those who are making their way onto the ship see the big Rus standing at the rail. With his are the Arab, Barmak and the Varangian, Oleg. It is clear that the ship a knarr has been altered somewhat in order to make room for extra gear and mounts.

"What ho, Miro?" calls A'kos, leading Storm's Wind by the reins toward where the ship sits docked.  "I've added little except a couple of iron spikes to what I already carry."

Waiting for one of the ship's hands to come and assist with the boarding of his destrier he shrugs and adds, "Never know when such my prove helpful!"

Loukas had considered continuing his debate with Jean and A'kos, but after events of the past several months he seems to have learned when to shut up. Or maybe it was just Miroslav's toast? He joined the others in the toast and then departed to prepare for what sounds like a long journey. He meets with Zmija and the Temple priests not only for tutelage, but to ensure that while he is away his responsibilities are being covered and the monastery and temple shall be taken care of while he is away.

The morning of their departure Loukas arrives at the Heart of Oak not long after A'kos. He is packed somewhat lighter (no shield and it no armor over a wool rubakha and knee-length svita), but otherwise he has his backpack and bedroll and blades just as he had had when they departed for Kiev for their prior adventure. He could not help but feel the excitement that the open seas offered them and it was with a big grin that he saw so many of his old friends and with a shout he boards, "Greetings, Captain and comrades! These shoulders need the oar and the oar needs my shoulders!"

He goes to the place he has spent so many ventures at and stows his gear before going from Barmak to the Varangian and Oleg to give them each great hugs.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:58, Sun 27 Nov 2011.

Jean boarded the Heart and greeted all those on board that he had traveled with before. His smile in greeting Barmak was exceptional for he had not forgotten the dark man's past actions despite his decision to return to a more mundane lifstyle.

As was his custom the Knight led Donnerhuf to the center of the boat and appointed himself wrangler and hostler for all of the mounts and livestock on board. Sir Jean would pull an oar only in the direst of emergency but he would do his part in other ways.

Balthazar arrives with his two lady friends in tow.  He bids them a fond farewell, then he has some men carefully bring his chest up the gangplank.  He explains that the chest contains not only his clothes and spellbooks, but also his mirror which can be used for scrying purposes.

"Will Dyanna be joining us on this sojourn?" asks A'kos to Balthazar. "Seems a lost library would be to her flavor as well."

Dyanna slowly walks up the gangplank of the ship and says "My ears are on fire! yes, I am here as well. I will not leave all those dusty tomes to the Hedonite, God knows what he would do with them."

Her riding horse is still on the dock, she gestures to one of the crew to take it aboard.

"I trust you are all well and healthy. Forgive my absence, there has been some urgent matters these last few weeks but all is settled now."

"No worries about what I'd do with those tomes.  Now, I did bring along a copy of Busty Byzantines for the long voyage ... "
This message was last edited by the player at 15:12, Fri 10 June 2011.

"Mmm," nodded A'kos sagely.  "And I've my copy of the Swimsuit edition of 'Magyar Women of the Plains'!  We'll have to swap mid voyage..."

Turning then to the Frank he says, "Watch 'Wind, he bites."

With that the Magyar finds a seat on a bench near Jaleh.