A'kos nods at the wisdom of Loukas's warning.

"We'll be better served seeing who we need to today, as a group," he adds.  "Besides, there will be warm food, and, I'm certain, a fire where I can rest and enjoy an ale...and consider my reunion with our erstwhile companion, and my heart, Jaleh."

"I will stay with my new found companions here on the Heart of Oak while you folk visit VLadimir here in Kiev. When we stop in Khorsun, I will have a happy reunion with my bloodbrother Miroslav."

He nods at A'Kos and says..."I can understand your need to reunite with your lady. I hope she fairs well and that we are in Khorsun soon so you can be with her."

"I am looking forward to the return to Khorsun," said A'kos with a nod.  His gaze not quite so keen, it seems as if his eyes are cast far away.

"I will bide, and when it is time, I will see her."

A thought occurs, and he asks Pelles in a private moment, "We have a friend who was struck down by a mage, her soul trapped.  Do you know aught of such sorcery?"

"I know little of sorcery but I can tell you this...the grail is strong enough to cure death! How can if fail against helping your friend?" The old man says with a smile.

A'kos spends some portion of the day shopping for supplies such as he needs.  When they arrive at the palace, he pays homage as is due, and requests a private room to which he can meditate.  He eats a bit, and has his ale with the others, but then disappears early, for the remainder of the night.

The next morning he presents to the throne a painting, and says, "I will present this to her when next I see her, but I thought you would enjoy the fruits of your indulgence to my whims.

It is apparent he spent the prior night painting a portrait of Jaleh as he remembered her.


This message was last edited by the player at 15:00, Tue 18 Feb 2014.

Prince Vladimir smiles when A'Kos shows him the painting..."Just as I remember her!"

Upon seeing A'kos's painting Thorn goes to say something, thinks better of it, clears his throat, and ultimately...fails to speak as eloquently as is his wont. But he just about gets his thoughts across, politely.

"You have...done her great justice, my friend."

He clears his throat again, shifts nervously, and looks around.

"I could really use a cup of wine right now."

Vladimir claps his hands and calls out..."Wine for the bard and for the rest of us...let us drink to Jaleh!"

Servents immediately fulfill the Prince's request. Once the goblets are full. Vladimir will turn to Thorn and says..."It has been long since I have seen you Thorn. Last time I saw Unlce DObrynya in fact, you were traveling with his then."

The visit with the Prince of Kiev was a pleasant one and those who remain at the tavern also have a good night but all good things must come to and end.

Oleg is up and ready on the prescribed morning. He has the crew working to ready the Heart of Oak for it's journey south. Yrmak and Bleda the Pecheneg brothers picked up along the way are turning into able seamen under the tutelage of both Oleg and Falki.

Radvila the ships carpenter works diligently on some minor repairs that Oleg wants done before departure.

A'kos prepares for the journey, wraps the painting in oiled canvas to protect it from the elements.  There is an air of expectation about him, though he goes about his business with his usual stoicism.

Departing w/ the company, he finds his usual place at the oars on the Heart of Oak.  The effort will do him good - rhythmic, numbing him from thoughts of Jaleh and the rest of their journey.

Loukas was pleased to attend the court and pay his respects, but his mind is focused upon the weird voyage before them. He was somewhat skeptical of this quest from the beginning and while Pelles seems to be on the level, he still finds himself a bit uncertain. Perhaps the uncertainty is that for the first time in the past several years they have a new opponent in an entirely new region. It is not only that they are on an epic quest, but it is taking them to a region they have never truly operated in? Whatever it is, he manages to keep his mood steady and to avoid speaking about his concerns.

The first thing the morning after they have presented themselves at Court he is at the dock ready to go. He finds his old spot and with an enthusiastic smile explains to whomever thinks of it as theirs that they are incorrect. If nothing else, he has some new songs to sing and certainly Thorne's presence will expand their range as well, "We've miles to row and songs to sing, eh?"

Heinrich enjoys the visit to Kiev, but is ready to depart the next day, on board ship and working to prepare for the journey. He waits for everyone to return, eager to hear the details on their new expedition.

Here is a little push forward...

The trip south along the rivers is an easy one except for the portages but the ship is well crewed and makes this with as little effort as possible. Soon the Heart of Oak is in open waters and before too long the great port at Khorsun can be seen in the distance.

Oleg leans against the rail and speaks..."Friends, I know not if you want to keep sailing with me as captain or if youw ant to try and get Miroslav to come along...or how long you plan on staying here. I will elt you folk discuss it between yourselves. Just know I would be happy to sail with you to Damascus if you choose."

"It would be good to have Miroslav back with us, but the Regent of Khorsun is unlikely to have the freedom to join us. We will be here for a few days to restock the ship and check in on private matters. I suspect that we'll know within moments of seeing him whether or not he'll be able to join us.

"If he is not, I would be glad to have you as our Captain, Oleg!"

"Oleg, you are always welcome.  Like Loukas, my guess is that Miroslav has more pressing business to attend...like running the city."

"It is fine with me, Oleg. As for Miroslav, well...some people will go to any lengths to avoid adventure. Never understood it myself..."

In interest of keeping things moving and hving the group get back out to sea...

When those of the party so inclined go to visit the Voivode of Khorsun, they see their old friend Miroslav sitting , dealing with merchant disputes and looking more haggard than they ever saw him look on the trail. His recent brush with death at the hands of the mage's poison gas cloud and the daily grind of ruling this city have taken it's toll on him.

WHen he see's his friend a light shines behind his eyes and he looks to be in better spirits immediately. With  wave of his hand he dismisses those who pester him and turns towards his friends..."It has been along time my friends...good to see you here. Surely you do not have the Grail already?"

"No, though it is keenly in our mind to retrieve it as swiftly as possible," said A'kos.  "It is good to see you, my friend.  You've the look of a man who would rather be elsewhere!"

The introduction complete, he revealed the painting of Jaleh.  "A gift for her.  I would see her if I may, and hang this where she can see it.  Perhaps it will offer her solace of some sort, though I do not know."

Loukas was happy to see his old friend, but to see his friend looking so old was concerning. Nevertheless, he did not let concern show on his face and returning Miroslav's greeting he lets A'kos speak.

"Is Dyanna still with us? Perhaps we ought to move to more, erm, secure quarters where we can discuss things we would not want our enemies to overhear?"

Upon hearing the mention of enemies,  Heinrich finds the need to adjust his boots positively unbearable.  Of course, the activity also gives him the opportunity to sweep the surroundings for anyone paying too much attention to them without being obvious.

Balthazar smiles and says, "Miroslav, you're looking well.  Have you established a harem yet?"

Miroslav laughs, smiles and stands..."Now I am concerned with a more secure location!" He leads his old friends (and whoever else has come along) to a private chamber...well stocked with wine of course which he pours for them with his own hand.

"Dyanna is fine and well along in her state. She has been under the care of Masha this whole time. A'Los I will have you lead there once we are finished speaking."

"As for being somewhere else...yes I do need to get away but I fear that I cannot at this time."

Ulfr gladly follows his old friend.  "I see how it is, for you, Miroslav.  I miss the days we fought alongside one another!  But it is a strange thing, do you know that of these Pechenegs, not all of them are so bad?  We fought some, and two of them, we brought on as crew.  They have been good men."

Dyanna ... or do you mean Jaleh?

I thought Dyanna just left.