Resurrection

[Yyan]

(OOC: Psionic.)

“You are Salovuje,” Elemire said to the woman, and Yyan started in surprise. She tried to explain the shiftings between past and present lives, of memories, but he found it hard to understand all at once. Looking at Misumi again… no, he moved past that and brushed at this new – old? – identity. Yesterday, Elemire had called Salovuje reborn. Today, Salovuje truly was, walking around a world that had been without her presence for hundreds of years. Alike, yet apart, from Misumi.

“We should count this a blessing,” Elemire told him. “Should any know how to get there, she will.”

On a practical level, Yyan agreed. No better way to find what was lost than to be guided by one who knows where it hides. But the notion of two separate lives blending like this made him ill at ease. A powerful and potentially dangerous force drove these events forward for such a thing to have occurred. Yyan’s deep sense thrummed, fully engaged to guard against any incoming threat, and he found it difficult to lower it again.

Then Salovuje spoke to him. She understood, probably better than he did, the need for efficiency and seemed determined not to disrupt their previous plans, despite the fact that… well, she was supposed to be dead. Yyan admired her poise, for he had no idea how he would have taken such knowledge. She even made plans on how to keep Misumi informed. “She merely sleeps,” Salovuje said, seeking to reassure him. “Will you accept me for now?”

Yyan closed his eyes. The mental walls were built to resist harsh attack, but he commanded them. The bone-deep hum faded, and when he opened his eyes again he saw the world normally. He smiled and nodded. Of course, he said. More than ever, I believe we’ll need all of the help we can come by.

When Salovuje asked why they sought the first lands, her voice and eyes filled with strong emotion, Yyan sighed and shared a glance with Elemire. We have seen your book. While we don’t understand all of what took place, we know that a sacrifice was made to hold back a power threatening to destroy us all. Now, that sacrifice is weakened. We think the seal has cracked.

[Metarie]

Elemire nodded. "It is true. I have seen something within the lines of the land; almost as if a cancer eats away at it. It is weak now, but with every passing day it seems to grow just a little more. I feel it in my bones." The distaste in Elemire's voice was obvious. "Whatever it is, it must be stopped. Only death lies in its wake, tainting the land it touches and poisoning it."

The poise, which Yyan appreciated, was due to years as a passive observer of history, but as he brushed his awareness across her he would find that the poise was a carefully learned construct. Within, she was gamely trying to be balanced. Some discomfort, worry, and confusion did buzz around in her.

A solid belief in the cycle of rebirth also helped her maintain a more steady outlook. Salovuje was also in a state of disbelief and wonder. This city had not been in existence when she had last walked the world. Her last home had been on the island of the elf-kin, Darleone. There is where she had spent the end of her long-life.

At Yyan's last comment cold, cold fear gripped her gut and nearly made her swoon. Salovuje closed her eyes and hugged herself. Her knees felt weak. Could it be him? Their lives were long, true, but certainly a city as established as this had not risen in a mere century. It couldn't be him, could it? Or had he, too, been reborn? Did he still pursue knowledge for the sake of it? Was he... was he still mad?

"I see."

The heartbreak; she wasn't sure she could bear it again, but if the seal had cracked then... Somehow Salovuje stilled the fear enough to function, to keep it from overwhelming her. Her voice, soft, cracked as she spoke. "Then we... then we must travel into the setting sun. To the West, but there is no telling what manner of creature we will encounter. We will need more than just the three of us, that is for certain."

"We journey to Darleone first. Once there, I will seek additional support amongst my kin," said Elemire. Salovuje nodded. "If I remember correctly, our elf-kin are quite formidable; even in small numbers. And, with star charts I could find our way from Darleone." Salovuje took a deep breath and exhaled, finally opening her eyes. Tears sparkled there, but did not fall.

"I pray that what you say is not as it appears to be."

"I am ready when you are."

[Yyan]

Yyan’s gaze lingered on Salovuje. He disliked seeing anyone so distressed, but he was at a loss for how to ease her worry. The nature of the seal and the dreadful power it held at bay was still a mystery to him. All he could think to do was prepare for the worst that he knew was possible; what came after that was in the hands of time.

He looked between the two women. Our biggest hurdle to overcome at the present is finding a ship willing to take us to Darleone. I had thought to get started on that right now. The two of you are welcome to join me, though I cannot say how long the task will take.

[Metarie]

Elemire shifted her stance lightly and nodded. "We should provision as well. There are markets in Darleone, but better to prepare now. Mi - ," Elemire paused and corrected herself, "Salovuje will need a traveling kit and sturdy boots. Since we are at the tanner's stall, we should see to it that you both do. He will be finished with them by the time we find passage, I am sure." Elemire looked off into the distance for a moment.

"We will see to some form of protective clothing for you on Darleone and a few other, more practical items." Moving to the tanner, Elemire caught the man's attention and asked that he fit Yyan and Salovuje for new boots. "Something supple, but durable," she instructed, "The pair of them will need to be complete within the hour. Can you do that?"

A thought was sent to Yyan, "I am guessing you have the knack of using MIsumi's letter of credit?"

The tanner's eyes widened, "Aye, miss, but it will cost extra." The tanner did not want to put the daunting elf warrioress off, she seemed stern and a bit unyielding. He glanced to Yyan, wondering when Yyan made the acquaintance of the two women and what he was doing with them.

"I've got just the thing!" The vendor looked to Salovuje. "If you'll remove your shoes, I'll measure your foot." Salovuje moved into the stall and slipped off the little black shoes she wore. The tanner took measure of her foot, ankle, and calf. A pair of boots, already made were found. They were slightly larger, but the tanner would be able to adjust them easily.

The tanner, Jorman, looked to Yyan. "Ready, Yyan?" The man gave Yyan a smile before looking to Elemire and back again.

[Yyan]

Yyan glanced at Elemire and gave a light, inaudible laugh. Actually, I don’t have one yet, he told her. I had figured we would take care of it this morning. Let’s not trouble Salovuje with it, she has enough on her mind as is. I’ll take care of these for now, then remind Misumi about it the next time we see her.

The next time they saw her… as if Misumi was off doing errands and not asleep within her own mind. Yyan shook his head and put the strangeness of the situation from his thoughts.

Jorman took Salovuje’s measurements, studied them a moment, then selected a pair of readymade boots from his stock, putting them aside to tailor. “Ready, Yyan?”

With a nod, Yyan stepped forward and removed his old pair of worn boots. He caught Jorman’s grin and the meaningful glance at Elemire. Suddenly he realized that word of this little endeavor was sure to get around. Vagrant musicians like him had a romanticized reputation for being popular with women, and Yyan was well known in this district of town. And since there was no way to explain exactly what he was doing in the company of a pretty young scholar and an elven warrior… oh, this would have the gossip-mongers salivating for months.

Chuckling, Yyan hid his eyes with one hand and shook his head helplessly. Jorman simply grinned again and finished taking the measurements.

The closest pair Jorman had to Yyan’s size would need a few several adjustments, but he told them both sets of boots would be ready by late morning. Yyan paid the tanner half the cost of the labor and turned to his companions. There are clothiers and provisions on the way to the harbor. Shall we head that way next?

[Metarie]

(OOC: if you're getting bored with the detail stuff, just let me know!)

Elemire replied, "As you see fit. I can cover the costs when we reach Darleone if it is necessary." She looked at Yyan. "Salovuje will need to know, though, that she is to fund this. How else will we pay for passage? I can cover my own, but not two additional people."

The nuances were lost on Elemire as Yyan and Jorman shared a grin and laugh. Both women chimed in, "Yes" to Yyan's suggestion.

As they walked, Salovuje paused by a litle stall. The smell of fresh bread and coro, the strong, hot morning drink, lay warmly upon the air. "Could we get something to eat?"

Salovuje reached into an inside pocket of her coat and pulled out a leather wallet. Opening it she found no coins, only paper. "I assume I pay with this?" She looked to Yyan in curiosity. She was used to minted gold, like the coin she had in her pocket. "Oh, or perhaps this?" She pulled out the coin as well.

Moving to Yyan, Salovuje showed him the papers. The elf-kin was not from the City, of that Salovuje was sure. So, she felt more confident showing the wallet's contents to Yyan, though she did look between the pair. Also, she did not naively hold the wallet out. She knew there were pickpockets and the like.

Within the wallet was the standard method of payment for everyday expenses as well as the letter of credit to which Misumi had originally referred. The amount on it was substantial. For ten years, Misumi had worked, but not spent anything other that which was necessary. Considering her housing, meals, and much of her wardrobe was provided for her, her savings account was well funded. Obviously, this was with what she had intended to fund the 'expedition'.

"Based on the notes in the notebook, I think I was supposed to pay for the boots. How do I reimburse you? And, how do I pay you?"

[Yyan]

Yyan gave a glance at the contents of the wallet Salovuje showed him. With unassuming motions he pointed to the letter of credit, then explained the payment arrangement he had made with Misumi. You only owe me the cost of your boots, he said. I earn my own way. I would consider myself repaid, however, if you would buy breakfast. When you mentioned food just now, my stomach reminded me that I haven’t eaten yet myself, and it’s voicing its displeasure.

When she pulled out the coin, Yyan shook his head. You won’t be able to spend that. It’s little more than a trinket to the merchants, but keep it with you.

Then he looked over at Elemire and sent her a whispered thought. I thought about what you said last night, about Misumi needing protection. There is a… his brow crinkled as he sought for a right word. It’s something like a spell, on the coin. As long as Misumi keeps it in her possession, I will know where she is and can sense if danger is close to her. I’m not sure if that will extend to Salovuje as well, but I can fiddle with the binding later if need be.

Then he tossed a smile to Salovuje and pointed across the street. There’s a bread stand just over there. Nothing in the world like fresh-baked buns this early in the morning.

[Metarie]

Elemire looked on as Salovuje held out Misumi's wallet to Yyan. She was not offended, though she was amused that the elder woman thought she would not be of help. Salovuje was looking intently at Yyan.


Shaking her head, Salovuje said as she slipped the coin into the inside coat pocket, "I don't think Misumi would consider breakfast for a new pair of boots an equitable trade. I will buy breakfast for all of us and leave her a note on the boots. But you will still have to tell me how to use this way of paying for things. Fair?" Salovuje smiled at Yyan and Elemire.

Elemire gave no indication as to whether she heard Yyan or not. The elf might just be able to win a few hands of a card game, if she played. A means to keep track of Misumi? A fine idea. We will have to see when it comes to Salovuje. Is it attuned to the psyche or physical person?

Salovuje nodded. "It smells wonderful," this was said as she moved to the stall with the pair of them. When the vendor asked for orders, Salovuje ordered two fresh buns with butter, an apple, and a cup of coro with cream and sugar. Elemire hesitated for a moment, then ordered the same. All three looked to Yyan.

[Yyan]

Both, actually, Yyan replied to Elemire’s query. And the binding can change over time as well. It should be interesting to observe how it works between the two of them. His mental tone indeed conveyed an animated curiosity.

Yyan considered the display of food on the cart when his turn came. Forgoing the coro, he settled on an orange and three buns, and pointed out his selections to the attendant. He thought this was a good opportunity to get Salovuje used to the currency system within the city. Give the man that note I showed you, he suggested to her.

The bread vendor accepted it, gave it a quick glance to check the balance available, then nodded. On a ledger sheet he wrote down Misumi’s name, the identification number on her letter of credit, and the total cost of the meal. Then on a separate slip of paper, he wrote down the same details of their transaction and gave it along with the letter of credit back to Salovuje with polite thanks.

Financial records are updated every day, Yyan explained as they moved away from the cart. When the gentleman closes up shop, he will redeem his profits at the banking office, and a special form of magic will update Misumi’s letter of credit once the transaction is concluded, to reflect the balance of her funds. It’s a bit safer than carrying large amounts of currency into the marketplaces, since the notes are magically tuned to their owners. You can give special permission to others to use a letter of credit, but always make sure that it’s someone you trust.

As he explained, Yyan took bites out of his bun and chewed thoroughly, enjoying the lightly spiced aroma that arose from the warm center. You know, he mentally laughed, one of the great things about thought speech is… you never have to worry about talking with your mouth full.

[Metarie]

Yyan's reply was rewarded by a look of interest, expressed in the raising of her brows. Powerful magics, that. Perhaps you can tell me how you came by it during our journey. A slight quirk of her lips indicated Elemire smiled at him. Taking the food, she sniffed at the coro.

"I do not think I will like this. May I please have a water, instead?"

"It smells like thea, so I think I will give it a try," said Salovuje, "What, Yyan? Oh, yes..." Salovuje did as she was instructed. "That's wonderful. Certainly, it saves one quite a bit of trouble." Part of her breakfast was neatly wrapped and tucked into her pocket, part was savored as they walked.

The next stop was a tailor, where Salovuje was outfitted with more durable clothing that those she wore. The coat was the only thing to pass Elemire's critical eye. Salovuje looked surprised. "Just the one?"

"We can use cantrips to keep the clothing clean and in good repair, if that is your worry. You will need room in your bag for other things, such as food, water, rope, and other necessities."

"Oh... yes, I suppose you are right," replied Salovuje. "I had forgotten ... for a moment." There was a sad, wistful tone to her voice. Elemire glanced at the woman, but brushed past it in the hopes she would not fall prey to sadness.

"Speaking, of which, there is a stall with many of the things we will need." Elemire gestured to another stall, "We will also get supplies on Darleone so do not feel the need to stock fully here." Supplies were obtained. They were close enough to the harbor now, to smell the sea and see the tall masts of the sailing ships. "Look, the harbor. Yyan, I trust you will find a us vessel to take us to Darleone and beyond? Sa...Misumi and I can review the maps while you negotiate."

[Yyan]

Yyan gave Elemire a quick nod, his gaze already drifting towards the forest of masts down by the waterside. At this distance, each one looked identical, their numbers vast. He heaved a small sigh; if this didn’t take all day and most of tomorrow, he was far in the Guardian’s favor indeed. Wish me luck. With that he departed the supply stall and struck a path toward the docks.

As he had suspected, every available berth was filled with trade and merchant vessels from up and down the coast. Even sloops from the neighboring islands had come for the festival’s activities. The largest ships bore painted insignias under their figureheads to mark them as property of the major trade companies, but the majority of vessels seemed under affreightment only for the duration of the festival. Yyan spent the next couple of hours critically inspecting ships and chatting with prospective captains… the term chatting being used loosely. He had prepared a short but detailed letter outlining the terms of the voyage and conveyed the answers to simple questions with his usual gestures.

So far he had been declined with blunt refusals, raucous laughter and ominous warnings.

The sun was riding high into late morning, and Yyan had only made it through a quarter of the harbor, but he began to feel a bit dispirited. He hadn’t expected this amount of reluctance, especially with the amount of coin he was prepared to offer, but dutifully he looked over the next ship. Good upkeep, lean lines, hmm… she would be fast in the wind and tough to sink in a storm… boards in the hull had been recently replaced, so he couldn’t read the name… but that figurehead was unmistakable, and Yyan gave a bark of laughter. Without hesitation he dashed up the gangplank.

A familiar presence brushed his mind as soon as he set foot on deck, and he opened himself warmly. You have no notion, he murmured, how glad I am to see you here.

He heard a screech somewhere around the companionway and the sound of boots tromping on stairs. A tall, stocky woman appeared on deck, her smoky brown curls streaming around her face as she whipped her head around to face him. “You scrawny slack-rat, I’ll stretch out your hide and use it for a moonraker for the start you just gave me!”

Should I ring the bell next time? he teased.

Captain Kate Burling snarled something intelligible, stomped across the deck and threw her arms around him in a strong embrace. Yyan returned the hug, laughing. It’s been more than a year!

“Two, old man. Been in Amarna, mostly. Saw your brother just last spring.”

Yyan felt his smile grow a little wider, as a strange emotion squeezed at his heart. Did you?

“Aye. Still playing soldier-boy for Lord Some-Such, although he’s got a sweetheart now-”

Don’t think that I don’t want to hear all about Trillan, but I’m going to stop you right there. Yyan pulled the letter from his jacket pocket and waved it idly. Why don’t we get out of the sun and head down to the Rose?

Kate lifted a finely arched eyebrow, eyes glittering with mischief. “You’re buying, old man.”

Naturally.

[Metarie]

(OOC: Gasp! Yyan has a brother! *grins*)

"Good luck," both women chimed in behind Yyan as he walked away. Despite her words, Elemire stocked Salovuje quite well with basic necessities. "Is it too heavy for you?" Asked Elemire as she adjusted the straps for Salovuje.

"It is a little awkward."

"Hm," replied Elemire. "We will have to distribute the supplies across the whole party. In this way, each carries what they can instead of all they need. Now," said Elemire, "we should go look at charts to see if we can determine our best course. Since it would not be wise to parade you where MIsumi spends her days, we will have to wait on actual charts until we reach Darleone. Until then, we can sketch out what you remember."

"That would be fine, except I cannot draw," sighed Salovuje. "Not even the inherent traits of the memory book could capture the layout exactly."

Elemire considered Salovuje's words. "We could consult with a cartographer, then. I can draw, but I cannot draw what is in your head." Elemire wondered if Yyan's talents might be able to see what Salovuje remembered and convey it to her. She would have to ask. If he could, Elemire could feasibly draw what Salovuje remembered. Then, they could compare what was remembered to what is known.

"I understand there's a shop in the business district. We can also consult the maps in Darleone, once we are there."

"How will we find Yyan?"

"He will find us." A few inquiries resulted in directions to the map-maker's shop. A soft bell chimed as they entered. The smell in the shop was reminiscent of the Hall of Records. The scent of ink, vellum, and a little dust filled the place. The shop was empty and quiet. An aging man was hunched over a magnifying glass, carefully drawing intricate lines across a stretched page.

"I'll be with you in a moment," came a muffled voice. Neither Elemire or Salovuje spoke, choosing instead to wait until the man acknowledged them further.

"Now," said the man as he turned to peer at the women, "how may I help you?" The man's mouth quirked in a wry smile. The tips of his pointed ears moved with the gesture. "Few seek my services any more."

Elemire's hand went to her heart and she inclined her torso in a bow. "Greetings, kinsman. We are looking for copies of star maps. Have you any?"

"Equal to that of Darleone," replied the old elf. "Were you looking for something in partic..." The old elf paused and regarded Salovuje. When he spoke next, he spoke in the native tongue of the elves.

"I have noticed things, kinswoman, do my old senses deceive me?"

"They do not, kinsman."

"Hnh," replied the old elf. He turned in his seat and slowly came to a stand. Reaching up, he carefully pulled down a slim, black box. This was placed on the counter between them.

"I was told one day some one would come for this. Though, who might come, was never revealed." Keen, green eyes regarded the pair of them. "Show me good cause to release this to you and not another.

Salovuje glanced between the pair of them. Some of the words sounded familiar, as if derived from her native tongue, but different enough that she could not translate it. She felt a little at a loss until she saw the designs upon the box.

"I know that box," she said softly, "how did you come by it?" The old elf glanced at Salovuje, but still waited patiently for Elemire to respond. His instructions had been specific and very clear. Elemire pulled off her glove and showed the man the same symbol she had shown to Yyan and Misumi. The old elf grunted and held up his own hand. Baresi had sons as well as daughters. He clasped Elemire's hand and was satisfied. The mark was not fake, at least, as far as he could tell.

"There is no cost for this. The cost was paid many years ago. Take it and go," he said as he pushed the box toward Elemire. His voice was gruff, but not harsh. "May the Lady keep you."

"And you, brother." Elemire bowed again, hand over her heart, though this time her bow was deeper as if she gave him great respect. Within her gut, though, Elemire also had begun to wonder at the series of coincidences that had led up to this point so far. Who else of Baresi's children knew? Was this some secret that had been kept by parsing out pieces here and there? There was a mystery and she did not like it.

[Yyan]

Even at this time in the morning, the Sea Rose tavern was alive with activity, the large number of sailors in port taking advantage of the holiday. Yyan and Kate shoved and jostled their way to the bar and ordered their drinks, not even bothering to seek a table. I see you replaced the old eye, he commented.

Kate grinned and winked her right eye. At close distance, it was a remarkable imitation of her real one, moss green and faintly gleaming with mischief. “Crystal glass,” she said proudly. “Spent nearly a year saving up to have it fashioned. It’s delicate—no more bar brawls for me—but a pretty piece of shine.”

It makes you look less fearsome.

“Only to them as don’t know me. And them as do, know better than to call me vain to my face.” Kate tipped back a large swallow of rum, then leaned one elbow against the bar to face Yyan. “So, old man… you wanted to talk business?”

Yyan passed the letter over to her and took a sip of ale, then just sat back and watched her eyebrows raise higher and higher, answering her disbelieving look with a confident grin. “To Darleone.” It wasn’t a question, but he gave an affirming nod anyway. Kate whistled through her teeth. “That’s a risky passage this time of year. Been turned down at the wheel, have you?”

Every captain I’ve asked, Yyan replied. No one seems to have any sense of adventure these days.

Kate snorted. “That’s poor bait,” she said, though she leaned just a little closer and pretended to be interested in everything except Yyan’s gaze. “What’s so important that it’s worth risking light and soul traveling to Darleone?”

Yyan faced the bar counter and threaded his fingers in front of his face. If you agree to take us there, then I’ll tell you everything. Suffice to say… it’s a matter of the utmost importance.

He heard her set her mug on the counter, and then a strong pressure weighed against his mind. There’s nothing Anquaran about this. Dweios lies the opposite way from Darleone.

Very true. Dweios has nothing to do with this. I’ve put him from my mind for now. Yyan turned and locked eyes with her. This is something even bigger. The pressure built up rapidly and elicited a tight wince from him. You always push too hard when you talk.

“Well, how many Sages do you see running around for me to practice with?” Kate snapped, snatching up her mug again. “You always complained too much anyway. Just like your father.”

It was Yyan’s turn to snort. But he studied her closely out of the corner of his eye. So what of the voyage?

“You think I’m going to let a thistle-brained kidlet like you make the passage to Darleone without your nursemaid to mind you?”

Yyan gave a loud bark of laughter. First I’m an old man, now I’m a child. One of these days you need to make up your mind. Excuse me a moment… Closing his eyes, he opened a door in his thoughts to send out a message, nothing invasive, just a mental tap on Elemire’s shoulder. He gave her the Sea Rose’s name and location, as well as a sense of triumph.

[Metarie]

Elemire and Salovuje exited the shop. As they walked, Elemire pondered on the contents of the box as she turned it over once or twice.

"Are you going to open it?"

"Should I?"

"Yes."

A sensation brushed across Elemire's consciousness. "I will open it when we meet with Yyan."

"Yyan?"

"Yes. It seems he has found us passage to Darleone. We are to meet him at a place called the Sea Rose Tavern." Elemire tucked the box into her pack and navigated the pair of them back toward the harbor. Once there, she followed the directions Yyan had provided.

"So, you have the ability to communicate with him?" Salovuje was curious.

"We are taught to use all of our senses. It is not easy for me, but I can speak to him. I am more impressed with the distance at which he can speak to us."

"We had many skills in... my homeland. Unfortunately, that skill was not one I had learned. Now, I am wishing I had." Salovuje smiled a little and looked around. "I am amazed at the size of this city. I do not think it was established when I..." was alive. An odd sense of displacement washed over her in a delayed reaction. "Is the Sea Rose very far?"

"Not much further. There. See?" Elemire placed a hand on Salovuje's shoulder and gestured with her other hand. Elemire looked forward to getting passage settled. The more time passed this day, the more she felt as if something tingled at the back of her senses. She also would be glad to set foot on her home soil once more. She had been searching for Salovuje for over six months.

Entering the Sea Rose, both women searched the crowd for Yyan and finally spotted him with a human woman. The woman's features were weather-worn, but not unnattractive. One could only assume by her garb and her features that she was the captain who would let them charter her boat.

"Yyan," Elemire inclined her head to him. "Greetings," said Elemire as her hand rested over her heart and she bowed slightly to the woman. "I am Elemire Oranrae."

Salovuje smiled at Yyan and nodded to the woman. "And you can call me Salovuje." If they needed to explain her name, they could do so later. There were two open seats, so Salovuje sat down. Elemire looked around the room before taking her seat.

"So," said Elemire, "You have news for us?" The slight smile and raised eyebrows returned as she looked from Yyan to Kate.

[Yyan]

Yyan smiled in greeting at Salovuje and Elemire. Ladies, he said, allow me to introduce Katraea Burling, captain of The Starling. She has agreed to charter us to Darleone.

"Your servant," Kate said, getting up from her seat to bow politely. "Yyan here hasn't spoken much regarding the purpose of this little excursion, except to say that it's important."

One of the terms between Kate and I is that she knows the purpose of our mission, Yyan explained. She is an old family friend and will be of more assistance if she's kept informed of things.

"Hey, who be you calling old?" Kate's voice soared in mock outrage. "Keep up that talk and I'll dunk your head in the bilge-sloughs!"

Yyan made a great show of rolling his eyes. That tired threat wore out when I was ten. Time to come up with some new ones if you're trying to be intimidating.

Kate's sinister grin made her false eye glitter with wickedness. "Is that a challenge I scent?"

With an affected groan Yyan turned apologetic eyes on Salovuje and Elemire. Well, I can already tell this is going to be a fun voyage. Perhaps I should have talked further to that shrimp merchant one berth over. He had no legs and only one working hand, but at least he didn't talk so much!

Kate threw back her head and laughed. When she recovered, she offered a grin to the two women. "Forgive the banter. It's been too long since I've seen the old man. But I think jokes will have to wait. I've a few more hands to hire before we can get The Starling ready to sail. Once that's done, we'll need to leave port immediately or risk some real unpleasantness on the open sea." Kate's playful expression turned deadly serious. "Not that we won't encounter at least some. Be prepared to weather it as best you can. There's a reason most captains only dare the western straits in the heart of spring."

Yyan nodded to her. We're aware of the dangers. We shall be prepared.

Kate accepted that with a curt nod. She finished her rum and set the mug down with a clap. "I'll take my leave now. Yyan, come down an hour after sunset. We'll talk more then." Then she turned and made her way out of the tavern.

Thank the Guardian some things never change, Yyan commented, shaking his head and turning back to Salovuje and Elemire. So, what further supplies need to be gathered? His gaze fell upon the box that Elemire held for the first time. What's this?