6th of Eleasis: On Board Hond Ebrarth

 

Chapter 1:  A New Day

6th of Eleasis

Nevil woke to the sounds and smells of the sea wafting through the open porthole.  Not yet opening her eyes, she stretched an arm out in search of Inman.  Finding only an empty warm spot on the mattress, she opened her eyes to find herself alone in the cabin.  Then hearing mutterings and clanging in the galley.  I wonder what he is up to making that kind of racket?

Nevil readies for the day; selecting a crisp off-white tunic with a strip of stitched blue and green trim and dark trousers.  Some minutes later, after dressing, she sits in a chair by the table to pull on her knee high leather boots. Inman enters with a cup of coffee and sets it on the table.  Nevil looks up, "anyone else up yet?"  

Inman shakes his head walking to look out the porthole, "No, but that coffee smell will make its rounds.  What do you think everyone would like for breakfast?"  

Nevil settles her heel in the last boot, "I don't know.  We should have discussed the breakfast plan last night given how much we have to do today."  She stands, picking up the cup while she considers, "let me perform my morning prayers and we'll see who the coffee rouses."  She then asks with a smirk, "what was all the fuss in here earlier?" 

Inman laughs, "you heard that?  Maybe Sorrow had a midnight snack. Because I had to re-light the stove from scratch."  He snaps his fingers snuffing and re-lighting a lamp. "normally not a problem.  But... I thought I'd try it the old-fashioned way.  The coals didn't have enough heat to start new tinder and my non-magical firecraft is lacking."

Nevil smiles, "You've been spoiled with that magic."

"I know." Inman replies.

As Atalaya became aware of her surroundings she saw the sky through the porthole was just beginning to shift from darkness to the dawning of the day.  She stretched and realized that she had slept through the night.  Surprised at herself, she shifted slightly and then saw Vasilya’s eyes watching her.  

“Good morning, Iubet.”  Vasilya leaned up on his elbow. “Are you okay?” he asked, looking her over.  “You don’t usually sleep through the night.  Maybe yesterday was a little too much for you?”

Atalaya stretched again, really paying attention to her body this time.  “I’m thinking that it was too much nightcap yesterday.”  Sitting up, she rolled her shoulders and her neck.  “The day is breaking.  I’m going to take some time to meditate.  We don’t seem to be at Blue Haven yet, but once we get there, it sounds like we are going to have a busy day.”

“Wouldn’t you rather greet the day with me?” Vasilya asks with a pout on his face.  

Atalaya leans down and quickly kisses him.  Pulling away she adds, “An interesting proposition.”  She glances out the window again.  “How do you plan to greet the day?”

Vasilya laughs as he tugs on her hair, pulling her to him.  “I’ve got a few ideas.”

The sun was fully up before Atalaya made her way into the galley and prepared her morning coffee and another for Vasilya.  Sipping on hers while she headed to the table, smiling as she saw Vasilya making his way to the table. 

Inman's sleeves were rolled up. He had finished chopping potatoes and onions and pulled down some other spices and ingredients.  He paused his preparations on Atalaya’s approach, turned his back to the counter and reached for his half cup of coffee.  He chuckled a little to himself when, without a word, he had to trail Atalaya with her two cups of coffee to the table.  

Boz made a beeline to Atalaya under the guise of coffee.  Taking the cup from her he forwardly kissed her neck and sat at the table.

Noting the spring in Boz’s step and the complete inattention of Atalaya, Inman smiled.  Standing at the end of the table, "hash and eggs sound alright this morning?"

Nevil came down the steps from on deck with prayer cloth and book in hand.  Noting Inman’s grin, she walked to his side.

“Hash and eggs sounds great.  Thanks, Inman,” Atalaya responded.  “Is Cirilli up yet?  Noticing Inman’s and Nevil’s grins she blushes.   Standing up she starts to head towards the galley.  “Let me help.  I can cut up some melons.”

Boz reached out stopping Atalaya.  “Why don’t you check on Cirilli.  I’ll help Inman.”  He squeezed Atalaya’s shoulder as he redirected her towards Cirilli’s room.  

Atalaya made her way to her ward’s room and knocked on the door.  Hearing a sleepy, “What?” she opened the door slightly.  “Good morning.  Breakfast is almost ready.”

Cirilli yawned and rolled over to face the door.  “Okay.  I’m getting up.”

Atalaya closed the door and headed back towards the table.  After sitting down again she asked Nevil, “So, what are your plans for Cirilli today?  I’m not sure why we aren’t in Blue Haven yet.  Do you plan on having her practice this morning?”

Inman and Boz left to work on the meal as Atalaya returned.  Sorrow emerged from his cabin, and slipped into the galley.  Soon sizzles, a flood of onion scent, and whisking noises developed.

Nevil sat at the table caressing a warm cup of coffee when Atalaya sat nearby.  She explained, "I spoke with Ivar when I was topside for prayers.  He said something about sandbars, lights, and channel markers being too hard to trust in the dark night.  We are pretty close to the port apparently."  

She took a sip of coffee, "for Cirilli, we are just going to do quick forms in repetition to reinforce yesterday's lessons and some conditioning exercises.  We can squeeze it in around other things as needed.  This is one of our last big towns for a while and we worked her hard yesterday. So comparatively it will be a light day."

“You did, and she was still asleep when I went to check on her.  She’ll be out shortly.  So some warm up exercises and then reviewing the kata.  On her own or as a group kata?”

Nevil replies,  "We've got to lay a foundation of good form in her physical memory.  So, i'd like to do a few repetitions with corrections just us... but ending on a group form is always nice.”

After a roar of male laughter and some metal clanging noises, Sorrow emerged from the galley.  Plates and table trimmings in hand; a sooty grin on his face.

Atalaya and Nevil swiveled towards the galley as they heard the laughter.  As Sorrow entered the room and placed the plates on the table Atalaya asked, “So what was so funny?”  

Sorrow looks caught off guard and his grin diminishes.  He pauses before beginning to lay out what he brought to the table.  "I got caught grabbing coals again, and there was a bawdy joke about my relationship with the stove..." Sorrow notices Cirilli’s door opening, "well, I... the details are less important.” Nevil is clearly trying not to crack a smile at Sorrow’s expense.  "Indeed."

Cirilli made her way into the common room and went to Atalaya and Nevil.  “What’s happening today?  We aren’t in Blue Haven.  I thought we would be there by now.”

Atalaya looked at Nevil and answered, “Nevil says that Ivar didn’t want to try going into port in the dark.”  Looking at Nevil, “We should be there this morning?”

       Nevil explained, "Yes, I was under the impression we would be there in just a few hours, well before mid-morning."

        “Given that my plan is a light breakfast, clean that up since the guys provided it this morning, and then an easy practice of just warm ups and katas.”  Atalaya looked at Cirilli.  Tapping her hand lightly to get her attention, “You should ask your Master what she requires of you today.”

         Cirilli nodded and turned to look at Nevil.  “What are we doing today?  Will we do the kata again?” she asked eagerly.  Her eyes swung rapidly between Nevil and Atalaya, and then her eyes turned to Inman and Boz as they brought in the platters of food.  Her stomach was heard by both Nevil and Atalaya as the smells of hash, eggs and bacon wafted across the room.  

Nevil began the passing and serving of food while explaining, "You are going to do a few repetitions of the first form you learned yesterday while I watch and make corrections.  Then we will perform it together with anyone else that wishes to join us.  At some point today, you also owe me an hour of strength training. Which I will demonstrate this morning."   Nevil takes her first bite of the hash and smiles, "After breakfast, dress like yesterday.  Practice swords only.  We are not going to wear ourselves out.  We have too much to do today."

“Okay.  I can do that, gambeson and practice sword.”  She nodded to herself.  “I liked learning the kata yesterday.  And I wanted to be sure that I didn’t forget it.”  She seated herself between Atalaya and Nevil and reached for the potato hash and dished a spoonful onto her plate.  A spoonful of eggs and several strips of bacon filled her plate.

Boz sat down across from Atalaya. He looked at Sorrow and Inman.  “We should take our captive topside for his walk after breakfast.  Once we get near Blue Haven I would prefer that he is out of sight until we actually plan on turning him over to whoever we are going to give him to.  I think he should remain in his cabin and restrained again once we get close.  We don’t want him signaling any of his crew or other friends before we are ready to get rid of him.” 

Cirilli turned her attention onto Boz.  “Do you think the pirates are going to try to rescue the Captain when we get to Blue Haven?  How would they know we have him?”

Boz shook his head.  “I don’t know.  I just don’t want to give him a chance to signal to anyone that he is here.  His crew may or may not realize that he is ‘missing’ at this point.  His body would not have been found at the wizard’s tower if they searched it.  And he has never said when his crew was supposed to pick him up.”  

Inman looked up from his plate, "I like your instincts brother.  You have a good head on your shoulders."  

Inman reached for his cup and eyed the men of the group, "Use those instincts tonight in the tavern and bring her home."  Sorrow and Boz pause in their eating and look at Nevil. 

Nevil looks irritated at first, but she softens into understanding, remembering their discussion earlier. Her hand finds Inman's leg under the table, "It’s routine work and this is what we do."  Inman nods, holding Nevil's hand in his.  "A lot has changed," he added.  "The game is played the same," Nevil consoles.

Cirilli looks excited, "are we going to see Sorrow play tonight?"  Inman shakes his head, "No you and I are staying on the ship, the rest have business tonight."  Cirilli looks disappointed.  Inman smiles and looks at Cirilli, "but we will have a game night with our newly acquired toys.”  

Cirilli looks interested but puzzled.  “What newly acquired toys?”

Atalaya looks thoughtful.  “Well, we have a long sea trip in front of us after we leave Blue Haven.  We need something to do as we sail.  And as much as you might want to spend all your time at fighter practice and meditation practice…”  She smiles at Cirilli’s look of dismay.  “... that isn’t very practical.  So we need things for us to do besides that.  So we thought that while we look for books today, we would also look for some games to play.”

Cirilli looks interested.  “What kind of games?”

Atalaya quickly replied, “What kind of games do you like to play?”

Cirilli’s expression grew thoughtful.  “I haven’t gotten to play many games.  My parents didn’t believe in games.  They said that one's time could be better served with chores or studying.  But when I was able to escape with Sandy and Summer to our treehouse, sometimes they would bring cards.  They taught me to play a couple of simple card games.  I liked Three-Thirteen.  I also liked the game Dirty Eights.”

“That sounds like fun.  What else did you play with your friends?” asked Boz. 

“Oh, we played tag, and hide and seek, and sometimes Summer and I played hopscotch.  Sandy thought that game was just for girls, so he wouldn’t play it.  We also played those games at break time during our lessons at the temple until the new priests and priestesses showed up.  After they took over there were no lesson breaks anymore.”

She thought for a minute and then asked, “What games did you play Inman?”  

Inman smiles at Cirilli, "What kind of wizard would I be if I didn't say chess?  But there are several classic card games, some of the betting variety and some of the social ones that I favor.  Luskin Rummy (variation of Liverpool Rummy) was quite popular in Riverton.  Another popular one was called Guile, it's all about bluffing (variation of Balderdash). But we'll see what we can find in the shops.  We can always make our own if we have to,” he added.

She looks at Atalaya.  “Did you play those games too?”

Atalaya looks into her eager eyes.  “Well I learned the rules for chess, but I didn’t really like it and never spent any time learning to play it well.  Games from my childhood included some card games, although I haven’t heard of the ones that Inman mentioned.  I do know Dirty Eights.  I liked to play a game with little pebbles called Mancala.  I also liked Starstone Checkers.  We played several other card games.  We also sang or read stories.  And sometimes we made up stories where one person started the story and then stopped and the next person had to continue the story.   We played outside a lot too.  We did things like Hide and Seek, tag, archery games, swimming and water games and lots of make believe.”  

Cirilli looks impressed.  “You got to play all those games?  Who did you play them with?”

“My family mostly.  When Aunt Kalusa and her family came they played too.”

“Your parents played with you?” she asked, surprised.  

“Yes.  Not all the time.   But, often in the evenings after everything was finished for the day.”  She thought for a minute, “And sometimes during the day when they could.” 

Cirilli thinks about that for a bit as she finishes her eggs and hash.  She then turns to Nevil.  “What games did you play?”

Nevil nodded, listening to Atalaya while she ate.  Responding to Cirilli, "well a bit of everything you've heard from the others.  Though when I was your age Knights and Naves (variation on assassin) was a frequent staple of entertainment in Seaton.  It would of course take days to play and the drama that would ensue between the teams got a little over the top.  The quicker game of werewolf was also enjoyable.  It is more of a psychology and logic game.  We were poor and neither of those games needed cards or dice or parts of any kind."  Nevil rested her fork on her plate and wiped her mouth.  "It will be good to lighten this place up a bit between ports." 

Chapter 2: Morning Practice

Cirilli seems to be thinking about everything she just heard.  She looked around at everyone at the table and realized that they were done eating.  Getting up, she picks up her dishes and those of Nevil and Atalaya and takes them into the galley.  

Atalaya laughs briefly to herself.  “I think breakfast must be over.  It looks as if someone is ready for her lessons.”  Atalaya gets up and grabs some of the other dishes.  When Boz starts to help she shakes her head.  “You helped with making the breakfast.  The rest of us will clean up.”  After a moment she adds, “Besides you and either Inman or Sorrow need to take some food to Skarne and then let him walk for a bit.”  

      Boz relents with a nod of understanding and heads

to the galley to prepare a meal for the prisoner. With a grin, his hand brushes over Atalaya’s waist as she stands to clear the table.

      Inman finishes the rest of his coffee and prepares a pitcher and basin of water for Skarne.  

       After stacking up many of the other dishes Atalaya heads to the galley to start washing them. 

Using some of the hot water to warm up the water she is using to wash and rinse the dishes, she gives a towel to Cirilli.  “You can dry and put them away as I give them to you.”

Nevil clears the rest of the table, drops the last items in the galley, and enters her cabin,  to retrieve her training gambeson, sleeve, and practice swords.

Boz and Inman make entry into Skarne’s room.  Offering him food and a basin for grooming, they wait outside his room, sitting at a small table. Nevil passes the men on her way topside.  The morning air is almost crisp compared to the heat of the afternoon.  Nevil breathes deeply and makes her way to the mast.  Depositing the equipment she begins stretching and warming up.

Cirilli and Atalaya quickly get the galley straightened up and go to get ready for weapons practice.  Cirilli eagerly puts on her gambeson and finds her wooden practice sword.  Once ready, she makes her way to the main deck, looking for Nevil.

Atalaya also heads to her cabin to get ready.  Putting on her new gambeson and getting both her longsword and shortsword she heads to the weapon storage area and picks out two of the practice swords.  

When Atalaya reached the main deck, she looked for Nevil.  Seeing her, she nodded to herself as she watched Nevil performing her own warm up as she waited for Cirilli.  Atalaya put down her swords near the practice swords that Nevil had brought up and started her own warm up.  Making her way through the exercises she felt loose and ready to work.  

Cirilli bounded up the stairs right after Atalaya.  She came half-running over to Nevil who was sitting, with legs wide, stretching.  Nevil looked up at the teen, who stood unsure what to do, "join me and let's warm up."  Cirilli nearly threw herself onto the ground, eager to get started.  The two nearly silently progressed through stretching.  Nevil gave no instruction.  She leads by example, breathing deeply again with the salt breeze in her face.  Cirilli also calms from her initial excitement.

Going back over to her weapons Atalaya picked up her longsword and moving into an open area she began the longsword katas, working her way through all eight with her dominant hand and then repeating them with her off hand leading.  Lowering her sword as she finished the last of these, she went back to the weapons and switched to the two practice swords.  

Now ready for practice, Nevil turns to Cirilli, "Again this sequence every time, with or without me."  Cirilli nods as Nevil hands her a practice sword. "No steel today?" Cirilli asks.  "No, not after yesterday.  And you get to hit me today."  Cirilli’s eyes light up, "really?"  Nevil nods as they walk to the practice area.

 Then Nevil called, "Now, neutral guard! First shortsword form, on call... "Cirilli assumed the beginning stance and waited as Nevil examined and adjusted her form.  "One... tuck it!  Two... stance.  Three..."  After several repetitions, Nevil put her hand on Cirilli’s shoulder, "Good job, grab water and then we'll have a little fun."  The two unbuckled their gambesons and drank water watching Atalaya’s practice.

Below decks Inman nods and gestures for Skarne to follow Sorrow up the stairs.  Boz grabs the dishes and takes them to the galley, placing them in the wash basin but does not take the time to actually clean them.  He makes his way back to the others as they head up the stairs to the forecastle deck.  Once there they all take a moment to watch Atalaya begin her longsword katas as Nevil works with Cirilli.  Skarne watches Atalaya for a while.  “Your woman is a formidable fighter.  You are a lucky man.”

Boz looks startled, not quite sure how to respond to Skarne.  He finally says, “If you are going to stretch your legs, we should walk now.”  Boz leads Skarne around the upper deck, allowing him to stretch his legs.  They frequently stop to watch the practice as they make their way back to the railing overlooking the practice area.  

     "What's next?" Cirilli asked while resting.  Nevil smiled well, the same thing." Cirilli looked disappointed.  Then Nevil continued, "but this time you get an opposing blade to feel and a target to follow through with."  Cirilli looked confused.  Nevil fastened her gambeson, slid her arm in the training sleeve, and explained.  "Did you see me work with Sorrow yesterday?" Cirilli nodded.  "Well it's like that. Before you turn into the next position, I move and supply an attack or target to strike."  Nevil grinned,  "we'll go slow till you get the feel for it."  Nevil waited for Cirilli to finish the break and the two took positions again.  

Nevil called, "Now, neutral guard! First shortsword form, on call... "Cirilli assumed the beginning stance and Nevil positioned herself just within Cirilli’s strike range.  "One."  Cirilli moved to position her guard form moving to deflect Nevil's slowly approaching blade. "Two! Hit me!"  Cirilli moved to second position as Nevil supplied blade resistance.  Cirilli allowed her blade to be move believing it to be a correction.  Nevil uses her free hand to push her blade back into form. She taps her shoulder,  "push through and hit me here." Cirilli's blade slides up Nevil's and weakly strikes Nevil's body under the practice pad.  "Back to neutral.  Again, One... Two... good again."  After only a few repetitions Cirilli relaxes into the new kind of practice.  "Quit lounging! Hit me with meaning!" Nevil barks as she more firmly supplies counter pressure to Cirilli positions.  Cirilli begins to push herself with each movement.  The wooden clank of opposed blades and the solid thud of strikes begin to get louder and faster.  Over and over they practice. As Nevil moves counter to Cirilli's form, it begins to look like a dance between the two.

After taking a few swallows of water, Atalaya headed back towards the area she had been working in.  She watched briefly as Nevil worked with Cirilli, adjusting her stances and sword positions as they worked through the kata that had been taught to her the day before.  Remembering her own initial lessons in kata, she nodded to herself at Nevil’s calm and patient instruction.  

Atalaya then took a moment to center herself again and to mentally run through the moves for the first of the dual sword katas.  Then she moved into the initial bow.  Then working at half speed, she subvocalized the calls for the kata as she moved through them.  Finishing the kata she again mentally reviewed the kata and repeated it at half speed again.  On the third and fourth repetitions she moved to three quarters speed, simply counting the kata.  Finally moving at full speed she just mentally counted the moves allowing herself to feel the flow and movement of the kata.  She repeated this a number of times allowing her muscles to remember previous training.  Coming to the final bow she straightened and headed over towards the water barrel for another drink, happy with the progress that she felt she had made with her performance of the kata and realizing that after she allowed herself to trust herself to the pattern she had done better.  

Finishing her drink she turned her attention back to Cirilli’s lesson.  Seeing that they were still working through the kata she watched Cirilli for several minutes.  Getting another swallow of water she headed back to her workspace.  Allowing herself to center again she reviewed the second of the dual sword katas and then again worked through it several times at half speed and subvocalizing the pattern.  It took her a couple of repetitions to begin to feel comfortable with the different pattern.  When she was sure that she was remembering the kata correctly she moved to working at three quarters speed and only counting the moves.  A couple of repetitions of the kata and she began to be more confident with the movements.  She moved into the work at full speed, again letting her body remember the movement.  As the swords blocked and swung she fell into her memories of the kata, her movements becoming more precise as she let go.  Finishing her final repetition and ending bow she smiled, happy with her work.  

After several repetitions of opposed forms, both Nevil and Cirilli are breathing heavily.  Cirilli looks disappointed as Nevil calls a break.  As they walk to the water again, she explains, "when we practice forms imagine the feel of the blade.  Visualize the target's movement.  Feel the strike. This is part of building the muscle memory that forms your instincts for combat.”

Looking for Nevil and Cirilli, Atalaya saw that they were taking a break and getting some water.  She headed over to join them.  

Chapter 3: Group Kata

"That was fun!" Cirilli works in between sips and breaths.  Nevil nods, "I'm glad you think so; because there will be a lot of this."  Nevil turns to Atalaya who has approached, "She picked up opposed forms quickly.  Did you get to see any of it?”

“I saw the very beginning of the opposed work,” she replied to Nevil.  “Perhaps you want to show me what you learned with Nevil?”  Raising an eyebrow in Nevil’s direction, “And perhaps a group kata for her after that?”

Nevil looks to Cirilli.  Cirilli almost drops the cup with excitement.  "Oh please can we do one more set?"  Nevil smiles, "Sure, you know I have to move twice as fast to keep on step ahead of you for these?"  Cirilli's excitement dimmed when she realized how hard Nevil was working to perform this kind of practice. "Really, it's alright.  It’s a good stamina builder."  The two quickly prepared and returned to the practice area as Atalaya leaned on a crate by the water barrel.  

Nevil leaned into Cirilli asking, "you want to do it a little faster?"  Cirilli grinned, "Yes, but only a little." 

The two silently fell into a neutral guard.  Nevil counted a little faster, taking a regular rhythm, through the positions of the form.  Cirilli pushed hard with each guard and counter blow.  Wooden strikes and padding thumps filled the ship again as the two danced through the opposed first form.  Upon conclusion of the last position, Nevil raised her hands, "Yes! Great job!”

Atalaya loosened her armor as she watched as Nevil and Cirilli danced in and out of strikes and blocks.  Her eyes gleamed in appreciation of the work and the increased confidence in Cirilli’s movements.  As they finished the form Atalaya smiled when Nevil raised her hands as she praised Cirilli.  She waited at the water barrel for the two to come back for another water break.   

Cirilli unconsciously wiped the sweat off her face as she made her way to Atalaya.  Her smile widened as she grew close.  “Did you see me that time?  Nevil went really fast.  I think that is the fastest I’ve ever done that!”

Atalaya opened her arms and waited for Cirilli to throw herself into them.  “I did see that.  And it was wonderful.  What a surprise Joan is going to get the next time she sees you practice.  So, ‘Daughter of My Heart,’ do you and your Master think that you would like to do a group kata with me?”

Nevil walks over to the pair.  Seeing their interaction, she can’t help but remember her own daughters and she half-smiles.  Nevil sips water and enjoys Cirilli’s excitement.  With Atalaya’s question, Nevil looks up again, “Yes, of course.  I was hoping we would.”  Nevil looks to her student. “Perhaps Cirilli can lead the count?”

When it appears that Nevil’s reviewing of the kata with Cirilli is drawing to a close, Inman catches Boz and Sorrow’s eyes.  “Time to take him back down.  I want to join the group kata with Cirilli, if they do one.”  

Boz nods.  “Let’s head down then.”  He starts leading Skarne back to his room and locks him inside.  Inman and Sorrow follow after Skarne. 

Cirilli’s eyes widen as she takes in Nevil’s request.  “Me?”  She looks between Nevil and Atalaya.  “But I’m still learning the kata.  Shouldn’t you or Nevil be leading it?”

Atalaya shakes her head.  “You learn best that which you teach others.  Nevil would not ask this of you if she did not think that you were ready to do so.  And you only have to count the form, not call the moves.  It will give Nevil a chance to see how much you have already absorbed from her teaching and what she might need to work with you on next.”  Looking at Cirilli’s worried face.  “And it is also an honor.  It shows that Nevil thinks you are worthy of taking on this task.” 

Cirilli turns to Nevil.  “I think that I can do this.  But how do I know how fast to count?”

        Nevil chuckles, “The speed is up to you.  We will follow your pace.  But it is customary to try to keep the same tempo for group forms.”

Atalaya looks up towards the forecastle deck and sees the men hustling Skarne below, “Maybe Inman will want to join us if he comes back up?”

Atalaya’s turn of attention draws Nevil’s eyes to the stairs to see Inman descending with the others.  “Let me see if Inman wants to join.”  She follows below to see Inman heading back to their cabin.  Boz and Sorrow get Skarne settled in his cabin.  Nevil speaks through the door, “Do you know if Inman wanted to join the group kata?”  Before Sorrow could answer, Nevil’s eye caught Inman trotting with scimitars in hand around the wall enclosing the galley.  Seeing Nevil he smiled and he slowed to a walk.  Sorrow poked his head out and found both Inman and Nevil, then turned his attention back inside the cabin.  Inman spoke as Nevil led the way back up the stairs, “I was afraid I’d miss the start.”   Nevil smiled to herself.  And miss a chance to see your blade work…  oh no.  

When Nevil left to check on Inman, Atalaya handed Cirilli a cup of water.  “Here, drink this.  You need to keep hydrated while you practice.  Especially in this heat.”  She watches as Cirilli drinks the full cup of water.  “So did you like doing an opposed kata?” Atalaya asked. 

“Yes!  The whole form makes much more sense now.  I can understand why the different moves are used.  It’s like you are doing an imaginary battle,” Cirilli excitedly explained.  “It was hard work for Nevil though, wasn’t it.  She had to do something different.  Not the form I was doing.”

Atalaya nodded.  “That’s right.  She had to perform the attacks and counters to what you were doing.  And she needed to make sure that the force she was using was appropriate to the level you were using.  It’s a part of what makes her your master.”

“Does everyone learn the same katas?  They are always the same?” Cirilli asked.  

 Atalaya wipes her brow as she tries to decide how to answer that.  “During most formal training, katas are used to build skills.  And here, along the Sword Coast, or at least the northern Sword Coast, there seems to be a fairly standardized grouping of beginning katas.  But some specific masters or schools of fighting may also develop their own katas that they teach to their students.  Not everyone would know those.”

When Atalaya looks up again, Nevil is leading the others back to the deck.  She starts restrapping her gambeson and moving away from Cirilli, she takes a few tentative swings with her sword and then stretches as everyone comes up and begin to prepare themselves. .  Inman moves into another open space and quickly works through his own stretches and looks to Nevil when he is ready.  

Nevil spaced out with everyone else on the deck.  “Everyone ready?  Cirilli count us.”

After a pause, Cirilli boldly started, "First short sword kata. On my count.  One..."  The group moved as one, swords parallel, bodies stiff in guarded form. "Two..." The feet tapped the deck in unison with the lunging repost.  Cirilli could see her opponent and feel a blade's tension.  "Three..."  

Nevil’s form was not perfect. Her eyes wandered to her student and her mind wandered further.  She is focusing well.  The form is taking root quickly.  She will be... Nevil fell behind.  Deeply moved, she lowered her sword and stepped back to watch. The three moved fluidly through transitions, each finding their focus.

Inman began quietly and lowly droaning the elven chant of his bladesong; his movements almost like prayer.

Atalaya listened for each of Cirilli’s counts, letting her pace the kata.  At first she struggled to keep her focus on the kata and not on Cirilli, but as the form progressed she found it easier and easier to lose herself in the motion.  Her body moved to the count the Cirilli provided.  At some point she was aware that Nevil had dropped out and that she was hearing the elven chant from Inman.   

And Cirilli just smiled, counting evenly and with confidence.  

Nevil watched them all.  ...She will be shaped by the Master’s forms as were we all.  Nevil’s body flushed with emotion.  This is continuity.  Elaria lives as her teachings are passed on.   Maybe I should teach when this is all over.

"And bow." Cirilli ended.

Atalaya makes her final bow as Cirilli ends the form, holding her position until they are released and then turns to Cirilli.  “Well done, she calls out as she makes her way over to Nevil.  

“You didn’t complete the form.  Is everything okay?” she asks as she sees Vasilya giving Cirilli a hug and talking to her about the practice.  

          Nevil was watching Cirilli when Atalaya’s words broke her thoughts.  Nevil turned to her, "What, yes, I had a hard time focusing.  I couldn't help but watch how well she was doing."  Nevil took a deep breath, "Elaria would have been happy with her progress."

Atalaya nodded and smiled.  “She would be.”

Feeling energized, Inman continues into the second form after the others move to the side.

Atalaya turns to Cirilli and asks, “So you have learned your first kata, performed it in group form and opposed form and lead the count for a group kata.  You have learned a lot in a couple of days.  I’m sorry that Seraphina and Joan are not able to see this.  They would both be so proud of you too.  You are going to have so much to show them when we make it back to Parabor.  

Cirilli smiles shyly.  “I miss them.  But I will have lots to show them when we get back home.  And maybe to show Elanil and Cirdan when we go back to Salt Marsh?”  

“Of course, you can show them too,” Atalaya assures her.  

She turns to look at Inman.  He’s still doing katas.  Are you going to do more also?  I love watching you when you are doing them.”

Atalaya laughs.  “Okay, I can do a few more.  Do you want to see the short sword ones?”  At her nod, Atalaya waits for Inman to finish the kata he is currently performing.  As he nears the end of it, she takes up a position nearby and waits for him to begin the next form.  As he does, Atalaya moves with him, in pace to his silent count, letting the kata pull her into her center as she progresses through the form.  

As Atalaya begins practice with Inman, Nevil gestures to Cirilli.  She jumps to sit on a crate and taps the space next to her as an invitation.   "Here, let's watch."  After sitting quietly through a few forms, Nevil speaks, "You did really well calling the group kata.  How did it feel?”

“It felt kind of strange.  I mean, you all are grown ups.  It was strange to count for you rather than you counting for me.”  After a minute of thinking she questioned, “You didn’t finish the form.  Did I do something wrong?”

Nevil looked at Cirilli, "No, far from it. I was moved by the moment and couldn't focus.  So, I decided to watch.”

Atalaya and Inman move together until they reach the end of the last of the short sword katas. When Atalaya makes her final bow she smiles at Inman.  “That was fun.  I hope you don’t mind that I joined in.”

Inman looked surprised, "No, of course not. I didn't realize how much I missed group forms." He looks over and makes eye contact with Nevil who is talking with Cirilli. "It was just Maggie and I for a long time. Then, I had to practice alone most of the time at the college.  Bladesingers... are a rare breed and the Master’s forms are a little different than others."  He looks warmly back to Atalaya, "It's a little like coming home.”

“The forms are relaxing for me.  I’m not quite sure why I fell out of the practice of performing them regularly.  I guess perhaps it was because the others I’ve been traveling with don’t seem to use them.  Although, I bet Joan at least knows them.  It’s really nice to be doing them again.”  She looked up at Inman.  I suppose that I should get out my quarterstaff and see if I can remember those katas too.  I did feel like I was doing better with the dual katas we worked on yesterday when I just let myself go rather than trying to overthink the forms.”

Inman laughs, "That's the way of things isn't it?  Few things are helped by over thinking, especially; when trying to recall what was made an instinct.” Inman wipes down his blades with a clean cloth, inspecting them for defect, “I did not doubt they would come back quickly.”  

Trying to decide whether or not to say anything, Atalaya finally asks, “I always thought of bladesinging as an elven discipline.  Yet you seem to be very good at it.  Are you hiding a little bit of elven blood in your family tree?” 

Inman looked up from under his brow, "I am surprised you didn't ask before now."  His face was blank, his tone flat. "I wouldn't say hiding.  But yes, I am the descendant of a bastard half-elf woman."  He spoke quietly, "I'm sure you know what it's like to be part of two worlds and embraced by neither.”  

He looked up to Nevil and Cirilli approaching, "I was raised in the city not knowing any bit of elven culture.  But as I grew, I was called to the wood; where something felt deeply right.  I kept my heritage quiet, asked questions to elves proud of their lore and studied.

I was aware of my connection with the weave before I studied with the Master; but it was she who helped me find my blood's gift of song." Nevil nodded on approach, hearing the last part of the conversation.   

Atalaya placed a hand on Inman’s shoulder.  “I didn’t mean to pry.  And well, I do know what it’s like being a part of both worlds.  It’s hard at times.  I was lucky in some ways.  While the worlds were separate, I at least had the love and devotion of both my parents.  And they love each other.”  She searched his face, “The call of the woods is strong.  I’m glad you listened to it and found your way to those who could train you.  Master Elaria was always good at finding what each of her students needed and then guiding them on their way.  And she never saw race or bloodline, just each student’s talents and skills.”  Lowering her voice she added, “You are welcome here.  Always.”   

Inman nodded several times to Atalaya’s response. "It's not prying, but an obvious question." Nevil began to walk toward the stairs.  Inman smiles and follows her with his eyes, "I am content on my path."  He looks back to Atalaya and smiles.  Gesturing with a nod to Cirilli, "there is plenty of time for stories, but some are not for all company.”

“True enough.  If you need to talk to someone other than Nevil, I’m here,” Atalaya said.

As the practice and the discussions came to an end, Vasilya, his arm around Cirilli’s shoulders, cleared his voice.  Atalaya looked over at him asking, “You okay?”

“I’m fine… but I have something that I want to show you all.  Something that I’ve been practicing.”

“Really?  I don’t see any armor,” teased Atalaya, coming up to him and fingering his tunic.  

“Not all skills require armor, my fierce warrior,” he whispered in her ear.  His hand traced along her check and then pulled her braid.  “Come see.  I’ve been working hard on this.”

Atalaya smiled.  ‘Of course, love.  Show Cirilli and me what you have been up to.”

Boz, his hand on the small of Atalaya’s back, led the way below decks to the common table with everyone gathering around him.  

see game notes: Boz’s developing skill, Skarne renounces piracy, and the Blade meets the Hond Elbreth.  All before lunch.

Chapter 4:  Lunch

Nevil comes down the stairs in her full chainmail mace and shield.  Sighing heavy and her feet fell hard upon the steps, "That went better than expected."  Skarne was just behind her closely followed by Boz and Inman. 

Sorrow held the door open to Skarne’s room and gestured as if to usher him in.   Nevil turned, holding her shield and mace in a single hand, "I'm glad we found a bloodless agreement."  As Skarne entered his room with resignation, Inman offered, "we'll have some lunch up shortly.  I'm sure you understand why we need to be anti-social for now. Trust may never be built between us, but your reasonable, though arguably self-serving and transactional, nature is noted."  Skarne muttered something gruff and flopped on his berth.

Sorrow and Inman sat outside the room, watching Skarne, waiting to close and nail the door after lunch.

Atalaya and Boz followed the others down the stairs, making their way to the back of the ship.  Atalaya took off her swords and put down her bow and quiver.  “That went better than expected.  I don’t know whether or not we can trust Skarne, but he did deescalate the encounter with his ship.”  Gathering up her weapons she began storing them.  “I’m going to make lunch.  We can probably eat at a tavern in Blue Haven for dinner, so I was thinking sandwiches for lunch.  We didn’t start a soup or stew this morning.  I think we will need to at least start that after breakfast as we make the way down the coast.  Or just after lunch if we want a lighter lunch.”  

Atalaya finishes putting her things away, looks up and sees Vasilya watching her with a bemused expression on his face.  “Slow down, ‘Laya.  There’s plenty of time.”  He came over to her and tugged her hand.  “Sit for a minute.”  He guided Atalaya to the edge of the bed.  “What’s wrong?  Talk to me.”

Atalaya stared past Vasilya for several moments.  “I don’t like working with Skarne.  He’s a slaver.  I don’t trust him or that boat full of slavers who say they are headed to Pelagia and then Riverport.”  She leaned her head into Vaz’s shoulder.  “I kept seeing those people that we pulled off the Tamarind.  … I do not like that man.”

Vasilya put his arms around Atalaya, not saying anything.  After a few moments he pulled her up, gave her a peck on her forehead and said, “Let’s get some lunch made.”  

When they make it to the galley, Atalaya handed a loaf of bread and a knife to Boz.  “You can slice the bread.”  Atalaya began looking through the food containers pulling out items for sandwiches.  Standing beside Vasilya she began cutting slices of ham, cheese and the other vegetables.  

Nevil entered the room and closed the door behind her.  "Fuck" she muttered as she dropped her gear by the door and began to doff her chainmail.  This got complicated fast.  "He better be telling us straight," she said to the empty room. But the rustle of chainlinks as she pulled the mail over her head masked the sound of the door opening as Inman stepped in. "He will find a quick end if he is not," Inman spoke with certainty.  He grinned as Nevil startled, "I thought you were with Skarne?  Who is with Sorrow?" 

"Rodrigo came down to see what lunch plans were and to give us an updated arrival estimate.  Just before supper," he added as he deposited his swords

Nevil looks concerned as she unbuckles her gambeson, "Vow or not, what justice is this?  To side with Skarne?"

Inman waited near her with his arms crossed, "It weighs heavy I know.  But destroying The Eye is more important.  If he doesn't prove helpful, we turn him in to the crown." 

Nevil looks up with honest eyes, "I'm more afraid of what happens if he does come through and helps us acquire The Eye. "  She removes her gambeson and drapes it over the chair.  

"The Harpers will squeeze him for every ounce of intelligence he has and watch him closely.  It is not a free ride."  He replied.

Nevil nods and she steps closer to Inman who has been waiting to draw her close in an embrace.  "You know they will use him for smuggling and interceptions." She added as her head lay on his chest. 

Nevil released a sigh as Inman responded, "Yes, but it will be in service to the good of the realm; and if he finds that too distasteful, he may still find himself in shackles."  Inman held her reassuringly, "It's not as merciful as it sounds, there is a good chance he'll be hunted if anyone figures out he lives.  It's just another form of prison."  

Nevil paused, "This used to be easier."  

Inman chuckled, "Believe me, I know. But it was never easy."  

Hearing movement in the galley, they both exited the room. "Where can I help?" Nevil asked as Inman went to relieve Rodrigo.

Atalaya looked up and gave Nevil a wan smile as she passed over the onions and peppers.  “Here, you can slice these for sandwiches.  I thought we could have a light lunch and then dinner in Blue Haven if we get there in time.”  

As Boz finished slicing the bread Atalaya handed him a large watermelon.  “This next, Vaz.”  

After a few minutes the table was set and the food placed on it.  Atalaya placed a pitcher of water on the table.  Cirilli bound into the room.  “No sign of The Blade on the horizon,” she announced as she scrambled into a seat at the table.  Looking around at all the serious faces she added, “So what are we going to do this afternoon?”  She grabbed a sandwich and a large slice of melon as she looked around the table.  “What’s wrong?”

 Nevil was on her way past the table with Skarne’s lunch in hand.  "Skarne will be staying with us for longer than expected.  He is not to be trusted.  You don't need to know more than that."  Nevil said loud enough for Skarne to hear with a serious stare in Cirilli's direction.

Inman took the meal and headed into his room.  Still seated, Skarne looked up with a serious face. "Lack of details will not protect her.  She would be damned by association." He offered quietly.  Inman placed the plate down roughly and the sandwich slid almost off the plate.  Then he gruffly said, "We know.  It’s to protect you. She's too young to know what is delicate." 

“This road is too dangerous for a young girl.  It is wrong.  What decent parents would allow her to stay?” Skarne added.  

Boz's nostrils flared as he went to address Skarne. “You don’t…,” he growled with fists balled. Inman cut him off and pushed him out of the room with little resistance.  

Inman whispered, “don’t show your cards brother.” Boz looked sharply at Inman then deflated as the two nailed the door shut.  

They came to the table as Nevil was pouring coffee around.  Inman and Boz exchange tense glances.

Boz looks at his coffee mug that Nevil had just filled.  “There are moments when I wish that we had killed him outright during the fight with Pencheska.”  He glared discriminatorily around the room, but finally sighed and placed a sandwich on his plate.  

Nevil sat and reached for the mustard and a pickle. She looked at Boz with softness. "I understand the simplicity and the feeling of delaying the inevitable.  But everyone deserves a reasonable chance to do good before they die."  Nevil continues stoically, "To be clear, I am not a fool.  Second chances are not freely given.”  Then there was silence for some time as Cirilli examined the others at the table. Questions burning in her.

Boz continued, “So, we are supposed to reach Blue Haven later today.  What are the plans for the afternoon?”

Cirilli perked up at Boz’s question.  “Right.  I want to know too.” 

Inman, his eyes on the door to Skarne’s room, spoke up saying, “Our projected arrival in Blue Haven is shortly before dinner.” 

“So the rest of you are going into town for dinner and Inman and I are staying here to watch over the captain?” Cirilli questioned.  “What about until then?”  

“Well, you have a meditation practice to do with me,” Atalaya replied.  She hid a smile as she saw Cirilli sigh.  “That should leave you with some free time, unless Nevil has anything else she wants you to do today.  

Catching Cirilli’s eye. Inman gave a soft chuckle and said, “Maybe we should plan a meal for the crew and us to rival anything they find in a tavern?”

Cirilli's eyes brightened at the thought.  “That could be fun.  Let’s do it.”  Looking around at the others at the table she smirked, “You all are going to miss a fantastic meal.”  Her smile fades for a moment as she says, “Too bad Grinda isn’t here to help.”   Turning back to Inman she says, “Let’s make something with both chicken and ham.”

Inman grins with the increasing excitement of Cirilli, "Chicken and ham?"  Inman considers, "well, bacon wrapped chicken skewers are easy and some fun sides could be made."  He reaches for a slice of melon. "But... there is also the ambitious, but very good, riverport rustica with a delicate cream sauce (a variation on penne rustica).  But if we mess it up the whole meal is ruined."  Inman grins, "What is our strategy chef?”

“Skewers for cooking?  I think we need to do that,” she decided.  How long will it take?  When should we start?” After a moment she added, “And what do we need besides chicken and bacon?  Can we make up some rice?  We haven’t had any of that in a long while.  Oh, and how about corn on the cob?”   She finally stops her questions, panting and a bit short of breath, but gazing up at Inman.

Inman nods, " Alright, chicken skewers it is.  I will make a plan while you're meditating.  The more fresh ingredients we use the better, because they can be easily replaced at port. And since we are going simple and fresh...  atmosphere is everything.  We eat on deck and make an evening of it."  Cirilli squeals with excitement and Inman grins with her delight.  

Atalaya looks at the rest of the table, a smile threatening to break across her face.  “Sounds like the better meal is going to be here after all.  You’ll have to tell us how the experiment goes.  If it turns out well, maybe you can make it for everyone once we set sail again.”

Turning to Nevil, “And what are you going to be up to this afternoon?

Nevil is a little taken back, "free time, what is that?"  She sits back holding her coffee and considers.  "Well, I'm going to help Annie with inventory to make shopping lists for couriers at port.  After that, I was going to make the last of the couches and move them out of the way for our craftsmen to work.  Then I may read or whittle.  Why need help with anything?”

“Not exactly.  I was thinking about doing some drawing this afternoon.  Maybe I could join you while you whittle?”  Her eye on the watermelon, she reached for a slice as she added, thinking out loud, “I should bring my sketch pad to practice one day.  I would like to sketch Cirilli as is doing her kata.  That would be an interesting picture, I think.”

Nevil nods, “Yes of course, to both.” She stood and began to clear the table.  Inman caught her hand, “let me help you clean and I'll do the inventory with Annie.  I've got to pull ingredients for tonight anyway.”  He stood and the two began to straighten.

Boz placed his hand on top of hers, his thumb lightly stroking the side of her hand.  “I’m going to want to see that picture when it’s done.”   

Atalaya nodded.  “Of course.  If it turns out, of course you can see it.”  Do you have plans for this afternoon?”

Boz looked around the table.  “Well,” and he smiled at Nevil, “I did watch the practice this morning and have not yet paid my toll in ‘sweat.’  By which I believe you mean physical labor.  So I thought a little climbing practice might be in order.  Getting up and down the masts a few times might be good for me.  And since there will be no swinging swords underneath me while I try to climb on a moving surface, I think it might work.”

Cirilli looks up at Boz.  “I want to see that; you climbing the masts.  Will you wait until after I work with Atalaya?”  She looks back and forth between Boz and Atalaya.  Boz turned to look at Atalaya and then winked at Cirilli.  “I think that can be arranged.”  

Chapter 5: Post lunch Activities 

    

Nevil set down dishes as Inman began to pour water for the washing. She paused, struck by the moment, she found herself watching him.  His sleeves rolled up, hands already washing dishes, and the care he took with Cirilli.  ...he would have been a good father.  Maybe in another time.  If we weren't...  Inman caught her gawking with a smile. 

 "What?" he asked, oddly tilting his head to look between strands of hair that fell in front of his face; his hands wet and unable to correct them.  Nevil walked close and moved them behind his ear. Despite the love for her family in Seaton, she couldn't help but feel a loss, of the earlier time she gave up with Inman. Then came guilt, for feeling some regret about the life she made.  Hindsight is so clear and I shouldn't feel this way. 

"Just loving on you," she said, dismissing his question with a half-smile.  Inman smiled in return but he recognized that look. He had seen it many years before.  With his hands still in the dish water, he leaned to beg her favor.  Nevil's face brightened and she allowed a brief kiss before walking to what had become the equipment closet.  She grabbed the makings of the last couch and sat at the small round table near the side of the room.

Atalaya turned to Cirilli, “Go get your focus and the grippers.  We will practice and then you can watch Vaz’s climbing practice.”

Cirilli headed towards her room to gather her supplies.  As she did, Atalaya stood and gathered her dishes.  Sorrow removed them from her hands.  “Go on, I’ve got these.  And I think that I’ll just practice a bit myself, in here, so that I can keep watch over our guest while you all are about your various activities.”

Atalaya allowed him to take her dishes, rose up onto her tiptoes and planted a swift kiss on his cheek.  “Thank you.  He seems compliant, but… it’s better not to allow him any chance to misbehave.”

Taking Boz’s hand she leads him towards the back cabin.  “Come on, you are going to want to get whatever you need for the next hour or so.”  In the cabin she watched as he gathered a whetstone and his blades.  The daggers were placed in his sheaths and into his boots.  Holding his sheathed sword he made his way to Atalaya.  Tossing it on the bed, he held her in front of him.  “You are a busy girl today.  But tonight you are mine.”  His lips claimed hers in a brief but intense kiss.  Breaking it off, his hands tilting her head slightly, he kissed her briefly on her forehead before stepping away.  “I best leave before Cirilli shows up.”

Atalaya sighed and nodded.  “Send her in if you see her.  She should be coming.

When Cirilli entered the room, she found Atalaya sitting on the bed, a pile of towels placed on the chair drawn up close to the bed and the porthole open.  Sounds of the ship's passage through the water as well as the slightly humid salty smell of the sea breeze filled the room.  Atalaya had her meditation focus out and was fiddling with it as she waited.

Cirilli came into the room with more confidence than she had the past couple of days.  “Are you going to make my mind go all quiet again?” she asked while jumping on the bed.  “Like last time?” she added as she placed the grippers on the chair and held our her token.

“Yes.  But later.  First the relaxation exercises, then any questions and then another guided meditation is my plan for today.”  Smiling, she added,  “We’ll see how that goes today.”

Cirilli nodded and started to return her token to her pouch.  Atalaya shook her head.  “No, keep it out and take off your belt and pouches.  Once she had complied Atalaya started.  “Lie down on your back.”  She placed the gripper into Cirilli’s right hand once she was settled.  “Alright, squeeze this and tighten all the muscles in your arm and hold for count of 3 and then release all the tension.”  Watching Cirilli she smiled as the arm relaxed.  “Good.  No this time, try to tighten just the muscles in your hand.  Good.  Count to 3 and then relax the hand.  Nice.  Now, try to tense the arm muscles but not the hand.  Let your fingers wiggle while you count.  Good and relax your arm and hand.  Now the shoulder.”  Atalaya took the gripper out of Cirilli’s hand.  “Feel my hand on your shoulder and shoulder blade.  Tense the muscles here.  Good and now relax.”  

Atalaya worked Cirilli through the muscle groups in her limbs and torso.  “You are doing great.  Now tighten the muscles in your face.  Good. And relax.  You are doing really well.  Final part.  Feel through your body for anything that feels tight and let it loose.  Everything should feel calm and loose.  Check carefully for anything that isn’t.  If you find something that is tight let it go quiet and loose.  Tighten up the area around that spot and then allow it all to relax if you need to.  Good.  Now, just enjoy this feeling of your body at peace.”

Atalaya allowed Cirilli to just enjoy the relaxation she had produced.  After several minutes, she took Cirilli’s hand and helped her to sit up.  “Hmm.  Part 1 completed.  Well done.  You have been practicing.”  

“Now, do you have any questions?  The can be about what we just did or any other questions about the practice of meditation.”

Cirilli twisted the gripper as she worked to organize her questions.  Finally she asked, “Why are you having me do this tensing and relaxing of my muscles?  It doesn’t seem to have anything to do with the meditation we did yesterday.” 

Atalaya kicked her boots off and pulled her feet onto the bed, sitting cross legged and facing Cirilli.  “That is a good question.  Our minds don’t particularly like to be quiet.  And when we ask them to be, they like to look around for something to latch onto and draw the mind from the task we are trying to give it. One of it’s favorite tricks to start telling you that your body doesn’t feel right.  Or that it hurts.  Or is just generally uncomfortable.  By releasing the tension in your body you remove this particular temptation from the mind.  And over time it trains the mind to expect that when your body relaxes in this way that it should expect to go into meditation.  It becomes a key … or maybe a doorway that helps to lead you into a meditative state, especially when you are guiding yourself rather than having another guide you.”

Cirilli listened to Atalaya’s explanation carefully.  “So what we did yesterday was a ‘guided meditation?’ because you talked me through it?”

Atalaya nodded.  “Yes.  That is correct.”

Cirilli thought for a few minutes.  “Okay.  And we are going to do another guided meditation today.  But sometime I’m going to be able to do this by myself?

Atalaya smiled.  “Yes.  You will eventually be able to do this all by yourself.”  At Cirilli’s nod of understanding Atalaya continued.  “Okay.  Ready to start?”

“I think so,” Cirilli replied.  “Do I sit or lie down again?”

Atalaya looked at her before responding.  “How do you think you will feel more comfortable?”  

“I want to sit up again.” she said.

“Great.  Shoes off and sit crossed legged and get your focus out again.”

When Cirilli was ready and comfortable, Atalaya led her through another meditation.  Again, she was reassured as Cirilli seemed to follow her voice into a relaxed and centered state.  While Atalaya offered her several opportunities to pull out of the meditation, Cirilli again chose to continue through the entire guided meditation.  She remained within the centered state for a couple of minutes after Atalaya ended her guidance and then returned to the present state independently.  

As Cirilli opened her eyes she looked immediately to Atalaya.  “I did it again, didn’t I?” 

“You did indeed,” Atalaya confirmed.  “Good job, sweetheart.  You did very well indeed.   Unless you have other questions you are released from today’s practice.  Remember to pick a time to practice on your own.”

“I really did do it.  It’s not as scary as I thought it was going to be.”  Cirilli started to put her boots on.  “We need to go watch Boz climb the masts.  Come on.”

Atalaya, her boots on.  Smiled.  “Of course.  But I need my drawing things.  You put your stuff away and then we will look for Vaz.”  Cirilli nodded enthusiastically and ran off to put the gripper away.

The both headed up the stairs together, talking excitedly about the spectacle they expected to see from Boz.

Nevil had finished braiding the ropes for the last couch around the same time that Inman finished the dishes.  She began to lay out more rope when Inman joined her.  "Are we doing a fourth couch?" He asked while using his mage hands again to thread the last two braided ropes from the ceiling beams.

Nevil whispered, "No, it's going to be a bosun's chair for Cirilli.  The girl deserves a swing."    

Inman nodded, "That is a good idea.  She is going to love it." 

Nevil took the extra rope back to the closet.  When she returned with a board and a tool box, Inman had already lifted and secured the third couch into place. "I'll help you take them down in the morning before the workers arrive." He said as he came to sit with her at the table. "We'll use them tonight for our little party."  With a playful grin and feigned bragging, "I have a date with a beautiful young lady." 

"I heard." Nevil replied in turn, "You are a lucky man and If we hurry, you can give her a gift tonight to win her heart."  She looked through the tool box and found a rasp and a hand drill.  "Hold this," she instructed.  Inman held the board as Nevil drilled some holes on the sides, catching the shavings on a cloth.  She then rounded the corners and rough spots with the rasp.  "That should get most of it for now."  Nevil then threaded the rope through and began unbraiding and reweaving the end of the rope back into itself to secure it.  

Inman began to pick up the tools and returned them to storage when Nevil completed the swing.  Then an unexpectedly early burst of noise from the stairs as Cirilli ran past to her room.  Nevil and Inman froze. The swing behind Nevil.  Then just as quickly, Cirilli left with Atalaya up the stairs.   Seeing the threat to discovery had passed, they laughed and quickly hid the rest of the evidence.

Chapter 6: Boz’s Mast workout

Atalaya and Cirilli made their way topside with Cirilli bursting into the sunlight calling for Boz.  Atalaya followed, a spring in her step as she followed Cirilli.  Shielding her eyes from the sunlight as she stepped onto the deck, she saw Nevil’s hammock strung up with Vasilya sitting it and Cirilli scrabbling up to sit next to him.  

“Okay Boz, you can climb now.  I’m here,” Cirilli proclaimed.  

Vasilya threw his head back and laughed.  “Really?  You’re sure?”  Still chuckling, he helped Cirilli and Atalaya onto the hammock.    

Boz stood at the bottom of the rigging looking up, mentally mapping his ascent and entry into the crow’s nest.  Taking a deep breath he started reaching for a rope.  

“Not that one,” Cirilli said, suddenly appearing at his side.  Taking his hand she took him to the opposite side of the mast.  “See the wind is blowing this way.  You want it to blow you onto the ropes, not off them.  Hold here and here.  These are the shrouds they go all the way up.  You put your feet on these.  Climbing up one to bring her mouth near his ear she explained, “These are the ratlines.  I know it’s a silly name but that is what the sailors call them.  You use them like rungs on a ladder.  Just follow me.  No one else is in the crow’s nest right now.  We will both fit.”  

Cirilli started climbing quickly up the ropes, looking over her shoulder to judge Boz’s progress.  Boz followed her up.  Watching carefully how she moved up the ropes, he copied her movement and hand holds on the shrouds.  When she reached the crow’s nest Cirilli carefully climbed into it and then cheered Boz on as he reached it and made his own way onto the enclosed platform. 

Cirilli gazed out across the horizon as Boz caught his breath and grasped firmly to the edge of the crow’s nest.  The sway of the ship was much greater near the top of the mast than on the decks.   Boz looked down and the deck far below him.  “So this is where you like to spend your free time?”

Cirilli’s face lit up with a smile.  “I do.  Isn’t it great up here?”

Boz looked around again, gazing into the horizon.  “It’s got quite a view certainly.”  He gazed to the stern, seeing no sign of sails anywhere on the horizon.  “You do see a lot farther from here than on the deck, don’t you.?”  His gaze then searched for Atalaya and he watched her as she sat sketching in the hammock.  Ivar stood at the helm, talking with Annie and the other crew members were performing tasks on the deck.  

Nevil walked up the stairs, and past Atalaya who was looking high upon the mast, and went to the ship's wheel to speak with Annie and Ivar.  "We know the crew are itching for leave, but we have pressing business late in town tonight and need some hands on board for watch. Our guest will stay aboard of course, as will Inman and Cirilli, who are planning a special dinner for anyone remaining and taking first night's watch."  Ivar looks intrigued.  "It's bacon wrapped chicken skewers over seasoned rice, summer vegetables, fresh bread, and adult drink in reasonable moderation."  Nevil looks up the mast to see Boz looking down, "also, it looks promising for a clear night.  How do you feel about dinner on deck? So everyone, except our guest, can eat together and cut loose a little."  

Ivar grins, "That is a fair bargain for first watch."  Annie looks to Ivar and laughs, "we may have to cast fingers for it later (aka paper, rock, scissors variant)."  She continues, looking to Ivar, "got the wheel? We have inventory to take before port."  Ivar stepped up to the helm, taking the ship's wheel.  His hip planted firm against the constant tug of the rudder.

Boz turned his gaze to the shrouds and ratlines again.  “So, are you ready to show me how to get back to the deck?”

Cirilli laughed.  “That’s easy.  Watch.”  Nimbly climbing back over the edge of the crow’s nest and onto the first of the ratlines, she swiftly made her way about half way down before looking up and calling to Boz to start down.  

Boz, quickly copied Cirilli’s movement onto the ropes, and then headed down himself, although his descent was slower than Cirilli’s.  Cirilli watched him for a moment and seeing that he was able to climb down, hurried to complete her climb.  She waited for him at the bottom her smile taking over her face as he got closer to her.  When he finally hopped off the ratlines to the deck she threw her arms around him, “You did it!”  

Boz smiled.  “So I did.”  Now let’s see if I can go a bit faster.  As Cirilli watched, Boz grabbed the shrouds and headed up, much faster than before.  Reaching the top, he climbed into the crow’s nest and then turned around and headed back down.  He quickly decided that speed was not necessarily the best idea on the downward journey and he slowed, being careful not to miss any of his foot placements.  

Nevil walked with Annie to the mid-deck, then added, "Inman has already started the inventory because he's chef on duty for tonight.  Splurge a little on the list, we are going to have a long haul after this port and I'm sure Atalaya will agree to any additions."  Annie nodded and watched Boz’s activity for a bit.  

Nevil went to sit with Atalaya.  She looked up at the pair, " glad to see our sweat payment is being upheld.  How much did you have to goad him?”

“Oh, this was his idea.  I know he’s really good at climbing on land.  He’s actually pretty fast getting in and out of a tree.  And I’ve heard tales about both his and Seraphina’s ability to climb in and out of houses and travel the rooftops in a city.  I haven’t heard about him climbing on the masts or sails of a ship before.  I think he might have wanted to show off a bit for Cirilli though.  All the rest of us have been beguiling her with our fighting skills.  Perhaps he felt a bit left out?”

“Or, he wanted to let Cirilli be the teacher.  He’s good with her.  And for her.  She is so ready to soak up any praise.  And any bit of affection or love that we have for her.”

Nevil smiled and giggled to herself watching Atalaya, who was clearly having trouble not watching Boz.  Her attention was split, looking back and forth, not realizing as she explained, that Nevil was teasing. Nevil simply let her go on.  Then she looked to Nevil who had a huge amused grin, "I was teasing.  I see his heart, he wears it on his sleeve. Looking at the two climbing down.  It's fun to watch him with Cirilli isn't it?"

“I see Cirilli engaging with all our guys a lot more than she used to.  But it’s different with Vaz.  And he is … Yes, it is fun to see him with Cirilli.”  Atalaya’s eyes remain on the two of them, as Vasilya makes his way down towards the deck and the waiting Cirilli.  “I wish I could have met his parents.  They must have been really good people to have raised him to care for others so much.”

Nevil listened carefully to Atalaya as she closed her eyes. She could feel everything in the moment.  Drawing closer to port the roll and sway of the deck had increased as the water shallowed.  The sails sounded more as the wind changed subtle directions, buffered by the coast.  Sea birds called more frequently, for they knew the shipping lanes and frequented approaching ships looking for an easy meal. 

Nevil breathed deep. Tribor taught me that the opposite can be equally as true.  That, like Cirilli, beautiful things can come from terrible places.  

When she opened her eyes again, one gull swept near the shrouds as if taking a closer look, to see if the fuss on the ship would be fruitful.  The wind carried hints perhaps of curses from Boz as the gull harassed his descent.

She looked to Atalaya who seemed quite happy.  Do not darken her moment. "Does he talk of his parents? are they still alive?" She asked.

“He doesn’t say much.  Just that his kumpania, his clan were all killed.  Eventually he met Seraphina and then later Joan and Sorrow.  They became his kumpania,” Atalaya explained.  

Boz's feet hit the deck and he looked up as if he was going to try another time, but Cirilli grabbed his hand and started pulling him back towards the hammock.  “Come on.  Let’s tell Atalaya that you did it.”

As he starts across the deck Ivar could be heard hailing him from the helm, “Can we count on you to help with the sails during the storms now, Boz?”  Annie’s and Lonnie’s laughter floated across the deck at Ivar’s shout.

Nevil turned to Atalaya, “Wait, was that his first time up the mast?”

“As far as I know it is.”  Atalaya continued sketching as she talked to Nevil.  I’ve never heard him say anything about climbing or spending any time on ships before we got the Hond Ebrath.”  Atalaya looked at the sketch, added a couple more lines to one of the sketches.  Turning the pad towards Nevil she asked, “What do you think?  A good enough remembrance for his first attempt?  Okay, so the first two aren’t so good,  but I think I got the perspective better with the last couple.  These two might even be good enough to make into a full drawing.”

   [Atalaya has made a couple of sketches of Cirilli and Boz climbing up the rigging and one with the two of them in the crow’s nest (as seen from below)  

Nevil reaches to the side of the pad to steady it for her eyes.  "You did well with this tough angle. I really like that one of the crow’s nest with Cirilli pointing.  It's like the two of them are on an adventure.  I can't wait to see the final version."  Nevil, seeing Boz and Cirilli approach, "Do you think he knows that is what his butt looks like while climbing?"  Cirilli giggles.

Atalaya rolls her eyes and laughs.  “Sh!  Don’t tell him, he won’t climb while I can draw.”  Atalaya quickly closes her sketchbook just seconds before the two reach the hammock.

         “Did you see, Atalaya?” asked Cirilli.  “Boz went all the way up!”  She started to get onto the hammock, but stopped and tugged on Boz’s arm again.  “You sit here.  I need to tell Sorrow that you made it to the crow’s nest.”

            “He owes me a song,” she added as she ducked out of the way.

         "Yes, mam." Boz replied with a playful grin that was so deep it was undeniable.  He climbed beside Atalaya, his shirt beginning to dampen and his forehead beading sweat. "Did you get enough payment for my toll?  Or are additional efforts required?"

Nevil laughed, "Let's not pretend you didn't enjoy every minute of that. I know Cirilli did."  

          “Hmm, two trips up to the crow's nest?”  Atalaya looked at Nevil and then Cirilli.  Shaking her head sadly, and fighting to keep from breaking out in a smile she added,  “No, not quite.  Cirilli made three trips just as a warm up the other day, and then had a full practice.”  Unable to keep the smile hidden, she added, "I'm just not convinced that two trips meets Nevil’s requirement.” 

Oh Eldath, here we go.  This is going to be too fun.  Nevil raised an eyebrow at Atalaya’s comments.  "I fear she is correct Boz." Nevil sat up and scooted to the edge of the net. Jumping off she walked to dip a cup in the water barrel.  "Of course payment is on the honor system.  I am sure you can work something out with Atalaya."  Boz looked at Atalaya with mild amusement that she might be serious.

Walking to a low crate near the net hammock, Nevil set the cup on top, and hopped up. "It would be a shame to lose viewing privileges."  Waiting to see what Boz would do, she took a square, soft leather pouch from the pack she brought up earlier, and laid it on her lap.  She unwrapped it, revealing a whetstone and several small tools.  Then she dropped the wet stone inside the cup of water. Looking up, and with every ounce of willpower not to crack a smile, "Rules are rules Boz.  If you need help thinking of ways to work up a sweat, I am sure I can get creative." Hold it together. don't laugh. The expression on Boz’s face changed from mild amusement to uncertainty as he continued to look between Atalaya and Nevil.

Laughing outright, Atalaya glares at Nevil, “This is when I really miss being in the forest.  There is nothing here that I can throw at you.”  Her face reddens as she turns back to Vasilya with a wink.  “Just for that, I think you need to sneak attack her the next time she and I are sparring.  That will help to work up some additional sweat.  Of course you would need to climb up the masts a few times first.”  

      Nevil feigned offense, "what on earth are you turning red for?"  Nevil gestures with what looks like an industrial paring knife. I was simply saying that there are plenty of work things to do on this ship that would suffice."  

“Oh, ship tasks.  I’m sure that is what you meant.  Yes, there are things he could do to help out.  Swab the decks, help pull the sails up or lower them.  Sure.”  Atalaya turns redder if possible as she tries to keep from laughing.  

      Nevil cracks a smile, "Oh, you are so busted...  That's exactly what I was thinking.  The water barrel needs a refill so I can purify it too, and there is always laundry..."  

Vasilya, cluing into the teasing going on between the two women looks more certain again.  “Not much to hide behind as I approach, but I’m sure you can keep her busy enough to not notice my approach.  I wouldn’t mind landing a few good hits when she is least expecting it.”  

“But that is for another day.  Perhaps you can help me work up a sweat later tonight.”  His arm tightens around her waist, preventing her from pulling away.  “There are lots of ways to work up a sweat during the night,” he whispers in her ear.   “Now though,” he adds in his normal speaking voice, “What were you drawing while I was climbing?  I could see you from the crow’s nest, you know.”

Atalaya starts to move the sketchbook behind her.  “Oh nothing really.  Just some ideas that I might try to turn into an actual drawing later.” 

       Nevil considers further, "You gave me an idea.  Maybe we can practice sneak attacks.  We just need blindfolds. We could make a wicked game of hide and seek with it." Pleased with her inspiration, she plucked the whetstone out of the cup and tapped it once on the crate.  Laying it flat upon her leg, on top of the flap of the leather pouch, she began to sharpen several knives and small chisels.

Vasilya starts to reach for the sketchbook.  “I want to see.”

With a totally straight face, Atalaya says, “Well then, I guess you better fill the water barrel for Nevil.”

Vasilya grumbles, “Unreasonable women, that’s what you are.  I was just going to have a nice little rest here in the open.  Enjoy looking at some art work and …”

Atalaya swats at the hand that is trying to reach around her for the notebook.  “Go, fill the water barrel and you may have fulfilled Nevil’s requirements for the day.”

Boz sighs as he gets up and heads over to Lonnie to ask where the bucket for collecting seawater is stored.

Still trying to not laugh outright, Atalaya looks over at Nevil.  “Guess I need to fill another page with sketches to show him before he gets back.  I did want to draw this afternoon, after all.” 

       Nevil looks up as she runs her thumb over a knife to check for burs.  "Sure, but why not show him all of them?  Let him see the beauty you see.”

“He has seen most of my drawings.  Just not all the preliminary sketches.  Especially not the ones that just didn’t come out right.  And the first two I drew just need to be cut out and tossed into the stove.  But I am going to make the one with him and Cirilli in the crow’s nest.  And I’ll eventually get some made of his climbing up or down.  I’m going to need to practice that a few more times before starting to work on a real picture though.  The perspective is weird.  Maybe I just need to be farther away.  I might try it from the stern next time he climbs.” 

Atalaya looks over Nevil’s tools.  “What are you planning to whittle?”  She takes up her pencils and quickly starts sketching Ivar at the helm.

        

         Nevil shrugs as she works another chisel. "I don't know. I don't really have the wood I need.  It was always easy to find sticks on the road or scrap lumber in the shop.  But a ship... I was hoping to pick up some materials tomorrow."  She feels the end of the chisel and is satisfied. Moving to another knife, "Then we'll see what possibilities there are.  I was really just preparing this new kit.  They never sell them as sharp as they need to be."  She inspects the knife periodically as she works.  "I use to make all kinds of little things, mostly utilitarian items, some toys, ornaments, and a little jewelry.  Maybe, I'll make a chess set... If we can't find one... or maybe some knife handles."  Nevil pauses, "but I did finish a little something for Cirilli earlier while you were meditating.  I thought she might like a swing. It's simple, but it will hold up.  

“A swing?  Where are you going to put up a swing?” 

"Well, I need to talk to Ivar.  But a tie between the shrouds aft of the main mast could be made to support a swing.  But without that, it's something that could really only happen when we are in port. Then you just toss a line over the main yard or use the cargo lifting spar.”

“I guess that could work.  I’m sure she would enjoy a swing.  Just about everyone likes to swing.”  Noticing movement, she glanced up and saw Vasilya making his way towards them.

His shirt plastered to his body and sweat glistening across his forehead and around his neck, Boz made his way back to the women.  “The water barrel is ready for you to sweeten.”  He flopped himself onto the hammock next to Atalaya.  “So, have I earned the right to peek in your sketchbook now?”

His hand reached for the one that Atalaya held the book in.  “Please?”  he wheedled.  

“Perhaps.”  Her hand felt the back of his neck.  “Hmm, I guess you have put in a bit more effort now.  Maybe enough for a page of two,”  Vasilya reached for Atalaya’s book again, taking it gently from her hand.

“Here, let me show you,” Atalaya said as she settled against him and opened the book in his hands.  Opening to the page where she had sketched Ivar she let Vasilya look.  Some additional sketches of the crew were on the page and then one of Cirilli and him in the crow’s nest.  Vasilya looked at that final sketch for a long time.  

“I like this.  You should do a full sized picture of this,” Vasilya said.

Atalaya slowly turned the page to show him what she was working on.  Vasilya drew in his breath as he looked at her drawing.  It wasn’t finished, but the rough bones were there: the shrouds rising up to the crow’s nest, the sail, mast and ropes sketched in, and Vasilya and Cirilli laughing as they pointed to something off in the distance. After wiping his finger he traced the figures on the page.  “This is going to be…”  His voice petered out as he looked.  

“So, are you going to do anything with all that water I just hauled up?” he asked Nevil.

       Nevil smiles to herself as she packs the tools. And that's my cue to excuse myself.  She hops down from the crate, "A fine job. Yes, my turn.  No doubt that water is filthy as we draw nearer to port."  Nevil went to the barrel, holding a hand over the water and whispering words, the water cleared and settled.  She returned the lid and went below to find Inman.

Chapter 7: Approaching Port

Annie was at the dining table writing the last of the shopping list.  Nevil passing through to the galley found Cirilli and Inman already working on dinner but in the most odd of ways.  Inman was holding a slat of firewood with mage hands, as Cirilli with two hands attempted to split the slat into thin strips with a small hand ax.  Nevil laughed at the sight.  "Well that's one way."  

Cirilli looked up, pointing to the pile they had already made, "We are almost done."  Nevil smiled as she approached.  "Yes, that is a pile, would you mind if I clean these up for you?" She asked.  Inman smiled and turned to Cirilli, "we've got some preparations to do."  Nevil took the pile, took her wood knife out of the pouch, and proceeded to clean the edges of the skewers, sitting at the small kitchen table. Inman and Cirilli began to chop and slice ingredients.

About thirty minutes later, Atalaya and Boz can be heard talking animatedly as they enter the common area.  Atalaya looked over the pile of chopped foods that Cirilli was beginning to push onto the skewers.  “I can’t wait to hear how your meal goes.  I’m thinking that you are going to have to repeat this later when we can all enjoy it.”

Cirilli exchanged a look with Inman and retorted, “Maybe.  It’s a pretty special meal.  Inman says that we might need compensation if we make it again.”  

“He does, does he?  And just what is it that he thinks will compensate the two of you for preparing this again?” asked Atalaya.

The impish smile that Atalaya was coming to know flittered over Cirilli’s face.  “Inman says that it is best to ‘keep it fluid.’  That way we can get the best possible deal.”

Atalaya looked over at Inman.  “You are corrupting my sweet ward.”  

The door to Nevil and Inman's room was open for Nevil to overhear. She popped her head out already cleaned and dressed for town.  With a playful but slightly disapproving look, "Boz would be proud that you are polishing her street smarts."

Hands full, Inman gestured to Nevil with his brow and cast a look to Atalaya that was playful and apologetic, "It's just the way of the world.  Anyway, whatever fee we charge will no doubt be agreeable, and likely enjoyable to all."  

"Are we sighting port yet?" Nevil asked.

“Ivar said we should be docked within two hours.  I was just going to clean up a bit and find something clean to wear.  We do need to have a laundry day soon.  Snatching a piece of chopped carrot to munch on, Atalaya filled the ewer from her cabin with water and headed towards the back of the ship.  

Boz cleaned his hands and eased himself into the third seat at the small work table and began to imitate Cirilli and Inman pushing the food onto the skewers.  Seeing Inman’s raised eyebrow Boz said, “I’m just going to give her a few moments to get cleaned up.”

Inman looked like he wanted to say something else, but after a glance at Cirilli kept silent.  Boz, watching the expressions flash across Inman’s face chucked a potato cube in his direction.  Inman sidestepped it easily and laughed.  

Atalaya poured the water into the basin and turned to look out the porthole.  The ship was closer to the shoreline now, the sounds of the gulls and other seabirds loud and frequent as they made their way closer and closer to Blue Haven.  Opening the chest, Atalaya pulled out a clean tunic and leggings.  

When she was ready Atalaya returned to the common area.  “We’re getting close, who wants to go topside to watch our arrival?"

        Nevil was lounging on one of the couches with Inman.  Her head rested on a pillow, her legs cast over his thighs as he read allowed from a book of common lore.  Cirilli was also lounging, listening to Inman's reading.  She giggled when he made voices for the characters.  While she was enjoying it, she perked up with Atalaya’s question. "I do!"  She ran on deck, making her way up the stairs first.  

Inman closed his book and looked at Nevil with a mixture of excitement and reservation. "We're coming" he said to Atalaya.  But he held onto Nevil's legs.  Running a hand casually up her thigh, leaning to steal a sweetly slow kiss after the others went top-side.  Before he freed her, “come home to me tonight,” he asked. 

“To your side,” she replied.  Inman smiled and got up to return his book to their room. Inman placed some folded papers in his vest and went with Nevil to join the others on deck.

The port was busy with ships trying to leave before sunset. Perhaps to avoid dock fees, more likely for the same reason the Hond Elbreth was delayed; sandbars and narrow channels at night.  Ivar was at the helm calling orders to the attentive crew. It was a little tense at times as, Ivar barked and cussed with the ship needing to make some quick tacking until they found their place in the order of arriving ship's. 

The wind was at a difficult angle, the dock was upwind to the ship such that the crew had to keep enough speed, dump wind at the right time, and deftly cast and roll ropes to slow the ship without hitting the dock.  Nevil was impressed and gave Ivar a nod of respect.

Chapter 8: Return from Tavern

 

[From our game notes] We make our way back to the ship and feed Inman and Skarne.  While he is eating, Skarne says, “I’m assuming you want to find Hawk.”

We agree.  He asks how he is going to do that while being kept on the ship.  We talk about ideas of what to do.  Skarne says that he knows some taverns that are not open to the general public.  We decided to take Skarne with us in the morning to start looking for Hawk.  He is reminded that he is on parole and if he wants a chance at a new life he needs to behave appropriately.  

When Skarne is returned to his room, Inman is informed about the contact having been made at the Wind Rose and that Nevil needs to meet with the Harpers again tomorrow night to hopefully meet with a regional director of the Harpers.  

******

After the conversation with Skarne and his retirement to his room, Inman sat on one of the couches opposite Atalaya and Boz who were relaxed and quite comfortable.  Nevil dropped a few items in their room then walked to sit on the edge of the couch by Inman. She had removed her gambeson, taken down her hair, and looked far more comfortable. 

Ever the hungry teen, Cirilli was polishing off the last of the cake the group brought back from the Wind Rose.

Nevil asked as she sat and began to take off her boots, "How was the evening?  Did you manage to have fun?" 

Inman weakly smiled as he leaned back waiting for her to draw nearer, "Considering my date left me, we made the most of it. Dinner was a hit and the evening uneventful." He lightly scowled, "but stop keeping me waiting. Did you get any bites at the tavern?"  

Nevil smiled.  It's not fun to have to stay behind.  "Yeah, Sorrow played perfectly. It was the cook.  He went by Shen, at least I assume the cake icing writing on the plate he offered was his name."  Inman had a confused look of disbelief.  Nevil laughed, "I know, it's weird, but all the tells were right and it's easy to smear."  She pulled her legs up under her and leaned back against Inman.  "We meet again at the tavern tomorrow night with hopefully someone senior."

As Nevil leaned near, Inman looked worried and questioned, "I can smell the beer on you.  You were suppose to be careful."  

Oh, come on.  It's not that unusual to drink at a first contact.  Nevil looked irritated as she sat up to look right at him.  She explained calmly, "And I was...  He never asked my name.  I was with the group nearly the whole time and I only drank enough to blend in."  She grinned, "But watch out for Joan, she's an instigator."  

Atalaya and Boz broke out in laughter.  “Joan enjoys her drinks.  And I think she was really happy to see Sorrow again.  The two are seldom apart from each other.  There’s a lot of backstory there.  You should ask them about it sometime,” Boz said, his tone growing serious.  

Inman's tone grew more concerned, "you left the group?"  He can't be serious. Nevil's expression showed disbelief, "Are you suggesting you would have conducted business at the open table in the middle of the room? or that an entire group following the cook would have looked normal?"  

Nevil touched his chest, "It was fine. All the tells were right.  If you can't come along, you're going to have to trust me.  Like I will, if you go speak with your war wizard colleagues.” She considered and added, “...and I know far less about them than you know of my work." 

Realizing she was right, Inman’s face softened and they settled together again.  Then Cirilli took the plates to the galley and scampered into her room.  Inman gestured for the group to watch.  

When Cirilli entered, she found something on her bunk.  A little rolled paper package tied with a small string.  Inman had placed it when the group was away.  She open the package to find the swing, 10 gold, and a little note. 

"Cirilli, for working so hard to build your dreams.  A swing to learn to fly and some gold for town.  When you learn to swim we can have even more fun with it.  - Nevil and Inman -”

Cirilli pulled the paper wrapping off the present left on her hammock.  Seeing the pieces of wood and rope and the golden coins she let out a little grasp.  Eagerly picking up the enclosed note she read it through and then read it again.  A quick count of the gold left her mouth open.  As she placed the tenth coin down she sank onto the hammock.  Ten gold.  Ten gold.  I’ve gotten some gold from the loot when I was there a couple of times, and Atalaya gives me coins sometimes and so much more.  But, she’s my guardian, almost my mother.  But Nevil and Inman…  They didn’t have to.  No one has ever just given me money and gifts before.  Cirilli sat, fingering the swing for several minutes and then jumped off the hammock and headed back into the common room and ran to the couch holding Nevil and Inman.  Climbing up she squeezed her way between Nevil and Inman and threw her arms around the both of them.  “Thank you.  Thank you.  I don’t know what to say.  No one…”  Silent tears ran down her face as she hugged them another time.  

Inman smiled and Nevil gave Cirilli an extra big hug. “You've been working hard with a level of maturity uncommon for your age. You deserve a treat,” She explained.

Cirilli slowly got down and went to sit between Atalaya and Boz.  “They gave me a present.  And some money.  They made a swing.  You give me things but no one else ever has.”  Atalaya hugged her close, her hand pulling Cirilli’s head to her shoulder.  “I know the adults in your life before were poor examples.  That changed when you became my ward.  My ‘Daughter of My Heart.’  

Atalaya asked Inman, “You and Sorrow are planning to check out the Countess’ library tomorrow, right?  The rest of us need to decide what needs to be done first.  Inman, you and Annie made up a list of food supplies that need to be bought.  Do you have it?  Is there anything else we need for the ship… other than the items we need to make the floor?

      Inman nodded, “yes the search for library acceptable books is paramount.  With or without Sorrow’s arrival home, I will go there in the morning.”  Inman took the list from his vest pocket and handed it to Atalaya.

“That's the ship's list for goods. Nevil and I have another personal list of general items that I'll drop off at a merchant on my way to the Countess’ library.” 

Nevil added, “Did you have anything you needed to add to the list?  Something about a sitting room?”

“Yes, there are going to be things to buy, but I think that is something we might want to pick out ourselves."

  

"Okay, so this is the list then.  I’ll give it to Annie and she can supply the ship.  I’ll leave gold with Ivar to pay upon delivery. "

 

"Now, Nevil, you paid for the materials to make these wonderful hanging couches and a few other things in Stamfort.  That needs to come out of the ship funds too.  How much did you spend?" 

Nevil looked surprised, “ship funds for that? You sure?  It wasn't that expensive, only 79 gp.”

“It doesn’t matter.  That’s why a part of what we acquire as we ‘adventure’ goes into the group funds.  It pays for the upkeep on the ship, and for things we need as a group and it did pay for taxes and expenses on our house.  I’m not sure how that will work now.  Ivar is spending all his time in Salt Marsh or sailing for his brother.  And I don’t know what Mac and Tif are up to.  But that isn’t something I need to worry about yet.”

“One of things we should do here in Blue Haven is see if we can sell off any of the items we have acquired lately that we don’t need.  And some of the gems perhaps.  I don’t know what the market is like here, but I’m sure we can all use some coin and I’d like to revitalize the ship’s fund.  Mac had control of it and I think has most of those funds.”

“So, come on, let’s get you settled.”  Atalaya gives Cirilli another hug, leans over and gives Vasilya a quick peck on the cheek.  “I’ll be right back.”  Hopping off the couch she stood waiting for Nevil to join her. 

Nevil looks confused as she gets up. "Get me settled? Where are we going?  I swear if this is some initiation ritual... " she teases.

“Well, I was thinking more along the line of giving you the money you are owed.”  She grinned, “That’s a lot of coins, do you have something to carry them in?”  

        Nevil looked playfully sly, "well that's less fun... but I will defer to the Master of Coin."  She went to her room and came back with a pouch. Seeing that Atalaya was not present, she moved to the back of the ship to find Atalaya in her cabin. 

Atalaya was sitting at the desk pulling out coins from a small chest and making stacks of ten when Nevil entered the cabin.  “Oh good.  You have something to carry this in.  Now about that initiation you wanted…”  Atalaya laughs softly,  “I could make you catch each of these with your sack as I toss them to you.  I’m pretty good at tossing coins.  Just ask Vaz.”  Atalaya takes the first gold piece and tosses and catches it in her own hand.  

Nevil flinched, believing Atalaya was tossing a coin her way.  "No, no, I am no Boz."  Atalaya drops the stacks of coin in Nevil's pouch.  Nevil cinches closed the bag, then weighing it with her hand.  "you know if Boz is looking for some skills practice.  We could make a game of lift the bag."  Nevil’s expression asks Atalaya’s thoughts.

“I never said that Vaz was catching the coins, just that I was tossing them.”  Atalaya looks pensive.  “Actually my arm was pretty sore by the end.  We could make tossing some kind of weight an exercise too,” she said with a mischievous glint in her eyes.  

Nevil looked ready to play but tired. She's cute when she's got that glint in her eye.  But I don't think she gets that I meant pick-pocketing the gold bag.  “That too, but not tonight.”

“Does the group funds owe you for anything else?  You know, you are going to need to be the one to get the talk to the carpenters about building the floor.  Just remember, payment for that should come out of the group funds too.

Nevil nodded. "I've got enough to get a down payment on it.  I just don't know what that will be yet.  We can settle up later.  I will not agree to anything over 300 gold. And that's if they can finish by tomorrow.”

“So, do you want to see the picture I am working on?  You never came back after you desalted the water barrel.”

Nevil looked with interest, “Did you finish it already? Yeah, I was trying to give you some time with Boz.”

“No, it isn’t finished yet, but I like what I’ve gotten done.”  Atalaya places the small coin chest back into the bag of holding.  Opening the desk drawer she pulled out her sketch pad.  Opening it to the last drawing she pushed it over to Nevil.  The drawing wasn’t finished, but the rough bones were there: the shrouds rising up to the crow’s nest, the sail, mast and ropes sketched in, and Vasilya and Cirilli laughing as they pointed to something off in the distance.  The details still needed to be completed and the background, but the figures of Vasilya and Cirilli were full of expression and looked almost real with the wind blowing their hair and the sunlight caressing their cheeks.  “I’m not sure when I’m going to be able to finish this.  It seems like we are going to be very busy for a few days.  But I’m sure that once we are back to sea I’ll have plenty of time.”

Nevil draws behind Atalaya to look closely while she holds the drawings.  “Oh that captures them nicely. You should be proud."   Nevil looks around the room and back to Atalaya.  "Thank you.  I think I just found my next project...  I need to make you some mounting frames for some of your work.”

Atalaya skimmed through the sketch book.  “Well, I guess that I have a few that are nice enough to display.  I hadn’t really thought about that.  I just draw to pass the time.”  She looks at the picture of Cirilli and Vasilya.  Maybe one of them would like this one. 

Atalaya puts the sketch book away.  “I think it’s time to head back out there.  Who knows what the guys have gotten into while we have been away.”

As they head back into the great room, Cirilli is curling up on Boz as he rocks the couch with his foot.  Her eyes are heavy and she is fighting sleep.  Boz and Inman are chatting. "...he will not be back until morning, I'm sure.  You may have to meet him there." Boz turns to see the ladies approach.

Nevil smiles, giving Cirilli a tug on her foot.  "Go to bed littles, tomorrow is a big day."  Cirilli startles a little, and slowly sits up. "Good night," she mumbles as her heavy feet shuffle to bed.

Nevil sits near Inman.  "And when are we going to find time for you to conduct business with the War Wizards? What does that look like?" She asked.

Inman nodded, I've given it some thought.  It's probably safest to send a series of letters just before we leave.  That way they have less time to ask questions or tail our business."  He pats his chest, "They are already written.  It's just a matter of dropping them off or sending a courier."  Inman looks to the group, "thoughts?”

After Atalaya heard Cirilli’s door close she asked softly, “So, it isn’t a good thing for them to know that Inman is here?  Then you send your notes after we leave here.  But, are they going to be looking for you once they get these letters?  Or are they looking for you now?”  Atalaya glanced at Nevil.  “I just want to know what we need to watch out for.  I don’t understand the War Wizards.  The Harpers and the Enclave I have at least learned about from Master Elaria and even my father mentioned them a time or two while I was growing up.”  She looked back to Inman.  “You are a part of this little company now.  You’ve a good person.  And you are important to Nevil.   Actually you are up to your neck in our business with The Eye now.  Hell, I like you.  I just want to know who to watch out for.

Inman extricated his arm from behind Nevil to lean forward on the couch.  His body language is a little tense, "It's not that they can't know where I am, or what I'm doing.  It's that I am trying to keep as much of my business with Harpers separate.  I don't want to have to explain why we have Skarne in tow with no intentions of bringing him in... or why we are meeting with Harpers...  Or that..."

He looks back to Nevil and puts his hand on her thigh, "War wizard’s police each other.  So, it is less risky to check in and share our information just before we leave." He looks back to Atalaya, "I was just going to update them on the cult and Red Wizard activity, the link with the Sea Princes, and Pelagia.  With a note to leave our storm giant friend alone.  But our exact business with Skarne and the Eye, is not included."  As a gesture of trust, he reaches into his chest pocket and offers the notes to Atalaya, "you're welcome to read them.”

“Inman, I don’t need to read them.  We settled the trust issue several days ago.  I just need to understand.  You are going to suggest that they make friends with the storm giant (name) and then set up an outpost there.  I’d much rather see the crown in control there than the Red Wizards.”  A rather sly look comes across her face, “Or maybe they should just monitor the place and take out each group of Red Wizards and slavers as they show up.  At least it is now a known headquarters for them.”

Inman nodded to Atalaya and returned the papers to his pocket.  "I imagine you are completely correct.  I would bet they lay wait and catch as many as they can for interrogation and public execution.  I can't guess what will happen to the towers after that.  But I was very detailed about the agreeable nature of our resident friend."

Nevil openly considered, "If we don't know who in the crown has been compromised, how do we know your warning will get to the right hands?"

Inman was stoic, "because I am sending the letter to more than one person, in more than one region. Including people I trust the most.  If they are all corrupt then the organization is lost and it will not matter that I put my reputation on the line to vouch for the information."

Nevil looks at Inman with concern, "you put your commission on this? That's everything he's sacrificed for.

Inman shrugged, "I can't send them the letter about Hawk and the eye and connection with the Princes."  He looked back to Nevil,  "My word is all I have. It had to be done.  And it wouldn't be worth much if I didn't."  Nevil considered his words. Vows are everything.  He is a good man.  Nevil leaned forward to kiss him and Inman met her halfway. He added with a whisper and a half-smile, “I can always settle down with you if I lose it."

“That's a lot on the line Inman,” she replied.

“Are you really at risk of being thrown out of the War Wizards for helping us?”  Atalaya looked upset.    

"Well, yes or worse,” he replied. “But that's been a constant being a Harper. And that is manageable."  He leans back again to find comfort with Nevil.  Exhaling heavily and considering, "but with releasing this new information, a lot depends on how deep and widespread the corruption.  It is my hope my brothers will believe me and can uproot the rot that has taken hold and fortify the crown from within.  My work is of course The Eye.  So, it will all be in their hands.  It's just the way the system works.”

Atalaya struggled to sit upright and began to move off the couch.  Vasilya started to pull her back towards him, but she resisted his call.  “I’ll be right back.  It’s time for some tea.  I’d say ale, but I think we’ve all had more than enough of that tonight.  I’m going to put the water on.”  Atalaya made her way to the galley.  The sounds of water being poured into the kettle and the stove fire being stoked drifted around the corner.  

Atalaya came back around the corner.  “Nevil, are you going to have tea or nightcap?  Vaz, Inman, what do you want?”

“Simple tea for me,” Nevil responded.  “Pale Jade please,” Inman followed.

   

Vasilya put his foot out to stop the motion of the couch.  “I’ll have whatever you are drinking ‘Laya.”  He caught Atalaya’s gaze.  “I’ll help you, Iubet,” he stated as he stood up.  “You can’t carry four cups.”  Vasilya rested his hand along the nape of Atalaya’s neck as he walked the few steps with her back to the galley.  Once out of sight of the others, he pulled her into him and nuzzled her neck just under her ear.  After a moment he pulled back slightly but said softly, “Stop worrying so much.  Inman knows what risks he is willing to take.   We all know the risks of this venture and have made our own decisions regarding what we are able to do.”

“So, do you think that is why Mac and Tif disappeared in Salt Marsh?  Or did Seraphina send them off on some other task?”  The water started to boil and Atalaya picked up a towel to protect her hand as she poured the water into the mugs she had gotten out earlier.  Handing one of the chamomile and mint teas and Inman’s tea to Vasilya she picked up the other two cups and headed back to the new lounge area.

“You've always been a man of principle.  It's part of what I love about you,” Nevil said, leaning on Inman’s chest and holding his hand.  “A pair we are indeed,” he replied.

“Here,” Atalaya says, handing Nevil a cup of tea.  “Evening tea, chamomile with mint and a couple other things.  I hope you like it.”  She waited for Vasilya to hand Inman his Pale Jade tea.  

Nevil takes a deep breath of Atalaya’s home brew. "This smells nice."  Inman nods to Boz and takes the cup.  

Reaching for his cup, Atalaya waited for Vasilya to position himself on the couch again.  After handing him the two cups, she settled into his side, her legs folded under her.  Sipping from the steaming cup carefully, she sighed as Vasilya started a slow swinging motion.  

Atalaya looked around at the others as she enjoyed her tea.  “Tomorrow is going to be a busy day.  And, I'm not sure how long Joan is going to be here.  But, before she leaves again I think we need to have a sword practice where Cirilli can show her what she has learned.”  She looked questioning at Vasilya, “Surely Sorrow will be able to convince her to stay around for at least a few days?”

Vasilya's thumb made small circles on the back of Atalaya’s neck. “Laya, Sorrow can’t leave, this trip is for him to reach Candlekeep.  But Joan?  I don’t know.”  He winks at Inman.  “She is as strong willed as the rest of you ladies.  She prefers to travel with Sorrow but I don’t know what her plans are.”

Nevil offers, "It would be a pretty powerful pull to get him to reconsider a trip to the great library. So that's unlikely to happen, and it looks like we're going to be here a few days for them to work out the plan between them.  We should go ahead and stock supplies for one more just in case.  Is there anything Joan likes in particular?”

“Joan?”  Atalaya looks over at Vasilya.  “Well, besides ale, I suppose you mean.  Meat.  She likes lots and lots of meat.  Most kinds I think.  Wild game of any sort, beef and pork when you can’t get wild game.  She’ll eat poultry when other meats aren’t available.”

Boz, looking as earnest and proper as he could, added, “And don’t forget about bacon.  That’s a food group all its own, for all of us.”

Atalaya laughed.  “So it is.  And Joan does like bacon, just like the rest of us.”  Atalaya thought for a minute.  “I don’t think I’ve seen her eat much in the way of seafood or fish.”   “She’ll drink coffee in the mornings and at other times if there are no alcoholic drinks available.  And I haven’t seen her turn down any of the pies at the Green Goblin in Riverport.”  She turned to Vasilya.  “Anything else, Vaz?”

“You seem to have summed up Joan's tastes pretty succinctly.  Feed her meat and ale and she’ll be happy.”

Nevil laughs, "Well that's easy enough."  She smiles and leans back with an empty cup in her lap.  "Atalaya that was a nice tea blend.  I'm pretty sure we have lots of tea on the shopping list but if we don't we should stock of on those too."  After several moments of quiet, Inman stirs, "It's a big day tomorrow."  Nevil breaths deeply building the will to move.  She sits up, "I think we will see you in the morning.”

Chapter 9: Nevil and Inman Retire

Nevil entered the room, tossed the coin pouch on the table and flopped on the bed. Her sigh of release cut through the muffled and periodic sounds of nearby revelry coming through the opened porthole. Moonlight reflecting off her white shirt in the dark cabin, brought a softness to everything.  She watched Inman's unbroken gaze as he pulled off his boots with the toe of each foot, and slid beside her.  He has been silently begging to be near since I came home. His mind must weigh heavy on things as does mine.

His eyes followed his hand, and slowly ran the length of her, as if wanting to ensure that every part remained unharmed. Nevil smirked at his inspection.  He finally stopped, meeting her eyes, his voice soft, "I'm sorry about earlier... I'm worried." 

 "I know," she replied, lifting her head to kiss him softly and with forgiveness, "But this is our path now.  It will never be like it was."  She relaxed again in his gaze. Then her eyes grew distant as she heard her own words.   Inman watched the change as his fingers danced through her hair.  "I can see when your mind is working. Did something else happen tonight?"

Nevil paused and she looked back over her head and through the porthole; a reflex of avoidance. "No, just things I have to work through."  Inman nodded, but he was a wise and patient man. He strategically kept silent and waited.

Nevil hesitated, silently fighting the instinct to lock her thoughts inside.  He deserves to know me.  Then seeking relief, she spoke, "...I have been having these moments where I find joy and sadness at the same time."  She looked back to see his face, trying to judge his thoughts, as she lay vulnerable.  Inman looked unphased and softly inviting. She felt distant from herself as she explained. "Like today, teaching Cirilli.  I felt the Master deeply.  I feel her loss, but I also feel her living again through the continuity that Cirilli brings. I see Cirilli and I feel my girls... and there is nothing left of them, but memories.  No continuity for them.  I am pained to remember things that will never be...  But I also see that this life can still be beautiful."  Nevil sighed, "Like just now...  it's a complicated duality."

Inman softly chuckled as he slid an arm under her and rolled her to him.  He spoke softly, but Nevil could hear his words through his chest.  "Boy, don't we know complicated."  After a moment, he added, "It’s alright to feel all of these things.  One doesn't make the other less true."  He moved the hair that had fallen over her face.  "We are working through change.  And there has been so much of it."  Nevil melted.  After several quiet moments, she found some peace with herself and in his arms.  And it made her desire him more.  

She rose above him, throwing a leg over his hips to straddle him. Inman looked surprised and was not certain how to read her actions as she quietly studied his face.  But with the moonlight casting over Nevil’s skin as she removed her shirt, he quickly caught up.  "There is still beauty to find in this world," he offered, lightly gripping her hips as if asking for permission.

"And this piece we make, is ours," she whispered before kissing him deeply.  And beauty they found, in the moonlight from one porthole.

Chapter 10:  Atalaya and Vasilya Retire 

 

Atalaya remained curled up beside Vasilya as she watched Nevil and Inman head towards their cabin.   The gentle swaying of the couch was calming.  Atalaya closed her eyes as she allowed the movement to wash away her concerns and worries about The Eye, meeting with Captain Hawk and the machinations of the Red Wizards for just a little bit.  Every so often Vasilya would mumble soft words in Gurrish as he stroked and played with her hair, but Atalaya didn’t try to translate them.  His beard tickled her cheek as he whispered in her ear.   

“Come ‘Laya,” he finally whispered in Common.  “Let’s go to bed.  It’s been a long day.”  His eyes glittered, “And this is too open an area.  I know you are going to want to take over the watch from Ivar later.  So, if I’m going to have any time with you alone…”  Moving carefully, he dislodged himself from Atalaya and got off the hanging couch.  Collecting their cups he took them to the galley and then returned.  “Come here, Iubet.  Let me help you.”  He reached out his hand and gently tugged, assisting her to stand.  Then, his eyes twinkling in the low light of the room, he lifted her into his arms and quickly made his way to their cabin.  Nudging the door open, he plopped her on the bed.  Two startled cats screeched as they bounded off the bed and started hissing at Vasilya.  His laughter did little to appease them.

Vasilya began loosening the laces and then tugged off Atalaya’s boots, placing them carefully out of his way.  Then he proceeded to remove the rest of her clothing, Atalaya cooperating but not really assisting him, although her eyes watched his every move.  Quickly folding them and placing them on top of the chest, he removed his own clothing and then snuggled under the blankets with Atalaya, pulling her to him once again.  Keeping his voice just loud enough to be heard over the crashing waves, he proclaimed, “I want to play,” as he began nibbling on her ear.  

Chapter 11:  Morning 7th of Eleasis (pre breakfast)

Atalaya watched Ivar as he crossed the common room and headed to the stove to pour himself some of the coffee that she had made during the early morning watch as she kept her eye on Skarne’s door.  Her sketchpad with the completed picture of Vasilya and Cirilli in the crow’s nest lay open on the table surface.  Ivar sat down next to her, nursing his mug of the bitter brew.  “All is quiet?” he asked, pulling the book towards him.  “This is really good Atalaya.  Why didn’t I know this?  Is this a new talent since we left the Master’s schooling?”  

“No, not really.  I’m a lot better at it than I was back then though.  I always kept it hidden away in my room there, and worked on it once I completed my trancing and everyone else was asleep.”  

“May I?” he asked, indicating the sketchbook.

Atalaya picked it up.  “Let’s see if I can find you a few that are worth looking at.  Atalaya thumbed quickly through the book, stopping at a page with several sketches of Ivar at the helm and looking over the railing at the sea.  Handing the book to him, she watched as he studied the sketches.  He pointed to one of the sketches where he was talking to Annie at the helm.  “I like that one.”

Atalaya smiled mischievously.  Taking the sketchbook back she turned a couple of pages and showed him a completed color drawing based off the sketch.  A sunset cast a golden glow to the sails.  The wind rippled his shirt sleeves while his hand steadied the helm.  He and Annie appeared to be in a deep discussion over something as a gull landed on the spar holding the mainsail.  

Atalaya heard his quick inhale as he perused the drawing and she noticed a tightening of his grasp on the book.  “It’s beautiful Atalaya.  I… It’s really something.”  Reluctantly he closed the book.  “I need to get above and relieve Annie.”  He handed the book back to Atalaya.  “ As he rose to leave he added, “Any signs of Sorrow or Joan?”

Atalaya laughed.  “No.  You didn’t really expect that they would be back before noon did you?  Sorrow was still playing when we left and Joan was still drinking.”

“It’s nearing dawn,” Atalaya stated.  “Do you think one of the crew could babysit Skarne for a bit?  I’d really like to get some meditation in before breakfast and the search for Captain Hawk.”

Ivar looked up, trying to discern the sky through the wooden walls.  “I’ll ask Annie.  She will know who to send down.”

Atalaya nodded.  “Thanks.”

After several minutes Lonnie made her way into the common room.  “I’m to relieve your watch,” she said with a smile.  “Let me grab some of your hot coffee and then I’ll take over.”  She disappeared into the galley, returning quickly with a mug and a slice of bread coated in butter and sat near Atalaya, with a clear line of vision to Skarne’s door.  “Are you all going to practice again this morning?  It’s been fun watching the show.”

“No, I don’t think there will be time this morning.  Not sure what our schedule will be while we are in port.  But certainly once we set sail again.”  Atalaya picked up her book and her pack and then took her leave of Lonnie.  

A few minutes later, she made her way to the forecastle deck and seated herself, resting her back against the short wall overlooking the main deck.  Pulling out her meditation focus she allowed herself to find her center and before she knew it, she had released her spirit to walk through the glades of the Hidden Forest.  As she did, the sounds of the sea and the ship faded.  Instead, she heard the sounds of the leaves rustling in the wind, the call of the birds as they greeted the morning sun, a mother wolf calling her rambunctious pups back to their den and the chatter of squirrels as they scolded anything that approached their nests.  As she ran along the forest paths she noticed the dew sparkling on a spider’s web.  As her path began to follow a stream, she saw the signs of some beavers’ work, downing saplings to gather wood to make their dam and a pool forming behind it.  A silvery mist rose over the still water in the pool the dam created.  The breeze blowing it around with wispy tentacles reaching into the trees rising from the expanding pool.  

A glade surrounded by aspen greeted her as she made her way to into its center.  A large flat rock rested in the middle of the open space. It’s surface cool to the touch as the sun strove to rise high enough in the sky to send its rays into the clearing.  Atalaya made her way to the rock and folding her cloak she found a level spot to sit on the rock. She found herself renewed as her spirit reached deeply into the ground, dancing its way through the deep tree roots.

Nevil woke and readied quietly.  Inman lay deeply asleep on the bed. The single summer sheet left very little to the imagination.  Nevil smiled as she dressed.  It's nice to feel so close to someone again.  She grabbed her prayer cloth and book and went to leave the room.  She paused to take one more look at Inman.  His taunt arm slid over to her side, his fingers searching for her softness.  Then he opened his eyes to find her watching him from the door.  I've been caught.  The smile on his face when he found her left no doubt in her heart.  He closed his eyes again and she closed the door behind herself.  

Nevil poured her coffee black and went to the foredeck to sit and read.  Finding Atalaya deeply in meditation, Nevil sat near, making only slight effort to be quiet.  The dock was already alive and bustling.  Nevil opened her book and turned to her favorite writings on seeking clear judgment.  Our mission is getting harder.  Gray areas are full of both opportunity and peril. She sat leaning on the railing book in her lap and coffee curled to her chest.

          As the sun rose over the horizon the sky behind the town of Blue Haven was bathed in brilliant oranges and yellows with the occasional strand of pink threaded within the other colors.  The light triggered Atalaya’s awareness and she slowly returned to her body on the ship.  The sounds of the forest silenced and those of the coast and dock took their place.  Bit by bit Atalaya settled back into her body.  Finally her eyes opened and took in the sunrise.  Seeing Nevil sitting nearby she smiled.  “Good morning,” she said quietly, not wanting to disturb Nevil if she was lost in her reading.

...beware also of pride.  For it can mask an opportunity for change....  Nevil paused, placing her finger on the page.  She looked to Atalaya, "Good morning. How was your journey?"

Atalaya gives a lazy smile as she reflects on her meditation.  “A very peaceful and restful journey.  It took me on a run through the High Forest.  I think that I ended up at Sossheni’s glade.  I’ve been nervous about needing to find Captain Hawk today.  I think that I’m in a much better frame of mind for that now.”

“How about you?  Have you already completed your morning meditations?  Are you ready for some adventures here in Blue Haven?”

Nevil moved the old red midsummer ribbon to mark her page.  "No, not yet.  I wanted to read a bit before I started."  She considered Atalaya’s concern,  "I hear what you mean.  There are a lot of important pieces in play today."  

“Recent events with Skarne have made it clear that we may be tempted, or even need, to wade into morally gray areas to destroy The Eye."   

Atalaya looked troubled.  “I do not like having to work with Skarne.  I’m going to be very happy when your Harper friends take him away.”

Nevil holds up the book as an example, "Sometimes reminders of ‘the way’ are helpful to focus one's inward journey."

Nevil smiles, "But this is a town trip.  We can also seek joy.  A library trip for the boys, toys for Cirilli, more comfortable living space.  High stakes or not, life goes on."

Then squeals of joy came from behind.  Rogelio had hung the swing off one side of the sail-stowed main spar.  Cirilli was laying belly down, running and pushing herself high in flight.  Then he would push her legs into a spin.  Nevil stood to see.  "Well that's unorthodox."

  Atalaya stood next to Nevil and watched Cirilli playing.  The joy on her face caused Atalaya’s eyes to tear up a little bit.  Almost unconsciously she stooped and picked up her sketchbook and found her black pencil.  Her hand moved rapidly over the page as she watched Cirilli soar and spin on the swing.  When the page was filled with sketches she sighed.  “That is a wonderful gift you have given her.  I think this is the earliest I’ve seen her get up in a long time.  She obviously couldn’t wait to try out her new swing.”  Atalaya pauses and then continues, “She didn’t have much of a childhood, and I fear that our quest is robbing her of the little that should be left of it.”

After several minutes of spinning on the swing with Rogelio’s assistance she stopped the swing and stood on it. A gentler push by Rogelio started her in a forward/backward motion which she leaned into, pushing herself higher and higher.  Her laughter is a contrast to the shouted orders from the crews of the nearby ships.  Unable to resist this new pose, Atalaya flipped the page and started a new series of sketches.  “I think your picture frames are going to be in high demand,” she commented.  

Finally tearing herself away from watching Cirilli swing, Atalaya sat back down and critically examined her sketches.  Picking one of the sketches she started a new drawing.  “You know, this would be easier if I had one book for the sketches and another for the actual drawings,” she muttered to herself as she worked.  

Nevil sat with Atalaya for several minutes.  Her gaze shared between Cirilli and Atalaya's sketching.  She appreciated the beauty and speed with which Atalaya could capture the movement and form in quick and simple order.  How the same bowstring hardened fingers of a warrior could run delicately and smoothly over the page. 

Nevil's whole body smiled as she watched the moment while finishing her coffee. "It doesn't matter what age you are.  Anyone can seek the joy of life as long as they are open to it."  Nevil took a sip. "And judging by these few days I've known her, she very much is."  

A few sailors on an adjacent ship occasionally paused their labors to also appreciate Cirilli’s joy.  It was infectious.

Nevil stood to excuse herself, "I better get my prayers in before it gets too busy up here."  She returned to the forecastle, and knelt.  Her prayer cloth wrapping her hands.  Such joy is a celebration of life.  Still Mother, we hold life as sacred.  Hear my prayer... the noises and bustle of the dock faded.

Nevil finished her prayers and Cirilli's excited but muffled conversation with Atalaya could be heard. Nevil pocketed her cloth and went to join the pair.

Atalaya was showing Cirilli the sketches she had made when Nevil joined them on the main deck.  Cirilli’s eyes still sparkled with joy from the feelings of freedom the swing had given her.  She turned to Nevil, “That was so much fun!  Thank you again for the swing and the gold.”  Without missing a beat she continued, “Did you see what Atalaya drew?  Is that really what I looked like?  Are we going to practice today?  We should probably start making something for breakfast.  Do you want to help?”

Atalaya placed a hand on Cirilli’s shoulder.  “Easy ‘Daughter of my Heart.’  You need to give her time to answer you.”  Atalaya’s eyes were crinkled with suppressed laughter as she met Nevil’s gaze over Cirilli’s head.  “And breakfast is definitely in order.  Shall we head down and see what we can scrounge?  Maybe something different.  What do you think about sausage and pancakes?”

Nevil chuckled with a side hug to Cirilli. "I'm glad you like it. Yes, Atalaya did a wonderful job capturing your likeness.  Nope, no practice.  You get a break from training today.  At least with me... but before you get too excited, It's because we need your help today guarding the boat while we take care of some business.  We will hopefully have workers coming aboard and Skarn will still be here.  You will mind Annie and Ivar today."  

Cirilli looked a little less excited. "Will I get to go into town again?"  Nevil turned to Atalaya, "We will try our best to make that happen, but business comes first."

"What was that last question?"  

"Breakfast," Atalaya reminded.

Nevil gestured for the two to lead the way.  "Goodness, yes, I am hungry.  Let's get that started."  Nevil continued as they walked below.  "Sausage and pancakes are good, but we should throw in as many perishables as possible.  So let's go heavy on the fruit and anything that can easily be replaced here in port.  We may not be so lucky farther along our journey.”

Atalaya leads the way down to the galley and then heads directly to the hold. “Yes, that is an excellent suggestion.  Any peaches or berries we have left will be delicious toppings for the pancakes.  And if cut up into small pieces can actually be added to the batter.  There might be some honeydew melons and cantaloupes left too.  I’m pretty sure we consumed the watermelon,”  Atalaya keeps up a running monologue as she sorts through the crates in the hold.  “Look, we have some citrus fruits left.  They would make a refreshing juice if we squeezed them.”  Adding them to a separate basket she brought a couple to her nose to smell.  “Yes, these should be used quickly or they are going to rot.  Juice will be an excellent idea.”  Atalaya hands the fruit baskets to Cirilli. 

“Now to check what we have in the way of meat.  No sausage.  Well that makes sense, we would have needed to use that up quickly.  So, what do you think, ham or bacon?”  Atalaya turns to Nevil asking, “Did you add salted meats to the shopping list?  Not my favorite, but if there are no ports available, a constant diet of bacon and ham will get tiresome.”  Seeing that Cirilli is about to protest, she added, “Yes, I know we all love bacon, but we need more variety.  With salted pork and beef we can make stews and soups that can slow cook while we practice or do other things.”

Nevil begins to set another pot for coffee while the two discuss the finer points of the best parts of a pig.  She nods as Atalaya discusses long voyage meat options. Nevil adds, "well, we have bacon now to eat and the cured meats will hold. So, bacon it is.”  Cirilli squeals.

Nevil adds, "And yes, Annie did a complete inventory of preserved and perishable items. So we should be well stocked in case shopping becomes more sparse between here and Candlekeep."  

Nevil takes the melons from Atalaya as she sorts through the fruit to pick out the fading pieces.  She begins to slice them as Cirilli pulls out dry goods and a mixing bowl.

Nevil laughs to herself, "All right, don't laugh, but this is where my mind goes when I think of rotting fruit.  We used to use them for target practice.  They make a really satisfying squish. 

Inman was passing through and overheard.  He just shook his head and continued on.

“I know that's not practical for us on a ship; but I was thinking, and by no means am I a bow expert, but could we not make padded tip arrows for practice?  A little canvas, wool, and sinew should do it.  You could shoot them at the pells all day and it wouldn't hurt them. What do you think? Or would that do more harm than good? 

        Atalaya thought about Nevil’s suggestion.  Finally she shook her head.  “I don’t think that would work.  Especially not with Cirilli.  It would make a change to the balance and weight of the arrows.  You would need to change your aim to compensate for that.  A skilled user of the bow could probably make that compensation, but I wouldn’t want to ask that of Cirilli while she is honing her skills with this weapon.  Nor would I want to put our crew at risk of wild shots.”

        “I’ve thought about putting a dummy in one of our jetties to practice shooting and needing to take the motion of the sea into one’s aim, but I am afraid that we would lose a lot of arrows and damage the jetties.”

         “I think that for now, when we find places to stop to do a bit of swim practice, we can also set up some targets and get a bit of archery training done as well.”  

          Atalaya has been subtly guiding Cirilli as she prepares the pancake batter.  But after checking the buttermilk she urges her to use it up.  “There’s not that much left.  And Inman and Sorrow will most likely be looking for books all day.  They won’t be available to chill the water bath it has been sitting in.  And the crew will certainly enjoy this treat as much as the rest of us.”

        Cirilli smiles and nods her head enthusiastically as she starts adding more of the dry ingredients into the bowl.  

Nevil nodded, "you're right it would be like practicing with an unbalanced sword.  It was a fun idea though."   She picks a bowl out of the cabinet and scrapes in the melon. Then she starts to take down items for the table setting.

Atalaya watched as Cirilli used a cup to pour pancake batter onto the heated and greased griddle.  She deftly cooked the pancakes, flipping them over expertly.  Atalaya was impressed.  “When did you learn to do that?”

As Cirilli removed the cooked pancakes, placing them on a platter she placed nearby, she answered, “Marilla taught me.”  She poured batter for the next batch of pancakes.  “You know her, she is Elanil’s mother.”

Atalaya tried to remember.  “I think I saw her at a couple of the meals.  I’ve never really had a chance to talk with her.  Well, I’m glad that she was able to teach you.”  As she removed the current batch Atalaya whispered in her ear, “Did she teach you how to make snake shaped pancakes?”

Cirilli’s eyes grew wide.  “No.  How do you do that?” she asked eagerly.  “I want to try that.”

Atalaya filled a cup with batter, added a bit of butter to the griddle to ensure that it was well greased and then carefully poured out the batter in a spiral shape.  “See?  A snake.”  As it browned on the bottom Atalaya watched it carefully.  “The trick is turning it carefully so it doesn’t break.”  Atalaya reached for a second spatula.  Atalaya used one to carefully pick up the spiral and quickly flipped it over, using the second spatula to guide it into shape while she worked.  

When she removed the cooked pancake Cirilli reached for the batter cup.  “My turn,” she proclaimed.  She attempted a spiral but didn’t quite control the amount of liquid with the pancake allowing parts of the spiral to blend together.  She pouted and tried again.  Her second attempt was a spiral and her face broke into a grin.  “That’s better.”  As she was pouring a third snake pancake the first was ready for flipping.  Finishing pouring, she picked up the spatulas and bit her lower lip as she concentrated on getting the “snake” on the spatula.  She flipped it and needed little help from the second spatula, the areas where the batter had merged making the turning easier.  The second pancake was ready.  This one took more care to get on the spatula without tearing it into pieces.  Cirilli’s look of intense concentration forced Atalaya to turn her head so that she wouldn’t see her trying to hold back her laughter.  Flipping this one was messy and Cirilli worked quickly trying to return the batter to the snake’s body.  Moving on to the third attempt, she was more at ease getting it onto the spatula and the flip was more coordinated, resulting in a very snake like pancake.  Cirilli beamed at Atalaya.  “I did it!”  She then started alternating filling the griddle with regular circular pancakes and “snakecakes” as she called the others.  

While Cirilli worked, Atalaya filled a large frying pan with bacon and set it on the stove next to the pancake griddle.  The two worked to fill the platters.  The smells coming from the galley seemed to draw everyone into the small space, their begging for “Just one taste” as they attempted to snitch pieces of bacon or pancake causing Cirilli to raise her spatula into an unguard position as she mock swatted them as they reached for the food.  

Finally the food was cooked and taken to the table.

Nevil helped to carry the last of the food items to the table.  She followed the trail of friends who were in high spirits.  Snakes… there is something about having Cirilli on board that makes this feel normal.  I mean it's far from normal…

Inman caught Nevil smiling lost in thought. 

“What are you smiling at?”

“Snakes, of all things.”  She smiled.  “Not a bad first job, Cirilli.”  She added, lifting two coiled cakes to her plate then passing the platter. “Let these serve as an example to any left below.”  Nevil ate quickly.  “We need to get to the shipwright early before all the crews are sent to jobs.”

“That sounds like a good idea.  I also think that we should make checking to see if Captain Hawk is in port a priority.  It would be much easier to find her here than to have to try to find her ship on the open sea.”  Atalaya thought a bit and looked around the table.  “”Perhaps you and Cirilli can look for a shipwright while Vaz and I take Skarne and try to find Captain Hawk.  She looked at Inman.  I expect that you and Sorrow are going to head over to the Countess’ library as soon as he gets back here.  Or did you decide last night to just meet him there?  Or did you want to help look for Captain Hawk?”

Nevil nodded between bites, "Oh, certainly. We should split, I mean, what are the chances?  It would be nice to be wrong though. And the trip to the shipwright should be quick.  Searching the whole dock will probably take longer than our errand."  

Inman, who was also eating quickly, but for different reasons, "Sorrow and I didn't talk about the plan for this morning, but I am not waiting for him.  He's a smart guy and I'm sure he'll catch up."

Nevil asked leaning back with her coffee, "Cirilli, You want to come with Ivar and me?  It's a chance to get off the ship.”

  

“Yes.  That sounds kind of interesting.  Maybe we could look around town too?  Atalaya, I can go with her, can’t I?”  Cirilli looks hopefully between the two women.  “Please.”

Atalaya nods, “Of course you can.  Just be sure to listen to Nevil.”

“Nevil, Vaz and I will bring Skarne back to the ship once we know whether or not Hawk is here.  Let’s plan to meet here mid to late morning… no later than lunchtime, to see how things are going.”

  

Nevil stood with her plate and a few used table items, "well that's a plan for a busy day. Cirilli, we leave when Ivar is ready."  

Ivar opened his cabin door and made his way toward the table, "Did I hear my name?"

"Yes, take my seat for breakfast.  We'll head to see the shipwright as soon as you're ready."

Ivar nodded and sat and reached for a stack of pancakes.  Inman poured a new cup of coffee for him and passed it over.  

Nevil went to pack a few items for their errand and went to wait for the others on deck.  Seeing the dock in full bustle.  A busy day indee

Business in Blue Haven to play through 

7th of Eleasis

• 2nd Harper Tavern Visit

• Candlekeep book shopping begun

• clerical health check, done for Nevil, Atalaya and Boz

• ship modification started

8th of Eleasis

• Meal with Captain Hawk

• Note to be sent to Hawk in morning to confirm 

• Nevil temple visit

No time specified

• Night off for Boz and Atalaya

• Sell unneeded treasure

• games for Cirilli

• Atalaya weaponsmith

• wooden longsword 

• second shortsword

• Items to make a small sitting room 

• Sorrow to look for a recorder for Cirilli

• Identification on the sword we took from the undead Battle Wright in Pelagia. 

Out of game business

• Inman will send a note to the War Wizards before the group leaves port.  Not going to attempt to make contact.  

• Share new information regarding the Red wizards and Sea Princes.

• Inform War Wizards of Red Wizard activity at Pelagia.  mention leaving the storm giant alone.  Good for the local economy. 

• Items on Nevil and Inman's personal shopping list for the merchant to deliver:

• Whittling wood

• various tea and herb restocking

• Clothing and brown ale for Skarne (paid by Skarne)

Other business

• Items on Atalaya and Boz’s personal shopping list

• Comfortable chairs (cushioned) or floor pillows, small table at height appropriate for the seating option acquired, (for the sitting room/practice area of Boz)

• New sketchbook

• Book about Gwaeron Windstrom for Cirilli  done.  Also got book on animal tracks

• Replacement bandages and sinew/thread for the first aid kit and other items to restore used healing kit.

• More bruise cream