Time changed to night when inserted into the actual story threads. Other slight changes were made in the used version.
The Hond Ebrath slowly pulled away from the burning ship. The cracking of the flames as they consumed the dying ship could be easily heard as they moved their ship far enough away to keep it safe from any sparks and from the expected backwash when the ship actually sank below the waves. The crew of the Hond Ebrath lined the rail as they watched the burning ship. After the ship was far enough away from the Tamarind, Annie called out the orders to drop the tow anchor and to lessen the sails again. Atalaya turned to her, questions written clearly on her face.
“We must be sure that it burns long enough to truly sink it. We haven’t seen any other ships, but it would be better if the Tamarind just disappears forever. Once I’m sure that the fire can’t be stopped, we will get underway again. I also don’t want to be here if someone comes to check on the flames.” Her gaze turned to the former prisoners and her voice hardened, “But I need to know that the Tamarind can never sail again.”
“I know that you will do what is best. We need to get these people to Riverport and into the hands of those that can help them heal and return to their homes as soon as possible.” Atalaya watched the burning ship for a few minutes. Then she turned back to Annie. “Please get us underway as soon as you are certain that the Tamarind is finished.”
Atalaya pushed away from the rail and returned to the former prisoners. “Let’s get them down into the hammocks below.” Looking around she saw Vaz, “Will you start making some soup? There people are going to need nourishment and I don’t think they can handle anything more than that.” Vaz nodded and headed down towards the ship’s galley. Atalaya surveyed those on the deck and then headed over towards Sorrow. “Let’s get them below decks and into the hammocks.”
Kyle, overhearing Atalaya’s remarks, spoke up, “My lady, I wouldn’t do that. These people aren’t going to want to be taken below decks. It’s a fine day and the night looks to be fine too. Make them pallets on the forecastle deck. They need the fresh air and light and the feeling of freedom. Don’t make them go into the dark again.” Kyle looks away as he finishes, a faint blush creeping up his checks. “I don’t mean to be telling you your business but, well, they aren’t going to do well if you take them below decks again.”
Atalaya looked at the people that they had laid out here and there as they rushed to get them off the other ship. She noticed that those few who were conscious seemed to be taking deep breaths of the fresh air. An arm might be shielding their eyes, but they were not making any effort to leave the open area where they had been placed. “Alright. Pallets on the forecastle, Why don’t you and Cirilli see what can be used to make those.”
Turning to see what else needed to be done she saw Nevil making her way to the most hurt and beginning to tend to them. Atalaya made her way to her. Seeing that she was engaged in healing she waited for her to complete the incantation. “I’m going to get our healing salves and other supplies. It looks like some soap and water will be useful too. I’ll be right back.” As she made her way to the stairs she saw Inman binding the sniveling gnome to the mast.
When Nevil returned to the Hond Ebrath, she immediately uncoupled her chainmail, dropping its weight to the deck. Leaving her padded gambeson on, she got to work tending to the needs of the refugees. Working under Atalaya's direction, as she knew the crew and ship best, the two began to triage the survivors in a flurry of actions. After a few minutes, the two determined that none were actively dying. But they all were in rough shape; severe malnourishment, dehydration, exposure, lacerations, and sores were nearly universal among them.
After the group had been settled on deck and the pace of work slowed, Nevil approached Atalaya. Nevil had forgotten all about the splatters of blood on her face and garments. What she did not forget was the aches of her body. While her healing spells knitted the flesh back together, the back-to-back ballista shots had taken a toll. She was trying to hide that she guarded and favored the ribs on her right side where the shots hit over old wounds. Bruised or cracked ribs she thought. She looked at Atalaya, with pained eyes, "I need to clean up. Are you okay? Need any healing? Anyone else?
“I’m fine. You look like you are hurting though. Let’s get you to your cabin and see what’s up with you. How much of that blood on your tunic is yours?” Atalaya swears silently to herself for not checking Nevil over earlier. But, they had both been so focused on the survivors' needs. Atalaya stepped up beside Nevil and placed Nevil’s arm around her shoulders. “Come on, lean on me and let’s get you taken care of.” As they made their way past Cirilli, Atalaya called out, “I’m going below to help Nevil. Come get us if anything happens up here, or if any of these people need more help than you can give them. Remember just small sips of water or broth at a time.” Seeing Cirilli nod, Atalaya helped Nevil down the stairs and into her cabin. Seating her on one of the chairs by the small table in her room, Atalaya patted her shoulder and told her to stay put while she got some warm water and clean rags from the kitchen crew.
Grabbing the wash bowl from Nevil’s things, she made her way out of the cabin and into the galley. She smiled as she saw Vaz and Sorrow at work chopping vegetables and meat to put into the large soup pot that was simmering on the stovetop. Filling her bowl with hot water from the teapot, she then added a dipper of the cool water from the water barrel. Setting it down, she gave Vaz a critical look. “You okay? I’m going to do a little first aid and maybe some healing with Nevil. Do either of you two need anything? I realize we were a little too focused on the problems of the survivors. I should have asked much earlier than this.”
Sorrow looked up at Atalaya, knife in hand, and shook his head. “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me. You might check Boz though. He seems to have a few extra holes in his shirt again.” Atalaya rolls her eyes but then looks closely at Vasilya. She notes the dried blood on his shirt, but sees nothing that looks fresh. “Right, you are next on my list Vaz. I’ll be back here as soon as I get Nevil sorted out.”
She jogged back to her cabin in the back of the ship that she shared with Vasilya. She pulled out some more clean bandages from her first aid supplies and made her way back to the galley. Picking up the prepared water and the clean rags she entered Nevil’s room and frowned when she saw that Nevil had removed her gambeson. “I would have helped with that.” Atalaya placed the water on the table along with the other supplies. “Let’s get your shirt off so we can see what’s up with your side.” Atalaya helps Nevil pull the shirt off, catching Nevil’s winces of pain with the movement. “Alright, what exactly is hurting and how much does it hurt?”
Nevil's appearance was pretty unsettling. Her normally light grey gambeson looks like it has been used as a butcher's smock. That together with Atalaya's flurry of activity below deck, Inman grows concerned. He stands up from the table, where he was pouring over documents recovered from the Tamarind, and approaches the doorway to be shooed away by Atalaya who closes the door behind herself.
Nevil stood near the table and started to unstrap and remove the padding. As the gambeson dropped to the floor, Atalaya can see that her shirt underneath was heavily bloodied from the ballista shots. As she allows Atalaya to help, Nevil explains, "the flesh is healed but the deeper parts of big healings can pain for a day or two while the body finds new connections. It just hurts along my ribs here when I breathe," she said pointing to her right side. The area is covered in dried blood, but aside from some bruising and an old scar, her skin is intact. "There is nothing more to do other than to clean up. Go check the others."
Nevil dampened a rag and wiped her face and neck with the warm rag. She looked at her hands and became flushed with shame as she noticed that the hand strap of the cursed mace left a bruise on her wrist. The force she used had marked her; even through the glove. With each rinsing the water darkened red and Nevil returned to normal. But it would not be enough to wash away her sin against Eldeth.
Atalaya watched Nevil wipe the blood off her torso and wished that she had brought in two bowls of water. When Nevil finished she gently removed the cloth from her hands, tugging slightly when Nevil didn’t release it immediately. Handing her a towel, she allowed Nevil to dry herself. Picking up one of the jars she brought with her she showed it to Nevil. “This is some bruise cream that Macterah made for us. It helps. Sit down now. I’m going to apply this over your ribs and then I’m going to bind you with these bandages. It will provide some support and make breathing easier for the next couple of days while the deep healing takes place.” Atalaya starts spreading the cream over Nevil’s ribs and side as she talks. Finishing that, she picked up the bandage and began winding it around Nevil, silently thanking her mother for making her assist her in her healing practice all those years ago. Tying it off, she watched Nevil as she breathed. “Okay, now let me see your arm.” Atalaya held her hand out and waited for Nevil to surrender her arm. When Nevil did not move fast enough for Atalaya, she reached out and lightly grasped Nevil’s forearm bringing it to rest on her lap. “This is going to bruise. Let’s see if we can decrease the healing time.” Atalaya gently rubbed the bruise cream into her wrist and along any other areas where she noticed bruises starting to develop. Next she checked Nevil’s shield arm and applied cream on that arm also. “I’ll check in the morning to see if you need some more of this. And I’ll have a Goodberry for you then too. I’d give you one now, but I’m saving these for the survivors we have on the deck.”
At first Nevil was mildly irritated with Atalaya's fussing, believing it to be unnecessary. But the wrappings Atalaya applied helped more than Nevil would have guessed. Having the attention of a skilled healer and friend in this way was a comfort to which she was not accustomed. Somewhat embarrassed for her vulnerability, "Thank you," she said as Atalaya secured the wrappings.
Atalaya gathered up the bowl, used toweling and the jar of bruise cream. “I’ll let Inman in now. The soup that Vaz and Sorrow have been making smells good. I think it will be ready soon. I’ll see you in a bit.”
Atalaya leaves quickly, not listening to any protests Nevil might choose to make. She dumped the waste water into the appropriate bucket and carried the blooded cloth and towel with her as she went to find Inman.
Hearing that she was sending for Inman, Nevil protested, "Don't... But Atalaya did not acknowledge the protest. "Well shit," Nevil told herself.
Seeing him talking to Cirilli as she watched over the survivors, Atalaya motioned him over. Seeing his concern she quickly reassured him. “Nevil is fine. She healed herself earlier. There was a lot of blood and we cleaned that up. I’ve wrapped her ribs to provide her with some support while her body completes the healing process. Go talk with her. She doesn’t need to be alone right now. She’s thinking too much about what happened. And judging the smells coming from the pot on the stove, dinner should be ready soon. If you can get her to join us, great. If not, be sure she eats something, please.”
Atalaya tossed the dirty linens into the pile of similar ones that is situated near the pallets of the sleeping survivors. Then she began moving through the pallets, checking on each of the survivors. Most were asleep. The couple who were awake shied away from her as she stooped to check on them. Atalaya reassured them quietly and moved on to the next person.
Nevil was finishing clothing herself with fresh garments when Inman entered. He glimpsed the bindings Atalaya had applied just before Nevil finished buttoning her shirt. The bloodied gambeson and shirt were still on the floor by her feet.
She looked up at Inman embarrassed, "I will be fine by tomorrow, it's nothing." Nevil moves to her pack, to pocket her prayer cloth and her worn leather tea bag. She was going to walk by and push down her thoughts, but turning back to Inman, she decided to open herself to him. Finding his hand with her fingers, she softly held his hand. "I killed that man... and turned on Lonnie... and I liked it. I craved it. I lost control and it felt really good. If it wasn't for you and Sorrow, I fear what would have happened. "Thank you.”
"That weapon was cursed, Maggie," he said, squeezing her hand. "It took you over. That wasn't you. Even the crewman you hit knows it." Inman shakes his head. "I haven't seen many cursed weapons in my life. I guess it's easy to forget they exist. We got off easy this time, and we'll be more careful next time." He smiles and chuckles. "There's something to be said for having a bard on board. He really managed to mitigate it being worse. I'm alway wary of anyone that charming. Glad he's on our side."
Nevil nods in understanding, "I know. I will feel better after my evening prayers. It's a lot to think through." She turns and looks at her soiled items. She picks them up, thinking about the amount of work cleaning them would take. Inman waves his hand in a wiping motion and murmurs words. The bloodstains pull away from the fabrics. He cups his hand and flicks it down. The filth balls up and flings itself into the remaining pitcher. He smiles at Nevil who says, "I forget what you can do sometimes. Thank you. Setting down the items, both emerge into the common room.
Nevil passed Boz carrying a stack of cups and a pitcher on his way to the main deck. As nevil passed through the scent of hot soup, she knew it was broth for those above. It made her hungry.
Nevil moved into the galley to help where possible. She finds Sorrow pulling bread from the stove. "How can I help," she asked. Sorrow turned still holding the hot pan in his bare hands, "we are done. people can ladle what they need on their own." He sets it down on the small counter. Nevil looks back to see most of the table is taken over by Inman's document review.
With just the two of them, she draws close for some additional privacy. "Sorrow, you saved me from myself. Thank you. That's a hell of a charm you have. It felt so right... it was easy to let go." She starts another pot of water for post dinner tea. "I don't mean to make this weird. It's just that I got more than one very real glimpse today of what you must have gone through with the succubus. If you ever need to talk, I think I would understand.”
His face tightens with remembered pain. "I had a while in Waterdeep to sort myself out. I needed it." He nods. "I appreciate that." He thinks for a moment, sighing. "I was in love with her. But I wasn't, because she wasn't even real. And I don't even know how much of that was me and how much of it was what she was doing to my mind." He gives Nevil a grim, self deprecating smirk. "I suppose I had it coming, considering my own 'tricks'. She certainly gave me a glimpse into the gravity of it."
He puts a few more pieces of wood into the belly of the stove and closes the door. "She did manage to delay my work and my research. She was definitely trying to separate me from the group. Listen," he says, wincing in shame at the memory. "I know you feel bad about what happened with Lonnie. But you can't let it get to you. I almost got into a fistfight with Joan and Boz because I had this thing in my head. This stuff...it's no small thing. A weapon can end your life. But something in your head twisting your thoughts can destroy your soul. It wasn't your fault."
Nevil puts a hand on Sorrow's back, "I know. It's just intense." Then she looks with a concerned smirk, "tricks? Sorrow you weren't seducing people with magic were you?”
"No," he says quickly. "I would never. What I mean is that I can get into people's heads, too. You saw what I did to that slaver on the deck of the Tamarind. I made him look into his own head." His eyes clear so he has more of an expression. It occurs to you that he makes an effort to do that so that he'll have a more natural facial expression when he's trying to be serious or get a point across. "I made you focus on feeling safe, so you'd be less focused on the weapon. But to magically charm someone to fall in love with me, or to bed me? I would never cross that line. I couldn't live with myself." He cocks his head and raises an eyebrow. "My natural charm and looks work fine for that."
Nevil laughs, "sorry, I had to watch you squirm a bit. I've see you play. I have no doubt your natural charm is exceedingly effective." Nevil takes a few bowls and ladles soup into them while Sorrow cuts bread. Shall we eat then switch with Atalaya and Boz? I bet Inman will stay up late gathering as much intelligence as he can. You could play on deck for those who can't sleep while I make rounds."
Sorrow nods. "Good plan. I actually have music to help with healing."
Nevil takes two bowls and cups of coffee to the table. Sitting and placing one before Inman who is studying intensely at the table. "Anything yet?" She asks.
"Yes," he mutters unhappily without looking up. "They were definitely going to drop them off nearby. There's evidently an islet that isn't mapped on any map I've seen. A rendezvous point, I presume."
Nevil looks concerned, "keep digging for a meeting time. We may have to divert to intercept." She eats in silence letting Inman work.
After finishing her bowl, she grabs a cloak for warmth, her armor, and daubing grease. Then she makes her way upstairs to relieve Atalaya, Boz, and Cirilli. Finding Atalaya, "Sorrow and I have first watch. Inman is studying deeply and has already found a location."
Atalaya placed the bowl of broth down on the deck near where she was sitting. Tilting her head back to see Nevil she watched as Nevil walked the rest of the way to her. “You are moving better. The bandages and bruise cream seem to be helping. Okay, you two have the first watch. Cirilli, Boz and I are going to get something to eat. I’ll come to relieve you later, once I have tranced. Kyle brought a water barrel over here. And we have the bowls of soup that Boz brought up earlier. I’m sure you already know this, but we are just giving them small sips of broth or water at a time. Most of them are sleeping right now. We just feed them as they wake. If you need more broth or to warm the broth… okay if you need more broth, Let us know. Vaz says that there is more on the stove.” Smiling at Sorrow, “I suppose that Sorrow can just hold the bowl for a bit if it needs to be warmed up. I gave them all a goodberry, so I think it is fine to just work on giving them as much liquid as they can manage. I have another goodberry for 11 of them that I’ll give later. I didn’t want to stress their bodies by trying to do too much too fast.
Nevil smiles, “yeah, it’s working better than I expected. You have a gift. I might sleep alright tonight after all.” Nevil looks over the deck, “I’m glad they are settling. It sounds like we are over the worst, at least physically.” The two sat quietly for a while.
Thinking over what Nevil had said as she approached, Atalaya asked, “What did Inman find a location of?”
Nevil recounts, “He thinks he found the drop off location with the other ship. An uncharted inlet. He’s working on a drop off time. We might have to decide if we are going to divert to intercept. I don’t know if we should risk our guests or put them through that, but getting two birds with one stone is appealing.”
Atalaya's eyes swept over the sleeping people in front of her. “I would hate for them to have to live through another confrontation. And I would really like to see them in the care of the Sisters at the Harvest House in Riverport as soon as possible. We can help them physically, but they are going to need a lot of help to truly heal from this and to be able to return to their lives. This is the easy part, really.” After a few moments she added, “I hope that they still have homes to go back to.”
“Okay, we are going to head down and get something to eat. Call if you need help.”
Atalaya herded Cirilli and Vaz down through the common room to the galley where they each prepared their own bowls of the delicious smelling soup that Sorrow and Vaz had prepared. The bread had cooled but was still soft and the smell of yeast reminded Atalaya of her mother’s kitchen. After spreading some softened butter on her piece of bread and cutting off a largish chunk of the sharp tangy cheese that was placed on the platter near the bread she took her food to the large table, carefully handing a couple of the pages in her way to Inman to reposition away from the danger of spilled soup. Blowing on a spoonful of the soup, she waited for it to cool slightly and for Vaz and Cirilli to join her. The soup was flavorful, spiced differently than she was used to. “Some of your Gurrish herbs?” she asked Vaz when he sat down. “This is really good. Different. I like it.”
Vaz's smile grew even bigger. “I’m glad you are enjoying it.” Leaning over to whisper in her ear, “I’ll be happy to teach you what spices I use. We can discuss the cost tonight.” Atalaya’s face flashed a bright red at his words. Looking over, she was happy to see that Cirilli was deep in conversation with Inman regarding the notations on the papers in front of him. Shaking her head at Vaz she murmured, “You are incorrigible, Vaz. Vasilya laughed, drawing the attention of the two at the other end of the table.
“Cirilli, why don’t you finish up and help Nevil and Sorrow for a bit before you need to go to bed. There is another ship full of nasty beings out there and we don’t know whether or not we are going to run into it before we reach Riverport. You are going to need a full night’s sleep.”
Cirilli nodded and wandered back to where she had placed her bowl and bread and started eating. “Are we going to go after the other ship?”
“I don’t know. I guess it depends on when and where it is supposed to show up. And if Inman can find enough information for us to know who they are and that will stand up with Captain Mercutio. We need to be seen as the ‘good guys’ rather than pirates ourselves. So, we can’t just attack every ship we see.” Cirilli quickly finished her meal. “I’m going to go join Nevil if that’s okay?”
Atalaya nodded. “Certainly. I’ll come up to get you if it gets too late and you aren’t back by then. Why don’t you take up another bowl of the broth. Hopefully what they had has been eaten by now.” Cirilli nodded eagerly. “I can do that.” Picking up her dishes, she walked over to the galley and scraped the scraps into the scrap bucket. Washing her bowl, she filled it with the broth being kept warm on the stove and headed to the top decks.
Nevil, holds her prayer cloth wrapped around one hand. Its ends trail and flap in the breeze. She walks from person to person checking. Most are sleeping. When Cirilli emerges with more broth, Nevil gestures to her and points to two survivors. Cirrili administers the broth making rounds to anyone who is awake.
Nevil squats near a woman who has awoken in a fright. With the woman's permission, Nevil lays a hand on her back and prays with her; whispering words in the wind until she calms and relaxes again.
With all the survivors asleep. Nevil and Cirilli sit on a crate overlooking the group. Nevil still holds her cloth and she turns to Cirilli. "You did really well today. It is not an easy thing to do. Atalaya is training you well. She is a good mentor like her father."
Cirilli nods. “She and Joan have taught me a lot. I like it when I get to go with everyone, rather than being left behind. I like Cirdan and Raven and all the Greenleafs and I’ve never had friends like Elanil and Willow. I’ve learned a lot from Raven and Cirdan and some of the other grownups at the farm. But I like it best when I get to be with Atalaya. I know that I am not her child, but she treats me like I was.” Cirilli looks pensive for a couple of minutes and then continues, “And she treats me so much better than my own parents did. I’m Cirilli Loravaris now. She took me to meet her parents and they say that they are my grandparents now.”
Cirilli stood and walked over to the ship’s side. She looked out over the sea, watching the foaming tops of the waves as the ship made its way through the water. Her thoughts turned to her brother and the crazy demon cult that had tried to take her away from Atalaya and give her to the demon Anyat. Nevil, watching her, can see her shiver a few times and then sees her back straighten as she turns back and sits down next to Nevil again.
“Has Atalaya told you about what happened on our way here? About the demon, and Jacob and his cult of crazies?
Nevil wraps her cloak around Cirilli when she comes back to sit. "Yeah, only because it was relevant to our work." After a moment, "I want you to know that we have a lot in common. I lost my birth family when I was your age. Living in not great circumstances, Serephina was to me as Atalaya is to you. She saved me and took me under her wing; molding me into who I am today. Though we were not as close as you are to Atalaya."
Nevil pauses contemplating the value of her truth, "I also lost my second family, my husband and two girls, a few years ago. It has taken me a long time to find my way. I share this so that you may hear my words and not repeat my mistakes.
Nevil looks directly at Cirilli, "the greatest lesson of your life is not how to face the enemy at your door. It is how to master yourself. We who understand loss must not close ourselves off. Listen to Atalaya, she will teach you how to connect to the world around you, even in hard times. I think this is where we will find true strength." For the first time, when talking about her family, Nevil does not cry.
After a while of running her fingers over the loops of the cloth in silence Nevil asks, "Tell me, why do you wish to be a Ranger?”
Cirilli holds Nevil’s cloak tightly around her. After a couple of moments she starts speaking in a low voice, not meeting Nevil’s eyes. She seems to have moved deeply into the memory of what she is saying. The story she tells comes out with many pauses as she searches for the right words to describe her memories and feelings.
My parents are shopkeepers in Parabor. They have always been kind of strange. Hard. Demanding. They never seemed to like me. They tolerated my brother a little better, but even so,,, Life was full of rules and they kept me in the store or the house all the time. Didn’t want me to play with the other children, although I did become friends with a couple of them. Their names were Sandy and Summer. I had to be careful though. Mostly I worked in the store.”
“Mom would take us to the Temple at least once each month. She said it was important for the store for us to be seen there. But sometime last winter or early spring things started to get weird. Some new priests came to the temple and suddenly both Mother and Dad became regular worshippers at the temple. And then people and families started disappearing from the town. One night a priest came to our home and suddenly we were all heading to the temple for a special service. Except for my brother Alstad. He was able to hide. Or maybe he was away from the house with his friends. I don’t know. He got away anyway.
It was scary. We were taken underground and marched a long way. There was this big snake-like thing with a head that seemed more human than snakish. They made us look at it and then most of the people from the village were suddenly doing and thinking only what they were told to. It didn’t work on me. I don’t know why. One of the crazier priests grabbed me and marched me back to the temple and put me in a cage. He was crazy, really really crazy. Even crazier than the other priests. I’m not even sure how long he kept me in the awful cage. Talking crazy and making his ‘art’.”
“And then Atalaya and her friends showed up. They killed the priest and got me out of the cage. They kept me safe and got me out of the place. I asked … I begged them… to not make me go back to Parabor and my parents. They are crazy. I know that they would just turn me over to the priests if I went back there. They were totally controlled by the cultists.”
“Atalaya said that I didn’t have to go back if I was that scared of my family. We talked to the mayor and he agreed that it would be better if I didn’t return to my family and then Atalaya claimed me as her ward.”
Cirilli sat looking out over the ships decks and watching Lonnie as she stood at the ship’s wheel. “I know you have done some stuff with Atalaya recently, but it has all been at sea. You should see her in the forests though. She moves so silently. She can find her way even when there is no trail that anyone else can see. She’s strong and people don’t mess with her. And she … she likes me. For me. I can tell, even if I had never asked to learn how to use a bow and sword like she does, she would still like me.”
“I want to be like her. But more importantly I don’t want anyone to ever be able to put me in a cage again. I know how these people feel. And I know that Atalaya and the rest of this band she has formed with her friends will not let anything else happen to these people. You will get them somewhere safe.”
“I’m going to learn to be strong and smart and able to take care of myself just like she does. And Joan does. You haven’t met Joan yet. I was a little scared of her at first. She’s really big and her skin is green and well she’s kind of different. But she’s a great ranger too and really patient with me when she is teaching me something new. Grandfather is a ranger too. His name is Ailwin. He was really nice. He speaks with a soft voice and he smiles a lot and I know that he taught Atalaya how to be a ranger. He says that when we have time to go to Olaescoa he will show me some of his ranger skills too.”
“So that is why I want to be a ranger. But that is not to say that I don’t like learning things from our other friends. Seraphina is showing me how to open locks like she and Vaz do. And I like listening to Sorrow and Tif play their instruments and sing. And Mac was teaching Grinda and me how to cook. It was a lot more fun cooking with her than with my real mother. And Vaz, well, he treats me like he is my uncle and sometimes even like he is my father. I think the closer he and Atalaya are the more he seems like a father to me. But again, not like my real father was. Vaz likes me. He doesn’t yell or hit me, even when I make a mistake.”
Nevil puts an arm around Cirilli as she tells her story. When she has finished, "I'm glad you felt you were able to share that with me. I didn't mean to have you go through that whole story again." They just sit for sometime.
Then Cirilli asks, “Why did you want to be a paladin?”
Well, I didn't. You don't choose to become a Paladin. It's just something that happens. See every Paladin has a calling, something that they feel so deeply within themselves or around themselves that they are able to draw power from it for acts of service.
Once you realize you have the ability, you train to maintain the connection to that source. But in almost all cases it is a devotion to a greater good. For many that something is a deity, but not always.
When I was just a bit older than you are now, I felt such a strong connection to the community around me that found the gift of service and was able to tap into the power within myself. Have you ever heard of mothers healing their children from the sheer force of their love? For me, it was a little like that.
While rare, that source can change overtime. In the beginning it was my love for the people from my hometown, Serephina, the master, Inman... Nathan my husband… my girls Abril and Bria... but right now it is the Goddess Eldeth to whom I owe so much. And right now, it's for our current mission. When that's done, we'll see.”
Nevil looks to Cirilli, “Do not worry about your calling now. Learn from Atalaya, and others she trusts, all the skills you can. The rest will come in time.”
Cirilli gazed off into the distance, her thoughts in a whirl. She didn’t really know why she had told Nevil so much about her past. She didn’t talk about that with anyone. Well, sometimes she talked to Atalaya, but not to others and she didn’t even really know Nevil. But something about the fighter seemed to draw confidences. And she realized that her heart felt a little lighter having told Nevil her story. “Thank you for listening to me. You are easy to talk to, like Atalaya is.” She sees one of the survivors tossing and turning on her pallet. Cirilli picked up the water dipper to fill the mug they had been using to provide water and walked over to the person as she sat bolt upright on the pallet, moaning, crying and trying to fight off something. Cirilli stopped not wanting to startle the young woman anymore than she already was. And not wanting to be within reach of her flailing arms. Stepping back she handed the mug to Nevil. “I’m going to ask Sorrow to come back up here. Maybe some of his music can calm her and help her and the others to sleep.
Leaving the forecastle deck, Cirilli hurried down the stairs to the main deck and then headed down to the living deck. Seeing Sorrow pouring over the papers that Inman was looking at she approached with a firm step, easily heard, as she neared him. Startling Sorrow was not a smart idea. “Sorrow,” she called. “We need you up above. We need you to play something soft and soothing for the survivors. Some of them seem to be very restless and at least one of them is having nightmares. I don’t know what else to do for them.”
Sorrow nodded. “Alright. I’ll come up directly.”
Cirilli stood near him waiting.
“Okay, okay, I’m coming. Let me get an instrument.” He stops suddenly. “Atalaya has a panflute, doesn’t she? Will you see if I can borrow it for a bit?”
Cirilli nodded and headed to Atalaya’s room. Knocking lightly on the door, she slowly opened it and peeked into the room. She saw Vasilya lying on the bunk and Atalaya in a relaxed seated posture by his side, deeply in trance. Vasilya rolled over when he heard the door open. Seeing Cirilli he motioned her to come in. Speaking softly he asked, “What’s happening? Are we being attacked?”
Cirilli quickly shook her head. Imitating Vasilya’s quiet voice, “No. Nothing like that. Sorrow wants to borrow Atalaya’s panflute. Do you think that would be okay?”
“I’m sure that will be okay. I think it is in her backpack.”
Cirilli searched the pack and found the instrument. Holding it up she whispered, “Here it is, I’ll bring it back when Sorrow doesn’t need it anymore.
Vasilya laughed quietly. “No need to child. Keep it until the morning, or until you see Atalaya.”
Cirilli nodded and quietly left the room. Not seeing Sorrow, she headed back above.
****Here is a gorgeous panpipe song that is kind of cool in this moment.
https://youtu.be/UeWvawuUYss?si=VjDzCbroNMcAZ_ZU ***
After Sorrow plays beautifully and the night calms, Nevil whispers to Sorrow, looking mischievous. "We've been waiting long enough. I need you to be a very bad boy and put those skills to use." Nevil walks away and toward the center of the ship.
Sorrow gives her a satisfied smirk. "Oh, good. I'm very good at being bad," he quips. He hops up from the crate he was perched on and follows her.
Sorrow follows Nevil over to the prisoner. She whispers to the cook, "If you want to eat, not one word from you. You will nod. Do you understand?" He nods in the affirmative. Nevil whispers while she checks his bindings and ladles water and soup to his mouth. "In a moment I am going to cast a spell that prevents us from lying to each other. You will answer our questions as simply as possible; preferably with yes and no answers. The longer it takes and less direct your answer, my friend will believe you are hiding information and he has... less savory skills to extract information. We find this way is... easier. Nod if you understand." He nods in the affirmative.
“Good, your night may be a relatively pleasant one.” Nevil gestures and whispers words. All within 15 feet from the mast feel the effects.
Did you know about the human cargo?
When was the transfer of this special cargo to happen?
Tell me the name of the ship you were to meet for this transfer.
[ zone of truth You create a magical zone that guards against deception in a 15-foot-radius sphere centered on a point of your choice within range. Until the spell ends, a creature that enters the spell’s area for the first time on a turn or starts its turn there must make a Charisma saving throw. (The dc save is 15. nevil made a 15 in roll 20, she passes and can lie without being known). the cook and Sorrow will need to as well if Sorrow gets close enough.) On a failed save, a creature can’t speak a deliberate lie while in the radius. You know whether each creature succeeds or fails on its saving throw. An affected creature is aware of the spell and can thus avoid answering questions to which it would normally respond with a lie. Such a creature can be evasive in its answers as long as it remains within the boundaries of the truth.]
MR RIDDLEPOT SUCCEEDED ON HIS SAVE. ROLLED A 19 IN ROLL20. SORROW ROLLED A 20. (where were these rolls last time we played??)
The gnome shrugs. "I told you. Of course I didn't know. I was hired as a cook, nothing more."
He shifts uncomfortably in his bonds and scowls. "We would often stop on an uncharted island. I figured they were doing a little upkeep on the boat and giving the lads a day off. Sort of Cap'n's own little beach. We were on our way there." He shrugs again. "I don't know anything about 'special cargo', but I'll take you there myself, since you're so hot to go there. Why should I care? Near as I know, there was no other ship we were to meet."
Sorrow's eyes have gone from silver to lightless black pits. It's more than a little unsettling. He smiles. It's not a nice smile.
"I hope," he says quietly. "That you aren't relying on the idea that we're good people and therefore have lines we won't cross to get what we want from you."
"I saw the crew dead on the deck, you malformed demon-spawn," Riddlepot sneers, jerking his head around to look at Sorrow. "I don't think that. Listen..." His face twists with anger. "I'm not, either. I don't give a single shit about them, or you, or anything you found on the ship. I wanted to get paid. I'm not now, so I have nothing to hide from you and no loyalty to anyone. Your stupid little games are a waste of time."
He turns his attention back to Nevil. "You want to go to the island? Fine. I'll fucking take you there myself."
Nevil takes Sorrow aside, looking surprised and whispering. "The spell didn't take on him. The little shit is resistant."
Nevil considers, "if he is telling the truth, we may not have time to try again in the morning. We'd have to adjust course soon to have a chance to intercept them. While I don't like this option, unless Inman can suss out a meeting schedule or the name of a ship, we may have no choice. Atalaya will have to decide with all the information when she wakes. I believe him though. It makes sense that they'd be on the way. No one just sails around with cargo in the hold." If you don't mind, go below to tell Inman what we did and to help his search. I've got it up here."
Sorrow nods. "Right." He hurries off to find Inman.
Atalaya slowly brings her awareness back to her surroundings; the rocking motion of the ship through the waves, the sound of Vaz’s breath as he slept, the purring of one of the cats that had managed to slip into the cabin at some point, and the sound of her own heartbeat and breathing. Slowly she allows her eyes to open and takes in the low lantern light that Vaz left glowing in the lantern affixed to the wall. Carefully she uncrosses her legs and tries to move off the bed without disturbing Vaz. However, the slight motion of the bed roused Vasilya and he turned, pushing up into a sidelying position. “Are you leaving me?”
Atalaya leaned over and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. “Yes. If Cirilli has not taken herself to bed yet, I need to get her headed that way. And I want to check on our survivors before starting my watch.” Stroking his face lightly she added, “Finish your rest. You can come find me to help me finish out the watch then.”
Vaz grumbled under his breath, but then drew her back down to him and kissed her soundly. When he let her go again, he said resignedly, “Alright. If you must go, I’ll be up in a few more hours.” Vaz watched as she gathered her weapons and other gear and headed out of the room.
Atalaya walked into the common area and saw Inman and Sorrow pouring over the papers that had been removed from the Tamarind before they sank her. Inman’s head raised and he started to call her over to the table. “I need to check on Cirilli, before anything else. Do you know if she came down to sleep?”
Sorrow and Inman look at each other and then shake their heads. “We’ve been busy trying to figure out where and when the Tamarind was going to meet whoever was going to pick up the people they were holding,” explained Inman.
Atalaya nodded and headed toward Cirilli’s door. Opening it quietly she looked in, saw the empty hammock and gently closed the door. “It seems she is still topside. I’m going to go find her. I’ll be back shortly to see what you have found.”
Atalaya makes her way up the stairs.
Insert Cutscene of Atalaya and Cirilli here (slight alterations were made to accommodate the current story
Atalaya and Nevil on deck. “How has the watch gone?”
Nevil leans on the railing over watching the passengers,”It's going well considering. Sorrow's playing helped a lot to settle people into sleep. The nourishment seems well tolerated. A few awake in panic but settle. It's hard to know if they want comforting or just space to breathe.”
Nevil smiles, “Cirilli has been diligent and very helpful. I told her she did well today and we had a good little chat. I was surprised to see her open up to me. She reminds me of myself when I was younger, but she's been through more.” Nevil pauses,”She's in good hands with you. I have no doubt it makes your father proud.”
Nevil looks sheepish, “Sorrow and I tried to work over the cook with a truth spell and some acting. The little shit was more resistant than I would have guessed. Honestly, despite the failed spell, I think he's telling us the truth. Sorrow and Inman have been searching deeply into the documents. Last I heard Inman has a meeting location and the cook is willing to confirm. We don't have a specific time, but it makes sense that it would be soon.”
Nevil yawns briefly, “I've got a bit more energy in me. Go below and see if they've found anything else. You are going to have to decide if we are changing course. If we are only a day away from port, it might be best just to head there and leave it to the constabulary. I hate to put these folks through it again.”
Atalaya nodded. “I’ll do that. And then I will come back up here and relieve you. As I told Cirilli and Vaz, you need to get your rest in too. That was an intense fight and you need to let your body recover.” She raised her hands defensively as Nevil looked exasperatedly at her. “I know, I know that you already know that. So, I’ll go down and talk to Inman and Sorrow and then come back up here so that you can get your rest. Vaz is going to join me once he sleeps himself out, so I won’t be up here by myself all night. And there should be one of the crew on watch as well.” Atalaya looked her friend over. “You are feeling okay now, right?”
Nevil nodded, raising a hand to press around her ribs, "Your wrapping works better than I would have guessed. A warm bed and a cup of nightcap to sleep, might get me in fighting form by morning."
Nevil seems a little embarrassed, "I'm sorry. If I seemed ungrateful today. It's far from it. I'm still adjusting to having someone watching my back again. I appreciate you and the rest of the team more than it may seem at times.”
“No worries friend. We will help you remember that we are much stronger within a group than if we are working alone. It took me many years to learn this, even though it is one of the lessons Master Elaria constantly hammered into me.” Atalaya gave Nevil’s shoulder a gentle squeeze as she turned to leave.
Atalaya headed back down to the common area. Inman and Sorrow were still huddled at the table looking over the papers. Going over and leaning against Sorrow’s back, she looked over his shoulder. “What are you finding? Anything that tells us anything useful?” she asked as she stepped a bit back from Sorrow. While the night was not nearly as hot as it had been during the day, it was still warm enough that she didn’t enjoy the warmth coming off his back.
Sorrow glances over his shoulder at Atalaya. "Hello there." He looks back at the papers and gestures at them. "Yeah, they were planning on dropping these poor people off on some uncharted islet. I'm assuming a ship was going to pick them up from there, but we can't figure out the name of it or when. There's no record of it."
Inman huffs in exasperation. "They've worked with The Dragon before, from what I've seen here. No surprise there. But if that ship was scheduled to pick them up, it doesn't say here where we can find them. Even Craw himself wasn't sure about who he was supposed to be meeting."
"I meeeeeen...." Sorrow turns to face Atalaya. "Surely somebody was going to pick them up...right? Otherwise, what's the point? Whoever it is is paying in pearls. Craw was clearly extremely motivated by getting those." He leans back on his heels, looking with distaste at the papers spread out on the table. "What a piece of shit, that guy."
Atalaya looks at the papers scattered across the table. Shaking her head in disgust, “So we know that Craw was going to an island to drop off his prisoners, but we don’t know exactly where, when or to whom? But possibly it’s The Dragon, a ship that they have had interactions with before and we know to be a slave ship? That’s not much to go on, is it? Oh, and we have a gnome cook that might or might not be telling you the truth about being able to take us to the island, at least?” Atalaya sits down and reaches for a random piece of paper on the table and looks it over as she thinks. “Has Riddlepot shown you on a map where this island is? Or at least in what vicinity it lies?” After contemplating the paper a bit longer she adds, “Or at least said whether this island lies before or after Riverport?”
"Oh, it's penciled in on the map," Inman says. "We know where it supposedly is. It's after Riverport, and before Blue Haven." He points to a spot on the map where a bit of charcoal marks a dot on an otherwise blank bit of sea. "But there is no official record of an island being there. If it exists, it must only be a spit of sand or rock."
Atalaya looks at the map that Inman indicated. “We could check it out as we pass by it on our way to Candlekeep. If there is a ship there when you go by, we can see if anything looks suspicious. And we need to let Captain Mercutio know about our encounter with the Tamarind and let him see the survivors before we move them. He may have thoughts about where to take them. Otherwise, I was thinking about taking them to the Sisters at the Harvest Home. They will have healers and be able to care for them.”
As she returns the paper she had been holding to the table she saw her panflute laying near Sorrow. “Are those my pipes? How did they get out here?” She smiles at Sorrow, “How were you able to get into the cabin without either Vaz or me noticing?”
“Easy, I didn’t. I asked Cirilli to get it for me,” he answered, returning Atalaya’s smile. “I needed it to ease the dreams of the people we rescued. I knew you wouldn’t mind.”
“Of course I wouldn’t mind. I’m glad you thought of it. I’ll just take it with me. I’ve got the watch. I’ll be sending Nevil back down to get some sleep. You both should think about that too. Tomorrow looks like it could be a busy day.”
With that, Atalaya picked up her panflute and headed back upstairs. Finding Nevil, she made her way over to her slowly, as she picked out some of her favorite constellations. When she reached Nevil, she spoke in a low voice not wanting to disturb the sleepers. “The island that The Tamarind was heading towards is past Riverport. We’ll stay on course and stop there to let Captain Mercutio know what has happened, to get these people into the hands of those who can care for them and take care of our errands here.” Seeing Nevil’s face with the mention of Captain Mercutio, she added, “You don’t have to go with me when I talk with him. But, he has been both helpful to us and has sent us on a task or two.”
Nevil nods, “Well that decision was made easier. It's probably time to bite that stick. I can't hide from every lawman. If you say he's reasonable… I go as Nevil of course.” Looking to Atalaya with a smile, “Tomorrow then.”
As Nevil makes her way down to her cabin, Atalaya makes herself comfortable and pulls out the panflute. Playing softly the tunes from her childhood she watched over the sleeping survivors and on the horizon.
After her watch is over, Nevil comes below and finds Inman still working at the table. She walks up behind him placing her hands on his shoulders. He is writing what appears to be a report of his findings. Not wanting to disrupt his focus, she goes to the galley to steep a single cup of night cap in hopes it will help her sleep with bruised ribs. Returning with her tea, she sits near him in silence. He puts down his quill and looking quite tired, he rubs his forehead and pulls his fingers through his hair with a heavy sigh. Nevil sips her tea. "How bad is it?" she asked. Still cradling his head, "not as bad as the Artorius was in Seaton, but pretty bad."
Inman resumes the last of his report and they sit in silence while Nevil finishes her tea. She goes to the galley to rinse her cup. Returning she finds Inman packing the documents; presumably in preparation for bed. Unsure of how their conversation from earlier had settled, and not sure what to say, she stands beside him. "Going to bed?" he asked. Nevil responds, "Yeah, it's been a long one." Inman nods and continues his cleanup. "I've still got some spells to review before I turn in as well." With a pause, Nevil nods. "See you in the morning," she said, looking a little disappointed when she walked away.
When Nevil entered the room, Inman's pack and personal things were there. He had cleaned from earlier and drawn fresh water for the basin. His books were stacked on the table. Wanting to be sure of his intent, she turned to ask; but he was right behind her leaning a shoulder on the doorway. With a warm smile, "I thought about what you said earlier... is this alright?" Nevil softened, "of course." Then, being mindful of her soreness, Inman slowly and softly pulled her to him so her head rested under his chin. "One day at a time," he said. After a moment, Inman let go to meet her eyes, "I will not be long, but don't wait up for me. You need rest." He then exited the room, closing the door behind himself.
When Inman returned, Nevil was already asleep; laying on her "good side," facing the door. Inman quietly made his way around the bed. He pulled his shirt off over his head and slid into bed behind her. His first instinct was to pull her close, but he didn't want to press on her bindings. Content to just be near, he fell into sleep by her side.
Atalaya stood along the ship’s railing as she scanned the horizon. Lonnie was at the helm and Kyle kept watch from the crows’ nest. The scattering of clouds blocked out some of the stars but just which ones varied as the breeze pushed the clouds around. Atalaya felt the land breeze on her back, the tendrils of her hair fluttering around her face. Without thinking about it, she tucked one of the errant strands behind her ear, ignoring the rest of it. Relieved that she could see no signs of an approaching ship she headed back towards her charges. While they were all still asleep, many of them were again moving restlessly on their pallets with the cessation of the flute music Atalaya had been playing. When they did not settle on the own, she headed back to the spot she had set up for herself and picked her panflute up again. “It has been ages since I have played this much. Lucky for me, They are not a very critical audience.”
The soft notes floated through the air around the restless sleepers. Slowly they settled back into a deep sleep, their dreams following the music as it held their nightmares at bay. High above them Kyle kept watch, catching snatches of the music that rose on the breeze.
*************************************************************************************************************
Vasilya, still dozing, slowly rolled over as his hand searched for Atalaya’s warm body to pull up close to his, but found nothing. Grumbling in his dreaming he searched again, and still did not find what he was searching for. With a start, he sat upright, his eyes trying to pierce the darkened cabin. Faint noises of the sails snapping in the breeze made their way below deck. The rise and fall of the ship's forward motion could be easily felt as he sat on the bed’s mattress. The room was warm, and with the porthole open, the scent of the ocean was present in the small room. Vasilya’s heart was racing, although he wasn’t sure why that was. Taking a couple of breaths to steady himself, he softly called out, “ ‘Laya, are you there?” His soft question was met by silence. Untangling himself from the bedcovers, he lightly landed on his feet at the side of the bed and then carefully he groped his way to the lantern. He shook the lantern gently and realized that it had been filled sometime during the night. A box of lightsticks lay next to it. Striking one and trimming the wick almost simultaneously, he lit the lantern and looked around the room. Atalaya was not present. Finally realizing that Atalaya had taken the middle and late watches again, he gathered up some clean clothing, dressed and armed himself and made his way up the stairs and to the forecastle deck where Atalaya would be keeping the watch.
As he exited the stairway onto the main deck he heard the soft sounds of Atalaya’s pipe coming from above him. Quickly making his way over to the steps up to the forecastle deck, he began climbing them, listening to the haunting notes.
Watching Vasilya make his way towards her, Atalaya played a quick happy tune and then placed the pipes beside her. Watching as Vasilya came closer she thought, “My Vaz is a strikingly good looking man.” Giving herself a slight shake, she rose gracefully and reached out to give him a greeting hug. “Have you come to join me for the last of the watch?”
Vaz nods and while returning her hug, steals a quick kiss. Then he sits down, pulling her onto his lap and wraps his arms around her. “You can watch from here,” he proclaims. "Our watches together are always special to me, 'Laya." He pulls her close and chuckles. "If you only knew how often I wished to hold you like this before we were together."
Nevil, woke with the sun just pushing light through the porthole. She rolled over to find Inman asleep near her. Smiling, she extracted herself from the bed to let him sleep. Nevil was stiff from keeping one position in the night, but breathing was easier. She readied herself for the day as quietly as possible. Then before leaving the room she took one last look toward Inman. He was handsome even in the neutral stillness of sleep. She proceeded to the galley, closing the door behind her.
Nevil, stoked the embers of the stove, lighting her anew. She put on a kettle of water to start coffee and a large pot for breakfast and general use. Several minutes later she poured three cups of coffee, making them to her best estimation of the preferences of Atalaya and Boz. Then taking the cups above deck, she found the two and distributed the hot beverages accordingly.
Addressing Atalaya, "I got a big pot heating. Do you think any of our guests would like some simple porridge? They tolerated the broth well. If not, we can make broth again. Or a warm rag can go a long way to making you feel human again. How was the rest of the night? Do you want me up here or down below?
Atalaya puts the panflute down and reaches eagerly for the coffee that Nevil is holding. She is still leaning against Vasilya, using him as a pillowed backrest. “This is just what I needed.” She sips the warm liquid, savorying its mellow sweetness. Nevil seems to have figured out that the more sweetener and cream in it the better she likes it. “I think porridge would be an excellent choice for their morning repast. Maybe some will also be able to tolerate some biscuits and apple slices. Water, not coffee to drink though. Well, or they could have some of the soup broth either warmed if they would prefer that to the pure water.”
Looking at Nevil and watching her move she reaches into her pouch and pulls out a Goodberry. “Here, eat this. I promised you a Goodberry this morning.” Watching Nevil’s expression, she asks, “How do your ribs feel this morning? Is the wrapping still holding up, or do I need to rewrap them. Never mind, we will rewrap them after I apply some more bruise cream.”
Finishing her coffee, she turns to Vaz. “You have the watch. I”ll be back in a bit.”
Vasilya’s hold tightens around her waist for a moment, and then he lets her stand up. Atalaya motions for Nevil to head back below deck.
Nevil listens while sipping her coffee. Smiling, "You're the doctor and I know when to take orders." Nevil tosses the goodberry back and sips her coffee again. "I slept alright last night and it feels pretty good now. We'll see when the wraps come off, I guess." Nevil nods at the shooing and heads below.
Making her way to the galley she finds Inman is up and grabbing a cup of coffee. He starts another kettle. "Good morning," he said with a smile leaning against the counter. "How are you feeling?" Nevil made her way to the dry goods measuring out servings of cut oats and sugar. "Better. Having a personal heating pad helped." She teases. Inman grins, "Yeah, I'm spoiling you right out of the gate." Nevil examines the progress of the boil. "Well spoil me some more and slice those apples." Inman moves near her, leaning unusually close as he reaches across her for a knife. "Glad to." He whispers in her ear. Nevil looks at him with an amused but annoyed glare. Inman put his hands and the knife up in a gesture of submission as he withdrew, "hey you started it." They are both quietly amused as they work to prepare breakfast for the ship.
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