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[Redcoat]

The cheerful musings of a thousand voices filled the narrow streets of Otavia that November morning. The topic of the day was the daring escape from the clutches of the pirates, an escape facilitated by the oddball group of heroes; the reclusive foreigners, the dashing rogue, a scholar in red, a skilled dual-swordsman, the calm and collected warrior, a far-travelling Druid, a fiery young woman reputed to have caught an arrow midflight, and a heroic but seasick companion to all of them--an adventure set in motion by the determined thief and ending in the rescue of a fair maiden from the clutches of the scourge of the oceans.

It made the perfect tavern story and local legend. All of the elements were there for it, with enough of a fresh new veneer to keep it alive. The group, as they descended the hill into the port district, found themselves lauded as heroes by everyone they met; they had went to local celebrity status in hours, and were granted discount rates at virtually every emporium or shop that they encountered. Supplies were easy enough to obtain this way, and the group was burdened by fresh supplies of food and water.

A small crowd had gathered around the entrance to the port, forming an impenetrable barrier. The occasion was jovial, with a spring in everyone's step. As the party approached, Nero called them over to one of the periphery docks. Another man stood next to him, a fellow Captain by his ornate hat and well-to-do appearance. He approached and shook Anikus' hand in a vice grip, before the scholar even had a chance to speak his name.

"Each and every last one of you is a hero," the captain said, going around and shaking hands with every member of the party. "I... have something to show you all. Come this way!"

"What's the commotion about?" Anikus asked, chuckling a bit. "Who are you exactly?"

The man apologized for his hastiness and explained himself. "I am Ithor Neva, current owner of the freighter Jarvis and... former owner of the good ship Momentum."

"Former owner?" Tri'tas asked with an eyebrow raised.

Ithor grinned. "As of now, and as of the delivery of my daughter from the fetid clutches of the Corsair menace by your group, it belongs to all of you."

The party's eyes beamed. The offer was incredible, even  For a moment there was an awkward silence, broken by Anikus' wise words.

"We'll take it," he said with joy hardly disguised. "We'll take it!"

They were shown to the ship in short order. The Momentum was a junk, of a small size, but sturdily built; she was of no particular construction, though elements of both Kyokujitsu and Arkovan shipbuilding practices could be seen in her design; thick plating ensured that she would be difficult to damage or sink, even in battle--a task she was prepared for, with a wicked ram bow and a duo of ballistae--one at the bow, stern, port side and starboard. A small catapult was situated at the bow, capable of throwing a large stone a fair distance. Below decks, the ship was host to a modestly large cargo hold and plenty of living space. She flew no flag, and on her starboard side, Momentum was set in brass.

[Chef]

Grimlain followed behind everyone as they went towards their new ship.  He wasn't enjoying this celebrity status at all.  The last thing he wanted was any attention, but no one wanted to leave them be!  I am still questioning myself as to why I am still with these crazies, he thought to himself with mild frustration. At least we got a pretty discount on some things and a ship.

The new ship looked like it could hold its own in a harsh battle.  He was surprised that they were being given a ship that was so heavily armed and protected.  It was almost something too generous of them.

"I'm not too eager to step on a boat again because of our previous experience with them," Grimlain said. "But I think this ship will more than make up for our escapade."

[Vithar Megilaglar]

Takeshi and Sakura both had a look of mild surprise. The Momentum was definitely more than worth the efforts. This particular Junk was, very likely, a trawler at one point, only meant for scooping fish from the oceans. However, even Kyukojitsu fishing trawlers were often armed and armoured--often heavier than absolutely necessary.

"Definitely more sturdy than the Duncan. Or the Arrow, even." Sakura spoke quietly, only for Takeshi to hear.

"Indeed. I'm going to find me that scholar..."

"Um...Why?"

"He is not going to helm this ship."

Sakura's eyebrows raised as if she were just shown an obvious truth. "Very good point."

Takeshi look for Anikus, finding the limping scholar easily.

"Anikus, got a little ultimatum for you. Forgive that it sounds like an order and may be offensive."

The scholar raised his eyebrows in curiosity.

"You will not be helming the Momentum. Not unless you can get yourself some training first."

Takeshi chuckled to himself. He'd been on many a vessel, but the first time he ever felt remotely close to seasickness was when Anikus helmed--rather, tried to helm--the Duncan. He was positive that no one wanted to relive that event.

:But at least the Momentum will take to the waves relatively nicely...:

[Kamikaze_X]

Although the occasion was a joyful one, Thalmir himself was split between two emotions of his own, happiness and shame. He was probably the happiest one out of the group to be back on land, the terrain that he would be able to fight to his best on, to be able to scavenge, and to be able to use his Ranger abilities on. The water was not meant for a man like him, he was suited to the rough landscapes, the forests, and the open plains or rolling hills. But... he felt overbearing shame as well. He felt irresponsible and as though he did not help the party in the least during their fight. He cursed his sea-sickness that day.

When they arrived back on land, Thalmir was much quieter than usual and tried not to acknoqledge any of the happy spectators who cheered him and his compatriots on as they moved through town. He had his hood up, marring his face from the light, he moved through the crowds relatively unnoticed such as a wraith in the night. He did not want to be questioned or made to be a hero, for the truth was, in his eyes, that he did absolutely nothing to help his friends, while they did everything in their power.

However, in his heart, he knew that if they ventured out onto land, he would be able to redeem himself. He, possibly, was the only wilderness expert, or land ranger in the party. Maybe his knowledge would be indispensable for them. He held a strong hope from then on that he could regain the honor he felt he had lost.

[Lyon]

Kaethe was basking in the admiration of the townspeople, taking every opportunity to show them the deep grazes in her palm where she had caught the arrow. Between gasps of admiration from the younger children, she accepted drinks or small sweets from the young men of the town, who seemed to be quite taken with her.

Telchi, his shoulder set in a fresh bandage, climbed up the gangplank to inspect the new ship. "I don't know much about boats, but as long as she floats, I'm fine with her," said Telchi. "Give me a good, honest above-water ship any day... at least I'll drown slower." He grinned at Anikus to show that his words were in jest, and moved further down the ship. He saw Thalmir standing by the rails, and stood alongside the ranger. "You seem quiet," he offered. "Is there something wrong?"

[Phantom]

Alec ignored most of the crowd and held Ria's hand, he was searching through his feelings, he was confused. Everything was different now. Ria on the other smiled and talked with people, she was happier than she could remember and the fact that she was with Alec made her soar through the sky. As the two of them inspected the ship Alec looked up, "It s a fine ship, but if you would excuse me I would like to go back to the inn for some quiet. "

Alec didn't wait for a response and walked back to the inn, Ria followed him,she had changed into a long blue dress that highlighted her shapely form. The two of them walked up toa private sitting room, Alec sat in a large chair by the fire and gazed into the embers. Ria sat next to him and touched his shoulder, "There is something wrong and don't try to hide it. I can tell something is bugging you."

Alec grimaced, "I can't hide anything from you can I.... My problem though is that... well... ever since I thought you and my family were dead I have led a rather shady life.... I... strayed from my path as a healer and became.... a killer. My job right now is to kill Takeshi and his mate."

Ria gasped and stood apart from Alec, "you... you... how could you Alec?!"

Alec frowned and leaned further into the chair, "My grief was... too much Ria.... after I lost everything I became someone else. I spent my time away from people only coming around when I had a target. These past three years I have made myself quite the assassin."

Ria sat in a chair opposite Alec shock written all over her face, "I wouldn't have believed you would be capable of such evil Alec. What happened to the man I fell in love with? Is he gone too?"

Alec frowned deeper, "I thought that man was gone forever... But when I saw you something happened, I could feel my old self again. There was a new life in me. But the problem is the assassin in me is still here in me."

Ria stood up and looked into Alec's eyes, "Listen to me, you have changed, but you need not change for the worse. You can still be the person you are now and be the man I loved. But now it is time to hunt people down that should be killed, not people who make money. You understand?"

Alec smiled slightly, "Your right... I guess I should become a good assassin huh."

Ria smiled, "I think we can get back to where we were. But you do need to tell Anikus, Takeshi and his wife. They deserve to know."

Alec nodded, picked up a pen and paper and wrote two notes, he placed them in Anikus's room and Takeshi's. The note said,  Please meet me in my room at your earliest convenience.

[Kamikaze_X]

Thalmir was stuck in his gloom, and felt a bit surprised that someone spoke to him. It took a minute however to register, so he didn't respond as quickly. He looked to Telchi and gave a small smile, although it felt a bit forced. He tried to think of words that he could say without making himself sound depressing. He forgot about this, viewing Telchi as his closest friend he had so far, as he really hadn't spoken to many of the others in their group.

"Telchi... have you ever gone through something.. something like what our group has, and yet feel as though you were just an unneeded burden on everyone. Like you hadn't helped out at all?" Thalmir asked trying to make his question sound rhetorical.

[Lyon]

Telchi laughed mirthlessly. "I've been a burden to my comrades more than once," he said, clasping Thalmir's shoulder. "Take the trouble we just had with the corsairs. After I was wounded, I was useless. It's happened several times through my career. I remember when I and a group of ten other warriors were raiding a bandits' den. There were a score of them... more than we thought. We were unprepared, and I was wounded in the leg." The Selken bit his lip. "One of my comrades was killed helping me to retreat."

"I know how it feels to be useless, but we can't let those moments incapacitate us completely. Thalmir, you've done nothing wrong. Even if you thought you were dead weight"--Telchi swallowed--"at least nobody died because of you." He clapped the ranger on the shoulder again. "You fought well, comrade," he said finally. "You have nothing to be ashamed of."

[Kamikaze_X]

After hearing Telchi's story and guidance, Thalmir was speechless. He tried to think of something to say, something that would sum up the amount of thankfulness that he felt. He looked to Telchi and gave him a true smile and clapped him on the shoulder in return.

"Thank you for your guidance, my friend. I am sure you have held that time in your heart as a weight that is unmeasurable by human standards. But I suppose we should be cheer up, it is useless dwelling on the past. With this group... I feel that I can redeem myself with honor. Telchi, I believe you can as well. Protect the friends you have now with all of your being, just as I myself will try. It is the most we can do."

At that, Thalmir felt as though some of the burden had been lifted from his shoulder. He wore a genuine smile on his face now and looked to the far off mountains, the rolling hills, and the sprawling forests. His excitement grew, he would finally feel at home once again sooner or later.

[Vithar Megilaglar]

Takeshi and Sakura, who had thoroughly inspected the Momentum, now left for the room prepared for them. Sakura laid in the bed, resting her tired body, while Takeshi wandered around the spartan room restlessly.

"It never ceases to amaze me that you can still wander around like the wind even when you've been without rest for a day."

"Really? Come now, Sakura, I am just letting you rest first."

"Oh stop hiding restlessness beneath a coating of chivalry. You are looking for something to do, that much I can see."

"I suppose I am. Yet I--What's this?"

Takeshi walked over to the desk--the only elaborate thing in the whole room--and picked up a slip of paper with a quickly scrawled message.

Please meet me in my room at your earliest convenience.
     --Alec

Takeshi looked over the slip again. Why send for them? There was only one possible way to find out.

"What's that you've got their, lovely?"

"A message from Alec. Wants to see us."

"He does? Why?"

"Doesn't say. Only one way to find out."

"Somehow, I get the feeling that I'll begin to start hating hearing that phrase."

Sakura slid off the bed, following Takeshi, and looking regretful at having to leave the comfort of the bed.

[Redcoat]

Anikus ran an inspection of his ship from front to back. He was utterly taken aback at the offer, but he wouldn't have refused by any means. A ship--a ship was the perfect means of travel for their journey! And what a wonderful ship it was: a sturdy, armed Arko-Kyoku Junk. Anikus' historical knowldge told him that it no doubt came from a Kohlandish shipyard in the northeast of his homeland; the results of a Clan landing many, many years ago. It was worth a journal entry, so after a couple of hours of overseeing the Duncan's raising onto deck by a team of local sailors, it was time to call it quits.

He walked through the door to his room, sighing and preparing for some much-needed sleep. A note greeted him, scrawled in chickenscratch much less unintelligible than his own.

Please meet me in my room at your earliest convenience.
--Alec

The scholar raised an eyebrow and shrugged. He could talk to the kid if he needed it. On the way to Alec's room, he came across Takeshi and Sakura, both looking very ready for sleep also.

"Salve, comrades," Anikus greeted, quietly so as not to disturb the other guests. "Did you two recieve a note also...?"

[Phantom]

Alec sat pales as a sheet staring into the embers of his fire. Ria sat next to him not saying anything, she was dealing with her own emotions and thoughts. How could Alec have become... a killer! She loved him and nothing would change that but it was a shocker. Alec on the other hand was worried sick about what Takeshi and Anikus would do.... they wouldn't... want to get rid of him would they?? Probably... He couldn't blame them, who wants a skilled assassin on their hands. He had no way to prove he was trustworthy. There was a knock at the door and Ria let the three people in. They looked at Alec confused, he was not a pleasant sight either. He looked sick. Alec looked up and caught each person�s eyes, looking into Ria's last.

"Thanks for coming...." Alec's voice was strained, "There was something very partucular I wanted to say to you three... mostly to you Takeshi. But first thank you for helping me save Ria. You can't understand what it means to me."

Ria sat down next to Alec and placed her hand in his, Alec took a deep breath.... Now or never "The other thing I wanted to say is that... it is no mere chance that brings me to be with you all. I have been following You Takeshi for weeks now. I was..." Alec's voice broke, he felt dizzy, Ria steadied him and gently touched his face. "I was hired to kill you Takeshi... and your wife." Alec looked down and back into the fire, he waited for the onslaught that he knew was about to come. He felt like a little kid confusing to some great sin.

[Vithar Megilaglar]

Takeshi stood, head cocked to one side. Certainly, this man did not show signs of being a killer.

Takeshi's mind was split in two. Half of him wanted to "deal" with the man, ending the potential "risk". The other half, however, screamed to forgive the man.

Sakura crossed her arms, looking almost as thoughtful as Takeshi, if a little on the aggressive side. She spoke, mirroring Takeshi's thoughts."You know, Alec, I'm of half a mind to kill you and ensure that you can not kill us. However...I'm also of half a mind just to forgive you and be done with it."

This drew slight reactions from everyone, even Takeshi, who stepped forward and spoke."I suggest that we forget this and move on. If we let the past impede us, then we will never be able to move forward without glaring at each other. Deal?"

Takeshi and Sakura's body language spoke for itself though, easily saying "We might forgive you, but we are going to maintain vigilance against you".

It left a rather uneasy humour in the room.

[Redcoat]

Anikus was silent as stone. This entire thing was so far out of left field that there was, plainly, no response. The scholar stood there, utterly dumbfounded, for the entirety of the most scathing, excruciating, deafening awkward silence he had ever experienced. At Takeshi's words, he regained a note of composure.

"This is... an unexpected turn of events," he noted, the air of surprise not yet vacating his speech or thoughts. "I suppose Takeshi is right. Alec, let us put this behind us."

Behind his face, the scholar's mind went through exactly what he had to do. One could not help a bit of paranoia at a realization such as this; indeed, it would have been unnatural not to be suspicious of Alec after this point, perhaps perpetually; it would have to be digested over the next few days.

[Phantom]

Alec nodded his head a bit, and looked back into the fire, he was surprised he was still alive, surprised he was still allowed to be around them. Ria stood up and paced the room for a moment and then turned back to Takeshi, Sakura, and Anikus. With brief glance at Alec she addressed them, "I know this is a shock to all of us here in the room, myself included. But I know things you all don't know. I have known Alec all his life until I was 16. There was... a situation in which we were separated and myself and his parents were assumed dead. During that time he was a different man. He was the best healer in the town and his parents had high hopes for him. After our supposed deaths I assume Alec left the village and started a new life. I know what he is deep down, please don't think the worst of him."

Alec placed a hand on Ria's shoulder, "Ria... thank you but they have every right to not trust me. They would be idiots not to." Alec turned his gaze to the guests, "Please understand though that I have no intention of carrying out my mission, you all have done much for me and my abilities are at your disposal, both my art of healing and killing. You will find me capable of both."

[Redcoat]

OOC: If you want to post your exploits in town: women, riches, celebrity status, whatever, go ahead, but make sure you're macro'd onto the ship by the end of the post. Wyrm! You still have life! Don't fail me now!

---

Anikus nodded solemnly; as the parties settled in for the night, the scholar went over it in his mind. There would be no denying that he could be marooned on the next rock; of course, his conscience vetoed this immediately. Alec--an esteemed healer--would be a valuable asset. Takeshi, ultimately, had indeed shown forgiveness; he would follow suit, but he could not help his trust being lost.

Regardless, the next couple days were spent busily by Anikus preparing every aspect of their new boat. It came free of charge from the people of Otavia, of course; the sails, the cleanup work, the recalibration of ballistae; and, naturally, all of the supplies they'd ever need, including what one eccentric described as a "lifetime supply" of lutefisk, a thought Anikus' mouth watered at. Grimlain's help was invaluable for the larger items, including furniture, much of which was donated from the locals--especially Nero.

The launch of the Momentum was met with a small crowd as the hung-over band of adventurers boarded the junk by gangplank. As she was cast off--preventing the dock's taking as a souvenir-- the sails unfurled and the ship was off in a moment's time.

As Anikus went through roll call and a series of checklists, the crew took up their positions.

[Lyon]

Kaethe woke up sprawled out on the tavern floor. She vaguely remembered being pressed with free drink after free drink. Her memories after several games of dice were fuzzy, save that she had ended up tossing most of the gold she had one into the crowd at random. There was probably more than one happy patron of the bar going home with a fistful of coins.

Kaethe rose to her feet, clutching her head, and staggered over to the bar. Sitting down on the nearest stool, she waited for the bartender to notice her while she struggled to remember what else had happened. There had been a dance. She also remembered kissing several people, including an old sailor and all three of the barmaids.

"C'n I hav' 'n ale, please?" she said in a rather slurred voice. The bartender stifled a smile. Kaethe was grateful it wasn't one of the girls she had drunkenly kissed the previous night.

"Of course. Anything for one of the saviors of our town," he said, turning and quickly filling a mug. He paused, rather awkwardly she thought. "Err... would you like anything else?"

"Nnnooo..." said Kaethe, downing the ale in a couple gulps. "Why d'you ask?"

"Well, it may have escaped her ladyship's notice," said the bartender, grinning lopsidedly, "but she appears to have...erm...misplaced part of her outfit."

Kaethe looked down and blushed faintly. "You wouldn't happen to know where I could find a shirt, would you?" she asked.

"I think I could make arrangements," said the bartender, hurrying to find something for her. He was back a moment later with a deep blue robe, whose color went charmingly with the red silk breeches she already wore.

"Thank you," said Kaethe gratefully, pulling on the robe. "I should probably get to the ship... the others will be leaving without me." She muttered a quick spell, and the fog in her head lessened. Now steady on her feet, she hurried to the door, waving over her shoulder to the bartender. "Goodbye!"

She arrived at the ship breathing evenly, and lined up with the rest. Telchi was next to her, looking significantly more rested: he had spent the evening in a meditative trance, sliding through the movements of the Selken combat style with exaggerated slowness. He had quit sometime near midnight, snatching a few hours of sleep. He was used to sleeping little in the field, and even the few hours he did manage seemed to be twelve hours' rest.

[Phantom]

Alec spent the rest of his days in his room, he had no desire to be out and partying, Ria for her part stayed close to the inn and stayed with Alec most of the time. They had much to catch up on. Alec loved her deeply and he was more happy with her than he had ever been, but a dark cloud still hung over him. Ria did her best to cheer him up, they would talk into all hours of the night.

Alec stood facing a mirror making sure he was ready for the day. They were about to set sail... again. He wore black pants with a black shirt, and a black cloak hung about him. He looked like a shadow, his face a mask of indifference. He was ready to be moving again and put his skills to use, he hated being idle. Ria walked in wearing brown pants a green shirt and a camouflage cloak. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail and a bow was slung across her back. She smiled at Alec, "Time to be moving."

Alec smiled slightly, "Yes I know." He adjusted his belt of knives and rested his hand on his sword. "Lets get to the ship shall we."

Ria smiled and slipped her hand into his, "Stop being so serious! Everything will be fine, we are together again and we won't lose each other... I promise."

Alec smiled again, "i know..."

Ria brushed some hair out of Alec's face she used her mind to touch his, I love you.

Alec closed his eyes, this form of communication was still new and hard for him, Me too

Alec drew Ria into his arms and gently pressed his lips to hers, "Time to go my love."

Ria smiled and the two of them headed to the ship and stood on the deck waiting for everyone to arrive.

[Kamikaze_X]

Thalmir had spent the night outdoors and by the edge of the town in the woods. He was sure none of his comrades knew where he was, which he didn't mind. He needed some time to himself, to sort out his thoughts. He sat deep within the near forest, in tall grass. Dewdrops hung gently from the blades of grass around him. The tall oak trees surrounded his figure and cast shadows everywhere. His eyes were closed and he sat in a meditative style. He deigned to forgo sleep that day, however rest through meditation, which he found more restful and relaxing anyway. At a tree by his side, his bow and Claymore leaned, along with his satchel and quiver.

When morning came, Thalmir came out from his meditative state and stood up in the grass. Gathering his gear, he shouldered his pack and looked to the sunny sky. The day was bright and new, and he felt even better than before. His thoughts were cleared and he no longer worried of his uselessness on the boat. Of course, this next trip would be by water, and he would have to endure another sickening week or more, but afterward he was positive he would redeem himself somehow.

It took him around twenty minutes to leave the forest, which admittedly he took his time with. After all, he was a ranger. Upon exiting, he made his way through town, still cloaked and unnoticed by civilians. He found the ship ready to launch, as the deck-hands were finished with taking away the mooring at the docks. He slowly walked to the gangway and took a deep breath before he walked aboard.

[Vithar Megilaglar]

Takeshi and Sakura woke up early, running through a series of meditations to prepare for the day. It was looking to be a relatively nice day, at least for sailing. Very few clouds in the sky, and the few that were in the sky were being blown about like skyships.

Takeshi looked out the window, musing. The sun was just rising, painting the sky various shades of fire. It was only early morning, but he was ready to move. Sakura, on the other hand, was finishing getting ready, her outfit barely lighting on her body, making her seem slightly eidolic in appearance. She moved fluidly. Stopping when she saw Takeshi in his musings.

"Takeshi, milove, I'm going to go to one of the shops. I suppose you'll head to the ship?"

Takeshi turned away from the window, a slight smile, as if he remembered something uplifting. "You know, I've always wonder what it would be like, to fly." He glanced at the window. The sky seemed to beckon. He turned away. "Let's go. Perhaps there will be something of interest at the shops."

"Indeed." As Takeshi left, Sakura looked out the window. Feeling the beckon of the sky.

:I too, wonder what it would be like, to fly. Perhaps one day...we shall know...?:

Sakura followed Takeshi, silently imagining what it would be like to fly.

---

It was a short walk to the shops, some of which were open already, other's just opening. There was few things for sale, but even the most reticent of shopowners were willing to lower their prices for the "reclusive foreigners".

Sakura looked at the various trinkets, little pieces of twisted metal and melted glass, all simple little ornaments, and yet, all beautiful at the same time. She picked a few, including a pair of rings and necklaces, each perfect for either gender in their simplicity. After a few hours of walking around, browsing and general wandering, they headed to the ship, each wearing a ring and a light silver chain around their necks.

They boarded the ship, looking around again at the various sections of it.

:The Momentum...huh...: Takeshi looked around the ship, once again lost in thought. : Well, if it lives up to it's name, I won't be surprised.:

He looked up at the sails, the familiar ribbed style coming back to him.

:At least this is similar to the Junks back home...:

Sakura walked up to Takeshi, nodding. Everything was still in place.