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* Lisl closes the cabin door and collapses onto a bench in the hold, taking deep breaths and rubbing her temples. * Jaret discreetly backs away from the conversation, so he can better observe the water gnome's smaller craft, docked on the Elissa. <Bai> ::Bai and the water gnome finish screech at each other. The water gnome returns to this "land" craft, which returns to the larger vessel.:: * Water Gnome gets in his ship and floats back to the square collection of pipes and containers floating near the Elissa. * Bai turns to those left on deck, "They're part of an armada looking for the Maiden. I told them we knew were it was and they're going to follow us." * Jelarthna waits patiently, watching the craft depart, then looking at Bai <Jelarthna> ::grins:: Reinforcements? <Zoya> A whole *armada*? Did he say how many ships? <Bai> Presumably...Though they be get a little over-enthusiastic when it comes to Yb. <Bai> No...But I get the impression they can't communicate with the other ships, so it will just be this one. <Jelarthna> ::heads to the hold to fetch Lisl:: Um.. over enthusiastic? * Bai shrugs, "He made some reference to knowing who was in command of the Maiden." <Zoya> ::grins at Bai:: When dealing with Yb, better to be over-enthusiastic than caught in the crossfire. What *do* you plan to do about her, Bai? * Jelarthna looks at Zoya * Lisl stands up, rubbing an ear. "Good. So what's the word?" * Bai shrugs, "Pray." <Jelarthna> ::grins at Lisl:: They're after the Maiden, too. * Zoya chuckles at Bai's response, then the ship begins once more to move. <Jelarthna> I am a little worried at how things are going to play out... I hope they don't get in our way. * Lisl grins at Zoya. "See? What did I tell you? The Gnomish Navy, right? * Bai shrugs, "As long as they don't try to kill Yb I don't think they will." <Jaret> The Aquatic Gnome Navy, even. * Jelarthna smiles, but looks slightly troubled <Jelarthna> The Aquatic Gnome Space Navy? * Tyl looks over at Jel... "Don't you think they might be worried we might get in their way?" <Zoya> ::laughs:: Something like, yes. ::to Jel:: I don't think they'll be a problem. They could even be a big help... *I* certainly don't have anyplace to confine a beholder! <Lisl> ::glances at Jel:: With the weaponry they're probably packing, I hope *we* dont' get in *their* way. <Jelarthna> Maybe, love... but I don't know what they can do.. I do know what we can do. <Jelarthna> Hmm, like ship-weapons? I hadn't even thought of that... <Lisl> ::looks disgruntled:: Do we *have* to confine them? <Zoya> ::smiles thinly:: They wouldn't be part of the hunt if they weren't competent, Jelarthna. Don't worry about it too much. * Jelarthna shakes his head a little and watches the other ship for a while <Zoya> That's the idea, Lisl. She's a war-criminal. If we *have* to kill her, we will, but I think they want her alive. <Bai> How far are we from the Maiden, Zoya? <Lisl> ::sighs:: Being the good guy is always so much more work. <Jaret> Lisl has a point. Does anyone have any idea how to subdue and detain a beholder? We can't exactly just tie its wrists behind its back and assume we're all right. <Lisl> Do beholders *have* wrists? * Bai thinks, "How resistant are beholders to magic?" * Jaret grins. "Not that I know of." <Tyl> ::shrug:: Put a bag over its head? <Zoya> ::to Bai:: Not far. An hour, tops, depending on what the Maiden does as we approach. <Zoya> And shouldn't you be saving your magic for Yb? * Bai reaches over his shoulder and pulls a bow out of his quiver. He then strings the bow. "Better get ready then." <Lisl> ::chuckles:: A magic-impervious, extra-LARGE bag, maybe... * Bai shrugs, "I can't beat Yb in terms of raw power. If I can manage to trick or convince her then it won't take much magic at all. We'll just have to see how things work out." <Lisl> Any way we can make them dead in the water, Zoya? Aside from trying to knock out Yb? <Jelarthna> I would imagine that if Yb's not powering it, they wouldn't be moving, would they? <Zoya> ::nods:: We'll leave Yb to you, then, Bai. <Bai> Oh, the wonders of my job. <Jelarthna> And beholders.. well, the ones I am familiar with.. have an anti-magic ray that comes from their center eye.. the large one. <Jelarthna> Bai.. if there's anything I can do to help, don't hesitate to ask. * Bai looks at his bow, "Not a problem." <Bai> I won't. * Jaret checks his weapons one more time, almost absent-mindedly. <Zoya> ::to Lisl:: I can't think of anything in particular that would do it. As long as Yb has enough magic to power the ship, they can move. * Bai slides his staff into his quiver...Which surprisingly fits. <Jelarthna> ::smiles slightly:: Nice trick. Quiver of holding? <Zoya> She doesn't even have to be conscious, though if she's in that chamber and falls unconscious, there's no telling where it'll go. <Lisl> It's the other rays I'm worried about. ::unpacks the shield she bought in market and sits cross-legged on the deck to polish its mirror-like surface.:: * Tyl blinks and peers into Bai's quiver. "What? Does everyone have these portable holes?" <Bai> Probably. * Jelarthna chuckles <Lisl> ::grins and looks up:: They're the latest in fashion accessories, Tyl. <Jelarthna> What's that, Lisl? <Zoya> ::grins at Tyl:: They're not that hard to make, actually. <Lisl> It's a shield, Jel. ::smiles and keeps polishing:: <Bai> Yb's father made this one. <Lisl> Yb had a father? <Jelarthna> ::pokes Lisl's shoulder:: I *know* that. I didn't think you used one. <Tyl> Well, I'm sure she didn't spring up, fully formed, from under a rock. * Bai looks at Lisl, "And a mother. She's not a demon Lisl, whatever you may think of her." <Lisl> I don't, usually. ::turning it to reach the other half, light glinting off the surface:: I thought it would be worth a try... I've never fought beholders, but I know this works against medusas.... <Jelarthna> hmm.. maybe. I don't know that their rays are reflectable, but it's worth a try... <Lisl> I don't think she's a demon, Bai. Demons are more predictable. I was thinking something more like a tornado. <Lisl> ::shrugs a shoulder:: And if it doesn't work, Jel, I'll trust you to help me regrow the arm. ::grins up at him:: * Jaret rolls his eyes and says with a grin. "If we could all only be so cavalier about possible limb loss." <Jelarthna> errr.. I'm willing to *try*. ::suddenly, a flock of small green flying mice flutter by the Elissa:: * Jaret half-draws and looks at the mice. He looks at Bai. "Yb?" * Bai looks at Zoya, "Is that normal, or is it Yb?" <Zoya> ::blinks after the mice:: I'm... I'm guessing that's Yb's work. <Lisl> Now, if only those were the beholders.... * Jelarthna watches the mice pass impassively and looks a little worried <Bai> Might have been. Or the illithid. Or maybe part of the gnome armada. <Zoya> ::snorts:: Not likely. But they were still alive, and without a ship to hold their air. The ship can't be far. <Jelarthna> unless they don't need air? * Bai looks at the map, "I can't read this thing." <Jaret> How long can something survive on it's own air, without a ship? <Zoya> ::grins:: Anything is possible when Yb is involved. * Tyl leans over the rail, peering at the mice. "Neat!" * Jelarthna laughs and smiles at Tyl * Bai smiles at Tyl, "Should I get you one for a wedding gift?" <Tyl> ::grins:: They're cute... <Zoya> ::to Jaret:: Every mass carries an amount of air proportionate to its volume with it. The mice - if they are air breathers, of course - will probably asphyxiate in fifteen minutes or so. <Jelarthna> well... if they do need air they might stay with us.. <Jaret> Really... so how long for a human? Could we use this to try to stealthily board Yb's ship somehow? * Tyl looks worried... "They're going to suffocate?" * Lisl gives her shield a last rub and stands, slinging the shoulder strap over her head and sliding her arm through the grips. "There. Not bad." <Jelarthna> maybe not... if they're flying in the phlogiston, they might be suited for breathing in it, too. <Zoya> ::considers:: A human can survive off-ship in space for about an hour... Less if they're breathing heavily. It's an interesting idea, though I can guarantee if we get close enough to use it, they'll know we're here. <Zoya> ::to Tyl:: Well, if they're air-breathers... Jelarthna might be right, though - they might be caught by the Elissa's gravity, and thus be able to use our air. <Lisl> ::dry tone:: Great. Flying ship rats. * Jelarthna chuckles <Jelarthna> green ones <Lisl> Oh, yes, that's very important, Jel. <Jelarthna> too bad we don't have a flying cat then, huh? <Jaret> Oh, well. I hadn't though of that. It probably would be bad if they changed course while we were en route, too. <Jelarthna> yeah, that's rather a disturbing thought... <Lisl> Hm. ::looks speculative:: If there's no air out there, I wonder what they're using to fly? I certainly wouldn't want to try swimming through that. ::peers over the rail at the fiery Phlogiston:: ::in the distance, a more normal looking ship, floating at an angle, drifts aimlessly in space:: * Bai picks up the telescope and looks at the ship. <Jelarthna> I thought we were in phlogiston now? Just a bit thinner or something? ::looks to Zoya:: <Jelarthna> Is that the Maiden, Bai? <Lisl> ::squinting:: Doesn't look like this ship I saw in the woods, but it's hard to tell from here.... * Zoya shakes her head. "It's not the Maiden." * Jaret begins to look around for a grappling hook, for when boarding actions commence. * Bai shakes his head and hands the telescope to Jel. "It's not the Maiden, and there doesn't appear to be anyone aboard. Zoya, should we board and look for survivors, or keep going?" * Jelarthna takes a look through the spyglass and passes it on <Jelarthna> nope.. sure isn't... <Lisl> ::looks at Zoya:: The mice, you think...? <Zoya> ::considers:: If there's no-one aboard, I think perhaps we should pass it by for now. Our primary mission is more important. Once we've secured the Maiden, we can return. <Zoya> ::to Lisl:: Might be. <Jaret> We could do a close pass by it, just to make sure there aren't any survivors. <Zoya> ::nods:: Someone keep an eye on the ship as we go by. I'll pass as close as I dare. <Lisl> ::nodding and taking a post by the rail:: * Jaret comes back from the hold with six grappling hooks and rope. "Here we are. I brought extra, in case anyone else wanted one." * Tyl frowns, wandering around the ship. A moment later she returns to the main deck, nearly a half dozen green mice flying around her head. "I think we caught them in our wake." * Jelarthna continues watching the other ship through the spyglass, scanning all of the surfaces * Zoya laughs at the sight of Tyl surrounded by flying mice. * Bai takes a hook and rope from Jaret and then starts looking around the deck. <Jelarthna> ::still watching the other ship:: caught what in our wake, dear? <Zoya> ::eyes Jaret:: You *are* a pirate. * Lisl accepts a grappling hook from Jaret, only half-paying attention to what's going on on board as she watches the other ship like a hawk. <Bai> Zoya, got any weights on this ship? Something about half the size of a fist? <Jaret> What? I'd rather not just leap for the other ship across.. whatever this is. Floggingston. ::as they get close to the other ship, signs of battle can be seen... torn sails, broken masts, a few bodies:: <Zoya> ::shrugs:: There's probably something in the hold. What for? <Lisl> ::reporting:: Looks like a battle. Some bodies... nothing seems to be moving. <Bai> To tie on the other end of this. ::Bai hold up the rope and hook.:: <Zoya> ::calls from the helm:: What race are the bodies? Can you tell? <Jelarthna> ::nods:: Everything looks pretty busted up over there... * Bai disappears below deck. <Zoya> ::to Bai:: What's wrong with tying it to the railing like any other self-respecting pirate? <Lisl> Some gnomes... there's something over there that looks like a yellow elf, too, but the ears are jagged... <Jelarthna> hmm.. some looks gnomish.. some look humanoid, a bit yellowish maybe, with pointed and serrated ears <Jelarthna> No idea what those are. <Zoya> A *yellow elf*??? ::the ship immediately begins to veer away from the derelict:: * Bai returns from below deck, the hook and rope now missing, "It's not for boarding. It's for fighting." <Jaret> Yellowish... if it wasn't for the serrated ears, I'd guess orc. <Lisl> ::grabbing the rail:: What? What are they? * Bai walks over and examines the ship, "I've never seen anything like them." <Jelarthna> not sure that they're big enough for orcs <Jelarthna> Nothing seems to be moving, though. <Bai> Certainly too tall to be elves though. * Zoya glances back at the derelict ship. "Gith. Gith-yanki or gith-zerai, either way, they're dangerous. But they *hate* illithid. Maybe they've thinned the Maiden's ranks for us." <Jaret> There had to be some survivors? Where did they go? <Jelarthna> Githyanki? I've heard of them but never seen any... * Bai points to the mice, "Probably right there." <Lisl> ::staring, turning her head to watch the ship pass in their wake:: Those are gith? I thought they live on another pla-- oh. ::in the distance, you can see two more ships, the Maiden and another, seemingly stuck together, the Maiden beneath the other:: <Zoya> ::shrugs:: They're either on the Maiden, or spaced, or turned into mice. Or lying in wait on their ship, hoping someone will take the bait. *I'm* not that foolish, though. <Jaret> Githyanki... I've heard about their swords... <Lisl> ::grins:: Maybe we can go back for souvenirs later, Jaret. Or you can ask the mice. * Zoya eyes the Maiden's companion ship. "Someone grab the 'glass and tell me if they're fighting or friendly out there..." * Bai pulls an arrow from his quiver and nocks it. * Lisl checks the set of her shield and picks up the spyglass, holding it to her eye. ::the two ships seem to be stuck together, the mast of the Maiden stabbed through the keel of the other ship. Small groups of illithid are fighting with groups of yellow-skinned humanoids:: <Lisl> ::reports:: Well, they're certainly not acting friendly. More gith, it looks like, fighting the illithid. It looks like the Maiden just speared the other ship right through... tough mast. <Jelarthna> Yikes... err... should we move in or let it die down a bit? ::looks over the gulf dubiously:: Any sign of Yb? <Jaret> It sounds like an opportune time to board, then. Get on, grab Yb, and leave the illithid and beholder to the gith-whatsit. <Lisl> ::continues to watch:: Grab Yb? Hope you've got good gloves, Jaret... or a ten-foot pole.... <Zoya> ::the Elissa slows its approach while the occupants discuss the best strategy:: <Jaret> It's a figure of speech, Lisl. I know you're familiar with them. ::grins:: <Zoya> We need to decide quickly. In now, or wait to see what happens? <Lisl> Heh. Never touch the stuff. ::moving the spyglass over the decks of both ships:: Don't see Yb anywhere yet.... * Tyl ties a rope around her waist and secures the other end to a ship rail. <Jelarthna> ::looks at Bai:: Do you think we can talk Yb into coming with us through all that? <Lisl> ...or the beholders, for that matter. <Jelarthna> ::shakes his head:: I'm mostly concerned about Yb... once we have her safe we can let it go and then see about the beholders. <Lisl> Maybe they caught another ride...? * Bai shrugs, "Yb's more likely to get distracted with all of that going on. On the other hand, it will provide her with that many more targets." <Zoya> ::eyes Tyl:: What are you planning? ::the water-gnome sub-arial moves to a position to one side of the Maiden, bolts of blue light firing from the underside. Each bolt forms jagged scars of ice across the Maiden's decks and rigging:: * Jaret begins idly tossing the grappling hook from one hand to the other, getting used to the weight. * Jaret looks at the gnome ship. "I'm glad we're not boarding just yet." <Tyl> Me? Planning not to fall of... but we're not going to be able to do anything from here, you know... <Lisl> ::still watching:: The cavalry's arrived. Looks like some sort of ice ray. <Zoya> ::eyes widen:: So much for remaining unobtrusive... * Zoya brings the Elissa closer to the battle. "Try not to kill any gith unless they start hacking at you, first. Chances are they're just after the illithid. I hope." * Yb appears from below deck. She's dressed in a multi-colored skirt, an orange top that leaves everything above her breasts exposed, an eye patch over her left eye, and a pirate hat. She has a githyanki sword strapped to her waist, and a pistol stuffed into the belt. She's also holding her crystal staff. <Jelarthna> ::nods, eying the battle as we get closer:: And hopefully they're not quite as dangerous outside the Astral. <Tyl> No killing any yellow people... got it. ::checks her weapons:: * Jaret moves away from everyone along the rail, and begins slowly swinging the hook in a circle at his side. <Lisl> ::starting to put the spyglass down, putting it up to her eye again:: Wait! there's Yb. * Yb bellows in a voice that carries to all the ships, "I am Captain Yb of the Fuschia Gumdrop! All who face me will perish!" * Zoya fishes in her sleeve, coming up with a couple of rings and a necklace. As she puts them on, her liquid-silver manacles shiver into shape, and re-form into bracers covering most of her forearms. She reaches into her sleeve again and comes up with several wands. <Lisl> Looks like she bagged a couple of gith already... they won't be happy with her. ::chuckling:: She's really getting into this pirate thing. <Zoya> ::to Jel:: I wouldn't count on it. <Jelarthna> Where? <Jelarthna> Hey, I can hope... ::flashes Zoya a quick grin:: <Lisl> "The Fuschia Gumdrop"? * Bai examines the distance between the ships, "Just a little closer." * Yb waves her staff and the ice forming on the Maiden lifts off the deck, forming a wall that grows larger with each blast from the gnomish vessel. * Lisl slides the spyglass closed and puts it away, adjusting the fall of her shield again. She makes a fist with her right hand, and the air around it shimmers silver and forms into her Claws. <Zoya> All right... Try to grab Yb and get back quickly. ::the Elissa slides fairly close to the Maiden's deck:: ::a panel opens on the side of the maiden, sending a huge burst of lightning balls across space into the gnome sub-ariel, which immediately starts leaking water:: <Jelarthna> Right.. here goes nothing. Following you, Bai. I'll help clear the path. * Bai puts his bow away and pulls out his grappling hook and rope. <Lisl> ::muttering:: She doesn't look like she's the one who needs rescuing, here. * Jaret throws his grappling hook out at the Maiden's rail, and as soon as it catches, he leaps over the rail and begins rapidly pulling himself along the rope. * Jelarthna watches Bai and grins, then quickly follows Jaret * Zoya curses and aims a wand at the gnomish ship, sighting down her arm. A thin beam pierces space, and the water around the leaks freezes, sealing (at least for now) the ship. * Yb sits on the railing and watches the githyanki and illithid fight. * Lisl tosses and secures her grappling hook, pulling herself across with her shield hand. * Bai throws the grappling hook, snagging the Maiden's rigging and then begins pulling himself across. ::Krippso'om comes out of the Hold behind Yb, her eyes flashing wickedly. A few nearby Gith drop over, stunned by a sleep ray:: <Jelarthna> ::mutters:: ahh, not good... * Tyl climbs carefully over to the other ship, her dagger clenched in her teeth. * Zoya climbs to the top of her helm, perching on the massive seat's back so she can see the action on the Maiden better. <Bai> Damn. ::Bai lets go of his rope and pulls his bow back out.:: * Bai nocks an arrow and fires at the beholder's central eye. * Lisl whoops as the other ships' gravities take hold and she somersaults to the deck, using an illithid to break her fall. ::Krippso'om dodges at the last second, the arrow landing just above her central eye, waving there like a banner:: * Yb points her staff at a githyanki and a lightning bolt shoots out, striking it down. * Bai fires at the beholder as rapidly as he can. * Jelarthna climbs up onto the deck, dodging out of a small skirmish and carefully not attacking the githyanki * Jaret jumps onto the deck and draws his sword. He begins moving erratically about the deck, attacking surprised illithids. * Yb notices the arrows and waves her staff again, a wall of lightning appearing between Bai and the ship. And catching the ropes the party has been using as well. * Lisl tosses a cocky salute to the surprised githyanki and gives her landing pad a couple of slices for good measure. * Bai stows his bow and pulls out his staff, closing his eyes in concentration. * Zoya aims another wand at Yb's lightning wall. A massive gout of water causes it to explode and then fizzle out. <Jelarthna> fun fun... ::dodges a couple of stabbing illithids, , cutting down one and dodging over to Bai's rope is attached, kicking another away from him * Bai grabs his rope as the wall collapses and finishes pulling himself to the Maiden. <Lisl> ::a fierce grin on her face as she yells to Jelarthna:: Yeah, isn't it? ::hacking down another illithid and dodging a gith's wide swing:: * Yb notices Zoya and cries out, "You're the evil bitch who keeps stealing my pretties!" Yb throws a lightning bolt Zoya's way, only to have it split in two and miss to either side of Zoya. * Zoya doesn't flinch from Yb's lightning bolt. "That's me, Yb!" she calls. "Like to come over here and do the job properly?" * Jelarthna uses one hand the help Bai onto the deck and flashes a grin at Lisl, faltering as Yb yells at Zoya <Lisl> ::muttering:: Evil bitch... looks who's talking, beholder-lover... * Bai lays into the illithid between him and Yb with his staff. * Jaret keeps running in odd, nonsensical patters around on the deck of the Maiden, perhaps moving a little faster than he should be able to. He rolls under rigging ropes, leaps to his feet, grabs a line in his left hand, rapidly swings about and strikes another illithid from behind. <Lisl> Good job, Zoya, get her mad so she blasts *all* of us into atoms... ::grabbing for the rigging and swinging over a knot of fighting gith and illithid:: * Jelarthna forces back another illithid that approaches, forcing it towards a githyanki * Jelarthna staggers for a moment, then shakes his head and seems to recover * Yb waves her staff and vanishes in a burst of flames...Only to appear on the Elissa next to Zoya in a burst of flames. <Zoya> ::smiles at Yb:: Hello, there. <Lisl> Ah, hells.... BAI! She's over THERE now! <Bai> Damn! ::Bai uses his staff to throw the illithid he was fighting over board, then runs back to the ropes to the Elissa.:: <Jelarthna> ::looks up and dodges another attack, then looks over to Zoya:: Ack! * Zoya continues to perch on the chairback of her helm, smiling at Yb for all the world like she's an old friend she hasn't seen for years. * Yb grins at Zoya, "So you think you can capture the great Captain Yb and collect the bounty on my head do you?" <Zoya> Capture? Who said anything about *capture*? We're here to *rescue* you! * Yb smiles at Zoya, "Good, destroy that vessel" points to the gnomish ship the Elissa lead here, "while I handle these other creatures." <Zoya> ::shakes her head:: It's the beholder you have to worry about. She's the one who's going to betray you. * Yb vanishes in another burst of flames, appearing at the Maiden's bow. <Zoya> ::curses softly:: If she doesn't stop that, there isn't going to be any breathable air left soon. * Bai curses as he sees Yb teleport back to the Maiden, and begins pulling himself back to the Maiden. * Yb cries out, "All those who wish to die, come this way." <Jelarthna> Yb! Please... ::dodges an illithid and staggers again, recovering and running slashing it several times:: Come home with us! * Lisl drops to her knees, grabbing her head. "Gah..." She forces herself back to her feet and shield-bashes a gesturing illithid with a sick CRUNCH. * Tyl climbs slowly up the side of the Maiden, dodging a gith, then stabbing her sword into an Illithid. Perched on her shoulders are several of the green mice. * Zoya watches the action on the other ship tensely, a wand gripped in either hand. * Yb pulls a pistol, then sits down on the deck and begins dismantling it with tools she conjures out of the air. <Jelarthna> ::grins at Tyl:: Made some new friends? * Bai pulls himself back on board the Maiden, and starts fighting his way towards Yb again. <Tyl> ::shrugs:: I don't speak mousie, so I couldn't very well tell them to go away... * Lisl slashes another illithid. "Gods, have these things been breeding on the way, or something?" * Jaret sprints to the rail he boarded the Maiden from, sees the hook is still caught on the rail, grabs the rope, dives over the edge of the ship, and with a bloodcurdling yell, spins through the gravity plane, through one of the open panels on the side of the Maiden, and onto the lower deck. ::Krippso'om is rallying the illithid troops, directing them against the gith, who seem to be retreating:: <Yb> ::the gun goes off, shooting one of the illithid. Yb jumps up and runs over to it, examining the wound.:: * Bai trips an illithid, then strikes it in the chest with a bolt of lightning. <Jelarthna> ::muttering again:: not good.. ::cuts down some of the straggling illithid, freeing up a gith that was surrounded:: <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: Swashbuckler. ::yells a bloodcurdling battle cry as she shoulders her way to the front of the fray and tries to rally the gith by example, striking the nearest illithid through the throat with her claws:: * Zoya shoots an ice bolt from the safety of the Elissa toward the beholder. * Bai breaks an illithid's arm, shoving it back into the others. * Jelarthna motions Tyl over to himself and Bai, facing down and fending off three illithids * Yb sees Lisl rallying the gith and waves her staff, causing a flash of light to erupt around both her and Lisl. <Jaret> ::the sound of Jaret creating elaborate chaos belowdeck can be faintly heard above the din:: * Bai corners an illithid against the railing, then uses his staff to catch it in a hold. * Lisl looks up, blinking, as the light clears, looking surprised to find herself in one piece and apparently unchanged. Unbeknownst to her, her hair has turned a shocking pink. ::the wounded Illithid stands up, looking around, one hand pressed tightly to its abdomen. It takes a few steps forward, ending up right behind Jelarthna:: * Bai struggles with the illithid for a moment, then with a crunch breaks the creatures back and drops it to the deck. * Lisl shrugs off her confusion and lays into the illithid again, sending tentacles flying. * Yb looks up, seeing the githyanki ship, she then begins tracing patterns on the deck of the Maiden, white light slowly accumulating around her. <Tyl> Jel! Look out! ::runs forward, her sword out:: * Jelarthna looks stunned for a moment, then crumples slowly to the deck <Zoya> ::whispered:: Hurry, Bai... <Jaret> ::the shrieking sounds of alien confusion suddenly end belowdecks:: * Bai swings him arm and something flies past Yb, breaking her concentration and causing an explosion of light to flare up around her. * Tyl hits the Illithid full force, driving her sword straight through its throat, splashing ichor all over the place. <Yb> ::As the light clears Yb can be seen standing where she was. Her hat has fallen off. She reaches up and shifts her eye patch to her other eye, then draws her sword and attacks the illithid she shot earlier.:: * Tyl looks at Yb across the dead body of the Illithid. "hey, Yb, want to grab a drink and a bite to eat at the Hall?" She kneels, trying to pull Jelarthna up off the deck of the Maiden. <Lisl> ::muttering as she glances up to the foredeck:: Okay... *that* could be a good sign... ::head-butts a surprised illithid and decapitates it before it can lock tentacles on her:: * Bai rushes in and parries Yb's blow as she tries to decapitate Tyl. <Tyl> Crap! ::rolls across the deck, dropping her sword:: * Jaret careens back out the side panel, hanging on to the rope he swung in on. He determinedly launches himself out the side and up through the gravity plane. He arcs out and comes back over the top of the deck, but has gotten somewhat disoriented on his trip, and lands sort of hard on the deck of the ship. "Oof!" <Lisl> Jaret! Watch those landings! ::pushes an illithid into a githyanki and offers Jaret a hand up:: * Jelarthna thuds to the deck again, his head making a lovely cracking sound as it bounces once * Yb drops her sword and pounces on Jaret, "Come on Jaret. I've got my own ship. We could sail off to a deserted island somewhere and bed each other till we wilt." * Jaret takes the hand and leaps to his feet. "Thanks. Lisl." <Jaret> You have your own ship? Where? This is that beholder-things ship. And it's got way too many illithid on it for my taste. ::Krippso'om manuevers around, trying to get a clear line of sight with Lisl:: * Bai caves in an illithid skull, "Jaret, talk her onto the Elissa." * Yb glomps Jaret and starts tracing circles on his chest with one finger, "Aren't' they just the cutest little servants?" * Tyl shakes her head, trying to clear is, then crawls over to Jelarthna. She checks for signs of life, then begins to drag him towards the Elissa * Zoya blasts the beholder with a heavy stream of water. * Jaret looks at Bai and grins maniacally. "If you say so." * Lisl spots the beholder and ducks behind Yb, grinning. * Bai waits for Zoya's water blast to finish, then unleashes a lightning bolt at the beholder. <Jaret> "Not really, Yb. They look like something I was served for lunch once in the East." * Yb looks at Jaret wide-eyed, "Are they tasty?" * Zoya carefully maneuvers the Elissa closer to the Maiden, hoping to make the crossing easier. <Jaret> The ones I had were. :Jaret is trying to squirm free of Yb without exposing Lisl too much to the beholder's sight.:: * Bai swings his arm again, a pair of shuriken attempting to blind the beholder's central eye. * Lisl darts out from behind Yb, sticking her tongue out at the beholder as she holds up her shield. ::Krippso'om seems to shrug, then turns the force of her eye on Yb, Lisl, and Jaret:: <Yb> ::a blast of light erupts from Yb, knocking Jaret, Lisl and everyone else nearby to the deck:: * Jaret skids a few yards from the force of Yb's blast, and kips back up onto his feet. "Ugh. That smarts." ::Krippso'om screams, a horrid sound of rage and pain as her eye disappears in a clot of blood and gore:: <Lisl> Gah! ::gets knocked over the railing, grabbing for it with her free hand just before sailing over:: * Zoya curses in about three different languages at once and fishes in her sleeve desperately. * Bai drops his staff and scoops up a dropped gith sword, jumping into the rigging and beginning to cut down one of the sails. * Yb glares at the beholder, "That wasn't very nice." Yb rushes the beholder and starts punching it. * Tyl pulls Jel over to the relative safety of the Elissa, then discovers she can't let go of him. * Lisl screams as her shoulder dislocates. * Zoya comes up with another wand, which she aims very carefully in Lisl's direction. A burst of flowers streams toward her. Zoya curses again. ::Krippso'om, partially blinded, starts biting at Yb:: * Jaret runs over to Lisl and finds out he can't get his sword out of his right hand. "Dammit, Lisl, take my hand!" ::holds out his left hand:: * Bai finishes cutting down a sail, dropping it on top of Yb and the beholder. "Damn." * Lisl hangs from the railing, breathing hard, and cursing as she finds herself unable to slip her arm free of the shield. * Zoya aims her wand again, and this time Lisl is carefully lifted away from the ship's railing. * Lisl flails for Jaret's hand with her shield-arm as she starts to float. <Yb> Another burst of light erupts from Yb as the beholder bites her, the falling sail covering the results before anyone can see what happens. <Zoya> ::calls:: Where, Lisl? * Jaret reaches out for Lisl, but comes up short. <Lisl> ::looks around wildly, suddenly realizing that Zoya's in control of her movement:: Elissa... can't move the arm...! ::the gith, looking around, discover most of the illithid are dead, and begin trying to free their ship from the mast of the Maiden:: * Zoya uses the wand to pull Lisl back over to the Elissa, setting her carefully on the deck near Tyl and Jel. * Bai waits in the rigging as the sail is consumed by a magical aura. * Lisl finds her feet, wavering a little. "Zoya... it's not healing... it *hurts*...." <Yb> ::the aura fades, revealing Yb dressed in white robes and once more holding her staff, the flattened remains of the beholder on the deck before her:: * Jaret runs over to back up Tyl and Jelarthna. * Yb looks at the gith ship stuck on the mast and with a negligent wave of her staff frees it. ::the gith ship limps off, shuddering:: * Bai jumps down from the rigging, retrieving his staff. <Zoya> ::looks at Lisl from the helm, concerned:: It's *not*? But... ::frowns:: Could it be because the damage was caused by a magical blast? * Yb surveys the damage and with a wave of her staff transports all the patrons still on the Maiden to the Elissa. * Tyl stands up, her arm still hooked under Jelarthna and gestures at the deck of the Maiden. Her sword levitates and comes flying at her:: * Yb turns to Zoya, "Take us home priestess. My work here is done." * Zoya looks around, a little wildly. She picks up her light-wand again, and signals the water-gnome ship. * Jaret looks at Yb, blinks, and shrugs. "What the hell, why not." ::the gnomish ship, leaking less water, is attaching grappling hooks to the Maiden:: <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: Don't know... the beholder hit us with... something. The big eye, in the middle. * Yb walks over to Lisl and places a hand on her shoulder. There's a brief flash of light. <Zoya> ::watches until the gnomish ship acknowledges, then turns to look at everyone.:: Everyone ready to go? * Bai nods. <Tyl> Please... ::she is resting Jel's head in her lap, a position that looks very uncomfortable, considering her arm is still attached to him:: * Jaret is trying to figure out what to do with the sword since he can't let go of it. Finally, he points it back in (roughly) the direction they came from. "Let's go." * Yb ignores Zoya and walks over to Jel, placing a hand on either side of his head. Again there is a flash of light. * Lisl bites her lip, muffling a scream as her shoulder audibly cracks back into place. With a flash, her fades back from shock-pink to her usual silver. <Zoya> ::The Elissa slowly backs away from the other ships, then heads about and begins to accelerate toward home...:: * Jelarthna groans <Tyl> Good morning, dear... how's your head? <Lisl> ::shakes her head, working her arm:: How the hell...? <Jelarthna> ::blinks and looks up at Tyl blearily:: it hurts... but feels like it's resting on a divine pillow... ::lips curl up slightly:: * Yb perches on the railing at the bow of the ship and uses her staff to weave songs in the air. <Tyl> You are very sweet, but you should stop hitting your head with everything... you're going to soften your brains... <Lisl> ::sighs as she uncurls her finger from the shieldgrip and lets it drop to one side, swinging on the shoulder strap:: I will *never* understand that girl. * Bai shakes his head and walks over to Jaret, "Guess that's all we're getting out of her." Bai closes his eyes and concentrates, his staff glowing darkly. <Jaret> You'd know best, Bai. Certainly more than I. <Bai> ::Jaret is suddenly encased in a black cocoon.:: <Jelarthna> ::chuckles, then winces:: I think I already am, love... what happened? Is everyone okay? Is Yb okay? <Bai> ::A few moments later the cocoon is ripped to shreds, leaving Jaret apparently unharmed:: * Zoya drops from the helm's chair back onto the seat as the ship continues to accelerate, keeping a close eye on Yb. <Tyl> I think we're all fine... and Yb seems her normal charming self... we're on our way home... <Jaret> What the-- oh. Thank you, Bai. :slides his rapier back into its scabbard and ties it into place:: <Jelarthna> ::looked around a bit, not moving his head, then stares back up at Tyl and smiles:: Good... * Yb puts her staff down and begins removing her robes, "Anyone else want to sun bath?" <Lisl> ::stretches, cracking her back as her Claws vanish back into nothingness:: Nice to know one trick finally sort of worked. Sorry she hit you, too, Jaret." * Bai just shakes his head and turns to Zoya, "Is there anyway to speed the return voyage up. There's no telling how long she'll remain like this." <Jelarthna> ::quietly:: no.. I think I'm perfectly happy right where I am. <Jaret> No, thanks, Yb. I have a little stretching to do. * Tyl blinks, then lays a hand across Jel's eyes. "No, but you go ahead..." <Zoya> ::sadly shakes her head at Bai:: We were running full speed to get here. That's how long it's going to take to get us back. <Jaret> It's all right, Lisl. New experiences and whatnot. * Jelarthna smiles and closes his eyes <Zoya> If we'd salvaged the Maiden... ::she sighs, then shrugs:: * Yb smiles at Tyl, "Thanks." Yb stretches out on top of her robes and closes her eyes, for all the world appearing to try to get a tan. * Jaret gentlemanly turns his back, and begins stretching out his shoulders on a doorway. * Lisl turns her back on Yb, averting her eyes as she digs into her pouch for another anti-motion sickness lozenge. * Zoya very carefully keeps her eyes *on* Yb. * Jelarthna kisses Tyl's hand and sighs again :: Fade to black :: |
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