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* Kevil is sitting with his parents, Loria, and Missa in their central living room, waiting for Zoya and Lisl to arrive, to begin the trip back to Marsember. * Loria is playing her lute softly, filling in background music. * Missa is sitting near Loria, watching her fingering the lute with enraptured eyes. <Dehlia> ::sighs:: I wish you were staying longer... Can't you make it just another week, Kevish? * Lisl adjusts her pack on her shoulder and knocks on the door. * Kevil smiles fondly at his circle-mother and spreads his hands helplessly. "You know I would if I could, Vinamat, but-" He breaks off and stands to open the door. * Lisl gives him an easy smile, pushing back her headscarf. "Evening, Kevil. All packed?" * Zoya is standing behind Lisl, already pulling her gauzy scarf from her head and face. She is carrying a long, carved staff and little else. * Kevil grins. "I hope you are up to helping, Lisl. Loria decided to go shopping." He turns to wink at Loria. * Zoya pushes Lisl gently through the door and into the cool shade of the house. She stops and raises an eyebrow at Kevil and Loria's trunks. "Kevil..." <Lisl> Oh, gods. ::gives Loria a mildly horrified look as she steps through the door:: <Loria> ::looks up from playing:: What? <Kevil> ::grins sheepishly at Zoya:: It is not as if they are filled with books... <Lisl> ::mutters:: No, Gloss stayed home *this* time... <Zoya> ::sniffs, eyeing the trunks:: We are *not* lugging those all the way to the edge of the desert. ::she turns to Loria:: Just what in Erdian's name did you *buy*? <Loria> ::blushing:: Clothes... some of the cloth dyes I found... they're really something, I'd love to see how they look with wool. Gifts. I'm sorry. <Kevil> ::defensively:: Some of it is mine, Zoya. Clothing, or cloth, mostly. ::wheedling:: You've made platforms for us before... <Zoya> ::glares at Kevil:: <Missa> ::grins and squeezes Loria's arm briefly:: <Lisl> ::grins:: Don't apologize, Loria, you should have seen what *Gloss* brought last time. Although... ::eyes the trunk speculatively:: If size is the problem, I think I've still got some space in here... ::nudges her light pack with an elbow:: * Kevil eyes Lisl. "You're cheating, aren't you?" <Lisl> ::flutters her eyelashes in a very un-Lisl-like fashion:: Me? Cheat? <Kevil> ::snorts, then turns back to Zoya:: Come, Zoya, it is not so much I ask. If I knew the spell... <Zoya> ::sighs gracelessly:: And the Lady knows I did my best to teach you... ::she shrugs:: Oh, all right. Let me make my farewells, first. <Lisl> ::grins, sidling over to Loria:: Is it just me, or is it fun watching those two argue? * Dehlia and Talara both stand to embrace Zoya. <Loria> ::ducking her head:: I really didn't think about it. ::still blushing:: I just thought... you know, they do wonderful things with silks here. * Zoya hugs first Dehlia, then Talara, kissing their cheeks with genuine affection. "I'm sorry I didn't see more of you - that damned mage..." She shakes her head and bends to hug the invalid Heviv. "Maybe next trip." <Lisl> ::nods sympathetically:: And it's not as though you can pick them up from the corner market at home... ::frowns at a thought:: Loria... you've been out of the country before... right? * Kevil winks at Loria. "Do not worry over it, raindrop. This argument is nearly a tradition." <Loria> Um... no. ::looks at Lisl:: Aside from coming to Marsember, and here, I've never been outside Khymrych. <Lisl> ::raises her eyebrows:: Oh. ::turns, stabbing a finger towards Kevil:: *You* have to take her out more. Trips. You know. * Talara crosses the room to hug Lisl, kissing both her cheeks. "Your visit honored our home, Huntress, and your aid to my Rangers was invaluable. Please, come back." <Kevil> ::grins at Lisl:: The thought had crossed my mind. <Loria> ::thoughtfully:: You know, Lisl, they don't have any sheep here... <Missa> ::standing and hugging Loria:: Oh, this is it! ::her voice is near to cracking:: Promise you'll come back! * Lisl looks mildly surprised, but hugs Talara back with a smile. "As I can. I thank you for your family's generous hospitality." <Loria> ::hugging Missa fiercely:: I will, if I can... <Lisl> ::looks at Loria suspiciously:: Sheep? ::raises an eyebrow fractionally at Missa's impassioned farewell:: * Dehlia hugs Lisl too, kissing one cheek with warm formality. "Our home is open to you always, Huntress." <Loria> ::reaching into her dress pocket, she pulls out a rolled up piece of parchment and gives it to Missa:: Here... I... ::blinks a few times, as if trying not to cry:: * Missa kisses Loria's cheek as she takes the parchment, then turns to hug Kevil. <Kevil> ::hugs Missa, then turns to his parents, hugging and kissing each of them in turn, several times.:: <Lisl> ::returning Dehlia's hug:: Thank you. ::smiles, holding her at arm's length for a moment:: It seems this desert produces warm hearts as much as warm sands. * Dehlia smiles at Lisl's comment before turning to fuss over Kevil. <Loria> ::making the rounds, she hugs and kisses Kevil's parents, taking a few moments to smile warmly at Heviv:: * Heviv kisses Loria, then pats her cheek gently. * Zoya shakes her head with a faint smile, and casts a quiet spell. The trunks lift ponderously a few inches into the air. * Loria finally turns to Dehlia, her eyes brimming. "Thank you... for everything." * Lisl bends to hug Heviv a little shyly. "I'm honored to have met you, sir." * Dehlia holds Loria at arm's length for a long moment, looking at her carefully. Finally, she nods and kisses both Loria's cheeks, then her forehead. Leaning close to hug her, she whispers, "You take good care of each other." * Heviv returns Lisl's hug gently, and pats her shoulder with a smile and a nod. * Lisl glances sidelong at Loria and Dehlia as she straightens, and hides a smile, ducking her head to adjust the strap of her pack. <Missa> Oh! ::she digs into a pocket, and presses a tiny wrapped parcel into Loria's hands:: Here. This is for you... ::she smiles:: To remember me by. * Loria takes the package with surprise, then touches Missa's cheek. "Like I'd forget you..." <Zoya> ::mock-growling:: Come on; we haven't got all night. * Loria blushes furiously, leaving Missa and almost hiding behind Kevil. * Lisl stands to one side, gaze shifting between Loria and Missa as a faintly puzzled look crosses her face, and she glances briefly at Kevil. <Lisl> ::laughing:: Zoya, that's exactly the same thing you said *last* time. In almost exactly the same tone, I believe. * Kevil kisses his parents each one last time, then takes Loria's hand and gently leads her out the door. <Zoya> ::grins at Lisl:: And the night remains of finite length. Let's go. ::she nods to Kevil's parents, smiles warmly at Missa, and heads out, the trunks floating in her wake.:: * Loria turns, waving at everyone, then meekly follows along. As she turns away, she wipes her eyes with the back of her hand. * Lisl shoulders her pack, eyes sweeping the room to make sure they've not forgotten anything. She grins and gives Missa a wave on her way out the door, bringing up the tail of their little procession. <Kevil> ::smiles down at Loria as they head out for the edge of the city:: Does that mean you enjoyed your visit? <Loria> ::sniffling a little:: Very much... ::shyly, to Zoya:: Thank you, for letting me come along, Mistress Zoya. * Missa and Kevil's parents all follow them as far as the edge of the yard, waving and calling farewells until they pass out of sight. <Zoya> ::smiles at Loria:: You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. ::she looks around fondly:: Alanis was my Master's favorite place in the whole world. * Kevil glances briefly at Zoya, smiling, then looks over at Lisl. "And you, Lisl? What did you think?" * Lisl chuckles and turns just before they turn the last corner, giving Missa and Kevil's parents a last wave before turning back at Kevil's question, an innocent grin on her face. "Think? Of what?" <Kevil> ::snorts and waves at the outskirts of the city:: Alanis. Gaena. My family. Any of it. <Lisl> ::faint grin:: Ah, well, Gaena I've been to before. Alanis... nice city, if a bit hot and dry for my taste. <Lisl> Your family... well, I certainly know where you get it from, now. ::grins wider:: <Kevil> ::laughs:: <Lisl> Seriously, though-- your family's delightful, Kevil, tho' I think I'm just as glad I only had a few to deal with at once. You're right, the Alani are a good deal more... friendly than I'm used to. ::shakes her head:: <Kevil> ::nods:: I hope you were not made too uncomfortable. ::grins:: My mother certainly took to you. <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: I was ready for it... well, mostly. Ah, Talara? ::nods vigorously:: I liked her, too. You should get *them* to come visit *you.* ::grins:: Unless you don't want them knowing what you're up to. <Kevil> ::snorts and laughs:: You have a spare spell-ship in your cloak, perhaps? <Lisl> ::makes a show of checking her sleeves:: Hmmm... could have sworn I... hunh. ::shakes her head:: Sorry, must've left it in my other cloak. ::grins:: <Loria> ::laughing:: Are they hard to make? The spell-ships, I mean? The group travels across the desert, back toward the mountains where Zoya had hidden the Elissa. Shortly before dawn, they lift, and begin the journey back to Toril and Marsember. Every few days, as the air begins to turn stale, and Zoya stops to trade with another ship for fresh air and water. Kevil whispers to Loria what he knows of the people they do business with - many of them so strange they can barely be considered "people" at all. * Lisl stays on deck for many of the exchanges, watching interestedly, although she disappears belowdecks without comment whenever they parley with a Giff ship. With Loria's new-found powers of priesthood, she is asked to take a turn at the spelljammer helm, a magical artifact which converts spell energy into motion for the ship. It leaves spell-casters powerless for most of a day following a turn on the helm, but Loria's assistance means that there is always one functioning spellcaster on board. * Loria is delighted by seeing and talking to new people. They have finally reached Toril's crystal sphere, and are only a bare day's travel from the world itself. Kevil is on the ship's helm; Zoya - having taken the most recent turn on the helm, and currently magic-less - is in the Elissa's rigging, keeping watch and navigating. * Lisl lounges on deck, absently whittling a bit of black wood with her boot knife, lifting her head every so often to scan the horizon. * Loria is sitting with her back against the mast, her eyes closed. She is murmuring to herself, the expression on her face one of rapture. * Zoya suddenly curses and climbs to the very top of the Elissa's mast. "Alert, all hands," she calls. "All hands - alert! Unfamiliar ship approaching!" The ship - still so far away as to make estimates of size impossible - looks like a red dot... no, not a dot - a banner, perhaps? * Kevil sits up straight on the helm, then carefully stands on the seat, peering intently in the direction Zoya is pointing. * Lisl stands and looks in the direction Zoya indicates, spinning her knife around her finger and sheathing it in her boot as she pockets the bit of wood. "Battle stations, Zoya?" * Loria opens her eyes, getting to her feet. <Zoya> I'm not sure yet, Lisl. Just be wary. The ship comes closer. And closer. And closer still, until - still miles away, it becomes apparent that the red ship dwarfs the Elissa by at least an order of magnitude. Its crew, seeming doll-sized at the distance, are massed on the top of the ship. Glowing silver letters name it the Red Serpent. * Kevil sinks back down into his seat with a groan, his face going distinctly pale, and a faintly green. <Loria> ::moving to Kevil's side:: What is it? * Lisl nods once, standing with her hands in loose fists at her sides and glancing around once before returning her attention to the approaching ship. <Lisl> ::muttering:: They're fast... <Kevil> ::glances up at Loria, looking sick:: The Red Serpent is... ::he bites his lip briefly, then turns his face up to Zoya in the mast:: Zoya! Call battle- A woman's voice echoes across the darkness between the ships. "Stand and deliver - prepare to be boarded!" <Kevil> -stations... <Kevil> ::shivers:: They're pirates, raindrop. And slavers. <Loria> ::buries her face in her hands:: Again? <Lisl> :glances at Kevil:: Fight, or flight? ::her expression telling him which one she would obviously prefer:: The Red Serpent pulls alongside the Elissa, just out of bowshot range, effortlessly matching speed. At the nose of the serpent stands a small, slender woman with flying silver hair. "Vhin Silverhair and the Red Serpent say: Stand and deliver!" <Lisl> ::muttering:: I guess that kills one option.... <Kevil> ::shakes his face palely as Zoya drops to the deck beside the helm:: They're fast. We can't escape them. ::he glances at Zoya:: Permission, Zoya? <Zoya> ::watching the Serpent intently:: What do you have in mind, Kev? <Kevil> ::takes Loria's hand almost numbly:: I... I know Silverhair. I might be able to bargain us out. * Lisl eyes the other ship, lips moving as she counts the pirates showing on deck, and studies their captain with narrowed, yellow eyes. * Vhin is elven, and the Serpent's crew on deck number over two dozen. * Loria swallows hard, raising her chin in an effort to be brave. Her hand creeps up to her amulet and she clutches it. * Zoya frowns as the Serpent undulates. "A two-helmer?" She shakes her head. "Do what you can, Kev." She bends to rummage in the pockets on the side of the helm, coming up with a couple of wands and rings. * Kevil nods and stands on the helm again, shouting. "Bargain with me, Vhin!" <Vhin> And who are you that I should bargain? Your ship is no match for mine, and this is my territory! <Lisl> ::mutters softly:: *Her* territory, are we? <Zoya> ::mutters:: There are spelljamming ports in Kara Tur. <Kevil> ::shouting:: Kevil Talarin, Vhin, if you remember me! <Vhin> ::laughs:: Talarin? What a surprise! Where'd you find a ship to get offworld with? Aren't you going the wrong way? <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow at Zoya, but turns her attention back to the ship, studying its crew almost hungrily:: <Kevil> ::mutters under his breath, then shouts again:: Will you bargain, Vhin, or not? * Vhin pulls a spyglass from her belt and studies Elissa's crew. She hangs it back from her belt and calls, "We'll approach and talk about it!" The Red Serpent begins to edge closer to the Elissa, coming close enough for them to see Vhin's sparkling black eyes and gleeful grin. * Lisl half-turns her head towards Kevil and mutters. "She doesn't look like she intends to talk..." * Kevil sighs and steps off the helm, crossing to Elissa's deck rail. * Zoya follows at Kevil's shoulder, rolling her chosen wand in her fingers. * Loria takes a few steps to the side, ending up slightly behind and to the left of Lisl. <Lisl> Two helms... ::glances from Kevil to the Serpent:: So now they can move and we can't. ::sidles a bit to the left, shielding Loria:: <Loria> ::softly:: Should I go wait by the helm? <Zoya> ::shakes her head minutely:: We can't outrun them. We'll figure out the helm after this is settled. <Lisl> ::without turning her head:: I want you where I can keep an eye on you, Loria... helm's too exposed. * Vhin looks the others over for a while, then smiles at Kevil. "Well, Talarin, that's quite a crew you have there. I'll give you a choice, Talarin: Give them to me, and I'll let you *and* your ship go free. Or - because we missed you a great deal when you left us - you can come back, and I'll settle for stripping your ship of her valuables, and let your crew go." * Zoya glances at Kevil, startled. * Lisl presses her lips together grimly. <Kevil> ::face hardens:: No, Vhin. We have money and magic to spare - we'll trade with you for free passage, but none of us are leaving this ship. <Vhin> ::almost regretfully:: Are you sure about that, Talarin? I'd make you an officer... <Kevil> ::firmly:: NO. <Vhin> Ah, well... ::she appears to consider them for another long moment, then gestures to the crew at her back:: * Loria clenches her jaw, taking a firmer hold on her amulet, which is glowing a pale yellow. The crew throws lines over the Elissa, half pulling the Elissa in while the others swing across. * Kevil slips a ring onto his finger, and braces for the incoming crew. * Lisl snarls and clenches her hands into fists suddenly surrounded by a shimmer of silver mist. Her Claws coalesce around her forearms, and she sprints for the rail to start slicing through grappling lines. * Zoya aims her wand at the Red Serpent, and a brilliant blue bolt shoots across the space, only to splatter harmlessly against an invisible barrier. The dozen who've swung over move towards the party, two breaking off to guard the entrance to below decks while the others try to form a ring around the party. An elf rushes Lisl, attempting to pin her against the railing. * Vhin laughs at Zoya's attempt and turns to call instructions to her crew still on the Serpent. * Zoya snarls and redirects her efforts toward individual crew members already swarming the Elissa. A pair of humans move towards Lisl and the elf with a net. * Lisl ducks and turns, one Clawed fist shooting out to gut the elf attacking her. * Loria prays, chanting softly. A slight shimmer of pale light flickers around her. * Lisl's elf drops to the deck, but the humans throw the net over her. * Lisl growls low in her throat as the net tangles around her. With one hand, she gets a purchase on the ropes, and with the other she starts slicing through them. * Kevil dives into a slender woman facing him with a long knife, twisting the knife out of her grasp and plunging it ruthlessly toward her throat. She falls back, and he spins, kicking her overboard. Seeing Zoya's wand three elves rush her simultaneously, attempting to dogpile her. * Zoya jumps into her rigging, climbing with an astonishing speed, stopping occasionally to blast her attackers. <Loria> ::confidently, Loria moves to the ship rails and begins removing the hooks:: One of the pirates produces a blowgun and quickly darts Lisl. * Kevil spots the blowgun and shouts a warning, "Poison darts - watch out!" Several pirates try to stop Loria, but can't seem to. * Vhin glares at Kevil. "Talarin, you should surrender gracefully. Don't make me bring out my mages." * Lisl slices a good-sized hole in the net, contemptuously plucking the dart from her shoulder and flipping it back in the direction of its thrower. One pirate cracks a whip, catching Kevil's leg and pulling it out from under him. * Loria grabs a belaying pin from the side of the rail, moves over to the darter and smashes the pin down across his blowgun. <Lisl> ::raising her voice:: You should have accepted his terms, slaver, before you lost your crew! Another pirate throws a knife at Lisl. * Kevil points at Vhin but stumbles to the deck as the whip tangles his leg. He rolls quickly back to his feet and turns to tackle his attacker. A pirate grabs Loria, quickly covering her mouth and holding a knife to her throat. * Kevil punches the whip-wielder viciously in the throat, then looks around, spotting Loria's plight. The crew on the Serpent throw new lines, this time swinging over rather than trying to pull the Elissa in. Half of the second wave swing into the rigging to pursue zoya. * Vhin laughs, and turns to issue more orders to her crew. The Red Serpent begins to edge still closer to the Elissa. <Loria> ::not noticing the knife, Loria bites down on the sensitive webbing of the man's hand, just between his thumb and forefinger:: * Lisl finally wins free of the net, catching the knife inches in front of her eye. "Here, I think you lost something." She throws the knife back at him, point-first. An elf woman with a thrusting sword interposes herself between Kevil and Loria, attacking him below the belt. * Kevil dodges the woman's attack just barely. "Ari. You should know better. I always was faster than you." He puts the first pirate's long knife in the woman's shoulder, and bolts across Elissa's deck towards her hold. The pirate holding Loria howls, then clubs Loria in the head with the pommel of his knife. * Loria drops like a rock onto the deck of the ship. * Zoya swings into her crows-nest, and begins severing the lines that attach the rigging to the mast. * Lisl glances over at the other ship, spotting Loria and the pirate by the rail and running in their direction. Another pirate cracks a whip, this time wrapping it around Lisl's throat. The pirates guarding the door to the hold attempt to intercept Kevil, one attacking high while the other attacks low. * Lisl makes a gargling sound as she's brought up short. With a grunt, she grabs the whip and wraps it around her hand before yanking hard. The pirate who clubbed Loria sees Lisl and rushes her while she's busy with the whip. * Kevil snarls and jumps over the low attack, reaching around the high attack for the attacker's eyes. The pirate on the other end of the whip was prepared for Lisl's action and manages to maintain his grip and his balance. * Kevil kicks at the second attacker's head as he lands Several of the pirates in the rigging throw knives at Zoya to try and stop her. <Zoya> ::The long, silvery bracers on Zoya's forearms deflect the knives, almost without her noticing.:: <Lisl> That's it, come to Lisl, you bastard.... ::looking back and forth between the two pirates, judging distances:: * Kevil smashes the first pirate's head into the wall of the cabin beside the hold, felling him. Without stopping to check, he yanks open the hold door and dives into the hold, flipping head over heels to adjust to the gravity flip. One pirate chases Kevil below deck. Two more pirates see Lisl's predicament and join the one who got Loria in closing distance and attempting to pummel Lisl into submission. * Loria groans weakly, getting to her hands and knees. * Kevil catches the lone pirate who followed him as he's flipping his center of gravity, and smashes his head with a heavy boot. He dives for a trunk and flips its catch, pulling out a small crossbow and a handful of bolts before diving back onto the deck. One pirate manages to catch up with Zoya in the rigging, swinging a sword at her. Another pirate joins the group pummeling Lisl. * Zoya almost dodges the sword, but is hampered by the confined area of the crow's nest. A thin red cut begins to bleed profusely on her forehead. She aims her wand at the pirate and he disintegrates. <Kevil> Loria! LORIA! ::Kevil races back across the deck, dodging attacking pirates and diving to his knees next to Loria.:: A pirate throws a stiletto at Kevil as he races across the deck. <Lisl> Kevil! DUCK! * Kevil winces audibly as the stiletto finds purchase in his shoulder. * Lisl disappears beneath the pile of eager pirates. A few moments later, the whip-wielding pirate suddenly staggers backwards as his tether is cut, and Lisl's Claws appear out of the morass, bloodied, protruding through the back of one of her opponents. * Loria reaches one hand to her hair and brings her fingers away, bloody. "Ow." Another pirate positions himself below the crow's nest, clearly preparing to smash through the bottom to get to Zoya. * Kevil takes Loria's hand briefly, then shows her a crossbow bolt. "Raindrop, quickly - Lady Imp's blessing on this, please, that it reaches its mark..." * Zoya snarls and leans over the edge of the nest to cut the lines she'd missed. The pirate below the crow's nest smashes up through the bottom, grabbing Zoya's leg and starting to pull her down through the hole. <Loria> ::nodding slowly, she prays, holding her hand over the arrow. As her voice raises, there seems to be a chorus of voices behind her and the arrow bursts into gold light:: * Lisl shakes off a pirate attempting a stranglehold as she rises from a nest of bodies. Blood trails from an unbroken lip, and she spits out a tooth. "Damn." * Zoya kicks violently at the arm attached to the hand on her leg, then yanks her leg up, dragging the arm through the narrow hole and raking it with splinters. See Lisl emerge from the pile of bodies several pirates throw whatever happens to be handy at her. * Kevil stands and drops the bolt into the cocked crossbow and lifts it to his shoulder, sighting not at the pirates on deck, but across the distance to Vhin, still gesturing at her crew. Cursing can be heard below the crow's nest as the tug of war continues. * Lisl drops to the deck, flipping the strangling pirate over her head. Several knives and an axe bury themselves into his body, and his grip goes limp. A pirate attempts to tackle Kevil. * Kevil breathes a whispered prayer and lets fly, the glowing golden bolt flying just before the pirate's tackle brings Kevil crashing to the deck. Several pirates form a ring around Lisl, trapping her against the railing, but none willing to actually charge her. * Vhin shrieks as the bolt slams into her side, and yanks it out, then stares down, disbelievingly, at the blood spreading on her shirt. * Loria is just getting to her feet as the two, Kevil and the pirate, crash into her, flinging her over the side. With a terrified scream, she manages to catch hold of the rail on her way over. * Lisl curses and rolls a shoulder, a loud, sick pop sounding as it settles back into the joint. A pirate climbs into the crow's nest, a knife held in her teeth. * Kevil rolls over and punches the tackling pirate in the face. * Zoya points her wand and barks a command... then curses as the wand fizzles. A pirate swings a cutlass at Kevil while he's "distracted" The pirate in the crow's nest takes her knife and attempts to stab Zoya, her free hand grappling for the wand. * Vhin looks down at her side, then back over at the Elissa's deck. She makes a face, then barks a command to the crew on the Red Serpent's deck, repeating it more loudly for the crew still on the Elissa. Those pirates on the Elissa begin swing back to the Red Serpent, those around Lisl forming a protective wall as their comrades retreat. * Zoya doesn't entirely succeed in dodging a last desperate swing from the pirate woman, then sags against the nest's wall with relief as she retreats. * Kevil lunges for Loria, grabbing her wrist to pull her back onto the deck. <Loria> ::panting, Loria lays on the deck:: The protective ring begins breaking off and swing across in pairs, the remainder get more nervous as their numbers shrink but maintaining good discipline. * Lisl grins wolfishly, yellow eyes gleaming, and lunges for one of the pirates in their protective ring. <Vhin> ::calls, suddenly laughing:: Good fight, Talarin! Whenever you want to come back...! The ring breaks before Lisl, splitting into two groups heading for opposite ends of the Elissa while their comrades throw new ropes for them. The Red Serpent begins edging away from the Elissa. * Lisl pursues one group, cutting them down systematically. The last of the pirates swing across the gap, the last one losing his grasp, only the Serpent's gravity saving him from floating away. * Loria closes her eyes, the whole back of her shirt red with blood. "Did we win?" She speaks softly, barely a whisper. * Lisl surges up onto the rail with a growl, clinging to a rope as she stares after the retreating ship. The Red Serpent begins to pick up speed, and flies, heading away from Toril. * Kevil sags to the deck beside Loria and strokes her hair. "Yes, raindrop, they're gone." * Zoya rips a sleeve from her shirt and uses it to staunch the heavy flow of blood from her forehead. She rips the other sleeve off and uses it to tie the impromptu bandage into place. <Lisl> ::perches on the rail, staring fixedly at the shrinking red dot as her eyes fade slowly back to blue-grey. "I hate slavers..." <Loria> ::winces:: I know you mean well, love, but could you not do that? ::she sits up, holding her head with both hands:: * Kevil swallows heavily and nods, sitting up on his heels. "Sorry..." He looks around, wincing. "Could someone get this thing out of me?" He gestures with one hand to the stiletto still sticking out of the opposite shoulder. * Lisl gives up her post as the red dot disappears, and clambers back down off the rail, crossing to Kevil. "Sorry... I did try to warn you. Everyone in one piece? Zoya?" She looks up at the slashed rigging. <Loria> ::nodding grimly:: Turn this way... ::she takes hold of the knife and yanks it out smoothly, then lays her hands on his arm, praying quietly:: * Zoya climbs carefully over the edge of the crow's nest and curses as she sees the one remaining ratline the pirates had been climbing. She begins to climb down slowly, stopping occasionally to wipe the blood from her hands on her pants. <Zoya> ::muttering:: Head wounds always bleed like rivers... but I think it's not too bad. * Kevil hisses in pain as Loria pulls out the knife, then sighs in relief as the healing takes hold. <Lisl> ::checks to see that Loria has a handle on Kevil's injury before going to stand under Zoya's ratline, watching her. "That stains, you know." <Zoya> ::nods:: I know. Did you have a better idea? * Kevil turns to Loria as she finishes healing him and looks her over. "You? How..." He looks distinctly worried as the adrenaline of the fight wears off. <Lisl> ::grins:: Well, I usually use the bodies of my enemies for that sort of thing, but it doesn't seem you have any handy up there. ::surveys the body-littered deck:: What do we do about these? <Loria> ::nodding, speaking slowly:: My head hurts... <Zoya> ::looks around at the bodies with distaste, then pulls Lisl a little further along the deck, speaking quietly so Loria can't hear.:: Loot the bodies and dump them; we'll pick up fast enough to leave them behind. Give grace to the mortally wounded... ::she looks around:: If there *are* any who can survive, lock them in the hold. <Lisl> ::nods curtly:: Will do. I wasn't taking the time to be very merciful, I'm afraid. And I don't like slavers. <Kevil> ::one hand gently on Loria's arm:: Can you heal yourself, n'shava? ::he frowns at the blood on her back:: What is this? * Zoya nods, glancing back at Kevil and Loria. "Me either. And she talked like..." Her mouth firms. "Kevil and I are going to have a talk, I think, as soon as we're safely home again." <Lisl> ::her eyes pained:: Don't be too hard with him, Zoya. He probably didn't feel he had much choice... <Zoya> ::muttering:: If I thought he'd done it by choice, I'd have you throw him overboard with the bodies. <Loria> ::feels around in her hair, wincing:: He hit me... and, no, I don't think so... I'm so tired... <Kevil> ::shakes Loria's arm carefully:: Do not sleep, n'shava, not with a head wound. If you cannot heal yourself, Zoya may have a concoction somewhere, but you must not sleep. <Loria> ::blinking at him:: All right, I'll try... ::she mutters something and tries to get to her feet, swaying alarmingly:: <Lisl> ::begins making a circuit of the deck, bending close over each still or softly moaning form. Some, she picks up and tosses none-too-gently into the hold. Most go over the side with a quick Claw to the heart.:: * Kevil stands with Loria, helping to support her. He glances quickly at Lisl's clean-up, and nods before looking back at Loria. "Let us go into the cabin, where it is quieter, d'va? You may rest, if you promise not to sleep, and then I will ask Zoya if she has anything to help you. <Loria> Yes... ::catches a quick glance of Lisl, then resolutely looks away:: * Kevil helps Loria into their cabin, and putters around to give Lisl time to finish cleaning up. He fishes out fresh clothes for himself and Loria, helps her change, changes himself, and very, VERY carefully probes the edges of the knot on her skull. * Lisl returns to Zoya after she's made the rounds, tossing a handful of well-filled purses at her feet with a weighty "thunk." Her tone of voice could freeze alcohol. "Slavery pays well out here. One of them had this, too... looked magical." She hands Zoya a small metal ball with a faint reddish aura. * Loria looks up at him, her eyes badly dilated. "How bad is it?" * Zoya takes the ball and eyes it for a moment, then shakes her head. "It will have to wait until I have access to the magic again." She looks down at the purses with a faint nod. "Slavery pays *very* well out here. Put it in the chest in our cabin - we'll donate it somewhere appropriate." <Kevil> ::frowns:: I have seen worse, but this is bad. ::He snags the chamber pot and drags it closer.:: If you must throw up, d'va? ::he smiles faintly:: Sometimes that actually helps the pain. Can you stay awake a few moments while I go to ask Zoya's help? * Lisl nods tersely and disappears belowdecks, stowing the purses in the chest before going to check on Loria and Kevil. "Need anything?" <Loria> ::coughing slightly, she waves him away:: I'll stay awake. ::with an almost compulsive lunge, she retches into the pot:: <Kevil> ::glances up as Lisl looks in:: Lisl... ::he nods and strokes Loria's back:: She has a concussion. Not dangerous, with someone to watch, but... ::he glances at the door to the deck and sighs:: Zoya is not entirely in charity with me now, I think... Will you ask her - has she anything to help? <Lisl> Will do. ::gives Loria a sympathetic glance and nods to Kevil, returning to the deck:: * Zoya is leaning against the deck rail, looking at the mess of rope on the deck, tangled where it fell when she cut the lines. <Lisl> Zoya... Loria took a conk on the head. Do you have anything that might help her? She's concussed. <Zoya> ::glances up with a sigh:: Concussed? Not much you *can* do for that, but wait it out, if she's too drained to heal herself. ::ponders:: Hmm. Well, I have something I can give her for the pain... ::brightens:: And since she shouldn't sleep anyway, we can put her on the helm and head for home. <Lisl> ::frowns:: Is it safe for her to... I don't know, steer, like that? <Zoya> ::grins faintly:: She doesn't steer. *I* steer. She just has to sit there and let the helm pull at her powerlines. <Lisl> Oh. ::grins a little in return:: As the cap'n says, then. I'll go tell them. ::goes back belowdecks:: * Loria groans, then takes a glass of water and rinses her mouth out. * Zoya ducks into the galley to prepare a painkilling infusion for Loria, spiking it with strong tea to help her stay awake. <Kevil> ::rubs Loria's back sympathetically:: * Lisl ducks her head into the cabin. "Zoya can't heal it, but she can give something for the pain. When you're up to standing again, Loria, Zoya says you might sit on the helm, as you shouldn't sleep and she's tapped out." <Kevil> ::looks up as Lisl comes in and nods at her news:: We'll be up in a little bit, then. * Lisl nods and returns to the deck, sitting tailor-fashion as she starts to untangle the knot of lines, glancing up every so often to peer around at the horizon. <Loria> ::gives Kevil a long glance:: Friend of yours? The captain? <Kevil> ::turns back to Loria, slightly flushed:: I would not call her a "friend".... "Former employer," perhaps. ::he eyes her uncertainly:: <Loria> ::her voice almost emotionless:: You worked for slavers? <Kevil> ::winces faintly:: Not by choice... I was... I was desperate. And when they picked me up, they had no slaves - I thought... they were merely... pirates. ::he runs his hands through his hair and looks at her with haunted eyes:: I had nothing to do with slavery, I swear it to you, nor were there slaves in the hold during my time with them. <Loria> ::softly, almost completely unaware of the tears streaming down her cheeks:: For Mistress Zoya? ::she nods to herself, then stands unsteadily:: We can go out to the helm now. I want to go home. * Kevil glances up at Loria, then nods. He stands and puts an arm around her waist to steady her. * Loria staggers out onto the deck and towards the helm. She fumbles around, then sits, closing her eyes and leaning into the chair. * Lisl growls at the mess of knots. Her Claws coalesce around one hand for a moment, but with a sigh, she makes it disappear again and goes back to picking at knots with her fingers. * Kevil watches to make sure Loria is settled into the chair, then retreats to the deck railing. He sits, leaning against the railing and watching her, his eyes fearful. * Zoya brings a large mug around to the helm, largely ignoring Kevil. "Loria? Drink this. It will help with the pain, and it will also help you stay awake." * Lisl glances up, pitching her voice softly towards Kevil. "How is she? And how are you, after that little reunion?" * Loria takes the mug, looking up at Zoya with eyes that are dark with pain and emotional distress. * Zoya puts a hand on Loria's shoulder and smiles softly, her grey eyes dark with sympathy. "I answer to Erdian, but Nacheyla is my friend... if you want to talk about it." <Kevil> ::looks up at Lisl:: She will be well, once the danger is past. I... ::he looks down at his hands:: ...I have bought what I must with the coin I earned. <Loria> ::takes a sip of the liquid, glancing at Kevil:: I... ::she swallows hard:: I don't know how to feel about what he did. <Zoya> ::makes a wry face:: Me, either. Slavers...! After all he and Darin... ::she shakes her head and sighs:: * Loria takes Zoya's hand, squeezing it fervently. "He... " She pulls her knees up to her chest, sobbing. "He did it for you." * Lisl sorts two ropes free of each other and coils them neatly on the deck. "Well... I certainly don't know what you saw in *that* one, but," she glances towards Loria, "I can understand why you wanted to try to get out of that mess without a fight." <Zoya> ::sits on the arm of the helm and puts her arm around Loria's shoulder:: Of course he did, dear. He thought he was still in love with me, and... well, I can see why he thought I was in terrible, terrible danger at the time. ::she strokes Loria's hair, avoiding the bump:: * Loria tries to say something, but can't seem to manage it, continuing to weep fiercely. <Kevil> ::sighs, still looking down at his hands:: What I saw? What I saw in the Red Serpent was my only way off Gaena... At the time, I... I didn't really care what I had to do. <Zoya> ::continues to stroke Loria's hair soothingly, letting her cry herself out:: <Lisl> ::quietly, as she frees another rope and sets it aside:: Did you know? <Kevil> Know... what? ::he glances up at Lisl, his eyes dark:: <Lisl> ::nods sternward:: What that ship made its living from. <Loria> ::clenches her hands in the tatters of Zoya's robe, shaking from grief and reaction:: <Kevil> ::mouth tightens in something like anger:: I knew they were pirates, or smugglers... After all, there *is* no legitimate spelljammer business on Gaena. I didn't know about the... other, until it was too late to turn back. ::he glances over at Loria and Zoya briefly, then goes back to contemplating his fingers:: There was nothing alive in the hold while I was on the ship. * Zoya wraps her other arm around Loria, holding her carefully, rocking slightly. <Loria> ::between sobs:: I can't... bear it. Thinking he... ::swallows hard, she gestures around the battered deck:: done this... ::she wails, burying her face in Zoya's shoulder:: <Lisl> ::nods, looking up at him speculatively, following his gaze towards Loria and Zoya:: And... I'd wager that at the time, you would have done it anyway, had you known. ::she pauses for a moment, looking back down at her pile of rope:: I think... ::stops, and starts over, speaking carefully:: I don't know... if Loria would *want* to know that you'd likely do the same on her behalf, at this point... * Zoya continues to rock Loria gently. "Shhh... It'll be all right..." She shoots Kevil a hard look from across the deck, but continues to murmur soothingly to Loria. <Loria> ::angrily:: It's not all right... ::sniffling, she wipes at her eyes:: <Kevil> ::snaps his head up and glares at Lisl:: NO. No. Never. Not slaving. Never. I'd... ::he shudders violently:: I couldn't have. Not for Zoya, not for... ::his eyes close briefly in pain, his voice dropping to a whisper:: She'd rather die abandoned than have rescue arrive through that channel. I *know* that. <Zoya> ::releases Loria and looks at her soberly:: Well... No. It's not. But you can't decide what to do about it while you're hysterical. <Lisl> ::meets his eyes, rope momentarily forgotten in her hand, and nods once:: Thought so. But I don't think I'm the one who needs to know that just now. <Loria> ::sniffling, trying to get herself under control:: I'm sorry. <Lisl> ::barks a soft, humorless laugh:: It's ironic... I think I'm the only one-- including you, I believe-- who'd take your side in this just now. <Kevil> ::glances back over at Loria and Zoya, then sighs and looks down at his hands, pulling the ring off his finger and turning it slowly in his hands:: I know. But I don't think either of them is ready to hear a single word from me now. I can only pray they ever *will* be... ::his voice is thick:: <Zoya> ::shakes her head:: There's nothing to be sorry for, Loria. What you've just been through... I've known seasoned warriors who'd have broken down with hysterics worse than that, and taken longer to recover. ::she smiles faintly:: You have a brave soul. <Lisl> Kevil... stop. If they love you, they'll hear you... eventually. Don't be the one to shut that door. ::grins a little:: Long as you're willing to take your lumps, they'll hear you. <Kevil> ::grunts, but doesn't respond:: <Loria> ::shaking her head gingerly:: I love him... ::she glances over at Kevil:: I... ::wipes at her face:: How *could* he? How could he do it? <Lisl> ::snorts, muttering softly to herself:: Oh yeah... I know *that* frame of mind, alright.... ::shakes her head with a small smile and goes back to sorting ropes:: <Zoya> ::carefully puts her fingers under Loria's chin and turns her face so their eyes meet:: Loria... What would you do for him? If you thought he was in danger, and only you could help? ::she shakes her head:: You don't have to tell me. But think about it for yourself. What would you do for Vallel? <Zoya> ::smiles faintly:: I'm not suggesting you *dismiss* what he did, or treat it lightly. It's serious, and it was wrong... but you should at least consider the frame of mind that prompted it. * Loria looks at Zoya, her gaze haunted. <Zoya> ::nods soberly:: You see? <Loria> ::she takes another sip of medicine:: I... I... ::she looks away, her eyes seeking some place of solace among the stars:: Maybe it would have been better if I'd never left home. * Lisl glances up and towards Loria and Zoya, frowns, and looks back down at her work, sorting out another pair of lines and laying them aside, growling softly as she teases at a large knot with no visible free ends. <Zoya> I doubt that very much. ::she puts her hands on Loria's shoulders:: I know it hurts, Loria. Erdian knows, Nacheyla knows, how much it hurts. ::she reaches down and touches Loria's pendant with one finger:: She'll help you with the burden of it, you know. <Loria> ::nodding:: I know... <Lisl> Ah! ::with a pleased noise, Lisl presses her thumbs against one loop of the knot, threading it back through. The ropes come free of each other, and thump to the deck.:: <Loria> ::finishes the medicine Zoya brought to her:: What are you going to do now? <Zoya> Me? ::she glances at the despondent Kevil, and at Lisl's studied industry, then smiles again:: I'll guide us home. And then I'll probably yell at Kevil for a while. ::she smiles wryly:: And then I'll probably throw myself into the work I've neglected so I don't have to think about how guilty I feel about it. <Loria> ::looks startled, frowning:: oh. I hadn't thought of that. <Zoya> Thought about what? * Lisl grins a little, head down, and looks up as she raises her voice. "Zoya? I've sorted out your unholy mess. What do you want to do with these?" <Loria> ::patting Zoya awkwardly on one arm:: You didn't ask him to do it... it's nothing for *you* to regret. <Zoya> ::looks up and around at Lisl:: Hmm? Oh... Put it in the... No - just coil it neatly, if you would, and stack it over there. ::she points for Lisl's benefit:: <Zoya> ::to Loria:: Yes, I know... Well, I know *here*. ::she touches her temple:: Getting it sorted out *here* ::touching her breast:: is going to take a little more work. I was always terrible with emotions. * Lisl nods, gathering up her coils of rope and hefting them over one shoulder. <Loria> ::nodding:: I'm not doing too well with them myself... ::sighing:: but I've had less practice, I guess... ::she sniffles one last time:: <Zoya> ::shakes her head:: My Master taught me the Mask too young. I had a magical block on emotion until I was, oh... fifteen or so. It just made things even harder when I was finally forced to deal with them. * Lisl piles her coils of rope in the indicated spot, dusting off her hands. <Loria> ::sighs:: Well, let's get home, then? I... I want to go home. <Zoya> ::nods:: Of course you do. We're on our way... we'll be there in a few hours. ::she takes the empty mug:: Let me know if the pain gets too bad and I'll fix you some more of that. <Loria> ::trying to make a joke:: I feel like I've been hit in the head with a dagger... oh, wait, that's what happened? ::grins weakly:: <Zoya> ::grins:: Well, at least we don't have to worry about memory loss. ::she squeezes Loria's arm briefly before heading back to the galley with the mug:: * Lisl wanders over to stand by the helm, eyeing Loria sympathetically. "Feeling a little less scrambled now? Anything I can get you?" <Loria> ::nodding slowly:: I'll live, I think. ::sighing:: I think my heart hurts worse than my head. <Lisl> ::nods neutrally:: Seems to be a bit of that going around, lately. * Loria looks up at Lisl. "I think we're good enough friends for you to just say what's on your mind, Lisl?" <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow:: I was, actually. That pirate hit us but good, I think... twisted the knife in Kevil's, Zoya's, *and* your heart with one blow. * Zoya comes out of the galley and glances around the deck. She shakes her head briefly, then picks up one of the coils of rope and slings it over her shoulder. She climbs the ratline to the crows nest with surprising agility, and begins to splice the rope back into the tatters of the knots and pulleys. <Loria> ::laughs bitterly:: I'm sure she doesn't care about *that* either... <Lisl> Likely not... well, no. She probably did get a kick out of hurting him... especially when she had no intention of treating with him. ::narrows her eyes as she turns to look sternward:: She knew what he was, I'm sure... <Loria> What am I supposed to do now? ::she shuts her eyes:: <Lisl> ::looks down at Loria again:: Now? Hm. Heal. Yell. Listen. Talk. Forgive, or not. Not necessarily in that order, but I understand that's how it usually works. <Loria> ::looking at Lisl:: I don't... I don't know what to say to him, Lisl... ::her voice cracks:: <Lisl> ::snorts:: Well, that makes two of you... I don't think he knows what to say to you, either. ::hooks up one corner of her mouth in a wry smile:: Rather surprising, for a pair of bards. ::puts a hand on Loria's shoulder:: * Kevil suddenly stands, glances briefly at Loria and Lisl, then paces across the deck and disappears into the cabins. A moment later, the barely-audible strains of his lute can be heard, playing the rainfall introduction to "Aylin's Rain" over and over again. * Lisl bites her lip, glancing towards the cabin door with pained eyes. "I think you two might find some way to say it anyway." <Loria> ::shaking her head:: Would you... ::swallows:: I can't get up right now, or we won't be able to go anywhere until tomorrow ::her eyes scan the horizon nervously:: They may come back. ::gives Lisl a long, pleading look:: Would you ask him to come over? <Lisl> ::nods, her face serious:: I'd be delighted to. ::she points at Loria:: No falling asleep while I'm gone. * Lisl goes below and taps lightly at Kevil's cabin door. * Kevil looks up with a start at Lisl's knock. "My apologies, I did not mean to disturb." <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: No, I think this was a good "disturb." Loria would like to speak with you. Or listen to you. Depending on who manages to find words first, I imagine... ::looks speculatively at Kevil's lute:: ...and it might be a good idea to bring that. Is hers about, somewhere? <Kevil> I... ::he looks down at the lute, then nods slowly:: I will come. <Lisl> ::a ghost of a smile crosses her lips, and she returns his nod:: It's a beginning. I... hm. This ship is too damn small... I guess I'll help Zoya in the rigging. Maybe... try to keep your voices down? * Kevil slings his lute over his shoulder, then gingerly picks up Loria's lute case and heads out onto the deck. He approaches the helm almost hesitantly. "Loria..." He swallows and forces himself to meet her eyes. "Lisl said... that is..." He sighs and offers her the lute case. <Loria> ::gesturing aimlessly:: I... Kevil... ::looks at him, almost desperately:: * Lisl drifts out of the passageway behind Kevil, glancing at the pair of them once before putting her hands to the ratline and starting to climb up. "Aerdrie protect me..." <Loria> ::glowering up at Lisl in mock indignation:: I'm going to take great pleasure in laughing at you, one of these days... just you wait. <Lisl> ::pauses in her climb, dangling halfway up the rope, and glances down in surprise, swallowing hard as she looks at the deck. "What'd I say?" <Loria> Never mind, Lisl... have fun up there... ::looks back at Kevil:: You'd think someone who was invincible wouldn't worry about heights so much... <Lisl> Fun, she says... ::starts climbing again:: I love heights, actually... it's the falling part that bothers me. <Lisl> ::still muttering:: And I'm not invincible... just... really stubborn. <Kevil> Loria... ::sighs, then takes a deep breath and sinks to his knees before her:: Loria, I... ::he takes a deep breath:: In desperation, I bartered my honor - and all for nothing. To even dream that you... ::he shakes his head and swallows:: I am sorry. * Zoya is draped upside-down over the crows nest wall, one foot hooked in the ratline, as she repairs the rope. She looks down (up?) at Lisl as she climbs up. "Chase you off, did they?" <Loria> ::looking at him, her whole heart in her eyes:: Kevil... you loved her... I can't... I've never been in a situation where... where I've had to make a choice like that... <Kevil> ::closes his eyes, almost reaching to take her hand, but stopping himself:: I hope you are never faced with anything even remotely so terrible. <Lisl> ::grins at Zoya:: I chased myself off. This ship is too damn small for ears like mine. Besides, I thought you could use a hand. ::eyes the mess of dangling lines dubiously:: Or several. <Loria> ::distantly:: How long? <Zoya> ::grins and pulls herself over by the simple expedient of taking hold of the ratlines with both hands and falling the rest of the way out of the crows nest:: How are you at splicing rope? <Kevil> ::opens his eyes to look at Loria:: How long...? I do not understand. <Loria> How long were you with her... them? <Lisl> I'm no sailor, but I get the job done properly. You'll have to tell me what goes with what, though. I'm out of my element, here. Literally. ::she glances down, briefly, and takes a deep breath:: Pray Aerdrie has long ears.... <Kevil> Ah... ::he trails off, counting on his fingers:: Three and... no, nearly four months. * Zoya looks at the frayed rope ends around her. "At this point, you can connect them just about anywhere. I'll have to pull them down and re-run the pulleys once we're docked." <Loria> ::shrugging:: I... ::sighs:: Kevil, I don't know what to think about what you've done. I don't know if I can ever even understand it... <Lisl> ::nods, surveying the mass of ends and unslinging a coil of rope from her shoulder as she twines her leg in the ratline:: I keep meaning to ask... what's the purpose of all this, anyway, if the ship's magic-driven? ::waves at the lines and sails with her free hand before grabbing for the nearest loose end:: <Kevil> ::nods soberly:: I am not sure I would want you to understand it, n'shava. It... was shameful. <Zoya> ::grins at Lisl:: Because I like to climb rigging. I like ships. I'd have been a sailor or a trader if I hadn't been tainted with the wild magic. <Lisl> Ah. ::glances downward again:: Alright, I was mistaken. ::looks at Zoya with a grin:: All wild mages *are* mad. <Loria> ::shaking her head:: I... I was very frightened... and I don't like... ::takes a deep breath, as if steeling herself for what she's about to say:: I don't like thinking of you, doing things like that. <Kevil> ::nods:: I can not blame you for that... Not when I so dearly wish I had never... ::he shakes his head briefly and looks up at her:: If you... cannot abide the knowledge, I will... ::he swallows, hard, trying to find the courage to say it.:: I will not trouble you further. ::his eyes fill with tears, but he holds his chin up, keeping his eyes on hers:: <Loria> ::firmly:: Kevil... ::she swallows hard:: I don't like what you did. I don't... ::gestures at him:: I don't like what it's done to you. But... ::she glances up at Zoya:: I understand why you felt you had to... ::softer:: And we would not... Kevil... ::she starts weeping again:: You would not be here... I'd have never... Kevil! ::she bursts into sobs, pulling him to her:: * Lisl pauses in her work for a moment to brush a sleeve over her face, carefully not looking down. * Kevil gasps and wraps his arms around her, tentatively, almost afraid to touch her. He gingerly pulls her close, burying his face in her shoulder and letting his own tears fall. "Ah, Bright Lady, Loria..." <Loria> ::muffled:: Don't ever say that... never say it again... please, Kevil-lin, my heart ::she pushes him away, looking at him:: Don't keep offering to go away... <Kevil> ::looks at her for a long moment, his eyes on hers, soberly:: Lori-love, I... ::he shakes his head, then carefully pulls her to him again:: I don't deserve your love, but I will cherish it, for as long as you allow. * Lisl frays the end of a new piece of rope, and starts weaving the ends together with the next bit of cut line. "So... I hope you mean to leave him intact?" <Loria> ::digging out her handkerchief, she blows her nose:: Oh, my head aches... ::smiling faintly:: Some hero you are... let me get thrown overboard... sheesh... I should apply to the guild and get a new one... ::patting him on the arm:: But I won't. <Zoya> ::laughs shortly as she reaches for the next rope-end:: Oh, probably. We'll have one of our famous screaming matches over it, and eventually I'll concede that I'd have done the same for him, and let him escape. But don't you dare tell him that! <Lisl> ::grins, eyes on her work:: Never. That would spoil the fun. ::flicks at glance at Zoya:: Just as well the Tower's soundproofed, though. <Kevil> ::laughs softly:: I was a little busy at the time, n'shava. Besides, you were in little danger. I have fallen overboard more often than my pride would like to admit. ::he grins crookedly:: <Loria> ::trembling a bit:: How long do I have to be awake? I... ::shakes her head from side to side slowly:: I can't see straight, my head aches so much. <Kevil> ::peers into her eyes, checking the dilation:: Until the lump on the back of your head goes down a little, more or less... Do you want some more pain medicine? * Lisl secures her splice with a bit of whip-stitching, biting off the thread. "Y'know, it's funny... I was an utter failure at tailoring, but this, I can do. Mend ropes, and busted heads, after a fashion." <Loria> No, not yet... ::closing her eyes:: Just stay here and talk to me? I... want to sleep more than I should, I think <Zoya> ::laughs, twisting rope-ends together:: Ropes and suture don't have to be nearly as neat as tailored work... Not if you don't care about scars and joins. <Lisl> Well... scars are rarely a problem for me... but it's not generally me that's getting stitched, thank Aerdrie. <Kevil> ::nods and perches on the arm of the helm, taking her hand in his:: That is to be expected. You can close your eyes, as long as you continue to sit up straight and talk back to me so I know you are awake, d'va? <Loria> ::nodding:: What will happen, if I go to sleep? ::she sighs:: <Zoya> I wouldn't think so... Getting stitched hurts more than getting cut in the first place. If only because it takes so much *longer*. ::makes a wry face:: <Kevil> ::very soberly:: The worst that can happen is that you never wake up again. <Lisl> ::faint smile:: Do I hear the voice of experience, there? <Zoya> ::grins:: I adventured first with my Master, and then with Kevil and Darin. None of them were ever priests, or had any kind of healing magic. <Loria> ::faintly:: Well, then you'd better not let me sleep. I don't think the Blessed Mother would forgive you, if you let me die *this* close to home. <Lisl> ::glances down, and raises her voice:: For that matter, *I* wouldn't forgive you, and I'm a heck of a lot closer just now! <Kevil> ::smiles and strokes her cheek gently:: I will not allow you to die, n'shava. <Kevil> ::he glances up at Lisl, then deliberately sticks his tongue out at her:: <Loria> ::glowering up at Lisl:: I thought you said you weren't listening! <Lisl> I said I'd *try* not to. I also said this was a damn small ship. ::glances back up:: No offense, Zoya. <Zoya> ::shrugs:: I built it to be sailed solo - it had to be small. <Lisl> ::nods, lowering her voice again:: The Serpent-- think she'll be back before we can make home? <Zoya> ::shrugs:: Not if she's prudent. We must have taken out half her crew as it was. But we'll need to be careful from now on when we sail, if she makes regular stops at Kara Tur. <Lisl> ::scowls:: Kara Tur harbors slaver ships? <Zoya> ::shrugs:: I haven't spent much time there. But the impression I get from Marten is that slavery is... at least quasi-legal, there. And they have a spelljammer port. <Lisl> ::presses her lips together, carefully lacing a splice into place:: Hm. A task for another day, maybe.... <Zoya> Perhaps... <Loria> ::opening her eyes:: Was she... ::looking at Kevil:: Were you lovers? You and the captain? * Lisl looks up, and scans the horizon for a moment before turning her attention back to the ropes. <Kevil> ::considers the question:: She... did, some few times, order me into her bed. ::his lips tighten.:: I would not dignify the act by putting the name of "love" to it, of any variety. <Kevil> ::quietly, almost angrily:: It was a... duty, from which none of the crew were exempt. <Loria> ::shudders:: How horrid... ::she touches his cheek lightly:: I... I'm sorry... sorry for you, sorry for... sorry for being angry with you. Your sacrifice... ::she closes her eyes again:: I couldn't imagine it. <Kevil> ::puts his hand over Loria's:: Do not... You should be angry. Over a year gone, and I am yet angry with myself. ::he kisses her forehead:: Please, please, do not make it seem noble or good... * Lisl glances down briefly, and back up again as she snags a new end of rope. "Zoya, do you know Missa very well?" <Loria> ::shaking her head:: You misunderstand. It was neither noble or grand... and you... you did it anyway. It's the most awful thing I've ever heard. That you can... ::looking at him:: You loved her very much. That much, if nothing else, is honorable. <Zoya> ::waves vaguely:: Some... She was always Darin's pet. I'm not fond of horses; she and I didn't cross paths often. <Lisl> ::snorts:: Well, the "not fond of horses" bit I can understand... tho' honestly, it's more that they're not fond of *me*. Darin's... pet? She had a crush on him? <Kevil> ::glances up at Lisl and Zoya, then looks back at Loria:: I... am glad you can see it so. <Zoya> ::grins:: Oh, no. She was just about four or five when Master and I first brought Darin to Alanis and put him in Zhifar's home... She adopted him immediately, I learned, as a sort of surrogate older brother - though the Lady knows she had brothers enough already! ::grins:: If she had a crush on anyone, it was probably Kev. <Lisl> Ah? <Loria> ::smiling faintly:: Missa kept telling me I was wise... that I sounded like a priest. ::she shrugs:: If wisdom is understanding that sometimes life gives us nothing but bad choices, then... <Zoya> ::shrugs and grins:: Well, more than most Alani, Missa loves music. And even you have to admit, he *is* very attractive. <Lisl> ::snorts:: If you like that sort. ::grins at Zoya:: Which you do, I know. Or did. * Kevil leans in to kiss Loria tenderly. "Thank you, n'shava." <Loria> ::blinks:: "Thank you?" <Zoya> ::grins faintly:: "That sort"??? ::she laughs:: I'll keep my comments to myself. You've never appreciated them in the past. <Kevil> ::smiles:: For understanding. For knowing and still loving me. <Lisl> ::chuckles:: I'll allow you that he seems to draw women like water draws deer. <Zoya> ::laughs:: And what "sort" is it that draws you, dare I ask? <Loria> ::swallows and seems ready to say something, then changes her mind. She gives him a wry smile:: I'm saving it up for when I do something amazingly stupid... ::shaking her finger at him:: Then you'll owe me one. <Lisl> Ha! ::snorts:: I'll let you know when I find it. <Kevil> ::laughs softly and pulls her to him for another kiss:: I believe it is well more than *one* that I will owe you, but I suspect that balance will remain owed for a long time. <Loria> ::matter-of-factly:: You are a rotten person, Kevil... I love you so much it makes my chest ache... ::snuggles against him:: <Kevil> ::smiles and holds her close:: I love you too, n'shava. * Lisl grins slightly as she checks her work, and moves on to another rope-end. "Anyhow... how is it this always winds up getting back to me? So Missa is more Kevil's friend... alright." She nods thoughtfully. <Zoya> ::nods:: She's somewhere between a little sister and a niece and a friend, for him. Why? <Lisl> Well... ::shakes her head:: No, it's nothing, I'm sure. And even if it is, it's still nothing. Never mind. <Zoya> ::stops working to raise an eyebrow at Lisl:: Now I'm curious. <Lisl> Oh. ::sighs, and looks up, ducking her head meekly:: Sorry? <Zoya> Or you could just tell me. * Kevil picks up Loria's lute case and offers it to her again. "Here... I know you can play with your eyes closed. It might help you stay awake... Or at least let us know when you are about to drop off." <Lisl> Well... ::wrinkles her nose:: It's just more of me poking my long nose where it doesn't belong, really. And I'm sure there's nothing wrong with it, anyway. If it was what I thought, even. It's just... well, it surprised me, and I wanted to make sure no more harm would come of it. They've enough to deal with. * Loria takes her lute, strumming it. She frowns. "I never did replace that E... do you have a spare?" <Zoya> ::blinks at Lisl for a moment, then suddenly figures out what she's talking about. She laughs:: Oh! No, I think that's not likely to affect things. Not at the moment, anyhow. * Kevil nods with a grin. "I always have spare strings. Tune the rest while I fetch it." <Lisl> ::blushes faintly:: Ah... alright, so it wasn't just me. ::muttering:: I was starting to think the culture was making me paranoid... * Loria concentrates, tuning her lute and trying to stay awake. * Kevil stands and strides back toward the cabins. <Zoya> ::chuckles:: Well, I don't know that anything happened. But I know what you mean, at least. * Kevil returns in short order, a couple of strings coiled around his wrist. He offers them to Loria. "The one may be too short, so I brought both." * Loria blinks a few times, then removes her E string, restringing the lute. * Kevil sits at the base of the helm, re-tuning his own lute. <Lisl> Well... I'm not certain either, but... ::shakes her head:: I suppose, though, in the name of understanding, it would be to the good... it was just... rather confusing. * Loria finishes stringing her lute, then begins to play a bouncy piece of music, enthusiastic and joyful, the staccato sounds underlaying it reminiscent of hoofbeats. <Lisl> ::glances down:: Well... I'd say *that's* a good sign, too... * Kevil laughs and adds a jangle of bridle-bells to the tune. * Loria continues to play, her fingers tracing over the strings as she hums along. <Lisl> Hm. Finished. ::passes a critical eye over her collection of splices, and nods:: And I think that's as good a cue as any... ::unhooks her leg and slides slowly back down the rope:: * Zoya pauses and looks out into the darkness, spotting a silvery-blue disc that seems to be just a bit bigger than it had been only a few minutes ago. She smiles softly, and nods. "Almost home," she whispers, before climbing back down the ropes. |
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