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::almost a week has passed since Roni and Mira arrived in Selgaunt. The kidnappers have been in touch twice, the most recent note contained a lock of Ilya's strawberry blonde hair. The meeting has been scheduled for this day at noon. Kauriss is supposed to meet someone at the docks and be taken, by boat, to the meet.:: ::it is currently about twenty minutes before the meeting. Ilarion and Temire are trailing behind Kauriss. They have made plans ahead of time and hired a small boat with which to follow, if possible.:: ::the docks are dirty, smelly, and unpleasant, like most dock areas. Sailors of every description are everywhere, loading and unloading cargo, repairing sails, and lurking menacingly around the area.:: * Ilarion shakes his head slightly as Kauriss enters the dock area. In an undertone to Temire. "I can't feel her yet." * Temire nods, leaning against a wall, a broad brimmed hat pulled forward to shield her face from the sun, "They'd have left her where ever they're taking Kauriss." * Kauriss smooths her skirts nervously yet again. She'd spent the morning modifying them so they'd rip away quickly, and is wearing breeches underneath, in case she has to run. She paces back and forth, dodging sailors and looking entirely out of place. * Temire chuckles softly, "Bets on how many times she gets propositioned before they arrive?" ::a pair of sailors approach her, one tall, the other short. A scruffy looking blue and green parrot perches on the tall one's shoulder:: <Ilarion> ::grins at Mira:: No bet... <Kauriss> ::blinks at the sailors, taking half a step back and looking from one to the other:: <Tall Sailor> ::holding out a largish chunk of fine, strawberry blonde hair, braided and tied with a dirty scrap of torn cloth:: M'am Lalaree? <Ilarion> ::watching from the alley, he winces:: Damn them. <Kauriss> ::swallows as she takes the hair and looks at it for a moment before nodding:: Yes. ::she looks back up at the tall sailor:: Does she have any hair left? * Temire continues to lean against the wall, apparently not noticing the exchange. <Short Sailor> ::with a gap-toothed smile, not a particularly friendly expression:: S'bit shoat, t'is. T'will grow back. C'mon, t'ain't go' all day. <Kauriss> ::lifts her chin defiantly, though her eyes are a bit wild:: Lead the way, then. ::the Tall Sailor takes up position behind Kauriss as the shorter one leads her through the docks. The tall one looks over his shoulder several times, his hand on a long saber at his waist:: * Kauriss doesn't look around at all, keeping her eyes on the sailor leading her. <Temire> Come on, Roni. We'll catch up with them on the water. * Ilarion closes his eyes, leaning against the wall. {Kauriss, we're still with you, don't worry.} <Ilarion> ::nodding:: Yeah... ::he follows Temire down to their small sloop:: <Kauriss> ::stumbles slightly:: Oh! ::she kicks ineffectually at a bit of uneven decking before turning again to follow the sailors:: <Tall Sailor> ::looking around again, he pushes Kauriss forward impatiently:: <Kauriss> ::glaring haughtily at the tall sailor:: Keep your hands off me. <Short Sailor> Shut up, both o' ye. Get in th' boat. ::gestures to the center seat of a small rowboat:: * Kauriss eyes the tall sailor suspiciously, then climbs awkwardly into the boat. She grimaces at the dirt and sits gingerly on the very edge of the seat. <Tall Sailor> ::with a grunt, he heaves the rowboat off the shore, hopping in. He steps over the center seat, placing himself at the stern, picking up his paddle. The short one climbs in, likewise raising a paddle:: <Kauriss> Oh! ::grabs onto the edges of the seat as the boat wobbles away from the deck, looking around uncertainly:: <Short Sailor> ::baring his teeth at her again:: Calm, now, m'am. Jus' sit an be still. * Temire looks at Roni as their own boat sets off, "I forgot to ask. Can you, Ilya, or Kauriss swim?" <Kauriss> ::swallows and stiffly folds her hands in her lap:: <Ilarion> ::swallowing:: I can swim... I don't know if Kauriss can or not. Ilya... no, I don't think so. * Temire nods, and stretches out, looking for all the world like she's taking a nap. <Ilarion> ::closing his eyes:: {Kauriss, I need you to look around and think about where you're going. We need to stay out of sight, but I don't want to lose you.} <Ilarion> ::the man Roni hired to sail the small craft rigs the sails, tacking, and headed out into the bay:: <Kauriss> ::looks around nervously, watching the shore recede for a moment, then turning to look at the other ships sliding by:: Where are we going? <Short Sailor> ::rowing:: There be a small island, off ta the south o' here. Uncharted, ye ken. <Kauriss> ::laughs bitterly:: Of course... ::she closes her eyes, trying to concentrate on thinking, "uncharted island to the south". After a moment, she swallows hard:: It's not a long trip, is it? I'm getting a little... ::she puts a hand to her throat and tries to look nauseous:: <Tall Sailor> ::laughing rudely:: Few hours... iff yer gonna be sick, lean over the side. <Ilarion> ::directing the man:: South, if you please. <Kauriss> ::swallows harder and closes her eyes again, breathing slowly and trying to concentrate for Ilarion:: * Kauriss opens her eyes every few minutes and looks around, making sure they're still moving south and checking their progress from shore. Mostly, she sits very still, apparently trying hard not to throw up. ::time passes:: ::a small clump of green smudges the horizon as the two sailors, sweating and breathing hard by this point, row towards it:: <Tall Sailor> ::his parrot shifting on his shoulder to peer at Kauriss with a shiny black eye:: T'is it. <Kauriss> ::opens one eye to peer at the island, and then the other:: Thank goodness... ::her voices is unsteady:: I don't know how much more of this I could stand. <Ilarion> ::his eyes closed, Roni strains, his forehead creased:: I got her... ::he opens his eyes, pointing slightly to the left of their current position:: * Temire tilts her hat back so she can look at Roni, "Ilya?" <Ilarion> ::nodding:: * Temire turns and looks in the indicated direction, "How long do you think it will take?" <Short Sailor> ::grunting, he pulls at his oar, bringing them up onto the small, sandy beach:: Lessee them cha'ts, then Duggan 'ere'll go get the wee one. <Ilarion> ::shrugging:: Hard to tell ::he closes his eyes again:: Kauriss just landed. <Kauriss> ::sniffs:: I'll see my daughter, alive and well, before I turn over the map. * Temire nods and begins checking her equipment. <Short Sailor> ::nodding to the Tall Sailor:: Haff 'em bring 'er out. Not too far. ::the Tall Sailor, Duggan, glowers at Kauriss, then nods, jogging off into the trees:: * Kauriss watches Duggan intently, ignoring the shorter sailor. ::a few minutes later a piercing whistle comes from the trees. At this signal, the shorter sailor whips a knife out of his belt and, grabbing Kauriss's wrist and twisting it up behind her back, he lays the rusty blade to her throat:: * Kauriss screams briefly, choking it off as the blade touches her throat. ::Duggan comes back out of the trees at a flat run:: Double-crossed! Benja, Silvo, and Nate 're dead, an' our half took. We still got th' girl. <Ilarion> ::Roni and Mira's small sailboat runs ashore on the backside of the small island, another, ratty looking boat, unguarded, is moored there:: <Kauriss> ::eyes widen, and she shakes her head as much as the knife will allow. Her voice is a pale whisper:: No... No, I swear...! <Short Sailor> ::pressing the blade to her throat:: Ye was tole no to get no help. * Temire steps out of the boat and draws her conch shell hilted sword, quickly moving to the shelter of the foliage, looking and listening for trouble. <Kauriss> ::whimpers:: I didn't! Nothing! <NPCs> ::a young man, dressed in brown robes, exits the clump of trees on the back of the island, headed towards the boat. He stops dead when he sees Mira and Roni:: * Temire draws a shiv from her sleeve and throws it at the man before rushing him. <Mitch> ::stepping to one side, raising his cudgel:: Hey, wait a minute! <Andre> ::a young woman, wearing a short, bedraggled blue robe, follows behind him, muttering to herself:: It's a nice dress. Isn't it a nice dress? I could have stayed home, I could have gone shopping. * Temire attacks, trying to eliminate the man before he can give any warning of their presence. <Mitch> ::stepping to the other side, seeming to duck under Temire's attack without thinking about it:: Hold up, lady! * Temire attacks again. * Klarke slides out of the brush, wearing a fine designer's grey jacket (height of fashion in Selgaunt... a while ago), black breeches, and leather boots. <Lew> ::an incredibly stout halfling in an assortment of armor puffs his way out of the trees behind Mitch:: Mitch! Look out, she's got a-- WHOOOA! ::trips over an exposed rock and tumbles forward, knocking Mitch down with him:: <Gnimsh> ::a young gnome, wearing a huge overcoat of dark brown with several large lumps in odd places:: Gnimsh not understand why have to take stupid old boat! Gnimsh have perfectly good invention for water-crossing. ::stumbles over Lew and Mitch:: * Klarke looks at Temire with a look of confusion on his face, and then thunks her in the back of the head with the pommel of his dagger. * Ilarion looks completely floored, his hand dropping to his sword. "Who, in the Abyss?" * Temire drops unconscious * Lew rolls off of Mitch and attempts to flail to his feet without success. "Yondalla protect, not *more* swords!" * Klarke hisses. "Stuff a ham hock in it and *shut up*, would you?" <Ilarion> ::cautiously, he inches forward, going to Mira's side:: Mira, honey? ::looking down at her, running one hand over the back of her head:: <Lew> ::looking worried, dropping his voice to a hoarse whisper:: Are we being sneaky now? <Gnimsh> Boots of Silence! ::he pulls a cord on his jacket, which issues a hissing whine:: <Klarke> ::mournfully:: We were trying. ::he looks at Gnimsh:: It's about to get worse. <Gnimsh> ::his boots inflating to huge round cylinders:: No problem, guys! ::takes a step forward, the pillow-like boots making almost no noise:: Gnimsh know what he is doing! <Lew> ::looking pitiful:: Mitch, you okay? I'm sorry, I tripped. The rock... <Mitch> ::looking dubious:: I dunno about that. ::turns to Ilarion:: * Klarke looks at Gnimsh. "It's working. Either I'm dreaming, or there's an explosion or something in the near future. Smart money's on explosion." * Klarke looks around. "What do we do now, Mitch?" <Lew> ::scowls at Klarke from his position on the ground:: Hey, Gnimsh's inventions *work*! Stop picking on him! <Gnimsh> ::looking slightly worried as his boots continue to inflate, blocking off his knees:: Um... guys! <Klarke> Gnimsh's inventions work as well as that beans and beef diet you tried last week. <Lew> ::mumbles:: ...most of the time... <Ilarion> ::gently shaking Mira's shoulder, looking extremely dubious:: Mira, honey... <Lew> ::scowling more:: Once I get to my feet, Klarke, I'm gonna give you SUCH a pain...! <Mitch> ::to Ilarion:: Who are you? This is our job. We were hired. Right is right. Master La'lauri could have trusted us. <Ilarion> ::looking up:: Master La... ::stops, doing a double take:: He's dead. What are you talking about? * Klarke walks over to Gnimsh and pokes at the inflating tubes, and then looks at him soulfully. "Gnimsh, I want you to know I'm really sorry for what I'm about to do. If I appear to be enjoying myself, it's just a misperception on your part." <Lew> I bet they're the pirates, Mitch, don't trust him! <Andre> Oh, that's just great! We go through all this trouble... look at me! I'm dirty, I'm wet, I'm cold, I just want to go home, and we're not even gonna get *paid*? <Gnimsh> ::peering at Klarke from over the tips of his boots, now up to his chin:: What you doing, Klarke? * Klarke takes his dagger and pokes a hole in each of Gnimsh's booties, a maniacal smile on his face. <Gnimsh> ::two loud explosions sound, knocking Klarke over into Andre:: <Ilarion> ::taking his hand off his sword hilt, he stands up, looking both confused and angry:: <Lew> ::hoarse giggle:: *Now* who's being loud, Klarke? <Mitch> ::to Ilarion:: What'dya mean, dead? How can he be dead? We just got the map for him! ::reaches into his robe, pulling out a tattered map half:: * Temire jerks up, looking about her startled then surges to her feet and attacks the nearest person besides Roni, "Dammit all to hell. I knew I should have snuck in here on my own." * Lew's stomach growls. "Uh-oh." <Klarke> Oh... Andre... I'm *so* sorry. Are you... all right? ::he sounds quite concerned, but doesn't make a move to get off Andre yet:: <Lew> HEY! ::rolling over turtle-like so that Temire's blows fall on his better-armored back:: Someone put a leash on her! <Ilarion> ::his face suddenly pale:: You have the *other* half of the map! Oh, gods. ::he closes his eyes suddenly:: Oh, gods... Kauriss... ::whirling, he turns to Mira:: Temire, come on. They're going to kill Kauri. <Lew> ::holding his helmet down with his hands:: We didn't kill anyone, I swear! Well, okay, a few pirates, and my pet gerbil back home, but that was an accident, really!! <Temire> DAMMIT! ::Temire turns and races into the foliage:: Which way? * Kauriss screams as the pirate shoves her viciously to the ground. * Klarke smiles at Andre. "Hold that thought." He rolls over and begins working on tugging Lew into a vertical position. <Ilarion> ::snatching the map piece out of Mitch's hands:: If you get my daughter killed, I swear, before all the gods... ::turns in the direction of the scream:: Shit! ::following Mira into the trees:: * Temire races towards the sound of the scream. <Andre> ::punching Klarke absently in the lower back:: Idiot. * Lew peers up under the edge of his helmet. "Is she gone?" <Mitch> ::looking after the pair:: They took our map! * Kauriss scrambles backwards desperately. "NO! No, I swear, please...!" <Klarke> Yes, Lew. The hellbeast has run away for now. And, since they took the map we rightfully stole, we're going to probably run after her, though. <Lew> Oh gods, more running... ::struggling to his feet with Klarke's help:: When's lunch? <Klarke> Sometime after all the running, and fighting, and maybe some rowing. Have you had your elevenses already? <Gnimsh> ::looking mournfully at the remains of his boots:: You just have lunch, Lew. <Lew> That was supposed to be lunch? ::looks distressed:: ::another pirate, this one looking sort of beat upon, bursts out of the trees onto the beach, dragging a small girl with him:: <Ilya> ::wailing:: Momma! You're hurting my momma! <Klarke> Come on. We haven't run over *every* inch of this lost scrap of dirt yet. It's *possible* that there's a coconut tree or something we missed that you can eat. <Mitch> ::straightening his robe:: Come on... <Kauriss> ::looks over wildly as Ilya screams:: ILYA! ::she kicks out at the pirate without making contact:: Let her go! <Ilya> ::turning and sinking sharp little teeth into the pirate's hand:: <Lew> ::frowning:: Hey! They've got a little girl! ::settles his helmet and unhooks a mace from his belt:: * Temire bursts out of the foliage, landing a flying kick into the back of the pirate holding Ilya. * Ilarion bursts out of the trees, moving extremely quickly. His sword practically leaps into his hand as he speeds across the sand. * Kauriss scrambles away from the shorter pirate. ::the pirate holding Ilya screams, clutching at his hand, before going face first into the sand with a muffled thump:: <Lew> ::eyes wide as he puffs towards the action:: Wow... she's... ::pant, pant:: not so bad... ::pant:: when she's not pointed *this* way.... ::ragged gasp:: Are we... there yet? * Temire runs the pirate she knocked down through the back to be sure. "Roni get over here and get Ilya." Turns to face the closest pirate. <Ilarion> ::arrives, panting, in the sand near his daughter, standing over her with his blade out:: Ilya, honey... * Temire whirls to face Lew, pulling Ilya behind her defensively. * Klarke is looking up and down the beach. "Not yet, Lew. Whoa! Um, let's go see if Madam La'Lauri over there needs some help." <Ilya> ::crying, she clings to Mira's leg:: * Temire pries Ilya's arm off, "Ilya go with your father. I'll be right behind you." <Short Pirate> ::lunging for Kauriss:: Treachery, you whore... <Tall Pirate> ::looking around at all the people, he adds two and two together and gets "Run Away Damn Quick" as an answer. He drops his sabre and heads for the small rowboat:: * Kauriss shrieks in pain as the pirate's blade cuts her. * Klarke stops short and throws a dart in a swooping overhand motion at the short pirate. <Ilarion> ::catching hold of Ilya:: Kauriss... * Lew chugs along behind Klarke, getting a gleam in his eye and veering off determinedly towards the rowboat to head off the tall pirate. * Temire thrusts her sword into the ground and quickly casts a spell, a bright light streaking towards the short pirate attacking Kauriss. <Short Pirate> ::screams as Klarke's dart grazes his arm:: * Kauriss tries to push backwards, but screams instead as her wounded arm collapses under her. <Short Pirate> ::utters a garbled cry as the magic missile strikes him:: Whore! ::with a final lunge, he falls to the sand, stabbing at Kauriss's legs with his short sword:: <Tall Pirate> ::pushing the boat into the water:: * Temire sees the short pirate drop and pulls out her mirror vanishing instantly. * Klarke runs toward Kauriss. "Mitch! We need you here!" * Lew reaches the rowboat and, instead of stopping, somersaults clumsily into it, starting to hammer on the wooden bottom with his mace with all the strength he can muster. "You're not... going anywhere... kidnapper!" <Mitch> Coming... ::runs over to the fallen woman:: <Kauriss> ::shrieks again as the sword pierces her thigh. Her skin pales even more, and she falls into a limp faint:: * Temire materializes over Lew, dropping her mirror and beginning to pummel the tall pirate in the face. <Tall Pirate> ::grimly, he fights back, smashing at Mira with his oar:: * Klarke begins to circle around the boat, angling to approach the pirate from behind, unnoticed. <Lew> GODS! ::rears backwards suddenly, throwing all his bulk against the side of the boat:: * Temire loses her balance, grabbing the pirate's shirt and capsizing the boat. * Ilarion hesitates on the shore, staring out at Mira and the pirate struggling in the water. * Temire struggles for a moment before getting a choke hold on the pirate. * Klarke runs into the water. "Lew! Lew! Where are you! Burble for me!" <Mitch> ::taking Kauriss's hand, he prays urgently, a ripple of white light creeping over her.:: <Tall Pirate> ::struggling with Temire in the water, he punches her twice in the head, trying to break her hold:: * Lew doesn't surface. The boat, half staved-in and floating upside-down now, drifts in the general direction of the struggling pair, picking up speed as it moves. * Kauriss gasps awake as the wounds in her arm and thigh heal. She starts to scramble away, then realizes she's no longer being attacked. "Who... who are you?" She looks around with confusion. <Klarke> Lew! Lew, what are you... oh, shit. HEY, LADY! LOOK OUT! <Gnimsh> ::pulling another cord on his coat:: Gnimsh Floatation Device! ::a large, yellow canvas raft begins to expand out of his shirt:: * Temire pulls her dagger and stabs the pirate in the throat before pulling him underwater with her. <Klarke> Lew! Furl the sails! Jib the mainsail! STOP! <Andre> ::emerging from the bushes:: Have I missed everything? ::looks around:: Good. <Lew> ::the boat stops in confusion as the pirate's head disappears under the water:: <Mitch> ::touching Kauriss's cheek with one hand, he looks at her with soft brown eyes:: That's a good question, my lady. Do you feel well? <Tall Pirate> ::gurgles, bleeds, and expires with a great deal of thrashing limbs:: <Lew> ::the boat drifts around in a small, confused circle:: <Kauriss> ::blinks at Mitch briefly:: I... yes, I think... Thank you. I... ::her gaze locks on Ilarion and Ilya, and she sits up:: <Gnimsh> ::wails as his raft, tied firmly to his back, finishes inflating on him, pulling him over on his back, kicking and screaming, like a turtle:: <Klarke> Um, Lew? Over this way. To the shore. Just follow my... never mind... ::begins traipsing out to deeper water, towards the boat:: <Lew> ::the boat finally "spots" the shore and starts drifting in that direction:: * Temire bursts from the water, gasping for breath after the tall pirate has been still for several moments. <Ilarion> ::relieved:: Mira! ::rather absently puts Ilya into Kauriss's arms and heads to the water:: Mira... ::he swims out to her:: <Ilya> ::sniffling:: Momma... * Temire wades back into shore cursing virulently under her breath. <Kauriss> Ilya, sweetheart! ::she hugs her daughter close:: * Klarke grabs the prow of the turtled boat and helps haul it towards the shore. <Gnimsh> Hey, uh, guys! ::kicking, trying to regain his feet:: <Lew> ::the prow grounds on the shore, and a hollow knocking sounds from inside it, and Lew's voice:: Um... Klarke? * Ilarion helps Mira to shore. "Are you all right?" * Klarke absently sits down on top of the boat and starts examining his soaked pants, boots, and jacket. "Yes, Lew?" <Lew> ::the end of the boat pushes up slightly, and falls again:: I think I'm stuck again. <Mitch> ::his eyes still rapt on Kauriss:: Did Klarke say you were Madam La'Lauri? * Temire nods, retrieving her sword before turning to the strangers, "What the blue suffering fuck is going on here?!?" <Ilarion> ::shaking his head:: I haven't a clue, but that one in the robe healed Kauri's wounds... * Klarke nods solemnly. "I think you are, Lew. Gimme just... one... moment." He finishes wringing the water out of his jacket, stands up, and starts rocking the boat to and fro, trying to get it off Lew. <Kauriss> ::glances up at Mitch, still hugging Ilya:: I am... Who are *you*? ::she looks around at the assortment on the beach, stopping on Klarke:: I've seen *him* before, somewhere... <Lew> ::the crunch of what sounds suspiciously like an apple echoes from under the boat:: * Temire takes a deep breath and holds it for a moment before asking in a dangerously quiet tone, "I want an explanation now before I start disembowelling people." <Klarke> Wait just a second, Lew. I'm going to get help. Really. And don't worry. They caught the last of the carnivorous barnacles around here *years* ago. You're perfectly safe. ::he walks over to Kauriss and everyone else:: Madame La'Lauri? <Kauriss> ::looks up at Klarke as she strokes Ilya's sheared-off hair:: Yes. Have we met? <Mitch> ::looking somewhat nervously at Temire:: Um, well, that's sort of a long story, ma'am... Master La'lauri was our employer. He fenced this operation... ::thinks:: Enforced... finished? ::muttering:: <Lew> ::a loud thump and an "OW" sounds from under the boat:: Carnivorous barnacles? What carnivorous barnacles? Klarke? * Klarke bows floridly. "Of course. I'm Klarke. We met about a month ago, when your husband hired us to find the other half of a map he had. Well... we found it. Mitch? Financed." <Andre> ::helping Gnimsh out of his raft:: <Kauriss> ::blinks from Klarke to Mitch and back again:: Oh, I thought I'd seen you before, but I had no idea... Eston *hired* you? <Gnimsh> ::muttering:: Gnimsh not hurt, Gnimsh just unhappy. Spend all this time, inventing these stupid inventions, people saying Gnimsh wasting his time. * Temire throws hers up in the air, "Of course. Bloody fucking perfect. Come on, let's get out of here." <Lew> Klarke? Gnimsh? Mitch? ...anyone? * Ilarion pauses a minute, holding Mitch's copy of the map in one hand, he fishes in his pouch, pulling out another tattered piece of map. * Temire pauses, waiting for Roni and Ilya, cleaning her sword off. * Kauriss gently pulls Ilya off her neck. "Sweetheart, go say thank you to Miss Temire for helping rescue you... Momma needs to talk to these people." * Klarke nods at Kauriss. 'Oh, yes. In fact he was quite generous and offered us..." He shoots a glance at Mitch and finds himself on the receiving end of a steady stare. ".. well, actually, we took his opening offer, which was quite... thrifty." <Ilya> ::wandering over to Mira, her hair cut brutally short in fringes around her head:: Mira? * Temire sheathes her sword and squats down so she's eye to eye with Ilya, "Yes Ilya?" <Kauriss> ::looking at Klarke and Mitch:: I see... At least, I think I do... ::she holds up a hand:: Help me up, please? <Lew> ::the crunch of apple sounds from under the boat again:: <Ilya> ::reaching out and touching Mira's shortened hair:: You cut yours? To go wiff mine? ::she bursts into tears, wrapping her arms around Mira's neck:: Thank you... <Andre> ::stomping over, she flips the boat over:: Get out of there, Lew. * Klarke kneels down in front of Kauriss, offering his hand. "Of course, Madam. Whatever you wish." * Lew sits cross-legged on the sand, looking extremely soggy and slightly guilty. "I can't help it. I get hungry when I'm nervous." <Ilarion> ::putting the two map pieces together:: Well, I'll be damned. <Andre> ::exasperated:: It's a wonder you have any nerves left! * Temire hugs Ilya, "Shhhhh...It's alright Ilya...I won't let anyone hurt you...Shhhhh..." <Lew> ::holds up the half-eaten apple:: Emergency rations. <Lew> ::blinks and looks around:: Is the berserker lady okay? <Gnimsh> ::excitedly, he starts drawing a revised Flotation Device plan in the sand, then scowls as Andre walks right over it:: Watch where you stepping on my invention! * Kauriss takes Klarke's hand with a faint smile and stands. "Thank you." She wipes her hands off on her ruined skirts, then looks over at Ilarion. "Do they match, Ilarion?" <Ilarion> ::handing Kauriss the pieces:: Yes. ::he glances at Kauriss a moment, then heads over to Mira and Ilya, embracing the two together:: * Klarke stands with Kauriss. "Of course, my lady." <Ilya> ::her eyes lighting up:: Pappa! * Kauriss watches Ilarion for a moment, then takes a deep breath and squares her shoulders as she turns back to Klarke and Mitch. "Well. It looks like you've accomplished your task... I should..." She hesitates. "Master La'laurie is dead, most likely killed by these... ruffians." <Mitch> ::looking serious:: Oh... Um... well, what does that mean, as far as our job goes? I mean, right is still right. * Klarke looks back at Mitch, and then to Kauriss. "Lady, we're so sorry for your loss." <Ilarion> ::kissing his daughter, he looks at Temire:: Are you all right? * Lew works himself to his feet, toddling a little unevenly over towards Roni and Mira. "Hi... um... is the little girl alright? Mitch is a cleric..." <Kauriss> ::nods:: Thank you. I would - of course! - like to honor your agreement with my husband, but I'm afraid you find me very much at a disadvantage, sirs, knowing nothing of the original contract... ::her eyes drift back toward Ilarion and Ilya:: Perhaps you are owed something more, as well, for your unexpected assistance today... * Temire nods, "I need to put a steak on my face and I'm going to have the worst headache for a day or two, but I'm alright." <Klarke> Lady, we would be able to stick to the terms of the original contract, with the smallest addition for our aid here today. Say, perhaps twenty percent? <Mitch> ::nods, seeing that Klarke has things well in... um... hand:: Is the little girl all right? ::moves over to Ilya and Ilarion:: Can I... help? <Ilarion> ::inspecting Ilya:: She seems fine... ::looks at Mitch:: Could you see to Temire, please? <Kauriss> ::blinks:: Well... that seems fair, I suppose, but... ::she smiles apologetically:: You'll understand - I'm not quite at my best just now... Perhaps you and your associates could come by the house in a few days, and we'll discuss all the details? ::she looks down at the pieces of map in her hands:: I'll need someone to... well, *do* something with these... <Lew> ::holds up a defensive hand in front of Mitch:: She's not going to attack us again, will she? <Klarke> ::smoothly:: Well, Madam La'Lauri, our contract with your husband was for the map. We would be given rights of first refusal, and we're not refusing, to investigate the location of said pirate treasure, and return it to you, for a mere forty percent of the gross total treasure discovered and returned. <Mitch> ::smiling hesitantly:: I'd be glad to help, if you'd allow it, ma'am? ::he bows to Temire, absently knocking Lew out of the way:: <Lew> ::hissing:: Mitch, she's *dangerous*, and without Bull... * Temire takes a deep breath obviously calming herself, "Which god do you serve?" <Mitch> ::bowing again:: Torm, ma'am. * Temire thinks a moment then nods, "Very well." <Mitch> ::placing his hands - very gingerly - on Temire's shoulders, he closes his eyes, praying:: * Lew watches with a frown, hand on his belt, over his mace, in case of any sudden moves. <Ilarion> ::looking at Lew:: Who's Bull? * Klarke looks at the sand and kicks a spray up at Ilarion's question. <Mitch> ::completing his prayer, he looks at Ilarion, his eyes sad:: <Lew> ::frowning deeper, wiping at his nose:: Was. Bull was our best fighter. He's... he's dead. <Kauriss> Oh, I see... ::she ponders it for a moment, then nods:: All right. ::she offers the map pieces to Klarke with a smile:: * Temire looks at Mitch and nods, "Thank you, and I'm sorry to hear of your loss." <Mitch> ::bowing again:: Thank you, ma'am. * Klarke takes the map from Kauriss. "We, or at least I, will try to stop by your house anyway, and just make sure you're getting by all right. Don't you worry." * Lew turns away a little to wipe his eyes covertly. "Damn saltwater..." <Kauriss> ::smiles:: That's very kind of you, Master...? <Mitch> ::elbowing Klarke:: Mouth... ::he turns, winking at Kauriss:: We'll be glad to stop by, milady. <Andre> ::brushing off her dress:: Can we go *now*? I want a bed to sleep in, I'm tired of camping out. * Klarke elbows Mitch back, his concerned smile never flickering. "De Vereaux. Klarke De Vereaux." <Kauriss> ::nods to Mitch:: Please do... I'm sorry you lost your friend. <Gnimsh> ::excitedly:: Andre... Gnimsh have good cot, you can use. <Lew> ::a little mournfully:: A hot dinner would be nice... <Ilarion> ::picking Ilya up, he carries her on his hip:: For a change, they're making sense... let's get off this bloody island... <Kauriss> Master De Vereaux, then. I'll look forward to your visit. * Temire nods in agreement with Ilarion, "Think our boat can hold everyone?" <Ilarion> ::counting:: Probably... <Temire> Good. It would be a shame to see that map sink to the bottom after all this trouble. <Lew> We have a boat. Back over that way. ::points:: Where you attacked us. <Ilarion> ::nodding to Lew:: We have one too... <Temire> Yes, and it looks like it would sink if a bird flew overhead. * Klarke offers Kauriss his arm. "Walk you to the leaky tug of your dreams, Madam La'Lauri?" <Gnimsh> Gnimsh pick out boat! ::proudly:: <Kauriss> ::laughs lightly and rests a hand lightly on Klarke's arm.:: Thank you, Master De Vereaux. * Temire shakes her head. <Andre> ::turning to Mira, with an air of quiet desperation:: In that case, can *I* go on your boat? * Temire snorts and chuckles, "That was the idea." <Lew> ::frowns at Temire:: It's sturdier than it looks. It got us here, didn't it? ::patting Gnimsh on the shoulder:: |
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