[Sat Aug 25 20:01:37 GMT 2001]

Waking to the light of the next day you find Russeth making his way upon deck in the mid morning light. After being by the jeweler he waits for your answers on what do with the ship. Before him sits a large sack of what appears to be rippling coins.

Russeth walks along the dock in direction of the boat, he is watching around, smiling at folks passing by, and whistling a joyful tune. In his right hand he is shuffling two small pearls with agility around his fingers, in his left hand he uses a large sack to draw circles in the air. He raises his right arm and waves at the rest of the party just coming out of bed with a warm smile as he begins up the gangway. "Howdy, my good friends. How was your sleep, not too much shaking here tied at the port I hope?"

Elina rubs her eyes gently and yawns. "Darling did you get the wine I ask you for?"

Jarl climbs up onto the deck " so when we be setting sale for the other side of this big moat?"

Isreal wakes an says as he looks at the boat "well I think its a good boat I may like going to sea this will be a great investment a new floating home for us all"

Russeth drops the sack of coins lightly near the stairs leading up to the poop. "I'm not sure about setting sail, I'm not sure we are prepared to travel by sea." He takes out a bottle of wine, and takes a sip before handing it to his beloved, "There ye go, dear."

Zakren comes out of the door, his face pale and with a bucket that he holds the farthest away from him as he can. He grunts at Russeth before making his way to the side of the boat and dropping the content of the bucket into the sea..."I hate boats." He throws the bucket away and his way weakly to Russeth.

Ston looks out over the water and into the horizon, while pondering. He then scratches his stubble-covered chin and sighs. "I think I will stick to what I know and that is the land." He then pats his horse on the head and waits patiently.

[Isreal]: "Ah Ston think of all the riches an good we can do across the sea"

Zakren nods to Ston..."Aye..."and then turns back to Russeth..."We weren't made to be on water." He watches the plains outside the city walls and sighs.

Malakai emerges from below decks, stretching, and gently covering a yawn with his right hand. " I've never slept on a boat before.... It was, interesting...."

Elina smiles and takes the wine from Russeth, placing it into her pack. Turning, she stars at the water and shivers. "I still hate water no matter what you guys says."

Russeth cracks his knuckles and looks up at Isreal, "Maybe you would like to set sail on that boat, but it involves a bit of training, and discipline." His eyes widen for a moment as he tries to send a message to him. "We can't do nothing across the sea Isreal! Unless ye want to stay on the boat forever, yourself?"

Ston smiles and then turns to Isreal; "I live across the sea. There is just as much here and more"

[Isreal]: "well surely Russeth we would be able to handle it looks what all we have done thus far"

[Jarl]: "well. We need to get over to that mage and back. Then we could always have others run it for us as shipping of goods to the East. We wouldn't even have to ride in the thing"

Kirarae snickers, "Well while you all debate being land lovers, I’ll be getting my things." Turning to make his way back down below. 'Maybe we should sink it and collect for its salvage?" He mutters as he disappears below deck.

Russeth shakes his head at Jarl, "For that you need contacts. Which we do not have on the other side selling the boat to a captain in need would be much easier, and our fortune would be made in minutes." He nods confidently and glances over at Elina with a smile, then spins back at the rest of the party. "While we could travel with fine steeds to the north, and it wouldn't be a big difference, we wouldn't have to maintain that vessel."

[Elina]: "What do those crates contain?" Wondering as she examines the crates.

[Isreal]: "I don’t think we should just sell, it off. I have to get some things in town I will be back in a few don’t sell it while I am gone"

Russeth grumbles as he watches Isreal walk away "Couldn't you have done this last night." He shakes his head as he watches his back, "Him. So shall it be a majority vote then?" He looks back at the others.

Jarl sits on the deck, shaking his head. "Always gots to be easy and quick. Never in the long term"

[Ston]: With his eyes widening he looks at Jarl and only sighs, remembering his last words with the dwarf. Then after a moment he goes back over near his horse and checks it from front to back.

Zakren shrugs..."I guess that's the fairest way to decide..." He looks to the others for support.

Russeth sits back in the stairs up and stares at the sack of coins, he looks over at Elina and tosses her the pearl he had been shuffling, "Make good use of them, or share it with the thief."

Kirarae returns from below deck. "Well what will it be?" We sailing or walking?"

Malakai shrugs " I am indifferent to whatever you people decide, it would be a hassle to pay for this boat's maintenance, but, the way fate is, if we sell it we will probably end up needing it in the future...."

Jarl shrugs "do we even knows are options yet?"

[Elina]: "Well do we have enough fresh water and food aboard?" wondering out loud as she continues to examine the crates.

Russeth raises an eyebrow, "Kirarae we will be voting. Everyone can vote, I'll step aside for this one for the outcome of the voting doesn't matter to me at all." He shrugs with the same smile as earlier.

Kirarae shrugs "Makes no difference to me I have no trouble with the mage or mages so I can stay upon this side. Or that as I said no difference."

Ston groans at the mention of a majority vote. "Ok, if that is what it takes then so be it." He then smiles and replies again in an assertive tone, "I am for land travel. Without a trained crew it would not be a good idea"

Malakai speaks up " I am for whichever way is quickest for getting this mage business behind us..."

Russeth kicks the bottom step of the staircase and then nods towards Ston, "Now we have to wait for Isreal. Who’s never here for the rare times we need him." He shrugs again and glances at Malakai

[Russeth]: "Thanks for your more than ever clear answer, Malakai. We can't predict which way is quicker. Both may have encounters!"

Isreal comes back from the stable "with a well stocked Mule an many new things "

Zakren leans upon the railing..."How much time will it take by land?" He gazes off towards the sea.

[Elina]: "I am for travel upon the good solid ground." shaking her head as she remembers her horrifying experiences with great bodies of water. "I guess we can always sell the boat after we deal with the mage.

Russeth laughs at Zakren, "I would tell you if I had ever been there and if I knew exactly where in the mountains we are headed."

[Isreal]: "good you are still standing next to the ship not sold yet"

Kirarae laughs "Ok well then I guess we should be disembarking from the vessel then. Don't wish to pay for staying aboard." Laughs some more to him self as he gets off the ship and back on the docks.

[Isreal]: "I say we don’t sell the boat I think just having it is a good ideal"

Russeth eyes Kirarae as he laves and quickly follows, let us do so. "And we should look for a buyer for the boat. No matter what, we'll need one if we want to sell." He sighs and ads, ". Which would be most wise."

Zakren scratches his chin and turns towards Ston..."Those Mountains are near your homeland? How much time will it take to reach them by horse?"

Jarl stands on the dock "me say we talks with the harbor master to finds a merchant wanting to take his goods across the water, and maybe even look to see if we could set a shipment up to be returned back here or Harrowdale. After which we dock it for a time to setup a solid agreement with a merchant company to ship goods on a normal basis"

Malakai smiles over at Russeth " It wouldn't be the most wise, Russeth, just what you want."

[Russeth]: "Why is it a good idea Isreal? The boat itself is not necessary at the moment. We can travel by horse to the north and make it safely for certain."

Kirarae looks back towards Russeth, "You mean go around by land through the north? Is that what your saying?"

[Isreal]: "yeah you safe is giants dragons an trolls I think you need to see a healer you seam sick"

Russeth laughs at Malakai and stares at him for a moment with a slight grin, "Hey. So far the things I've wanted haven't been that bad."

Elina shakes her head at the argument. "This is going to be a long journey...."

[Jarl]: "but how long will this take, to get there by land over sea? And we still have that mountain range to find him in. maintains aren't no small thing ye knows"

[Isreal]: "well I could find a buyer for the boat if you all want to sale it?"

Russeth smiles as he listens to them, "Okay. Is every single one of you ready to learn how to sail and set out, HELP on the boat." He smiles at Jarl, "Tssk. I have to admit by boat will be much faster. But we aren't trained."

[Malakai]: " How much is it for a trained crew?"

Russeth shakes his head at Malakai; "We don't have the funds. Buying the boat itself will cost all our gems, plus a little more I will pay from my pocket."

[Jarl]: "well we gets a crew that is, and find good to ship as well to cover the costs of the crew and supplies"

[Elina]: "Do you need me to help with the boat? I will rather help out by cooking and washing." saying as she shakes her head at the thought of standing upon the deck and starts to feel dizzy, going green.

Ston still stands by his horse just looking around and whistling softly a calm soothing melody. His horse neighs a moment then it calms and stands at his side. Ston is now facing the water and watching the rising sun.

Zakren glances at the sack of coins and then turns to Russeth..."Hey Russeth...how much do we have?"

Russeth sighs as he rubs the back of his neck slowly and looks up at the sky, seeming a little fatigued. "1648 gold pieces. And everyone's share."

[Jarl]: "bah! Tis too easy me go and get some numbers for ye to look at. Maybe ye needs pictures or something"

Isreal rubs his mules head "well what are we going to do I will throw my money to help for the Crew Or we get a contract to carry something or someone across the water an get half the money up front to pay the crew"

Jarl walks off to the harbormaster's building

Zakren grins..."Actually...isn't that me, you, and Isreal's share?"

Russeth shakes his head; "We have already shared what was to be shared. These gems will be used for the group."

[Isreal]: "I should sail some of these " Isreal pulls out of a sack components "these are hard to get they should bring a good price"

Russeth turns around and sighs as he watches the party on the docks discussing, "By the way. Does any one of you know how to maneuver a boat in the most slightly of ways?

Why do you want to own one so bad?" He taps his foot upon the wooden planks of the gangway with a smile.

[Malakai]: " Well, there is this strange inability of mine, most land people share it... I find it difficult to swim great distances with all my gear..." he shrugs.

[Isreal]: "something I have never done Russeth I like to try new things an you know me I jump in with both feet"

Elina shakes her head at Russeth. "Do we have enough to pay for the boat in the first place. The repairs cost us quite a bit and we still owe the shipwright their payment."

Ston walks his horse to the corner of the dock and street. He then turns and walks the horse back to the boat. Along the way he tosses some copper coins in the direction of some less fortunate souls. He then stops near the edge of the dock and waits to see what everyone has decided.

Russeth rolls his eyes as he listens to the answers, "Well. Then you have to avoid the waters, Malakai. And you Isreal well when you jump both feet first into something, there's usually a lot of damage dealt, to thyself in the first place." He smiles wider and turns to Elina, "Barely. Plus I'll add a little more to make up for the whole price, then we'll have nothing but each other's share."

Kirarae snickers "I thought you knew Russeth you were the great navigator well navigate."

Zakren sighs and sits, his back against the railing..."I don't think it will be possible to get to those mountains without the boat."

Jarl comes, running back to the boat "Hey.... Hey Isreal. Can ye come with me to the main market? Let’s just see what a merchant company would pay to ship its goods. What ye say?"

[Jarl]: "there be all kinds of workers on these docks that knows the working of these ships"

Russeth shrugs at Kirarae, "A navigator can't do it all alone. Find me a crew, or make your mind on learning to sail. I can teach you the basics and guide you through the process. A boat is a very risky investment, you are aware that if we encounter problems it'll be all our fortune we have lost, not that it matters much to me." He makes his way up the gangway and upon the quarterdeck, "I guess we shall sail the boat then, everyone seems to agree on using it, now."

[Isreal]: "I can cook an take care of getting all the food we will need an the fair Elina can help me we will eat like kings"

Zakren asks Jarl without looking..."Do you actually know what port we are headed to?"

Elina sighs "Well I will be below deck you need me. Might as well make use of the kitchen to make some breakfast for all of you."

[Jarl]: "Hey Russ tell us or show us how to find the merchant's guild will ye?"

[Isreal]: "yes Jarl I will go with you to the market"

Russeth shakes his head at Isreal; "I don't want you in the kitchen Isreal. I want you to help. If you want to jump into things with both feet, do it right."

Malakai boards the ship as well, finding a nice spot where he can watch the early morning sun reflect off of the waters.

[Isreal]: "yeah anyone have a map to this guys home?"

Jarl smiles and nods "yes, the closest one that pays the most, that be the port for me"

Russeth shakes his head as he listens to Jarl, "It has been a while I haven't been here... perhaps ye can ask around, I never went to the merchant's guild. Nor market."

[Jarl]: "hey, Russ the merchant's guild?"

Zakren shakes his head..."The merchants aren't our main concern...we need to reach the mountains..."

Russeth glares at Jarl and Isreal, and sighs, "You two find a map of the Reach, and a possible crew."

[Ston]: Seeing that everyone is set on the boat he sighs and then looks for a way to walk his horse onto the boat. "I know you don't like them, but we have to go," he says to the horse. He then looks to all of you and smiles topped off with a polite tone, "If you all wish to use the boat then lets use it and be on our way."

Elina ponders for a moment upon the deck before the stairs to the cabin below. "Will someone get some food and water please? I can't cook with nothing available." Sighing as she turns and rests her back against the cabin's wall.

[Isreal]: "I would like one more to come with me a Jarl safety in number you would not believe the number of thieves about mind you watch that purse" Isreal whispers

[Isreal]: "Russeth will you look after my mule while I go with Jarl?"

Zakren looks up to Ston..."Isn't that easy...we need a map...a crew...a location...maybe even goods to minimize our travel costs..."

Jarl nods "well me knows the main market is we try there first. Hey Ston why not you and Russ go setup a crew of good hard workers for the crew. Ye seems a good judge of people"

Kirarae laughs "my god folks it’s only across the reach you think we were taking a voyage. You will be on land before you know it."

Russeth nods at Isreal, "I will lead it into the hold with Ston's horse."

Jarl leaves with Isreal for the market "come on lad"

[Ston]: "Wouldn't it be easier to sell the ship and buy a ticket on a ferry across the sea?"

Russeth looks at Elina, "You know dear. If we are lucky and are driven by the wind across the reach, this trip will last no more than a day or so. Why are you so nervous about food and water?"

[Ston]: "The tickets are rather cheap."

Zakren stands up and smiles at Kirarae..."Well you seem to know everything...what is the closest port to the Earthspur Mountains?" He crosses his arms over his chest.

Isreal go to the guild with Jarl

Kirarae looks up at Zakren and points out upon the waters then to Ston, "He comes from across there so what’s the big deal, he knows about that side."

[Elina]: "Just a day or two? To me its going to seem like eternality upon this boat and forsaken water." crossing her arms as she speaks.

Zakren grins at Ston..."If we were looking for the easiest way, we wouldn't be going off in dangerous forest and into mage houses."

Russeth shakes his head as he watches Isreal and Jarl, "What's with them. They seem to want to do as little and useless as possible." He grumbles as he climbs onto the boat with an obvious sigh. "So. It’s not gonna be." He looks over at Elina quickly and then turns to the sea.

Zakren shrugs at Kirarae..."I know...asked him earlier but he didn't answer..."

Russeth leads the mule into the hold, mumbling to himself about how hard it is to have everyone agree, and then comes back up onto the quarterdeck.

[Elina]: "I agree with Ston to sell the boat and get someone to get us to the mountains upon their boat. It will be much cheaper."

Russeth shakes his head as he comes close to punching the side of the boat, his cheek turn red a little as he stares out at the sea. "I should've continued with that vote. When Isreal and Jarl are back. We’re selling that boat, no matter what they say."

Russeth sits back in the stairs and waits patiently, looking at the docks waiting for the two of them to reappear.

Elina heads down into the cabin and goes into her room, which she shares with Russeth and takes out her book and starts studying.

Ston nods to Russeth and then pulls his horse away from the gangplank. The horse steps from side to side, but he manages to steady it. "I don't know what it is, but this horse hates boats"

Russeth shrugs as he continues to stare at the roads, and at the mule still on the docks. "I don't think many animals like boats." His earlier smile has faded and is no more.

Kirarae looks on, "It’s the water Ston not the boat, this is why they made covered bridges for crossing rivers or wide enough the horse couldn't see."

Ston shakes his head as if to disagree with Kirarae, "No, its the boats. This horse has already crossed a few rivers with little trouble. I cam over here on a boat with that horse and it was sick the entire time"

Kirarae laughs "Heh we might all be sick before this is done."

[Malakai]: " Sick of listening to arguing about what we should do with a pile of wood that has a piece of cloth attached to the top?"

Zakren laughs..."Ahh but this pile of wood is worth a lot of money..."

Malakai nods " It has a fancy name...."

Russeth doesn't seem to pay much attention to what they say, he shrugs, and "Well it'll be over as soon as they come back."

Zakren smiles as he thinks of something..." Hey Russeth"...he turns towards him..."What are we going to do with the money after?"

[Malakai]: " Well, what was the vote total? I missed it...."

Russeth shrugs at Zakren, "We will buy our way across the Reach, if we need to pay. Maybe the buyer will help us cross." Then once across we will purchase horses, mountain climbing equipment, provisions. We might identify a few items if you want."

Zakren looks down and runs his hand over his armor..."Well I'll be needing some money for a new armor..."

Russeth raises an eyebrow at Zakren, "I think the dwarf is able to repair armors. But I am not sure. You know he'll have time to waste on the boat." He smiles slightly, at last.

Zakren shakes his head..."This thing is fine...I just want better armor...maybe I'll be able to dodge more attacks. You need me to stay alive." He grins as he brushes his holy symbol with his hand.

Ston nods to Zakren and then looks at his own armor, "I think we all feel the same way."

Russeth smiles as he walks over to Zakren, "Oh. Do we?" He punches him on the shoulder in a friendly manner. "Of course we do." He notices them looking at their armor and shrugs; "Mine is still fine. Might need a little repair on the shoulders." He rubs the lightly pierced shoulder pieces of studded leather and shrugs again.

Malakai looks down at his " I need to know what mine does, besides provide protection...."

Russeth shrugs at Malakai, "You don't need to know. Since you'll be using it no matter what." He laughs sharply and walks over to the sack of coins; he tosses 27 gold pieces into it and walks down the gangway into the shipwright.

You sit upon the deck of the ship watching the sailors work the dock waiting for the return of Jarl and Isreal with news from the guilds.

Zakren turns to the three remaining on the boat..."I'll be sleeping while we still have a bed...come get me when someone gets back." He walks off towards his cabin.

Malakai nods " Truer words were never spoken, aside from ' Jarl and Isreal are always late.' "

An hour or so passes when you see Isreal and Jarl making their, way down the docks.

Jarl, comes back huffing and puffing "well lads ye never guess to loot to be made"

Russeth comes back outside staring at Jarl and Isreal as he makes his way up the gangway, "I've decided we should sell the boat." Is the only thing he tells them, he makes his way over to the top and shrugs at the others. "In an hour, the boat is ours and we are free to do what we want."

Ston watches the dwarf approach and just sits on the deck watching his horse, which is tied too a deck rail near the road.

You sit and continue to debate as the hour passes aboard the ship.

[Jarl]: "seams we have to register the ship at the home port, he told me that shipments across the reach pay 25 GP for common good per ton and 50 GP for hostile goods so about 1250 GP a shipment!"

[Jarl]: "and that be only common goods "

Russeth looks over at Jarl and sighs, "Alright. Will this man be ready to travel across the reach today? Or will we be on a list of another thousands of boats waiting to be used?"

Elina walks out of the cabin and greets Jarl and Isreal and rest herself near Russeth.

[Jarl]: "no tis the merchant's guild as a whole. We would have to register first. Then in a week we could take goods across. I know we can't wait a week here, but we can register now and then bring some goods back to Scardale on our return trip"

Jarl waves to Elina

Kirarae looks around the dock "Well if we aren't keeping the boat, where do we go from here? I take it you are not worried about this mages staff anymore?"

[Ston]: "I tell you what, lets build a shack on the end of the pier and run a shipping business. Forget adventuring when we can ship cargo." He laughs at the thought of becoming a merchant.

Russeth shakes his head; "This'll be a too long waste of time. Let’s just sell the boat at a fair price. We can make our riches in much more honorable ways than 'shipments' if you want my opinion."

Russeth shakes his head at Kirarae, "To whomever we sell the boat we ask for a free trip across the reach. And if he refuses then to hell with him, he doesn't get our boat."

Jarl just shakes his head "blind"

[Elina]: "Well we can try and get someone to ferry us to the mountains if we sell the boat." smiling at Kirarae as she speaks.

[Malakai]: " Voting time, again, I guess... Keep or sell the boat? I vote we keep it..."

Kirarae "Then why we wasting time get our money from the shipwright let the boat be forfeit into their possession and lets be on with it".

Russeth shakes his head back at Jarl then makes his way down the gangway, he goes inside to meet the shipwright.

[Ston]: "I think selling the boat would be in our best interest" He then walks across the plank to where his horse is.

Elina shrugs at Kirarae. "I am wondering that too."

[Jarl]: "keep it ye won't get much over what a shipment for the merchants would pay us. Hell we don't have to do the work ourselves we can have others handle the work after this short run"

[Malakai]: " Alright, so far we have 2 for keeping the boat, 1 against. Anyone else want to vote?"

[Elina]: "I say we sell it. Don't like boats or the stuff that surrounds it."

[Malakai]: " Alright, two to two... Zakren, Kirarae, Isreal?"

Isreal nods for the motion to keep it the vessel.

Kirarae looks over "Doesn’t matter I could care less as I said before makes no difference, so add mine to the lead vote."

Russeth comes out of the shipwright holding up papers; "Here we go. The ship is ours, the longer we stay around, the more it'll cost us. 10 gold a day for staying here." He climbs back up onto the deck and sighs

[Jarl]: "hell. I can even help with having others watch over the ship for us when we are gone"

Kirarae looks down the dock, "Zakren went below you have to go ask him if you wish to know, but he will say no he already got sick and we haven't left the dock yet."

[Malakai]: " We currently have 4 for keeping the boat, 2 for selling it... Your vote, Russeth?"

Russeth shrugs, "My vote doesn't change anything at the moment, therefore we are keeping the boat." He looks at his comrades and smiles, "Alright. Let’s cast off before Zakren wakes up, maybe he won't get sick if he doesn't know we are sailing. We have to go dock at the merchant's guild." Laughing to him self as he climbs onto the poop.

Kirarae laughs "Why vote now it will be 4 to 4" Laughing as he finds a seat upon a lone crate on the dock.

[Jarl]: "hey, let me run to the harbor master and register the thing real fast. Do we have a crew?"

[Malakai]: " Did you buy one?"

Russeth walks over to the barrier that separates the poop from the rest of the ship. "Alright everyone, when I say 'Muster', you all get together on the quarterdeck. Which is just in front of the poop. So now muster!"

Russeth glares at Jarl, "We don't. Find 4 men willing to work. We can make the rest of the crew on our own. We have strong enough men."

Ston sighs and walks his horse onto the ship. He then walks it into the carriage deck below. The horses weight creeks the deck as it clops along." Ok, lets hope the weather is kind to us", Ston says as he disappears below decks.

[Jarl]: "Ston help me find some men to work. Why I talk with the harbor master" he runs for the harbormaster's building

Ston emerges from the lower deck after removing all of the gear from his horse. He is whistling the same tune as earlier. It is broken as he looks over to the dwarf, "Get men for what?"

Russeth shakes his head as he looks at Ston; "You stay here. I'm gonna have to teach you some of the ways of navigation. Perhaps someone else can look for 4 men to complete our crew?"

Leaving the shipwright having acquired the Sea Drake you now need to figure out where to get a few swabbies from to crew the vessel, before having to dirty your own hands and spend time learning new skills on how to do it yourself. Making your way about the docks you see there is no shortage of sailors for hire as they scramble back and fourth loading and unloading ships for a days wage. While still being able to overflow from within the taverns onto the streets with their rowdy ways. With in the hour you have a group of drunken sailors ready to ship out at the cost of two gold pieces per month, with the first two months paid in advance. Totaling 8 gold four the four of them.

Russeth smiles at the drunken sailors as he shows them the way onto the ship, "So. Sailors do you have a specification, or you can do it all?" He points to the rudder, the riggings and the rig.

The crew looks about the small boat before turning to Russeth, "No problem it’s not like you have a man of war or something." They laugh and snicker as they go to stow away their gear down below.

Ston waits patiently on deck while talking to Russeth. He inspects the ropes and knots with great interest as if he knew something on the subject. After a few short tugs here and a few pulls there he looks over to Russeth and grins. "The ropes seem to be in good shape and most of the knots were tied correctly"

Russeth laughs as he pats them on the back, "Alright then. I hope you can do most on your own, I'll have some people needing more attention." He grins and reaches down his pouch, tossing each of them 2 gold pieces as they pass by.

Malakai is sure to lock his cabin with surly sailors he doesn't know wondering about, may only be 4, but only takes one to rip you off.

The men take their pay and stow their gear now returning to the deck to eye up the lass and await orders.

Russeth nods at Ston, "I see you know your way around with ropes. While we travel I want you to keep a look on the rigging, the ropes, and see if they are all steady and well knotted. If there is a problem of sorts, you can just tell me and I will have it fixed."

Elina decides she has seen enough of the boat and the smell of salted water, heads into the cabin and starts cleaning the wedding band and scimitar as she prepares them for her spell.

Russeth nods to the men as they get ready on the deck, "Alright my friends. While I teach the basics of navigation to my party, I want you to ready the boat for casting off, can you do that?"

Ston nods to Russeth as if the chore was beneath him. "Yeah, I'll keep an eye on them. Let’s just hope the weather is good"

Malakai returns to the deck as well, having left his armor and weapons, except for his longsword, in his cabin. " As I said before, Russeth, I know not of sailing... But am willing to learn, and am able to pull my own weight around here..."

[Elina]: "Darling, pass me the pearls will you?" Whispering to Russeth as she walks out of the cabin.

Jarl runs back towards the boat "well we shipping off?"

Russeth looks down at Jarl, "In a few. Still have to wait for Isreal's wonderful forgery." He shakes his head as he walks back to the middle of the deck, "Do not cast off yet, we still are missing one crew member."

The sailors nod and begin untying the ship from the others and begin to prepare the oars for movement.

Elina frowns at her self, remembering she already have the pearls. "Must be getting old...." and returns below deck into her cabin and starts her preparations.

Jarl runs back onto the boat "Isreal is sleeping down below"

[Russeth]: While he waits for Isreal to come back, he takes Malakai aside and murmurs a few terms to him with a smile, as if happy to teach someone the ways of navigation.

Isreal sits on the poop deck playing with the ballista and scratching his head. Peering off the deck, "I’m not sleeping just looking."

Jarl looks to Isreal "how ye can shot that thing"

Isreal shrugs, "Looks like a big crossbow to me just don’t stand in front of the point."

Malakai rolls his eyes as he looks up at Isreal " Really?"

Jarl nods in agreement

[Russeth]: Once he is done he makes his way to Ston next to the rigging and smiles, on the way he nods to the real sailors, "Alright. We are ready to depart then. Maneuver out of the port by yourselves. He orders them as he explains to Ston the basics of sailing."

Russeth looks over at the sailors and ponders a moment as he shouts, "Hey! You got food with ye or we need to buy you some?"

Jarl stands on the port side of the deck watching the crewmen work hopping to learn something of use in doing this

[Crewmen]: "We don't need food you’re the captain you supply it. You do have food aboard don't you?"

Jarl cocks an eye looking at Russ

Russeth slaps his forehead; "Ya well. The trip is supposed to last one to two days so we have brought food for ourselves. Isreal, can you go buy some food, you seem to be bored up there." He smiles.

Malakai looks about, doing a head count " I've got all the food I need...." he says, making a joke.

Russeth nods at Malakai as he starts climbing up the stairs with him, "Come with me, Malakai. You'll be the helmsman."

Malakai stands and follows Russeth " Alright, thank you for assigning me a task of moderate importance, I feel almost useful."

[Jarl]: "how much food and water do we have on board and how much are we going to need the crew will stay with the ship when we board will they not? When we land I mean."

Crewmen places the last oar, "We are ready to move from port sir when you’re ready."

Zakren makes his way to the deck and yawns..."What the hell is going on up here..." He looks at the 4 stranger..."We being attacked?"

Zakren moves his hand towards his sword hilt..."What kind of town is this?"

Russeth shrugs at Jarl, "We will be okay, we are ready to cast off!" He shouts out as he looks back at the port, and then at Zakren getting up. "No. We’re casting off Zakren. Get up here."

[Jarl]: "no they are the crewmen"

Zakren scratches his head and yawns again..."Geez...how long did I sleep...didn't...weren't we supposed to sell it?"

Ston looks to the crewman and replies, "Onward then!"

The crewmen begin rowing the boat out of the slip as it slowly but surely begins to move out into the waters. Before you is fairly open as the other ships are in a separate harbor then the shipwright docks.

Russeth motions the crewmen to untie the boat from the Ballard’s.

Zakren goes pale again as he staggers to the railings..."Ahh hell...this is just great."

[Ston]: "Take her out into the open, then its all Russeth from there", looking over at him and grinning.

The crew rows the boat into free waters where they stop rowing and return the oars to their racks as they begin to drop the sail.

Jarl watches from the back of the boat "man this should be something just feel the waves crashing into us rocking."

Russeth nods to the crewmen as they take their posts, "Zakren. If you aren’t too sick then I will ask you to draw a map of our travels! On we go!" He turns to Isreal with a grin, "Alright, Isreal. I want you to post yourself on the bow and watch ahead, alarm us if you see any danger!"

Zakren yells at Jarl..."Shut up shut up!" He holds a hand over his mouth.

Malakai takes the steering pole and begins steering the ship in whatever direction the navigator indicates " This is quite simple..."

The ship soon breaks the waves with ease as the main sail fills with air as you make your way off to the deep waters.

[Jarl]: "hey Zak you to the very front of the boat, that will make you feel better"

Russeth looks down at the natural waves; not those formed by the wind, should there be any wind. "If he wasn't that sick he could probably study the weather. Darn." He shakes his head as he licks his finger and tests the wind."

Isreal stands ready next to a mast to help with what ever he can

Upon leaving the harbor a crewmate goes to the front of the vessel and blows into a bull’s horn to signal the leaving of the ship.

Ston arms his bow and finds a crate to sit on. The bow is in his lap as he looks out into the horizon. He seems to be taking in the air as if it were and old friend to him. A grin has formed on his face and he is now humming another soothing familiar tune into the sea air.

Russeth leans against the right bulwark of the poop with a smile as he watches out at the sea, "Towards Calaunt we are headed! Earthspur Mountains here we come! Wee haw!"

[Jarl]: "hey Malakai ye can call the weather well it seems at least the good tears. What ye thinks rain calm?"

Zakren 's eyes go wide as unpleasant sounds come from him as he lowers his head below the railings. He comes back up and wipes his mouth..."Ask Elina to draw...she has paper and probably things to draw." He grabs a bucket and makes his way to the door..."If you need me, Ill be getting sick in my cabin." He disappears into the door.

Ston looks at Zakren's plight and smiles, "Zakren come over here." he says in a soft tone.

You are now underway from the port and the safety of the harbor as you make you're way into the reach and the lands beyond the water. Before to long the port is nothing more then a speck of land behind you as the ship crashes through the waves. Causing it to rock back and fourth and up and down, causing you to find your sea legs quickly or end up hanging over the side for most of the venture. The crew yells back and fourth and scamper about in their daily chores. Off your starboard side is a long ship sailing into port the crew rows relentlessly onward as the slim ship cuts through the waters of the reach.

Isreal tries to keep his legs aboard the ship "Russeth what can I do?"

Russeth takes a deep breath of fresh air as the ship breaks the waves out into open sea, "Ah. We’re going to have some good times I can feel it." He looks down at his improvised crewmen and then at the real ones, he climbs down the stairs hastily and posts himself next to the main mast. "Isreal. Go to the bow of the ship and simply look ahead, if you see danger, alarm us!"

Jarl waves as the ship passes by

[Isreal]: "great I can do that no problem "

Jarl looks up to the top of the main beam "no crows nest?"

Isreal heads to the Bow of the ship taking a spot to keep a look out

Russeth looks out into the open sea and looks up at the sky, he seems to be in deep thoughts, waving his hands before him and calculating silently.

Malakai looks up into the sky, using his less then intermediate skill at guessing the weather of the near future"

Ston looks disappointed that Zakren didn't let him help. He looks over at Russeth and smirks; "I could maybe help him with that sickness. I will leave him be, being its not my business" He then looks away and back into the horizon.

Jarl walks over to Russ "I'm going to work on our armor and weapons down below if that be okay. Need a good blade for that mage. We might"

Several hours later the rocking as almost stopped as the light breeze that you had been sailing under fades away leaving you drifting in becalmed winds. The sails hang from their yardarms lifeless as they await the coming winds to once again fill them full of life and get you back under way.

Ston yells out to the men, "Row, its time to make our own wind"

[Jarl]: "any of ye gots gear that be needing maintenance just drop it by me room and I will give it a good once over for ye, blades as well"

Russeth nods at Ston, "I don't think there is much that could help him with that sickness." He notices the lack of wind and sighs, "Everyone on the main deck! It is time to row!" He nods to the crewman and takes out rows on the right side; he points directly to the East, "In that direction is where we are headed." He waits for the 6 people on board and the 4 crewmen to be ready.

Russeth glares at Jarl, "You stay up there we need ye!"

[Isreal]: "well this is great I see nothing but open sea's ahead onward "

The crewmen nod and take out the oars once more and setting them before moving to drop the sail and secure it.

Jarl nods "so we row then"

Malakai is still steering, so assumes the call wasn't for him.

[Isreal]: "even me captain? Laughing toward Russeth don’t let it go to your head"

Russeth motions Isreal to join them as well as he points to the row in front of him, then he looks back at Malakai, "Gee Isreal. It’s everyone traveling on that ship."

Russeth starts rowing, shaking his head as he watches Isreal and Malakai still watching at see. "Alright stay up you two, but keep your eyes open!"

Jarl looks to the sails "no wind or what?"

Isreal gets to the oar and starts to pull in sync with the rest of the crew.

[Jarl]: as he starts to row as well

Ston takes an ore and begins rowing in rhythm with the others. "We must row in rhythm"

[Jarl]: "why are we rowing? Is something wrong with the sail?"

Kirarae laughs from atop the poop deck, "Yes Jarl we have no wind."

[Ston]: "NO sails are great when you have wind to fill them."

Malakai is still steering the ship, so he does keep his eyes open, hoping if they are in danger of hitting anything it will be big and easy to spot.

Russeth lets the others explain as he gives the crewman and his party a rhythm to follow, "Alright everyone at the same rhythm. Ho Hiss, Ho Hiss."

With the winds gone now for most of the day you rock back and fourth ever so slightly as the sun has made its way into the late skies, soon to give way to the moon and stars of the night. Your arms sore from rowing the crew has begun to wrap up the sails and securing them to the yardarms as they prepare for the night. Worn from the rowing they had preformed earlier today, "Well captain we be off now so if you wish to still row feel free to do so". Peering around you feel as if you are floating in a black sea of death as nothing around you shows any signs of life other then the crash of a wave upon the hull. The moonlight reflects across the water surface as it shines back towards the sky, giving you little light to see what's about you. The crew has been quiet for sometime now as you drift away into the unknown waters.

Jarl looks to Kirarae "well ye can fix that just blow into them lad. Ye gots the hot air’ laughing.

Isreal starts ROW 2...3...4 ROW 2...3...4 until the night falls an moves to his stuff searching for some water an food

Russeth narrows his eyes as he watches the crewman go back down their cabin; he walks over to the other side and continues rowing.

The crewmen shrug while the others row on as they make their way down into their cabin for the night.

Ston sits on deck with his bow in his lap and rests from the day’s labor. He has been silent for a while now and looks to be sleeping.

Jarl continues to row "boo...hiss...boo...hiss...well we can't do this all night and all day"

Kirarae laughs, "Guess we need to hire a night shift crew." Shaking his head while the rest of you row.

Isreal stays on deck looking skyward "my the stars are so bright wonder what they are?" as he drinks an eats some dry food

Russeth looks up at Malakai and Kirarae, "Well since you didn't row through the day perhaps you could row while we sleep. Heh?"

[Kirarae]: "Heh if I row alone we will just go in circles you need some on each side of the boat to go forward."

Russeth points to Malakai as he stops, "And you won't be alone."

Jarl gets up from rowing "well, we need a lookout for the night as well as someone to steer the boat"

Russeth shrugs, "No point in steering if there's no one rowing first of all."

[Kirarae]: "Oh Heh even better no one to steer" laughing as he makes his way to the lower deck, "Maybe we should just drift until morning when every one is fresh, leave a watch up to sail and wait for the winds."

[Isreal]: "well there should be a watch bow an stern to keep safe"

Russeth shrugs, "Just go to sleep sheesh." He walks up the stairs up on the poop and motions Malakai he can leave his post, he mumbles about laziness as he stares off at the sea.

Kirarae shrugs and does not argue before going off below to get some sleep.

[Ston]: "ZZZZ"""

[Jarl]: "yes one that can see in the dark would be a plus. I say this run a main crew during the day and a skeleton crew at night"

Malakai raises an eyebrow as he passes Russeth " My apologies, Russeth. I was unaware this ship was a magic one, I did not know it could steer itself...." he goes to his cabin and hits the hay.

Isreal gets up and walks below deck watering his mule an feeding him as well

Russeth shrugs, as he doesn't understand what Malakai means as he just steers the boat himself.

Jarl goes below deck an gets some food and drink

The night passes by in relative peace that you are able to find between the tossing of the waves, when you're awoken by the shouts and yells of the crew up top on deck. Waking to the early morning light you find it much colder out on the waters then you had previously dealt with back on the main land. Peering out across the waters you see the wind is still becalmed leaving the blue waves of the water almost still like a sheet of colored glass.

[Jarl]: about ten minutes later he returns with two jugs of water and a plate of meats "Hey Russ grab some" hands him a jug of water

[Isreal]: "what’s all the yelling I was sleeping"

[Russeth]: As the crew is up on the deck in the morning he gives each of them a piece of his personal rations, feeling there's nothing else he can give them, each one of them gets a sugar bun and few sips of wine.

Jarl stays the night on deck as well mostly watching from the point and heading back every now and then to see if Russ is still up or not

Isreal walks above deck an watches what’s going on"

Zakren comes up on the deck and stretches..."I think I'm feeling a little better."

[Isreal]: "Russeth can I see you for a moment over here on the bow?"

Malakai appears upon deck, then looks over at Russeth " Am I still the helmsman this day, or am I to be rowing?"

Elina climbs up onto the deck, taking a deep breath of the fresh sea air and smiles, greeting everyone on deck.

Ston wakes and gets up from the crate he sat on all night. He stretches his long body and groans a moment before heading down into the hold where his horse is.

Russeth glares at the crewman, "When you are with your meal we will start rowing again. This time everyone but Elina and Malakai, who will be up on the poop and taking care of the steer, and mapping the area."

[Isreal]: "Russeth can I see you for a moment over here on the bow?"

The crew nods and eats quickly before getting on the oars to row again through the waters.

[Elina]: "Map what? All I see are water all around us."

Jarl slowly makes his way down below to his room after working for about 24 hour "call me when its dark or when there be trouble"

Malakai nods, eats as quickly as he can muster then takes his post of steering and keeping the ship on the proper course.

Russeth hastily eats a ration, and a sugar bun, drinking only water to quench his thirst. "What do you want? It better be an emergency. We haven’t got any time to waste. We are floating towards the inner sea dangerously and we have to get to land. Or we'll get nowhere!" He seems to be more nervous than the day before.

[Russeth]: While he still hasn't slept adrenaline seems to keep him up and active, he makes his way over to the farthest row and listens to Isreal."

Isreal whispers "you did stock the boat with rations for all the men right I saw you give yours out please tell me you got food an water?" whispering really softly

Russeth shrugs, "I got what I needed. For the crewmen and me and anyway Zakren has the capacity to create food. Now get to rowing with the others." Grabbing his oars and joins them in their rowing.

Elina shrugs, at Russeth and stares into the horizon across the great body of water. "I wonder what Russeth wants me to map."

Another few hours pass as the morning turns to midday when the cries of the sailors can be heard calling out as the winds once more pick up. All the while preparing to release the rest of the secured sails into the breeze of the day, which in turn brings the ship back to a faster forward heading as it breaks through the waters beneath its hull.

Isreal gets to a ore an starts rowing you have to put more thought into these things Russeth"

Zakren sits next to Russeth and grabs an oar..."How does this work?

Russeth shows Zakren how to do it in the beginning, doing a few examples.

Zakren watches him and begins to do it himself..."Ohh...not that hard."

Kirarae steps up on the poop deck and nods to Malakai as he sits on the rail looking off into the waters.

Malakai grips the steering device tightly as the sails are released, expecting the waves to be hitting the rudder harder the faster they are going, making it more difficult to keep the ship on course.

Russeth nods to the crewman as they prepare to trim the sails. "Alright. We’re going Northeast." He points to the northeast and lets Malakai steer this way.

[Ston]: Seeing the winds beginning to take the sails, Ston relaxes on deck and simply enjoys the ride. "I sure hope the wind stays with us. It is nice to get a break".

Elina sets herself upon the deck and takes out her quill and ink. She starts drawing some waves upon a parchment, wondering to herself what Russeth is thinking.

Zakren moves next to Russeth..."Hey Russeth...when's the last time I checked your wounds?" He looks over the ranger and his bandages.

Malakai nods as he pulls against the pole, turning the ship Northeast. Grunting a bit, he throws his weight again, and straightens the rudder out.

Jarl continues to sleep down below in his room

Russeth stands up next to him, backhands to his side he sighs deeply, "I'm glad the wind picked up." He looks at his shoulders and smiles; "It's been a while. They’re deep but I only feel them when I crouch. " He runs an hand over his right shoulder and winces, "Might need a little help, then I'll go have some rest."

[Elina]: "You don't have to worry about Russeth, Zak. I take care of his bandages most of the time." Smiling at him as she looks up from her drawing.

Isreal gets to the bow and stands watch "anything else I can do or is this my best job?"

Zakren smiles at him and nods..."Now that the wind has picked up...I'll have time to study some more."

Russeth nods at Elina, "She does." He leans in next to Zakren and whispers yet loud enough for Elina to hear, "By Mielikki. Help me I beg thee!" He looks back at her and smiles.

Elina picks up her quill and ink, returning them into her pack and passes the parchment to Russeth and starts changing his bandages.

Zakren grins at him and closes his eyes as he puts his hand on Russeth's shoulder, keeping his other on his holy symbol. He begins to chant to his goddess and a blue glow begins to engulf the ranger and then fades.

Before to long the ship is once again on its heading across the reach, should the winds remain through out the day you estimate landfall to be sometime this evening. Near midday you hear the lone voice of a crewmember calling out 'Ship off the port!" As he points off into the open sea.

Malakai calls out " Recognize the markings?"

Zakren runs to the side of the boat and looks out towards the boat.

Malakai also shouts " Someone, man the Ballista!"

Elina pouts at Zakren. Turning to port, she stares at the ship and tries to look for markings upon the ship.

Crewmen, looks at the ship for a bit watching it as his face fills with terror. "By the gods its the Bleak raise the mizzen mast we need all the sail we can get!" He shouts as the others rush to the front of the boat in a panic.

[Isreal]: "holy shit that’s a big ship what do we do?"

Zakren smiles at Elina..."I'm sure you take good care of your man but he still needs the help of my goddess from time to time."

Russeth looks down at the crewmen, "Alright sailors. Since you have more experience than most of them in my party. Then one of you can give them orders. If they don't listen then it's probably Isreal, just smack him behind the head." He laughs sharply as he watches the two healers rush over to him and clear his wounds. He urges them to finish as he hears the call, "Gah. I was just about ready to rest. We have to avoid it." He puts a hand on his forehead to protect his eyes from the sun as he watches ahead, "This ain't good. Everyone to the rows, we have to turn!"

[Elina]: "Lets listen to the sailors and set sail as fast as we can!"

Malakai shouts " Fire the ballista into their sails, it'll slow them!"

Isreal gets into place to try an help avoid the other ship

Elina stands at her spot, as she looks helplessly at the rest, unable to help.

Crewmen, stands on the poop deck looking at the ship and back to the sail then to the ship again. "It ok lads she can't catch us."

Zakren turns towards Russeth and yells out..."I can burn they're sails if they come within 40 yards!"

Russeth helps the other crewmen to the best of his ability as he trims the sail. Then posts him self on the poop with the others.

Jarl slowly makes his way up to the deck "what the hell is going on" as he sees the new ship "man that be a big boat "tis it friend or foe?"

Crewmen, with those words he seems to make a silent prayer and begins to help with the rigging.

[Elina]: "Not sure but by the sailors, they don't seem to like it."

Ston takes comfort knowing that the large ship won't be able to keep pace. He simply watches it and wonders that that may be on it. His bow is still in his hand and armed like before.

Isreal watches them work the rigging trying to hash out enough if, he ever had to do the job

Russeth looks over at the crewmen, "Alright. Are we still headed northeast? We must reach Calaunt."

[Crewmen]: "Aye north east it be if the winds stay with us." Speaking as he stares beyond at the larger vessel.

[Jarl]: "hey what boat is that do ye knows of it as a friend or a foe" to the crewmen

Russeth nods, "Alright let's hope they do." He watches in the distance, hoping the enemy vessel isn't able to keep up, or isn't even following.

[Crewmen]: "Captain Black would surely skin us then bat an eye," mumbling to the crewmen as they work quickly at keeping the sails full of wind.

Malakai keeps the ship-heading northeast

[Elina]: "Who is this Captain Black?"

[Isreal]: "we remember that ship we don’t want to meet up with it again."

Malakai shouts above the noise " If they do pursue us, fire the ballista into their sails, it'll slow them!"

[Crewmen]: "That be Captain Black she will sooner kill you then glance at you, best we keep ahead of her. She might be bigger but we are faster". He says with a slight grin upon his face.

[Crewmen]: "Blah that mere pea shooter is going to harm that vessel we will be at the bottom from her if we dare try to fire upon her."

Russeth nods at the crewmen, "Is there something ye can tell us of that man. If he terrorizes the seas we might be able to help. At some point" He looks back and shrugs, placing a hand upon his longswords hilt with a satisfied look. "Alright we can go back to our posts."

Elina shrugs at the mention of this Captain Black. "Don't know her. Just pray this wind keeps up."

[Crewmen]: "Aye sure for one she is a woman not a man, and is one of the roughest captains in these waters, I would rather walk a plank in shark infested waters off pirate vessel then get in her way."

Jarl nods look towards the larger ship "hmm what is the range on that ballista?"

[Crewmen]: "Blasted fools" muttering at the others thought of attempting any action against her, as he goes back to tending the sails.

Isreal laughs "the great Russeth could woo here with his rugged looks" laughing

Russeth leans against the bulwark again, watching off in the sea, "Let's just try and make it safe across the reach."

[Jarl]: "me take it Black has a large crew, to go with the large ship typical women, she likes things large"

Zakren grins and whispers to Russeth..."One less crewman...he'll probably leave."

Russeth shrugs at Zakren, "I never said I had any intentions of attacking her. I wanted information to see how powerful she was. And said if we could we'd help." He smiles widely

[Elina]: "Hey I detest that remark about woman liking things huge...."

You travel well into mid afternoon as the bleak keeps its course behind you. With the lighter faster ship you cut through the waters putting some distance on her in the mean time. The sun is blazing from above as you look forward for any signs of land.

Jarl looks at Elina and just points to Russ "what ye saying there, Las?"

Malakai asks anyone without a current task to take the steering rudder, as he goes down to retrieve his armor & other weapons, incase the wind dies.

Zakren laughs and nods to the dwarf..."We're learning a lot of things today."

Elina looks at Russeth then back at Jarl. "He is not that huge."

Isreal looks over the bow of the ship into the water as the ship cuts threw it

Kirarae laughs on the deck "Ouch" as he makes his way to the front of the both having seen enough of the back.

Jarl holds his belly due to laughing so hard

Zakren drops to his knees laughing..."Well Russeth..."

Elina giggles as she tries to hide her smile with her hands.

Russeth frowns as he looks back at the others, then at Elina. "Stop fooling around you all. And do something useful will ye?"

Zakren looks back to the enemy vessel and stands back up..."Ohh right...death, chaos...drowning..."

Malakai returns from below, catching the last bit of the laughter " What is so funny?"

[Elina]: "Well it beats having to think about trouble and lighten up a little." Smiling at Zakren then at Russeth.

[Isreal]: "Russeth, Malakai."

[Jarl]: "nothing lad just learning a thing or two about Russ and Elina is all"

You sail off into the day as the sun begins to drop from the sky above. Faint traces of land can be seen ahead as the crew look on preparing for when you reach the harbor of a town.

Zakren shrugs at Malakai..."Sorry...you had to be there..." He grins.

Malakai begins walking past the others, as he is adjusting his newly adorned battle gear. Grunting a bit about too many damned secrets, he climbs the stairs and returns to his post.

[Crewmen]: "Where be we putting in for the night Captain?" as the lead crewmen looks up for answers.

You see the land appear to be turning away from you as the ship turns to the north.

Russeth nods at the crewmen as he makes his way down the stairs, he looks back at Elina, "It was funny. Yet I didn't like it." He shrugs with a smile and continues his way. "Say. If we find a beach near Calaunt perhaps we can go there. I will pay you 5 extra gold pieces each to take care of the boat while we are gone. You can make your way in town and buy food for yourselves for a week or so."

Malakai is gripping the steer tightly, looking over his shoulder to check the progress of the ship behind them, if it is still pursuing them.

[Isreal]: "yeah where captain I would not mind seeing land " laughing

Elina whispers to Russeth. "I think we should leave someone we can trust with the boat."

Russeth watches the sail, making sure there is still wind. "Ah. Anyway, let's just go to any port, might be safer after all." He grins.

Zakren whispers to Russeth..."Ya leave Kirarae...he's getting on my nerves..."

Elina agrees heartily with Zakren.

Russeth shakes his head at Elina, "Let's just sell the damn encumbering crap!" He laughs as he climbs back up the stairs.

[Jarl]: "well as long as that monster of a ship isn't just setting out of port waiting for us to leave after we should be fine"

Malakai grunts as he calls above the others' mindless chattering " Anyone care to do a check to see if we are still on the right course?"

Russeth nods at Malakai as he was already doing so. "We have no precise course, mind ye."

Elina pouts after Russeth. "We need the boat to get back to Scarsdale. Unless you have other plans in mind."

[Jarl]: "or even back to Harrowdale"

[Russeth]: "We sell the boat and take a very small valued ferry. At least they know what they're doing. Oh and maybe we can keep the staff with us until the end of the 30 days, and the wizard will come to us to get it."

Isreal walks to the stern of the ship looking back at the water "Well Russeth what was so bad about the trip across the water?"

[Elina]: "Well you will not want a angry wizard coming to you to get his staff."

Zakren shakes his head..."If we do that...he won't give us the gem..."

Russeth shrugs at Zakren. "So what? We'll have money from the boat we won't need the gem."

[Jarl]: "true, true we need to return it to him"

Malakai raises an eyebrow " Didn't we vote to keep the boat?"

[Elina]: "Well you will not want a angry wizard coming to you to get his staff." pointing out to Russeth again.

[Jarl]: "a deal is a deal is it not?"

[Isreal]: "I still don’t see why we are working for this wizard no one know witch wizard is right or not?"

Zakren blinks at Russeth answer..."It's a magic gem! Probably worth more than the boat!"

Russeth smiles at the others as a bulb lights up in his head; "Perhaps we can make a compromise with the other wizard. Maybe he's a nice fellow."

Russeth shrugs, "Alright Zakren. Next time we travel you take care of the crew."

You sail into the night as the sun is now gone from the sky. Looking back you see no sign of the larger ship upon the waters.

Elina shakes her head and sighs. "What a bunch of maybes."

[Russeth]: "And if he can come to us at any moment. Why can't he just come to us WITH the gem?"

Zakren shakes his head..."Why didn't you just attack the mage last time if you wanted to die?"

Russeth shakes his head at Zakren, "Alright just shut the damn hell up okay. I told you we can sell the boat and cross with a ferry."

[Elina]: "Will you listen to me? You don't want an angry mage coming to you for his staff!"

[Jarl]: "Yes, that angry mage could cast a spell on you and make you small or something"

Zakren laughs..."Sure...he'll have to use components to reach us...and probably costly ones...he won't be too happy..."

[Isreal]: "I would have but Russeth lost his and never said nothing to him so now here we are"

Malakai says nothing at this point; figuring Russeth is too tired and irritable at this point to put up with an even larger argument.

The crewmen finish their days work as you bicker back and fourth as they go below once more to their cabin, seeming to eye you all as they go below.

Kirarae snickers, "I thought you all gave your word, doesn’t that mean anything to any of you?"

Jarl goes and finds a place to sit "as I said as well Kirarae"

[Isreal]: "well we did but if he's evil Kirarae that would not be right to make him any stronger"

[Elina]: "Well I will gladly return his staff as a show of appreciation for what he has given me."

Russeth climbs down to his cabin with the crewmen. "Alright Malakai, keep steering please, come wake me up once you start getting tired. Or if the wind stops."

[Jarl]: "he didn't kill us for storming his home he isn't to bad, me think"

Malakai nods, returning his attention to the sea.

Isreal takes a place on the deck and falls to sleep with the wind in his face

Jarl goes and sets at the front of the boat once more taking watch for the night

Elina grows tired of the sea and heads down into the cabin for the night.

Ston and the others leave the night crew up top as Isreal sleeps on the deck making their way below to sleep for the night.

Zakren yawns..."Night folks." He makes his way down to his cabin. "Well...we have to think about hiring a captain."

Isreal sways back and forth with the ship sleeping easy in the gentle rocking of the waves

The gentle rocking of the waves comes to an end as the ship slams into something jerking it forward to a stop. Knocking you to the deck. The rest of you are awaken by being tossed from your beds as the ship stops rocking.

[Jarl]: "damn it lad! Me said land!"

Malakai shouts, so all can hear on the ship " Land Ho!"

Isreal stands quickly "what in the hell' an runs to the bow of the deck

Zakren runs to the deck with his sword raised..."What happened now!"

Elina rubs her head as she climbs above deck. "What happened?"

Malakai shouts loudly, so all on the ship can hear" Land Ho!"

Russeth bumps into the wall and knocks his head, "Aaah man." He looks up and punches the wall, "I think we realized before you did!" He shouts towards the deck as he dresses himself up and climbs to the deck.

Jarl stands back up and looks out across the deck to whatever we just hit

Crewmen stumble out from below decks and look out upon the beach that must have cut the boat off in the night. "Maybe we will run the night shift while you all sleep." Two of them go to lower the sail as the ship can go no further.

Isreal looks over the rail

Malakai shrugs " Well, no need to tie it to anything, now...."

Zakren chuckles..."I think we need to hire more people next time."

Looking over the side you see you hit a beach, the morning light is off in the horizon as its light still hasn't pierced the morning air.

Russeth nods, "I was hoping everyone would do their part. Well we crossed the reach. We can be happy." He smiles while he dons his armor.

Jarl nods "yes for a true crew, I would say 8 men and a captain"

Russeth shrugs, "I wonder where we are. Let’s wait till morning and we will do a small reckon of the area."

Zakren winces and slowly turns towards Russeth for his reaction.

The crewmen jump down upon the beach and inspect the ship for any damage from running aground.

Isreal looks up an down the beach "well Russeth you have just made a port that was not there when we left"

Elina stares at the beach from the stern of the boat. "How are we going to get down? Jump?"

Jarl runs back down to his room and gets his gear on. Then returns to topside

[Crewmen]: "Well lucky the beach wasn't rocky it doesn't appear to be any damage someone go below and check for leaks. "

[Isreal]: "well how do we get my mule down there? I don’t think it can jump well"

Russeth shrugs, "I'd personally prefer to go by horseback riding. At least we know we can't go off the course."

[Malakai]: " Let's just hope this is the right landmass, this thing doesn't seem to back up as well as a horse...."

Russeth watches the boat that ran aground once he has jumped upon the beach. "Well. We can camp on the beach for now."

[Jarl]: "does anyone happen to know were it is we have just landed, so that we might find the ship again if need be?"

[Elina]: "Well we need to leave someone with the ship."

[Isreal]: "well someone answer me about my mule how do we get it down there " "and we don’t need to leave the crew with the ship now its not going anywhere"

Russeth shakes his head at Jarl, "Let the damn sun rise in the morning!"

Kirarae looks at the beach and the boat, "I can stay with the crew and get the boat back in the water while you go in land."

Malakai gets his gear together, then leaps down to the sandy beach below, looking for a spot to sleep.

Zakren sheaths his sword and nods to Kirarae..."I guess that's what we should do..."

Russeth glares at Isreal, "Just use the same gangway you did to get it in. it will just be a little more abrupt.

[Crewmen]: "Aye she isn't but she is fine they can land on the beaches, only need to row and a little back breaking push she will float again. If there are no leaks mind you, I don't think anyone has checked."

Elina nods at Kirarae and gathers her gears.

Russeth nods at Kirarae, "If you want to. Keep an eye on them and pay them in Calaunt until we come back."

Jarl gets out his blanket and places it on the deck "well, I will just sleep up here till the morn"

Isreal goes and gets his mule an starts down the Gangway onto land

Russeth looks out at the morning light in the distance. "You will sleep for an hour or so?"

Kirarae nods "How long you think you'll be in the mountains?"

Zakren looks off towards the land..."Well, we'll need to find them first..." He grins.

Malakai has been asleep pretty much since he got on the beach, and will sleep until the group moves out.

Jarl shakes his head no "hmm time flies was thinking it wasn't that late never mind"

Russeth shrugs at Kirarae "I have absolutely no idea. We will inquire about the mage's stronghold. Let’s hope we do come back, it's a mage we're going against, either way."

Elina walks down the gangway and onto the beach.

Zakren moves over to the cargo hold and goes below.

Russeth nods at Zakren, "However we ain't going directly inland right away. Let’s lounge the beach and see if we can find a town first."

Kirarae nods "Right'O we will see you in Calaunt then." Looking at the crewmen "Ok begin digging her out I’ll set up the oars for when they are needed."

Ston makes his way from the hold with his horse as he makes his way down to the beach following the mule.

Russeth helps them push the Sea Drake down the beach, "Good luck with the boat."

Jarl rolls his blanket back up and walks down to the beach and waits

Isreal gets ready to set in land and drops to one knee saying a prayer to the gods

Zakren comes back up and goes over to talk to Kirarae.

Russeth is just resting until the sun has raised completely.

Helping with the crew the Drake slides back down into the water as they row it backward into the deeper waters. The morning light has now rose up into the morning skies.

Jarl sets on a log and waits till the others are ready to move on

[Elina]: "Hmmm who has the map? Are we sure we are on the correct place?"

Isreal taps his mule’s head and walks him to the beachhead waiting to go inland

Jarl looks to Russ "map"

Zakren nods to Kirarae and begins to chant while holding his holy symbol. In a blinding light, large quantities of food appear on the deck. Zakren smiles and picks up a chicken leg and eats it as he joins Russeth.

With that Zakren jumps from the ship into the water as the ship is slowly turned away from land and the sail begin to raise from the crew once more to catch the morning breeze.

Kirarae waves as the ship makes its way along the coast en-route to Calaunt's harbor.

Russeth looks over at Zakren as he comes back; "It's funny though. Kirarae owns no part of the ship." He laughs to himself as he looks at the others; "I went to Calaunt before. But I was only assisting an old friend of mine. So, we'll have to find out on our own. We know the mountains are to the East so. Who knows? We'll follow the beach for now."

Elina nods. "Well shall try to head for the mountains now or do you want to rest more?"

Isreal sets up and head down the beach looking for tracks in the sand

You make your way along the beach for sometime as it winds in and out from the breaking waters. You see no sign of the Drake and no sign of mountains at this time.

Zakren comes out of the water..."Well...mind if I dry a little first?" He shudders and sneezes..."Ah not now." He wipes his nose with his sleeve.

Jarl looks about "what direction are we heading North east I hope?"

Russeth climbs to his feet and starts walking towards the south along the beach. "No we're heading south."

[Isreal]: "well looks to be clean of animals shall we head in land off the clear beach Russeth?"

Zakren makes some squishing sounds as he follows along.

Russeth glares at Isreal furiously, "You wanna go directly into the forest, is that what you want? If it is then tell me."

[Jarl]: "South? Why south where are we anyway?"

Zakren grins at Jarl..."Does it matter?"

[Isreal]: "no, no I was just asking Dam Russeth calm down you seam tense perhaps Elina can make you a tonic to easy your stress" laughing

Jarl nods "true"

Zakren gestures towards the land..."We'll find someone at some point..."

Russeth shrugs, "Your small jokes are far from pleasant. Find a better timing next time." He spins around and starts his way faster than usual to the south, "Now just trust me, no matter where we landed there will be a town to the south."

You travel along the beach for hours with no sign of anything but water to your left and plains to your right. Every now and then you se a bird or to fly in and out to sea.

Jarl walks on. "Oh a town to the south I was thinking the mountains were to the northeast okay by me"

[Isreal]: "Yes oh fearless leader I shall do your bidding an say not a word more"

[Elina]: "Well I have managed to determine the magical quality of the wedding ring. It has some minor magical protection upon it. I wish to wear it if nobody objects." Smiling as she speaks.

Zakren rolls his eyes..."Ahh shut up Isreal..."

Russeth nods at Isreal, "That's the way it should always be." He looks over at Zakren and nods a second time.

[Isreal]: "listen Zak I liked you better when you did not talk much and get that trait back you why don’t you"

[Jarl]: "Russ is there a reason we are heading the opposite way the ship went?"

Elina shakes her head as everyone ignores her once more and slips the ring upon her finger.

Zakren shakes his head..."Russeth is tired...and you go pushing him...have some sense and argue at the right time."

Russeth nods at Jarl, "The reason is simple. I am not exactly sure of our position. But anywhere we are on the Eastern Shore of the Reach. There will always be a town to the South. And I doubt we were pushed by the current into the inner sea in one night."

You continue well into the late evening with no sign of a town, or ship on the water. The day has been quite peaceful other then your own words that fill the evening air.

[Jarl]: "okay. But the mountain range and the city the ship went to is to the north east, would it not make sense to go that way and not have to back track later?"

Isreal keeps walking with his mule in tow looking at the ground

[Elina]: "Shall we rest for the night or move on?"

Russeth looks at Jarl confused, "How would you know they are that way. If you have been here before then just tell it. I've only seen Calaunt"

[Isreal]: "don’t ask Jarl it does not matter they know the way we hope"

Zakren sighs and turns towards the cavalier..."Hey Ston...where do you think we are?"

Ston looks about the area, "Hmm near some plains I would think if we head to the east we might catch a road leading to one of the towns."

Zakren turns to Russeth..."What do you say?"

[Ston]: "Or to make everyone happy maybe a south east walk this way we head south and still may pick up a road."

[Jarl]: "well lets us see the Dragon Reach more or less ends up by the troll mountains and that is by your city I believe. I do know my mountain ranges tis my way"

Russeth nods at Ston, "Alright. An inland road makes some sense." He turns to the East and points in a general direction, then turns a bit to the east. "Alright. Southeast, worst case we end up in Tantras."

Ston nods at Russeth as you make your way southeast into the plains.

Zakren nods his approval..."Sounds good.

Russeth cuts straight into the woods, "So, Ston. What animals and creatures populate your region? I bet there's some pretty nasty stuff lurking around." He smiles slightly.

[Isreal]: "ok lets head inland I hope to hit a road soon"

Jarl walks on

Elina shrugs and follows the rest.

[Ston]: "Mostly orcs and the like to the north they raid the outer towns every now and then looking for a cheap way to make a living. Few giants and dragons lurk in the deep mountains, nothing different then you might find upon your side."

[Isreal]: "well that’s good to know hope to stay away from all of them" laughing.

You travel late into the night, as you grow tired from the day’s walk. Looking about you vast fields of plains about with no sign of a town or mountain.

Elina leans upon her staff as she struggles to keep up with the rest.

Russeth shakes his head at Isreal, "While I'm the O' fearless leader, you have to be the wussy? I hope we find more of these giant bastards so we can rid the realms of a few more of them!" He looks back at Jarl and yawns, covering his mouth with his left hand, "Well now that I'm a bit relaxed. Let’s talk more seriously. You know where the mountain range Earthspur Mountains are at?"

[Jarl]: "Ye knows the Troll Mountains haven't been pasted yet and they are at the base of the Earthspur Mountains. "Them are to the north. They have to be for the reach is to wide here"

Ston looks upon the weary travelers, 'See I told you a horse would be the way to go."

Russeth sighs, "The dwarf might be right. Perhaps we should turn northeast and find the road then head to the closest city. We need to get more provisions."

Zakren shrugs..."We'll all buy a horse in the next town we reach."

[Isreal]: "well I can’t ride Ston wish I could I would tide atop the mule"

Elina looks at Zakren then at Russeth. "Zak can make food and water..."

Zakren nods..."Aye...I can..."

[Isreal]: "maybe you can teach me Ston how to ride?"

[Malakai]: " I can not ride a mount either..."

[Elina]: "Well I can ride well. Have lots of practice with horses when I was with my mentor upon Moonshae Isle."

Russeth nods at Elina, "Good point there, darling’." He turns to Zakren and sighs, ". Will it bother you, spell-wise?"

[Jarl]: 'the dwarf knows mountains like an elf knows the wood"

Zakren shakes his head..."Nah...it's fine..."

[Isreal]: "well when we get to the mountains Jarl you will be of use but do you know your plains?" laughing

Russeth nods, "Alright. Let us head directly towards Jarl's homeland." He coughs loudly as to get everyone's attention, "Jarl. Will you lead us there until then?"

Traveling further into the plains where you find yourselves moving a bit slower from the days march, you see no sign of a road in this area.

Jarl laughs as well, still walking "I know we need to travel north of these plains"

[Isreal]: "well north it is Ston give me some pointers on riding the mount if you please?"

Elina sighs. "We need to rest. It will not do to find the mountains and be weak."

Looking about in the night you see no signs of mountains or ranges of mountains on any of the horizons about you.

Malakai, being human, is very tired, like the rest in the party, and seconds the notion for sleep.

Zakren stops..."We need to rest!"

Jarl looks about "blasted night just sneaks up on a person. Well any place for a camp?"

Zakren stretches and rubs his tired legs and then laughs at the dwarfs question..."It's a plain...anywhere will do..." He chuckles some more."

Russeth nods at Elina, "It ain't today we'll find the mountains anyway." He turns around and looks at Zakren and nods at him as well, after what he lifts his bandages and smiles as his wounds have almost all cleared. "We can camp right here." He points to the ground before his feet.

Isreal parks his mule an unloads him an lets him brows off the leaves of the forest an rums his head then ties him off to a tree an beds down for the night

Elina rest upon the ground for the night and quickly drifts off into reverie.

Malakai lies down, getting out his blanket and quickly falling asleep.

Jarl will help setup the camp them eat then go pray. After that he will take his turn at watch, sleeping when time is allowed but not on watch

Zakren notices Russeth's bandages..."Let me try to get rid of the wound altogether." He moves towards the ranger as he holds his holy symbol in his hand.

[Isreal]: " wake me for a watch if need be"

Zakren begins to chant in his divine language and a blue glow quickly surrounds his hands. He puts the hand over Russeth's shoulder and the light engulfs him for a second.

You sleep with just the normal rotation of the watch as the morning light has come upon you. A strong breeze blows across the plains in what appears to be a southwestern wave of grass.