001. ( the saltwater cure ) — voice.

[sacral]

[ First, there is the sound of the sea — cresting waves, shimmering crashes. Then, the vast buoyed ache of wood loved too well by salt and sun. Voices boom, bark, and scatter about though none are distinct save one (who does not seem so keen on proper introductions): ]

I'm here on behalf of a man named Captain Samuel Vane — or Quicksilver Sam, as his reputation travels. I suppose you can also say that means I'm here on behalf of the man who calls himself the merchant. I hear you're already acquainted.

There is a group of you who travels east. I met some of you... in the forests, the village Ke-Waihu, but our paths diverged.

[ He is stern but an apology still lies beneath its surface. Still, he's here for a reason and so gets on with it. ]

Now, Captain Vane is ready to offer his vessel as a means to reach your next destination. He is also sailing east.

[ Here, his words slow and measure, though they remain heavy with what he doesn't say. ]

He doesn't desire money or goods in exchange for your [ our?? ] passage. Only safety... "sainted protection."

[ It's then that gulls cry overhead and across the crack of sail cloth. ]

Look for the Pariah.

Comments

[topoiran]

Most people do have better sense than that.

[beitangmoran]

Well, I don't know. You've always been good to me.

[topoiran]

That has hardly required martyrdom.

[beitangmoran]

Which is also not required for sainthood, you know?

[topoiran]

And what is, then, required for sainthood?

[beitangmoran]

Are you asking me? How would I know?

[topoiran]

[ Achievement unlocked: making Xunxian laugh over the amulets. It's ... probably surprisingly soft, with how pointed the man can be, and like it's been a while since Moran heard quite that laugh. ]

Then I think I have no wish to be one, either. And any protection I can give is very limited... oh well. The captain will have to make do.

[beitangmoran]

[Good, Xunxian actually laughing is always a good thing.]

We might disappoint in looking saintly, but we shall certainly do what we can.

Some in our numbers can probably play the part better.

[topoiran]

They certainly can, and yet, it may be interesting to find out why saints are what they are looking for...

[ But though his mind returns to the questions - ones he is rather certain the young man who spoke of it originally doesn't have - the mirth doesn't fade from his voice. ]

[beitangmoran]

I am guessing 'capable of stopping a magical volcano eruption' probably equals something really powerful to them.

Even though it was a really close call and we did not come out of it unharmed.

[topoiran]

[ Xunxian hums, and then stays quiet for a moment. Then... ]

I wonder... whose idea it was for us to be summoned here, really. As the summoning did not cease once it became clear we would not only not obey the undead lords but would instead work to destroy them.

[beitangmoran]

I do believe we might end up attracting rather more attention than was originally planned, with the way things are going. We've left several places almost in ruins, and have accomplished things some locals will speak of for years.

[topoiran]

Just so, Moran. But... whose attention?

[beitangmoran]

That's the question, isn't it? The Huntress knew to come to us for... protection, of a kind. That's interesting.