[IC] The Port Opal Underground - Part One

[maddmic]

Frem studies the crewman and asks, "And how much would be required to procure these bunks of which you speak? Even if Mischa is not interested, I myself might be needing a bunk sooner than later." Upon getting the crewman's response, Frem nods and replies. "I shall find Mischa for you and then perhaps we can talk about making one of those bunks mine." With that he smiles and runs off to follow the dwarf as he heads up the stairs.

Catching up with Brenodan just before he reaches the upper deck, Frem speaks up. "Well now. What's all the fuss about getting on the top deck? I mean it's miserable out there. I could understand if it was a beautiful day with the sun shining and all, but it's a bit dreary out there now." Continuing to pace the Dwarf, he goes on. "So, this your first journey? I mean on a boat and all? It's mine. I've never been on a ship this size before, much less begin a trip that's going to last as long as this one. So, what brings you on this journey? I mean if you want to talk about it. It's up to you. I really don't mean to pry, I just tend to ramble on and on and on. You don't talk much do you?"

 

[Krug]

Mongres' heart leaps to his mouth. farewell to my homeland! he shouts. He draws an arrow and shoots it to harbour. By that arrow I swear I will be back and have my revenge on the Hobs! No more will goblins live in fear. When I return they shall fear me and their blood will stain the sea until it is of blood! His eyes are murderous.

 

[Tonguez]

Kennewick places his last piece with a grin, "That was a good game, Kaufman! You're quite good at War Stones, much better than some other goblins that shall remain nameless."

Tweek scoffed.

As the entire ship jerked into motion, the gnome steadied the board on the table. "I think we're finally moving!"

Nolan yawns, "Well, as much as I'd like to celebrate another seven weeks with you all, I think I'm gonna take a nap."

"Aye, an interesting game" Kaufman nodded agrees as he sees the pattern of Kenniwicks stones and grins "and I'm sure Tweek will become a Master once he gets the hang of it - its a lot harder than it looks!"

He looks up as the ship rolls, his nose twitching and he begins to hum nervously.

"hmmm - ever been on a ship before?" he asks of the others "my first time - I think I might lie down somewhere..."

With that he gets up and goes looking for an unoccupied bunk to claim (especially since the other new arrivals have gone up on deck)...

 

[Reprisal]

Mischa sidesteps away from Mongrés as he draws his bow and lets an arrow fly toward the harbour. He looks quizically in Marec's direction, hoping for an explanation -- and probably finding none.

Off in the distance, the arrow lands and several children can be seen scrambling toward it. Then, aboard the Imperial Galleon Victory, a solitary hobgoblin can be seen standing at the stern of the ship silently watching the angry goblin. Wearing the uniform of an infantry captain, the hobgoblin folds his arms across his broad chest glares at Mongrés as if he had heard every word out of the goblin's mouth.

At this point, even the crew have fallen silent, with only the curses and heavy breathing of Mongrés being heard amidst the winds. After an awkward moment, the crew returns to their duty, mumbling something about how it must be "a goblin thing."

Needless to say, the crew are flustered by the act and a crewman approaches cautiously. He turns to Mischa and lets out an exhalation of annoyance, "I don't suppose it's necessary to remind you that the use of weapons is strictly prohibited under the Imperial Naval Code, do I?"

Mischa shook his head in response.

The crewman nodded curtly and returned to his duties.

Mischa looked in Marec's direction once more and said, "Perhaps we should get back to the cabin..."

- - - - -

Kennewick's eyes widened in realization, he counted the bunks and then started counting the people residing in cabin twelve. He sighed and threw up his hands, "Well, it seems that we're at a disadvantage here. I think perhaps we should find someone who's willing to sell us some hammocks, or cushions, or something similar."

Kelly nodded in agreement, "Yeah, I'm not gonna share a bunk with Nolan." Kelly shuddered as Haley and Moira chuckled to themselves.

Nolan simply gave his little brother that simple "go to hell" gesture that seems to be quite universal across most -- if not all -- cultures.

 

[Inez Hull]

"Don't look at me", Marec laughs, "it must be a goblin thing. Probably a good time to head belowdecks though," Marec mutters less cheerfully.

Marec gives the port one last look and then turns his back on it and walks to the stairs without a further glance.

 

[Frelaras]

Soon enough the combination of heavy winds and lack of anything exciting happening was enough to send Tobius scurrying back towards the stairs.

There was a whole voyage ahead of him, and only a short while to secure sleeping arrangements in!

Besides, maybe those curious elves would be belowdecks.

With that thought on his mind, Tobius lightly stepped downwards and back to cabin 12.

-Frelaras AS Tobius Roeper

 

[Krug]

Mongres descends back down to cabin 12 as well, scowling to all in his path.

 

[Toric_Arthendain]

Brenodan looks at the little halfling and chuckles. "Oh sorry small one, I was lost in me own world. No, this is not my first journey on a boat, although I haven't been on one in years. It will be my longest stint no a boat though. Never have travelled this far before." Brenodan falls silent, looking around the deck at all the activity.

"Let's just say that making this journey was in me best interests. Needed to get away from family, if you know what I mean. Don't know what I'll find where we're going, but hopefully it'll be something worthwhile. What was it you said your name was? Mine's Brenodan..."

 

[maddmic]

Frem looks at the dwarf as if he understands what he is talking about. "My name is Frem. I do know what you're talking about as far as leaving being in one's best interest. I too am on this journey because I had to leave." Frem looks back at port as the ship begins to move with greater speed out to sea. "So you expect that you'll ever return? I mean come back here y'know? I don't know if I will. I guess it all depends on how well I like the "New World"." At the mention of the new world, the halfling uses his hands in a quotation gesture. "Yup, this could very well be the last time I see this shore. Although I can't say as I'm sorry to see it go. Then again I can't say that I'm happy to see it fade into the distance either." Frem grins at the dwarf, "Full of words today aren't I?"

 

[Reprisal]

As Frem speaks with Brenodan, he spots Mischa and his other cabin-mates returning from the main deck. The group heads toward the cabin, and come to a halt when they meet up with Frem and Brenodan on their way up the stairs. The bald halfling waves casually and yawns noisily as he heads down the stairs. He glances at Mongrés oddly and allows him to pass him by. Mischa nods in Frem and Brenodan's direction, "There's not much going on up there... actually, I think our friend Mongrés disturbed the crewmen -- "

Mischa stops in midsentence as his gaze focuses over Brenodan's shoulder.

Turning around, you see a group of four elven females -- one noticably different than the others: she appeared younger, and much more fragile than the others, and she had a white silk piece of cloth wrapped around her eyes. The other three women appeared to treat her with the worry of elder sisters, but if you know anything about elven appearances, they don't appear to be at all related to one-another.

As they walk down the corridor towards cabin eleven, their presence has garnered the attention of most everyone within line of sight. They walk fluidly, with a grace that poets might write about, and seem to regard everything around them with a sort of wonder. The three elder ones are dressed quite conservatively for an elf, wearing ankle-length, silk dresses with long sleeves, the only skin they show is that of their hands and faces. The younger one, presumably blind, is dressed much more liberally -- if I can use that word in this context -- with a simple white, silk skirt and chemise with a simple circlet around her neck.

The half-elven crewman you encountered in the line walks backwards in front of them, speaking in elven. He points in a few directions and stops in front of their room. He bows politely and watches them enter the room with a barely noticeable grin on his face. After taking one last look, he shakes his head with a smirk on his face and turns to leave.