[sblock=Audra/Elenka/Drev]Captain Hwuzel assures Audra that no such precaution is needed. "The diligence with which you commit to your duties is commendable, marm, but I assure you that this is merely a minor matter made for men...err, crewmen," he corrects, realizing the nature of his audience. Despite his eagerness to shoo them away, however, Audra senses that the captain momentarily considered her offer; something seems to prevent him from taking her up on it, however.
Over the next few days, Audra keeps her eyes and ears open, and seeks to find excuses to pass by the door to the cargo hold on her rounds as often as she can. She notices the conspicuous presence of crewmen coming and going from the hold, with much greater frequency than they were prior to the odd incident. Occasionally these crewmen carry irregular-shaped bundles tucked under their arms; they always seem to be going to the hold when doing so.
There are also a few instances when Audra believes she hears an isolated growl or yelp; between the sound of the water and the general hum of activity, it's hard to ascribe a source to them, but by the third or forth time she catches wind of such sounds, Audra is certain that she's hearing something. Elenka also hears something similar on occassion, but despite her extensive knowledge of living creatures, she is no closer to identifying their source.
Audra also catches sight of one or two crewmen with odd-looking bruises. Although she thinks she knows the nature of these wounds, their anomalous nature leads her to consult with her traveler companions, all of whom agree with her assessment: newly suffered frost bite. But how?
Elenka's attempt to be direct with the captain are frustratingly unsuccessful. "As I told your friend, Madam Elenka, there is nothing to be worried about. It is merely a mundane matter of misadvantageous merry-making. Sometimes the crew can be a little misguided in entertaining themselves on a long voyage such as this one." The captain puts a hand on Elenka's arm consolingly. "I can assure you that if the situation necessitated your involvement, I would seek it expediently. As it stands, it is a matter best left between a captain and his crew. I appreciate your understanding." Even though the evidence seems to suggest there is more to the situation than Captain Hwuzel lets on, Elenka finds herself unable to doubt the gnome during their discussion, and the captain soon hurries off.
Still, doubts linger.
[sblock=OOC]Just an OOC summary: you're hearing sounds that seem vaguely biological in origin, but you can't identify their source. There seems to be an increased presence of crewmen at or near the cargo hold. A few crewmen seem to have frostbite, which is quite fresh; it certainly isn't something that would have happened prior to the trip. Elenka can't help but fail to doubt Captain Hwuzel's excuse.
I made all requisite rolls relating to this little passage, but feel free to try some different tacts at gathering information.[/sblock][/sblock][sblock=Eanos and Fulgrim]Phedilo seems pleased that Eanos and Fulgrim are willing to help him out.
"I appreciate that, Master Eanos. I knew I was right to come to you in this matter. As I said before, we can discuss the specifics at a later date, but it really is an altogether more agreeable situation than that of the chaos stone. It is merely that that experience has given me caution in reference to other matters."
Taking a sip from a glass of cordial brought in during their discussion, Phedilo says, "Well, do you have any other questions? If not, I propose we meet here in two days' time at shortly after dawn, and I can lead you to the ship in question at the docks from there."
[sblock=OOC]Apologies in advance if your end drags a little bit here, you two; the pacing between "threads" is a bit uneven related to the amount of information I need to cover prior to merging.[/sblock][/sblock]