Difference between revisions of "Ishara Expedition - RPLOG"
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The short discussion is cut short as she steps onto the boat, shuddering a little. "I never liked these things, you know." She comments to nobody in particular - though probably mostly at the three beings she definitely knew. "So what about yourselves? have you been up to much since we last spoke?" | The short discussion is cut short as she steps onto the boat, shuddering a little. "I never liked these things, you know." She comments to nobody in particular - though probably mostly at the three beings she definitely knew. "So what about yourselves? have you been up to much since we last spoke?" | ||
| − | Palpable relief washes over the wolfess when she sees the bat exit the cabin; "I'm very glad that isn't who I was expecting. The last bat I went on a trip to an island with shouldn't be going anywhere near anyone at all." she notes offhandedly. "Almost like Deja vu, this entire situation. What should I call you, then? I don't think we've met."<br> <br>Fenris shakes his head at Selena. "Nothing that needs airing on a ship bound for Ishara," he says, "But I am sure there will be time later to regale you with tales of exploration and daring-do!" He looks at Kazel. "And speaking of exploration," he continues, "What exactly are we going to Ishara FOR? It is not exactly my first choice for a pleasure cruise. There was mention of some kind of ruins?"<br> <br>The scruffy-looking ferret hangs off a little to the side of everyone else, because 'definitely not in any way, shape or form Cedric' doesn't know any of these people. "Y'got anythin' good t'eat or drink on this tub?" he asks, putting on a fake accent as he asks his question.<br> <br>Cassidy rubs the back of her head with a gloved hand, nodding. "A few bits and odds and ends. But nothing... Serious, I guess! Nothing of much note. Just various freesword assignments, the usual! But nothing life changing. Nice to see you're back home, though! How're the classes?"<br> <br>Natska gives Kazel a small nod of recognition, and a smile; she frowns a little at the mission, then shrugs her shoulders. "I'd like to know who we are working for, if you can tell us, too. And why Ishara." She nods at Cass' statement, too, agreeing. "A lot of random things. Nothing too crazy."<br> <br>Cara turns to everyone else with a smile as she listens, "Well, I'm just glad that we're going to explore ruins again. Hopefully it won't be like the swamp cave." At that point, she instantly turns to Kazel and asks with a smile as she sits down on the deck of the ship, "How have things been for you, Kazel? I've been doing freesword assignments, mostly being an exterminator for pests."<br> <br>Kazel ponders for a moment, choosing her words a lot more carefully than usually. "Well for those who do not know me, I am Kazel Silverwing and yes we are headed to Ishara to explore some ruins. Ruins that may or may not even be there or worth it. My contact, who I am not in a position to disclose, has not told me much more than that and that if they are what they think it is they will want all we can find in those ruins. The smallest gold coin to the biggest statue. We are all paid handsomely to determine the position of these ruins, if they are real, and to secure the area for the workers." The bat takes a deep breath of the ocean air before turning to Cara and the ferret. "I have been well and food is being served at the regular hours under deck."<br> <br>"Well, Kazel, it's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Selena." the wolfess greets, offering out her hand. "Hopefully some of the things they're hoping to find will make their way to the academy. I wouldn't mind having some things other than old magic to study every now and then." She notes, settling herself down towards the middle of the ship. "Fair enough, Natska, Cassidy." The wolfess nods back to Fenris - perhaps somewhat belatedly. "No, nothing of that sort. Unless you have something specific you'd like to ask or talk about?"<br> <br>Fenris frowns. "That's the kind of vague answers and fuzzy planning that landed my sorry butt on Ishara the last time I was there,' he says, "But it will have to do if we have nothing better." The tiger turns his attention to the rough ferret sailor. "You any good at cards?" he asks, "Looks like the scholars will be too busy to entertain me." He produces a pack of cards from a deep pocket. "Cripple Mister Onion is a favorite, but I am up for just about anything," he says, "I'll even tell your fortune if you like. Anything to distract from the destination."<br> <br>The disguised Cedric nods to Kazel after she introduces herself, and gives a fake name in return. "Just call me Richard." he introduces himself, and makes a low grunt to Fenris as he's stopped, just to head below deck. "Not too lucky a fella', m'self, but I'll play ya a few rounds." he says, not wanting to raise too much suspicion with the tiger by outright refusing. "Join me below deck t'wait some grub whilst we play?" he asks.<br> <br>"Sometime, under better circumstances, we should talk!" Cassidy says to Selena, grinning. "About magic. I have a concept. Something to talk to you about, but this isn't really the time and place for it! Sometime, though." She looks towards Natska and nods. "This should be an interesting enough trip, at least."<br> <br>Natska makes a small noise in agreement, then nods again. "I'd like to stow my bag, and then I wouldn't mind spending some time on deck, watching the ocean. Unless you wanted to hang out below with everyone else, Cass."<br> <br>Cara asks, "Does anyone have any idea how to disarm any possible traps that might be in the ruins though?" The feline shrugs and continues rather calmly, "I just think that it might be good to have for this trip. Anyway, I hope that the research on what we recover will be worth the rather pleasant trip to Ishara, and by pleasant I mean eventful."<br> <br>A couple of days later, the ship finally reaches its destination. A relatively small and flat island, covered in thick jungle. The journey was surprisingly uneventful and pleasant, so that everyone is at their full mental and physical capacity. The gangplank is lowered and the Freeswords step on shore, Kazel leading. "Alright, the ship will wait here while we explore the island. It should be uninhabitated from what I read in the report I was given, but it was already a few years old. Any questions before we head out?"<br> <br>Selena raises an eyebrow, looking over the island for a few moments. "A few years ago? where did you get the report from, Kazel?" she asks somewhat perplexedly. "I feel like I've been here before, but a lot changes over a few years..." She muses, rubbing her cheek.<br> <br>Stepping from the gangplank to the island, 'Richard' the ferret sailor takes a good look around. He crouches down at the spot where he first notices the scant traces of a path leading into the island. "Not sure it were recent, but there's def'nat'ly been some foot traffic 'round hereabouts." he says with that thick accent. "Could use an extra pair 'o eyes t'be sure."<br> <br>Cara smiles and pats the ferret sailor on the back. <br> <br>Cassidy had changed while the trip was underway! When she comes up and makes her way off the boat, she's dressed in her suit without the... Suit. A pair of black slacks, a crisp white button up shirt with the sleeves rolled back, and not much else, save for her weapons. "Yeah, looks like there's a bit of a trail there."<br> <br>Natska frowns, at both the age of the information and the evidence that others are probably here as well; after a moment though the jaguar shrugs her shoulders, checks her blades, and makes sure her hat is properly settled. "Oh well. This is why we make good money."<br> <br>Cara smiles and pats the ferret sailor on the back. "Thank you, Richard. You just saved us the time to find the route ourselves." As expected, she is wearing a nice pair of flexible pants and a blue light t-shirt. She promptly draws her sabre and grins cheerfully, "I like being careful here." | + | Palpable relief washes over the wolfess when she sees the bat exit the cabin; "I'm very glad that isn't who I was expecting. The last bat I went on a trip to an island with shouldn't be going anywhere near anyone at all." she notes offhandedly. "Almost like Deja vu, this entire situation. What should I call you, then? I don't think we've met."<br> <br>Fenris shakes his head at Selena. "Nothing that needs airing on a ship bound for Ishara," he says, "But I am sure there will be time later to regale you with tales of exploration and daring-do!" He looks at Kazel. "And speaking of exploration," he continues, "What exactly are we going to Ishara FOR? It is not exactly my first choice for a pleasure cruise. There was mention of some kind of ruins?"<br> <br>The scruffy-looking ferret hangs off a little to the side of everyone else, because 'definitely not in any way, shape or form Cedric' doesn't know any of these people. "Y'got anythin' good t'eat or drink on this tub?" he asks, putting on a fake accent as he asks his question.<br> <br>Cassidy rubs the back of her head with a gloved hand, nodding. "A few bits and odds and ends. But nothing... Serious, I guess! Nothing of much note. Just various freesword assignments, the usual! But nothing life changing. Nice to see you're back home, though! How're the classes?"<br> <br>Natska gives Kazel a small nod of recognition, and a smile; she frowns a little at the mission, then shrugs her shoulders. "I'd like to know who we are working for, if you can tell us, too. And why Ishara." She nods at Cass' statement, too, agreeing. "A lot of random things. Nothing too crazy."<br> <br>Cara turns to everyone else with a smile as she listens, "Well, I'm just glad that we're going to explore ruins again. Hopefully it won't be like the swamp cave." At that point, she instantly turns to Kazel and asks with a smile as she sits down on the deck of the ship, "How have things been for you, Kazel? I've been doing freesword assignments, mostly being an exterminator for pests."<br> <br>Kazel ponders for a moment, choosing her words a lot more carefully than usually. "Well for those who do not know me, I am Kazel Silverwing and yes we are headed to Ishara to explore some ruins. Ruins that may or may not even be there or worth it. My contact, who I am not in a position to disclose, has not told me much more than that and that if they are what they think it is they will want all we can find in those ruins. The smallest gold coin to the biggest statue. We are all paid handsomely to determine the position of these ruins, if they are real, and to secure the area for the workers." The bat takes a deep breath of the ocean air before turning to Cara and the ferret. "I have been well and food is being served at the regular hours under deck."<br> <br>"Well, Kazel, it's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Selena." the wolfess greets, offering out her hand. "Hopefully some of the things they're hoping to find will make their way to the academy. I wouldn't mind having some things other than old magic to study every now and then." She notes, settling herself down towards the middle of the ship. "Fair enough, Natska, Cassidy." The wolfess nods back to Fenris - perhaps somewhat belatedly. "No, nothing of that sort. Unless you have something specific you'd like to ask or talk about?"<br> <br>Fenris frowns. "That's the kind of vague answers and fuzzy planning that landed my sorry butt on Ishara the last time I was there,' he says, "But it will have to do if we have nothing better." The tiger turns his attention to the rough ferret sailor. "You any good at cards?" he asks, "Looks like the scholars will be too busy to entertain me." He produces a pack of cards from a deep pocket. "Cripple Mister Onion is a favorite, but I am up for just about anything," he says, "I'll even tell your fortune if you like. Anything to distract from the destination."<br> <br>The disguised Cedric nods to Kazel after she introduces herself, and gives a fake name in return. "Just call me Richard." he introduces himself, and makes a low grunt to Fenris as he's stopped, just to head below deck. "Not too lucky a fella', m'self, but I'll play ya a few rounds." he says, not wanting to raise too much suspicion with the tiger by outright refusing. "Join me below deck t'wait some grub whilst we play?" he asks.<br> <br>"Sometime, under better circumstances, we should talk!" Cassidy says to Selena, grinning. "About magic. I have a concept. Something to talk to you about, but this isn't really the time and place for it! Sometime, though." She looks towards Natska and nods. "This should be an interesting enough trip, at least."<br> <br>Natska makes a small noise in agreement, then nods again. "I'd like to stow my bag, and then I wouldn't mind spending some time on deck, watching the ocean. Unless you wanted to hang out below with everyone else, Cass."<br> <br>Cara asks, "Does anyone have any idea how to disarm any possible traps that might be in the ruins though?" The feline shrugs and continues rather calmly, "I just think that it might be good to have for this trip. Anyway, I hope that the research on what we recover will be worth the rather pleasant trip to Ishara, and by pleasant I mean eventful."<br> <br>A couple of days later, the ship finally reaches its destination. A relatively small and flat island, covered in thick jungle. The journey was surprisingly uneventful and pleasant, so that everyone is at their full mental and physical capacity. The gangplank is lowered and the Freeswords step on shore, Kazel leading. "Alright, the ship will wait here while we explore the island. It should be uninhabitated from what I read in the report I was given, but it was already a few years old. Any questions before we head out?"<br> <br>Selena raises an eyebrow, looking over the island for a few moments. "A few years ago? where did you get the report from, Kazel?" she asks somewhat perplexedly. "I feel like I've been here before, but a lot changes over a few years..." She muses, rubbing her cheek.<br> <br>Stepping from the gangplank to the island, 'Richard' the ferret sailor takes a good look around. He crouches down at the spot where he first notices the scant traces of a path leading into the island. "Not sure it were recent, but there's def'nat'ly been some foot traffic 'round hereabouts." he says with that thick accent. "Could use an extra pair 'o eyes t'be sure."<br> <br>Cara smiles and pats the ferret sailor on the back. <br> <br>Cassidy had changed while the trip was underway! When she comes up and makes her way off the boat, she's dressed in her suit without the... Suit. A pair of black slacks, a crisp white button up shirt with the sleeves rolled back, and not much else, save for her weapons. "Yeah, looks like there's a bit of a trail there."<br> <br>Natska frowns, at both the age of the information and the evidence that others are probably here as well; after a moment though the jaguar shrugs her shoulders, checks her blades, and makes sure her hat is properly settled. "Oh well. This is why we make good money."<br> <br>Cara smiles and pats the ferret sailor on the back. "Thank you, Richard. You just saved us the time to find the route ourselves." As expected, she is wearing a nice pair of flexible pants and a blue light t-shirt. She promptly draws her sabre and grins cheerfully, "I like being careful here."<br> <br>Kazel frowns slightly. "The reports were given to me by my contact and I can guarantee for their capability. It was the best they could do. Lets head up that track you found, yes? It should be out best bet at this point." She opens her tiny black booklet and checks something, before putting it back into her satchel and turning her attention to Selena. "I was informed that there was an expedition to this island a few years ago, it was a bloodbath."<br> <br>Selena nods back to the bat, biting her cheek. "Group of apostate trying to settle here and the sweetwater military were involved?" She asks, furrowing her eyebrows. "Because that sounds exactly like one of the earlier expeditions I went on here. There were supposed to be negotiations." she murmurs to nobody in particular, staying close to the group and continuing on through the forest. "I think this might be the island that happened on."<br> <br>"Bloodbath," Fenris says, crossing the little beach, "That is exactly the word I wanted to hear upon arriving back in Ishara." The big tiger gives his gear a quick once over before drawing a black machete and stepping onto the trail. "So no ancient ruins last time, Selena?" he asks.<br> <br>"Bloodbath, eh?" Ferret-Cedric says, standing up straight again and glancing around a bit nervously. Bloodbaths don't sound like much fun! At any rate, he's not wandering off by himself, so he'll wait for everyone to decide what to do first. He checks his belt pouch and pack to make sure he hasn't forgotten anything back on the ship.<br> <br>Cassidy shakes her head, pulling a face. "Yeah, that's certainly not a good sign. If there's anyone here, then, I doubt their intentions are good. But let's hope it's all abandoned by now," she says, checking the knife holsters on her legs. "I'd prefer not to have to do any hurting today."<br> <br>Natska rolls her shoulders in a small shrug as she starts off, then pauses, looking over at Selena. "They... what? Why would they get involved with that?" she asks, curious.<br> <br>Cara quickly turns to the runed wolf with her mouth completely open with shock. "There was a bloodbath here and we are apparently going onto the same island that it occurred on." She promptly sighs and brings a gloved hand her face, "Okay, maybe if we're lucky, the inhabitants might not attack us." The feline sheathes her sword instead and brings out her martial staff, "This would probably be better to use. Also, I agree with you on avoiding bloodshed today, Cassidy."<br> <br>Kazel raises her hands in defense. "Wait, wait. They killed all the inhabitants, the group was mostly fine from what I read. And yes, it is quite possible that this might be the same island. From what I read your group left as fast as they came, so they might have overlooked the ruins." The bat takes point and starts marching inland, following the path that Cedric pointed out.<br> <br>Selena nods back to Kazel, sighing. "If this is the island I'm thinking of, there was a small colony of apostate living here before. One of the Sweetwater guard captians had it in for them from the start. After we'd started negotiations, they came in and started killing them without much warning." She explains, voice taking a somber tone. "That captain should've died." the wolfess shakes her head slightly, continuing on. "But yes, they were the only people on the island, and we didn't come to look at the ruins."<br> <br>Fenris walks quietly along the trail, machete in hand to cut down any impeding vines along the way. "This is the right way?" he asks.<br> <br>Not-Cedric follows along, looking at the ground to see if they're still following the trail... but honestly, he can't really tell anymore with everyone else already walking it. "Er... reckon so. S'hard to tell now." comes the ferret's gruff-voiced reply. He makes his way more in the middle of the group, keeping watch at both his sides for any incoming trouble there.<br> <br>Cassidy nods at Selena. "I am... Inclined to agree with you. That is unacceptable behaviour from our military, I should think. But what's in the past is in the past, I guess. I hope they were made to pay for their actions eventually," she says with a nod as she winds along after the others.<br> <br>Natska remains quiet as she listens to the talk, ears perked; after a moment, she gives her head a little shake, focusing more on the path and the island around them now.<br> <br>Cara keeps quiet for the most part as she holds her staff with both hands. As the group walks along, she begins surveying everything around in the hopes that she might be able to stop a possible ambush from occurring. Maybe some lighthearted thinking might cheer everyone up, "So, who wants to bet one hundred crowns that we'll run into a trap or ambush of some sort today?"<br> <br>The group is making a decent speed through the thick jungle, but there is an eerie feeling of getting watched spreading across the adventures. The forest is become increasingly dense and dark as Cara suddenly spots a pair of glowing, yellow eyes in a bush. The creature leaps into the path of the group and quickly darts off into the jungle again. Cat sized and probably harmless. |
| + | |||
| + | The bat twitches her ears. "You would think we would have seen something by now. Other than jumpy little cats that is."<br> <br>Cara raises an eyebrow as a nice bit of light seems to show up somewhere in the jungle. It's not too far from here and it's easy enough to notice. "Uh, guys. I think I just noticed an area that has plenty of light. We should go after it." She instantly walks to the front of the group and smiles, "Just follow me and we should be able to make it there."<br> <br>Selena turns, looking back to Cara for a moment before nodding. "Probably. I feel live we've been watched; it might be a decent idea to scout out the area." She replies, taking a deep breath and quickly looking around the surrounding area to make sure everyone was still around.<br> <br>Fenris has nothing to add, so he follows along, scanning the trees and foliage.<br> <br>Cedric glances off after the suprise cat that had jumped in the middle of the path, and continues to follow along towards the light. He doesn't have much to add to the conversation, so he just checks to make sure his weapons are at the ready... just in case!<br> <br>Cassidy furrows her brow, reaching down and pulling up a pair of throwing knives, one in each hand. "I believe we are, yes," she says, nodding to Selena. "Something really doesn't feel right about this. This whole expedition, suddenly."<br> <br>Natska nods her head at Cara, following the tigress towards the clearing. "Such a thick jungle." | ||
Revision as of 02:27, 7 August 2015
Participants
Date
6/8/478
Log
A lone Being is standing at the dock the Freeswords have been pointed towards, a one-eyed lioness in sailors uniform. The ship behind her, a rather impressive frigatte, however, is bursting with activity as sailors are getting the vessel ready to start its journey. It is a sunny day, thankfully, and the conditions could not be better.
Selena makes her way through the docks, holding s small note about the expedition that had been planned. The lioness is greeted with a wave; "Good afternoon. I heard about the expedition you were planning. I don't suppose you could tell me a little more about it? Ishara's not known for being hospitable." She asks, looking back over the water for a few moments. "... Seems like a good day though."
Fenris saunters along the quay, hands stuffed into the pockets of his specially tailored trousers. Since any shirt on the fluffball looks ridiculous, he goes without, which works just fine for sailing in the hot summer weather. The big tiger looks all geared up for an adventure as he steps up and gives a lazy salute to the lioness. "Ishara, huh?" he asks, "Been a long time since I've set foot on those islands."
Wearing the guise of an auburn and white-striped ferret, as well as stolen clothing from a crewmember of the Aurora, complete with a lovely eyepatch and bandana, Cedric wanders the docks until he finds the meeting point heard in the rumor about the Isharan expedition. He was interested and wanted to take part, but he also didn't want to be recognized! So... shapeshifting! He would look the part of your average deckhand if it weren't for the numerous heavy weapons carried on his person, and the primitive shotgun at his hip. The ferret looks around at the others, folding his arms and just giving a curt nod to Selena and Fenris, even though he knows the two.
Cassidy had been to many places! But she hasn't been there before. Despite having not been home long from Cliffside, she was all too happy to go somewhere warm and sunny. Dressed in her fanciful dress, for now, the rest of her equipment tucked away in a bag slung over her shoulder. Arm in arm with Natska, she approaches the lioness with a smile and a wave. "Hello there!"
Natska swaggers her way along the waterway, arm in arm with Cassidy. She's got her hat pulled low, and she yaawns before she reaches their destination, then gives the lioness a nod and a small smile. "Hello."
The lioness shakes her head. "I only know where to take you, the crazy bat inside the captain's cabin is the contact to the higher ups. But yes, Ishara is a dangerous area and we should all be thankful that we at least have good weather. Now please, hurry on board and lets get it over with." She turns on the point and walks up the plank to the ship, beckoning the others to follow her.
Selena raises an eyebrow. "A crazy bat. Now I've haerd it all." She mutters, turning back to the rest of the group that had congregated there. "Fenris, it's been a while. We need to catch up later, there's a few things we need to talk about." She comments, offering a nod back to the clearly-not-Cedric before her hand is extended to Cassidy and Natska. "And it's good to see you both as well. I can't say I want to involve myself with Cliffside politics right now - suffice to say it didn't do my parents any good."
Fenris slips up the gangplank, surprisingly light on his feet for such a large being. "Of course, Selena!" he says with a smile, while it is clear that he is doing a mental inventory and trying to figure out what Selena knows. He passes the smiles along to the others he knows and gives a nod to the unfamiliar ferret.
Totally-Not-Cedric nods to the lioness as well, not one for small talk in any form, and he makes his way aboard the ship after Fenris, walking in silence with a somewhat arrogant swagger, trying to look the part of a grizzled being of the sea.
Cassidy smiles at Selena and Fenris as she moves to step aboard. "I'm surprised to see you, Selena! Pleasantly so. I actually thought you were still out in Cliffside! It's good to see you around again. You were missed!"
Natska smiles happily and takes Selena's hand, giving it a steady shake. "It is very good to ee you too, Selena, I'm glad you'll be with us. And you look like you are doing well." Her tail curls and flicks, and she follows the group to get their briefing.
A lone feline can be found in the distance. She appears to be wearing loose clothing and she is heading directly to the ship at a fast pace. "Wait for me!" She runs as fast as her legs can carry her and she manages to make it onto the ship. As soon as she makes it there, she stops, and proceeds to take a deep breath, "That was close. I almost didn't make here on time. Anyway, I'm ready for the trip."
A horn soon sounds after everyone is on board the ship and the sails are set. The frigate quickly picks up speed as it maneuvers out of the harbor and heads south, towards the islands of Ishara. Soon after the horn sounded, the bat the lioness had talked about steps out of the captain's cabin and onto the deck, revealing the heavily armored form of Kazel. "Ah, good that so many came. Greetings." She lets her eyes wander about the group and seems satisfied. "This should do nicely. We will be heading into a very hostile area as you know so it is good to see some familiar faces." She pauses for a moment. "The trip is quite long, so go ahead and ask if you have questions."
Selena laughs quietly, shaking her head for a few moments. "I've been around." She replies to the absolutely, most certainly not Cedric AT ALL; "Though, that would mean you know me and I certainly don't recognize you from the academy. Who are you, then?"
The impromptu questionnaire is cut mercifully short as she actually steps onto the boat, shuddering a little. "I never liked these things, you know." She comments to nobody in particular - though probably mostly at the three beings she definitely knew. "But what about yourselves? have you been up to much since we last spoke?"
The Lioness's question is responded to with a simple, "Well, if you'd be so kind, what should we all call you?" Palpable relief washes over the wolfess when she sees the bat exit the cabin; "And I'm very glad that isn't who I was expecting. The last bat I went on a trip to an island with shouldn't be going anywhere near anyone at all." she notes offhandedly. "Almost like Deja vu."
Selena laughs quietly, shaking her head for a few moments. "I've been around. I actually got back a about a month or two ago; I've been busy catching up with the academy and some students."
The short discussion is cut short as she steps onto the boat, shuddering a little. "I never liked these things, you know." She comments to nobody in particular - though probably mostly at the three beings she definitely knew. "So what about yourselves? have you been up to much since we last spoke?"
Palpable relief washes over the wolfess when she sees the bat exit the cabin; "I'm very glad that isn't who I was expecting. The last bat I went on a trip to an island with shouldn't be going anywhere near anyone at all." she notes offhandedly. "Almost like Deja vu, this entire situation. What should I call you, then? I don't think we've met."
Fenris shakes his head at Selena. "Nothing that needs airing on a ship bound for Ishara," he says, "But I am sure there will be time later to regale you with tales of exploration and daring-do!" He looks at Kazel. "And speaking of exploration," he continues, "What exactly are we going to Ishara FOR? It is not exactly my first choice for a pleasure cruise. There was mention of some kind of ruins?"
The scruffy-looking ferret hangs off a little to the side of everyone else, because 'definitely not in any way, shape or form Cedric' doesn't know any of these people. "Y'got anythin' good t'eat or drink on this tub?" he asks, putting on a fake accent as he asks his question.
Cassidy rubs the back of her head with a gloved hand, nodding. "A few bits and odds and ends. But nothing... Serious, I guess! Nothing of much note. Just various freesword assignments, the usual! But nothing life changing. Nice to see you're back home, though! How're the classes?"
Natska gives Kazel a small nod of recognition, and a smile; she frowns a little at the mission, then shrugs her shoulders. "I'd like to know who we are working for, if you can tell us, too. And why Ishara." She nods at Cass' statement, too, agreeing. "A lot of random things. Nothing too crazy."
Cara turns to everyone else with a smile as she listens, "Well, I'm just glad that we're going to explore ruins again. Hopefully it won't be like the swamp cave." At that point, she instantly turns to Kazel and asks with a smile as she sits down on the deck of the ship, "How have things been for you, Kazel? I've been doing freesword assignments, mostly being an exterminator for pests."
Kazel ponders for a moment, choosing her words a lot more carefully than usually. "Well for those who do not know me, I am Kazel Silverwing and yes we are headed to Ishara to explore some ruins. Ruins that may or may not even be there or worth it. My contact, who I am not in a position to disclose, has not told me much more than that and that if they are what they think it is they will want all we can find in those ruins. The smallest gold coin to the biggest statue. We are all paid handsomely to determine the position of these ruins, if they are real, and to secure the area for the workers." The bat takes a deep breath of the ocean air before turning to Cara and the ferret. "I have been well and food is being served at the regular hours under deck."
"Well, Kazel, it's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Selena." the wolfess greets, offering out her hand. "Hopefully some of the things they're hoping to find will make their way to the academy. I wouldn't mind having some things other than old magic to study every now and then." She notes, settling herself down towards the middle of the ship. "Fair enough, Natska, Cassidy." The wolfess nods back to Fenris - perhaps somewhat belatedly. "No, nothing of that sort. Unless you have something specific you'd like to ask or talk about?"
Fenris frowns. "That's the kind of vague answers and fuzzy planning that landed my sorry butt on Ishara the last time I was there,' he says, "But it will have to do if we have nothing better." The tiger turns his attention to the rough ferret sailor. "You any good at cards?" he asks, "Looks like the scholars will be too busy to entertain me." He produces a pack of cards from a deep pocket. "Cripple Mister Onion is a favorite, but I am up for just about anything," he says, "I'll even tell your fortune if you like. Anything to distract from the destination."
The disguised Cedric nods to Kazel after she introduces herself, and gives a fake name in return. "Just call me Richard." he introduces himself, and makes a low grunt to Fenris as he's stopped, just to head below deck. "Not too lucky a fella', m'self, but I'll play ya a few rounds." he says, not wanting to raise too much suspicion with the tiger by outright refusing. "Join me below deck t'wait some grub whilst we play?" he asks.
"Sometime, under better circumstances, we should talk!" Cassidy says to Selena, grinning. "About magic. I have a concept. Something to talk to you about, but this isn't really the time and place for it! Sometime, though." She looks towards Natska and nods. "This should be an interesting enough trip, at least."
Natska makes a small noise in agreement, then nods again. "I'd like to stow my bag, and then I wouldn't mind spending some time on deck, watching the ocean. Unless you wanted to hang out below with everyone else, Cass."
Cara asks, "Does anyone have any idea how to disarm any possible traps that might be in the ruins though?" The feline shrugs and continues rather calmly, "I just think that it might be good to have for this trip. Anyway, I hope that the research on what we recover will be worth the rather pleasant trip to Ishara, and by pleasant I mean eventful."
A couple of days later, the ship finally reaches its destination. A relatively small and flat island, covered in thick jungle. The journey was surprisingly uneventful and pleasant, so that everyone is at their full mental and physical capacity. The gangplank is lowered and the Freeswords step on shore, Kazel leading. "Alright, the ship will wait here while we explore the island. It should be uninhabitated from what I read in the report I was given, but it was already a few years old. Any questions before we head out?"
Selena raises an eyebrow, looking over the island for a few moments. "A few years ago? where did you get the report from, Kazel?" she asks somewhat perplexedly. "I feel like I've been here before, but a lot changes over a few years..." She muses, rubbing her cheek.
Stepping from the gangplank to the island, 'Richard' the ferret sailor takes a good look around. He crouches down at the spot where he first notices the scant traces of a path leading into the island. "Not sure it were recent, but there's def'nat'ly been some foot traffic 'round hereabouts." he says with that thick accent. "Could use an extra pair 'o eyes t'be sure."
Cara smiles and pats the ferret sailor on the back.
Cassidy had changed while the trip was underway! When she comes up and makes her way off the boat, she's dressed in her suit without the... Suit. A pair of black slacks, a crisp white button up shirt with the sleeves rolled back, and not much else, save for her weapons. "Yeah, looks like there's a bit of a trail there."
Natska frowns, at both the age of the information and the evidence that others are probably here as well; after a moment though the jaguar shrugs her shoulders, checks her blades, and makes sure her hat is properly settled. "Oh well. This is why we make good money."
Cara smiles and pats the ferret sailor on the back. "Thank you, Richard. You just saved us the time to find the route ourselves." As expected, she is wearing a nice pair of flexible pants and a blue light t-shirt. She promptly draws her sabre and grins cheerfully, "I like being careful here."
Kazel frowns slightly. "The reports were given to me by my contact and I can guarantee for their capability. It was the best they could do. Lets head up that track you found, yes? It should be out best bet at this point." She opens her tiny black booklet and checks something, before putting it back into her satchel and turning her attention to Selena. "I was informed that there was an expedition to this island a few years ago, it was a bloodbath."
Selena nods back to the bat, biting her cheek. "Group of apostate trying to settle here and the sweetwater military were involved?" She asks, furrowing her eyebrows. "Because that sounds exactly like one of the earlier expeditions I went on here. There were supposed to be negotiations." she murmurs to nobody in particular, staying close to the group and continuing on through the forest. "I think this might be the island that happened on."
"Bloodbath," Fenris says, crossing the little beach, "That is exactly the word I wanted to hear upon arriving back in Ishara." The big tiger gives his gear a quick once over before drawing a black machete and stepping onto the trail. "So no ancient ruins last time, Selena?" he asks.
"Bloodbath, eh?" Ferret-Cedric says, standing up straight again and glancing around a bit nervously. Bloodbaths don't sound like much fun! At any rate, he's not wandering off by himself, so he'll wait for everyone to decide what to do first. He checks his belt pouch and pack to make sure he hasn't forgotten anything back on the ship.
Cassidy shakes her head, pulling a face. "Yeah, that's certainly not a good sign. If there's anyone here, then, I doubt their intentions are good. But let's hope it's all abandoned by now," she says, checking the knife holsters on her legs. "I'd prefer not to have to do any hurting today."
Natska rolls her shoulders in a small shrug as she starts off, then pauses, looking over at Selena. "They... what? Why would they get involved with that?" she asks, curious.
Cara quickly turns to the runed wolf with her mouth completely open with shock. "There was a bloodbath here and we are apparently going onto the same island that it occurred on." She promptly sighs and brings a gloved hand her face, "Okay, maybe if we're lucky, the inhabitants might not attack us." The feline sheathes her sword instead and brings out her martial staff, "This would probably be better to use. Also, I agree with you on avoiding bloodshed today, Cassidy."
Kazel raises her hands in defense. "Wait, wait. They killed all the inhabitants, the group was mostly fine from what I read. And yes, it is quite possible that this might be the same island. From what I read your group left as fast as they came, so they might have overlooked the ruins." The bat takes point and starts marching inland, following the path that Cedric pointed out.
Selena nods back to Kazel, sighing. "If this is the island I'm thinking of, there was a small colony of apostate living here before. One of the Sweetwater guard captians had it in for them from the start. After we'd started negotiations, they came in and started killing them without much warning." She explains, voice taking a somber tone. "That captain should've died." the wolfess shakes her head slightly, continuing on. "But yes, they were the only people on the island, and we didn't come to look at the ruins."
Fenris walks quietly along the trail, machete in hand to cut down any impeding vines along the way. "This is the right way?" he asks.
Not-Cedric follows along, looking at the ground to see if they're still following the trail... but honestly, he can't really tell anymore with everyone else already walking it. "Er... reckon so. S'hard to tell now." comes the ferret's gruff-voiced reply. He makes his way more in the middle of the group, keeping watch at both his sides for any incoming trouble there.
Cassidy nods at Selena. "I am... Inclined to agree with you. That is unacceptable behaviour from our military, I should think. But what's in the past is in the past, I guess. I hope they were made to pay for their actions eventually," she says with a nod as she winds along after the others.
Natska remains quiet as she listens to the talk, ears perked; after a moment, she gives her head a little shake, focusing more on the path and the island around them now.
Cara keeps quiet for the most part as she holds her staff with both hands. As the group walks along, she begins surveying everything around in the hopes that she might be able to stop a possible ambush from occurring. Maybe some lighthearted thinking might cheer everyone up, "So, who wants to bet one hundred crowns that we'll run into a trap or ambush of some sort today?"
The group is making a decent speed through the thick jungle, but there is an eerie feeling of getting watched spreading across the adventures. The forest is become increasingly dense and dark as Cara suddenly spots a pair of glowing, yellow eyes in a bush. The creature leaps into the path of the group and quickly darts off into the jungle again. Cat sized and probably harmless.
The bat twitches her ears. "You would think we would have seen something by now. Other than jumpy little cats that is."
Cara raises an eyebrow as a nice bit of light seems to show up somewhere in the jungle. It's not too far from here and it's easy enough to notice. "Uh, guys. I think I just noticed an area that has plenty of light. We should go after it." She instantly walks to the front of the group and smiles, "Just follow me and we should be able to make it there."
Selena turns, looking back to Cara for a moment before nodding. "Probably. I feel live we've been watched; it might be a decent idea to scout out the area." She replies, taking a deep breath and quickly looking around the surrounding area to make sure everyone was still around.
Fenris has nothing to add, so he follows along, scanning the trees and foliage.
Cedric glances off after the suprise cat that had jumped in the middle of the path, and continues to follow along towards the light. He doesn't have much to add to the conversation, so he just checks to make sure his weapons are at the ready... just in case!
Cassidy furrows her brow, reaching down and pulling up a pair of throwing knives, one in each hand. "I believe we are, yes," she says, nodding to Selena. "Something really doesn't feel right about this. This whole expedition, suddenly."
Natska nods her head at Cara, following the tigress towards the clearing. "Such a thick jungle."
