CH 4: Heart of Darkness

[Jenara]

"Sorry, I meant no offense, I assure you, I was not sure of the exact term." Arei blushes, handing over 20 gold, "Please accept my apologies. She is a Storm Sorcerer like you, she just needs some guidance, from one with your obvious knowledge and skill." Arei smiles, hoping that had helped.

[Nuke]

Val's ear perks up a bit, she tries to shut up and listen, still not quite sure what happened with the whole 'heart' mission. As she listens to the pair prattle on, she is still confused as to what they thought they could actually accomplish. She will work her way toward the dwarf, making sure she can hear any talk of payment.

[HorizonsDream]

"I suppose," Jocelyn says with a sigh. "I just wish I could have done more," she admits.

[JadedDM]

The sorceress accepts the coin and nods. "Very well. You can send her to see me, if she likes." She examines both potions carefully, and after a few minutes seems to reach a conclusion. "Yes, both are healing potions. The formula is unusual; primitive, even; but still just as effective as one brewed by a high priestess of Octhanus."

After listening a bit to the clerics, Val heads to the starboard side of the ship, where Dalaim is. He's leaning against the railing, staring out to sea with a forlorn look.

"Well," Noah says to Jocelyn, "if wishes were ships, we'd all be fleet commanders. In any case, working together with this group seems to be good for you."

==========

Arelion pays 20 gold pieces and has two Potions of Healing identified.

[Jenara]

"Thank you." Arei smiles taking the potions back, "I will tell her, thank you."

Leaving in silence she heads to find the quartermaster, she had a crossbow to buy, never again would she get stuck without a ranged weapon.

[HorizonsDream]

"How so?" Jocelyn asks. "They frustrate me more than anything else. I also don't like how certain things are assumed about me because I'm young and a follower of Octhanus."

[JadedDM]

Down in the cargo hold, Areilon spots only one person down there; a middle-aged halfling male wearing a colorful bandanna on his head. He has a scroll and quill and seems to be taking notations of everything in the hold.

Up on the deck, another halfling speaks with Jocelyn. "Mmm, people make snap judgments about others. It is the way of people in general. I'm sure you do it yourself from time to time, probably not even realizing it. And I imagine they do frustrate you, but perhaps that is good. Part of your training should involve dealing with difficult people, and more importantly, learning to handle them. Remember, a priestess of Octhanus must know how to make peace. What better practice than in such a wild, rag-tag group as that?"

[Jenara]

"Hello." Arei says knocking softly on a barrel, "I wondered if it might be possible to do a little trade?"

[HorizonsDream]

"I guess," Jocelyn said. "Though, the group could have been a little easier when it comes to making peace," she admits.

[JadedDM]

"Trade?" the halfling asks absently, glancing up at Areilon. "Ah, you are one of the passengers, right? Well, we had to give up some trading opportunities for this voyage, so we are a bit overstocked. What is it you are looking for, specifically?"

Meanwhile, Noah shrugs and grins. "If making peace was easy, anyone could do it. Then there'd be no wars," he points out.

[Jenara]

"A crossbow, something light and easy to load, I never learned to shoot really, but I have a good eye." She smiles and adds, "With bolts, something to put them in and a spare wire."

Reaching into her belt she produces the sling and stones, "I can dispose of this primitive weapon then, I'm sure no one has use for an authentic Tribal sling."

[HorizonsDream]

"Right," Jocelyn says. "Well, I have to talk to Dalaim since apparently I'm the representative of the group now," she says, clearly confused by that notion.

[JadedDM]

The quartermaster goes through his scroll, then picks out a particular crate. Opening it, he fishes around and pulls out a simple light crossbow. He also proceeds to dig out a bolt case with a score of quarrels. "Here we go," he says. "Nothing fancy; we were planning on selling it to a merchant in Immerfort, but the deal fell through. I'll sell it to you for, let's say...40 gold pieces. Sound good?"

Meanwhile, up on the deck, Noah shrugs indifferently. "I guess someone's gotta, right? Good luck."

[Jenara]

"That is acceptable, most reasonable." She smiles reaching into her pouch. "If you can provide some cord, or perhaps a leather strap? Something I can use to affix the crossbow to my back?" She knew it was a few gold over the accepted price, but here and now it was simply perfect.

[Breila]

Keeping away from anyone else, Ouragana looks for a quiet spot with good lighting and examines the arrowhead she picked up. With her knowledge of Ancien History, can she tell if it was made by a known and often-used technology or by some new invention? Is it made of a common material, one that is ubiquitous or something rarer that might have had to be brought in from another island?