Ship needed (Chyril 25th late TT)

[Gavin Tylvan]

As one walks around the harbor it is the pervading smell of fish and dirt that hits the nostrils. The sounds of seagulls complaining over the wind, calling out eerily, are distracting. Small and large ships alike dock here. Carriers bring the load to warehouses from where it is distributed over the land.
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With a somewhat clear goal in view, Gavin had little else to do but seek the Count directly and see if he could be convinced to part with a ship or at least a large boat for their use. If all else failed the tall warrior was ready to hire a boat with his own money, having managed to save quite a sum during his sojourn in the Western Kingdom. Already familiar with the location her made his way to the pier and nodded to the guards, glancing towards the ship moored in the bay. "Is the Count on the ship? We need to speak to him?"

[Syrawenn]

"Hold on, Gav. We don't even know if there's gonna be more people." Syrawenn interjected, running up from behind after a particularly interestingly coloured rock grabbed her attention for a bit. "So do ya know anything about boats? About which kind? And I dunno where we go yet. Maps still forthcomin an all that."

Contrary to the big man the girl had found no way to make money. All she'd managed was a secret family visit without her parents noticing and getting back to Dort as quickly as she could. All the coin the youngster had earned with a few drawings and odd jobs went into food and lodging. As such she was hoping fervently the count was going to understand the importance of this all.

Pff, as if. Seems to be the running theme.
Oh shuddup already. They are gettin a boat due to yer memory. What if yer wrong? What if it's all wrong? I made some guesses. Aetya never told me as such where the tower was. I just assumed. I TOLD em I assumed, didn't I?

All of a sudden the girl was not so sure anymore of what she had said in the presence of the abbot. There was a rather large part of her memory refusing to put certain pieces into place.

She made a face.

[Turi]

Grey skies hung over Hafne and rain fell upon the redeveloping city in a fine shower. Down at the harbour it was as damp and miserable as anywhere else - even the seabirds seemed to have taken shelter, although strangely, one foolhardy raven remained undaunted. It sat on a signpost, wet feathers bristling, bright beady eyes scanning the ground below for

...shinies...

The Count's ship had moved since the Syrawenn and Gavin's last visit. It was now tethered to the docks, and anyone could have walked right up to it if not for the grim and grumpy guards that patrolled the pier in the foggy drizzle.

Since their participation in the Clanmeeting three days earlier, the two were now amongst the more widely known figures in Hafne. The soldiers on duty, clad in the green tabards of the Islay brigade, recognised them quickly. "He'll see you, but you'd better make it fast. There's been some headway made in the peace negotiations since you left us. The Count has another meeting with the House of Clans within the mark," the pair were informed.

They were given time to finish their discussion before they were escorted on board to Johann's study on the ship. The attending guard rapped three times on the door. "My Lord? Gavin Tylvan and Syrawenn Llwyn have returned. They request an audience."

"Show them in," came the reply. The door was pushed open to reveal the von Blieb-Hier and his steward Maeve O’Brien, a young Clanswoman with intelligent green eyes a head of curling red hair. They were sitting opposite each other at a sturdy ship’s table in the middle of the cabin, her hands resting lightly over his, with a plate of sliced apples to the side of them that was completely untouched. Identical expressions of mild weariness were etched onto their faces, but they seemed otherwise composed.

The Count took in the couple's bedraggled condition. "Find some towels for these two," he ordered the soldier before addressing Gavin and syrawenn directly. “We’ve been wondering where you disappeared off to. What news do you bring?” he enquired.

[Gavin Tylvan]

Gavin never liked water. Or boats. Or ships. For a boy growing up in Hafne, town which had sprung around the harbor, it was a rather peculiar character trait. He did not fear the water and he liked to go for a swim now and then, though he never learned how to swim fancy and fast like some people he knew. "We need a boat if we are going to go after this Storm Lord. Makes sense for him to be out at sea. Remember what Vaga said about the life pouring out of the island and into the sea? And sister Gaelena is talking to ghosts and seeking out what info we can get." He shrugged and frowned for a flicker. "Don't think we need a big boat. Not the small fishing one, but something that can carry a dozen or so people. No sense in taking a big bunch of priests along. A couple will do as much good as a score will. So, not a ship, but a boat that can go a few miles away from the coast. I don't think Storm Lord would pick on Dort and not someplace else if he lived real far away." He smiled softly and sighed. "Your place is as good as we have. I am willing to trust your hunch and make different plans only if it turns out you were wrong." He glanced towards the ship and looked at Syra. "So, are we gonna go ask Count Johann for a boat or what?"

[Syrawenn]

"A boat..." The girl repeated, eyeing the grey clouds with dread. Water was okay...if it was not falling from the skies. She glared at the big bird, even though it was looking in a different direction. Big black birds were not on the list of favourites either.

Trust.
Heh, he trusts me hunches. Gosh, poor guy.

"Hoookay, let's move then. We'll ask fer a boat. Don't wanna get wet...bleh, too late."

Once close to the guards Syrawenn tried to blow some wet strands out of her face. She failed.

Fast? Headway?

A frown appeared. "Good or bad way?" She tilted her head. "Is there gonna be war?" Quickly the youngster shot a look back. Was the man aware of how awfully close all happenings were to the damn dream?

"Is it me or is everything going a little faster than normal?" She mumbled in Gavin's direction. It would be nice to have a little idea of what they were up against before leaving on a boat to nowhere.

[Gavin Tylvan]

Gavin grinned as Syra behaved quite like herself, enjoying the girl's company greatly, her mere presence lifting his spirits. He poked her side teasingly and offered with a grin as she complained about being wet. "You ain't made out of sugar. Besides, my grandma used to say that rain made you grow tall much like a tree. As you can see I traipsed around through the rain much." He frowned as they were told that the Count was meeting the Clansmen again, not very pleased with the fact that they were still arguing over the island without first making sure the island would be there to argue over. he said nothing though, letting the guard reply if he would, before drawing any conclusions.

As they entered and were given towels, Gavin unhooked his wolf pelt from around his shoulders, handing it Syrawenn. The pelt had been fashioned into a cloak, the skull of the wolf worked into a helmet, the whole creation serving quite well as a shield from the rain. "For later. It's a bit big, but should keep the rain away. I'll use the cloak from the backpack." Then in a much lower voice he added. "And you are right. This is moving way too fast, but we ain't got much time to waste so meh." he shrugged and turned towards the Count, smiling politely. "Good day. We found that the Milkhaire is not the only one who thinks the Dort is in danger. Two other sources confirmed what he told us. Vaga Hex and Abbot of the Dort Abbey. Sister Gaelena is walking the path of thorns to find out more." There he paused not sure how to explain everything to the Count. "How much do you know about ancient history? And how much time do you have for a little bit of story?"

[Syrawenn]

"Well since sugar don't complain I know I ain't made of sugar!" The girl retorted, trying to dodge the poke. "An just cause I complain don't mean I can't stand it! Complainin is a very underestimated form of communication! An if rain makes ya grow I shoulda been twice as tall!"

It would have been so nice to just banter on, make it into a slightly bigger argument.

Throw in some punches, a little wrestling. Mwah, could be worse.

Such a shame this was the place nor the time.

So sue me fer bein human!

Once on board the girl accepted the towel with a grin...which disappeared the moment Gavin handed over the wolf pelt. A flicker of hesitance.

Sean pain death snow run pain dream Noir
NO

And she took the cloak.

"Thank you." Syra mumbled, eternally grateful that at least the attention was on whatever was said between the Count and Gavin.

I am so gonna stop dreaming. You'll see! I am SO gonna stop dreaming!

"Hiya mister Count." She greeted halfheartedly.

[Turi]

"Ancient history?" The Count looked puzzled. "Ah yes, the Stones. I know as much as Maeve has told me, which is about the same as what you said at the Clanmeeting." He nodded at Syrawenn. "That the Stones are linked to the fertility of the land, and that they must be raised again, yes?"

"Of course, no-one can tell me why we aren't raising them already," he continued, looking irritated. "If your story can enlighten us then by all means, go ahead."

[Gavin Tylvan]

Things were not quite as simple as the Count thought them to be, Gavin unsure how much he should reveal at this time. To little information would be just as bad as too much. I hate this part. Why can't I solve this alone and just do what it takes without having to convince others to do what is needed? Without worrying they would change their mind, or wander away and do the thing they were trying to convince me not to do? He had still not forgotten the blasted plain of corpses and what had taken place there. He probably never will forget what had happened there, though he would not voice his worries to anyone any time soon.

"Yes, the Stones. But, there is more. The Stones are just a continuation of another story." Gavin has ever been more comfortable on his feet, and began pacing the room slowly as the story began to unfold. "I have ever had a problem with Gods meddling in the affairs of mortals, but this time it seems we shall have to meddle in the divine affairs if Dort is to be saved. And the problem we now face goes all the way back to ancient times and involves Mother and an entity named Storm Lord. A story of the creation of this island if you will. According to legend Dort was claimed by the Storm Lord ages ago from the Lord of Sea. People lived on that island even then, but Storm Lord had power over the island and storms raged across the land. Then came the Mother. She made the pact with this Storm Lord, to protect the land from his power and protect the people that lived on that land."

He did not rightly care if they believed him or not. Abbot believed their story and his word carried some weight, and Gavin truly hoped his own word meant something after all that had happened. "She created a spirit of sorts to guide and teach people of Dort. And that spirit taught the people from ancient times the secrets of storm and sea. Taught them to build the elder circles of stones so that even if the spirit were to perish the pact would endure. Spirit perished not too long ago. A girl named Aetya was killed in battle with soldiers of Dominicus. Syrawenn and Gwayne fought along her side and saw her die." He cast a glance at the fiery girl at his side, pausing to let her add a few words before he continued the story.

"I suspect that her link to the island enabled Aetya to be reborn. Gwyane is seeking her as we speak now. He should be somewhere in the city of Dort looking for the baby who is Aetya reborn. And even though Aetya is still alive, we have a problem on our hands. She does not remember what needs to be done to protect the island. Life is seeping down into the sea and unless that is stopped Dort will be made barren. Monks of the Abbey have sensed this too and they were seeking a way to solve it. Storm Lord is taking back what was once his. With the old pact no longer working a new pact needs to be made, and to seal it three sacrifices are required. Curses of shame, pain and blood. And by Vaga's words curse of shame has already been made. Two more remain, and then we can forge a new pact. And to do that we need to seek out the Storm Lord and broker a new deal." He paused and looked at the Count. "We need a ship. Or rather a boat. Large enough to carry a dozen or so people to an island where this ancient spirit lives. Abbot offered to seek other who would come along, and sister Gaelena offered to walk the Path of Thorns and speak with the dead. Learn what she can of the ancient times. Try and give us a clue of what we are supposed to do. Seek out a map to Strom Lord's abode."

[Syrawenn]

Syrawenn pulled the cloak around her, sniffing up the wild scent that lingered despite being turned into a part of the so called civilized world. Her fingers involuntarily stroked the fur, listening to Gavin talk.

She had to look at him. She had to make sure he did not suddenly grow older. There was something in his face that made her worry. Was it insecurity? Fear? Something else?

Well it ain't normal for people to have to do this stuff. The girl reminded herself, even though she knew perfectly well that by now NOT doing this stuff would be the anomaly.

As the girl was only half listening to his words, she was shaken out of her contemplations when he suddenly looked at her. Momentarily at a loss at the mention of her name she put up a thumb and pointed at Gavin. "What he said." She mumbled.

Ah, Aetya. Right.

It still stung that the woman had died. She should have been faster. She might have prevented it from happening. She simply should have not been such a wuss! Then they wouldn't be in this mess in the first place cause then they could have asked the birdwoman! And then there were the koreymen, still very dead and non existant as if they'd never been.

Well screw that. We'll show em they lived. Stupid curses. How much more pain an blood do they want? How much have we not given already? Screw the Stormlord!

"Map an a boat." She repeated, nodding. "Tha's all. We'll do the rest of the stuff."

As usual.
An lemme guess, we'll get yelled at for that afterwards. Wanna bet?

Yet there was too much at stake not to try. A hand slipped from under the cloak towards Gavin. She just needed to touch him for a moment. Make sure he was still real.

"We won't bother ya much anymore." Syrawenn tried, knowing fully well that her words were hardly a promise. "Just a boat. We gotta try this while ya do the land politics, we'll do the other kind."

[Mairi Armstrong]

Mairi needed to talk to the Count, but she wasn't quite sure what she was going to say. Should she put all her cards on the table right now? She could feel the tension all the way down her spine. Gods. She was probably about to make the biggest mistake in the history of Tazlure.

She entered the ship and knocked on Johan's door. He was probably working, or with Maeve. She caught herself wishing he wouldn't answer, just so she might be spared the hideousness that awaited her, whether she lied or told the ugly truth.

[Tristam]

OOC: Popping in for a quick tie-over while Turi is moving.

The Count looked more and more overwhelmed as Gavin explained the spiritual state of the island. Partway through the telling, he reached over and grabbed a crystal decanter of whiskey and poured himself a small measure. He took a deep sip and looked from Gavin's face to Syrawenn's and back again. "All right, let's pretend for a moment that I believe all this," he began with a sigh, "how long are you going to need this ship and am I going to get it back in one piece?" After all if a little boat ride was all they needed to get off his back about this, what harm was there?

The Count had opened his mouth to ask something else when a loud knocking came from his door. "What now?" He murmured. "Yes?" He called out in annoyance at the door.

[Gavin Tylvan]

Count's choice of words could not have been worse at the moment like that, and Gavin's eyes reflected the man's surprise, or rather his brows did, as the eyes grew icy cold after barely a flicker. He was calm, stubbornly refusing to feel rage at what the Count said, even though he felt he had every right to do so. Pretend? What a lovely word that? Let us pretend that we are in a rose patch and that birds are singing around us and forget about everything else. For several flickers Gavin simply stood there, not a single muscle on his face moving, only his chest rising and falling as he breathed.

He did not wait for whomever sought to interrupt them to enter, and he did not care if the Count was distracted and did not listen. "I see you are not in a mood for stories, even if they are true and the danger they speak of is quite real. And I understand your reluctance to commit resources to such an undertaking, seeing how odd the story sounds." He turned to Syrawenn and paused. "Come, let us leave the Count to his business. I am sure we'll find someone who will rent us a boy for a few days. We still need to see Milkhaire and return to the Abbot before the night." He turned to the Count again and smiled gently, not a hint of hurt in neither his voice or in his expression. "Good bye, my lord. I hope we meet again at a later time." With that he nodded and moved to Syrawenn's side waiting for her to respond and hopefully leave quietly without a scene.

[Syrawenn]

"Just a boat..." Syrawenn repeated softly, frowning at the attitude of the count. Was he too tired to care anymore? Maybe he had too much on his mind already? But then why would he have lured them into helping if he was not going to believe it? Why would he string them on about facts when he knew damn well they had none other than the ones they just gave him?

Something in her stomach churned. This was all so very wrong. She wanted to help. She desperately wanted to make a difference for once. She wanted to help save this land. Why would people not just believe her for once? The abbot kinda did. Gaelena kinda did. Gavin sure did. But now that they actually needed practical help, the count was going to balk?

Is the entire world made up of goddamn hypocrits? What the flip is going on here!

The youngster squinted her eyes, trying to contain a boiling anger. "We are going to need the ship for as long as it takes to find that place, do our thing an get back again. You will get it back in one piece when we're succesful an you might even get it back in one piece if you don't. But really, if we don't succeed, ya won't need the ship in one piece cause Islay will be gone. Do we have a deal here or not?"

It was too easy to leave now with Gavin. She had not come here to just give up yet again. Either this man was going to acknowledge them or he was not. She just needed to hear him say it.

PLEASE let me finish SOMETHING fer ONCE!

[Turi]

The reconciliation with the Clans had been a long time coming, and to have it potentially derailed once again, when they were so close... Maeve didn't want to believe it either. But there was something about Gavin and Syrawenn, something in their eyes, their dogged persistence and the calmness in their demeanour, not to mention the fact that their story was corroborated by more than one source... this was no conspiracy to distract them from the peace process. She could not dismiss them so easily, and had he been any less tired and frustrated, she was sure that her lover would not have either.

"We have a deal."

Silent until now, the red-headed Steward of Hafne finally spoke up. For a moment, the Count looked as though he was about to protest, then he closed his mouth and dropped his gaze.

"You're tired, my lord. Take a walk. Speak to your visitor. Let me take care of this." Her tone was low, soothing, reasonable. And while his pride urged him to handle the matter himself, right then the man simply... didn't want to argue. Without another word, he rose and left the room.

When he was gone, Maeve fixed her eyes on the pair. "The boat ye have have, that's easy enough. But what does this storm mean now for Islay? Are we to stay and await your return? Or take our people and leave for safety?"

[Gavin Tylvan]

Given that Gavin had risked much to arrange for a peaceful solution to the Clan problem a few months ago, he had every interest in seeing the Islay peaceful and calm once more, but all that peace would be for naught if the island died. Even if that death would be slow in coming. He paused at the door as Syrawenn spoke up once more, turning at the sound of Maeve's voice, but still said nothing. He had said all that needed to be said and this was Syra's game now. He moved aside for the Count to pass, but did not return to the table quite yet. Maeve's concern was almost too good to be true and he was wary of it at first. He wanted to answer her questions, but he kept silent, leaving it for Syra to open up, ready to fill in any gaps her unorthodox way of explanation usually left.

[Syrawenn]

"We have a deal."

It was insane, but there it was. Syrawenn felt a short need to jump around or something, but the situation did not fit that. So instead she nodded.

And then the hard questions came again.

"Got no clue, miss. Could tell you otherwise, but well, the only thing we know fer sure is that if the storm hits, we ain't got enough time to evacuate, not even if we start now. So...maybe that some people would get away. Dunno if it would be enough to warrant the total panick and chaos that would follow. Not sure if it would fit the negotiations either."

Since no one wants to believe it anyway. They all think they are the ruler...while there won't be anything to rule if they don't shuddup an listen.

But that was a thought she kept to herself.

"I guess you wait."

She hesitated.

"An ....cross fingers...or pray or somethin...."

If there were no other questions forthcoming, the girl would make arrangements for when and where to find the ship ready to sail. She needed to get out of there before she'd blow everything she'd accomplished.

[Gavin Tylvan]

Despite his disappointment, Gavin could not simply leave without saying something, Maeve's assistance worth at least a reply, though he did not move away from the door. "I do not think the storm will come so suddenly. It should be a gradual process. Plants dying as sea reclaims the land and fertility seeps into the sea. Storms will get bigger and stronger, possibly strong enough to destroy houses near the shore. Inland people would be safer, though I can not say for sure." He paused and frowned, wanting to tell them about Vaga's mention of shelters, but remembering how the old woman wanted to be left alone. "I would seek out the Abbot and speak to him. I believe they used to make special shelters in the past, before the pact was made. Perhaps they will know something more. Or at least be able to direct you to someone who does." He shrugged, not knowing what else to say, nothing thinking past their own task. If they failed, then they would probably not be around to see what happened to Dort. He sighed as again he was thrust into a save the world kind of role, but refused to let that get to him. Someone needs to do it now. Someone else will do it next time.

[Mairi Armstrong]

ooc: so sorry, have been slightly MIA due to university work and suchlike.

ic: Mairi was about to enter the room when the Count left. As he came out of the doorway she bowed her head respectfully and spoke.

"My lord, if I may trouble you just for a moment...I believe we are close to reaching a deal with the Clans and I wish to speak to you about our next actions," she said. "I have just come from speaking with some prominent members of certain factions, and I think we may secure some sort of peace, at least for the time being."

She looked him in the eye and hoped she did not look afraid. She was not lying outright...yet...just bending the truth a little. Not telling him what was really on the cards.

"I think we need to move the negotiations on to the next phase, my lord, and when we have secured a settlement I would like to return to the citadel briefly. I have some business to attend to there."

[Turi]

Gavin and Syrawenn

"So... we cannae be sure." Maeve pursed her lips.

"I'll ask Johan to put out a storm warning. Let those who wish to run head for the inlands, and those who would stay batten down the hatches." She nodded, the decision made, then headed for the count's desk. She found herself a quill and ink, and began to scribe something carefully on a piece of parchment. When the ink was dry, she sealed the letter in wax and handed it to the pair.

"Give this to the harbourmaster and he'll set ye up with whatever ship ye'll be needin'."

"Fair winds and safe waters," she murmured finally. Words like a benediction.

Mairi

The count's expression was tired and troubled when he emerged from the cabin, but it lifted as he listened to Mairi's proposal.

"Some good news at last." He smiled warmly and clapped a hand on Mairi's shoulder. "Thank you for your efforts, envoy. I'm afraid that we've been keeping you from your post for far too long, but I'm sure that your advice will be invaluable. How do you think we should approach the next peace talks?" he asked.

[Syrawenn]

Syrawenn could do very little but nod. She almost gave out a mock salute, but thought the better of it. It might be misconstrued under the circumstances and the last thing she needed was another person angry at her for screwing up whatever little chance they had.

Instead the girl took the paper. "Thanks. Smooth sailin to ya, then. Take care an all that. Hope to see ya soon."

Fresh out of niceties the youngster turned, made a face at her own clumsiness and left.

ooc
Exit stage right

[Gavin Tylvan]

"Seems a wise course of action, though I think we still have a bit of time. Even if we fail others could succeed, though time is running out." He nodded to Maeve and turned to leave, adding as he left. "Good luck to ya. I think we shall all be needing it in the coming days."

[Maeve]

Skilled. Mari, please continue in a separate thread