[Arr.  It's a bright sunny day in the land of Malta in the main trade port of 
Port Rio.  It's the trade hub of the world, and the massive load of ships at 
port is a sign of that.  Everyone, whether for work or for other more personal 
reasons, has made their way to the large and elaborate trade council building 
near the inland edge of town.]
[The place is well furnished, with cushy red seats and benches.  Paintings adorn 
the wall, presumeably collectors items from previous expeditions.  And this is 
just the waiting room.  You've all been told to wait here until someone comes to 
attend to you.  So wait you are.]
[Session Start.]
* Maverick walks around the room admiring the artwork as his magpie sits on his 
shoulderseemingly looking at whatever Maverick is looking at.
* Naiya glances about at the others waiting, occasionally glancing at Enzo 
again, then at the exits.
* Maverick is wearing baggy pants and shirt as well as large leather boots and 
gloves. He has his holstered pistols partially concealed on both sides and is 
wearing a green poncho. On his shoulder is a small magpie with a gleam in its 
eye and is constantly looking at exactly what Maverick is looking at.
* Naiya is mostly covered in metal. Due to the weighty armor she's wearing. 
There's a shield propped on the floor next to her, same make as the armor. Her 
hair is short and brown and curly. What you can see of her skin is lightly 
tanned.
* Enzo leans against the wall, humming a little tune under his breath as he 
looks around, occasionally bouncing up and down on his heels slowly.  He's got a 
pack slung over his shoulder, dark brown eyes, and matching cheekbone-length 
hair.  His skin is slightly tanned, and his features have a very sort of 
uncertain look to them.  It's hard to tell if that's a personal characteristic 
or a racial one.
* Nasira is reclining on one of the benches, next to Shan. She's idly toying 
with a wickedly curved dagger, and another weapon - a saif - is sheathed and on 
her lap. She catches Naiya's gaze with her one working eye (the other's covered 
by a patch) and grins. *No* idea why she'd want to check out the exits. None 
whatsoever.
* Naiya 's armor is probably a custom job; it's got an ornate, single wing on 
its back, and stripes along the side. She herself is kinda pretty... except for 
her black eyes, which seem more sad than anything.
* Maverick turns toward the others, carefully studying each of them with his 
peircing green eyes.
* Enzo is wearing a somewhat ragtag collection of clothing.  It's all relatively 
clean and in good repair, but there's something about the general hodgepodge 
effect that makes them seem kinda ratty.  He's got two weird-looking things on 
either side of his belt.
* Maverick mutters under his breath, "Please don't tell me I'm going to have to 
be working with these weirdos."
* Enzo doesn't seem to notice the other people at all, actually.  He seems to be 
checking out the art collection.
* Nasira checks the edge of her knife again, flips it, and sheathes the thing at 
her left side. She's a very tall Caladeem woman - nearly six feet - with (of 
course) dark skin, nearly black eyes, and deep black hair that's tied back in a 
multi-sectioned ponytail. Her clothing is in the light-colored, easy to move in 
and not particularly covering style of her people, and she's (oddly enough) 
wearing Chu-Lin slippers.
* Shan sits patiently, although her gaze occasionally moves to the door. Her 
exotic eyes seem almost slanted, with their violet irises. Her black hair is 
done up in two buns at the sides of her head. She's a lean-toned, pretty young 
woman with a small nose, round face and almost white skin. She's about average 
height for a Chu-Lin woman, which is considerably shorter than say, a Malta 
woman.
* Nasira is also, for the record, grinning. If just a little.
* Shan is clearly from Chu-Lin; if the eyes didn't give it away, her attire 
does: A violet buttoned tunic and loose black trousers, as well as sandals. She 
also wears a jade necklace on her left arm, and a string of pearls around her 
neck.
* Naiya turns her gaze to the magpie, a bit confusedly. Then notes the 
synchrocity of the magpie and Maverick.
* Maverick goes back to enjoying the artwork, with a weak, almost familiar kind 
of grin as if he had seen some of them before.
[Enzo, sadly, doesn't recognize any of the paintings there, but they seem very 
nice.]
* Nasira looks over at Shan. "So, who exactly are we waiting for? You didn't 
catch any names, did you?"
* Maverick continues at the paintings, "Nice to see someone as young as you 
admiring this kind of art."
* Shan shakes her head. "No names, although I assume I can find the person I 
need to speak with."
* Enzo starts and blinks at Maverick for a second or so.  "Huh?  Oh...well, I'm 
not good at all that art stuff, but they look very nice.  Pretty."
<Maverick> "That's what people get them for.  Something to make their rooms look 
pretty..."
* Naiya regards the others for a bit, then speaks herself. It's a nice voice. 
"It seems Malta gets people from all over."
<Nasira> Oh yeah, we're finding a lot of people waiting here.  Though I guess 
they've got appointments and all.  Trade Council of Malta and everything.  Gotta 
be really busy.
* Nasira nods to Naiya without missing a beat or a grin. "Hiya."
* Shan looks to Nasira. "Do you think so?" The question sounds in earnest.
* Maverick hums quietly to himself.
* Nasira blinks at Shan. "Well, sure. Malta. Trade capital of the seas. And 
we're in the trade capital of the trade capital. It sorta goes to follow. I 
wonder if I could take a walk while we wait; they probably won't even miss me."
<Shan> Oh, I hope not.
* Naiya nods politely to Nasira, returning her greeting in kind.
<Nasira> What, that I can take a walk or that they'll miss me?  Because if they 
don't even know me, they wouldn't realize what they're missing.
* Naiya smiles. "I'm sure they'd regret it if they only knew."
* Maverick reaches into his pocket and hands the magpie a sunflower seed that he 
happily gobbles up.
* Nasira winks at Naiya. "You *know* they would."
<Naiya> I don't want to pass it up myself, though. I'm Naiya. Who might you be?
* Shan looks at Nasira questioningly. "She's a lot like you. Are all foreigners 
like this?"
* Naiya glances at Shan, amusedly. "I rather doubt she's much like me."
* Shan shrugs at Naiya. "So far, you both seem rather similar."
* Nasira gets to her feet, moving her saif to her left side. She makes a 
Caladeem-style half bow, followed by the words, "I am Nasira Zehil, daughter of 
Kamil and Hala Zehil, student of Mirza Saleh, and I'm currently a sword for this 
lovely lady here." She indicates Shan, then straightens herself and looks to 
her. "And yeah." She grins. "The first thing you notice about foreigners is they 
all look different from you."
<Maverick> Great a noble...
<Nasira> Hey, is that an insult?  Can I use it as an excuse to cut his tongue 
out?
<Shan> Please don't.
* Nasira snickers. "Gotcha, boss." She sits back down.
<Shan> I'd rather like to at least speak with the men who work here before you 
get us banished from this country.
* Maverick grins and doesn't even glance at Nasira.
* Nasira rolls her eye. "But it's the fastest way off the island!"
[Just then the white doors leading further inside creak open into the room.  In 
the doorway stands a lean, tall man in a tuxedo suit with white gloves on each 
hand.  He's got a long face and short bobbed hair and his footsteps echo on the 
tile floor.  Must be the soles.] 
<Shan> With one's feet tied to a ball and chain, I should imagine.
<Nasira> That's the fastest way to the bottom of the ocean, yes.
* Nasira turns her attention to whoever wandered in.
* Maverick glances over at the man, his magpie following suit.
* Servant parts open the door and brings his hand up to his mouth, coughing into 
it. "I apologize about the wait."
* Naiya looks at Shan like she was about to say something, then turns her 
attention to the newcomer.
<Nasira> Nice suit.
* Enzo peers at the servant curiously.  "It's okay.  Are you okay?  Do you have 
a cold?  I had a cold once.  It wasn't nice."
* Shan does too. She does not wonder who would make a pie out of magazines.
* Servant looks at Nasira curiously, then at Enzo. "The Counselor will see you 
now."
* Naiya stands up, picking up the shield propped aganist the wall. Clink, clink.
<Maverick> All of us then?
* Shan rises as well, and bows, as is her custom. She does not clink.
* Servant then looks at everyone in turn. "All of you. It is unusual that we get 
so many to apply at once. I assume that is what you are here for?"
* Maverick nods silently.
* Nasira hops to her feet, not making any clinking noises as she does so. No bow 
out of her.
* Nasira looks at Shan curiously.
* Enzo stands up, hefting the satchel over his shoulder.  No bow, no clink.  Aww 
yeah.  "...I guess?"
* Naiya closes her eyes for a moment, then nods affirmatively. "Yes."
<Shan> Apply? I'm afriad you're mistaken.
* Servant bows back to Shan in proper Chu-lin fashion and then looks her over. 
"Oh? You have other business with the Counsellor?"
* Servant then raises an eyebrow. "A representative?"
* Shan nods. "Yes. I am eager to see him."
* Naiya dosen't do anything besides nod, because she's not sure whats the 
standard greeting in Malta is yet.
<Servant> Very well.
* Maverick just stands there waiting to go.
<Nasira> Before you ask - if you were even going to - I'm with her.  So no, no 
applications here.
<Maverick> Shall we get down to business now?  These formalities are just 
wasting all of our time.
* Servant looks over the rest of them. "Hmm.."
<Servant> Yes, perhaps we shall.  If you will all come with me...
* Maverick follows after the servant.
<Shan> Certainly.
* Shan comes with me. I mean, goes with him.
* Enzo follows Shan.
* Naiya glances at Enzo, and follows, too.
* Nasira flanks Shan, hands folded behind her back.
[The servant leads you into a smaller room.  It's got a globe on one end on an 
endtable surrounded by more cushy seats.  The color of the walls is much softer 
and more appealing.  Light blue curtains adorn the windows and bookshelves line 
the walls, stacked to the top. (con)]
* Shan is flanked. But little does Nasira know she is about to charge, then 
ambush, then finish her off with a pincer... Or not.
* Nasira would take offense to that, so it's best it doesn't happen.
[Sitting at a large oak desk is what looks like a merchant, though his dress is 
much more casual than the servant's.  He's got a small appraisal glass in his 
eye which he's currently using to look at a gem.  A pair of bronze scales are on 
his desk as is quite a bit of paperwork.  The servant shuts the doors behind you 
as the man seated at the desk looks up.]
[The man, for the record, is middle-aged and looks kind.  He's got a bit of 
rotundness to his body but is more bulky than actually fat.  He's somewhat 
balding, but what brown hair he does have is styled neatly on his head.]
* Merchant sets down the gem and glass and looks over the group. "Please. Have a 
seat if you will."
* Maverick looks around the office.
<Maverick> That's quite alright, I'll stand.
* Naiya takes one of the cushy seats. "Thank you."
* Shan bows again and takes a seat. "My thanks."
* Nasira looks around, curiously, then notices the merchant and half-bows to 
him. And then goes back to looking. "Nice place. You collect books?"
* Nasira has a seat, absently.
* Maverick has a forced grin on his face as he darkly looks over the merchant, 
"So what is it you need?"
<Merchant> Not as such no.  They're necessary to keep the trade running properly 
all the time.  We must always keep up on current knowledge...
* Enzo does almost the exact same thing as Nasira did, except with a somewhat 
vague smile rather than a half-bow.  And no dialogue.  IT'S STILL CREEPY.
* Naiya nods to herself, listening to the merchant.
* Merchant sighs and closes his eyes as he stands up, putting his arms behind 
his back. "Although, I wonder why a representative from Chu-lin is here. 
Although I suspect I already know.."
* Shan smiles at that, but doesn't do anything yet.
<Merchant> Oh, where are my manners?  My name is Theron Gaulin.  Although you 
can simply call me Theron.  A lot of the Counsellors seem uptight about 
formalities and I wonder to myself why go through the bother. 
* Merchant is now known as Theron
<Theron> Now then...
* Nasira snaps her fingers, interrupting poor Theron. "Is that why we had to 
wait? Ah, and I'm Nasira Zehil. No more than that, since you don't like 
formalities, but if you give your name, I give mine."
<Theron> Pleased to meet you, Miss Zehil.  You are from...hrrm...Caladeem, I 
suspect?
* Nasira grins. "Right in one. I knew you were the big guy for a reason."
<Theron> I must admit, it is quite odd to see someone from Caladeem all this 
way...but I digress.
* Theron looks at Shan. "Perhaps I should tend to your business first."
<Maverick> If you must know I am Maverick.  Professional mercenary.
* Theron nods at Maverick. "Ah..so you are here for a job. We do happen to have 
one available...but..."
<Shan> Oh, I wouldn't want to be rude.  Besides, it may be better to discuss the 
matter in private.
* Theron nods. "Very well then...shall I explain what has been occuring as of 
late?"
* Shan nods. "Please do."
<Maverick> Go right ahead if it makes you feel better.
<Naiya> I would appreciate it.
<Theron> We have been having an outbreak of shipwrecks here in Malta.  Off the 
shores of Ester Island.  We haven't been able to make contact with any of the 
ships as they've gone either...
<Maverick> Think it's pirates?
<Theron> However, one of the ships happened to be carrying some important cargo 
as well.  But since we do not know what is sinking the ships...we cannot afford 
to just send more out to their doom.
* Theron closes his eyes and tilts his head slightly downward. "Of that, we 
cannot be sure. It is certainly a possibility."
* Enzo looks directly at Theron for the first time.  "That's weird."
<Maverick> I'm glad you realize the limits of your abilities, Theron.
* Nasira goes back to looking around.
<Maverick> I take it you want us to go out and see what is happening?
* Naiya digs a book out of the pack inset in her shield, and a pen. She 
continues listening, but shifts her gaze down to open it up and write something 
in it.
* Shan listens patiently.
<Theron> Well, yes and no.  We would like you to help escort a ship and be 
around if there is any trouble.  There is also a sorceror on board who may be 
able to figure out what is the trouble.  If not him, well...you'll have to speak 
with the captain on that one.
* Maverick says in a sarcastic ton, "Great we got a spellcaster on board."
<Shan> Is that a problem?
* Nasira folds her hands behind her head. "Mav, sweetheart, with an attitude 
like that, it's a wonder you work with anyone."
<Maverick> People don't hire me for my charming disposition.
* Nasira grins at him, her eye gleaming as she looks him over. "Lemme guess. 
It's for the bird."
* Naiya laughs gently. She looks up at Maverick for a moment, then looks back 
down to the book she's writing in, and chuckles.
* Maverick chuckles, "You guessed it."
* Maverick thinks for a moment, "Hmm I can't think of any pirates who would be 
opperating in that area, they have actually been avoiding it themselves..."
<Nasira> Okay.  I suggest you hire the bird alone, Theron.  I mean, all the 
Maverick over there has to offer is his charming disposition, and besides, the 
bird will probably just take some food and be done with it.
* Naiya looks up at that. "Theron Gaulin? If I may ask, what will the pay be?"
* Shan snickers.
* Theron looks Maverick over. "You can choose not to take the job if you wish. I 
do believe the merchant responsible offered 3,000 Drachs to be split amongst 
those involved."
* Maverick ignores Nasira's comment.
<Maverick> I will take the job because I said I would.  Besides if these people 
fail then more lives may be at risk down the road.
* Theron nods and looks at the rest of them. "And you?"
* Nasira jerks her thumb at Shan. "I'm with her, so."
* Enzo looks up from his examination of the globe.  "Huh?"
<Naiya> It would not rest well in the eyes of Fiona to let such loss continue 
unfettered. I shall do what I can.
* Theron looks at Enzo. "I said do you wish to take on this job?"
<Enzo> Uhhh...
* Naiya looks around at the others, her pen hovering in midair over her book.
* Enzo frantically looks like he's trying to remember what in the world everyone 
was talking about for a couple seconds.  "...sure?"
<Theron> Very well.  
* Theron goes back over to the desk and opens a small book. "I shall need your 
names then..."
* Nasira applauds. "Way to go, kid. Before you know it, you'll be sailing off 
the edge of the world. With these fine people, mind, so it should be a blast."
* Naiya starts writing again, still listening.
* Enzo looks around, but as everyone else has either already volunteered their 
names or looks like they're not inclined to, shrugs and steps forward.  "Enzo 
Valerio Brennan."
<Naiya> Naiya.
* Theron taps his pen and looks around about to say something impatiently, then 
writes something in the book as well as on a small paper, looking at Naiya next.
<Theron> Ah..
* Naiya eyes soften. "Just Naiya. Please."
* Theron writes that down, and then "Maverick" last. He blows on the ink to dry 
it and then holds out the letter. "There should be a captain waiting at the 
tavern. He's an alright soul. Name's Jake Briggan. Red hair, wide black 
tricorne. He'll show you to the ship."
<Maverick> Excellent, I will see you after we take care of this problem then.
* Naiya resumes writing herself, before going through the same process, and 
closing her book. She slips it back into the inside of the shield.
* Maverick takes the letter and walks out.
<Shan> The best of luck to you.
* Nasira grins and waves. "Good luck. Try not to sail too far into the doom."
* Enzo heads towards the door, turning and waving to Theron.  "Thank you!"  He 
also waves to Shan and Nasira.  "Good luck!  Nice...um...waiting with you!"
<Nasira> Yeah, I'd love to wait with you some other time.  Only without the 
waiting part.
* Naiya stands, and thinks for a moment, before settling on a salute. "If I 
may... I have a question I'd like to ask of you before I leave, Theron Gaulin."
* Enzo looks like he's still musing that one over as he leaves.
* Theron looks curiously up at Naiya. "Hmm?"
* Naiya approaches the desk, withdrawing something on a chain from under her 
armor. "You seem like you've heard many things, and know enough to consider 
yourself informed. I was wondering if perhaps you recognized this?" She lets it 
lay on the desk, not letting go of the chain it's attached to. It being a key, 
with a wierd looking end.
* Theron looks down at the key, appraising it carefully. "Mmm..can't say I have. 
If you do good work for us though...perhaps I can offer some research."
* Naiya salutes again. "I thank you for even that much of an offer of help. I'll 
do my best."
* Naiya pulls the key back, and slips it back under her armor, before leaving 
with the rest.
* Maverick has walked out of the room and heads off to meet the appointed man, 
humming a haunting melody.
* Enzo is following Maverick, humming a completely different melody several 
tones cheerier.
* Naiya follows at an steady pace, looking around as she does so.
<Maverick> So tell me about yourself...Enzo is it?  What brings someone your age 
going on such a dangerous journey?
* Enzo shrugs.  "Don't really have anything else to do."
<Enzo> And it sounds interesting.  I like finding out about interesting things.
<Maverick> Whatever floats your boat, I suppose.
<Maverick> What are your skills on board a ship?
<Maverick> Someone as young as you being hired for this job must have something 
that impressed these people.
* Enzo shrugs.  "Normal stuff.  Knots, rigs, maps."
<Enzo> Impressed who?
<Maverick> Completely clueless...
* Maverick continues walking not bothering to answer Enzo's question.
* Enzo shrugs.  "I didn't think they particularly cared what skills you had.  
Didn't you notice?"
* Naiya frowns, and quickens her pace to catch up.
[Everyone steps out of the room and into the market square.  Down the road are a 
couple of shops for supplies and such.  There's also ye local tavern, ye local 
townspeople, ye local clothier, tons of stuff.  The tavern is indicated by the 
huge wooden tankard swinging outside.]
* Naiya smiles, upon sighting the tavern.
* Naiya walks right on in. Clink, clink.
* Maverick walks into the tavern, keeping a careful eye on the people inside.
* Enzo enters as well, sans clinks.
* Naiya starts looking around for a red-haired chap. Red hair shouldn't be too 
hard to pick out.
* Maverick searches out the red-haired man.
* Enzo looks for the hat!  Failing that he just asks someone.
[The inside of the tavern is somewhat noisy, though if you've been around 
taverns, it's not all that bad, especially considering this is a major port.  
There's a lot of laughter and clinking of glasses.  At the bar is a barkeep with 
an eyepatch over his left eye and going bald.  He's wiping a glass with a 
possibly dirty rag.  Can't tell from this distance.]
* Maverick walks up to the barkeep and provides the description of the man he is 
looking for to him, "Have you seen him?"
* Naiya keeps within sight and hearing of Maverick, provided she dosen't find 
Jake. Mav's the one with the letter and all.
[The bartender looks up at Maverick and gives a faint hrrmph, still cleaning the 
glass. "It's customary ta buy a pint 'fore ye go askin' questions."]
* Maverick slaps a few Drach on the counter, "Ok get me a pint then."
* Enzo just wanders around the tavern, looking about.
[The bartender nods and slips up the Drach, and then slams down a pint of ale on 
the countertop. "Up on the balcony.  Can't miss 'im.  He's got a guy with 
glasses with him too."]
* Maverick nods and walks off toward the balcony, not even touching the beer.
* Naiya tilts her head at Maverick, matching his stride and trailing just behind 
as he goes.
* Enzo notices Maverick and Naiya leaving and strolls after them.
[Up on the upper balcony is quite a bit of a quieter area.  Must be why someone 
picked it.  Sitting at one of the tables on the end is the man in question.  His 
red hair is curly, and in some places ragged and scruffy.  He's got a sparkle to 
his eyes and a grin on his teeth as he's got his arm wrapped around his 
companion.  His whole outfit is standard captain garb, with red and black 
colors, bordered with some white.]
<Maverick> We are here about the mission to Ester Island.
* Maverick shows him the note.
* Virgil is sitting next to him, a mug of what might be called an alcoholic 
beverage on the table near him. Virgil is somewhat short, and is looking over 
some documentation at the moment. (Description incoming)
* Enzo walks up and waves to the two men.  "Hi there.  Captain Jake, right?"
* Naiya glances at Enzo for a moment, then waves a bit stiffly at the Red Haired 
One. "Hello."
* Virgil would be around five and a half feet tall, if standing, and looks 
rather young. About twenty, most'd guess. Despite being young, however, he's 
dressed in the typical garments of those of the Zaxon clergy with a slight 
differentiation. Where they'd normally be white and grey, his are black and 
dark-blue. He has short blond hair and light blue eyes, with a pair of glasses.
* Maverick does a light bow to Jake, "Hello Captain, it is a pleasure to meet 
you. I am Maverick. I was hired to help you."
* Virgil glances over at you when you speak up, taking off his glasses so he can 
get a 'better' view.
* Jake peers over at Virgil and starts to say something before turning around to 
the people approaching. "That I am. Jake Briggan at your service." He stands and 
gives a slight bow, looking them over. "Well well. Looks like we've got a hearty 
crew on our hands, eh Virg?"
* Naiya looks at Virgil. "You... are the sorcerer?" She does a Zaxon-ish salute.
* Virgil smirks. "I certainly hope so." He salutes Naiya back. "And yes, I am. 
Virgil Kennard Carver."
* Naiya smiles. "Naiya."
* Maverick looks coldly at Virgil and says in a calm voice, "Hello."
* Jake nudges Virgil with his elbow and grins. "And a cute girl on the trip too. 
Aren't you lucky to get such a protector?"
* Enzo looks around.  "This isn't all the crew we're taking, is it?"
* Virgil blushes slightly at that. "Um, yeah. Lucky, eheh..."
* Maverick turns away from Virgil and back to the captain, "When we will be 
shoving off, Captain?"
* Naiya raises an eyebrow, then laughs. "Sorry, but I've already got someone to 
call my own."
* Virgil shrugs and goes back to the books, fumbling with his pen. He's used to 
a cold reception.
<Jake> We can start this afternoon.  Ye've got all the supplies ye need?  As 
soon as ye've got those, we can shove off.  Can't be sure exactly where it 
happened though..."
* Enzo shrugs.
* Virgil shakes his head, and looks up, smiling again. "Any other questions, 
though? And... I'd certainly like to know the other names of my protectors."
* Shan walks into the tavern.
<Maverick> I carry everything I need on me, I'll be ready to come aboard your 
ship anytime.  If you could give me the specifics on the ship and crew later I'd 
appretiate it.
* Nasira enters with her! That's handy.
<Jake> A thorough man, eh?  I'll see what I can do.
<Enzo> Oh!  Right.
* Virgil nods.
* Enzo holds a hand out to Virgil.  "Enzo Valerio Brennan.  Nice to meet you!"
* Virgil takes the hand and shakes it. "Nice to meet you too!"
* Maverick nods his head, "Thank you Captain."
* Virgil grins. "Care to join us for a drink?"
* Nasira has a quick talk with the barkeep, ends up flipping him a drach and 
recieving alkyhol, and looks to Shan. Seems they're up on the balcony?
<Maverick> I don't drink, but thanks for the offer.
<Jake> The ship's named the Griffon.  I'd say we can cast off in about two 
hours.  The ship's still being loaded, y'see.
<Jake> But ye'll find it at the docks when ye're ready...
* Jake scratches his chin/beard/thing.
* Naiya smiles widely. "I'd love to." She takes a seat. "But... not too much."
* Shan goes up to the balcony, whether you like it or not.
* Nasira goes with her. It's what bodyguards do. And then they're there, and 
she's grinning at you guys. "Well, what've we got here?"
* Virgil chuckles lightly and orders a drink for Naiya. He's actually kinda 
cute, in a 'weaker than you' way.
* Enzo waves and grins at Shan and Nasira.  "Hi again!"
<Nasira> Hey, Kid.  Enzo, right?  Seems we're going to sail off the edge of the 
world with ya.
* Shan bows back. She's way cuter than Virgil. "Greetings. It seems our paths 
will be crossing again."
* Enzo looks a little disturbed, for the first time ever.  "Really?  I 
thought...your friend there was someone important."
* Jake grins. He's neither cuter than Virgil nor Shan. "Well well. We've got two 
more here eh?"
* Virgil takes a small drink. He doesn't care if Shan's cuter than him because 
his character has a character that's cuter than Shan. So nyah. He stutters uppon 
seeing Shan and Nasira. "U-uh... I think I need another drink." He drinks a bit 
more.
* Naiya lifts the mug at Virgil before starting on it. She's cute in a 'Wow, 
she's kinda cute' way. But probably not as cute as Shan. "May the blessing of 
Fiona watch over us." *swig*
* Shan casts her violet eyes towards Virgil and Jake, and incinerates them with 
heat vis- er, asks them, "Would either of you be the captain of our vessel?"
* Jake raises his mug. "That would be me."
* Nasira raises an eyebrow at Enzo. "What's that got to do with anything? 
Important or not, we're going with you. Hope you don't mind." And she has a 
drink of her own, because she paid for it, dangit.
* Virgil points at Jake. "Yeah, blessing of Fiona."
<Nasira> And if you *do* mind, I guess it doesn't matter.
* Nasira grins.
* Shan knows several characters cuter than Vigil's character's characters, so 
nyah back.
* Enzo shrugs.  "Just didn't seem like a mission that they'd send important 
people on.  Sorta suicidey, yeah?"
* Shan bows to Jake. "Good day, sir. I have here a letter for you from 
Councilman Theron." She presents it.
<Nasira> Well, yes.  But apparently it's something suicidal that she's 
interested in, and she has a duty or somesuch, and I'm going where she's going.  
Besides, little danger never hurt anyone 'till they hit the bottom.  This seat 
taken?  Thanks.
* Nasira has a seat.
* Nasira sits next to Enzo, even. Because she's talking to him.
* Jake takes the letter and chuckles. "Old T is big on formalities, ain't he?"
* Enzo is cute on the inside!  He's beyond outer cuteness.  Awww!  He also 
shrugs at Nasira.  "Oh well.  It'll be nice having you along."
<Maverick> Whoever is doing this to the ships needs to be stopped.  Sure its 
might be suicide but I'd rather not see anymore people get killed because of 
some higher up merchant wanting his wares to get sold faster.
* Virgil looks down and makes a few mental calculations, writing down the 
answer.
* Shan blinks confusedly. And she doesn't sit down, because nobody invited her 
to yet. Meanies ;_;
* Virgil looks up at Shen and blushes yet again. "Uh, would you like a seat?"
* Maverick takes a deep breath and slowly unclenches his fist.
* Nasira grins at Enzo. "I think it'll be nice havin' me along, too." And then 
she spots Virgil blushing at Shan and snickers.
* Shan smiles to Virgil and bows again before taking a seat. "Thank you."
<Jake> Truer words were never said. 
* Enzo shrugs again.  "Eh, if it was just some merchant hirin' people to act up, 
I dun think there'd be this much fuss.  But I guess we'll find out."
* Jake raises his mug to Maverick and takes a small swig.
* Naiya smiles sadly, and takes another swig. She eyes the mug, then sets it 
down and pushes it away.
<Maverick> I'll be at the bar if you need me.
* Maverick walks off to the bar, going back to his drink if its there. He has a 
seat on the bar stool.
* Naiya watches Maverick go, then glances at Nasira. She has a thoughtful look 
on her face. "Did anyone ever tell you you're likely to get yourself killed?"
* Virgil finishes up and puts the books aside. He looks over at Jake. "Any clue 
what that guy's problem was?" He motions over at Maverick.
<Nasira> Hmm?
* Enzo nods at Naiya.  "I kinda mentioned it.  A little."
* Nasira swivels to look at Naiya. "Me. Get killed?"
<Nasira> And people tell me ahead of time?  Hmm.
<Shan> He's not very charismatic.
<Jake> Oh, you know some mercs.  They're all action.  Ain't much for words.
* Nasira thinks, then brightens. "Why, yes! All the time!"
* Naiya laughs. "It's a wonder you're still alive, then. How do you manage it?"
<Jake> Can't do ya good, keepin' yer mind on the job all the time.
* Enzo shrugs.  "Well, he'll get over it.  Maybe."
* Nasira grins. "A lot of luck, and a lot of skill, and a lot of not believing 
what they told me."
* Jake shrugs. "And if not, we throw 'im overboard." He takes a slow drink and 
finishes off the mug.
* Naiya laughs again, covering her mouth with her hands to muffle it somewhat. 
"I see, I see."
* Enzo leans over and whispers loudly to Virgil.  "I don't think he had a lot of 
toys to play with when he was little."
<Nasira> Why do ya ask?
* Virgil chuckles. "Really now?"
* Enzo sits back, shrugging.  "It doesn't seem like he likes people who like to 
play.  So he probably never got to play enough as a kid."
<Naiya> Seemed like a good question to ask.
<Naiya> Especially if we're going to be on the same boat. ^_~
<Enzo> Which is a real shame, 'cause there are some pretty cool toys out there.
* Jake sits down at the table and taps his fingers on the table. "Well, the 
basic plan is to set sail for Dusien Reef on Ester. We're hoping we can find 
something from there."
<Shan> I suppose.
* Virgil nods understandingly. "It really is."
* Nasira laughs. "Well. Me dying has nothing to do with *you* dying, in the 
end." She has another gulp of her ale. "After all, it's not like I'm being hired 
to protect you or somesuch."
* Jake wraps his fingers more. "After that, once we find where the ship 
is...hopefully our sorcerer can find out what happened to it."
* Shan decides to order some ale for herself.
* Virgil glances over at Jake. "I'm sitting right here, you know."
* Naiya pulls the mug back, and takes another swig.
* Nasira looks to Jake. "So, you're the captain? I'm Nasira Zehil... ah, is it 
already on that letter? I suppose it doesn't matter. Is this where I shake your 
hand?"
* Jake snerks and looks over at Virgil. "Sorry, Virg. It's so easy to forget ya, 
lad."
* Virgil adjustes his glasses. "Happens all the time. Don't worry yourself too 
much."
* Jake grins to Nasira. "If ya want. I ain't much a captain on formalities." He 
thrusts his hand out just in case though.
* Virgil has his glasses on? When'd that happen? Oh well.
* Nasira takes the hand and gives it a healthy shake. "I figure I'd better get 
used to it right before we leave." Her eye twinkles. "Though that area of the 
sea is Maltan territory, right?"
* Shan presumably gets her drink?
[She does.]
* Shan does!
<Shan> I'm afraid I may not have introduced myself yet. Forgive me. I am Shan 
Dian Biao.
* Jake nods. "That it is. Just a few days sail from here."
* Virgil blinks. "Oh, right. Forgive me, my name's Virgil Kennard Carver." He 
bows his head at Shan and Nasira.
* Nasira focuses on the chick- er, Virgil. "So, do we call you Carver, Virgil, 
Kennard, Virgil Kennard, or Kennard Carver?"
<Virgil> Virgil.
* Naiya settles her gaze on Shan. "I've never been to Chu-lin myself. I've heard 
stories, though. Is it really a constant storm?"
<Nasira> Virgil.  And you're... the sorcerer?
* Shan nods to Naiya. "Yes. This is the first time I have ever seen the sun."
* Virgil nods.
* Shan waits for Virgil to wear his mask.
* Jake thumbs at himself. "Captain Jake Briggan. And Virg here is our ship's 
navigator."
* Nasira laughs. "Well. That's interesting." She looks to Shan. "Come to my 
homeland sometime. We have constant sun, like you have constant rain."
<Shan> We do not have constant rain. Sometimes, the sky is merely overcast.
<Nasira> Yes, and sometimes the sun goes down.  But it's really the feel you 
get.
* Naiya looks up at the sky. "How... odd." She bites her lip.
<Shan> Occasionally, we have lightning without rain, as well.
* Naiya nods enthusiastically. "Caladeem... is something else. It grows on you."
* Enzo tilts his head and listens curiously.
* Virgil chuckles, listening to the conversation and being a bit too shy to 
actually *say* anything.
* Nasira laughs, looking to Naiya. "You've been there?"
* Naiya nods, and says in Caladeem, "I am attached to that place."
* Nasira blinks, responding in her native tongue, "I'll be damned. Did you just 
visit the major cities, or travel with a caravan?"
* Shan blinks plainly. Blink.
* Enzo spreads his hands and shrugs at Shan, with a grin.
* Naiya closes here eyes for a moment, smiling, and switches back to common. 
"I'll show you if we ever meet there."
* Shan then decides to take a swing of this strange foreign drink.
* Nasira chuckles, switching languages. "I doubt that'll ever happen. But I will 
keep it in mind."
* Nasira gulps more ale, then peers at it. Aww, it's almost all gone!
* Shan stares at it. "I must say, this foreign drink is rather good."
* Shan takes another drink.
* Virgil chuckles. "It will grow on you."
* Naiya picks the mug up, and takes another swig. She swishes it about, and 
looks into the cup, before setting it down again.
* Shan takes another drink. This time, she doesn't bother to stop drinking until 
it's gone.
* Nasira notices Shan, grins, and has another gulp of hers at a much more sedate 
pace.
* Virgil smirks, and not wanting to be outdone chugs the rest of his drink.
* Shan smiles. "I think... I'll get another!" And she does.
* Nasira watches Shan scramble to get another.
* Naiya makes an 'mph' sound at the chugging, and pushes her mug away.
<Nasira> Oh ho, here we go.
* Enzo grins a little.
* Virgil smiles. "She always like this?"
<Nasira> Well, I've only known her- yes.  Yes, she is.
* Shan comes back, sits down, and drinks again! Gulp
<Nasira> Hi Shan!  How're you feeling?
* Shan stops drinking and gives Nasira a wide grin. "Woooo! I feel great! You 
foreigners know what a good drink is!" She takes another swig.
* Enzo blinks.  "Ummm..."
* Nasira laughs. "Yup. We sure do." She looks to Enzo, and shrugs.
* Virgil puts the books on the table. "We do, don't we?" He gets up and brings 
back another pair, drinking one on the way up.
* Naiya blinkblinks, holding up one hand at Shan. "You really should take it a 
bit slower."
* Enzo shrugs.  "Oh well.  She hired you, you carry her."  He grins.
* Shan shakes her head at Naiya. "Nope!"
* Shan drinks again! "Ah! Say, you got funny looking armor. Didja know there's 
only one wing on it?"
<Nasira> Well, yeah.  She didn't mention that part, but I kinda figured from 
what I remember of the brawl I got in with those guards.  Or was that before?  I 
think it was a little before.
<Shan> It's weeeeeeird.
* Nasira nods to herself, thoughtfully, and has another gulp.
* Virgil does have a simple walking staff in the corner. "Ya know, I bet *hic* 
some of those vithril people could get ya another one to match."
* Naiya shakes her head. "You'll be feeling it later... and yes, I did." ^_^;
* Jake looks about and rubs his head. "Honestly." He looks at the sober ones. 
"Make sure they're on the edge of the railing when they get onboard, will ya? 
I'll be waitin' for ya on the Griffon."
* Nasira grins at Jake. "Which one's that, Captain?"
<Shan> Hee! I remember that brawl! You did sompin' dumb and got put in jail! 
Heehehee!
* Enzo nods and waves cheerfully.  "Oh--where is she docked?"
<Nasira> Hey, it wasn't that dumb.  They got a lucky hit in!
<Shan> It was too!
* Shan drinks some more! Grinning at Nasira.
<Nasira> It was not.  Have another drink.
* Jake stands up from his chair and looks about "Can't miss her. You'll see her 
name when ye reach the docks." and leaves poor Virgil alone with the cute girls. 
And one boy.
* Nasira slides the rest of hers to Shan.
<Shan> Okay!
* Enzo shrugs.  "Okay."
* Shan drinks that, too!
<Virgil> So, you come around here often?  Or am I just seeing three of you?
* Nasira holds up a finger at Virgil. "How many?"
* Naiya blinks at Shan. "You... I... ..." She bites her lip, and turns away, 
sighing. "Well... ... looks like I'm going to be helping someone to the ship."
<Shan> What, can't you count?
* Virgil counts. "Three and a half?"
* Shan hiccups, and giggles.
* Virgil laughs and falls over.
<Nasira> I'm not asking *you*, Shan.  You're obviously not drunk enough yet, 
because right now, you're just going to stumble and slow me down, instead of be 
passed out and slow me- a half- there he goes.
* Enzo eyes Virgil.  "Even I'm not that bad.  I think?"
* Naiya scoots her seat leans back so she's not in the splash radius, and gets 
her book out. She opens it up, and starts writing, every so often looking up.
<Shan> No, YOU'RE not drunk enough! Because you're just going to stumble and 
slow you down, and then pass out on the boat and get tossed in the ocean.
* Nasira laughs. "Yup. I knew better than to argue with you."
* Nasira catches sight of the book. "What're you writing?"
<Shan> 'Course. Ima govment official.
* Virgil mumbles as he stumbles back to his seat. "The ocean's nice this time of 
year!"
* Shan points at Nasira. "Betcher wish ya kept the rest, huh? Well 's mine now. 
Too bad!"
* Virgil laughs. "That's funny!"
[And everyone got drunk.  What a way to start a mission.  Oh well.  Next time, 
we cast off!]
[Session End]