Fantasy The Devil's Meridian (Closed)

[EdwardDewey98]

While she couldn't understand what the elders were saying after Kuromaki explained the meaning of 'mutations' to them, Dos Santos could read through their expressions that there was a misunderstanding. The doctor looked at the envoy, and shook her head before raising her hand again. "I am truly sorry for interrupting, but I feel that there's a misunderstanding."

Dos Santos steeled herself for the possibility that the elders might be offended again, but she felt the need to clarify herself. "It is true at one point I offered miss Kuromaki a way to remove her changes, but when she told me she was comfortable with her new appearance, I did not push the subject any further despite how suspicious it might have been at the moment. Considering that she was not very thrilled when she first came into contact with the piece of enhanced Aetherine."

Dos Santos tried to give the elder a genuine smile before looking back at Balth. "I have no interest in changing something its not broken. When I mean mutations I mean those that are malicious... those caused by that black substance for example. We lost... a very good man to it and... the mutations he went through were horrific. He became host to... so many beings that he asked to be put down. I want to help my companions and those who come into contact with this substance, and save them if they are in danger."

She looked over her shoulder at the demonblood inventor before looking back at Balth. "I've also... noticed some among your people who have... well, malformed bodyparts. I wish... I could help them, and I insist! I don't want to change what's not broken. I just want to help them, make their lives bearable." Dos Santos looked down for a moment, scared at what the response might be. But she hoped that they'd see her intentions were honest.

 

[Emperor Sagan]

"I must admit, I was also rather vilified for my... enhanced features. Considered untrustworthy, I dare say, out of jealousy for my newfound exotic charm," Kortova added, studying her nails for a moment. "The definition of malformed has, and may yet, change still. They certainly considered myself and my friend here such before," she said with a gesture at Kuromaki.

She paused for a moment to clear her throat, switching tracks. "Your desire for isolation is commendable, in the face of potential danger. The wider expanse of the seas outside your home are disturbingly treacherous, as you likely already know, and I do believe form a nigh-impenetrable barrier between our continents and yours. If that device were to be destroyed, our navigation capabilities may be rather compromised. Is there an alternative that your people have access to for their own travels?"

 

[joshuadim]

Dobbs gave a confused glare towards Kortova as she attempted to sway the opinion of the elders for sympathy and vigorously shook his head as she spoke. "Last I recall, Kortova, I was attempting to stop you from pointing your ship guns at the city. If that is what you call 'vilification' then cry wolf if you wish but do not attempt to drag my name, or the names of others on this expedition, through the dirt for falsehoods you attempt to weave."

 

[Emperor Sagan]

"Ah, here we go again," she rolled her eyes, sitting up on her cushions. "So fast to deflect away from the truth. I seem to recall a meeting some days ago that went so well that it was cut short and our entire expedition was officially withdrawn because people couldn't keep stop themselves from insulting me and calling me a liar because I look different now."

She fixed him with a contemptuous glare. "Besides, you started the mess. You panicked. At least Warren had the balls to do more than send me a telegram written in tears. I ignored your telegram because it was ridiculous. Who, in their right mind, if actually a competent mariner, would think I was about to attack a city of innocent people? You know exactly what we have seen and the dangers out here and I am vilified, once more, because I dare show an ounce of stewardship to protect my people in case there is harm. You say I cry wolf, but you're the first to call fire when someone lights a match and wet themselves. I mean.... really," she said, emphasizing the word with deep scorn, "This just goes to show how far you are willing to take your juvenile feud with me on the basis of lies and mistruths in front of our most gracious guests."

Kortova turned to look at the elders. "I do apologize for their behavior, the stress of journey has rattled the heads of some. No doubt you witnessed some of the gesturing out in the bay. Indeed, I informed my crew, my people on my ship, to ready themselves in case there was harm ahead. We also have seen the worst of sorcery and I think that you would agree that one has to be ready for the worst when they approach the unknown. After all, we saw your warriors assemble on the shore for the same reasons, which I certainly do not fault in the least."

 

[EdwardDewey98]

"Kortova..." said Dos Santos, just as the 'grand' captain finished her rant. That was the last thing she wanted to hear from her. The reasoning why she raised her guns, and endangered not only the crews but the natives. "You are such terrible woman. It's unbelievable that both you and the commodore think it is wise to approach guns ready to an unknown native population. Even with theirs guns, what makes you think they could have possessed any sort of defense that could take down our ships? Our massive hulks of steel?"

She looked back at the elders, trying to appear a bit more collected. "While clearly not defenseless, it wouldn't take any logical person long to realize that they didn't have canons on their forts or strange magical building capable of firing down hell upon us. All you did was pull your guns on innocent people." Dos Santos stopped to take a breath. "...And you think I dislike you because of your appearance? No, I think now you look... fantastic. I would have loved to draw a picture of you, and write down these amazing changes... What I dislike about you is the way you talk to others. The way you treat not only your fellow captains but the other crews. It's despicable, even for a woman of your rank."

Dos Santos stopped, taking a deep breath before looking back at the elders. "...As the Grand Captain said, we have all been on the edge. I agree with her on that, even though I disagree with everything else she just said. I assure you that we don't vilify her because of her appearance, but rather the way she handles herself... But... don't think ill of her. She's competent and an... excellent navigator, I assure you. I just think she's has the wrong mentality."

 

[K0mori]

Balth listened patiently to Dos Santos, his expression remaining guarded, as she pleaded to be allowed to practice her newfound sorcery on the malformed among the beastly humans. He translated her message quickly to the other elders, emphasizing her recognition of the difference between the healthy and the sick, regarding her use of the word 'mutation,' and the reference to the loss of a friend. Then, he turned back to the group. "You mentioned a 'black substance' that caused a man to mutate. What are you referring to?"

Meinhardt spoke up. "She's speaking about the thick, black liquid found throughout these seas. We refer to it as shadow mass."

"Whatever that is, we haven't seen it here," Balth replied immediately. "And while we're discussing 'mutations,' there is something I need to ask of these women," he said, referring to Kortova and Kuromaki. "Malkon says that you two became demonblood. There are none in this land who share our traits who were not born with them, and that has been true for centuries. But we also know that it was possible in the ancient past, through forbidden ritual, to enter into the kinship of demons. You must have encountered one on your travels..."

"Ishra," Lieutenant Detlev cut in, accusingly, having not spoken up to this point. "Is that what it was? Is Ishra a demon that you bargained with?"

Kuromaki glared at him. "What difference does it make? If you all are happy to trust our host, and the demonblood living among these people, then what's so alarming about us two?"

Balth interrupted. "There is a difference, if I may draw one. The demons of the ancient past were powerful creatures. Immortal, psychic, and possessing all sorts of arcane abilities. We are merely the descendants of those who lived in the third era, during the final war of the gods. If I may ask, if Ishra is one of the demons of legend, then why did you consort with her in the first place?"

The commissar cut a nervous glance to Kortova before answering swiftly. "...If we're being perfectly honest, it wasn't exactly a choice," Kuromaki explained. "We were reckless, and touched things we shouldn't have touched. Ishra confronted each of us in a sort of out-of-body vision. She initially thought us hostile, but we bargained and found an understanding that allowed us to live."

"Then why did you go looking for her in the first place?" Meinhardt demanded, highly skeptical of the tale.

Kuromaki looked the Commodore in the eye, coldly. "I told you, I had a dream which promised to reverse my mutations. I didn't know what Ishra was until I sought her out. I was lured in..."

Balth coughed into his sleeve and held up a hand, causing the officers to fall silent. "You came here as allies. I did not mean to disturb that peace, but... to you two, I do not know what you are capable of, and if it is more than any common demonblood of this land, then you are not to mention or display it. And moreover, however you came to meet this 'Ishra...' I forbid you from discussing it with anyone outside this room. Understood?"

Kortova and Kuromaki accepted the demand.

"Now," Balth continued, "Dr. Dos Santos, I am sure you are well-meaning, but think of the consequences if you begin 'healing' people using the ancient power. The people won't be able to help themselves. They will want you to heal everything. They will want you to sculpt their bodies as the ancients once did, and grant things to them that they were denied by birth and nature, and if you do not provide it, then they will demand it of us. We are adamant that these powers remain a legend, and the people be not troubled by the form fate has dictated for them."

Grand Captain Kortova remarked passingly on how her appearance garnered hostility from the fleet before attempting to discuss Captain Flint's astrolabe, but she was cut off by Captain Dobbs, who brought to light the Grand Captain's battle readiness upon approaching the city. Kortova replied by asserting that she had no plans to attack innocent civilians, and explained her rationale- steeped in petty insults toward the Albionian. This was followed by Dos Santos taking some stabs of her own.

With the discussion now lurching toward open hostility, Meinhardt didn't want to speak up. Having been at the receiving end of plenty of contempt from the crews of the Correntino and the Jackal already, he expected his words to be dismissed yet again. But seeing Balth's expression slowly melt from bewilderment into dread forced him to interrupt. "That's quite enough out of everyone," he snapped. "May I set the record straight?"

"Please!" replied Balth. "I heard there was some confusion at the harbor, and I was refraining from asking."

Meinhardt cleared his throat. "There's a degree of truth in what everyone has said so far. Dramatic changes in appearance, like what has happened to Grand Captain Kortova and Ensign Kuromaki, are unheard-of in the lands we come from. Previous expeditions into the seas around Altanis, however, have resulted in truly horrific mutations like the one Dr. Dos Santos referred to, which killed Captain Alvarado, the chief officer of her ship, and so we put a great deal of emphasis on avoiding such things. The fact that these two now seem unbothered by their transformations is very strange and unusual to us, but as the commander of this fleet, I have to ensure that such strange impressions don't give way to harmful prejudice.

"That's why, when we approached this land and saw signs of habitation, a series of misunderstandings unfolded. First, the Archangel, Ms. Kortova's vessel, readied itself for battle, in case we were beset by an unexpected foe. As she said, we have encountered some truly terrifying remnants of Altanis' heritage of sorcery, and I don't blame her for coming prepared. However, she didn't communicate her intent to the other vessels, and Commander Warren acted too rashly when he ordered his own guns trained on Kortova's vessel. Things very nearly spiraled out of control, and even after we made landing at the port, there were still rumblings of mutiny in the fleet.

"Dos Santos, I accepted your ship's resignation from my fleet as of this morning. I will not have you sitting in judgement of our officers- that is my job, and as I have said all morning, I will not act against any officer of my fleet unless I'm brought concrete evidence of conspiracy against the rest of us. Now, Elder Balth, I hope the reason for our tension is clear to you. Our chief goal is survival, and we will obey any stipulations you and the other elders have for our stopover in these lands. We will even destroy the navigational device, after we've returned home safely."

The three elders spoke to each other quietly and thoughtfully for a few minutes before Balth took a few more puffs from his pipe. "Very well," he said sternly, but without outward hostility. "Our original invitation is still valid. You may all stay here, but cause no trouble. Do not reveal any unnatural abilities while you walk these lands, and leave when you are ready and able. You all-talkers, stay with them, and help them with anything they ask of you." At that moment, a servant arrived with fresh-brewed tea. "Ah, and now we can relax, and put these troubling thoughts behind us. Do as the locals do, and look to the future. It will be much easier for all of you."

 

[EdwardDewey98]

While unhappy that she wasn't allowed to conduct her healing services, Dos Santos gave elder Balth an understanding look. The elders had a good point even if she did not agree with it. She glared at Meinhardt for 'reminding' her about the status of the Correntino on the fleet, she didn't even want to speak with him. She had lost all her respect for the Commodore. After a few minutes, servants brought cups and bowls of hot tea for the group, even after the bitter sweet results of the meeting, Dos Santos seemed exuberant and excited about trying new foods and drinks. She sat down between Lonstray and Envini were and grabed a cup, making a quick sketch of it before taking a tasting sip. It was surprisingly good! in her opinion at least, so she kept taking small sips with a happy smile on her face.

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Kortova kept one hand up to her face, as if in a pensive manner in period of retrospection, but in truth she was biting the heel of her thumb so that she could try and calm herself. Dobbs, Dos Santos - the whole lot of them, it seemed, were intent on ruining her. Each second that passed was making it harder and harder for her to get into these people's good graces. She could only hope Williams had got the orderlies ashore to run a clinic. That wasn't sorcery. It was science, and they could even leave a book or two behind, if someone translated the words out loud so that they could enjoy the wonders of modern medicine. Nothing fancy, but it would have to do, for now, to show that she truly wasn't what these fools claimed she was.

With the arrival of tea, Kortova snatched hers up and took a deep, frustrated sip, glaring at the Dobbs and Dos Santos over the rim of the cup as an idea struck her. Her eyes flickered between the pair before settling on Dos Santos, who happened to be a little bit closer. This was an untested trick and better play it carefully. With Kortova's next sip, pinky out, she channeled her telekinetic power to overturn Dos Santos' teacup at the best moment to make it look like a clumsy accident on the woman's part.

 

[K0mori]

Meinhardt breathed a sigh of relief as the tea arrived. Finally, he thought, something to shut these people up for a bit. He tiredly took up his cup and blew softly on the surface to cool it, but right as he was about to take his first sip, there was a chaotic sound, and a yelp. To most present, Dos Santos had simply lost her grip, and spilled scalding hot tea onto her lap. But Dos Santos had been looking over the rim of her cup in Kortova's direction, and had witnessed a violet flicker in the Grand Captain's eyes, just like how Halja's eyes had turned blue when she was displaying her godly powers, days earlier. The others who could have seen it were all preoccupied with their own drinks, save for one.

Before the liquid had even crested the edge of the porcelain cup, Dos Santos knew what Kortova had done. And no one else had seen it except for Kuromaki, who stifled a laugh.

 

[EdwardDewey98]

Dos Santos was feeling confortable, enjoying a good tea while listening around her to hope and catch interesting conversations, truth be told, she was dying to show her sketches to others. But just as she was about to take another sip, something caught her attention, Kortovas purple eyes looking at her, at that moment Dos Santos lost grip with her cup and dropped it. "F-Fuck!" she shouted while picking up the broken cup pieces and looking at the rest. "I am... very sorry, I'm still a bit clumsy h..haha!" She pretended to have dropped it on an accident but she knew something was up and noticed Kuromaki trying to contain her laughter, to which Dos Santos answered with a broken and awkward smile before speaking on her native language. "[Dile que tubo suerte.]" She didn't say anything else, trying to not give the others any context, but she knew it was Kortova the one that made her drop the cup.

 

[joshuadim]

Another spat having occurred, Dobbs chose to directly ignore Kortova's presence in the room entirely as Meinhardt intervened and tea was brought out. Being an Albionian, it was rather easy for Dobbs to accept his cup as he brought it to his nose to take in the aromas. As was customary back home, one appreciated the scents and flavors that would arise from the beverage before consuming it. As he took a small sniff, he quickly discerned some of the more notable aromas such as ginseng, lemon, and honey. Three high quality ingredients in any tea, but was also introduced to a smell that he was rather unfamiliar with and couldn't discern immediately. Perhaps tasting it would unlock what it was?

Dobbs finishing his perusing of the concoction of odors, Dobbs took a sip and let the tea settle in his mouth for a brief moment as to properly analyse the flavors. Indeed, what he had smelled before also took the forefront as the leading flavors of the drink but that lingering taste of something else started to reveal itself properly. Perhaps a sort of spice similar to cinnamon or nutmeg? Yet not quite exactly. Perhaps a new type of spice found on this island is what gave it this distinct flavor, and so Dobbs resigned to enjoy his tea properly as he took another sip, and another after that. One would be unwise from Albion to refuse a good tea after all.

Lonstray would not share a similar appreciation for flavors as he simply took his cup and sipped at it, still teetering between full blown anger and a resigned bitterness. It stewed in his mind as to how Dobbs had kept such details away from his knowledge, after all it was his business to know such things. When Dos Santos slipped up he spared her a glance of confusion before returning to his drink and his angry thoughts in silence.

 

[Infab]

Warren remained quiet through what followed after his statements, though he cut Dobbs a look as well after the reveal of his own powers. Every ship captain, save for Meinhardt, the scientist Dos Santos, and Kuromaki had developed and were able to control an ability. Warren rolled his eyes. All he got was heartburn from a dead goddess, and the ability to see auras. Then came the arguments with Kortova, which proved fruitless for the most part. It was revealed that they DID make some sort of deal with Ishra, which is what he had been suspecting from the start and had even spoke of it. That didn't seem to be enough for Meinhardt, however. He still needed concrete proof. What proof did he want? Kortova openly defying the fleet and professing her loyalty to the demon in front of him?

When the tea was brought out, he declined. He was a coffee man, as was Riddle. Slater did, however, accept and silently drank from her cup. Pausing only when Dos Santos spilled her tea on herself.

 

[K0mori]

Dos Santos' words, tell them they got lucky, were heard by everyone present, but the meaning was a mystery. Even the all-talkers were confused, including Kuromaki, even though the comment had been directed at her. All-talkers, being unable to discern between the languages they hear, were unaware that Dos Santos was trying to be sly among the officers, and even if they did, the choice of gender-neutral language further obscured it. As others failed to react, it finally dawned on the commissar what had just happened, and only because the doctor had smiled at her.

 

[Radley]

The revelations of the various powers that had been bestowed upon the fleet intrigued Flint. Both out of some small curiosity, but mostly the fact that they had most likely acquired them from some deity. If the fleet were, with their diverse powers, following different arcane mentors, it would complicate his own work significantly. He reasoned that once they had grown attached to these abilities, they would not want to turn them or their benefactors away.

After Ocsian and Balth expressed interest in the astrolabe and wished to have it destroyed, the topic of discussion shifted to that of Dos Santos powers and the nature of mutations in this strange sea. Flint listened with half a ear, puffing away at his pipe whilst studying the elders and the other captains. When Kortova blamed the fact she had been labeled untrustworthy upon prejudice against mutations, Flint rolled his eyes. Of course the fleet had not suspected simply because she had grown horns and purple eyes, but rather for the fact that she took it so casually.

And then it slipped. As a argument broke out, Kortova revealed that she had in fact not been gripped or cursed by a malignant force as she had tried to play it off earlier, but rather entered a voluntary pact with this Ishra. His suspicions were all slowly being confirmed, but he needed to remain vigilant. In any case, even though Kortova had the luxury to mock and chastise the other captains, Flint knew she was playing a careful game. She needed to remain within the commodores and the fleets good graces or risking going it alone and having to possibly face the wrath of those scorned when the pot she had so carelessly been stirring boiled over. He had no doubt that the Grand Captain was deathly aware of the current situation herself.

Mercifully, the situation calmed down and tea was brought in. He took the cup into his hand and took in the aroma. Like Warren, he was never one for tea but took a sip none the less. Finding it not to his liking, he put the cup down and turned his focus back to the elders. As Dos Santos spilled her cup and Kuromaki giggled, he payed it only half a mind. "Your desire for isolation is understandable." he began, addressing Balth and Ocsian while he rolled up his sleeves to reveal some of his naval tattoos. "We have only come here because we had nowhere else to go. Once we have gotten our bearings, we will cast off and return to the lands where we rightfully belonged."

After he finished speaking, he took the astrolabe in his hands. Searching his memories of how Wulfera had taught him, he focused his mind on the energy within the apparatus. With his hand like a claw, he seemed to grip something in thin air in front of the device and pulled it slowly away from it. As his hand moved further away from it, the astrolabes crystal seemed to lose its glow before eventually being extinguished. The needle became limp and Flints grip on what ever energy he had grasped loosened while he sighed somewhat heavily. Looking at the powerless object in his hands, he picked up the cup of tea once again and took a moderate sip from it. Flint then got up and walked over to the elders. "Fear not, ma'am. It's no more magical than a ornate paperweight." he said as he handed the astrolabe to Ocsian. He then returned to his seat and began preparing a fresh pipe.

 

[K0mori]

The servants swooped into action, helping to clean up the small mess created by the dropped cup. The moment passed quickly, and so Captain Flint moved the discussion along. Balth translated the fleet's intention to make its stay a short one to Ocsian, who nodded in approval. She then spoke, and her words were translated as, "thank you. That is probably for the best." However, when Flint removed the wayfinder from his pocket and the two seeing elders saw the glowing red stone in the heart of it, they jumped, and the servants who had just been mopping the floor reached to their hips and drew small knives- this was something they had apparently rehearsed for.

Balth, however, felt he could trust Flint's intent and quickly raised his hand. Ocsian did the same a moment later, and at once, the servants stepped back to allow Flint to finish discharging the device. The Alleghenian assured her that it wasn't dangerous, and Balth translated. But after Ocsian took the astrolabe, she looked troubled. "Won't you all need this to leave this land?" she asked through Balth.

Meinhardt replied: "If it could be used that way, then perhaps so. But I don't believe Captain Flint ever ascertained how it worked. If he had, and it were possible, then it's likely we would have been able to sail home, rather than coming here." He looked around alertly at the servants, who had by this point put away their knives and were bowing apologetically as they stepped much further backwards in embarrassment. "Perhaps we'll ask for it back if we can't find an alternative way of navigating."

There was a pause as the elders mulled it over. Internally, Meinhardt was annoyed that Flint had not only revealed the wayfinder that had saved their lives, but had actually disabled it and handed it over to the authorities, rather than keeping it somewhere safe. Likewise, Walkenhorst was mortified and was practically ready to jump out of his skin, but he knew better than to start another fight so soon after the whole mutiny debacle. Balth brought them all back to attention. "In that case, we believe we've made our positions quite clear. All of our offerings of hospitality stand as they did, and you are welcome to explore the land at your leisure. Your all-talkers will be compensated for escorting you anywhere you wish to go."

Kuromaki spoke up. "Elders, although I may be an all-talker, I cannot serve as a guide in any capacity."

"We've thought of that," Balth replied. "There is one other all-talker who lives in this city, but you must swear to me that you will not endanger him in any capacity. Can you promise that, Miss Kortova?"

 

[Emperor Sagan]

While pleased with her antics and the success of her little trick, Kortova was roused from her momentary state of self-satisfaction by the sudden agitation of the servants following the handing over of the magical device. She didn't put much faith in their blades, not against the sidearms of the fleet members. And given that more than one of them had embroidered themselves in sorcery... she couldn't have imagined the servants managing much before being shot down or otherwise, had the situation truly turned dire. There was no telling what they were entirely capable of, however, and as the situation calmed she went back to her tea.

Kortova's face reddened at Balth's words. Now the natives were going to be slighting her? They are buying into the lies of the others! Carefully, she sat her near empty tea down and let out a little short breath to steady herself.

"I am not certain what circumstances could possibly lead to any endangerment," she said in a tone as neutral as possible, though inside she was rather furious. "Of course I can promise I won't endanger them."

 

[K0mori]

"Good," Balth said in response to the woman's assurances. He then turned to the servants. "Go get Vostar, please," he instructed, and one of them turned and obediently exited the room. "I did not mean to imply that I suspected you," he now said to Kortova before taking a sip of his tea. "It's just that, when it comes to your posterity, you can never be too careful."

A moment later, a demonblood adolescent entered the room with the servant who had departed moments earlier. His skin had an almost golden glow, with long blond hair tied into a long ponytail which nearly reached the floor. He looked almost human, save for the fangs in his mouth and the small horns protruding from his forehead. He looked to be about fifteen.

"Yes, sir?" he said to Balth.

"Everyone," Balth said to the assembled officers, "this is my grandson. Vostar, as I'm sure you already know, these are travelers from faraway lands, come to explore our city and holdings. We need one more all-talker to serve as a guide for the lovely Grand Captain Kortova. Would you be so kind?"

Voster took one look at the regal Sokrovian and was immediately impressed. "Yes... yes of course, sir. It would be an honor." He gave a bow to Kortova.

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Kortova eyed the approaching all-talker with some mild trepidation. On one hand, she was happy to have a guide, someone who she could learn from and, with hope, further ingratiate herself with the local populace through. She needed supplies, information, and all sorts of things that Williams could probably point out, and that would need social power. Vostar was... well, suitable, she mused, but she couldn't help but feel deflated at the lack of someone more experienced in life. The grandchild of an elder put him someone near her on the scale of status, but he was at the very least five years her junior. Perhaps there was a political angle she could approach in that aspect.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance," she said, still lain out on her cushions, though after a second she straightened herself out and stood, offering a regal bow of her own while she swept her cap from her head, one leg outstretched and the other bent. At the very least, she could show up the others that they lacked the etiquette she had. She placed her cap back upon her head, chin up, and glanced back at Balth. "If you do not mind, I am eager to stretch my legs and unwind after today's events. I am sure there is much to see in this fine city before I retire for the evening."

If anything, perhaps she could get a head start before the other rat captains were released to sully her name.

 

[Infab]

Warren glanced between the elder and their grandson as they were introduced to Kortova. Oh, this certainly bodes well. First Flint turns over potentially our only method of getting out of here, and now she gets to play with political leverage. He shook his head gently, glancing to the others, before eventually shifting a bit. "I'm inclined to agree. There's much to do before we settle in for the night." he said, looking between the elders.

 

[Radley]

As Flint lit the fresh pipe, he glanced to Meinhardt as he explained their relation to the astrolabe to the elders. "Given the nature of where we found the device, I would find it logical that it'd previous owners used to find their way home, which would be here." He took another puff of the pipe before continuing, "That means we can't leave here until we have a find a away to navigate out of this sea. Holding onto the device will only make us run in circles" Flint eyed the Commodore in a sort of stand off. He could tell that he did not approve of him handing the astrolabe over. He met the latter's glare with equal disapproval. Not because of any disagreement with Meinhardt, but rather to drive home the point that while the expedition was still together for each others benefits, the goal was to get home, and Flint would do it the way he saw fit.

As Kortova received another guide, Flint studied him closely. Voster didn't seem too interesting to him. Although dressed nicely and with the appropriate manners, his age left much to be desired. Even with the new arrival, Flint was still quite satisfied with all-talker that had been assigned to him. After a sudden realization, he turned towards Dos Santos and Lonstray. "If you plan on enlisting local assistance for your translation, then it would be a good idea to fetch the scroll from the terror and included it in your efforts."

 

[K0mori]

Balth cut in. "...Translation? I'm afraid if you require the assistance of our people to decode relics of the past, I must warn you to do no such thing. If they should gain the ability to translate the ancient language of the sea, then our centuries abstaining from that dark practice of sorcery could easily come to an end. If, however, you wish to understand the modern language of Altanis, you are of course welcome to do so."

"I'm sure we will avoid disseminating any forbidden knowledge among your people," Meinhardt replied, before looking back at the captains, "correct?"

Before they could get a chance to answer, Envini offered another option. "...Unless those involved agree to go with the travelers," he said to the elders. "If, say, a local were to gain that ability to translate the ancient texts, they could leave with these travelers and take the secret with them."

Balth nodded. "If they gained that information, then it would not be a matter of could, it would be a matter of must," he explained to the inventor. At that moment, Kortova stood to excuse herself. "Do take care, it has been a pleasure to meet your acquaintance," Balth told her.

Vostar guided Kortova and Kuromaki into a nearby passage. "It would be best to avoid the crowds," he explained.

Taking their lead, the others began to rise. While all were pleased to be welcomed in this apparently safe place, there was also an atmosphere of frustration settling in among the officers. Their goals of survival and research were partially at odds with the insular locals, and more than one of the fleet's leaders was considering some form of subversion to further their goals. Walkenhorst, for example, still furious over Flint's decision to hand over the wayfinder, and Commodore Meinhard's passivity towards the action, felt inclined to seek out like-minded individuals who might stand with him to demand the Nixe take possession of the vital device, despite Flint's insistence that the wayfinder had already served its only purpose.

---
​

Outside the palace, despite Vostar's intent, there was still a moderate crowd gathered to witness the first of the officers emerge from the building. They came up from a sunken walkway, emerging onto a brick-paved roadway which paced the river feeding the harbor, on the far side of the building from where they had entered. As they crested the short hill to the wide promenade, it was apparent that they had gotten into the very heart of the city. Bridges spanned the river at multiple points, and snaking roadways disappeared between the newer constructions. The shops here were of a slightly grander type, looking as if they sold to a wealthier clientele.

"Well, madams," Vostar said, "we are free to travel wherever you wish to go. Here in the silver district, we have our more luxurious goods, but it occurs to me that you possess none of our currency. We trade with these," he said, pulling a set of extremely thin gold coins, each nearly the size of a playing card, out of a pouch on his belt. The design on the front was crudely stamped and several of the coins were already bent. "Pay no mind to the malformed ones," Vostar explained. "When they become too misshapen, we return to the mint and exchange them for fresh ones."

Kuromaki took one in her claw and turned it around, quietly thinking to herself. "These look easy to counterfeit," she eventually remarked.

Vostar sighed. "They are. Our seal is meant to signify a standard weight to make transactions easier, but some like to produce their own in workshops outside the city that are smaller, or thinner, and try to pass it off. Most shops here will weigh the coins, though, and if you're found to be forging the city seal, you'll be thrown in prison." He took the coin back from the commissar. "If you have any gold, it's wise to either trade it as-is, or have the mint convert it to coins. But... since I have quite a bit with me already, I suppose I could pay if there's anything that catches your eye. The city will doubtlessly reimburse me, within reason."

"And what if we are looking for artifacts for research?" Kuromaki asked.

The young man smiled. "That depends on what kind you're interested in. I can lead you to all sorts of things!"

---​

As others emerged from the palace a few minutes later, each of their guides gave similar explanations. The officers were free to explore. Above them, the sun was beginning to descend from its high perch in the sky. The afternoon was in full swing, and it wasn't clear how the city would change as evening set in.

 

[Infab]

Once outside, and into the city itself, Warren and his group began taking in the sights once more. As Warren spoke to Malkon about exploring the city a bit and potentially looking at the places Malkon owned, Slater took the time to begin sketching out some of the people she saw as well as the sights. Her drawings, however, were more from an artistic standpoint than those of Dos Santos. Meanwhile, Riddle still kept watch, observing those that wandered by or gawked at them.

"Do you mind giving us a tour, Malkon?" asked Warren. "I'd like to see the buildings you own. Maybe meet your tenants." Maybe they could boost their standing with the locals...if Malkon was a good landlord, that is. He seemed friendly, really. Plus they could get ahead of Kortova potentially if she tried to do anything to twist the minds of the locals like she attempted to do with the Elders.

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Kortova was interested in the foreign coinage as one might be interested in strange trinkets. She had to remind herself that this wasn't some novelty but reality. These were real people, with a real culture, and everything was impactful to them as it would be to her back home. She reached into a flank pocket of her black and silver dolman jacket and fished out a Sokrovian coin, a one dollar piece, stamped with a bear's head on one side and a mountain vista on the other. It was an alloy of silver, copper, and nickel, to her knowledge, and she was content to know that her own money didn't sting her hand. She didn't know if that bode well on the printing alloy or not, as much of the value in the currency was in backing and not from the coin itself. Kortova held it over to Vostar. "Here, a coin from my country. Sokrovy. I don't know how much it is worth to you, but consider it a gift, of sorts," she said. "The only thing that will bend this one is if you let a train run it over on the rails. Erm, which is to say, a lot of pressure and force." There were a couple more coins in her pocket. A lesson from her father to always have change on hand, as you never knew when you needed to smooth or hasten something along. A waiter unwilling to offer the proper wine, or a valet who was unsavory enough that you needed to offer them something not to scrape your car. Or something to drive away some incessant newsboy on the street.

She glanced around at the area they were in, unsure of how much admiration she could apply to the city. Cities were marvelous places, and this place had a charm to it, certainly, but it was no grand Constantine or Tsaristsa. Perhaps it was the lack of crystalline streetlights and the ringing trolleys. Looking back at Vostar, she flashed him a wide, endearing smile. "How lucky we are to have such a knowledgeable and handsome young man to walk us through the city. You see, my friend and I would like to see everything we can, but there are certain matters that we must also attend to. As dearly as I wish to examine the finest baubles, clothing, and crafts there are to offer, we also find ourselves in the midst of a.... political web, you could say. I suspect a man of your standing in that fine palace understands what I mean. You and I, after all, both come from royalty," Kortova said, pausing. If circumstances weren't so dire perhaps she would partake in indulgences first, but that would be risking a lot. And Williams would probably disapprove.

"To be blunt, our associates in the fleet are not all on the same page. We all come from different countries. Some are on good terms... others are not. As it would happen, those from Alleghenia are not on good terms with myself, from Sokrovy, or Kuromaki, from Shinju. They seek division, and dare I say, wish to sow the seeds of anarchy for reasons I cannot reasonably fathom." She cleared her throat. "If we are to survive, we need help. And I am authorized - obligated - to provide a great deal of assistance not just to your people and your country, Master Vastor, but to you in particular. We need... power. That comes in a great deal of ways, I know. Knowledge, wealth, weapons. Things of that sort. Miss Kuromaki is apt to point out artifacts. Those are particularly special, but there is one other important avenue - social standing. You must understand, the Alleghenians will be saying all sorts of nasty things about us that are patently untrue. I think you will come to realize how foolish they are over the course of our stay here, as Kuromaki and myself seek only cooperation and mutual welfare. And as we are not sure how long we may be here, it is important that no one sees us as hostiles. Do you understand? The more people who realize that we are... nicer and stronger, the better."

"I have no intention of disobeying the directives of your elders on matters concerning... ancient history," she said delicately, "but I would also like to learn what I can about the lineage of your people, and say, the demons of the Ashes." Kortova smiled again and placed her hand on his arm lightly. "But please don't feel pressured, Master Vastor. We are your guests, after all, and we are only humbly requesting what you can perform. Your company alone is an honor."

 

[joshuadim]

As the meeting concluded Lonstray was the first to get up from the Albionian delegation as he quickly stormed off and spoke not a word to Dobbs, who was still finishing his tea. After all, one couldn't let a good drink go to waste. The scientist didn't say anything to Dos Santos apart form a motion with his hand to follow as they made their way over to Envini outside. Immediately, his objective was to see if they had any sort of interesting locales or sites of knowledge that one could study. "Envini, do you perhaps have a library in the city? Or places of historical importance?" he asked with curiosity, hoping that the answer would be satisfactory to his wishes.

Dobbs would shortly follow outside as he arrived next to Urna and took a good look around. Truth be told, he didn't know as to what he wanted to visit or look for. The one thing on his mind was to figure out who Astrius was and what he wanted from him. He had so many questions, yet had no basis on where to start looking. He started walking along with Lt. Reid and his men and Urna, he opted to ask directly rather than beat around the bush. He looked to his guide and whispered to her as to stay discreet: "Would you happen to know anything regarding a figure named... Astrius?"

 

[EdwardDewey98]

Despite the fact there were a few other conversations going at the moment, Dos Santos couldn't take her eyes off Kortova. Having made the connection, she'd realized that she'd been hidding something from the group. Of course, she couldn't blame her after the little scene they had in front of the elders, but did Dos Santos want to cause more trouble for herself? She was already in troubled waters with the commodore, and the last thing she wanted to do is give problems to her new allies among with the Albionian delegation.

She let out a frustrated sigh and finished her new cup of tea, allowing everyone to finish their conversations with the elders. Envini and the elders talked about the possibility of translating hidden arcane knowledge, which Dos Santos listened carefully. As she had the intention of learning their ancient language. Captain Flint offered the scroll they had found earlier to Lonstray, but the brooding man rudely stormed off after the meeting was done. Leaving Dos Santos with the old captain. "Huh... uhm, Captain Flint, I thank you for offering the scroll. I suggest you to drop it with either the Albionian crew or the Platense crew. I promise to update you if we discover something...Now if you excuse me, gotta catch up with Lonstray." She gave the old captain a friendly smile before running after Lonstray, who was already outside speaking with Enveni. She listened to his interesting question.

"Be careful, doctor Lonstray." she said while catching her breath. "Do not involve our guide on risky matters without their consent...but with that said, Envini... As the good doctor said, do you know any sites like that? If you do, are you willing to take us there and help us with our research?" She tried her best to sound as cordial as possible, not wanting to either offend or scare their new friend. Since they'll need him a lot for any future research.

Meanwhile...

The crew of the Correntino couldn't believe what they were seeing from the shore. Mancinelli was dumbfounded, wide eyed and mouth open wide in disbelief as he fixed his gaucho hat. Some of the sailors waved at the natives, some of whom were still looking at them from the safety of their city. This is what the Platine crew wanted to see from the beginning. "God damn..." said one of the men. "...Alvarado would have loved this." said Sheridan, the combat engineer and explosives expert of the crew, with a somber tone to her voice. Mancinelli looked at her with a smile, and patted her on the back. "Cheer up 'gaita', we are here... We finally made it, to new lands with new people... And quite exotic ones at that." Truth be told, some of the Platine sailors were not taking it as seriously as others. Some pointed at some of the natives, making fun of their extravagant features but not in a mean way. "Hey, you fellas better stop, or they'll start doing the same back at ya!" said Mancinelli with a wide smile. The crew relaxed and laughed.

Now that they were free from the Commodore, the crew felt like they could do what they wanted - within reason. While Mancinelli was the authority among the crew, it was clear that they depended heavily on Dos Santos, as she was their only hope or both going back home and getting filthy rich and famous! "Hey Manco... what do we do now? They keep looking at us and the other crews. Shouldn't we go do something?" asked Sheridan, while waving at one of the more pretty ladies passing by with a wolfish grin on her face. "Hmm... you know what Gaita? You are right... Hey, Enzo! How we doing with food?" asked Mancinelli, looking at the crews chef. "Still carryin' a lot, and mourning the fact we lost some wine crates when we entered this place." responded the lanky chef. A little shine could be seen on Mancinelli's eyes as he thought of something.

Thirty minutes later...



Some of natives were probably confused by the strange sounds coming from the beach. The loud music coming from the accordions and acoustic guitars, with tunes they never heard before, must have been a bit alien to them. There were several tables near the edge between the settlement and the beach, with several bowls full of steaming hot bowl of a platine stew known as a Locro. "A good locro needs a lot of fresh corn. Can't believe they sent us this." shouted the chef over the loud music coming from the celebrating crew behind them. Nearby was Sheridan, offering the bowls of stews at the passerbys and curious natives. "Hey! Enzo! Put more mondongo on that thing!" shouted Mancinelli, while giving friendly waves and smiles at the passerbys.