Return of the Rain

From SCross

Cosimo approaches Nico, first and foremost, the young noble seemingly following Mazurek to the meet. "Don." he says, a slow smile touching his lips. "I've been reminded of your attempts to investigate the condition of the drought. Might I be service to you?"

The predawn docks are a bustling place as sailors begin loading up the ships with the final items while others put the ships into order as their prepare to go under sail. A familiar walrus captain is barking orders to his crew as they scury over the deck of his airship.

Mazurek strides at a brisk pace toward the Rendezvous, the lizard having taken the time to change clothes to his adventure-wear. As such he arrives after Cosimo does, dressed only in his black silk kilt. As usual everything that he is taking along with him is either being worn, in the case of his rings, or placed in the kilt's pouch.

Nico looks to Mazurek, and then arches an eyebrow, before he looks back at the young man, and his nostrils flare for a moment, before settling back and taking a deep breath, "D'Marco, si? And how is it you came to know of our quest? I had put up fliers and made inquiries, but there was no response from anyone beforehand?"

Lady Trisana is the last to arrive, accompanied by a row of servants with Milescent at the lead. The servants are carrying boxes and trunks. She stops and nods to Cosimo, "Cousin." She then walks past him to gangplank leading aboard the ship. "Now Milscent, I want the first floor room re-arranged as we discussed and pull up the flower beds and leave the earth to lie for now. We must not waste the water on watering them." She waves towards the captain, "Captain sir, good day to you. Where may my servants leave my baggage?"

Vespers steps down off the white blaze with a backpack and a medical bag, looking rather rested. He smiles padding towards the ship that will lead him to adventure.

"Pardon my tardiness in the matter, I've had private matters and business arangements to prepare. A grueling legal process. Finished, now, I feel the obligation to render assistance." he smiles to Trisana as she passes, and nods, before returning his gaze to Nico. "I am Cosimo of la familia D'Marco." he notes, offering his hand to the man.

Mazurek raises his hands up with a shake of the head, "I did not invite him, m'lord. I only said that I had to leave immediately when I received word that we were due to depart soon. Where would you like me to be?"

The captain looks over at Trisana and then he issues a shrill whistle and a seal girl slips down the rope, "show her Ladyship where she can put her luggage Clarice." The girl looks back and forth before looking over all the luggage and her eyes go wide, "ah, ah, this way Signora.." And Trisana's people are led off onto the boat.

Nico looks down at the hand a moment, and then shakes, the solid grip of a man used to holding a blade. When he releases he reaches down to pick up a leather case, and replies, "Nicolas Paolo Orlandeau... now your cousin by marriage as well... unfortuantely, you'll have to negotiate your own passage... and the captain has good ears." The seemingly unrelated comments made as he tosses the light bag to Mazurek, "See to our things, Mazurek, and get Lady Trisana settled."

Trisana smiles warmly, "Marvelous," she waves a hand and her servants pile after the poor seal girl. "Milescent, now do you have my last package?" She asks with a smile, the weasel-kin nods and beckons over a servant with a small package.

Vespers pads up to the ship and waves, "permision to come aboard?" he asks with a grin. He has that happy look to him, more so than he has in some time.

Mazurek offers a bow after he catches the bag, "Of course,M'lord. I shall see to it." He then strides on board the ship and offers a nod to the Walrus during his trek to follow Trisana inside, "M'lady D'marco? How might I assist in seeing to things?"

Cosimo looks to Mazurek and raises a brow, wrinkling his nose, he makes his way up the brow. "Permission to come aboard?" he asks, as well, to the deck watch. "I must discuss my travel arrangements with the Captain." If allowed, he then approaches said captain, and smiles. "Captain, senor, I need little accomidations--and I am glad to pay." he says, his tone is soft, but imposing enough to illustrate his intent on coming along.

The seal girl awaits Trisana while the captain chuckles and nods to Vespers, "si.. once.. ah" He looks over at Nico, "M'Lord there's the matter of the rest of your fair..." The walrus looks over Cosimo and then he begins stroking his chin, "my this is a popular trip.. it's going to be a hundred and fifty gil and understand the ship's only so big. You'll be packed in like sardines.."

Trisana smiles at Mazurek as she takes her new armor off of Milescent, "Ah mazurek yes." she hands him another bag, a small tavel valise. "Put this in my cabin will you. Then make sure the brass bound trunk is moved there as well." She nods to MIlescent, "Guard the house." she orders him then boards herself at last.

Walking across the deck to lean on the railing.

Among those with Trisana's bags is Amante, though he's keeping quiet and to himself for now.

Vespers will move onto the ship as he is allowed on and smiles, "well i've delayed any appointments till I return, I've got the bits for several more potions if needed, and if anyone is in need of a healer I'll be ready."

Cosimo hands over his fair, with a smile, "I can offer assistance for any other fair unnaccounted for." He moves over to Trisana, "You'll be pleased to hear that the start of my newest business endeavor will be good for la familia." he has a smug, rather pleased look on his face. He crosses his arms and leans quietly on the railing, a faint glow in his eyes.

Nico settles a hefty bag of gil into the walrus airship captain's hands, and says with a wry smirk, "This should help ease some of the weight from our travel, my friend... thank you for being available on such short notice. There is room of course for myself and my wife, room for our two men as well? I am sure that Vespers would have no issue with bunking with our new travelling companion if we are short on space, si?"

Trisana glances at Cosimo and smiles, "Oh? You are speaking of the endeavour with the gladiators? I will be interested to hear how it turns out my cousin." She looks around the ship. "Come I should go and check my luggage and see to it all my servants get back ashore then greet the captain."

Mazurek takes the next bag to be given to him and nods, "Of course. I shall see to it." He doesn't need to ask where the cabin is, for it is rather difficult to miss with all the servants going in and out of it. It does not take him very long to put the baggages where they should be going, which includes the trunk. He does not speak to anyone while he works, though he does wait for someone to get out of his way if it becomes an issue. He doesn't even have time to speak about the gladiator deal with anyone, with how busy he is.

The elderly walrus takes the money and he slips it away inside a pocket of his vest before he bows, "thank you Don, you may board." He accepts the money from Nico as well, "the servants'll be boarding with the rest of my crew, there's room down there.. and you've your own suite, si." He pats his, somewhat thicker, vest and then claps his hands, "All aboard that's going aboard... if you ain't stickin around for the trip then get yer tail ends off the ship." He starts up the plank to his ship while people scurry past him and down to the docks once more.

Cosimo watches Mazurek, idly, his fingers idly drumming on the rails. "It will be good to get out of the Villa for a change." he says, more or less, to himself. He grows quiet, again, and ponders to himself in preparation of the adventure ahead of him.

Vespers makes sure he is nicely on deck ad looks about, "lets see out of the way..." he comments padding to find a place to stand where he wont get in trouble. the jackal seems almost at home on the ship, "should my services be required captain do not hesitate to ask." he chimes up grinning.

Trisana smiles at Cosimo, "It is good to get out amongst the people from time to time. Now if you will excuse me cousin." she heads off to usher the last of her servants off the deck of the ship. Where they are rounded up by Milescent and marched off back to the villa. Trisana turns to the captain as he comes aboard and smiles at him, "Thank you very much for your help in this matter captain."

Mazurek finishes with the preparations in the cabins and makes certain they are all in order before he steps back out onto the deck. Despite all of the work he had done he does not look outwardly tired in the least, actually looking around to see what else needs to be done.

A nod is given to Vespers in passing and the man murmurs, "we'll keep that in mind, there's always a accident or two on any whip." Laughing as the gangplank is drawn up the man moves to the helm.Orders are barked out and then echoed by the crew before the gang plank is drawn up and the ship pulls away from the dock. Of note is that there's a small dingy sitting on the deck of the boat, not a usual sight for a airship.

Trisana turns to Cosimo as the captain is busy with getting the ship ready to lift off she beckons Cosimo over, "Mazurek, Vesper's please be joining me in my cabin." She turns and walks towards her suite. Sitting her self down at a chair and waiting for the others to join.

Mazurek was seeing to something out on deck when he is called over once again, "Coming!" Before too much longer he enters the cabin and waits for the others to arrive before closing the door. He does not take a seat, instead standing just to the side of the door.

Cosimo nods to Trisana and makes his way to her cabin. He takes a moment to scope out those in the crew that catch his eyes, tapping his chin he hmms. When he arrives he takes a seat and smiles, pulling out a bottle of wine from his own modest bag of belongings. "Would you like a glass, Cousin?" he asks, then looks to Vespers and Mazurek as he comes in.

Vespers will follow trisana as asked, humming happily, "I forgot how much I love being on an airship." he notes, "i have some training on piloting." he comments and sighs moving to sit, "sadly the silk shirts refused my magic."

Trisana shakes her head once everyone is inside and the door is shut, "No thank you Cosimo, I just wanted to bring everyone up to speed. We are on our way to investigate a strange storm. It has been holding station off the coast of the island for some time now. Not moving, and any ship that strays too close to it is destroyed. We believe an ancient water spirit resides there. We found it's desecrated shrine outside of the city. We are hoping we can convince them to return to the land and with them bring back the rain. The captain has agreed to take us out there to investigate." She looks around at everyone, "It is our intention to return the rains and the rivers to our dear island."

The shift of the ship can be felt as it begins to gain altitude and the rumble of the engines can be felt underfoot. The journey is underway.

Mazurek shakes his head, waving a hand briefly, "No thanks, M'lord D'Marco. It would not be a good idea at this time." He shifts his stance a little as the ship rises, planting his tail firmly to the deck, drawing his gaze outside briefly, "Mmh. I hate that feeling." That feeling being the rushing of the blood to the head one can get while in a closed elevator, "I have done all I can to clean out the shrine, even wipe down that message of betrayal."

Cosimo nods and pours himself a glass, and sips on it quietly, "Bueno." he offers, "This will make for quite the outing." he says, taking another modest drink of the crimson liquid. "I will do anything required to bring back the rain." he says, "The Father knows, there are other things our city should be focusing upon."

Vespers comments softly as he sits, "You found the shrine, and made sure the desicrations had been undone, right m'lady?" he asks softly, rummaging in his bags.

Trisana nods her head to Vespers, "Yes, Mazurek did a sterling job cleaning it and we have left one of my guards there to defend it. I also left him orders to go over it a few more times whilst he is there." She looks around, "Now gentlemen, the captain has agreed to this trip at very short notice. Best behaviour, no interfering with the crew or ship. Should anything happen and we come under attack make sure to do what you can to help defend without interferring." She stands up, "Now everyone should get settled in and aquaint themselves with the ship." She looks at the Doctor, "Though I would ask you to stay a moment Doctor Vesper's I want your advice on something." She smiles at her cousin. "I will see more of you later Cousin, Mazurek." She nods to them both in dismissal.

Vespers will of course remains behind as asked, "hm something wrong miss?" he asks softly

Mazurek nods, "As you command M'lady." He turns to head back out onto the deck when the meeting is adjourned, once again staying by the door to close it after everyone else is out on deck.

Cosimo stands and raises a brow, before nodding. "Then I will respect your privacy." he says, and steps out and moves towards Mazurek. "So what do you think, Senor?" he says--the question left vague. He finishes his wine, and waits--gauging a reaction from the iguana.

The four of them had retired to the private quarters set asside for Nico and Trisana. At the present moment Mazurek is stepping out as well as Cosimo. On the deck there's a flurry of activity as the captain calls out orders and his crew responds by echoing them. The ship is turning towards the north and gaining altitude as it flies over the city and land itself.

Trisana smiles at Vesper waiting for the door to close behind Cosimo and Mazure, "I'd just like you to check me over, I had a nasty bout of food poisoning. I just wish to make sure everything is cleared up before we go too much further. Would hate for some lingering illness to strike me down when I might be needed."

Nico would be up on deck with the Captain, out of the way, but watching... not voicing any opinions or making any gross statements. His attitude and his keen eye are more of one who is interested in what is going on, and the working behind them... and not the usual noble bluster about having flown on this or that boat, or having seen this or that thing.

Mazurek closes the door once Cosimo is outside and on deck once more. The other's question has him looking to the man with a measure of inquisitiveness, head tilting slightly to complete the look, "I'm sorry, sir? What do I think about what?"

Vespers nods and smiles, "if you will relax for a moment miss? I can see about this with no great trouble. if it is food poisoning I'll have it cured in no time."

Trisana smiles and leans back inher chair, eyes closing as she relaxes, "Thank you Doctor," she draws slow, calming breaths, hands resting in her lap.

The city falls behind as your ship flies over the land and over dried vineyards. From the sky it's better seen exactly how the drought has affected the land. The forests are browner, the vineyards seem skeletons of themselves. Once green pastures are brown and crumbling to dust.

Vespers will not take a great deal of town, frowning faintly, "Um.. dear me. well I have bad news and good news!" he says smiling faintly to trisana.

Trisana opens her eyes, "Well it is never good when my doctor says that, do I have some greater infection?"

Cosimo shrugs, "About the mission, your newest job prospect?" he says, eyes shifting towards Nico, with some amount of interest. His gaze, shifting, zones out on the skyscape around him, and he sighs with a faint smile on his face. The young lord, in a good enough mood, to appreciate things--even with the city in danger of simply blowing away, from being too dry.

Vespers blinks, "hm well no no. the bad news is this particular affliction, in its entirity is not something I can cure. I can however treat the symptoms." he coughs, "the good news is, i happen to specalize in pregnancies, and such so my morning sickness remidies are quite good."

Nico looks out and down along the way as the deadness of Valente is presented before him, making the man frown before saying to the captain, "How long has the terrain looked like this, and why has no captain come forwards to speak of it with the Lord, Capitan?"

Trisana nods her head, "Ah well I am quite glad to hear that Doctor Vespers, I'd hate to...suffer....from..." she blinks as what he just said settles in. "Oh... you mean I am? Oh.. how marvelous..." she looks about the ship. "But somewhat inconvienient at this time.. I trust... I will have you discretion Vespers? Until i can tell my lord?"

Vespers smiles, "all examinations and consultations are private, but I hope you wont mind if I mix you up some morning sickness tea's and such. Anyhow its your business to tell them, but i wouldn't wait for to long."

Mazurek inclines his head slightly as he makes his way over to the rail, gazing out to the land below and to the skies and seascape ahead and to come, "I have to be optimistic about the current mission, sir. It was I that had stumbled upon the Legend that was really the beginning to all the information and discoveries that we have made. To think that a children's fable actually helped in this. I wonder where we would be now if I did not have a desire for knowledge regarding the local culture. As for the job prospect, do you refer to the arena or something else?"

Trisana nods her head, "If you would leave the tea here. I shall make sure to drink it in the morning. I shall.. let Nicolas know as soon as he comes down from above. I may have to remain on the ship whilst you investigate the storm in the dingy. I doubt he'll let me put myself at risk." She stands up, one hand on her stomach and she smiles, "Well I must go and lie down I think, thank you Doctor, for putting my mind at rest."

Captain Jeremiah Trisdale looks over at Nico before he states, "The noble's have had the reports. Everyone knows about this, no one's been doing much about it though. Isn't our fault, Don Orlandeau." He looks towards Mazurek and Cosimo then back towards the horizon, "It's been gettin worse day by day though."

Nico exhales hard, and then proceeds to head below, "My apologies for being in the way Capitan Trisdale... I did not wish to get in the way, or drag up any poor memories. I will be below seeing to my wife and our things." The noble striding downstairs with a troubled look on his face.

Cosimo loses interest, it seems, in conversation and simply nods to Mazurek. "Parone." he offers, and moves to head towards his own cabin. He seems to navigate a ship well enough, but by far no expert with the hull numbers and the like painted in measured increments throughout. Perhaps he wasn't going to his cabin at all then, rather than simply exploring.

Nico looks up at Vespers, breaking for a moment from his troubled look, and smiles at Vespers, "Si, a good morning it is... we are hopefully on our way to curing the ills of the country... I... am in need of wine..." Passing by and entering the cabin.

Vespers nods and comments, "rest well then your lordship, I have things to meddle with it seems I am low on pinions."

The single word spoken to the iguana after that catches him rather offguard. It has him looking after the noble with a measure of confusion once again but he doesn't worry himself over it too much. Instead he shifts his positioning to stand as much in the front of the ship that he will be allowed to in order to gaze more fully out to the world below, not seeming to care about the wind over his bare torso.

The captain nods and he dips his head in responce to Nico and states as he departs, "not in the way m'lord." He doesn't seem all that upset, but he does turn back to guiding his ship. Sadly it's still slow progress, but on the distant horizon there does seem to be a little darkness.

Mazurek turns toward the captain as the darkness on the horizon becomes more evident, gesturing with one arm, "I take it our destination is over yonder, sir?"

Cosimo traverses the various descs, curiously peeking in engine rooms and other crew-spaces, seeing what it is he can find that interests him.

Nico remains below in the suite for now, sitting next to his sleeping wife on the bed, chugging from a bottle of wine, the image of the dead lands haunting his mind. Shaking his head, he takes a deep breath and looks at the bottle, turning it to read the label, before corking is again and muttering to himself, "No solutions in you, old friend... now... stiff upper lip..."

The airship runs like a well oiled machine, people and machinery both. The people nod to the lord as he passes by and Nico is left to himself. Vespers and Mazurek can both see the vague darkness and the captain nods to Mazurek's question, "si, you can only see it because of our height.. we're still about a day and a half out from it. Somethin big and nasty out there... it's situated, from my calculations, dead center between the north, south east and western lands."

Mazurek nods slowly, trying to form a mental image of where he is being told this would be from the maps that he had taken a look at over the years. Without saying anything more he returns his gaze outward, back toward the darkness.

Vespers will have found some place to settle in humming as he works on things. sortign potions selecting bottles, and such.

Cosimo makes his way to the Galley, where he greets the crew members at chow. "Hola, senores." he says, taking a seat near one group of men playing cards and otherwise enjoying their time not on watch. The young nobleman seemingly comfortable in the presence of common, working stiffs.

Nico comes back out after a bit, returning to the upper deck of the vessel, looking out and over the landscape, a bit less troubled than before, or not showing it.

Mazurek eventually turns away from the scenery and wanders around the ship. He would normally offer to help, and even shows some interest in the various tasks being done, but he was under strict orders to not interfere. When he spots Vespers again he approaches and asks, "What are you up to?"

Heads duck in responce to Cosimo, though the dealer is nudged and he looks over offering to deal Cosimo in, "would you like to join in Don?" The darkness is still quite distant like the captain made mention of, but still it's a clear day and bright, the son up at midday point, so it is quite visible.

Cosimo nods, "I'll play a hand." he offers, a smile growing upon his face. His nose twitches, and his careful gaze of scrutiny scan over each of the players. He licks his dry lips, briefly, staring again at the dealer as the next hand is dealt. The noble player, now, seeming to treat the other man as a prey. Perhaps he takes his games of chance, a bit serious.

Vespers comments softly, "oh just trying to decide what to keep o hand and what to pack in my pack." he says not looking up, "I wish i had remebered my book on protective magics. But then I wish I had some neicardium ingots to practice with to so i can wait.

Vespers pauses and frowns pulling out a large dull metal helm, "how did that get in here?"

Mazurek nods, "I see. I have some healing potions of my own if you think you will be needing any." He eyes the helm when it is produced and chuckles, "I dont wear helmets, so I couldn't tell you."

Vespers shrugs, "healing potions I have in spades," he sighs, "this helmet is an old thing, from highwind, I made it during the chaos curse." he notes.

After a few hours of play Cosimo finds himself down fifteen gil and the game is breaking up as people return to their duties..

Mazurek nods, "I see. I made several things that I did not intend to during that time. I finally gave the weapons I made in that away. Still need to toss out a good deal of things, though. Not yet decided how or when to do it."

Cosimo gladly coughs up his ante, and loses. Perhaps the game he seems to be playing, is not his best, or perhaps he had another game in mind. He finds himself yawning, and leaving, but keeping tabs on those he played with. He gives a quiet nod to those he passes as he finds his way to his cabin.

Mazurek nods, "Perhaps I might do that one day. I'll catch you later. I think it might be time to have something to eat while I still can. We'll be there tomorrow most likely." With that he heads out to find the mess hall and obtain a meal of only fruits and vegetables.

Gingerly sliding the katana into its sheath and resting it across his lap, Amante looks up, offering a courteous bow of his head towards the Don, pink irises regarding the fellow, "Mmmh, yes. This sickness that afflicts our people is but one malady we strive through. Thankfully, I've recovered." His palid white lips tug into a wan smile.

Stepping out on deck from the mess hall, Maz begins to wander somewhat aimlessly. With nothing to really do except to wait, the kilt clad lizard eventually finds himself near the others.

Nico is leaning on the port side railing, looking out over the browned landmasses, starving for water. He has an empty glass for wine in his hand as he looks up at Mazurek, "Hola... I look out there, and I feel like a fool... like I waited too long. Politics often strangles us into place... ai me... stupid stupid stupid..."

Mazurek joins Nico at the rail and once again gaes out to the landscape, "I am familiar with how politics can destroy what one loves and wants to preserve. There are times when I have wanted to take action and go against the local authority to do what I thought was best but I held myself back each time, if only barely. This, I hope, is different."

Nico looks at the iguana, and then gives him a bit more of a stern look, "Servants are in a better position to do things than their masters... if you did something that was for the greater good, but required you to be punished, that punishment falls to who you swore your allegiance to. As they are the ones who are responsible for you. That constraint and freedom is part of how you balance duty and honor."

Mazurek shakes his head, "Those conflicts I speak of came at a time when I did not serve anyone. It's...more complicated than you might think." His eyes close and he gives a light sigh, "I am not always able to fill the role of servant. Some places I end up don't even allow for such."

Nico chuckles a bit, "Have you ever considered... all things being equal... that you could serve yourself in those times? That you could be your own master, and give yourself the orders to do what needs doing?"

Mazurek nods, "Yes, but then comes the restrictions and penalties associated with the local government. I cannot go into too much detail, but some were very strict to impose the penalty of a beheading for what they consider crimes, even if it is as minor as being caught for stealing bread."

Nico exhales then, and pushes off, taking a few steps back and then shakes his head once more, "You are an odd duck, you know this Mazurek... I sometimes wonder if you truly know what would make you happy in life... but then... that is a quest and a dream we all share."

Mazurek grins, finally turning around to face the noble, "If we were to know what would truly make us happy in life, and it is obtained, then such a life would quickly grow dull, boring. To be in constant flux is what makes things interesting, no? We cannot always follow the letter of the laws of the places we end up visiting."

Nico begins to laugh a bit more, and then arches an eyebrow in amusement, "One of my great uncles once said before passing away... in a fit of sanity after a mind-clouding sickness from age, 'I do not know where I am... But I am assured that I had fun getting there.'."

Mazurek leans back against the railing, all arms draped over it, "Sounds like he was a great man to be around. Were you there to hear it or was this something passed down to those that were unable to be present due to distance or unrelenting duty?"

Nico shakes his head and sighs, "He was a distant relation, so I was not there, but my next oldest brother was, as his unit was billeting outside of town. His greedy children were expecting to inherit much, but his will was firm... all of his assets to be turned to cash, and to pay for one drink for everyone in town on the night he passed on. What a man, he was."

Mazurek is leaning back against a eail on the deck of the ship during the late night hour, conversing with Nico, "If your uncle's children were greedy for his money and other assets, then I'm sure they got what was coming to him when his Will was revealed. Even in senility there are many that continue to think straight on the inside."

Nico laughs a bit more, and then looks up at the sky, "Actually, Uncle Massimo was a bit of an odd fruit at any age... he married fifteen times in his life... and yet every one of his wives left him happy. No one really knows this... but it is just... he would give them what they wanted, and then they would eventually move on."

Having nearly dozed off along with Cosimo as the Don is taken by the sickness, Amante blinks a few times, then stands, 'Mmmh... got to walk a bit, else I'll fall asleep, too." Sliding the sheathed blade into his belt, he turns... and hears the sounds of conversation, heading over towards Mazure and Nico.

Mazurek headtilts slightly, "That name sounds oddly familiar. I can't remember the last time I heard it, though." Of course, who's to say that the one he remembers is the donkey from so many years ago. Shaking his head after a while he finally asks, "I was under the impression that marriage could only happen once? Or did I read the texts wrong?"

Nico shakes his head, "His priest was a man of the purse, and not the faith... if you gather my meaning."

Mazurek nods, his gaze shifting to the approaching guard, "I think I do. I take it that there are no legal documents proving the marriage to keep the confusion down?" He waves to the Albino, "Good evening, Amante."

Vespers pads blinking up onto the deck and glances about, apparently curious as to the path of the day. He notices the others and approaches, but remains at a polite distance untill he knows he is not interupting something

Nico nods once more to Amante, and grins at him, "Si, Mazurek... needless to say... it was an open secret what happened... and the less said, the better. And you would not have known Uncle Massimo... he died five years ago."

The albino youth gives a gentile incline of his head towards both the Iguana and towards Nico, murmuring, "Mmmh, hello there, Mazure, Don Orlandeau." His head bobbs in a gentile motion. He listens to the last bit and smiles, "Well, I didn't say anything to anyone besides those who were involved."

Mazurek grunts softly, returning his attention to Nico after a wave to Vespers as well, "It was five years ago that I had arrived in the north. I did not know anyone up there but from I think I received a warm reception from those that took me in when they found me."

Nico nods once more, "Well then... hmmm... what else to speak of..." he taps his chin and then looks over towards Vespers, "Good evening, Senor Doctor... tell me... how is Trisana? She is sleeping well... but you went to her earlier?"

Vespers nods softly, "she had a small complaint for me to deal with. I have provided her with some tea's to ease the difficutly." he notes bowing his head.

Giving a bob of his head towards the jackal as he arrives, Amante listens a bit to the conversation, combing his fingers back through his lengthy strands for a moment, drawing them back out of the whip of the wind.

Trisana has slept for most of the day, staying in her suite, only emerging for the first time now. Dressed in long skirts and silk armor, her hair tied back in plaits. She moves to the railing and stands next to it, watching the vista below the ship.

Nico nods once more, "If she becomes any worse for it, please inform me, and we will abort this mission... I will pay extra to the captain for his trouble to take her back to Vincenzo... tchah... bringing my wife... and ill now... not a good sign..."

Vespers smiles softly, "That will be a matter between you and her sir," he notes, "but I beleive she would be unhappy to be set back."

Eyes glancing over towards the form of the woman being spoken of, Amante murmurs, "Don Orlandeau... I believe the lady Trisana is at least feeling well enough to stand on the deck, I should think." His head gingerly cocking towards the lady.

Trisana turns from the railing and speaks to one of the crew members before walking towards the back of the ship, braids tugged in the breeze as she walks along.

Mazurek is leaning back against the railing while listening to the others for the moment. Drawing his gaze toward Trisana he waits until she is facing their direction before waving, though that would mean she would need to face the front of the ship.

Nico looks up, almost as if sensing Trisana's arrival, and excuses himself to approach her, murmuring softly, "Hello my dear... are you well?"

The young guard gives a gentile incline of his head towards the lady when she draws nearer, "My lady." he says cordially.

Trisana smiles at everyone and inclines her head in greeting, "Good day to you both and to you Doctor Vespers." The doctor receiving a personal greeting as he is not one of her house hold staff. She turn smiles at Nicolas, a radiant smile, looking at her there is nothing wrong with her at all as she takes both his hands, "I am perfectly well Nico, stop fussing, but you must come to our suite, there is something I must talk to you about."

Mazurek bows his head in return to Trisana's greeting, but turns his attention to Amante when she speaks of heading to the suite, "Pardon me, Amante? Might I ask something of you?"

Vespers nods to trisana, and smiles, "good day to you My lady. I trust the tea has helped some?" he smiles as she asks nico aside.

Glancing up at the iguana-man, for the towering fellow is several feet taller than Amante, the albino murmurs, "Mmmh, what is that, Mazure?" craning to see the lizard-fellow's face.

Nico nods once more, and holds out his arm to Trisana, "Of course, of course... let us retire for a moment. Gentlemen, if you will excuse us?" He then adds, "Amante... if anything happens, come immediately and let me know."

Trisana tosses a wink at Vespers, "It was marvelous Doctor, remind me to give you a bonus atop what we are paying for your help." She smiles at Amante, "Yes do come let us know." She then starts off towards their suite leading Nico along.

Mazurek shifts away from the rail and settles down to a more comfortable level with the other, moving to his knees and even settling back to rest his rear on his ankles, "I've been wondering about something, my friend. Every time you have said my name I cannot help but notice you leave out the final part of it. Is this normal?"

Emitting a soft titter of laughter that's stifled by his gloved fingertips, Amante takes a moment before he responds, "Mmmh, well, generally when someone shortens another's name, it's a showing of familiarity and fondness. Mmmh, and, that final 'ech' sound just doesn't flow well on my tongue when I try to say it." His palid lips curve into a warm smile.

Mazurek chuckles, "If you would like to shorten it, please feel free to use Maz or Mazzy. I've never had anyone use what you've been using before." He then tilts his head slightly, "I was not aware that you had become fond of me. I did not think we knew each other long enough for that."

Over the course of the night the land has fallen away and all that can be seen stretching out on all sides of the ship is water. The winds are a bit rough higher up and so the ship's been forced to decend and is at the moment skimming over rough waves, though it's not touching them. Off to one side of the ship it seems that a school of dolphins are keeping pace with the ship's shadow.

"I've seen you several times in good company and there's also the fact that you serve Don Vincenzo. both rate you highly in my book. Mmmh, well, calling you Mazure makes it unique, then, non? Mmmh, but I will call you Maz, then, if you're more comfortable with it." The palid youth bobs his head gingerly up at the knelt lizard. His eyes comb over towards the side of the boat, watching their descent, murmuring, "Mmmh... I'm glad this is an airship..."

Vespers watches quietly over the side, smiling at the dolphins as he see's them, "those are considered to be good luck." he notes gesturing.

Cosimo awakens, seemingly struck with thte sickness after just as he spoke of it. Squinting, and blinking, the young Don glances out at the waves. "Now that's a sight to awaken to." he offers, eyes the dolphins with a mild amount of interest.

Mazurek nods, "I serve all three of them in what capacity I am able, though Master Vincenzo is my primary. The Lady took me under her wing so that I might benefit from her instructions on the matters of the local etiquette. I provide Master Nicolas with...well...whatever he desires of me at the time." He had seen the dolphins earlier while he was looking over the rail, but makes no comment about them.

Vespers comments softly, "i worry we may have an unexpected complication shortly. I await to see how his lordship handles this." he says watching the water."

Nodding a little, Amante's face turns back to Mazurek, murmuring, "I'm their sworn guard, all three of them, though I met Don Orlandeau first. I have been the occassional sparring partner with the lady Trisana in respects to the arts of the sword for both our benefits. Mmmh, I enjoy working for people like the Dons and Donna. They are a good people who think not of just themselves, but also for the people." He gives a slow nod of his head before again looking at the waters with some degree of lurid interest in the furocity of the waves.

Mazurek draws an eyeridge up slightly, "You met him first? Interesting, for he was the first I had met as well. He came to me while I was speaking to a chocobo I had brought down from the North. You probably know the bird by now, what with the news circulating that he's really a human transformed and all." He rubs his muzzle in momentary thought, "Or..at least that's what I think Leaper told me."

Nico moves into the private room, missing the wonderful dolphins, and then sits down with Trisana, and takes both her hands, "What is the problem? I hope it is still the fish from before... if the flight is not agreeing with you we are too far to easily turn back now..." The worry writ on his face.

Vespers glances up at the sky, then smiles, "the joys sunlight brings, the joys moonlight brings." he says softly, "how much can one treasure the moments in life, that cannot be captured, save in The Memory." he chuckles

Trisana adjusts her skirts as she sits down next to Nico and takes his hands, "Nothing is wrong Nico, the flight is wonderful and Doctor Vesper's tea has quelled any stomach trouble." she kisses his cheek, "I just wanted to let you know, that I am going to have to take a step back and remain safely on the boat and in the background during our mission. She reaches out and touches his cheek. "It seems a greater duty has been thrust upon me, I must see to the safety and well being of our heir first and foremost." She smiles at him, lips tweaking in a smile.

Shifting his gaze towards Vespers, Cosimo raises a brow. "A poet and a doctor, senor." he offers, with a slight smile. Crossing his arms, he looks to Mazurek and Amante, before leaving the rail to approach them. "I gather we're a group of warriors, with exception to the doctor." he says, with a light shrug.

One by one the dolphin's break away from the ship and vanish beneath the waves until only one can be seen leaping through the waters. Something larger begins moving behind the lone dolphin and then a flash of jaws and scales glints under the sunlight as a water dragon follows the dolphin. A flash of blood follows, tainting the water, and around the ship calls go up, "DRAGON DRAGON!"

One the Don Orlandeau has never been known for since his arrival in Santa Meringua is a loss for words. He has words for any occasion... except here... in this one case he is dumbstruck. Slowly turning... he makes his way over towards a cabinet, pulls out a bottle of whiskey, and takes a long belt, about to exclaim something when that cry goes out. "That is not quite the response I had in mind... Stay here..." His knives come out as he makes for the door!

Trisana stands up as Nico dashes for the doors and rolls her eyes, "Oh yes my lord, I'll obey and stay in our suit and look like a coward my loord." She steps out of the cabin after him and shuts the door, leaning on it. "I can cast magic perfectly well from here."

Vespers blinks at the cry of dragon and turns, reaching into his bag and pulling... a stuffed animal? worse. Its a tiny chibi kefka doll!

The call of a dragon somewhere is met by the iguana rising to his feet rather casually. Drawing his gaze out to the water where everyone seems to have converged he merely gazes upon the spectacle while drawing a large bow with a compliment of arrows from his Locker as a precaution. He draws an arrow immediately and simply remarks, "I do not see any wings on that thing. Why don't we just climb and avoid it altogether?"

The young Don D'Marco brushes curly strands of light brown hair and raises a brow, "Perhaps a good thing, then." he says, the red speckles in his eyes begin to glow and spread until the whole orbs glow an eerie ruby color. He waits a brief moment, before he moves to the edge to take another look before a pair of black and crimson scaled wings burst from his back, and scales begin to ripple their way out to cover fair skin. Leaping up to perch upon the rails, a tail lashes out with a loud crack. Cosimo, anthropromorphic black dragon, licks his dangerous maw with a foreboding glare in his eyes.

Wings? In fact the dragon does have wings, it's just under the water right now. The captain was starting to pull up as the dragon breaks the surface and mantles, looking at all of you while it lets out a ear rending shriek, easily dwarfing a single man as it's wings send heavy gusts of air at the ship, giving the captain his own set of problems.

Narrowing his own serpentine eyes, Cosimo opens his maw. Eyes flash, and then close as he channels some sort of energy. Looking out again and towards the much larger dragon. For now, the young Don D'Marco remains on the ship.

Mazurek looks around him briefly. He does not want to be amidst the group when things get going, so he moves a few feet down the deck until there is about five feet between him and anyone else. He then sends a whistle out to the dragon to try getting its attention while drawing the arrow back in the bowstring, "Hey you! Over here! Your dinner is waiting for you right here!" The arrow is then immediately loosed.

Water Dragon lifts his head and turns the massive maw towards Mazurek before letting loose a shriek right in his face in answer to the stinging arrow which slipped through his scales. On that shriek is carried freezing saliva which spreads out over the ship, affecting everyone facing it.

Nico covers his face with his arms as the blast goes searing by, leaving a rime of frost on his shirt and boots, which he knocks off himself by just moving his arms, "Si... I see how it is... " And taking a couple deep breaths, he then smiles and then shifts his neck back and forth, cracking it once, "Let's dance, you overgrown boots and matched luggage." As he speaks, he seems to glow red for a moment, whisps of energy haloing and cascading up into the air off of him, almost invisble to the eye.

As the gushing burst of cold water strikes and courses over Amante's form, the albino's lost from sight temporarily... and then, quite suddenly, he's gone from sight... but not his clothes. They lay huddled in a heap with his blade on the ground a little ways back from where he'd been standing before, no sign of the albino guardsman.

Trisana watches Amante's vanishing act with surprise, holding onto the door frame to steady herself after that icy blast strikes the ship. She shivers and raises a hand, murmurring to herself as she casts a spell upon herself.

The captain struggles with the boat as he tries to pull the nose up higher, the wood creaking at the sudden shift and pull of the boat.

The group is in the midst of fighting a large water dragon that has only just finished screaming at them, saliva and other unmentionables from the mouth having sprayed chilled air over them. The captain is having a time of keeping the ship steady from the winds being generated by the beast. From all appearances, Amante has been washed away by the attack, clothing and weapon in a heap on the deck a few feet from the rail, while there is a humanoid black dragon perched on a mast glaring down at the foe.

Nico growls softly to himself, and then snorts, and replies to the floating creature, "Fine then... let's see how you like it..." And he opens his mouth... and instead of a roar or a battle cry... all present hear the sweet and powerful tones of an operatic tenor... which in itself is a lovely thing but outwards strange and useless... unless one can see the subtle vibrations in the air that begin carrying over the water dragon...

The song falls just short, though it did seem for a moment as if it was dancing back and forth to the melody that he emited. Shaking it off the sea serpent hisses in responce to Nico's singing.

Tattered clothes flail about as Cosimo leaps off the mast with wings outstretched, taking a dive towards the dragon--attempting to land on it's back. His crimson eyes flash once more, as he nears the beast. "Enough!" he rumbles, his feral attitude becoming more evident.

Vespers frowns shaking himself from his lost nature and frowns, "gaia, this will not do at all." he says softly and snaps his fingers, summoning a swarm of tiny motes of white flame, then blows softly on the sparks sending them scattering across the ship silently to bring the blessing to those on the ship.

Mazurek grunts as the saliva flies out of the dragon's mouth and over the group. Instead of wiping it off like just about everyone does he does not do a thing with it. Instead he merely sighs and draws another arrow, letting it fly toward the dragon a second time, "You're not doing your job, dragon! Your breakfast is giving you indigestion!" Why is he taunting it? Heck it's likely he can't be heard from that far away anyway.

The dragon begins giving chase to the fleeing ship only to collide with the dark anthromorphic dragon rushing towards him.. well not collide full on, but close enough! Meanwhile on the ship the captain is barking orders and the crew is scuring over the deck releasing ropes and tying others while the ship continues to turn.

Cosimo slams into the water dragon, with a shriek of his own. His fierce claws, and the attached metal blades begin to glow to match the crimson eyes of the beast of a nobleman. Then, the dark maw of the black dragon glows in turn, and he tries to chomp down on the aquatic beast's neck.

A small snakey head peeps out from beneath the pile of wet clothing for a moment before it snakes back within, underneath the cover of armor and clothing. Everything is a great deal larger, now... and the Water Dragon is by far a big, big creature °-°

The watery blue green scaled beast does not give up so easily as it takes to it's wings and gives chase to the fleeing ship. Though a annoyed shriek emerges in responce to Cosimo's attack it does not just swat the smaller draconic being, instead it's glowing green eyes are focused on a particular figure on the ship it's closing distance on.

Nico licks his lips, and then waits... waits... waits... until the creature's momentum will carry it well past the ship and below, before he once more takes a deep breath, and once more that operatic voice comes from him, focused on the charging beast, the barely visible vibrations in the air meant to lull it into slumber...

There's a moment of resistance and then the dragon's wings fold in as his eyes close. Suddenly the beast starts rushing down, his head hitting the side of the ship and ripping a hole in that as he continues down, leaving behind a few slimy scales.. some forty feet below there's a massive crash that's sure, if the hit to his head didn't do it, to wake up the beast. The wind's died down a bit though and the captain begins pushing the ship to greater speeds to flee the massive beast.

Cosimo lets up on the back of the beast's neck, and leaps upwards with a powerful flap of his own wings. Speeding towards the ship's deck, Cosimo's form explodes in a shroud of dark cloud, shortly preceding a young human rolling across deck and slamming into the wall. "Muy malo." he grumbles, and rubs his head briefly, and then exhales deeply. "Well done everyone."

Trisana sighs as she walks towards the railing, looking towards Amante's clothing watching the snakes head. "This is turning out to be a quite unusual day." She then turns to watch Cosimo, "And one of these days a member of my family is going to turn out to be human! Someone bring my cousin something to wear please." She takes her rapier and gingerly lifts a piece of her bodyguards armor to peer under it for the snake.

Nico exhales softly as it works this time, and then coughs and winces, before saying in a slightly raspy voice, "Dios Mundo... remind me to never neglect my singing lessons ever again..." He looks over to the others, and then says up to the captain, "How badly damaged are we?"

Cosimo chuckles softly, "I am quite human, cousin." he laughs, "I just have a few tricks up my sleeve." he says, covering his modesty until he can go get dressed.

Mazurek does not put his bow away when the dragon goes down. Just as casually as when it had appeared he turns away from the rail and moves right over to Cosimo, "I will bring him to his cabin where he can be dressed. Much faster." He simply scoops up the man in his arms, cradling him like a babe, and carries him off, using his primary arms to do the task while the bow is held in his secondary pair horizontally.

Trisana peers down at the snake, "Well I am fine dear as is your heir." she shoots him a sly glance, "But Amante appears to be a snake."

Nico turns his head to look up at the captain once more and then looks back at Trisana to say, "Dear, that is a rather unki-..." Cut off when he sees the pile of clothes and then the snake... and then his wife, and points with a knife, "I thought I told you to stay in the cabin?! Dios Mundo, what in Hades' name were you thinking?! That is most likely Vincenzo's son or daughter inside of you!"

Trisana stands back up, "Nicolas, I may be pregnant but that does not make me helpless." She walks towards him, lifting a hand to touch his arm. "I am just as likely carrying your child as his Nicolas."

Vespers turns watching all of this with his normal slowness. the jackal, it seems, was not ment for the stress of fighting. he does however begin to wander, a touch here, a gesture there, his healing powers are flowing freely today

No answer comes for a few minutes, the captain is too busy making sure to put enough distance between the dragon and the ship so that when it regains it's senses you don't have a repeat of the fight on your hands. The crew comes over to inspect the damage and the captain follows after a few moments later and calls, "Hull's gonna leak when it rains, most of the repairs can wait til we get into town though. Clean up these scales." And his crew sets to work doing just that.

Nico exhales softly, and then replies to the Captain, "Will an extra hundred gil help soothe away some of the aches your good vessel has taken on our accounting, good sir? I think from the admirable discipline of your crew and self should be acknowledged!" Then he looks back at Trisana, and takes a deep breath, "Si... si... I..." He then stops, and grabs both of her arms, "Please... damn you woman... just stay -SAFE-..." And then kisses her on the lips genetly.

Trisana gasps as she is seized and then melts in Nico's arms, "Ahh....Nico... I will... have no fear my lord." she looks up at him. "I stayed near the door to our cabin the entire time, I was just watching." she touches his cheek. "At least you didn't faint on me. Now... we must plan How I can best help without being able to fight"

Mazurek steps out of the cabin that he had set Cosimo into, his bow back in its locker. He has wiped the saliva from himself by that time, which has his hide shimmering in the sunlight. Striding up to the noble duo he offers them a bow, "Pardon me, M'lord. M'lady. I would like to extend a warm congratulations to the Lady and wish the youngling a healthy life."

Vespers will contonue his walk around healing here, helping there, the yung jackal seem to know how way around a ship. He smiles to each in turn and doesn't drop the aural stength at all.

Nico chuckles, "I will buy you a pet Adamtoise, and we will have you learn to hide behind it and cast spells from there?"

Trisana chuckles and leans against Nico, "If you wish dear, though I think the captain might frown about me having an adamantoise aboard his vessel." She nods to Mazurek, "Thank you Mazurek, now... what do we do about Amante?" She points back at the pile of clothing and the snake.

The captain seems to consider for a moment before he nods in responce, "a hundred gil you say? Well really it's icing atop the cake, but, si I'll accept that. Thank you all for your efforts in defeating the dragon." The dragon scales? Those are gone.. looks like the party waited to long and the crew's already laid claim to them.

Mazurek inclines his head again before turning to head over to the clothing and the snake, "Please allow me to be in charge of him until he can return to normal. Whenever that may be." He carefully picks the snake up and drapes him around his neck while also scooping up the clothes and even the blade.

Sleek and smooth, the sinuous serpentile length is patterned in pinks and golds, its paired eyes glassy orbs of scarlet on either side of a narrow snout. Perhaps three feet long, it's difficult to tell at times, this albino corn snake seems quite an exotic find, though.

Nico looks down at the little ophidian, and then says, "First we should get him into some warm water, or something... I do not think that the blast of cold is good for snakes... then we can see about reversing whatever curse struck him that the rest of us managed to avoid..."

Vespers pads over and blinks a few times, "hm? interesting, interesting." he says peering at the snake. "Hello there." he looks around, "Hm oh yes, someplace warm is a good idea."

Trisana shakes her head, "No Mazurek, you have duties, please Doctor Vesper's is most likely the one best suited to helping Amante right now. But I think Nico's comment has some merit, it seems the cold attack of the dragon knocked him out."

Mazurek shakes his head, "The blast of water was not cold enough to be of any danger to cold bloods. I did not feel the desire to fight off any sort of sleep. Whatever has happened, warm water is not needed to warm him up." He then looks to the Jackal, "If he wishes to take care of the snake, though, then he can take him."

Nico kisses Trisana again, and then approaches the captain, fishing into his pockets once more, and then frowns to himself, turning his head, "Mazurek... fetch my gil purse from the cabin, if you would be so kind?" He then turns back to Captain Trisdale, "Would half now and half on landing suffice?

Trisana says, "Mazurek, everyone is different, for all we know some aspect of the dragon's attack affected Amante in a way no one else has been affected. That was not a suggestion that was an order, please give him to the Doctor." She bows her head to Vesper's. "Now please excuse," She moves to touch Nico's arm, "Here dear, let me I have it on me."

Vespers blisk and glances about the deck then nods, "I'll look after him." he notes, then smiles, "Oh captain if i could talk to you, discreetely at some point?" he says with a smile.

Mazurek bows his head slightly, "As you wish, m'lady." He then turns his attention to Vespers again, stepping beside the jackal, "Take him and do your magic, my friend. I have another order to carry out."

Trisdale begins barking orders again and people start cleaning up the slick deck, washing and scrubbing it down. The walrus looks over at Vespers and then he nods in responce, "doctor, right? Sure thing senor." He begins back towards the helm and speaks with his second in command before motioning for Vespers to follow after him into his quarters.

Vespers nods and smiles, then looks to the snake, "Um i need someone to hold him for a moment, this is a private moment." he says before moving to follow the captain, "I shal be back shortly."

Mazurek sighs with a shake of the head, chuckling soon afterward, "Well, Amante, looks like you're with me a while longer." He finally heads into the nobles' cabin for the coinpurse that was asked for. He returns four minutes later with it, holding it out to Nico, "Here you go, sir."

Trisana after paying the captain the money she owes him, the lady retires below decks.

Nico receives his purse as his wife trumps him and it just makes him chuckle, and shake his head, "Damnable woman... I love you." That item disappears into his vest, and then he looks to Mazurek, "Si... well then... perhaps we should attend to ourselves... and by the way? Good job with the boy. You make it angry... it comes after me. I dispose of it. Eminently suitable."

The money is accepted before the captain disappears with Vespers. In the captains quarters Trisdale pours himself a nice strong port and then looks at Vespers, "and what is it you need Senor Doctor?"

Mazurek smirks, "Actually, sir? It was coming after me from the start. If you noticed it did not stop to fight with our draconic friend, a much greater threat to it, while it could. I believe I've told you of other incidents in which this has ocurred?"

Nico shakes his head, "You have not... so it is common for dragons to think of you as an appetizer? I am sure there are cohorts of Dragoons who would love you for a chance to taunt their chosen prey and companion."

Vespers smiles softly and cocks his head, "actualy captain I was curious if you might need something." he looks at the man, "I thought I would make a more complete offer of my services, both as a healer, and as a doctor skilled in the curing illesses, both odvious, and perhaps other complaints that would be more discretely dealt with. I am a student of kagane, and a fairly skilled doctor with aura techniques as well as standered ones." he nods, "I would, of course, ask something in return if you find these services to be useful."

Mazurek headshakes, "This is the first dragon I have met that was wild. Up in the north, while clearing out a mine containing a family of lobos, they began to attack me the moment they finally saw me, even though I was in the back shooting arrows like a rookie and there were five true fighters hacking away at them. During the assault on an entity called Glacious's false replica of Highwind Point the dragoons had to control their dragons with a firmer grip to keep them from becoming distracted. I've even been complimented on how well I..taste by one dragon that I actually allowed to lick me."

A deep drink is taken from the glass while the captain strokes his chin slowly. He nods a little, "well I supposed that's depending on what the crew says and what your wanting to get in return for it. To each their own after all."

Vespers nods and smiles again, "I cannot help but notice your crew now has a potential surplus of dragon scales, something I would be quite interested in obtaining." he says spreadingn his hands, "and, yes I understand this will of course depend on those in the crew and their choices." he says. "I can also offer some healing potions for later stocking and even perhaps a pinion, for the ships medical supplies.

Nico hmphs again, and then goes to the side to look down at the damage, before sighing and saying, "And I used to have such impeccable timing. Ah well... now perhaps it will not think airships so flavorful... unless of course he felt a need to devour you again, Mazurek. Please... inform me in future of any more complication of having you in our employe BEFORE they rear their head and try to destroy my nice silk shirts?"

Mazurek nods, "Of course, sir." He joins the other at the rail and rests both left hands on the other's back, "Is there anything that I might be able to do to take your mind off of the battle, Master Nicolas?"

The captain nods in responce and he murmurs, "si.. well they do sell well and make nice gifts. I've heard they're medicinal as well. I don't know one way or another, but go and talk to the crew, maybe you'll be able to get some, eh?" He nods to Vespers then, "but I'm fine with you haggling over them."

Vespers nods and smiles, "I shall do so then, and while I doubt a man such as your self has need, keep my offer in mind. if nothing else a few more things for the ships stores would be useful." he bows

Nico looks back after a moment, his voice still a little sore, "Mazurek... I respect your intent, but your inflection makes me wonder what you are hoping for. I will be fine. You performed admirably today."

Mazurek smiles while shaking his head, "I am hoping for nothing except to, perhaps, restore your voice back to normal. It'll be odd for me to say this, but some wine or even some fruit juice will help that along." The corn snake stirs, its pale scaled head lifting a little as it comes to, red eyes blinking several times. Its figure giving a shudder and a shiver, different in reaction to a normal ophidian, not very behaviorally.

Nico nods in reply, "Then a cup of mulled wine, you please... and perhaps something for poor Amante to.. well... nibble at?"

Vespers will return shortly after all is said and done, and a short stint down stairs, whistling in that happy tone, a new sack under his arm.

Mazurek looks down to the snake draped around his neck, reaching up to caress along the head that rests on a soft part of his chest, "I'm not certain what he would be able to eat like this, but I'll do my best." He takes the transformed Amante with him into the cabin to fetch the requested wine.

The serpentine figure clutches its coils a bit as Mazurek moves, the volition so much faster than his altered state's used to, clinging with widened snakey eyes of red.

Mazurek does his best to comfort the snake while he is inside, guiding the head up to closer to his neck for a little more comfort, "Easy there, my friend. I'm going to be taking care of you." Pouring the wine into a glass he then heads over to the food bowl and plucks a grape, holding it by the snake's mouth, "Hungry?"

Nico chuckles a bit as he watches the pair go off, and just sighs to himself, coughing a few more times, and singing a few more notes in a softer and nicer tone.

The sleek little serpentine body winds a little, head going where it's guided. As the plump grape's held up to its face, its tongue darts out, smelling at it for a moment before it gives a very un-snake-like shake of its head, its red eyes beginning to look about for anything hot.

Vespers nods towards nico, and smiles, "Nice folks, this crew, my lord. they were quite happy to part with a few things."

Mazurek headtilts slightly, "No? Well, then. I don't know what to offer you. It's the softest thing here." He then notes the wandering gaze, "What is it? I wish you could speak your thoughts."

Letting out a low, hissing sigh, Amante darts his tongue out, sniffing the air in this manner, trying to get a gauge for his surroundings, head moving from side to side, feeling out for sources of heat, if any, in the area.

Mazurek slowly walks around the room in the direction that the snake's head points, getting an idea that he is seeking something specific. Given these are private quarters it's likely that there's a washbasin somewhere, no?

Nico looks down at the scales, and tilts his head, before blinking a few times, "What in Dios Mundo are those? And who has them?"

Vespers chuckles, "dragon scales. light, tough, these will make a fine armor. and people among the crew. I traded my healing talents, but I am sure you and the others can get more." he says with a smile

As they draw nearer to the water, the ophidian flits out its tongue, tasting, tipping its head a bit, trying to get a good bit of heat sense... that is, if the washbasin has any water in it to begin with!

Well it's not hot, but at least it's not cold. It'll serve his purpose.

Mazurek raises an eyeridge slightly as he finds himself being directed toward the washbasin. Setting the glass down finally he moves to stand in front of it, "Okay. Someone did say that they wanted to try warming you back up while you were unresponsive." He unwraps the serpent from him carefully and settles him into the water, "Here you go." No, he doesn't stuff the head inside. Snakes aren't waterbreathers.

Warm in the least is all he needs, indeed! Leaning in, the serpeantine form slides itself into the water to partially submerge itself... before there's a splash and a clatter... and a nude young man standing there. Stark and white, his flesh is as palid as the few bits that are normally seen. There appears to be no body hair on the youth - that, or it's so fine and pale that it's indiscernable to that extent - his flesh smooth and presently alabaster-like in appearance due to the moisture from the waters he's been through. Fairly notable asides from the pale complexion is that... his left arm is scaled, from the shoulder down, the scales melding into skin where they meet, pale and pristinely silver. The fine scalings are reminiscent of those seen on, well, a dragon, leading down to his left hand whose fingers are tipped with fine, silvery talons, scored, trimmed and smoothed down.

Nico heads downbelow for a couple hours to leave the others to their things... and carouses. His voice is heard in a merry way telling stories and singing almost every old airship shanty he can find, which is a large repetoire it seems. His voice is like a siren's drawing more and more crewmember to him, speaking of their trials, admiring them for their skills and their sense of adventure. Dauntless in his task, he finally has to beg off from them, some left with possibly broken hearts for the night.

Mazurek was definitely not expecting the sudden appearance of the short guardsman just after placing the snake into the basin. With a startled cry he takes a couple steps backward and lands on the floor with his arms propping himself up behind him and his legs spread a bit. That doesn't mean he's exposed, though, considering kilts are just long enough to prevent that. What meets his eyes is a figure that he definitely did not expect to see, especially in private in a room that is not his own. His gaze invariably drops to the middle during the silent inspection, but the scales along the one side draw his gaze soon enough and he finally asks, "What sort of spell requires water in order to break it?"

Turning his head to gaze back over his shoulder towards the 'guana, samite white bangs spilling across his back with the motion, Amante flexes his left hand a bit, emitting a soft sigh, "The kind of curse that Gaia might lay upon a youth who's been too reckless with their life in the past... Twice, now." His palid lips tug into the slightest hint of a smile, feeling the eyes upon his flesh before he murmurs, "I don't suppose my clothing and the like are anywhere close by?" He keeps his back presented, at the moment, not yet wanting to turn about and display any more of his physique.

Mazurek nods, "Ummm. Yes. Your clothes are nearby." The lizard's eyes show more curiosity than anything else as they rest to the scaled arm and the clawed hand. Before too long he rises to his feet again and heads over to the corner in which he had neatly set the clothes down and leaned the sword against the wall, sheathed if possible. Carrying the clothing over to the albino he holds them out for the other to take one at a time, "I take it that this is a result from coming into contact with that sludge called Lifestream?"

The young man slides a hand to pluck up first his glove out of the materials, gingerly sliding his dragon hand into it, murmuring, "Mmmh, yes... Twice, now... The first was... well, I've not known a time when I didn't have that susceptibility to snakehood when I get hit with chill water." He then plucks up the undersuit of black, beginning to draw the skin-tight material to glove his flesh, covering over the remainder of the arm with ginger care so as not to catch the material on any of the scales. "The arm... well, that happened a few years back, when my mother passed on. I made some stupid mistakes, tried to throw my life away..." With the material still damp, it truly gloves like a second skin, the young man turning, though, finally in full to pluck up the material of his coat to don it, half-cape and all.

Mazurek is in Nico's cabin with a now-normalish Amante. He does not let his gaze wander away from the other's head after the other finally turns back around, respecting the other's modesty, "So you transform into that snake when you are doused with cold water and return to normal again when you are covered in warm again? Doesn't that make it rather problematic when you want to go for a swim or even take a bath?" He waits for the final bit of clothing to be taken from his arms, namely the lower garments and whatever footwear is to be had.

Vespers will finaly return from what he has been doing, smiling softly, he still has the bag of scales, and peers about quietly, not wanting to enter nico's room without permision

The young man chuckles softly and murmurs, "Well, so long as it's not /cold/ water, I'm fine in, for example, the waters around the beach, here. They're fairly warm by comparison to what's considered 'cold'." Adjusting the coat into place, he drapes the cape over his left arm. His lips curl into a grin, "That dragon had quite a bit of cold in its water."

Nico comes up on deck, and stops a moment to dangle a bag in front of Vespers that is slightly the same, before sliding it away in his vest, "It is a beautiful night for discovery, is it not?"

Vespers speaks softly, "you have had several today. I pray you forgive me for not telling you, your lordship, about your lady wifes state, but it was her news to share." he says softly.

Mazurek nods slightly, "The others were worried that you had been kncoked out from the cold. I didn't feel any adverse effects from the dragon's breath, so that confused me a bit. I must have been wanting to cool off quite a bit."

The young man chuckles a bit and mmmhs as he picks up his boots, wrinkling his nose, "I think I'll let these dry out a bit more before putting them back on." He nods a little and murmurs, "It was cold enough... Out where the waters are deeper, the chill doesn't seem to leave them, so, I guess a dragon in this area would be colder, ne?"

Mazurek headtilts when the boots are taken but not yet put on, "I suppose that would make sense since the sun can't reach its depths after a few yards down." He then clears his throat softly, "I apologize if I made you uncomfortable at all, my friend. I would not wish anyone to become what they don't want to be."

Nico takes a deep breath, and then shrugs once, "She did not know until now... circumstance dictates what we can and cannot do... so therefore... I know she is safe, and that is what is important."

The young albino chuckles a bit and murmurs, "Oh, there's no problem, Maz. Mmmh, I have this boy that I'm seeing back on the island, is all... He's a very nice boy, and... I just get so happy when I think about him." Amante emits a soft sigh, half-lidding his eyes.

Mazurek reaches out to rest a hand on each shoulder while the other speaks of someone else, "Have you tried approaching him in a certain way and speaking to him about your feelings?"

The albino guardsman emits a soft giggle and murmurs, "I've done more than that. Mmmh, we're together, though not married.... yet. I hope to be, someday, but... it's difficult for two boys in love to get married without a girl to serve as salve for the deal."

Vespers nods and smiles, "and these.. this will be quite useful with the right treatment..."

Mazurek sighs, "Don't I know it. Alkain and I have been in that boat ever since we were reunited about two or three years ago. Please excuse me for this." He draws the other into a hug, hig hold fairly gentle despite the strength, "I wish you luck with finding the right female."

Amante doesn't seem to mind, nestling into the hug warmly, his lips tugging into a smile, "Thank you, Maz... and likewise to you and Alkain. Mmmh... women, well... they scare the Carbuncle out of me." The albino's palid lips tug into a shy smile.

Nico nods once more, and looks back out onto the ocean, before taking a deep breath, "Now I see why these men do what they do... to see the world in such a fashion." Smirking to himself, "Perhaps in another life I was a dashing air pirate, and my wife and husband were my cohorts in grand schemes!"

Vespers shrugs, "I don't know the paths lives have taken, I just preserve them." he says softly, "but the world is full of things, grand and lovely, dark and horrid, butin all places will you find things to catch the eye, the heart, and the soul."

Mazurek chuckles, drawing a hand up to slide a strand of hair out of the other's eyes, "Thank you in return. We've been through a few females already but they've all been turned away from us after a while for reasons of their own." He holds the hug for a moment more before finally pulling away, his voice dropping to just above a whisper, "Sorry." He reaches for the wine glass after that.

Nico sighs gently, and shakes his head, his hair pulling off just the right amount of tousledness to be alluring to others, "Anyways... this was just a taste... I am wondering now what will occur once we reach this living storm..."

Vespers shrugs, "we will likely find a fiend of darkest water, or some horrible liche, on a tiny island, tainting the water into some twisted toxin storm, ever expanding when the creatures power expands, in the great hopes of consuming the world in its darkness." he says calmly.

Mazurek finally steps out of the quarters after a fairly long time of being in there. He heads over to where Nico is currently on the deck holding out the wine for him, "Your wine, m'lord. Rather late, though." If either of them takes a look at him they'd notice the snake is no longer around his neck.

Nico reaches for the wine, and sips at it, coughing a few times, "I found my voice much earlier, but thank you... your absence allowed me to carouse with the crew for a bit. It was quite entertaining. Now... we just have to get through the tough fight. Naming the child."

Vespers smiles to the pair, "oh dear, three parrents and only one name.. and which house?"

Nico inhales softly, and then then sighs, and takes a sip of the wine, "I am not sure... I think it will depend on who the doctor can say the father is."

Mazurek headtilts slightly, "I'm sorry, sir? I thought we were not supposed to...well...mingle with the crew? Might I ask what caused a change of that view?"

Nico shakes his head, as he replies, "I said not to interfere with the crew... but one is free to spend time with them."

Trisana is standing near the front of the air ship, braids blowing in the wind as she moves her hands, casting her magic a short distance off the starboard side of the ship. Just keeping in practice and honing her skills."

Waking below decks... the sleeping sickness having got to him /again/, Amante mutters softly to himself, sitting up. He goes over to check his boots... yay, drier than they had been. Gingerly, he slides a foot in and begins to strap himself into the boots.

Mazurek become intrigued with the scales that everyone had been collecting. He hadn't been able to gather any of them up after the dragon attack because he had to take care of other duties first. After he is finished with the tasks that he needed to do, he decides to head below in order to try his luck at winning some of the scales from the crew in a game of chance. Namely one of the multitude of dice games that they play. It is well-known that Beginner's Luck can sometimes fall upon those that are wanting something or just playing for fun. In his case he manages to win what he was seeking and walks away from the game after a few handshakes with some of those scales.

Though the sun is high in the sky it's suddenly becoming much darker. Over the course of the last day since the attack the ship's been swiftly closing in on the distant storm. From here, only a few hours out, it is large... huge. It seems to fill the horizon and the wind wips at the hair and skin. Occasionally even a splatter of rain can be felt this far out.

Stepping out of his cabin, giving a glance to either side before strolling through the hallways towards the topmost decks, Amante hears the sounds of rain, emitting a soft sigh. Tugging a hat out from within his coat, Amante dons it, openning the door and stepping out, giving a gander at the happenings of the top deck.

Trisana stops casting her magic, placing her hands on the railings and watching the storm front approaching. She then turns and walks aft to speak to the captain. "Senor Captain, how long until we reach the storm front?"

With the small bag of scales safely tucked away amongst his personal possessions, namely right in the pouch of his kilt, the iguana gazes out to the approaching storm at the head of the ship. The wind does not seem to bother him at all, arms held behind his back for the moment while his kilt flutters with the breeze.

The older captain looks towards Trisana then back to the horizon, "bout an hour or two out. We're gonna be stopping here soon and get ready to put the boat down for your party. We'll stay here off the edge of it." The rain splatters a bit more, a little heavier and longer now.

Boots clopping on the boat's planking as he traverses across it, taking a long moment to gander over the stormy horizon, Amante murmurs, "My, but that's quite a storm there... Lots of water... could almost wish that we'd get a storm like that overland... 'cept I'm sure it'd do more harm than help." as he nears the railing.

Trisana stares at the storm then nods, "I... shall be remaining on the boat Captain, it seems I am carrying child, it would not be prudent for me to enter the storm front on such a small boat. As Loathe as I am to stay behind, my duty to my child's safety must come first."

Mazurek turns his back to the storm as the rain gets heavier, the water cascading down his hide and running off of the silk of his kilt. Heading over to Amante he asks, "Is there anything that I can do in case the water becomes too cold again?"

The young swordsman murmurs to the iquana, "Well, you can douse me with warmer water as soon as possible. It'll reverse the effect." He nods his head emphatically, "Though, it takes some fairly cold water to change me..." His palid lips tug into a wry grin. "So... hopefully the next obstacle we come across doesn't involve a cold water elemental or an ice dragon or anything like that."

The captain turns towards Trisana when she approaches and he nods in responce, "Si that wouldn't do not at all.. well some of your party's still sleeping off yesterday's trip, so it'll be a little while.." He turns and starts barking orders while the crew moves to secure the ship as best they can on the edge of the storm, though the winds are causing it to rock some.

Trisana holds onto a railing as the boat rocks and nods, "I can do certain things for them all before they leave. Protect Spells and Shell spells at least. Regen as well. It is the least I can do to make sure they do not leave the ship unprepared."

Mazurek headtilts slightly, "I am not sure how I would be able to cart around a container of warm water for you, Amante. If we do end up facing such a creature, would you have any objection to me carrying you again until we do find a source of warm water?"

The young man chuckles, "Well, it doesn't have to be /warm/... just warmer than cold, really." He offers a soft smile and murmurs, "That would be fine, should water not be available."

Any responce the captain was going to give as the wind picks up and one of the sailor's calls, "The storm is growing captain!" Trisdale turns away as more orders are issued and the ship rocks dangerously, "please everyone who doesn't need to be up here, get below decks!"

Trisana nods, "I will be in my cabin captain..." she moves towards Mazurek and Amante. "Come below, both of you, until it is time to go there is no point staying up here." She opens the door to her suite and gestures people to head inside.

Mazurek reaches out to quickly grab a hold of Amante as the ship rocks suddenly, his stance shifting a bit so it looks like he is ready to start surfing. His tail provides a counterbalance, planting into the deck to keep him from being knocked backward. Once the ship has righted again, or becomes a more managable angle, he ushers his self-appointed albino charge into the cabin shared with Trisana.

Clutching his hat to keep it from flying off with the growing wind, Amante bobs his head to the lady Trisana, "Yes, my lady." Following along in front of Mazurek with the iguana herding him, he slips into the confines of the suite.

Trisana is watching Mazurek as he follows along after Amante and slips inside the suite, "Close the door behind you please." she sits down in a chair, holding onto the carved arms as the ship rocks. "You know... I am suddenly rather glad i am not going down in that tiny dingy."

Mazurek closes the door behind him after he enters, being as gentle with it as possible given the rocking and the wind. He does not take a seat, instead deciding to stand at the room's porthole, continuing to shift his stance with the rocking of the ship, "Why is that, M'lady? Is it really that small?"

Finding a good place to stand, Amante glances to Trisana after her comment, "Mmmh, well, I know Maz is a rather tall fellow... I would think it would be difficult to fit others in with him." He gives the iguana a mildly playful smile.

Trisana shakes her head, "It is not a very large boat, it will be tossed about in this weather. I just wish I could go with you all. But I have spells I shall cast on each of you before you leave, to try and offer some protection."

Mazurek smirks, "I do not need to be in the boat to help move it. If there is a way to tie me to it, I can pull the boat while someone else rows. That leaves more room for others to fit inside."

The albino guardsman nods his ehad, murmuring, "You do have to consider not only your own safety, but, that of your child, my lady. I wouldn't wish your baby to be put in the dangers that are most assuredly waiting for us."

Trisana says, "Indeed Amante, I must look after my child." she eyes Mazurek, "No Mazurek, this water, thr water below this airship. it is too much even for you to swim in.""

Mazurek inclines his head slightly, "Then what would you suggest? I do not think any of the others will be open to sitting in my lap during the trip."

"I see no reason not to sit in your lap, Maz. It looks large enough to seat two." The young man chuckles lightly at the thought.

Trisana says, "The vessel we brought along is big enough for you all Mazurek, it is a ships life boat after all, designed to carry about 10-12 people from a sinking vessel. I merely stated that i'd not wish to be in such a small vessel.""

Mazurek nods slightly, though he eyes Amante with a smirk, "Whoever is open to it is more than welcome to sit in my lap as long as they can handle the poking involved later. Also, I think it may be best to carry some buckets around in order to bail the craft. The heavy rain is not going to make it easy." The group is inside Trisana's cabin at the present time in order to escape the heavy rain and in accordance with then captain's order for all non-essentials to be off the main deck of the heavily rocking ship.

The storm is close on the edge of a massive storm.. about an horu out from it and being tossed back and forth as the sailors try to make everything ready for the departure of the team

Cosimo steps into the cabin, scratching his his head, and messing about the wild curls of light brown hair that rest there. Looking around and to no one in specific, he smiles, "Looks like we're about... there." he offers, and crosses his arms.

Chuckling lightly at a recent comment as Cosimo enters in, the albino guardsman glancing over towards the Don and giving a gentile incline of his head towards him. He's standing within the suite, near to the other two.

Trisana says, "Hello Cosimo" she murmurs and pats the chair opposite her, "Sit down cousin, no need for everyone to stand around in this weather. As for you cousin, I was hoping you could explain how it is you appear to be a dragon sometimes?""

Mazurek is standing in the room by the porthole, his stance wide and shifting with the rocking of the ship. His hide is rather drenched with the rain pouring outside. Drawing his gaze to Cosimo he nods, "I had been wondering that as well. I hope you didn't mind me carrying you to your quarters afterward."

Cosimo raises a brow, and his smile fades a bit. "I can appear however I wish; we'll say." he offers, with a light shrug. "Just something I've picked up in my years of studies at La Universidad." he taps his chin, and waits to gague a reaction... hopefully the explaination was sufficient.

Offering a lightsmile to Mazurek, the young man murmurs, "Well, I daresay it was a better place to change back than on the boat's deck, ne?" Amante giving a wry chuckle at the thought, giving a soft shake of his head before combing his fingers back through his hair, brushing the white strands back.

Trisana nods her head to her cousin, "MAzurek, please prepare us some warm drinks." She leans back in her chair. "I see cousin, yes I have met people who had the shape shifting power before. A useful skill albeit not one that I know"

Mazurek eyes Amante inquisitively, "I was speaking to Lord Cosimo, my friend. I carried him back to his quarters after he had passed out." He finally leaves the porthole and carefully steps over to where the drinks are stored, pouring everyone a glass. All three are held out to their respective recipients simultaneously afterward.

A few of the glasses slide off the shelves as the rocking of the ship get's worse and the crashing of glass rings through the room.

Trisana winces, "Mazurek... please secure the chamber as well. Make sure everything is packed away and locked down."

Cosimo takes a seat, and accepts the beverage, quietly. His reddish gaze, still present, shifts across the room in an idly ponderous fashion. "So what's the plan when we arrive, anyway?"

Mazurek sets Trisana's wine glass down on the table when she does not reach out to take it as he is holding it out to her...even though it would be a bad idea to do so. As quickly and efficiently as he is able, he closes the cabinets as securely as possible, locking them if they are of those types. He does not concern himself with the broken glass on the floor, his hide tough enough to withstand minor cuts. He does, however, stoop down and begin collecting it all afterward, forced to use three hands while the fourth is used for balance along with his tail.

Trisana reaches out and catches her wine glass before it can go wandering. "Thank you Mazurek, Nico would have a fit if anything where to happen to me right now."

The shattered glasses are, for the most part easily picked up, though the rocking of the ship never decreases. The dor bangs on it's hingest, the sound of thunder and flashes of lightning can be seen through the port hole.. in fact... it looks like they're presently in the storm from that porthole.

Trisana sits up suddenly, "Wait... why are we inside the storm!" she stands and moves to the door, hanging onto it to stop it crashing back and forth and stares outside. Trying to see what is going on.

Mazurek picks up what he can of the glass before it can get away from him. Rising again he does the only thing that he can do with the shards right now, which is quickly unlock one of the cabinets, take out a glass, close the cabinet, dump the shards into that glass for later retrieval, and then put that glass right back into the cabinet before closing and locking it once more. It'll be hard to miss the shards when the glass is taken out again... As for the storm outside, he pays it no heed currently.

When Trisana moves closer to the door she can hear the shouts of the sailors just beyond it, "the wind... too strong.. going in!" The broken words start to make a sense of their own as the door continues to rattle dangerously.

Trisana can hear the shouting and blinks, "Oh no... MAzurek to me.." she pushes out the door, still clinging to the door frame and shouts. "CAPTAIN! What is happening! Can we help!"

Mazurek hears the commotion outside but hears none of the actual words unless the wind carries them in just right. The call for him is met with him leaving the cabinet and heading over to the Lady, holding her as steady as he can even if it means resting his hands in inappropriate places while guiding her to where she wants to be going.

The captain's hands are full, but the seal girl that helped Trisana is just outside the door. She looks over with wide eyes, "The storm swelled, we're going in. The captain's trying to get us out, but we've lost control!

Nico comes out after Trisana, grabbing onto the rail as the airship lurches, and then snaps to Mazurek, "Find us some ropes to secure ourselves to the deck! Trisana... stay close, and hold onto me!" One hand secure on the tail, the other reaches out to her, before he says, his voice carrying over the winds and thunder, "Trust me. I promise not to keep you from the fight. The choice will be yours... whatever happens."

Mazurek removes his hands from the Lady immediately, raising them up and then out to hold onto the doorframe as well. Hearing the words being spoken he shakes his head quickly, "Not going to work! If he hasn't already managed it then we need to get to that boat, NOW!" With her in the doorway, however, he can't do a thing except play the surfer with his feet and balance. He even goes so far as to wrap his tail around Amante's waist so as not to be seperated from the Guard just before he stumbles out of the cabin after the two nobles, braced against the wind.

Trisana reaches out towards the seal girl, grabbing hold of her arm. "Stay with me." she orders, "We'll get through this.... you'll see." clinging onto the need to help someone else to cover her own rising panic.

Nodding numbly to Nico and trying to hold onto him and the railing. "Nico... the ship cannot last in this wind and if we hit the sea...."

The ship rocks to the side dangerously and the yells of sailors being tossed overboard can be heard. With them is the seal girl that Trisana's clinging too and her traction's completely gone. Nico too is slipping towards the edge, his balance at risk. The captain calls out suddenly, "We're goin down!"

Nico looks to Mazurek, and then yells out, "TAKE HER! NOW!" Stabilizing himself as much as he can, he looks down, and then up, cursing himself for a moment, "You're going to make me do it, aren't you... miserable bastard..." He closes his eyes for a moment, and then shakes his head, "Dios Mundo be with me... if not... keep my wife safe..." And of all things... he begins to sing. A simple lullaby...

Mazurek does not need to be told more than once. In fact he is reaching out for both of the nobles even before the order is given to do so. His hold on the guardsman behind him, Amante, is released in favor of grabbing for Trisana. He'll take another reprimand from the frantic female if he has to. His balance and strength should be quite enough to keep himself from slipping while he pulls her back into the deck. He even grabs a hold of Nico with his other two hands if he doesn't need all four of them to hold onto her.

Trisana is calm all of a suddenly blinking and wiping rain from her eyes. She keeps hold of the seal girl, the ladies supporting each other as she start along the deck as quickly as they dare towards the ships launch. She doesn't protest this time as MAzurek moves in to help, her hands keeping a tight hold on the seal. "Nico... you must follow."

The girl's grip loosens a bit as the calmness sweeps over her. For her and Trisana both the shouts of the storm seems to be distant, still hearable, just.. not as important. She loosens her grip and then falls over the side of the ship right as Mazurek grabs onto Trisana. The capatain's now calling for everyone to abandon ship.. the small little row boat is being boarded so that it can be lowered.

Nico smiles at Trisana, and tilts his head to one side, before replying with a smirk, "Stop worrying about me, damnable woman! I'll never let you down! Now get her to the row boat Mazurek! That is an order! Do not wait for me.. I forbid it!" And he begins to work his way slowly down that directly, trying to slip Mazurek's grip in favor of letting him keep both his own and his wife's balance and let him handle himself a for a short while, "Trust me!" He says while chuckle, and looks over the side for a moment to see how far down it is.

Mazurek nods, casting his gaze to the tumbling seal briefly, "Might want to check up on her cousin!" The other noble on board had said he could transform, so he wouldn't be surprised if he had already saved himself. Using both of his left arms to help Trisana, he keeps his right pair free in case they would be needed, his tail flagging behind him in order to further aid in keeping his balance. Once they reach the boat he helps her in first...

Trisana nods to Nicolas and walks over to the row boat with mazurek guiding her and keeping her steady. She's calm, she's collected and damn does she still look hot! Even with her hair and clothing wet and tossed about by the wind. She still somehow looks unruffled, stepping up to the row boat and in, sitting her self down on a bench and nodding to the sailors. "No need to panic now everyone, remember we can see this through together as long as we do not panic." Easy for her to say.

The sailors, what sailors there are left, are mostly working to unbuckle the ship and get it lowered. The ship is slid over the side of the boat and it's started to be lowered with only a handful of passangers.. all of the group is there, everyone holding on for dear life.

Trisana holds onto the gunwale of the boat and looks around, "We can fit more people in here surely!" she says loudly over the hissing rain and wind.

Mazurek does what he can to help those that are going onto the boat after he helps Trisana inside, be they sailor or part of the group on the mission. When nobody else is going aboard he finally climbs in and sits as close to the middle as possible, seated cross-legged to take up as little room as possible, "There is nobody else, M'lady. They've all been thrown overboard. If they yet live, we might be able to pick them up."

Nico watches as the group begins to lower them down, and then looks down at the water, and finally to Trisana, "I hate to say this, my dear... this is about to get very cold, and very wet... and I apologize..." But he holds onto his wife, and yells to the sailors in the dingy, "She's turning! Brace and breath! She's going to capsize!" Bundling his wife close to protect her, and taking several deep breaths in preparation for the inevitable!

Trisana clings to Nicolas furiously as he bundles her in close, "You know... Vincenzo is going to kill you when he finds out. You sunk the ship!" she accuse him, looking up through her wet hair and smiling at him, before she closes her eyes and takes a deep breath.

Nico murmurs back, "One LITTLE dragon, and you'll never let me live it down..."

Mazurek does not take a deep breath like the others, his breathing remaining quite normal despite the circumstances. He must not be afraid of drowning or something.

The groan of metal pulling and the snapping of rope lines precede a quick drop. There's a moment of stillness and then the dingy flips over, dumping everyone twenty feet into the sea, some sinking a bit farther than others.

For a moment each of you sinks in the water and then suddenly it feels like the world has turned upside down. When you break water it's in a tunnel within the actual water. Upon pulling yourselves out of the 'pool' you'll notice that it seems like there's light coming from beneath you. In fact, when you look down you can see the sun rising in a clear sky.. just.. upside down.

Trisana stands in the tunnel of water and stares, she looks around and staggers a bit, still dazed from the fall and the damage she took. "Oooh... what... where..." she blinks and looks around, water running out of her braids. "Oh my..."

Nico fell back first into the water, watching as he hit first. He attempted to keep a grip, looking to her, eyes open even in the water... despite the powerful storm, despite the panic, despite everything else that seems to be going on... he holds to her... until both find themselves within the tunnel. The water slides from him as well, and he looks around and up warily, up towards the light, "Stay close... just remember... I'm here... Death himself will have to fight me in order to get to you."

Mazurek remains as calm as he was when the whole affair had started. While others may have struggled to get to the surface he had no need to. Swimming about underwater he helps those that were meant to be saved to be saved, namely those of the group who might be struggling to reach the surface. Afterward he finally breaks the surface and climbs out of the water onto their new surroundings, "Hmmm. This does not look like where we were before. Anyone have an idea?"

Trisana Shivers and leans against Nico, "You know... having Death as a husband has it's advantages. Let's not mention the boat sinking and almost drowning to Vincenzo." She turns slowly, "I would say... Mazurek... if a spirit is involved in this... then said spirit... is inviting us in. For what purpose I cannot say."

Cosimo comes along, after a moment, as the water rushes down off him he looks around. "Well then." he says, and the gils on his neck slowly close--heeding to the flesh in it's wake. Ringing out his clothing slightly he, too, glances down to watch the rising sun. He looks to Nico and smiles, happy that his cousin is cared for.

The water has somehow hardened, though it's not cold and a tunnel is formed heading down deeper into the water. the walls are hard just like the 'floor' and around you all you can see the sea creatures swimming. In fact there's a water dragon swimming by some distance away while missing scales. It doesn't seem to notice all of you.

Nico takes a breath, and then sighs, chuckling just a bit, "Well... I've had worse invitations in my day... I think that if we are to do this, it must be to the light at the end of the tunnel... si?

The group is no longer on the ship. They are not inside a lifeboat, either. The airship had been sucked into the storm and had capsized as a result. Everyone had made it safely to their current location, those that were under the effects of the Sleeping Sickness awaken alongside their comrades. Where they are now is in a small tunnel that is surrounded on all sides with water. Fish and other sea creatures swim all around the group outside the tunnel. The sun is also rising from below instead of above. The water has solidified around them to allow them to walk, but it is not ice.

Nico takes a breath, and then sighs, chuckling just a bit, "Well... I've had worse invitations in my day... I think that if we are to do this, it must be to the light at the end of the tunnel... si?" Looking around, the relative strangeness of the positioning, the world around him strangely calm despite the maelstrom above, pieces of the ship floating down around them, the crew possibly still above, possibly with them. His first step echoes in the water-chamber, and he moves his boot back and forth to make sure his footing is real. His thumb presses to his lips, and then slowly move from left to right, before saying, "Let's go." Unimpressively but at the same time dramatic, as his next step echoes... then the next... and the next...

Trisana keeps an arm looped with Nico's eyeing the water dragon, "Let's hope that dear doesn't notice us." She looks around to see who is here. What crew members have ended up in the strange tunnel that is leading them deep beneath the waves. "And let us hope... whatever is at the end of this tunnel is welcoming."

Vespers blinks slowly and stretches as he wakens, and in the grand tradition of the clueless everywhere, yawns and looks about, "Hm, hello everyone, did I miss anything important?"

Mazurek is dripping from his trip in the water but does nothing but look off to the distance to either side, trying to guage which way it is that they should go, "Yes, Doctor. You are out of sight of the stars this night. We are underwater."

Looking down one will notice that there doesn't seem to be a storm at all. Underfoot the stars shine brightly and anyone versed in magics can tell that there does indeed seem to be a auspicious alignment of the stars. The water tunnel begins turning down while a school of jelly fish swim by. It seems almost like there's something moving ahead in the tunnel, but each time you all look it's gone again.

Vespers blinks several times, then sighs softly and stands, "ah and I see we are being cared for by some spirit of great power. and I thought leviathin didn't like me." he comments, and will if the group moves, move to follow, "Hm north star is dropping, not a good sign." he says softly.

Nico continues down the way, chuckling briefly to himself as he murmurs to Trisana, "Baring the impending doom, the tons of water around that could crush us to death, the fact that we're upside down and no one knows where we are? This is almost romantic..." It puts a smile on his face as he looks back towards Vespers, "No worries my friend... the lord of the seas is tied to his nation of Wutai... I think this might well be our wayward, and angry spirit."

Trisana nods her head and smiles at Vesper's her braids seem dry now, her dress and silk armour rustling as she walks along. "Indeed hopefully they wish to talk to us." She keeps her arm linked with Nico's and watches the stars and the sea life. "it is beautiful... Nicolas... I wish we could share this with Vincenzo."

Mazurek takes his customary place in the line when the group moves on ahead, taking up the rear. When Vespers speaks of that one star he remarks, "You said that the other night, Vespers. I assume that the stars work just like the moon and take time to rise to power again, and that it will be a few days before it starts rising?" Calling up to Trisana he asks, "Why not take a picture in your mind and bring it out on canvas later? It is bound to be breathtaking no matter who looks at it."

The steps you take echo like the sound of splashing into a puddle. The ghostly image shimmers ahead and deeper. A hundred feet pass ans the tunnel leads you deeper into darker waters. It seems like your much deeper than you should have been from just walking though. Above you the sea floor can be seen in all it's darkness.. fish glowing under their own power now light the way and the surface seems eons away from you all. Ahead the path ends at what seems a giant conch shell. One larger than most castles you've all seen.

Vespers frowns softly as he looks around but seems quite interested in the fish that are outside, to the point of being very slow as he walks, and comments, "well its a good sign either way, they decided to keep us alive."

Nico inhales deeply once more, still leading Trisana with him, and frowning slightly as the conch shell appears. He tilts his head to one side, and then his previous chuckle is continued, "I am glad that this one has inherited the Valente sense of the dramatic. I think I will like this spirit more and more..."

Trisana smiles, "I like it... it is beautiful, enchanting..." she looks towards the conch shell and sighs, "Oh Nico...look... Doctor..." she starts forwards, her shoes echoing. "I... I do not know what to say. But this is breathtaking."

Mazurek continues forward at the pace actually set by those in front of him, "I have never been so far down in the ocean before. The fish that are surrounding us are rather...exotic, even to me." He pointedly looks around to the many fish, passing by Vespers in the process.

A strange, well comparible to what you've seen so far, sight greets you all as you draw closer to the shell. Outside of it two anthromorphic salmon stand guard, each dressed in scale armor much like the scales which you all recently picked up. They look towards you and then converse with one another in a series of clicks and bubbles before moving their pikes asside from the enterance. The wair tunnel pushes forward then as water shoots out other openings.

Nico looks to both of the salmon guardsman, and nods his head in greetings... despite the strangeness of it all, etiquette is still etiquette, and honor is still honor. he straightens himself, pets the arm of Trisana, and begins to walk in the manner befitting his station and title. As a nobleman. Death might be behind that door, or down that corridor, but he continues on as if he was going to meet his husband's parents.

Trisana pauses long enough to curtsey, she is a lady. As Nico starts forwards she is by his side. The immaculate beauty, skirts held in one hand to give her feet freedom to move and match Nico. But where the nobleman strides, she glides, head held high, back straight, braids spread out down her back. Everything a noble lady should be and can aspire to.

Vespers will bow for a moment, perhaps feeling the need to be more formal given his nature here. He is however, looking more than a touch worried as he follows.

Mazurek offers a slight inclination of his head while he passes by the two guards. Stranger to the land he might be, he keep his gaze straight ahead and does not make eye contact with them. It is generally seen as a challenge to do so in the natural world, after all.

The water remains for you all to walk upon, though now it reflects the shell and seems almost made of pink marble. The irridescent walls of the shell surround you all as you step into what seems a grand hall. Here the light shines brighter as spirit orbs and mage lights dance along the cealing. Once the first immediate curve is passed the tunnel back to the surface collapses behind you all in a rush of bubbles. Here though isn't one spirit.. no there are hundreds here and the sound of laughter fills the room. The strange creatures, some seen on the surface, some never seen by landwalker eyes, some walking and some floating in the air.. all of them fill the space as laughter and merry making can be heard filling the room and echoing around you all. Spirits, for those who know how to identify them, of rain, wind, water and storms.

Nico stops as he's taking in the sight of the hundreds of cavorting, happy, and free water spirits, in all of their myriad forms playing before them, like an unseelie court in celebration. He takes a couple more deep breaths, and then looks at Trisana, and then the others, before he says, "Remembere your etiquette everyone... and by Dios Mundo, please... stay behind me..." Stepping into the room, he then says, "Right... how to do this... how to do this..."

Vespers remains deathly silent, and has paled quite abit. The poor jackal seems frozen with fear on the spot unable to go any further into the room of spirits...

Trisana steps after Nicolas, her eyes looking around the great court of water spirits. It is all... rather overwhealming. They came for one spirit, but here they all are. She stops and murmurs, "Etiquette dictates an introduction and a bow." She is already spreading her skirts to curtsey low to the spirits.

Mazurek nearly bumps into Vespers when he suddenly stops, forcing the lizard to do a little dance to avoid the Jackal once again. It might sound a little disruptive but it is better than knocking the other over. He eyes Vespers in puzzlement but doesn't delay for very long, following the other two. He isn't sure whether to remain standing, despite the curtsey from Trisana, or to bow to...nobody at all. He sees the spirits well enough but he doesn't immediately notice anyone running the event itself.

The celebration, for that indeed is what it appears to be, doesn't stop with the inclusion of the new intruders.. though some do pause and look at both Mazurek and Vespers with disdain. Rather quickly though there is a good ten feet seperating everyone from the small group of people. One, a elderly man with lightning for eyes.. though not Ramuh himself (even though it's easy to make that mistake)... begins approaching the three of you, ~strangers, you have come a long way... some longer than others...~

Vespers blinks and will quickly move to keep up with the part, but remains silent as the grave looking worried. He cannot understand the mans speach so he keeps to the back of the group.

Nico looks back and forth before he notes the others probably do no understand a word that the elderly man had just said. He moves, and then kneels, and follows with a bow of his head to the bearded storm elemental, "Greetings, great one..." He voice suddenly the same sing-song voice, "Thank you for the kindness... but please... who are you? Are you... the ones from the shrines?"

Trisana directs her curtsey towards the stormy eyed gentleman. Her eyes are somewhat wide but she is holding onto etiquette. Holding her curtsey towards the spirit, head bowed to him. She'll rise when Nico rises and just follow her husbands lead.

The iguana looks around again when the spirits suddenly give the group a look and move away, but he reserves judgment as to why this happens to his own lack of knowledge. However, he does sink down to one knee when the final one appears, but does not rise even after Nico does, head bowed and gaze on the floor, shifting to just in front of the spirit's feet once the other has stopped moving.

~A name it would take too long to say.. but shrines... of what do you speak?~ Those stormy eyes remain focused on Nicolas alone for now as no others speak. The Other spirits begin to move around, some moving away, others drawing a bit closer as they listen. Fish float in the air, though they don't seem to have trouble with breathing as one might expect. A lady stands to the side, her hair seeming to be streaming and spilling water over the floor only to have it disappear when it would splash to the ground. There is even a spirit that seems to be little more than a pile of leaves swirling in the air.

Vespers is still very silent, as th spirits gather around, shivering...

Nico looks back and forth before he says to the others, "Trisana... take the boys and make them comfortable... this might be a while." Standing back up to his full height, he meets the thundercloud eyes with his own violet ones, and replies in the Speech of Spirits, "I am Nicolas, Elder one... I am part of the nobility of the country of Valente... a nation that until now was protected and blessed not only by Ifrit... but also of one, or possibly many of your kin. Without the help and the blessing of those who were there before... the land dries, the people begin to thirst... and we do not have any true means of restoring this balance and saving all. We would... humbly... beseech your help in restoring our nation of mortals... of women and children who do not know why it is the water flows less and less..."

Trisana stands as Nico commands her and turns to look at the spirits. Eyes still wide with amazement but she is smiling, a warm smile as she steps forwards to touch Mazurerk's shoulder and take Vesper's arm. "Come... step back."

Mazurek raises his gaze upward only after one of his shoulders is touched, resting it upon Trisana inquisitively. Upon hearing the order he slowly rises to his feet and steps backward, head bowing once again while he retreats, turning to follow her whereever she is taking them.

Chuckling, not really friendly chuckling, comes as Vespers shivers.. but it seems to be at a distance. While the trio move back a spirit that seems little more than water leaping and dancing moves up and begins circling around Mazurek and Vespers, pausing to rise up and become an eye that looks back and forth quietly before it splashes back down once again. To Nico the elder responds ~mingle then child, they'll come when they're ready~

Trisana watches the water-sprite as it seems to examine Mazurek and Vespers. "Excuse me... may I ask.." she looks around at the other spirits then addresses the one in front of her. Not sure if they can understand her or not. "I wanted to ask.. why some of you seem.. to take such a distate in mazurek and Vespers? Have they done something to offend?" She's been watching and seen how they look towards them both.

Mazurek freezes in his tracks once again when one of the spirits seems to take an interest in him, which has him taking a quick step backward, "Whoa!" He meets the spirit's gaze while it is hovering, puzzlement the primary emotion to his own, though he turns to Trisana afterward, "You would ask that here, wouldn't you?" Interestingly enough he becomes nervous in anticipation of the response.

The splashing little puddle of water cirlces up and around, seeming to cork screw in the air while it 'looks' back and forth. Splashing then it bubbles for a moment and then leaps back up again, speaking in a warbly voice that is difficult to comprehend, "he is outsider, not from gaia, not from our world. He should not be here." This, apparently, spoken in responce to the question concerning Mazurek.

Trisana tilts her head listening to the words. She then blinks and looks at Mazurek. "And you didn't think to tell us this before?" she asks and sighs, "Oh... i'd never have brought you inside if I'd known this.." she paushes and shrugs. "My own fault. But... well i have alot of questions for you Mazurek but I will ask them later." She looks back at the spirit. "May.. May I ask.. what it is you would.. require from us, for you all to return to Valente. Please the land dies without your presence. We have... cleared the shrine we found, rededicated it to your honour."

Mazurek shakes his head, drawing his gaze down to his feet while giving a heavy sigh, "What I have told you of my early years in life is the truth, M'lady. It is not that I did not think to reveal this to any of you, it is more a matter of choosing not to. After my encounter with a fire-cat, the cats with those fire tails, I have not spoken to anyone about it. I know the planet does not like me, but I am wanting to do everything that I can to try and show her that I do not mean any harm."

The water seems to form a glassy eye that turns towards Vespers and then it states in that same bubbling voice, "but this one is worse.." The question causes the water stalk to turn towards Trisana and it asks, "Valente? What is Valente? I am of the deepest depths of the ocean. This place I do not know.."

Trisana looks at the Doctor, "Valente...they are... the islands up above. For a long time, spirits of water and wind and storm dwelt there. In balance with the Lord Ifrit and the land bloomed. But now the land dies under the eternal heat of Ifrit's gaze." She looks at the doctor again. "What... is wrong with Doctor Vespers? He is a healer and a kind man."

Mazurek looks up again after Trisana speaks again and notes the topic has turned to the Jackal. Unlike last time, however, he does not speak, but there is a questioning expression upon his visage.

There are a few whispers, this time not just from the bubbly water spirit but from a few... quite a few of them. The eerie voices seeming to echo each other, "Forgotten, forgotten. Even Gaia forgets..." The puddle crashes down again and begins fading away, slinking towards the rest of the spirits, "towards the back... there are new spirits to arrive to our party..."

Trisana looks towards Vespers, "How... could Gaia forget?" she asks before raising her head, this is a mystery for another time. "Thank you spirit." she bows and starts towards the back, motioning Mazurek to walk after her. She is looking towards the back, skirts rustling as she moves concentrating on trying to spot spirits who may look like wind or water spirits.

Mazurek listens in silence to what is being said, looking from one to the other and even following the water spirit's retreating form with his eyes alone. He turns to follow when beckoned to, his gaze only on the back of Trisana's head.

There's no answer forthcoming Trisana's first question, but as she begins moving through the crowded audience chamber she finds many more oddities... There is a girl, for example, who seems to be perfectly human except that she seems to be perpetually crying. beside her a sister, perhaps, the girl who's hair resembles a waterfall itself.

Trisana starts towards the crying child and her sister with the waterfall hair. She goes into a deep curtsey before them both, "Why do you cry miss? Why so sad in such a marvellous gathering as this?"

Mazurek knows what to expect from the newcomers, but that does not phase him this time. He knows that he is not going to be attacked outright, which had been his fear throughout the trip, so he settles down to one knee behind Trisana, bowing his head once more.

The one with the tears does not answer, instead it's the waterfall girl who looks up, "this is her way.. her tears are like the storms she brings signora." She tilts her head to the side, but doesn't smile, as she watches Trisana and leans her cheek on the crying girl's shoulder.

Trisana smiles and nods her head, "Ah I see... but.. my lady if it is not rude. May I ask why you are here? Deep at the bottom of the ocean in the dark and the cold of the sea?" she hesitates then ploughs on. "From your hair... and your sisters tears. Would not you be happier above? In the lands above the sea, on land where rivers flow and where people will come to sing to you, to bring praise and joy to your lives in thanks for the waters you bring, to our parched lands?" she looks at Mazurek then back to the spirits. "We.. have travelled a long way, seeking the spirits who left our lands, spirits of water and wind and storm, our land bakes in the grip of Ifrit's fiery stare... for we are mortal, our people forgot the spirits of our land... and now we would make amends."

Mazurek raises his gaze when he feels eyes come to rest upon him, meeting Trisana's for that brief instant before she speaks further. As an outsider he does not have any idea of what to say, so he remains a silent sentinel on one knee, listening to all that he might be privvy to hear.

Before the sisters can answer another voice speeks from behind the two of you. This one haughty and filled with distaste, "And what will you do to make amends? For decades the people no longer came, still the spirits followed their pact. With the Grand Summoner's death they are no longer forced to keep this pact that you broke. How will you make amends?!" The figure is terrible in their glory. Neither male nor female, but almost a combination of both masculine and feminine. Like their sisters they too seem human, accept that their clothing seems created by water and covers them without any indecency.. the water is still and dark, like the depths of a lake.

Trisana turns to look at the new comer, she swallows and looks at the great figure, she curtseys once more before standing tall. "We... would cleanse your shrines, restore them to glory. As.. representative of three of the great mortal families. We can do what we must. We can make it so that once more out young and old journey to your shrines, to sing and share, to offer in good faith for your blessings, for your aid and presence in our lands. With rumor and duty, we can make it so you are never forgtten again. I... I would reforge the pact between the people of Valente and the water spirits of old. I would meet the conditions of the old pact and more if you so wish, to bring harmony and water back to our lands, so that we may all flourish, together as one, signora." she curtseys then.

Mazurek turns his head to look upon the new newcomer. He finds himself trapped in what to do at this moment, turning his head back to the two in front of him and then back again to the one behind. Finding himself now in front of Trisana without even moving he turns and resumes his kneel, facing the new water spirit. He finds himself looking over the other before he realizes he is doing so, his eyes dropping back to the feet afterward. After being so quiet for so long he finally speaks up, though only in a whisper, "Please forgive me if I overstep my bounds, for I shall also pledge to do what will be required if it is within my power to do such."

Those cold eyes focus on Mazurek and seem almost to stare through him. As Trisana speaks and Mazurek echos the spirit states, "we will not pact you mortals again. No longer will we bow to your whims. It does not matter though, there is no escape from this place. This is your new home children of men.. This is the home of all of us.."

Trisana swallows and her foot half raises as if to kick Mazurek, but she restrains herself. "Then.. what if I help you leave this place. From your words, it sounds as if something keeps you here...we...we shall face it and set you free! Then... will you reconsider the pact and return to Valente."

Mazurek draws his gaze to the side when that foot rises only to fall again. A slow, deep breath is taken afterward while he listens and weighs their options. He isn't going to be here forever, that much is certain. He is never able to stay somewhere no matter how much he likes it.

Far beneath the water, on the ocean's floor the group has found themselves led into a conch the size of a Imperial castle. Within they're currently standing in a audience chamber filled with a multitude of various spirits alligned to wind, water, rain and so on. Currently the group is wandering through the audience chamber with Mazurek and Trisana speaking to three who look like they're related to each other.

Cosimo approaches Trisana and those she speaks with. The young noble was probably off exploring some avenue of profit, debauchery, or something suiting. With a yawn, "Pardone." he offers, and then a formal bow to the spirits. "If you will pardon the ignorance of our people, you might consider that Caller's far and wide are busy repairing relations with the Lords in various spirit courts." he says, and taps his chin. "They don't have time to educate the ignorant about due respect to our local spirit friends." he smiles, his tone posessing a certain amount of the respect he spoke of.

"It will be..." there is a pauce, the two sisters joining their sibling, "reconsidered." The tears continue to pour from one sister's eyes, the other's hair continues flowing like a water fall.. and the speaker folds their arms over their pondlike clothes while the stormy gaze turns towards Cosimo, "decades, not years child of man.. decades your pact has been forgotten. We are forgiving though. Release us and our cousins and we will see.. indeed we will also see if the other worlder can keep to his promise and earn our respect."

Trisana looks towards Mazurek, then she nods. "What keeps you here?" She asks softly, "Tell us please senoritas, Please tell us all you can about what keeps you imprisoned here, and what it is that we may do to set you free!"

Mazurek is about ready to speak again, but he glances to Trisana and closes his mouth again. His mind then wanders for a moment, just before he looks down to his kilt. Reaching inside he takes out the small bag within, pondering something.

Cosimo nods a bit, and grows quiet for a short time. His gaze shifts around, "Whatever it is must be quite powerful, to do so." he says, master of the obvious, he is. Raising a brow, he ponders--himself--what it could be.

The siblings look between each other before returning their eyes to the three of you, "it is warded.. the ward keeper.." One shhhses the other and they look up towards towards a curving stair that follows the curve of the shell. Looking back at Trisana they merely respond, "breath the ward children of earth and you will have our pact again." With that they drift back into the crowd of spirits and become lost from sight swiftly. Mazurek will note that there are a few with scaled armor.. like the anthromorphic salmon at the gate dressed in dragonscale armor.

Trisana says, "Breath the Ward Children of Earth?" she repeats softly to herself, she lifts her skirts and starts towards the stair. "Come, Cosimo, MAzurek... let us climb and see what we may discover.""

Cosimo raises a brow, as if about to speak... but his lips do not part--held by the young noble's discretion. "I guess if there's anything our crew is equipped for, it's Breathing." His humor a touch off, today. "We are the children of earth, I believe." he comments on a serious note. He says this as he is moving towards the stairwell.

Mazurek holds up a hand after he takes a look around, "M'lord, M'lady, wait." He inclines his head to one of those wearing the armor and asks, "Does it not seem strange to you that spirits would be wearing armor like that? When they said we were going to be down here for some time I began to wonder if we would be able to make use of the scales that we have recovered following the dragon attack? Dragon scales are known to be one of the best materials for things like armor and shields where I have been. Is that true here as well?"

Trisana turns to look at Mazurek and nods her head, "Yes... dragon scales can well be used as such. But I do not think any of us here have the skills to turn them into useful items of armor." She looks at the stairs, "But it may be prudent of us to cast such spells as we may need, protection wise before we ascend these stairs and face what is above.

Trisana looks at Cosimo as he speaks and nods her head, "You may have a point cousin. We could be the children of the earth." she looks at the stairs. "But I think we are going to have to go up there to discover what it is we are meant to do with this ward."

Cosimo nods quietly, and looks, "They're request sounded simple. Kill it." he mutters very softly, as he moves further towards and finally up the stairs. His eyes glow faintly, that crimson color again, but he seems simply to be focusing on the task at hand.

Well perhaps none of the group has the skill to, but one of the spirits obvious must.. or maybe they know someone who can make that armor. Either way.. the spirits part as Trisana starts leading the way towards the stairs.

Mazurek does not follow up the stairs, instead turning to one of those that wears the dragonscale armor and asking that one directly, "Pardon me, but would there be anyone I could go to in order to fashion some armor similar to yours?"

Trisana raises a hand, "Cosimo, Cosimo wait." she turns to Mazurek, to see if the spirit will answer him, "I hadn't thought of asking the spirits. Well thought Mazurek. I knew there was a reason I paid you."

Cosimo raises a brow, and exchanges an expression of impatience. "I am sure they would rather us solve their problem prior to haggling for armenmant." he says, crossing his arms. His gaze shifts upwards towards the stairs, but quietly he'll wait for the spirit's response.

A deep brow lobster spirit steps forward, his clawlike fingers resting on his hips, "that would be me.. looks like you bested old Fishhooks." He laughs and turns towards Cosimo before nodding his head, the spirit really quite 'earthy' for a spirit.. perhaps one who rose to the ranks of spirit throughout life, "yes, but if you are to free us we will make sure those with the scales are armed.

Trisana smiles and takes hold of her skirts and curtseys to the lobster spirit, "We thank you, sir spirit. Any help in our quest to set you free, is appreciated." She looks towards MAzurek and smiles, "Well done Mazurek, good call." she then glances at Cosimo and smiles, "As soon as we are prepared, then we shall ascend these stairs together."

Mazurek turns toward the lobster and actually raises his brow with a light chuckle, "Old fishhooks? That's an interesting nickname to give a water dragon. To be honest we barely scratched that one." Well, he barely scratched it anyway. Cosimo took the largest 'bite'. He puts the bag back in his pouch while he adds, "One of our number, the one that the Lady and I broke away from, put the dragon to sleep as it was passing over. Some of his scales came off during his descent into the water and damaged our airship." He bows to the crustacean before he offers the bag of scales he carries, "I am unsure how many of us have these, however. What can you craft these into?"

Trisana moves to the slumbering form of her husband and retrieves his own pouch of scales and takes them over to the lobster spirit. Not wishing her husband to miss out because of the sleeping sickness. She also checks Vesper's scales in too.

Cosimo nods and smiles, taking a step back down the stairs. He remains quiet, for now. He uses no armor, it is apparent, and by the looks of him... no weapons. A ponderous expression on his face, though, as he considered what it is he might need to be prepared with.

The clicking grows louder and there are a few whispers that can be heard around you three. The lobster takes Mazurek's scales though before weighing them in a armored hand. Then Nico and Vespers bags are added. He balances them for a moment before nodding, "then a moment.." Tossing the bags up in the air the scales begin to circle around him while air spirits begin spinning in place, kicking up a good wind. The scales begin to form into three sets of armor then, the scales locked into place with one another while they spin within the air.

Trisana watches the lobster at work with an amazed look on her face. "Oh my.. that is simply... spectacular sir." she curtseys, leaving Nico's armor next to his slumbering form. She straightens and looks at her cousin then Mazurek. "Well then... my friends. Shall we go and look at this ward?"

Mazurek holds up one hand while he inspects the armor that is given to him, turning it around slowly and carefully, giving it something of a critical eye, "Not bad. Not bad at all. It will make a great gift to my mate when we finish here." He then steps back and bows again, "Many thanks, good sir." As for where he places the new armor? Well....there has to be some storage place for such, right? Should fit into his kilt pouch...even though it might bulge a bit. Once that is secure he nods, "Ok. I'm ready now." He then starts to head up the stairs, following whoever leads.

Cosimo nods as those preparing have finished, and then he moves to continue the ascent. His focused, glowing, gaze returns... and he considers the task at hand. Maybe the creature will be easily dispatched.

The belt pouch isn't big enough, it's not quite that flexible. Still Mazurek's able to lace it through his belt however. The spirit dips his head and then murmurs as the armor is handed out, "then may Gaia bless you... even you.." The last given to Mazurek. Once you all begin head towards the stairs the path widens once more.

Trisana starts up the stairs behind Cosimo, letting her cousin lead. One hand resting on her rapier as she walks along after him. She looks back down then up to try and discern what is ahead.

Mazurek inclines his head once more, calling out while going upstairs, "I cannot hope that she does give me this blessing, sir,but I will hold out hope that I can somehow convince her that I am wanting to help."

Cosimo looks to Mazurek, "So where are you from, Mazurek?" he inquires, looking back ahead and up. As the area widens, he keeps his eyes on the top but does not get complacent over the details of the widening space--and what could be lurking there. He flexes his hands, and adjusts the mythril claws that are situated on his some of his fingers.

The first turn is wide, but it begins to narrow down to the point that the stairs must be ascended single file. The polished shell beneath your feet seems delicate, as if it would chip if you misstepped, and yet entirely sturdy. At the top there are a set of gates made out of the same pearly material and slowly they open revealing a throne room where a blue skinned man with a beard to his stomach sits on a throne. A circlet sits atop his head, a trident resides near his throne, and in one hand he holds a orb of blue green metal.

Trisana stops at the top of the stairs, taking in the throne room. She glances back at Mazurek then touches Cosimo's arm, "Well then.. I guess this is it. Let us go inside and see what we can discover." She takes a breath and steps forwards into the throne room. Looking around, eyes open, looking everywhere. When she is half way to the throne she curtseys to the figure on the throne.

Mazurek shakes his head while he follows behind the two, "Right now I would like to not speak of that, M'lord. I would like to speak of it only after we return home if you don't object." He is only slightly winded when they reach the top step despite having taken it as slow as he tends to do almost everything. Measured steps and all. Having learned to follow leads, he settles to one knee close to Trisana, bowing his head reverently as usual.

Cosimo nods and steps in along side his cousin, he looks around, before he touches his neck brushing some curls out of the way to do so. As if being cut with an invisible blade, his flesh receeds into a group of slits. He grimmaces a bit, as the gills form, he then bows deeply showing his etiquette as required. "My Lord." he offers, softly. "Are you the Warden of this.. domain?" he asks, waiting to be adressed before making eye-contact.

The group has left the main hall of the conch shell castle with their dragonscales turned in for a set of dragonscale armor for each set turned in. A lobster made those for them. The group is now in an elaborate throne room where a blue-skinned man, having a beard down to the belly, is seated on a throne. A circlet rests atop the head while a trident rests beside the throne itself. There is an orb of blue-ish green metal being held in one hand.

The group has ascended a set of stairs after one of the spirits wove together the dragon scales into armor for them. At the top of the shell stairs are gates of the same material. Currently Trisana, Cosimo and

Mazurek have stepped in and bowed to a blue skinned figure with a long beard of green and burning red eyes who sits upon a iridescent throne. There's a trident close at hand, a circlet upon his head and a blue green metal ball held in one hand. He's sitting there much as if he were a king.

Trisana suddenly stops, mid curtsey and straightens, rapier leaving it's sheath as she takes up a stance. "That figure is not a spirit... there is something very wrong about him." She says to her companions.

Mazurek takes the cue and rises from his one-knee kneel, taking a step to the side while he draws his bow and his arrows. Just as a precaution he also takes out a set of steel claws, placing them on his primary fists, "Are we about to have a very big surprise then? Anything that might need magical protection?"

Cosimo nods flexing his hands, his lips part in speech. "You got that feeling to, cousin?" he says.. the words were as if labored as coming out, but he remains still and his composure doesn't change. "Hoarding lesser spirits as some sort of false kingdom?" he asks, then looks for any exits other than the way they entered. He stands squared to the throne, and close to his spellslinging kin. "This is.. not.. good, any way we look at it."

Vespers looks up as well his eyes narrowing, the problem is, this just became harder for him as well. he nods to trisana, and cocks his head to the side, but remains as silent as he has been since entering."

There are windows that line the walls of the room, small slits that look like they'd cut someone to ribbons if they tried to slip through.. and yet the material seems so delicate. The airbubble can be found here too and perhaps the reason for it is that the male seems to be breathing air himself, "Talking as if I am not here? Foolish mortals...." The voice is deep, like the sleeping volcano beneath the ocean.

Trisana stares at the creature, "Why have you trapped the spirits of the water here. Who are you to do so." She stays besides Cosimo, ready for action at a moments notice. "I think you may be as mortal as the rest of us."

Mazurek finds himself attracted to the windows that line the walls before too long. He leaves the group to head to the nearest one to gaze outside. There is nothing in his mannerisms that indicates any threatening movements. Not yet anyway.

Cosimo smiles, "Who said I was mortal?" he says, and crosses his arms.. "What is it you're doing here?" he says, taking a step forward to adress the blue-skinned prison warden. "On the large scale of things, imprisoning spirits can't look good for you."

Vespers speaks softly and looks the 'spirit' over. "Why does a child of fire trap the spirits of water and rain?" he says cocking his head back. "No, I supose it does make sense. are you drawing of their powers? Your not a spirit yourself yet..." he seems, interested...

The being lifts the ball and his hand opens and then closes once more before he states, "not mortal? Then we will have to see about that.." The castle quivers and suddenly there appears cracks benath your feet, though mostly around Cosimo's feet as a familiar and wicked substance begins to leak up where he's standing, attempting to splash him.

Outside the window is the ocean's floor.. it seems like sometime during your stay in the castle you've all become rightside up once again.

Cosimo leaps away from the crumbling floor, trying to pull Trisana with him, if possible. When clear, the young man lands crouched near the Throne. "Now let's see."

Trisana screams as she is not quite fast enough to get out of the way of the splashing life stream. She gets some of it over her sandles as she moves back.

Vespers blinks as the eruption boils up from the ground and yelps scooting back, his eyes wide, "trisana, are you alright?" he calls, then turns looking at the 'spirit', "and so you attack us."

Mazurek turns at the sound of the scream, having managed to look outside only enough to see they have become righted again. Noting the sludge bubbling out of the floor, it does not take him very long to draw back an arrow in the string, but he does not yet let loose, "Just say the word and I shall open fire, M'lady!"

From behind the group in the chamber comes the sound of clapping... slow and measured... almost lazy in it's nature... and stepping forwards his Nicolas from his place behind the others. He walks past his wife, casting a glance to her, and then continues forwards towards the one bearing the trident and doing a good impression of a sea god. He levels his gaze on the green-skinned man, and his voice comes out with enough of a chill to drop the temperature in the room, "Congratulations, my lord of the seas... congratulations on your lovely display of power..." He looks back and then towards the green man once more, "I am here to discuss the release of the Sisters of Valente. While you may be our host... one more outburst like that... and I will become offended. And you... do not wish me to be offended..."

Cosimo already stood at the foot of the throne, in a rather threatening posture one would notice. He grows quiet and lets Nico speak his words, all the while Cosimo inhales the air-tasting it... waiting for the next display. He hadn't proven his mortality either way, though.

Trisana staggers back towards Vespers, each step away suddenly changing, becoming less clumsy and suddenly alot more sure on her footing. As if she is suddenly moving lighter in her armor. "I am not sure Doctor... i feel... different..ahhh it burns." She blinks and watches Nicolas walk past here. "Nicolas! The gentleman just threw life stream at myself and Cosimo! I think he is beyond politeness."

That voice, once again like the rumbling an ocean's volcano, sounds but this time it's in deep laughter, "the gnat's keep buzzing and expecting me to listen..." Shaking his head he stands then states clearly, "you are in -my- domain and you will show proper respect to the lord of this place.

Mazurek continues to hold the arrow in the drawn string, awaiting the command even though it is obvious that this one is a threat. The lizard's tail has stopped moving as well.

Vespers speaks softly, "threats are unlikely to work here, your lordship, bravado is rewarded with attack, Our host does not, however view us as a threat." he watches the large 'spirit'

Nico inhales deeply for a moment, and around him the air goes cold and like that of the grave, stale and old, but then lightens again as he looks at the others, and then lowers his head once, going to one knee and taking a bow only meant for a High Lord or a King... paying him all the respect even as he grips his fist hard enough that the leather creaks and the fingers turn white, his voice coming carefully, "Of course... my... lord. We were not prepared for so august of personage, and I was momentarily angered at my wife being splashed with Gaia's Blood. Forgive me."

Trisana stares at Nicolas as he bows, she grips the hilt of her Rapier tightly in her hand. "Nicolas..." She says. "He is not a spirit... he is something else. Something evil..."

Cosimo raises a brow as he watches Nico; making no hints that he plans to show the same sort of respect. He tried that originally, after all. He stands, however, still and umoving... with that glowing crimson gaze focused upon the sea creature; especially the orb in his hand. He smiles as his cousin speaks; similar mind she might have after all.

The orb is set to the side and it rolls across the floor forgotten as the being stands. From the waist down his legs are covered in seaweed that seems to have rotted, though there is enough to keep it intact, "you who are now part of this court, return to your merry making below and be content. Your lives will be long and happy ones here in my kingdom... I am not without... mercy."

Mazurek's arrow had apparently been trained upon that orb, for he follows its descent and subsequent journey across the floor. He finally lets the arrow fly at the thing, unable to keep the string taut any longer.

From the man bowing low, he actually begins to chuckle a bit, and then he looks up at the demonic form. Nicolas stands up and straightens himself out, he points at the green form, and narrows his eyes, "And now... you have lied to me. You have harmed my wife, you have insulted my honor... and now... you lie. Gentlemen... dear... I would truly enjoy it if we all would mind applying ourselves to slaying this son of a bitch." And with a flick, both his mythril knives are in his hands, flipping them into a fighting grip.

The arrow fires and then ricochets off of the fully metal orb and begins flying in a direction at random. It soars right in towards the demon and is quickly dodged though the room's temperature begins building as outside it seems like the ocean is boiling!

Cosimo needs nothing other than his cue, before leaping at the being, his hands shining as they slice through the air--and just before impact, a dark crimson glow. "Test me again." he growls though his tone is surprisingly calm as he strikes.

Nico begins moving his blades around, making the play off of the light as they spin back and forth in his grip, whirling like blade-saws, his hands in a constant state of movement as he moves to the other side of the beast-demon, leaving Cosimo to lead from the right, and taking the left. In the middle of this display, he suddenly crosses his arms over his chest, and then moves forwards, coming in with the right first!

The arrow flying off the orb and toward the opponent was not something the Iguana had been expecting. As a result of the miss and seeing just how agile this thing is, Maz decides to move in to the attack. Unless he needs to set the bow aside first he makes a swipe with one primary claw, joining in with the fray and not seeming to care one whit for the rising temperature. He's cold blooded. It shouldn't affect him as much.

Trisana leaps forwards, As her cousin and her husband are flanking the demon she goes for the frontal assault. She's really really pissed at him for splashing her with life stream so she ripostes with her rapier aimed right at him.

Vespers scoots back several steps before he claps his hands together, the motes of white flame swirling around them and flitting to his companions. "go with the peace of gaia." he says to them watching worriedly!

Nico's other blade comes up now the left slicing away with a spin from the man, who ends his stance ready to fight once more!

The blows come in and the glowing eyes of the male brighten before he throws up his hands. No bloody lines can be seen on him as first a blue and then a golden wall snap into place before him with audible shrieks. There is a resistance around him now faintly glowing at the edges of the vision, "fools.. you will come to know my wrath!."

Mazurek snorts in a measure of defiance, "And I suppose our Butts Will Be Liberally Kicked For Good Measure along with that proclimation? You are a bit late in THAT, pal!" With the bow tucked safely away now he begins to go to work, slashing the thing that proclaims itself their ruler, taking the only spot free amongst the four.

Cosimo lunges forward again, intending to unleash a flurry of violence upon the demon. His sharpened claws strike out, with blinding speed. He may not be hitting very hard but, with the glowing red eyes--focused... probably so, for reason.

Trisana takes a step back, her free hand coming up as she casts a spell. Throwing her power at the demon. "You are the one who shall pay, for the crimes you have committed."

Nico's blades flash upwards as he leaps and spins, before crashing down with one in an wide swipe, striking with axe-like force towards the creature's neck, "In the last few minutes of your existence... remind yourself... a little politeness would have gone much further!"

Vespers takes another deep breath and whispers, "again gaia, I call your aid to me now, prtect those I care for. a barrier, a wall of your grace!" he makes a tossing gesture towards nico!

The laughter rebounds in the room as it waves a hand and weakens the magics which Trisana is concentrating upon calling, "quiet child, you have no power against me." He turns his head back towards the three men grouped so closely together and his mouth opens, fire emerging from within to strike all three.

Cosimo bursts into flame after the storm of fire, and he roars in a fashion that is unbecoming of a noble. Yelling from the shock of it, his gaze becomes focused once more, and from his opened mouth beems of that red light are visible. He lunges forward, like a rightful predator with full intent of showing the demon who /is/ king. As his teeth find flesh, so should the eerie light.

The overzealous nobleman is quickly dodged, the 'sea king' moving to the side swiftly so that those teeth close on thin air.

...and right into the second blade of Nicolas, a backward stab right into the guts of the 'sea king'!

Mazurek staggers backward a little as the flames strike him rather hard, but he manages to avoid being put on fire at least. Huffing he lashes out a second time with his claws, "You will pay for that one, you bastage!" Yes, he said Bastage.

Trisana curses as what should have been a jet of flash heated steam fizzles into a stuttering burst of fire that strikes the demon. "Curse you demon!" she declares.

Vespers closes his hands together, cupping them as he forms the spell, for a single moment the air around nico glowing with a soft light, then solidifying into a barrier of grand protection.

Cosimo didn't seem extremely thrilled that his attack of pure rage didn't do him any good. Lunging forward again, to find sweet flesh with sharp teeth.. his features feral, and... burning.

Thickly sweet almost putrid blood spills like a found in Cosimo's mouth. For a moment the ground trembles and more cracks begin to form in the shell beneath your feet before it stills and the light dies from the creature as it fades away leaving the crown in Cosimo's grasp.. the trident nearby and the orb on the ground. For a few moments there is nothing but stillness.

Cosimo grins darkly, for several moments, before his menacing eyes fade back to the softer brown color. Crown in one hand, he smiles, "Like I said.." he offers, and looks around. "Take the spoils, and let's go." he offers, eyeing the floor. He straightens his clothing, and wipes his mouth clean, as he moves away from the cadaver. Oh yes, he's on fire. "Water... anyone?" he groans.

Vespers blinks and shakes his head, "gaia. well I feel useless." he says and will move forward to ensnare the orb before it rolls off somewhere, then turns back to cosimo pulling a flask from his pouch, "here. lets hope he wasn't toxic. its horrid what some prey animals can be sick with."

Mazurek shakes his head slowly while watching the kill go to the noble and its after-effects. He reaches out to take the trident off the floor where it was never used by their foe. As the request for water is called for he merely asks, "Do the youngsters here get taught the basics of what to do when they're on fire? Stop, drop, roll? Also, anyone object if I take this weapon for myself?"

Nico twirls both his blades, and then he sheathes them away as he casually turns away from the demon, not giving it a second glance now as he tilts his head and looks towards Cosimo. Taking a breath, he puts a hand on Trisana's shoulder, and turns him to depart... "My dear... we should go tell our Sisters the good news... hand it here Mazurek." Holding his hand backwards towards it, "I would prefer to have it examined by the church."

Trisana says, "I'd like to examine it as well if I may. At a later date." She glances at Vespers, smiling as he puts out her cousin. "Does that orb tell you anything? The demon must have been using something, do you mind if I have a look at it? Arcane Research is my forte after all." She holds out a hand and smiles at Nico. "And yes... my first pact... " she laughs. "Cross I hope shall be impressed with us.""

Suddenly the room begins to shudder, or rather the building does. Spiderweb cracks start to show along the walls of the shell and water begins seeping in. It seems like whatever enchantment was on the building is fading with the death of the demon. Only problem.. you are all at the bottom of the ocean!

Nico exhales, "Dios Mundo... let's be about it people!"

Cosimo raises a brow, "I honestly hadn't thought about that... given the nature of the flame." he says, and nods to Vespers. "Gracias, senor." he offers, and tucks the crown away. "Shit." he says, as water begins spilling out, though he smirked for whatever reason. He begins to run down the stairwell.

Vespers blinks and looks up, he tucks the orb away into his pouch and nods, "run run run!" he calls and makes for the exit, but stops at the top to usher the others down it, his mothe rhen insticts kicking in."

Mazurek eyes the craks that have started to appear along the walls, "Well, this is interesting. No more pressure to contain it, it seems." On his way to the stairs, following Cosimo, he presses the trident into one of Nico's hands, "Take it now or let me put it in my locker to give you later!"

Trisana was about to take the orb from Vesper's but then the water starts to leak in. "Oh dear. Time to go I think." she lifts her skirts and glides out of the throne room and starts back down the stairs towards where all the spirits where earlier.

The stairs are slick and it's easy to slip down them, but even should that happen no harm comes for now. The water is pouring even faster into the ground floor, though there are places where it doesn't touch. The Three Sisters of Valente turn and smile at you all (even Mazurek and Vespers are given smiles!) and they slip out of one of the broken windows along with other spirits. A few air spirits step forward, the water not drawing close to them and they put out their hands, "come children of earth."

Cosimo glady accepts the assistance of any spirit allowing him the safe departure of this retched situation. His eyes, much nicer, as they are now. Obviously he's a bit more personable when, well, not threatened with lifestream.

Vespers blinks and nods, "my thanks." he says bowing as he approaches, still not sure the spirits like him. He looks about for a moment, "we, um, seem to have caused abit of a mess." he says with a weak smile.

The urgency of the situation has the iguana putting the weapon into his Locker for safekeeping and focuses instead on getting the others out of the area. He is surprised to see the spirits beckoning them to join them but does not hesitate in doing so. Water breather he may be, but he is by no means going to chance being crushed by the pressure from above. He takes the hand(s) offered to him and reaches out for others to hold.

Nico pushes Trisana forwards, so he is the last one into the safety of the embrace of the spirits, looking back at the crumbling castle, "Shame all that... the party was excellent, the mood and setting spectacular... if he had not been such an evil motherless bastard pig in the first place... I would have seen if he would have decorated the wedding." Chuckling a bit to himself as he looks to the spirits, and then nods, "Thank you, honored friends... we acknowledge the kindness of this gift."

Trisana smiles at the air spirits as she takes one of their hands. "Yes my friends, I thank you with all my heart, for this kindness offered to us." She nudges Nico in the ribs, "The palace... was beautiful but I am glad we could set you all free."

The remains of the shell castle shatter as soon as the last hand is taken and water rushes in, yet it does not touch any of you as a bubble forms and it begins to swiftly rise towards the surface, the predawn sky still dark, though brightening as you all rise upwards.

Vespers blinks and takes the hand, and looks worried as water surrounds him, "I don't think i float that well." he says oddly, then looks to trisana, "Um.. sorry about that back there, eminent doom beats examination of odd treasures every time, you can see it if we get out of this?"

Mazurek finds himself looking around as the water surrounds the group, finding the sight of it surrounding, yet never touching, quite fascinating. Perhaps it is by reflex of the surrounding water, but those that look his way might be able to see the gill-slits that flex along his neck while they are rising to the surface. His gaze is locked skyward as they climb, not in any rush to be anywhere.

Nico tilts his head and covers his eyes as the morning light seems to be fading into existence slowly in the world above. Looking to Trisana, and then to the others, he murmurs out, "Never a more beautiful sight short of the woman beside me... save the man waiting for us at home." He takes a deep breath and chuckles faintly to himself, "Here's to hoping Captain Trisdale and his crew survived!"

Trisana gasps and grips the hand of the air spirit with one hand whilst her other arm clings to Nicolas. "Oooh Doctor, really that is not a problem right now." She stares out at the water rushing past. "Oh nico... this is amazing! But I'll be glad when it is over!" She leans against him and smiles, "I hope so too. If not.. then Valente must remember their sacrifice."

Vespers glances to trisana, "Hmm, well I too hope they are alright." he comments and then turns to nico with those eyes, "I may have to work my talents, soon."

=>rp <Azure says, "Reports of a strange sight at the beach spreads throughout the city! A torrent of spirits are shooting from the ocean and among them a small group of people.">

As the people make their departure from the water, carried by spirits of air, they are placed on the shore and then the spirits disappear to their own plane, shifting as if it was nothing more challenging than breathing.

=>rp <Azure says, "Overhead clouds begin to gather throughout Valente and suddenly the first rain in months starts to fall.">

Mazurek sighs as he watches the spirits leave them out on the shore, going so far as to wave to them as they depart. He then moves a few feet away and takes out a rather interesting-looking trident, holding it crosswise as he turns toward Nico, "Master Nicolas? I believe I owe you something?" The weapon is then held out toward the other.

Cosimo treads along the beach, quietly. With a pause to see the Spirits off, the young Don D'Marco begins to make his way a cross the sand, and towards Las Villas Royales to wind down from an... interesting retreat. He sees Trisana off with a wave, "Enjoy your homecoming, Cousin. I will be at the Villa." he says.

With the gasps of his house's servants and the sound of falling rain to draw his attention Vincenzo departs his hope and he scans over the horizon for a few moments and then spots Nicolas and Trisana, a smile slowly spreading over his lips soon after. He lifts his face to the rain and closes his eye before looking back and slowly approaching.

Vespers comes up and blinks padding along the beach and sighs, "gaia... we're home!"

Trisana stands on the beach, head tilted back as the rain begins to fall, she leans against Nicolas and shivers, "We did it... we truly did it." she looks towards Vespers and smiles, "And you Doctor, seem to have returned home with the blessings of the water spirits of Valente."

Nico reaches over and takes the weapon from Mazurek once more, chuckling a bit, "I think this will be more of a trophy than anything else, but we will see... thank you." And with that he wraps his arm around Trisana's waist and begins to laugh wholeheartedly as the cool rains begin to slick his skin, getting him soaked in rapid order. He then begins to whoop, and run with himself and the woman in tow along the beach towards Cross, "WE DID IT!"

Squeak is out on the beach for the moment, just seeming to watch those who come to shore. After a moment, the dragon kin stretching as he stands up.

Vespers smiles weakly, "hm well I seem to have this long standing habbit of washing up on shore after i meet water spirits." he teases and blinks rummaging in his pouch, "ah I seem to remeber you wanted this your ladyship?" he comments pulling the orb out!

Mazurek finally allows himself the luxury of gazing up to the sky and letting the rain pelt his hide. Taking a deep breath he whispers something amidst all the shouting, speaking to nobody in particular.

Trisana laughs and lets Nico run ahead for a moment, holding out her hand, "Ah yes, I'd almost forgotten." she tilts her head back and smiles. "It is raining... ah Vespers we did it. it is raining."

Alkain hmms? as he flies in from the city and smiles at the group saying "You're back!" as he lands he gives a hug to Maz saying "I missed you." he's soaking wet from the rain

Cosimo doesn't glance up, and merely shakes his head of curly hair free of the water--having received no reception, he heads off to his villa, without another word to his travelling partners.

Squeak sees movement, and then looks over to where the flying one went, before the dragon kin makes his way slowly over to Mazurek and Alkain, his tail dragging in the wet sand as his wings fold in against his body. He dosn't really seem that happy.

Cross's smile warms and brightens both as Trisana and Nico run towards him, well even if Tris paused for a moment. He moves to meet the man quickly and grabs his shirt, kissing him lingeringly before he breaths out, "congratulations love... and good work." He kisses his temple then before looking towards Trisana and extending her arms towards her.

Vespers shrugs, "Keep it, the noble family chose to see to this, i don't see having any claim on the treasure obtained from their attempts to revive our lands."

Trisana smiles and stands on tiptoe to kiss the jackals foreheads, "Thank you Doctor, for coming with us, you have the friendship of House D'Marco." she laughs and spins in the rain, "Now if you will excuse me Doctor, My husband awaits me." She spins and races towards Cross, throwing her arms about his neck and kissing him. "we did it! I pacted the Three Sisters once more and then we set them free!"

Mazurek gasps and groans when he is suddenly hugged, "Ugh. Alkain, let me go, will you? I have something that you might like." Drawing something up from beside him, he holds out a suit of armor that gleams from the rain soaking it, "You wear armor into battle, right?" He draws his attention away when he sees a white figure approach. Giving a nod to Squeak he calls out, "How are you, Squeak?"

Vespers peers around for a moment then sighs, his family didn't come down to find him it seems, neither one of them. His ears droop alittle but he's still holding the smile. he turns and begins to pad for the docks.

Nico whispers softly to Cross as Trisana comes close, "I wished you were there every step of the way... thank you... thank you thank you... seeing you here... makes it all worthwhile." He then wraps one arm over Trisana, the other over Cross, and then says, "I do not know about either of you... but I need a drink, a change of clothes, and a hot bath!"

An impromptu beach party seems to be starting as the citizens of Santa Meringia spill out of the city and onto the beach. Celebrating the return of the rain. The bells of the Cathedral ringing out in jubilation across the city, Lady Trisana laughs and stands on tiptoe to kiss Cross's cheek once more. "As I promised Cross, you never left my thoughts." she slips from Nico's grip. "Your wife, your husband and your unborn heir have returned home safe." then she hikes her skirts and laughing vanishes into the villa.

Squeak has his ears folded back. "Wet. Wet wet wet. You know I don't like it. Tt sucks heat from my body. I try to keep as much as I can." No wonder he's all pulled in tight, trying to conserve heat. "And it screws with my wings. Need to get one of those hot rock things."

Alkain hmms? and nods saying "Sorry..." as he releases Maz saying "Oh? What-" he blinks at the armor and smiles saying "Oooh, that's really nice Maz." he nods to Squeak saying "I know the feeling."

Cross's arms wrap around Trisana and pull her in against his chest before he kisses her and murmurs, "I am so proud of you, of both of you.." He looks towards Nico and then smiles once more before he leans in to kiss the man and laughs warmly, though it becomes strangled rather suddenly and he stares after Trisana at her announcement, "wait, what?" He looks at Nico then Trisana's back, "what? WHAT?!"

Trisana can be heard laughing as she slips inside and out of sight.

Mazurek holds up the armor for both Alkain and Squeak to see more clearly even in the rain, "Squeak, you might want to try for a fire amulet instead of just a heat rock."

Vespers glances back and smiles cutely, "ah, the joys of new parrenthood."

Squeak blushes and looks to the armor. "That's actually sorta nifty..." as he looks at it a moment more. "Huh...well, and it's...sorta... like mine." he looks at himself, then back to the armor. "My scales are a bit bigger in most places...and fit snug."

Nico exhales softly, and then shrugs, "I would have waited until we were indoors my dear.. but si... she is... the Doctor confirmed it while on the flight." He then puts a hand on Cross' mouth, "No... it was too late by then. So no complaining. Besides... the airship we were on was destroyed, so we had no choice."

Cross isn't saying anything, he's staring dumbly. Reality check? He begins to stagger towards the house and mutters, "we're going to be.. " he gulps, "father's... drink... I want a drink!" He starts dragging Nico along at that.

Alkain blinks and says "It's lovely... But what happened to the dragon it was made from?" he nods to Squeak saying "Yeah."

Mazurek draws his gaze to Squeak, "Actually yours are smaller than the one that this was obtained from. While we were flying toward where we needed to be we were attacked by a water dragon. The fight didn't last very long since it was put to sleep, but as it fell back into the water it deposited some of its scales onto the ship's hull, damaging it. We saw the beast a day later at a distance...while we were in some sort of glass tube underwater." He them pokes Alkain with a jab to the gut, "So are you wanting this or am I just holding this up for show?"

Squeak chuckles softly, ears still held back. "Well, my scales are perfectly fit for my body. So, I ain't complaining. Maybe she was my mother?" he gives a grin. "Keep holding it up!"