EliteCommander

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Peiter turned his head and kissed Sabine's cheek. "Don't worry, I won't be depressed exactly, just, you know, cursing fate for shoving me on board one of those cursed things. I know I'll probably be regretting these words later, but I think I'll prefer the desert to being cramped in a space like that again."

With a smile, Peiter tightened his grip on Sabine and gave her another kiss. "But, I suppose I should just be glad to be here now. This place is leagues better than Pelletine, but not freezing like home. I think I actually feel comfortable for a change. There aren't as many insects buzzing around everywhere, and the trees aren't thick enough to block out the sun. Mostly, though, I'm just glad we'll be able to do something more than just stare at wooden planks." He said before putting on something of a smirk. "And, you know, it has been weeks since we've been able to actually be...alone."

Ma'tanza had finally been able to get M'ibasa to settle down enough that they could have a seat. Though, she honestly felt like finding something more active to do after being trapped inside the ship for so long. She was sitting next to M'ibasa, trying to get a tick off of his back that he had somehow already managed to pick up. Qa'habi was nearby, stringing up his bow presumably for some archery practice, while S'nishi was laying down on her side, with Bheja laying against her.

"Oh, hello Tzirret." Ma'tanza answered, only briefly glancing over to him before returning her attention to M'ibasa's fur. "It is astounding how quickly M'ibasa can get into trouble. He already cut his leg on a thornbush and picked up a tick that...hold on." She started, interrupting herself once she spotted the insect. With the smallest charge of magic, she paralyzed the insect, then was able to simply pull it off of his body and incinerate it with a small amount of fire. "There you go. Now, try not to pick up any more."

Looking to Tzirret, Ma'tanza finally gave him her full attention. "How are you feeling? This one guesses you are glad to be back on land. Everyone else is, Ma'tanza included."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

As Meesei and the others climbed out of the boat to help get it back up onto the deck, she heard Gallus' question. She could not help but to chuckle to herself as she mused on recent events. "More than you know." She finally commented.

---

The ships were back on track just as quickly as they had stopped. The two "trading" vessels were able to sail past Leyawiin without incident, as was common for ships bound for the Imperial City or Bravil. They would indeed be heading to Bravil, but would continue on past and head back down towards Elsweyr. From there, they would embark on the longest, but hopefully not the most difficult leg of their journey.

The remainder of the trip up the Niben was fortunately much less eventful than their departure from Elsweyr. The greatest enemies the clan faced along the river were boredom and uncomfortable beds. Although, both of those still took their toll on the clan's members. By the time they were within sight of Bravil, the clan in general was overjoyed to see that their time at sea was finally near to being at its end. From there, it was only another day of sailing at most.

Under Colors' direction, the ships were able to make it past Bravil without arousing suspicion, then head southwest along the Larsius river. The river could bring them a short distance into Elsweyr, though Colors stopped them before they reached the farthest point that their ships could take them. According to him, they would need to be cautious to avoid Dominion patrols when crossing the border, but again, he just happened to have the experience required to get them through.

The ships were finally stopped for good after just under two weeks of sailing. They had successfully moved the clan to the exact opposite side of Elsweyr, and had covered most of the distance to the Orcrest clan. However, the remainder of that distance would likely take just as long, so they were only at roughly the halfway point of their overall journey. Meesei ordered that everything of any potential use be stripped from the ships. If possible, she would send some scouts later to see if the ships were salvageable, but she honestly doubted that they would be there for long. Fortunately, the clan had been able to make enough tents to keep them protected in the desert, and they even had enough bedrolls that most of them would be able to sleep at the same time. They would simply need to have a higher-than-average number of lookouts at once. They were definitely short on clothing, and Meesei recommended giving it first to the children and elderly, as they would need it most in the desert. Even she relinquished her robe to Ri'nakhad, so as not to appear above the struggles of the rest of the clan. Luckily, their food and water reserves were looking much more promising. They were carrying with them enough food to get them to their destination, even with some delays, and they were able to completely replenish their reserves of water from the river.

As it was later in the day, the clan was setting up camp not too far from the ships. There was still some to be salvaged from the ships, but those who were working on that would be finished within a few hours. Most of the others were simply glad to finally be able to get off the ships and stretch their legs. M'ibasa quite literally took off running as soon as his feet hit solid ground, and it did not take long for Ma'tanza to give up on chasing him, instead returning to camp to set up their tent for the night. Nearby, Peiter did the same for himself and Sabine, after which he laid down on his back in the grass with his arms stretched out wide.

"If I never have to step foot on another ship again, I think I could die happy." Peiter commented to Sabine, taking in a deep breath of the fresh air around him.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

The next point I intend to skip to is the ship's destination.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Ma'tanza was certainly confused by what Tzirret was saying, and her mind was full of ideas on what she thought his meaning could be. Some of them were distant guesses, while others were not far from the truth. However, before he could stammer out anything more, the others returned from the basement and beckoned for them to leave. She continued to give Tzirret a confused gaze for a few moments before catching back up with the group and following them out of the chapel.

Just as Meesei had indicated before they left, the group did not waste any time in the city. It was now late enough that shops were starting to close, and night would not be far away. Even going as fast as they could, it would be dark by the time they got back to the ships. They exited out of the same gate they had entered through and made their way north briefly before cutting west into the forest, then south down back towards their boat. It was about half an hour of a walk to reach the the coast once more, then another half an hour to get back to their ships.

In their absence, anyone who wished to trade ships had made the switch with the rope ladders, which were still hanging over the side on both vessels. Colors and the other "captain" had made sure that one ship did not take on too many more passengers than the other, so both ships were currently available to be boarded.

Once they stopped, Ma'tanza climbed out of the rowboat and looked towards the ship with her brother, sister, and now presumably Bheja and Qa'habi. She was about to head over to its ladder before she glanced back to Tzirret. "Oh, um, Tzirret. Were you going to switch ships with this one, or stay with your friends?"

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei remained calm and collected, but allowed herself to show some emotion in the moment. She smiled, and nodded slightly to the family. "We did what I would expect anyone to do in our position. Slavery is a vile institution that destroys families, and anything that I can do to help its victims, I will. I regret that I cannot stay longer, but my responsibilities require that I take my leave of Leyawiin. Good luck with your life here, or wherever else you might go. Perhaps I will be able to write to you someday?"

Overall, Meesei's words were genuine. It brought her great satisfaction to see Pudaga's family have not only safety, but a decent chance at re-establishing their lives. Though she often keeps strong feelings to herself, Meesei did not lie nor exaggerate about her opinion of slavery. If it were her choice, she would free any and every slave she could, as well as personally punish their former owners. For the moment, however, she could be content with the fact that she had helped at least one family of would-be victims.

Ma'tanza had been observing the other stained-glass portraits when Tzirret suddenly asked for her hand. She looked at him and raised her brow with both curiosity and confusion. She could not think of what he would want with her hand at the moment. Perhaps some joke or trick? Nevertheless, the extended her hand towards him and continued to stare into his eyes to try and discern his intentions. "Um, alright? What do you need Ma'tanza's hand for? This won't be like that time Bheja tricked this one into holding a spider, will it?"

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei gave Gallus a subtle shake of her head. "No, it is no concern of ours how much they tell of their past. We are just here to help them feel comfortable in talking with the priests, and to make sure they will be taken care of."

Once Daranus finished writing down the names and occupations of the family, he started glancing through the other documents on his desk seemingly without direction. "Okay, with that settled, I can offer you some beds here in the chapel temporarily. As for work, I will need to look through my records in greater detail to be certain, but...I do not know if there is work for a potter at the moment. There are certainly potters in the city, but I do not know if any would hire you at the moment. I do know that the guard are looking to build more guard posts outside the city soon, and are looking for laborers. There is also a restaurant that was opened not long ago by members of a good, faithful family, and they may be hiring for cleaning and other labor. As for nannies, I will need to ask our wealthier followers if any have need of one. But please, take today to rest. I will speak to you tomorrow once I have had a chance to ask around. Haressi can show you to a room."

Based on the way Daranus was talking, it seemed to be fairly certain now that the family would receive the help they needed. No doubt they would still need a lot, especially in terms of language, but they now had others who could help them besides the clan. "That sounds excellent." Meesei commented. "I am glad you will be getting the help you need, Pudaga. Is there anything more you need of us?"

Ma'tanza looked to Tzirret with a grin. "Than breasts?" She added, giggling to herself. "Thank you, Tzirret, that is very kind of you to say. And this one thinks that you are not nearly as nervous or awkward as people say you are. You are a little nervous, but it is...oh what is the work? Endangering? No, that's probably not it. Well, anyway, you are still a kind friend, and not a cloudy-cat. Except for the part where your fur is cloudy and you are a cat." She joked.

Although Ma'tanza had not taken offense to Tzirret's comment, she still seemed to just view it as a friendly compliment. If he ever intended to speak his true feelings, he would likely need to be much more direct when that time came.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

I think I'll be going to bed soon. I'll respond tomorrow, provided electricity is still present.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Daranus shook his head. "No, but if it is within your will to work, then I'm sure we will be able to find what you need. I cannot guarantee that I can find you the exact kind of work you are looking for, but I know many of the faithful in the city who would be willing to hire you for a fair wage. I...do not know if you are followers of the Eight, but I firmly believe that Zenithar will give his blessing to the labors of any honest working man or woman. It is the works of the industrious that glorify him."

Pausing briefly, Daranus reached over to the edge of his desk and opened up one of the ledgers in front of him. He grabbed a quill and dipped it in ink before looking back up at the family. "Now, please tell me your names and occupations. I need to make sure to have you in my records. I can give you temporary accommodations here in the chapel for free for a short time, hopefully until we can find work for you."[/i]

"Oh..." Ma'tanza began, her eyes wide for a few moments after the realization. Although, eventually, she closed them and shook her head lightly with a grin on her face. "Ma'tanza cannot honestly say she is surprised. It is not the first time she has heard that. Usually, that particular...compliment comes from the more crude boys. But, this one can honestly believe that La'khay was trying to be nice. She is a very strange woman."

When Ma'tanza looked back up at the window, she could not help but to laugh. "Though, it also makes the Imperials seem even more strange. How odd is it that they have a goddess of mating when they are known for being so modest and prudish? It is as if their culture is designed just to confuse outsiders trying to understand it." She joked.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

I know the feeling, except it is ice here. Don't know what will happen with it.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Once she heard the translation, Meesei gave a quick glance to Gallus before responding herself. "We can come with you Pudaga, at least to make sure your family will be safe here."

After Pudaga's question, the priestess' eyes widened ever so slightly when she realized that they were not yet properly introduced. "Oh, my apologies. Where are my manners? My name is Haressi. Just wait here a moment and I will go make sure Brother Daranus is available."

Haressi left briefly and headed downstairs to the chapel's lower rooms, though true to her word, she was only away for a few minutes. Once she returned, she quickly led them all downstairs, through a long hallway running under the main hall. They were taken to the room at the far end of the hall, which, upon entering, appeared to be an office. It had bookshelves filled with scrolls and ledgers, likely for record-keeping, along with a few tables and desks. Behind one of the desks sat an Imperial man in similar robes to Haressi. While not quite elderly, he was an older man with a bald head and a thick, mostly grey beard.

"Ah, welcome. Feel free to pull up a seat. Sister Haressi told me you are escaped slaves. You have my sympathies for having gone through such injustice. She also said that you are in desperate need of aid. I suppose my first question is what kind of aid do you need. Is your intention to seek help leaving the city, or to find a place here in it?"

Ma'tanza looked up at the window depicting Dibella with a hint of confusion. "So they have two love goddesses? That seems strange to Ma'tanza, and a bit confusing. A goddess of beauty, though, that does make sense. It especially makes sense that La'khay follows her. Her reputation in the clan isn't very...flattering, but she is a beautiful woman who can create some beautiful things. She is one of the one who likes to help others, men or women, with their appearances. She is also probably the most talented painter that Ma'tanza has ever met in person. She can make a painting that looks real enough to fool your eyes into thinking they are looking out of a window. It is a shame that everything she made was lost in the attack."

Ma'tanza glanced back down to the altar. "La'khay said once that Ma'tanza would be good at the 'Dibellan arts,' but she doesn't really know what that means."