Durik in the meantime ordered some items for the next mission:
1 Flash Powder from Refyx (4p)
1 Cure Poison Potion from Aeshma (4p)

(if other people want a slot, let me know)

Count sat alone in the Officers' Mess immersed deeply in thoughts about some important captainy stuff undoubtedly, when suddenly a plate was very unceremoniously put before him, causing him to startle.

"What in tarnation?! I didn't... Oh, Ae..."

She didn't let him finish. Count sensed in her tone that she wasn't entirely sincere but so far had no clue what could be the cause of such peculiar behavior. He was just about to ask, when she explained. If that's even possible, Count just turned even paler. It was hard to say which revelation was more shocking: that those scurvy bastards were watching his dreams, or that they were blabbing about it behind his back! He was about to get mad and pronounce death sentence on Cap'n Rummyfangs for treason but remembered in time that felinoid is already dead, and as an acting captain he should act like one and be the rational person in the room. So, he collected himself and answered as calmly as he could:

"Sea of Dreams? What nonsense is that? But yes, I be guilty as charged. Guilty of dreamin', no less. What to explain? Ye can't make one accountable fer dreams! What if that silly dream was prophetic though? Simmer down 'n' think 'bout it, there might be a reason why this particular dream was meant to be witnessed. Now that's somethin' to explain! Let me know when ye see any spacemen or spaceships, whooo, maybe they're already here. And, just between us, don't tell me it didn't amuse ye one bit." Count chuckles, then looks at the plate. "As for the coffee, I guess I'll sadly have to wait to find out, but know that I appreciate the effort anyway. Looks delicious." <Proceeds to cut the steak.>

It is shortly after dawn's break when the small ship glides smoothly across the water and with a smooth turn finds itself at the Ship's side. Quickly its sole passenger makes his way aboard, a simple knapsack slung over his shoulder, eager to finally set foot upon the main deck, and faintly the Wards glow, if only in response to their maker and veritable cyclone of magic raging inside him. Still he be the same, if perhaps a touch more refined, losing yet some more of those mortal imperfections to his stay in fey lands - his once gray longcoat paler, his blood-red hair even redder, his beard less prominent, having reduced itself down to a goatee. Most Crew likely be still at rest, excluding its ghostly members, but Rummyfangs, as the Heart of the Ship, would certainly know by now that indeed, Captain Aylar has finally returned from his prolonged absence.

This be likely the dead hour and changing of watches, if any are carried out presently, so Aylar expects the proper reunion to take place no earlier than breakfast. That be said, if Cliodhna, aware of the approximate time of his arrival or perhaps warned by a certain spectral felinoid, does keep vigil to meet him, she'll find no expected surprise on his face at her current appearance, and he'll waste no time to set his bag down and pull her into a hug. And though clearly he has been revitalized, there be still that eager spark of battle-readiness and cunning that she has felt earlier within him, there be also a decent amount of melancholy in his voice as quietly he apologizes to her in Old Elvish; for keeping her waiting, for not doing enough, and ultimately being way too lousy at understanding the nature of their bond.

"A poor companion I must have been, but I have tended the fire as well as I could, and have been told of many a thing I was too blind or not present to see," he will tell her. "Have no fear, for we will get the other half back."

If she asks of what matters have led him back to the Court and what matters then kept him, he will let her know in private, and ask to be filled in on events that have transpired while he's been away.

And indeed, at breakfast the Crew will be finally all present in full. Aylar will greet everyone, as well as bid proper welcome to the Ship to both the new arrivals and returning faces - the Ship seems to be content with all the additions, so no one would be pulled upwards by rigging or thrown overboard by magick (unless they would get too wrapped up in the pursuits of the heart and find themselves zapped for their disregard of ladies' autonomy - that goes without being said). After all, he will calmly note, he believes that punishments should be properly equivalent to one's transgressions. For example, that siren, why, for her crimes not only was her soul now forever entrapped into servitude to his family, but they would make sure she would pay dearly for every ill act her scheming inflicted upon the Crew. Truly, she would not see the mortal realm ever again, and even other merfolk of her old Court were quite happy to hear she would be gone from their lives. Not that some scheming and disdain weren't a part of Court life, though: as a bit of further table entertainment, the Crew will be also treated to a condensed tale - only the most exciting parts! - of Aylar having made it out of not one, but two capture attempts unscathed. Indeed it seems that the Council fops and the fat fish's minions might have been coordinating their movements.

And of course, once eating be done, he will unveil a little gift he had worked on during his overnight sail, to keep his hands busy and mind not idle - an elaborately carved dartboard, that just happens to have a very lifelike depiction - wait, is it indeed moving ever so slightly, like a fly stuck in a glue trap? - of Commander Beckett's detestable likeness carved into it. Aylar spins it for a moment, just to enjoy the sight of the carved man's expression go through a mimicry of vertigo, and very pointedly laments having no access to "any of the bastard's belongings, or if only we be having a piece of 'im, I could put a real hex on it and he be feeling every prickle this fellow here be subjected to", before hanging it in the Mess Hall and concluding that he was sure that the Crew would enjoy having a go at it either way, even in its incomplete form as soon as he be having the darts finished.

Aylar finally arrives at the Ship and reunites with Cliodhna. At breakfast, the Crew is then told the most good news - the siren be finally met with a terrible fate - and then treated to a recount of all the exciting escapes. And the Mess Hall now has a new dartboard that some of the Crew would surely appreciate.

Kyp, Cap'n Rummyfangs doesn't know of any books besides the sea charts. Argy has a book of fairy tales with descriptions of different creatures in its tales. Acting Captain Count Karnstein may have a personal library, you would have to ask. (If so he's very secretive about it.) Or there is a lot to explore yet in all those buildings while they are being repaired, who knows what Kyp might find ... although you may need some strong help to move things. ;)

Durik, you order 1 Cure Poison Potion from Aeshma and 1 Flash Powder from Refyx. Refyx tells you to make sure that you throw the Flash Powder away from yourself and any Crew, you do not want to have Crew near it when it goes off. And do not EAT the Flash Powder, that would be bad. Also, do not have Dakka eat the Flash Powder, it would make Dakka very sick ... however if you stuff the Flash Powder in an enemies mouth and then have Dakka shoot the enemy that might just work. Refyx thinks it over a moment, then shrugs. Maybe, but he won't guarantee it. (It would take a dice roll.)

-----
a few days ago ...

Cliodhna welcomes Bellandra's embrace warmly and returns her smile at the compliment. She usually isn't vain, but it relieves her to know the Crew accepts her new form, which is actually her oldest and truest form. She should have known Bellandra would be able to recognize her. Of all the Crew, besides Aylar, only Bellandra had heard and felt him, when he was the Heart of the Ship. Cliodhna knows Bellandra of them all will understand that part of her that still reaches for the Penguin at the bow, still listens and is deeply saddened by the silence she now finds there.

But today is not for sadness at the moment. It is a time for greeting old friends and new. Speaking of new, she watches Bellandra greeting Captain BenKii and sees the interest and wonder in his eyes. Bellandra is a wonder, and while she may not be entirely one of a kind any longer with the discovery of more of her shipkin, she is still entirely her own lovely being and unique.

Cliodhna thinks of what Devin had found and what had been done to the shipkin who were once human and fey. But in her heart she feels that had not been Bellandra's fate. Something in Bellandra calls to her, Bellandra's own fate, her own spirit or soul, a life given not stolen. The Penguin had felt it in Bellandra too ... a special fate, a life meant to be lived in freedom and to beckon others to that dream as well. Soon they will see where that fate leads.

Kyp asks the captain for books, but there may be other things to find among the buildings while being repaired, if he finds some strong help. Durik gets items from Aeshma and Refyx. Cliodhna warmly returns Bellandra's embrace and reflects on Bellandra's unique touch of fate.

"oh yes, the buildings... the buildings I need to repair... the problem with owning property (well as much as you can own the land on the back of dragon sea turtle that is your home, so not really an owner and more like a symbiotic relationship) is that there are a lot of things to take care of to maintain it and not enough time to get it all done..."

Argy! You want to help me explore some of the old buildings I haven't looked at yet? Maybe we will find a cookbook or an old pot or something we can cook with!

If Argy agrees we go to the nearby buildings to look for what maintains needs to be done and look for anything that might be useful for the voyage. If she does not Kyp goes and does said task by himself.

Argy agrees to explore the buildings with Kyp: "Sure arr, matey! Let's stretch our legs an' find some booty!" She grabs her equipment and a sack and follows Kyp.

A small lone figure stands on the forecastle in the predawn, watching silently as the last of the stars begin to slowly fade. The Ship's Captain should be returning soon. She left off pacing the cabin an hour ago, tired of watching the black cat's amusement at her unfamiliar unsettledness. Being tentative is not her nature, but doubt has become an undead that refuses to be banished. A part of her is uncertain of how Aylar will take the change, to see yet another secret that had bound her. Another part can't help wondering if the bond was cut with that other self of her and set adrift into that dark void she still feels haunting within. At least here only Cap'n Rummyfangs witnesses her slight tremble at the thought as he stands the dawn watch.

Her magic picks up the subtle sense of a notice-me-not, and the flicker of a small craft expertly sailed coming out of the dawn's breaking. She doesn't need the Ship or Cap'n Rummyfangs to alert her as she descends to the main deck, her step quick but light. Captain Aylar has finally returned to the Ship.

His step is eager but sure, and she sees the Wards glow in response. His magic has grown and matured, along with other aspects. Cliodhna can't help the smile as she takes in the changes, noting the rakishness is still untamed even with the new refinement. Slight surprise flickers in her eyes at the lack of it in his own. He knows.

She is about to explain, but doesn't get the chance. Instead, Aylar wastes no time to set his bag down and pull her into a hug. Where there was doubt, there blooms almost overwhelming relief. She returns the hug, letting his words and his voice wash over her as the starfire flares the link to life, shattering the last invisible shackle upon her. She answers him in Old Elvish, with a slight Sylvan lilt. And if there is relief, there is also an answering melancholy in her own voice, along with caring and a fierce pride in him.

"Nay, Aylar, I will not see it so. You kept the fire safe and did what was needed, as I entrusted you to do. You saved the Crew. You Warded the Ship ... although I did not expect quite such extensive Work," she gently teases as she reaches up to tug lightly on his lock. Then regret tinges her speech. "'Twas I who should have known the nature of it sooner. You gave me your trust, and I still could not find a way to break through all they had bound in me to tell you. But those bindings can no longer constrain, for there is a knowing in you now that you had not before. 'Tis your 'fat eel' who should fear now, for with this Crew we will finish it."

She asks of his trip, saying that had she been there in her full form he wouldn't have needed to run, not just because of her magic but also his own would have been greatly increased by proximity. Then she bites her lip and reluctantly admits that may not go over well with her namesake however. There is much she would ask and much he should hear and she agrees it should be done in private.

Later, as Aylar unveils the dartboard, Cliodhna's eye glow with mirth. She looks at Devin with a slight nod as she sees the speculation and mischief light his own eyes. Oh yes, Aylar will have his piece for hexing, of that she has no doubt.

Cliodhna waits for Aylar and greets him upon his arrival. She gives Devin a nod regarding getting 'a piece of Beckett' for the Ship's new dartboard.

After receiving the Flash Powder:
"Tank you Refics. Yes.. me not eat it for sure. Nor Dakka. Not look tasty."
Durik then almost blushed, recalling the cupcake incident with Argy.

And thinking about the halfling, he heard her talking with Kyp:
"Ye two need help with repair? Durik strong, can move heavy stuff"

Yes of course big guy, could always use more hands.

Aeshma blinks, then blushes. "Well, aye then. Enjoy the meal."

Aeshma walks back on deck and goes to her shop, thinking. Could Grog'tial's brother really have some sort of ship in space? Should she ask the half-dwarf? No, that's ridiculous. There is no such thing. Her people are descended from celestials. Surely they would know and have tales of such among them that she would have heard. "No," she mutters. "There is no such thing as men with ships in space." Satisfied, she gets back to work preparing her remedies.

[GM Note - No we are not suddenly having aliens, etc. This is teasing about Karnstein's dream and a subtle teasing of Captain BenKii's position as the Prime Directive forbids him from saying anything if he hears Count, or Aeshma's mutters or Rummyfangs retelling.] :P

-----

Kyp, Argy and Durik, you go to explore some of the buildings still in the midst of being repaired. The barns are already done, but the set of small sea-green roofed buildings to the north of the barns are still being worked on. (roll dice) The first two you enter don't have anything worthwhile. But the square shaped building in the NW corner looks promising. (roll dice) You search through some shelves and cupboards but find only cobwebs, dust and a rat's nest.

(roll dice) Durik manages to move a heavy beam that's fallen over a bookcase and the three of you see what looks like a door behind the bookcase. (roll dice) You try to move the bookcase, but it is stuck on something, however Argy is small enough to crawl behind it and release a catch and Kyp and Durik can slide the bookcase out of the way. (roll dice) You open the door to see a set of stairs going down into a basement. Kyp remembers one of the rooms outside this one had an old torch and some matches and goes and gets them. He lights the torch and leads the way down the creaky old wooden stairs. Argy follows and Durik brings up the rear. (roll dice) The stairs give way under your combined weight. (roll dice*3) Argy falls on top of Durik with a 'whoof!', taking no damage. Durik lands on his rump on a pile of old moth eaten blankets and rags with Argy in his lap, taking only slight bruising to his bottom. Kyp was the lowest and manages to leap down just in time to land on his feet with the torch still in hand.

Inside the basement room you see several chests. (roll dice) One with pewter plates, eating utensils and tankards. Another with linens, and you realize what you thought were blankets are tablecloths and napkins, but the ones kept in the chest are preserved and mostly clean. Next to a shelf with a set of candles on it is the third chest. It has a lock on it and something is inscribed on its lid ...

My life can be measured in hours,
I serve by being devoured.
Thin, I am quick
Fat, I am slow
Wind is my foe.

Aeshma thinks about asking Grog'tial if his brother has a ship in space, but dismisses the idea of men in space as ridiculous. Kyp, Argy and Durik investigate some buildings and find some chests and a riddle.

Argy cleans the dust off her clothes, reads the riddle and scratches her head: "A candle? Ho, thar be some o'er 'ere! But what be we mean' to do with 'em?"

"Maybe key be inside candle?
We can melt with torch."

In the intervening time, Grog'tial wanders by Refyx to make certain there are no loose ends to the favor to straighten out, and to order 5 explosive bolts.

He'll also find a quiet spot on the island where he can set up multiple targets and practice hitting them in short succession with his new dual-bolt crossbow, becoming ever more familiar with its quirks and abilities. Once Aylar returns and the new dartboard in the Mess Hall shows up, Grog'tial will happily use that for the practice with close-quarter shooting, assuming it looks sturdy enough (it wouldn't do to split such beautiful craftsmanship in two at his first bull's eye).

Perhaps if we hold a lit candle to the lock it will unlock?
If that doesn't work we could place the candle on the top of the chest.

Last resort I guess we could either try to burn a hole in the chest without harming the contents, or maybe let Durik snap it with his hands or something.

Refyx looks up as Grog'tial enters and gives him a nod. "Grog'tial," he acknowledges. "Welcome back." Grog'tial inquires about the favor and the gnome shakes his head. "It's done, youngster. No loose ends here." When Grog'tial orders the set of 5 Explosive Bolts, Refyx reaches into a chest and pulls them out to hand them to him. "I got a look at that new fancy crossbow of yours and figured you might be wanting these."

(roll dice) Grog'tial's practice on the island with varying distances and targets has him becoming very familiar with his new crossbow and he is getting slightly faster on the reloads. After Aylar puts up the dartboard, Cliodhna notices Grog'tial inspecting it while twirling a crossbow bolt in his fingers.

"It be magically enhanced," she whispers to Grog'tial. "It should take yer bolts fine and heal afterwards, but once it be able to be hexed, Beckett will feel every bolt ye send at it." She winks at Grog'tial with a smile and then leaves him to his near-range practice.

-----

"A candle? Ho, thar be some o'er 'ere! But what be we mean' to do with 'em?" Argy says as she solves the riddle.

"Maybe key be inside candle? We can melt with torch," Durik suggests.

Kyp thinks for a moment then tries lighting a candle first, they can always try Durik's idea after if it doesn't work. (roll dice) He holds the lit candle to the lock, but that only makes the lock too hot to touch. Next he puts the candle on top. (roll dice) An ominous mechanical click comes quietly from within the chest. Finally they do indeed melt the candle. (roll dice) They find the key inside the second candle.

Now what do you do?

Grog'tial clears things with Refyx and orders 5 Explosive Bolts. He sets up targets and practices with his new dual crossbow on the island and on the new dartboard. Kyp, Argy and Durik solve the riddle and begin to try different things to open the locked chest.

-----
Good idea, Grog'tial! :)
Note to Crew: Practicing with your weapons can give you benefits as it builds up. ;) I will roll dice as it slowly builds towards a possible bonus to hit/parry/block/reload timing/dmg, etc.