Topic: Voyage: Jaleeisa's Adventures in RhyDin

Jaleeisa Windstar

Date: 2006-05-15 20:21 EST
Stormy eyes swarmed over the busy, ruckus waterfront. A hand on hip eased the strain of the loaded pack resting over one shoulder left bare by strap's pull. In the light mugginess of the docks, laces left loose to allow for catching the light salt washed breeze. That same shoulder lifted to shrug the heavy pack for more comfort. A step, then another marked by the rolling grace one acquired aboard deck. Those would be the first step in a new adventure, or so she convinced herself. These last few months aboard had been clouded by mechanically preformed duties and a yen for something new. So, here she was, attire marking her from head to toe. Sun kissed flesh wrapped in comfortably broken in leather boots and breeches, a flowing blouse cinched by a brightly contrasting sash. The sheathed blade peeking over her shoulder didn't seem all that odd, though surely, like most of the salt, smaller blades would be found somewhere. A hand lifted to tousle wind-blown ebony locks, a faint grimace at the thought she'd not restrained them. Already ship life and habits were being shed.

A few questions, hastily answered by a dock worker burdened with a large crate, brought the intelligence that there was an Inn just down the way. In truth, it had been farther than that. A cant of head studying the large building as she ascended the steps. Rope roughened hand splayed to push the door open. Though a sharp gaze took in most of the occupants, the keeper was soon spotted behind the bar. A smile awaited there and hearty welcome. A few more words and exchange of silver secured a room, a meal and ale. Comforting her growling stomach took the utmost attention at first, but before the platter of bread, meat and cheese was half gone, the keep was back. Immediate need cared for, a brief conversation ensued. Soon she was enlightened about the various highlights of this new land.

The most welcome was that there were places where she could keep in shape and hone the skills that had been valued by her late captain. Three places in particular struck favorable chord. That evening she arrived on the sands of Twilight Island in time to observe a tournament to find the latest worthy to challenge the ArchMage for his position. Fascinated, she stayed until fatigue won out and drove her back to the Inn. The peace of the Island reached a place she'd not known was seeking. Admiration marked the skill of the combatants. Wonder gave way to understanding as she realized the spells were confined and could not escape the appointed rings. Resolve grew to seek out the other avenues.

A couple of nights later found her in the Outback. Careful observation of those brawling hand-to-hand gave a delighted smile that lightened features. A place dedicated to physical combat found favor and further sparked interest in the third venue. She'd refrained from entering a ring herself in order to not only read the posted rules, but watch them in action. Several combatants were marked for later possibilities.

Her next trip was to watch the swordplay in the Arena. A comfortable seat with a good view while she studied the rules. And she was set for another delightful evening. Silently reflecting that it seemed she'd made decision to take her leave of her crew-mates at a good time and place, she took in all the activity. Later that evening, thumb stroking the third scroll of regulations, she wondered back to her hopefully temporary residence. While gaining her scrolls she'd left a notice of hire at the dueling rings. With luck she'd soon have a job and somewhere a little more personal to settle. Not that the rooms at the Inn were less than well kept, but it was all the same an Inn, not a home. And Jal was at least feminine enough to want something of her own to settle into after years of sharing a small cabin aboard.

Reaching her destination, the third scroll completing her collection on a small table brought a broad grin. It seemed almost as though she'd found the last clue to a great treasure. One that would fulfill the dark, empty places, the need for excitement and the thrill of combat with others that took similar joy. Moving to the window, the just above petite form silhouetted by moonlight, an almost silly grin stealing over as those storm cloud eyes roamed over the visible parts of Rhy'Din. The faintest of whispers soon followed, " Looks like home port and a new voyage all wrapped up in one, Jal, m'lass."

Jaleeisa Windstar

Date: 2006-05-15 21:13 EST
A few afternoons later found her back in her room at the Inn. It was a common thing to spend some time each day attending to her belongings. A shipboard habit that she'd likely never shake. Sea did evil things to both cloth and metal, so care was much needed with those things unless one meant to go about unclothed and lacking a blade... or at least one not crumbling with rust. One of the first lessons she'd learned at the Captain's knee.

So, everything was dragged from pack, sheaths and throughly examined. New clothing would soon be needed, salt had laready began it's insidious work on a couple blouses. Those were set aside to be used for dirty work. Luckily leather was tough and withstood most of the corrosive salt with a little fresh water and oil for care, so things were well with breeches and boots. A couple wash-leather pouches confined her reasonable wealth. Time aboard usually left little time for spending what was earned. Not to mention, the Captain had worked hard to see she'd not took many trips ashore in several years. The few times she had only served to end up honing blade skill. As he'd vowed to her as she'd grown older, most men, especially those in their cups, and more so those down the neck of a bottle, seemed to become deaf to the word "No". But, studying foreign shores from the deck had ended her in good stead. She had enough to see to needs for a while. At least until she'd found a job, she could be comfortable if careful.

Next blade oil was fingered out from the inside of a spare boot. First the sword she'd cared for for so long was raised and eyed along it's length. A nod of satisfaction followed noting it's true line. Carefully she began applying the thin sheen of oil. Rubbing it lightly with a dry cloth, she reached for the honing stone. Slow, sure strokes moved over the blade's edge, refining the razor sharpness. As she worked, stormy eyes moved over the daggers of various sizes, studying which needed care next. Those eyes darkening further as she spied the one with the loose hilt. Small flecks of red rested against the thin crossguard. An odd dagger, even as she'd recovered it from it's resting place that thought had rippled.

As hands moved automatically at their work, eyes filled with heart deep sadness and loss. A glint of heart deep hatred could also be found. A tear slides over a high cheekbone as she relives that night. So much blood. Too much. Her Captain's soft gasp requesting that it be pulled out. Trying to be careful, she'd tugged gently. But it wouldn't loosen. It had been driven clear through and lodged deep in bone. Holding her breath, she'd managed to pull it free, straining. Her Captain had died soon after, his last breath making her promise to one day return it to it's rightful owner.

Shaking her head, she pushed aside those memories. There were things she had to accomplish before she could fulfill that promise. The blade would need repair. It had loosened somewhere in either the blow or removal. A trip to a weaponsmith would be the next order of business. She meant to make sure it was ready when the time came.

Jaleeisa Windstar

Date: 2006-05-19 15:44 EST
Making way downstairs, pack dangling awkwardly as she juggled it, room key and the dagger, Jal was just a little distracted. Well, what else could explain that she'd brushed by a large were-beast on the landing without noticing! After finding a stool at the bar, a kindly keep named Lenika tapped her a tankard. Glancing over the small crowd, she'd spotted him on that same landing and almost came out of her skin! Yeah, she'd sailed to many a port and seen many unusual sights, but seeing the were had unnerved her. Lenika, the keep, had aquainted her with the fact that this were-beast was in fact the owner of the Inn. Now, how's that for unusual? Thankfully no offense had been taken. Good for Jal, at least, since she'd been favorably impressed with the lass. They'd introduced themselves and exchanged a few words. When Jal asked after a weaponsmith, Lenika called to the were-beast Inn owner who had removed from the landing to the bar area. Introducing him to Jal, Lenika had asked that Panther answer Jal's query. The direction of a good smith settled in a mental map, Jal relaxed once more with her ale. Once the tankard was empty, though, important matters once more drove her to her feet. A jaunty sea ditty floated along behind her as she set off. The second step in fulfilling a promise was made.

The smith seemed to know his business well. The dagger was settled with care in a case to await it's turn. Two days was the time given to reclaim it. It had been difficult leaving it. The smith had been careful to have her understand that he did little work on magical items. Jal reassured him, as she had Panther, that there was no magic in the blade. This she had already had checked out not only by her own modest skill, but by way of a mage who'd taken ship her last voyage. The smith seemed somewhat distainful of the blade when he'd examined it. Likely because of the small gems that had been cut in half, then embedded into the grip. Never could it be wielded without causing the hand that held it hurt. No proper, sensable weapon, that. Jal agreed and declined to have the gems removed. Assuring the smith that it had sentimental value and was not for protection had taken some moments. Finally the smith had agreed to leave it as was. Jal's sigh of relief went unheard beneath the ring of hammer on steel.

Relief.. well, not completely for the while. Not until she'd found the hand that held the scars from those gems and returned it's property to it.

Jaleeisa Windstar

Date: 2006-06-03 16:09 EST
Walking through the marketplace was a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. A jumble of sights and sounds that would keep even the most jaded of shoppers from boredom. Nearly empty pack slung over her shoulder, Jal enjoyed the sensation of soft breezes playing hide and seek through dark waves. Casually strolling, she paused here and there to look over the wares displayed. One hand balanced the warm meat pie she?d purchased to enjoy as she strolled.

Several items held place on her shopping list, but perhaps none more important than clothing. Spotting the fluttering of colorful cloth, Jal headed towards the booth. Haggling, but only half-heartedly, the seamstress having the right of it when she?d boasted to Jal that she?d not find better woven or sewn cloth should she employ a private seamstress. Soon she was on her way again, two new blouses carefully folded and packed in rough brown paper. So carefully were they wrapped that not a speck of the vibrant green or blue cloth could be sighted. The bundle found it?s place in the bottom of her pack.

Her next pausing came at a binder?s stall. Several books lovingly bound in supple leather caught the eye. Browsing among the titles gilded into the binding, Jal found a coupe that struck her interest. One was about the history of the Inn, another of the Keepers of Twilight Island. The history looked to be rich with information about the changes in the Island in the last several years. Another book caught her eye. Thumbing though it, she found all the pages blank. ?Hmm.. Must be a journal or for a ship?s log..? Jal muttered to herself. But not just a journal.?came the reply behind her. Jumping like a goosed maiden, Jal whirled to find a rather odd looking man behind her. ?Oh.. I didn?t see you there. You startled me!? What started out as apologetic ended up accusing. Stormy gaze moved over the little man, assessing him for threat even as they widened a little. She?d never seen such an odd creature. ?There, there, lass. It?s alright. Most folk overlook me. Not unusual at all. Especially since the books are taller than I am!? Mirth danced in his mismatched green and gold eyes. A finger rubbed against a rather dominating nose as he studied her in return. ?So..umm.. What do you mean it?s not just a journal? What else could it be?? A cant of head as she studied him. ?Well, it could be a ship, or a hole in the ground, or a bowling ball. But it?s not. It?s a journal that can either contain memories by writing them, or.. here.. See this little knob above the catch?? Turning the book in her hand, a finger hovered over the almost unnoticeable sliver of crystal embedded above the catch. ?Aye...what of it? I thought it was just a decoration.? ?Nay, lass.. It?s a memory crystal. When you write, it?s just words on a page. But if you?ll stare at the crystal and think of the thing, or person or what happened, it?ll be sealed within the book. All you do is turn to the right page and rub the crystal to see it.?

Jal stepped back, almost dropping the book in the process. A fumbling catch belying her normal grace. All the while the little man was grinning at her like he?d just produced something wonderful. ?So.. It steals my memories and they just stay in this book??, she asked, handling the volume as though it was a poisonous spider. ?No, lass. It merely borrows from your memory and puts the pictures there instead of the words. But the memories are still your own. It just sort of copies them. But better than just memories, because those fade as time passes, these always stay fresh.?, the little man replied, brushing thinning pink hair out of his eyes. ?So, the memories of what I put in here will always be like the first time I saw them??, Jal queried, staring down at the book. ?Aye, they never fade, stay just as sharp as your memory of it when you first saw or experienced it.? Turning away from her, the little man shifted another small stack of books and hopped up to sit on the table they rested on. ?It?s a book of keeping, lass. It will hold memories, likenesses of folk, or even some small, special items. There?s a trick to getting those back, and it will only hold a few, so you have to be sure they are the most special of belongings.?

Jal considered this for a few moments, staring at the book intently, almost suspiciously. ?So, what happens to the items? Do they just vanish? Can someone else get them back?? She glanced back to the little man with these questions. ?Nay, lass, they don?t really vanish. It works kind of like a bag of holding.. They just kinda fit into space somewhere in the ether. When you put something in it, a picture of it will appear in the book. To get it back all you have to do is picture it in your hand again. The book will only allow one owner. But in case something happens and you need someone else to get something out of it, you need only whisper a word to it, one that you would only share with someone you trust. They would speak the word to the cover, and the page would open. Then they would need imagine the item in their hand.? The little man paused here to take a swig from a flask at his hip. ?So, the word I choose is the only key for someone else to get something out that I?d put in.? The little man nodded, ?Aye, lass. That?s the only way. The word you choose is the key.? ?So, if I buy this, how does it work that it will know I?m it?s owner?? Jal questioned, intrigued now. ?Well, lass, like most magic, what is freely given through gift or trade becomes bonded to it?s new owner. It simply has to go from my hand to yours with free will. After that, it?s yours and only you have the key, so to speak, unless you share it with someone else.? A nod followed that explanation, Jal had heard of such protected magic. Pondering her finances, another nod soon followed in decision. ?Alright then, how much for it?? The little man looked her up and down. A gnarled finger tapped his chin as he considered.?What about twenty silver and that bracelet??, pointing to the gold bracelet wrapped snugly around her wrist. ?The bracelet..?, Jal looked down at it, considering. ?Aye, lass.. Trade for trade. The silver because a man has to live, the bracelet because I?m more interested in things that can be imbued with magic.? With the faintest of regretful sighs, Jal shifted the books in her arms and slid the bracelet from her wrist.?Deal, wee one. And what more for the other two books?? Jumping form the table, the little man motioned her towards a cleared table near the entry. ?Let?s see.. Twenty for the book of keeping.. And two each for the others..