Convergence

[Morgan LaLuna]

All that preparation. All that work. And here they were, sailing right up to this island that Morgan had built up in his head as this dangerous place where he would be dashes on the rocks after being lured in by sirens… some time ago, he'd ordered everyone to put earplugs in. But nothing ever came of it. The closer they got to the island, the harder it was to imagine that this was some terrible place of shipwrecks and… "Drop anchor!"


He pulled a small box from his pocket, and ran a thumb over it, walking closer to the edge to look. It was a gorgeous and tropical thing, the island. But precautions still had to be made. Morgan straightened his breeches, black fabric tight against his legs that buttoned on both sides over his belly and the white shirt tucked in there, and tapped the toe of one boot on the bottom of the side railing. He turned his head, and called over his shoulder. "Tell Gwen it's time to get going." He snapped his fingers, and beckoned two crew members to follow him to the captain's quarters. He had to look at the map one more time. Had to make sure they were in the right spot.


Once he reached his desk, he immediately went to double checking calculations, referencing maps and charts… this was the place, if he wasn't very sorely mistaken. The box was set on the middle of the map, and he leaned back against the doors leading to a small balcony, crossing arms over his chest and letting one ankle rest atop the other quite casually. It was time to get a game plan together. He only needed to wait on his partner.

[Gwen Kasady]

All that preparation. All that work. And here they were...or, the crew were. Gwen stood in front of the full length mirror in her quarters, twisting and turning to make sure everything was perfect. The sash that hung between her legs that sported the skull and crossbones. The beads in her tightly pulled hair. The daggers at both her sides and the sabre at her hip. This was it. This was the biggest adventure they'd been on yet, and she was a nervous wreck! In the distance, somewhere above deck beyond her closed door, she heard it.

"Drop anchor!"

As she listened to the whining of ropes as the anchor was dropped, her heart lurched into her throat and she quickly found the edge of the bed, sitting on it and staring at the back of her door. Waiting.

Up on deck, Morgan straightened his breeches, black fabric tight against his legs that buttoned on both sides over his belly and the white shirt tucked in there, and tapped the toe of one boot on the bottom of the side railing. He turned his head, and called over his shoulder. "Tell Gwen it's time to get going." At the order, one crew member spun around, only to be stopped by a pale green hand in his tracks. Looking up, he saw the calm face of Bosun looking down at him. "I'll get her," he said, before turning and making his way to the first mate's quarters.

"Gwe...," he started, knocking on her door.

"Yes!?" she blurted, standing from the bed and staring at the, as yet, unopened door. "Come in," she bade, forgetting herself. Bosun opened the door slowly, peering in cautiously at first until his eyes landed on the high strung girl at the edge of her bed.

"It's time," he said softly. Gwen nodnodnoded at the statement and once more glanced to the mirror at her side. Smoothing out her clothing, she took a deep breath and nodded once, then looked back to Bosun and nodded again. "I'm ready." Bosun nodded, opening the door slowly and stepping back to she could make her way through.

Gwen quickly made her way out and up the stairs to the deck where all eyes landed on her when she emerged. Trying not to let her nervousness show to the crew, she nodded and smiled to each one as she passed, making her way to the captain's quarters. When she arrived, opening the door and coming through, she saw Morgan with his back against the doors leading to a small balcony, crossing arms over his chest and letting one ankle rest atop the other quite casually. She grinned at the sight.

"Ready?"

[Morgan LaLuna]

As soon as Gwen entered, he motioned to the desk. "First mate, check out that map. There's also something for you there. You're going to be putting it on." He cleared his throat, and looked to the few gathered in the cabin. A gnomish woman with her arms crossed over her chest, Gwen, Bosun, and a young half-elven man with a permanent sneer caused by what Morgan gathered was a childhood accident. "Daph, Bosun, Gwen, and Vallan, you're coming with me. Everyone else is on high alert, and I’ve already made precautions, settled in my spells…” He seemed to go through a few more details in his head, ticking off that mental list, before leaning over the map and stabbing at the coast with his finger. “This is where we’ll be landing. From what I can see, the best spot for any kind of shipwrecks is…” He dragged his finger around a short distance. “Right here. This is what’s described as the sweet spot in the journal. When we get there, I can cast an underwater breathing spell on four of us. Gwen won’t be needing it.”

And so the meeting went for another half-hour, careful planning laid out, concerns heard, and a conclusion come to. When the others started to move out to ready the dinghy that would take them to the island, he stopped Gwen, and motioned to the box. “This is something I got just for you. Let me…” He took it gently, and lifted the lid, tilting it back on delicate hinges, to reveal a pair of earcuffs that would fit around the ear and flared out to resemble some sort of fin behind. Beads and seashells decorated the pieces beautifully, and a single diamond was set within the flare of fin, pulsing gently. “They’ll keep you breathing, even if I can’t. These last for as long as you’re wearing them.” As he spoke, he reached up, and tucked a stray strand of hair behind Gwen’s ear, smiling gently. “And they’ll make you look like a mermaid, to boot.”

Carefully, he tucked each piece onto an ear, brushing stray hairs and fastening them as well as he could. They were heavy, surely, but he knew it would not be long before they would be like second nature. He had, after all, tested them himself. "On the ride to the island, just… meditate on them. Think about how they are now a part of you, and by the time we get to water… it will be true." He stepped back then, and snapped the box shut, tossing it to his bed. A deep breath, and he smoothed his shirt out, nodded once, and turned to rejoin the rest of the small landing party.

Small moments in time seemed like aeons to Morgan on the endless journey to the island, and where they were to dive. Trees swayed in a tropical breeze, birds deep within the verdant forest called out to each other, the waves lapped at the shore to the other side, always reaching, it seemed, for the intruders on this untouched paradise. And untouched it would remain, thought Morgan. When they finally reached the indicated jut of land, the captain stood, breathless, at the edge of a low cliff overlooking a crystalline blue lagoon. On the other side an ancient stone statue in the distance caught his eye, and he let out a long, low whistle. “We gotta check that out when we’re done looking.” There was a noise of disagreement from Daph, the gnomish woman, but he waved it off. “I know, I know… Dabbling in things I don’t understand…” He shot the small woman a grin, then leaned over the cliff to check the depth of the water… Seemed dark, and perfect for diving. He fluttered fingers and spoke a soft incantation, then turned to the others.

“Meet you on the other side!” With that, he ran to the edge, and jumped off with a gleeful cry, only ending when there was a splash below.

[Tanner Reed]

Tanner was unprepared for a flying Miranda coming his way, but he gladly caught the woman in his arms and smiled down at her once she settled there against his chest. Feeling her trembling body nestled against his, he pulled away just slightly and tilted his head so he could get a better look at her.

"Hi there," he said, amused. When Miranda's eyes shifted to the woman sitting on the cusp of the pool they were all floating in, auburn eyes drifted that way as well and the amused grin upon his lips widened, showing off those perfect teeth. Still holding Miranda against him, he felt the shift as she turned to look up at him and again looked down at the her. Hearing her ask, 'Ready?,' he searched the emerald depths of her eyes a moment before nodding slowly. "Mhm." With that, he parted from her just slightly, one hand loosing from around her and snaking down to find her hand where he slipped his into hers and squeezed gently. Leaning over, he very gently started swimming towards where Pollydora sat expectantly, those auburn eyes still locked with beautiful green. "Shall we?" he asked.

The response from the girl was a gleeful squeal that echoed against the cavern walls, quickly extinguished by the sound of her body plunging into the deep water. Resurfacing seconds later, she swam up to the opposite side of that cusp, laid her arms, one on top of the other, on it, and then her chin on top of her arms. Watching and waiting patiently as the pair made their way over to her, the grin on her lips betrayed her excitement and her head lilted to one side; that bulbous half dome on top of it shifting with the movement. Her mind swam with the things they would see and everything Pollydora could show them, and with it, her head popped up quickly and she exclaimed, "This is going to be so much fun!"

[Miranda St.James]

Reassurance was there in his amber eyes and when she saw that, she relaxed. For a moment everything went silent around them. For a moment, she found herself swimming not in water but in the depths of his gaze. When he released her she almost complained about the loss of his warmth but it didn’t take long for her to snap out of whatever daze she was in. What was she thinking? She was SuperStar and they were about to embark on an adventure!

Smiling as he lead her over towards Pollydora, she nodded in agreement with Tanner and looked to Pollydora expectantly. “Definitely.” The answer was to Tanner’s question but her confident gaze rested on the lovely creature before them. With a deep breath, she settled her nerves and nodded. “Lead the way Pollydora. Show us your world.” She couldn’t believe they were about to be swimming (and breathing!) underwater to a whole different place. All of this was due to Tanner’s research. All of this was due to Tanner’s determination. All of this was due to her want to make things better for him. She didn’t know who she was more exited for...him...or herself. Either way, she gave Tanner’s hand a squeeze and readied herself for the adventure to come.

She didn’t give him time to prepare. With a tug, she dove beneath the surface of the water and pulled him right along with her. She wasn’t about to let go of his hand just yet. Not until she knew they were both capable of swimming confidently beneath the surface. Not until she knew that there wasn’t something waiting to attack them in the shadowy depths. Not until they were both ready to swim on their own.

[Callidora]

Callidora sat on her throne quietly, one leg crossed over the other as she leaned against the armrest with her elbow. Silence filled the great hall as the woman contemplated recent events. Her daughter, Pollydora, was still missing and she had not received word from any of the guards she'd sent looking of her whereabouts. Then there was the matter of this ship and Eurydice. A matter king Metion himself had shown up, in person, to discuss. There was also the matter of false information having been given to the king. Dissention in the ranks perhaps? Something she would investigate later. For now, she sat quietly, one hand pulled up to her mouth as a finger tapped against her lips. Sapphire eyes lay on the hall that would lead to her daughter's room, empty as it was, when another presence entered the great hall slowly.

"Have they found her yet?" Issadora implored her sister.

"No." the queen answered, her gaze unwavering as her finger continued to tap at dark lips.

"I'm going to look...," Issadora started, already making her way to the exit.

"No, dear sister. The guards will find her...soon. I want you here. We are about to have...," her words trailed off slowly as sapphire eyes shifted from the entrance of the hallway to the very exit Issadora made for. There, through parting guards, emerged a young but sturdy looking man propelled by the tentacles that made up the lower portion of his body. Crossing the expanse of the great hall rapidly, the young warrior made it to the bottom of the stairs that led up to the throne and prostrated himself before the queen. "Queen Callidora. My name is Octus. I bring news of Eurydice and the Heathen from Perdix." he explained, remaining face down before her majesty and gripping the trident in his hand.

"...Visitors," Callidora finished. The thoughtful expression on her face bleeding into an amused grin at the news and arrival of one of Perdix's warriors.

"Oh?" Issadora asked curiously, stopping her departure to regard this new person and then her sister as she rose from the throne.

"Yes," Callidora answered, her gaze never leaving the man before her as she descended the stairs. Once at the bottom, she looked down at the jet black hair of that bowed head and regarded it for a moment, tilting her head in contemplation before speaking again. "Rise Octus, and tell me what news Perdix has sent." Octus, rising obediently, looked upon the woman and nodded. "Yes, your majesty. Perdix sent me to tell you that she has learned much of this ship and her crew. They are anchored off the coast of the emerald islands and plan to send a party to explore in the morning consisting of the captain, first mate and a few others. She should have them here by the next day at the latest." he rumbled, citing the message he was to convey with militaristic precision.

Callidora, listening as the man spoke intently, couldn't help the ever widening grin on her lips as he went on. When he had finished, she leaned in slightly and nearly cooed the word in response. "Good."

Issadora, looking back and forth between the two as Octus relayed the message, quirked a brow at Callidora's curious reply. "What are you planning, sister?"

The grin never left the queen's mouth, and when sapphire eyes slowly left Octus and landed on her sister, dark lips split slowly to reveal pearl white, perfect teeth as she answered.

"Time to play."

[Morgan LaLuna]

Morgan sliced neatly into the water, and waited a moment for the bubbles to clear as he swam out of the way for four other bodies that were surely going to follow. Deeper he went, looking about and blowing the last of the air from his lungs before he took a deep breath in. It was always strange breathing the water. Always a shock to the system. Lungs screamed against it, every instinct always said rise to the top, and breathe that sweet oxygen. He ignored every one of those instincts, of course. It wasn't his first time, and surely wasn't going to be his last. And when the others arrived, he would guide them through the process if necessary.


Thankfully, there were no panicked grasps at throats, no flailing that might draw even more attention from whatever predators might be lurking nearby that Squilliam hadn't found and chased off. Or eaten. Morgan had seen more than one great white disappear into that swarm of tendrils. Hewaited for the small crew to gather, and did a small underwater twirl… before curling and diving ever deeper. The shipwrecks had to be somewhere.


He found a shelf alive with corals and small, colorful fish, and settled on it neatly with barely a puff of the sand settled there at his feet. They were certainly not here to look at the scenery, but the captain couldn't help looking. Bright colors swayed and danced in shafts of light that cut through the water. Shadows moved along the floor from larger creatures above. And lo… a ray flapped majestically nearby. He moved toward a particularly colorful coral structure, and reached out to brush his fingers over the delicate swaying pink curls of coral, jerking his own hand back slightly when they were sucked back into their protective calcified home. He peered closer curiously, and nearly screamed when a pair of eyes stared at him, and a toothy mouth gulped water. Best not to anger any eels. Especially not with that many teeth! 


He gave an apologetic smile, and started back toward the edge of the shelf, squinting to see into the twilight darkness of the ocean. Again, the five gathered together, and the captain lifted one hand, conjuring a single point of light to hover close to him as he looked over.


"Fingers crossed… there should be a whole mess down there. Jewels and money and…" who knew what else? Maybe a couple of souvenirs! Ah, Morgan. Ever the sucker for a memory he could grasp, touch, and hold fondly.

[Gwen Kasady]

As soon as Gwen entered, the grin faded from her lips as she noted the serious expression on Morgan’s face. When directed to the map, she briefly looked at the other three gathered in the captain’s quarters, nodded to them and then moved to the table. Placing both hands on either side of it, she canted her head as cobalt blues scanned the area they were currently in. Quickly taking in the scant markings, her attention shifted, briefly, to the box set directly in the middle of the map before she stood and crossed her arms in front of her when Morgan approached. Her gaze diverting from him, to the map and then back as he pointed out the best spot for success, she flinched subtly when he said she wouldn’t be needing a spell to breath underwater. Was...was he going to leave her behind to keep her safe?

And so the meeting went for another half hour, careful planning laid out, concerns heard and a conclusion come to. All but one. She wouldn’t question her captain. Not outright and not in front of the crew. There was no need really, for when the meeting had concluded and everyone began filing out, Morgan stopped her just as she turned to follow. Halting where she was, she looked at Morgan then down to the box when he motioned to it. Hearing his words, she echoed the beginning.

“Something…,” she started, then shot a surprised glance up to him hearing the next. “...for me?” When he reached down and plucked the box from the table, she again looked at it, waiting eagerly for him to open it and reveal what lay inside. When the lid was pulled back gently on those delicate hinges, what she saw brought a hand to her mouth to cover the surprised gasp that caught her breath in her throat. The matching ear cuffs inside were quite possibly the most beautiful things she had ever seen, and he had gotten them for her, which made them even more stunning to her. This is what he’d meant by her not needing the breathing spells.

Momentary shock fading, barely, she again looked up at him as he began describing what they were and what they would do. When his hand rose, tucking a wild strand of hair behind her ear, her hand fell to her side and she settled, becoming perfectly still. The grin on her lips wide and tight, she watched and waited as he took the first cuff and attached it to her ear. It was heavy, but she didn’t notice at all as her eyes remained on his face as he reached down and moved to attach the other. She had never been proposed to in all of her nineteen and a half years, and though she knew Morgan certainly wouldn’t be the one to do it, she knew too, that no one would ever be able to do it better than the man right in front of her.

When the cuffs were attached and he suggested meditating on them on the way to the island, she half turned, lifting her chin and looking in a mirror on the wall as fingers came up delicately to touch and feel the beautiful pieces now on each ear. When Morgan stepped back, snapping the box shut and tossing it on the bed, she wouldn’t notice the way he smoothed his shirt out, or even the nod. When he turned though, so did she. Shooting her hand out as he made for the door, her fingertips only very barely brushed the edges of the sleeve of his shirt. “Morgan…!” she said, blurting the word out to catch him before he slipped away. When he stopped at the sound of his name and turned to her, she smiled softly as her hand fell again to her side. “Thank you.” The words were spoken softly, genuinely and with a deep appreciation. Her smile widening at seeing his, she did catch the nod this time and watched as he turned to join their crewmates.

If small moments in time seemed like aeons to Morgan, those same fleeting moments passed too quickly for the first mate. Even though the trepidation of the unknown still haunted her, she couldn’t help but close her eyes and bear her face to the same warm breeze that swayed the fronds of the trees and let the sun warm it along the way. Reaching the shore and disembarking from the small boat, Gwen and the others followed behind the captain, each one admiring the fauna along the way until they finally reached the indicated jut of land. Stepping forward and edging a foot towards the precipice, Gwen looked down at the dark waters below and then over to Morgan at the sound of his softly keening whistle. Following his gaze along with his words, she squinted into the distance at a large, stone statue on the other side of the lagoon. The thing looked massive, even from where they stood, and from her vantage point she could see at least two waterfalls cascading over the stone limbs of the giant in the distance. “Definitely,” she agreed.

When Daph let out a noise of disagreement, Gwen too looked back at the gnomish woman and couldn’t help but grin as well at the displeased look on her face. Then it was to Morgan and she couldn’t help but grin just a little wider. Dabbling in things he didn’t understand. Weren’t they all. Watching as Morgan again leaned over and looked at the water, those cobalt blue eyes followed him as he took off running and took a flying leap off the edge of the cliff. Following still, she leaned and watched until the captain disappeared in the splash and spray of foamy sea water.

Staying where she was for a moment, she waited for the foam to fade and disperse into gentle ripples until she could see the form of her captain far below. Waiting for him to move away and for the way to be clear, she straightened and turned towards the remaining crew members. She had no clue how the cuffs about her ears were supposed to work, only that they had tightened around her lobes and now fit comfortably as if they had been made specifically for her. Grinning at Bosun, Daph and Vallan, she shrugged. “See you down there,” she said, and then took a single step backwards.

Falling through the air, the sash with the skull and crossbones on it immediately fluttered upwards and she braced for impact. Eyes squeezing shut, she reached up and pinched her nose seconds before she pierced the surface of the water and entered this strange and mysterious new world. Once there, her arms and legs flared out, slowing her descent and aiding in orienting herself so that she could see Morgan and where he had moved off to. Upon plunging into the warm depths, the ear cuffs at her ears had seemingly caught a layer of air from the surface world and formed a protective mask that she now wore across her face, allowing her to breath as freely as she would on land. Luckily for her, the perpetual pocket of air now surrounding her mouth would also allow her to speak like she was too.

One by one, the other crew members plunged into the tropical waters and with each one, Gwen would swim over to them, checking to make sure they were okay and if any needed assistance. When Vallan arrived, the last of the small group, she did the same with him and when she was satisfied that he was alright as well, she turned and grinned at the captain, giving a thumbs up. Giggling at the underwater twirl he performed in answer, she too fanned her arms out and swam after him to explore the nearby scenery they now found themselves ensconced in. Bosun, Daph and Vallan followed along as well.

Gwen gravitated to a peculiar little outcropping of coral absolutely bustling with tiny fish. There she found a smattering of shelf coral that were intermingled with a few elkhorn and digitate coral structures. Betwixt them all, there was an array of different colored butterfly fish, bannerfish and spadefish all swimming around happily and largely undisturbed by her presence. Off to one side, she happened to notice a beautiful but dangerous lionfish lounging around lazily and she decided to go and inspect, carefully. During her inspection of the little thing and around a larger piece of shelf coral came a larger than she expected goliath grouper and she flinched as the thing came into her vision. Arms fanning and feet kicking, she moved away from the surprise visitor and happened to look back and see that their little group was gathering together.

The last to join the group, Gwen swam up between Bosun and Vallan, their backs forming a wall as they faced their captain and listened to what he had to say. When Morgan lifted one hand and the little ball of light he’d conjured glowed to life, despite the warm waters they all were now floating in, the color drained from Gwen’s face, her eyes widened and she stilled all movement where she was.

“...and...people?” Gwen said meekly. Her gaze fixed on something beyond the captain, her hand lifted slowly and she pointed to the very thing she was looking at.

[Callidora]

Perdix was very much awake before anyone on the Heathen stirred even the slightest. Most of the warriors she had brought with her still slumbered as well, opting to get at least some sleep for the day to come. Not the warrioress. After having a rather in depth conversation with Eurydice not very long ago, she had opted to drift back to her perch a little bit away from the kraken and the ship and keep a silent watch on both. By the time anything happened, the rays of the surface sun had long since pierced the darkness of the water below and shafts of light now wavered in the gentle current that swayed around the emerald islands.

With the great beast near, subtlety didn’t seem to be a concern of the crew members aboard the large ship. Beside it, suddenly, a smaller, similar form was lowered into the water and now floated lazily next to its larger companion. The sight of it reminded Perdix of the birthing of whales, when suddenly there were two instead of one, the other much smaller than its mother. Regardless of such fond memories, something was happening and the woman tightened her grip on the staff she held at her side. Slowly at first, the tiny vessel dipped and bobbed in the water, followed by similar movements that coaxed more movement from the wooden hull.

The small craft was being boarded.

With a swift swish of thick tentacles, Perdix rose from her solitary perch and quickly moved to each warrior in turn. Quickly turning to keep an eye on the small boat, she shook the shoulder of one, then another and then another until all that had accompanied her were awake and alert. Ready for what was about to happen. When the last of them had been awakened, a woman by the name of Narissa, Perdix again turned, watching and waiting patiently for the craft to get underway.

Once it had, many eyes looked up at the wooden hull as it passed overhead. One by one following along once it had surpassed that particular warrior’s position. Silent beneath the waves, Perdix pointed this way and that once the boat was beached, sending her warriors fanning out in search of where the small troupe might be headed next. Silence filled the vicinity of the island chain as they all waited, eyes twitching nervously to the left and the right as they all listened for the signal. Just when anxiety had started to ease into the small group, all heads snapped in unison when a sound not unlike a dolphin would make pierced the quiet water. Thrashing tentacles churned the water and all converged on a small lagoon located around one side of one of the smaller islands.

Perdix’s warriors lined the only way in and out of the spacious lagoon, sinking lower into the depths to avoid detection and watched while each crewmember in turn plunged from a cliff above, entering their world with a splash. Seemingly a curious bunch, Perdix held her hand up, signaling the others to wait and let the motley crew have their fun and get a bit of a look around first. She couldn’t help but notice the flinch of Octus at her side when the captain was confronted by an eel and then another from Narissa when Gwen flailed away from a goliath grouper. Holding her hands out to both to stay their advances, she looked back to the rag tag group to see that they were all converging together in one spot.

Taking the opportunity to move in once the captain’s back was turned their way, Perdix settled first on a mound of coral just a ways behind the captain. Flanked by Octus and Narissa on either side and a little further back, she held her tongue until she found an opening. While she waited, sea green eyes slid past the back of the man and settled on the last to arrive in the line up in front of him. Catching sight of the cuffs at the woman’s ears and the mask of air she wore, Perdix smirked and her head tilted ever so slightly. Amused, she watched too as the color drained from the girl’s face and she brought a trembling hand up to point at the trio behind the captain.

“...and...people?” she heard the woman say. Upon hearing it, keeping her head inclined with that tilt, near glowing eyes settled on the captain, waiting for him to turn around. When he did, she took her opening.

“Captain LaFey,” she started, slowly bending at the waist and bowing slightly. The two behind her followed suit. “We’ve been waiting for you.”

[Morgan LaLuna]

Morgan Didn’t look at Gwen at first when she asked her question, but rather furrowed his brow, and waved a hand almost dismissively. “Well, of course. Just bodies…. But that’s a good point. Be ready for any undead shit that might-” He cut himself off when he did finally see Gwen’s face, pale. It wasn’t like her to be scared of a couple of skeletons. Not to mention she wasn’t even looking at him anymore. He finally turned around, following her gaze, and froze as well. Well, this was unexpected. And the creature had not only managed to sneak up on the group, they managed to do so with… He looked around, and found himself quite surrounded.

And according to the decidedly feminine voice, they’d been expected. He did not bother sticking his fingers in ears, it was too late. If they’d wanted him dead… Well, he’d be well on his way to a red cloud in the water and meat in the bellies of whatever these creatures were. His hand went up to those behind him already drawing their weapons, and he put on the most charming smile he could muster, bright and cheery, though his heart was a stone in the bottom of his belly.

“I’m not too late, am I? I like to be on time to these things… I didn’t catch your name?” Keep it light, keep it calm. He swam a few inches forward, arms out to his sides slightly, palms forward. The others did not seem so confident they weren’t going to be attacked, and readied for any sort of movement that spoke of danger to themselves or the captain. Bosun had to settle a large hand on a small shoulder, and the gnomish woman, Daph, nearly sneered up at him. “They so much as touch ‘im, they’re calamari.” she muttered. Vallan slipped closer to Gwen, and nudged her gently with his hip, a hand firmly settled on the pommel of a rapier.

The crew were ready to fight, and yet the captain didn’t seem to mind any of what was happening behind him. He was greeting this strange being like an old friend. Sometimes, charm was his most effective weapon.

[Callidora]

Pollydora, now holding herself up on that cusp with both hands firmly planted, watched as the two humans turned *Mer* slowly made their way over to her. Their banter back and forth both cute and exciting, her gaze flitted towards the man and then again towards the woman as Miranda told her to lead the way and show them her world. At her insistence, Pollydora pushed away from the edge of the pool and sprawled into a lazy backstroke. As she drew further away from the pair, suddenly her head dipped backwards and she plunged into the deeper waters where she flipped and twirled easily, being in her world rather than theirs. A quick, jerking look to the left and then to the right, she scanned the immediate vicinity to make sure Brutus wasn’t still lurking about. Once she was satisfied that he wasn’t, and there were no other threats lurking as well, she spun around and waited for the others to join her.

As Tanner led Miranda, gently pulling her along, he watched and smiled as her excitement bubbled up and she decided to take the lead. Still floating on the surface for just a moment longer, he watched in amazement as she dipped below the waters and started swimming towards the cusp that would lead them out into the wide, wide world that Pollydora called home. That lingering gaze short lived, he relented to her eager tug and submerged himself as well, swimming alongside her. Soon...much sooner than they would have been able to make it with their human limbs...they reached the edge and Tanner floated lazily in the waters before it. Lifting both hands, he made a gesture that let her know it was ‘ladies first’ with a grin and then watched as she mounted and then slipped to the other side almost effortlessly. Once she was over, it was his turn, and he made the short journey just as easily.

All three of them on the other side now, Pollydora looked to the two with hands clasped in front of her, hardly able to contain her excitement. A quick glance to Miranda, and she spoke up almost immediately. “Oh! Brutus is gone. Probably off to pester some other innocent or make a nuisance of himself somewhere else.” she explained. Her voice, now that they were underwater, was quite different than it had been above it. No longer the high pitched, near squeal of a sound, her voice took on a deeper, more melodic sound that lilted beautifully in the warm, tropical waters they found themselves. “You will both be safe all the way to Taemoria!” she added. With that, Pollydora slowly and effortlessly started swimming backwards so she could keep an eye on the two for a while. Once she was confident the two would have no problems following her, she eventually turned and began making her way to the magnificent castle under the sea she called home. Now all she had to do was pass two surface dwellers off to her mother and aunt as her friends without serious injury. Easy Peasy!
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Perdix was still leaned forward in her bow when she heard the captain speak. Not oblivious to the quartet that quivered and shook behind him, she expected something different to come from the lead of the group. What she heard though, twisted her lips in an amused smile and she looked up to him with a gleam in her eyes. This one had a sense of humor. Good. He would need it where they would be going. “Perdix,” she said, simply. Rising up to her full height, she gripped the golden trident at her side and now looked down solely at the diminutive man, not at his crew, yet, and that amused grin fanned further. “And not at all. I’d say you arrived just on time,” she said playfully. Sparing a glance back to the two behind her, her gaze wandered slowly over a few of the other warriors that had taken up closer spots to the group and then back to Morgan. “We are patient.”

As the captain swam forward a few feet, hands out and palms up, Perdix remained perfectly still. Head still canted slightly to the side and her lips still pulled up in that playful grin, she was about to say something when she noticed movement out of the corner of her eye. Octus, it seemed, had been paying more attention to the crew than to the captain. At the dubious movements of the four and hands being placed on weapons, his own hand tightened on the trident he held. Lurching forward only a few inches, he muttered something. “Daoine gòrach!”


“Stad!” Perdix said, snapping her head and a hand in Octus’ direction as a warning. "Tha sinn an seo gus an dìon agus an toirt gu Callidora." she added with a glare. Octus, glaring back at Perdix momentarily, immediately relented and eased back into his prior position. Nodding to her obediently, he again looked back to the five and nodded again. “Apologies.” he said. While Perdix’s gaze was still affixed on the offending male, Narissa on the other side of the two happened to notice something one of the females of the group muttered quietly. Brows furrowing, she leaning forward a bit, then shot a quizzical glance to her leader. "Dè a th ’ann an calamari?" she asked. The situation was slowly, but surely, spiralling out of control.

"Chan eil dad agad ri dragh." Perdix said, shooting Narissa a quick glance before looking back to the captain and deciding to hasten things along.

“Captain LaFey,” she began. “I have been sent by the queen and asked to escort you and your crew to Taemoria, her majesty’s palace. She would very much like to meet you.” she said. Straightening up a bit, she looked past the man to the four crew members behind her that looked as if they were positively about to come unhinged at even the slightest goading. “All of you,” she added for their benefit. Settling her gaze upon the man up front, she added, for his benefit, “Safely.” Keeping her eyes keenly on his, she squinted with the utmost subtlety and waved her hand behind her, indicating all of her warriors that did, indeed, surround his meager crew. “We were sent to protect you, captain. At all costs.” she said softly, hoping he would take her meaning.

Every warrior in attendance had been trained by the same woman that addressed the captain. Trained to fight to the death if need be and protect themselves and their kind against all odds. Perdix would uphold queen Callidora’s wishes at all costs, knowing what was at stake. She truly did hope that would not entail fighting her own warriors should his crew make a misstep. Hoping to curtail just such an action, Perdix waved a hand out to her side and motioned to the only avenue devoid of her warriors. It was the way to Taemoria.

“Shall we?”