Exploration: Song of the Sea - The Song is Found

Summary A group of people finally go off to find the 'Song of the Sea' and discover it involves much temptations.   Participants Taya Divinus, Ozymandias Luminat, Valeria Santua, Missiah Choisi Hilda   Related Logs See: Plot: Exploration - Song of the Sea and Plot: Exploration - The Exotic Creatures of Atharia   IC Date March 27 1223   Date of RP Tue Feb 22 2022   Location Arion Ocean - Seat of the Gods Side   Room Desc Vast blue ocean waters reach far and wide. The salt air can be smelt and tasted by those that sail on these ocean depths and there are many that do. Ships can be seen traveling to Choisi Kingdom, to the Seat of Gods, or some other place. In the water are creatures and plants that can only be seen there. To see acreature of the waters breaking the ocean service is quite common.

The most elite and fastest ships of the Choisi Kingdom have finally been properly arranged and ported at the docks of Tranquil City. None of the ships of the other kingdoms can match the ships of Choisi Kingdom. It is, after all, their specialty; travelling the waters, that is. There are three or four of them, at least, and all set up for the possibility of combat if need be. There is one that is the fanciest of all, which is no doubt the Choisi Family's ship. Most likely Mssiah's specifically. Various people meet with summons from the Queen, who has changed her mind (unsurprisingly) and decided to go adventuring for the 'Song of the Sea'. She is settled on the edge of the docks, water spiraling around her, no doubt she decided to play while waiting. Were it not for the water and the sheer force of her presence the little Queen would probably be missed around the barrels and crates on the docks.

Perhaps the shortest of Valeria's Aunts and Uncles would, indeed, be missed by the giant of a woman had she not seen the water playing around while she steps onto the docks. Behind her, not far, her companion- a dire wolf pads along. She doesn't tend to ride him in the city, but he still has a way of following. "Nash, you can't come on the ocean." She states simply, even as the warbler- a gift of Arion- flits about and lands on her head. "Well.." She whistles, " Can fly, so. If we start to go down, she can get away." she explains as the wolf makes annoyed chuffing sounds. "You'll just need to go back to the Elysium and take care of the kid. Anyways, she likes you. That's an order, Nash." She states simply, "Go on, go home. Take care of Kamala. She needs a big ole' doggo." the woman says as she makes a swat with her hand in the air and turns back towards the boat. The wolf trots off, one could almost swear he was frowning!

For a Choisi, the Archbishop of Mataya was tall. Though, he was also on this voyage. Dressed in his usual red robes with some glints of metal underneah his robes. Armor? Most likely. He watches, eyes ahead. Even if he's hoping they don't approach bad weather. But if they do? Hopefully the Archbishop can dispel it or manipulate it around them. But, he is there on the docks, offering a bow to the Queen. "Your Majesty." He greets Missiah with a kind smile. Though he turns to Valeria, his niece through godblood, and he gives her a friendly smile. "Thank you for offering your wolf as a guardian for Kamala."

Taya is dressed for a trip across the sea, in fine but serviceable clothing. Her hair is bound up on top of her head, and she offers her aunt a sweeping bow with a smile. She also looks up at Valeria and smiles. "Cousin," she greets pleasantly. "It is perhaps best that your companion stays. He is a rather large presence to have on a ship. I fear he'd get a bit antsy."

Yup the Queen stands and moves to peck a kiss on Valeria then Taya, both tugged down to the height of Missiah over her reaching up to them. "Hello, my nieces." she says as the swirling water where she was sitting collapses to the dock and into the waters below. "I have decided I will go off to find the Song of the Seas since I gave Caelan much things to do." Poor Heirs always getting something from a King or Queen to test their skills as one. "He and my other children can keep Choisi in order for a little while." Now, she turns to Ozymandias, "Hello, your holiness. Have you considered my offer to you?" Meaning the possibility of becoming part of the Choisi royal family. To her ship of the small fleet she indicates for everyone to join, "Some of the Choisi Citizens are very skilled with wind magic and will make our journey swift to get to the north of Santua Kingdom." She runs her figners along the ship as she boards, "I've extra ships along just in case. Since not all of you know how to get food from the seas I have packed more than I typically would for food since we often stop to fish something up."

"More likely to fall off the side chewing on his butt." Valeria states matter of factly. Nash may be a well trained war wolf, but.. He's also a big doofus. "Anyways, Kamala needs someone she can talk to who's got a dog's face. Always smiling and with it's full attention on her." she states simply, before turning towards Taya with a little smile- bowing her head. "Cousin. Good to see you again." She assures the other Princess, "I hope you've been well." She offers softly.

The Bird (Who is named a whistle, apparently,) turns to face Taya before flitting over to chirp a bit of a greeting and trying to land on her head. It settles on in happily into her dark tangle of curls, singing a happy and beautiful song. Joyous to have found such a fantastic head of hair to settle in! So comfy. So curly. So nice!

Valeria's eyebrows lift slightly as she looks at her bird friend, before turning towards the Queen to bow respectfully. "Majesty. Good to see you again. Always a pleasure." A low enough bow to receive that kiss. "Of course, a wise decision."

Ozymandias looks at Missiah and he ponders a moment. "I have considered your proposal, yes, but I am uncertain I am prepared to make a decision thus far. I apologize for making you wait." He tells her then with a soft tone in his voice. Though he seems to chuckle a little bit at Valeria's answer. "It is good enough, I'd say. Besides, I believe Kamala has always wanted a dog." Ozymandias smirks a little bit.

Back to Missiah, the Archbishop gives a gentle nod. "I see. Thank you for doing so much, Your Majesty."

The smallest Queen looks quite pleased to see her two nieces getting along. She's always happy when her family manages to find common grounds. She doesn't really comment about the wolf, since the matter is already sorted. The group is urged onto the ship by Missiah and once everyone is settled in, the ships take off. She does wait a bit longer to launch than she normally would to let those not use to being on a ship to have time to get their sea legs. Off the ships go, the ones with wind magic that she mentioned makes the ship go even faster than it would typically. Clearly the way the ships are built has this in mind for they can easily endure the faster speed than normal. Though, even at the pace it will likely take a couple days or so to reach the destination. "First time on a ship can be a bit rough. I am also throwing you into the deep end." she notes.

"I can swim." Valeria states simply to the smollest of Queens. (So cute!). She seems quite comfortable enough on the ship, just smiling softly as she prepares herself as always. Her gear is stowed, armor and the rest- wearing only a long knife for now on the ship's deck. She even knows that a blade might get in the way!

"I can also swim." Ozymandis states after Valeria, giving her a kind smile. "I hope you have been well, Valeria. Though if we reach rough waters, I have no doubt in your ability to win against the ocean." Ozymandias teases her. Valeria was STRONG. Ozymandias's playing was in jest, lest she throw him across the room. But he turns his attention to Missiah with a small smile as everyone is urged onto the ship. "I understand. Though let us hope that the gods see fit to bless the waves for our passage."

At the Archbishop the Queen looks, amusement, "You are on a ship run by the most skilled sailors of Choisi Kingdom. The Gods making the journey swifter would only be the icing on the cake. We can survive in the roughest of waters under our own strength." Missiah wears no armor nor carries any visible weapons. She is the queen, though, she is probably a tough match for even the most powerful of people. "I would have been disappointed in Kalem if he didn't make sure you guys knew how to swim. How else would you enjoy yourself when visiting me?" The Queen prioritizing the water as entertainment is likely not a good way to judge enjoyment.

The ship travels the water quite smoothly. Despite what she said the Queen and the crews of the ships stop to fish for a couple hours. It is, most assuredly, a couple hours each time they stop. And it is not just the occasional stopping to fish. "Have either of you fished?" wonders Missiah of the group.

"It's an important skill, even in the forests. You never know when the river might snake up to eat you." Valeria remarks, "Or you might get pushed in the lake by a brother or sister." She says with a wicked little smile. Despite her size, she's always been something of a gentle soul- but she can push a cousin into the water with the best of them.

The ride is easy enough for the well traveled Valeria. She's been to sea before, helping where she's needed. She's not a sailor by any means- but at least she's got her sea legs and knows how to tie a knot.

"A skill I envy." Ozymandias informs of Missiah, to be able to survive the crushing waves and the brutal tempests of the storm? That is no meager feat. It would appear the Archbishop has admiration in his expression, he hums a little bit. "Well, let us hope that we can all swim well then in these waters." When asked if he fished, Ozymandias nods. "I have, only a few times when I was a young man. I fear my skill with fishing has dulled over the years."

He chuckles a little bit at Valeria's words. "Ah yes, my siblings were rather playful like that, we often tried throwing each other into the lake for enjoyment."

"Typically, those of Choisi Kingdom prefer to be on the waters, Archbishop, and have ben almost before they could walk. A faintly amused look is given to Valeria, "I would not be surprised if my children often pushed each other in the water."

Several days later the group arrives some where not far off the coasts of Santua. The forests of it can even still be vaguely seen along the horizon when looking in that direction. It took far longer than it would typically take someone less inclined to treat even adventuring on a ship like an activity of leisured that included minor detours because the Queen saw something she thought would be interesting to stop and look at. Ah, the life of a rather fickle queen who does what she wants. It likely would have be a considerably quicker travel, especially on the elite Choisian ships, if it weren't for her.

Once the small group of ships come to a halt, commanded by Missiah, "We are at the point I was given direction to by Arion. Can't say I have considered what direction to go from here." To Ozymandias and Valeria she looks, both get a look that completely informs them, they are to solve where to go. It is likely a bit of a test to Valeria. She might not be the named heir of Santua Kingdom but she is one of the heirs. She doesn't get to escape the testing of the rulers. It is just not as much as the direct heir would get.

<FS3> Valeria rolls Education: Good Success. (6 3 6 3 8 7)

<FS3> Ozymandias rolls Education: Good Success. (2 7 5 8 5 6 6)

"It's the way of siblings. Particularly in Santua. Very much a culture where you could hit your brother or sister but woe be to anyone else who did it and isn't family." she notes, "I was always one step ahead of the people throwing me, though." she tapes the side of her head, near an eye. "Future Sight is always useful in winning a wrestling match." she says with a bit of a cheeky grin.

Fishing is a fine activity, but Valeria doesn't really do much of it in the ocean. She's all too happy, however, to help clean and gut the animals when the time comes- showing off a bit of skill in survival and wilderness living that's not always common among royalty from the less nomadic peoples of the world.

Valeria steps forward when they finally arrive, looking around quietly and gazing out at the sea. "There's a bay not far from here, with something of a hidden inlet." She notes as she gazes towards the short, "That direction, along the shore. It's not a spot ships are typically seen." she remarks, "Perhaps somewhere in that location?"

Ozymandias chuckles at Valeria. "Queen of Warriors-" Ozymandias grants her that title, because truly, he has met nor heard of anyone who surpasses her skill. "It does not surprise me that you have been able to use your gift to incredible effect." Ozymandias teases her. "You have been blessed with an immensely opportune gift, one I have seen you use wisely." He tells her with a smile.

Though he does assist in the fishing and other small tasks over the next several days at sea. Though the Queen informs them that this is, as they say, the end of the line. They must now decide where to begin the next. Ozymandias looks over the waters, as if relating their position to a map written in his head.

But Valeria speaks with wisdom, and he defers to her judgment. "Then that is where we shall go."

The attention of Missiah shifts to where Valeria directs and she studies it a moment. "IT is possible that is where we need to go." she comments. Towards an area even further from Santua she also adds, "We have seen a small island in that direction too (If you look at the maps on the Kingdoms page you can see the island) in our travels." Meaning Chosian people travels, no doubt. A brow lifts at Ozymandias by the Queen, "You should be careful with calling others Queen when not a king or queen. There are people who could see it as you supporting Valeria as the next Queen of Santua, which could offend them because they, traditionally, seek to have males lead. Warrior Princess would be a more fitting term." Then to both, "Which shall we check first? Valeria's inlet or my island?"

"I am no Queen." Valeria says simply to both Ozy and Missiah. "Nor have any desire to rule. I have a duty I have given myself, a self-oath to fulfil, and a duty to the Goddess Attia. It is my privilege to journey in that way." she continues, bowing her head, "But I do appreciate your kind words all the same, Uncle." She seems to enjoy calling Ozy Uncle- if only because it seems he enjoys having family who respects and enjoys his company.

Valeria looks quietly towards the Archbishop, then to the Queen as the question comes up. "Which is closer?" She asks simply, "About how long to get to the Island from here, I mean- I'd recon perhaps an hour's sail time to get into the inlet and up into the bay. I admit, that time may not be accurate- I am no sailor."

"I mean only in that she is second to no one by her term of skill. She does not rule a kingdom, no. As I have seen, she does not wish to rule anybody. However, her skill alone is supreme, and even I can acknowledge that, your Majesty. I have no intention to offend the people of Santua, or the holder of such a title. But, perhaps they should consider a female heir. New faces often bring forth new ideas with them." Ozymandias speaks in respectful tones to Missiah, in her own language of Choisi "But perhaps I am simply odd. I meant no disrespect, your Majesty." Though he turns to Valeria. "You have the heart of a knight." Ozymandias tells her, and he chuckles a little bit. "Words I am honored to give." He seems warmed at the title of 'Uncle', and seems to wear it proudly on his sleeve.

Though he looks to the islands and he hums a moment. His eyes are ever forward. While he is aware his word has value here in deciding to which to go first, Ozymandias is oddly quiet. "I have little experience with maritime navigation."

"Divinus traditionally holds females as their leaders, Santua holds men, Luminat typically leans towards oldest and I just don't care as long as they prove their worth. While having new perspectives can help with things. breaking what they consider tradition can also create chaos for a kingdom. Just because it is not something you agree with or think is a good idea, doesn't mean tradition should be broken." Missiah is a Queen and unintentionally imparting what she considers important knowledge, "Doing something outside of tradition should be considered heavily because of repercussions that one could face for that decisions." At Valeria's question she considers, "They are probably pretty close tot he same distance. Close to the shorelines is less likely because someone would have heard the 'Song of the Sea' so we would have more exact directions. So, perhaps the island first and we'll go from there."

"I appreciate the kind words, Uncle." Valeria offers again softly, taking a slow breath. Quiet. "The island, then." She notes, "Is where we should start. And if not there, the hidden bay. I do not recall any songs when I was there last, but perhaps the sea was not feeling particularly songful at the time." she continues, as she moves towards the bow of the ship to look out towards the island in question. "I'd still be ready for trouble, either way. Santua is dangerous, and that Island is quite close to Santua."

"The island then." Ozymandias tells Valeria with a small smile, his head bowing respectfully to the Princess, though his attention turns back to Missiah. "I am aware of the lay of the kingdoms, Majesty. My thoughts are surely my own, and while your words are meant in good heart, I fear you misunderstand my meaning, your majesty. A muse, nothing more." He explains to the Queen Choisi.

Thoughhe hums. "Or perhaps they did not have the ear to hear, much like how the Children were hidden."

Ozymandias has partially disconnected.

Taya has arrived.

A 'Mmm' sound is given in response to Ozymandias' words bout the kingdoms, commenting no further on it. Instead she focuses on the topic of the 'Song of the Sea', "If it were we required something to hear, Arion would have gifted us with something needed for it to succeed. It is his gift for Mataya so, it is least likely that he will have any desire to see us fail at finding the Song of the Sea." With an order from Missiah the ships all turn towards where they know the island is located. Which, surprisingly enough, has not been fully gone to by the water faring Chosians. You'd think they would have been all over it.

It only takes a couple hours or so for them to get closer to the island. As they travel the water slowly starts to become rougher, as if nature itself was presenting it a challenge for the group to find the 'song of the sea'. First glance of the island reveals it to be quite the tropical paradise. Fruit trees galore, beautiful beaches. Everything would would consider to be the 'perfect' tropical paradise, on an undeveloped island, can be spotted. Something about the island seems different, though. Still not being close enough to see clearly makes it hard to tell what. Fruit dotting trees can be pretty hard to miss, as can sandy beaches. There is an unnatural draw to go to the island, it is very strong. There is even the softest of whispers on the breeze that seems to speak to that desire to go to the island. (Everyone +roll presence to fight the desire to get to the island as quick as possible. And, you know, hold back to prepare a plan of action)

<FS3> Ozymandias rolls Presence: Success. (2 8 4)

<FS3> Missiah rolls Rpesence: Success. (7 1 6 6)

<FS3> Missiah rolls Presence: Good Success. (6 7 5 7)

<FS3> Taya rolls Presence: Good Success. (2 7 4 7)

Lilah has partially disconnected.

<FS3> Valeria rolls Presence: Failure. (3 5 2)

"We should go to the Island." She whispers, taking a low and quiet breath. Watching the distance, with a quiet kind of intensity. Taking a slow, easy breath- trying to calm some excitement.

With a warm smile on her face, Taya slips up beside her taller cousin and slips her hand into her arm, as if Valeria is escorting her or she is escorting the princess. "We will go to the island," she says in a pleasant and almost soothing tone of voice. "But not until after we have prepared ourselves to disembark. We should have a plan first, and you are just the strategist to help us make such a plan. Come. The sooner we know our approach the sooner we can go to the isle."

Ozymandias's eyes turn towards the island. Something draws him near, like a lover's touch. Ozymandias takes a deep breath as he looks upon the island, entranced, severely tempted to obey the call.

"I agree." 

Ozymandias tells Valeria, eyes ever ahead. "But not without a plan." The appearance of Taya makes Ozymandias smile and nod. "Princess." He greets her, though he hums. "I assume we have weapons we may arm ourselves with, in the event of danger?"

<FS3> Valeria rolls Presence: Failure. (3 4 5)

<FS3> Valeria rolls Etiquette: Good Success. (2 7 4 4 8 6 5 3)

A look of concern is given to Valeria at her whisper, since the Queen was expecting a different response from her niece but Taya is on the job of talking sense into Valeria so Missiah leaves it to the Divinus princess. Instead she has the ship slow down to a crawl. IT still slowly moves towards the island, stopping should they get to close before Ozymandias, Valeria, and Taya have a plan. Missiah seems to be watching, especially Taya this time, as a direct heir, to see what the group comes up with for their approach. There is no doubting she will order differently should she need too."I don't know that weapons are a good idea. Remember, we are sent to find a gift for Mataya by Arion. We could inadvertently cause harm to those plans if we go in with weapons at the ready."

Even as the slow drift the whispers still can be heard. Each little movement closer makes the whispers grow stronger, more tempting (you all now have good enough rolls to keep resisting, Ozy still slightly lower than Taya and Valeria but not much). The closer they draw the more beautiful the island looks and little figures can be seen dotting along the shores and at certain points further into the island.

"A gift. Hmm. I wonder if those little figures are some sort of animal that might be cajoled to join us as a pet," Taya remarks, considering the island as she glances across the water. "I do not think we should plan to attack. I do not think there will be violent danger here. I suspect the danger is of a different type."

Val takes a slow, deep breath. She reaches over and puts a hand on her blade, her knuckles a bit white. She takes another breath, and nods. "Caution. Yes. This is magic, for certain. Some sort of Siren or song..."

Ozymandias seems to nod as the attitude on weapons seems negative. "Very well." Ozymandias states, no defeat in his tone, though as they draw closer, they are firmly more attracted to the island, and Ozymandias is just slightly more attracted to the island than the others, his will standing strong like the others, however. "I understand." Ozymandias tells the Queen, though he looks at Taya and Valerie. "Magic, yes...we shall go with a plan. We move in formation, and have an exit ready in the event we need to leave in a hurry."

"So, Princesses, Archbishop, what plan do you guys have? Or do you seek to know what us Choisians would do?" The Queen does add, "We do have smaller boats attached to the ships." Life boats are a good thing, after all.

The ships continue their slow draw towards the island and the whispers gradually turn into sing song tones at normal speaking levels. The little figures are slowly becoming easier to see. It is even noticed some are splashing about in the water. Though it is still not distinct, they can be noted to have humanoidish build to them.

There's another slow breath, the Princess of Santua giving the Queen a look. "Are you asking my opinion, or asking me to give orders?" she wonders quietly, "Because if it is the latter, I must decline the opportunity." She notes softly. "My opinion, however, is that we should go to battle stations and be ready for the worst." she states simply, quietly, as she draws her blade to ensure it is ready.

"Be wary, for something is in the waters." She says, while she moves towards her things to prepare for possible battle- time to put on her armor. "I will abide by whatever decision the group follows. I am out of my element when it comes to naval matters."

Ozymandias nods ever so slightly to Valeria. "The best leaders are often those who have no desire to." He offers to Valeria, though he looks to Missiah. "Your input would be lovely, while the Princess dons her armor."

"I am asking what you would do." says Missiah with a bit of a smile, "I know what I would do. I want to know what you all would do." The Choisian Queen makes zero effort to armor up. "I wonder if Arion would make a gift for Mataya someone we need to armor and weapon up against." The Queen lifts her hand a certain way and a signal is sent to the other ships to come to a halt. They are close enough to see that the figures look to be half human. It is not quite clear what the other half is.

Valeria returns to the deck, in her armor, with her blade at her side. She gave her response to her Aunt already, and so she looks then to the other two to see their responses.

It is why Ozymandias doesn't put in his armor. But even the Gods may surprise. "Perhaps Father and Mother made it easier for us." Ozymandias suggests. "Let's approach with Mataya's love and Arion's caution." Ozymandias offers. r

"A test of faith."

"You supply the love. I'll supply the caution." Val offers in quiet, if somewhat morbid humor. A hand rests on her blade, and she stands near the center of the deck. Just waiting and watching. Breathing slowly and just relaxing. Waiting.

For the moment Missiah lets Taya off the hook for putting in her opinions. She's already tested the Divinus Princess more than once this trip and several times previous. After studying and its inhabitants the island the Queen says, "We'll move closer then switch to the smaller boats." Because they do have smaller ones attached for if the ships go down. Especially on Missiah's. A motion is given by the Choisian to cause the ships to glide closer.

She waits until they can properly see that the being they are looking at are half fish, half human. Despite the human half not looking like a 'normal' human they are breathtakingly beautiful creatures. Certain things about them seem more fishy than human. The temptations that drove them previously to want to be on the island is far more powerful now, with how close they are. (+roll empathy to see if you resist or not). The merfolk all seem like they are singing, which is no doubt the cause of the temptations.

<FS3> Valeria rolls Empathy: Failure. (3 4 4 1 6 2 3 6)

<FS3> Ozymandias rolls Empathy: Good Success. (8 2 7 2 3)

"Acceptable." Ozymandias tells Valeria with equal humor in his voice. He smiles a little bit. Though Ozy looks at Missiah with a bit of a smirk on his face. "A good plan, your majesty." though the temptation that rose before is rising again as they draw nearer to the breathtakingly beautiful creatures. Yet...they appear more fishy.

"Halfbreeds. Interesting." Ozymandias questions, refusing their temptations as their singing reaches his ears. He looks at the others. "The singing...I think the singing is part of the strong feelings we are all experiencing. Resist!" Ozymandias informs the others.

Hilda has arrived.

<FS3> Taya rolls Empathy: Failure. (1 4 4 2 1)

<FS3> Hilda rolls Empathy: Success. (4 4 2 1 5 1 8 1 5)

<FS3> Missiah rolls Empathy: Good Success. (5 4 8 6 2 1 8 4 4 2 4 7 3)

Missiah has partially disconnected.

The pull of the half human, half-fish creatures is powerful hard for event he strongest to resist. Missiah and Ozymandias are having the easiest time resisting but the urge to go to the mermaids is there. It is a faint tug inside of them. It can be resisted but the tug is there, never the less. Hilda can also feel the temptation to go to the mermaids, it is stronger for her but she can still resist but the temptation of their beauty and song is quite hard to fight. She has a bit of urgency to get to the island as quick as possible. Taya and Valeria feel the tug the most, the strongest. IT is bordering on panic for them to get to the mermaids. The pull of the creatures is very hard for them to resist. They still have enough, somewhat, presence of mind to not go in blindly. Likely it is the fact they were both raised princesses that keeps them from fully losing themselves. The crew basically has BARELY kept from losing all their sense of reason and fleeing there. Mainly because it is ingrained into them not to abandon their Queen. They are extremely loyal to the whimsical Queen. Everything about them, however, makes it clear they want to get to the ships as fast as their very skilled sea legs can take them.

Missiah herself makes it hard to tell if the tug is affecting her, even though such a powerful force must be. She has three older siblings she always goes to toe to toe with if she must. Which she doesn't do often since Missiah is pretty neutral about everything. "Arrange the boats." she says to her crew and does a motion of her hand to someone else who no doubt passes the order along to the other ships with them. The Choisians have signals, after all, for spreading across ships. To Valeria, "You hold back for now, Valeria. I do not believe a battle will happen but I need you ready, just in case." Though it doesn't sit well with Valeria, due to temptation, she does agree. That is how she is. "You will come with us, naturally." she adds. Then to Taya and Ozymandias, "Shall we? I'll have you two take the lead." Of course she makes the direct Heir and the Archbishop take lead. Towards the crew, and anyone else about, "Anyone who wants to join us, prepare as well."

get tot he mermaids*

Oh sure, the Tavern owner convinced Hilda to go on this little expedition. 'It'll be like a day trip' he said. 'Maybe two days, tops. It's a good chance to see more of the world, it's people, it'll be like a vacation away.' he said. And of course they would provide the liquor. With Hilda to serve it on the trip with a rather captive audience he stood to make a rather tidy sum from sales. Shrewd. So shrewd.

So Hilda came with barrels of rum and wine and provisions and snacks. And as expected, a tidy sum was made (for the owner). Hilda is wearing https://a1.socialgirls.im/pinterest/image/721279696564406110/image.jpg?large for the rather warm weather (and the possibility of needing to take a quick swim).

She's lured out by the mermaid's song curious as to what all that racket is. She was not expecting combat - or at least to be a part of things. But she's wandered over to the group before she gets swept with everyone to the boats. She hears the unearthly song and pulls a large bottle from under her throw. "Well. I do have wine for sale by the swig if anyone wants to buy one." Because..what else is she going to carry on a dangerous mission? A sword? She'll go with a large wine bottle and sharp wit, thank-you-so-very-much.

"Beautiful songs," Taya muses as she looks from the merfolk to Missiah and then to Ozymandias, though she's clearly quite drawn to the music. "Do you think they chat as well? Let us perhaps treat with them to see what they may say, even more than what they may sing." She nods to the queen, and though she is sensibly dressed in appropriate adventuring gear, she seems unarmed at the moment.

The crew, being Choisian, assure Missiah is situated on one of the attached little boats, then Valeria and Taya, then Ozymandias, then Hilda. It is clear they focus on what they consider to be priority. That is how it typically works. Once everyone has been boarded into the little boats they set off to the island and land on it. The song of the mermaids and their beauty is very strong with so many in close proximity. So strong that even Missiah shows a flicker of reaction to it (To keep resisting: +roll empathy-1, no negative for those who got good success, -2 for those who failed. Basically it is prying on your already weakened state against them). Missiah did say Ozymandias and Taya are in charge so the Queen looks to the Archbishop and Princess. Valeria is kept at her side, for the moment. After her glance to the 'leaders' Missiah focuses on Hilda and asks, "You do not have to hold back any thoughts you have. Especially with Taya, Valeria, and Ozymandias. All of them will listen."

<FS3> Hilda rolls Empathy-1: Great Success. (7 7 7 3 2 7 1 2)

<FS3> Missiah rolls Empathy: Good Success. (2 1 7 2 3 8 5 4 3 7 1 2 5)

Hilda hmmns as the Queen addresses her. "Well, your highness. I was thinking that you know, going to an island with a bunch of armed people doesn't seem like it would make the best first impression. Also with the most important people in front of the boat seems like they would be easier to hit targets, though if something went awry it means that those of us at the back of the boat would be most likely to be able to retreat and least in the line of danger."

"If someone came into my home with a bunch of armed people uninvited, I think I would be awfully cross. Maybe you should bring a gift?" She wiggles the bottle of wine "You could always purchase a large bottle of fine wine. Means you wouldn't be empty handed. Still available for sale..though there is a price premium given the rarity and location of where we are right now."

<FS3> Taya rolls Empathy-2: Success. (7 3 4)

Taya does seem rather drawn to the songs of the merfolk, but she patiently boards the boat and debarks when they reach the isle, careless of whether or not she gets her boots wet or sandy. She offers a smile to the singers as they step onto land, looking over them curiously. "Your songs are beautiful!" she calls to them with a delighted smile. "You sing to our hearts. Please, we wish to know more about you."

"We do not leave land unexplored." states the Queen to Hilda. Which basically means if Ozymandias, Taya, and Hilda want to run, they will need to convince Missiah or sail off without help the elite Choisian crew. "We also do not go in unprepared. I do not believe they will harm us. Mataya has a great love for mortals. We would not be alive if it were not for her. Arion has a great love for Mataya. She is the Queen of his everything. A gift for her would not be designed to be a true threat to what she holds dear. However, you do not go into uncharted territories with your balls out purposefully. He may not intend for his gift to harm but we say or do the wrong things, they could turn hostile." The Queen's head tilts up with a touch of confidence, "Choisians do not give up." Despite being entranced by the mermaids the Choisian elite sailors let out a cheer, backing their Queen.

Missiah easily waits for the others to leave the boat first before stepping off herself. To the mermaids Missiah glances when Taya speaks to them. Their singing stops and they stare at the group for a moment before making a garbled response.

<FS3> Hilda rolls Entertainment: Good Success. (7 2 2 8 4 4 1 6 4)

Hilda twists her lips as she considers the Queen. "Everything that is laid before you doesn't mean you have right to lay claim. Landing with groups of armed people sure makes you look like invaders does it not?" After they land she's one of the later people to get out. She listens to the songs not seeming nearly as affected as many. "I think I've heard this song before, perhaps in my travels, or somewhere else."

She steps off the beach (with the wine bottle) and walks softly towards the mer-people. And she begins to sing. She isn't speaking a language that's known, perhaps it's a few, a sort of pidgin, or such? Though it sounds somewhat akin to the sounds of the merfolk. She holds out the bottle of wine in offering and will approach to hand it over if they do not show agressive behavior.

Ozymandias has partially disconnected.

"Honestly, are you fussing at Her Majesty?" Taya inquires with a somewhat puzzled look as she observes Hilda, arching a brow at the woman and her bottle. She seems willing to allow the woman to attempt to treat with the merfolk in her strange language, and she frowns a bit. She glances from Hilda to the merfolk. "Do you speak their language?"

"So you would rather I put my people in a situation where they can be killed without the ability to protect themselves?" questions the Queen, her tone dangerously calm. It is not often Missiah can be gotten to change her tone. Very few things can push the the must laid back of rulers to assert her authority. Then Queen says nothing more, she did promise the lead to Taya and Ozymandias. A small title of the head is given by Missiah at Taya's question.

A confused look is given to Hilda then the Mermaids again make a garbled response, a hand waving off the wine in disinterest. Though, something Hilda says makes their faces light up and start to repeat the same sound over and over, as if chanting. Ozymandias, Taya, Missiah and Hilda are each carefully studied before they start to move closer to Missiah. They recognize the highest authority present by instinct. No threat is detected in their movements.

<FS3> Taya rolls Diplomacy: Good Success. (8 5 7 1 2)

Hilda backs away slowly as she sings in response. She looks to Taya "Know the language? Why that would be quite silly wouldn't it? After all I'm hardly half Siren or such. I've just heard some songs that sound like that in my travels. It seems I can convey whom you are. The rest is up to you, though I've either asked them to help you, or asked them to buy more wine. It's tough to really tell when your singing in verse."

There's a moment wherein Taya gives Hilda a bit of a suspicious look, as if she did not particularly like the response she received from the woman. She takes a deep breath, closes her eyes, and wraps her fingers around the orb that hangs from her necklace. When she opens her eyes once more, she offers a warm smile to the merfolk. "You sing the Song of the Sea, and it is beautiful," she says to them with a measure of delight, smiling warmly. "I am the Princess Taya Divinus, and this is my esteemed aunt, Her Royal Majesty Queen Missiah Choisi. Here is my cousin, Her Royal Highness Princess Valeria Santua, and this is Archbishop Ozymandias of Mataya, beloved of the goddess. We are thrilled to meet all of you and hear your song."

When Ozymandias is properly introduced as Mataya's Archbishop Missiah is forgotten and they all move towards him. If people with fish bottoms could dance in sand, they definitely do that around him, once again making the same sound over and over again. They don't stay in the sand for long before moving back to the water to wet their fins once more. If people missed the connection of who the mermaids were, their dance around Ozymandias probably makes it VERY clear they are the Song of the Sea being sought. Since Taya is the one speaking to them they make garbled words to her and Hilda at the same time. They know Hilda understands them, they are uncertain if Taya does or not. Freya grudgingly translate what she must to everyone. The merfolk posed the questions, "Are we going to Mataya? We were told this is where we stay until the time is right. IS the time right? Do we get to see her?"

"Yes. You are. The time is right," Taya offers with a smile, looking absolutely delighted at the way the merfolk cavort about Ozymandias. "Mataya loves you already, I am quite certain. You are all so very delightful."

Missiah has partially disconnected.

A beautiful song breaks out from the mermaids at Taya's confirmation that they will get to see their God. As likely expected by this point (Optional +roll empathy at -1 to keep resisting but assuming you all are). The crew of Missiah is in a stupor of adoration for the mermaids until a sharp command from Missiah gets them quickly getting everyone returned to the ships, "We will follow." are the words of the mermaids, "We best return quickly this time. I'll help." says the Choisian Queen. If there was a doubt Missiah is extremely skilled with her water magic it is laid to rest with how artful she compliments the wind magic user that speed the ships. Her water presses against the ships to make their pace home almost impossibly fast. She extends herself to even help the mermaids following easily keep up. It is a matter of hours, compared to the previous days to get to the mermaid island, before the Choisian elite ships are docking in Tranquil City harbor. For a moment the presence of Mataya is felt and the mermaids disappear. Mataya has claimed her gift, it seems. The Queen, Taya, Hilda, Valeria, Ozymandias, and the ship crew members can feel the blessing the Goddess bestows upon them. For several days they find themselves capable of doing everything they must without much need for rest. They also understand that certain 'activities' will grant them a child without a doubt. Mataya has shown she loves seeing the mortals continue on so it can't be a surprise that she would also include a fertility aspect in her blessing.