The Night’s Kiss Sets Off

Posted on 06 Mar 2024 @ 6:45pm by Mage Kalian Winter & Warrior Rhiannon Cadash & Warrior Katya Charbonnet (Shar-bon-ay) & Warrior Rahvin Vargar & Rogue Elinowy Ursulas & Rogue Vasil & Mage Kithris Sabrae

3,500 words; about a 18 minute read

Mission: Bann Voyage
Location: Jader Docks
Timeline: Bloomingtide 20th

It was a crisp spring morning in Jader, with clear skies and good wind. The crew of the Night's Kiss had been up before dawn preparing to sail with the tide. Barrels and crates were scattered across the ship's deck as supplies and trade goods were loaded from the dock, and gradually stowed below deck under the direction of Captain Jessamir.

Jessamir stood on the deck directing what one would call an organized chaos. "Skondrick, Hezin. Make sure you get those ropes stowed. Satrotha, make sure you log in those three crates over there. Yalgrthalin, you are up for first helm. Knut, forward lookout. Kardor, Sikhaeline you are port and starboard lookouts. Werbunli, you are on Aft. You all get ready. Barirmegrett, crows nest girl. Get yer self up there before we pull out." She looked around and spotted Vasil. "Vasil." She called out for the young man. Once he was close enough she continued, "What I need you to do is go through the ship. I want you to think about ways you would do what you do. Then make sure that it cannot be done."

Vasil had spent the night sleeping for the first time on a ship of all things. And in a hammock.......both of which were much better than in oft sleeping places like slum alleys. Of course the ship wasn't moving at night, he had already heard about how some folk get sea sick from the motion of a ship on the waves. He was soon to find out if he was one of those folk.

Once up he came up onto the main deck and was summoned by his new employer, the captain.

"Yes cap'n," he nodded, "I can do that. So like check for stowaways I guess it's called hiding out. If I find one do I kill 'em?" Vasil's life had always been a hard one, he was used to ruthlessness if required.

Jessamir liked Vasil. He reminded her of her past and what they would have done to those found aboard back then. She gave him a smile and shook her head slightly. "You find one, bring them to me. If they give you a problem, do what you must."

"Can do," the young man nodded.

Before Vasil heads off, Jessamir turns to look at him. "Oh, and Vasil. Thank you."

"Ummm, right...sure," he wasn't sure what she thanked him for. She'd given him orders and he was supposed to follow orders. Oh well. Time to check the hold.

Rhiannon had spent most of the previous night doing the bulk of the work. Everything from the charts, loading the ship, making sure her friends were settled in, down to taking the first watch for the night. So when she came to bed, it had one of the few times since she and Kalian had been together that she crawled into bed, snuggled up next to him and was out like a light. When morning came she was up early trying to be quiet.

Kalian had slept well, comfortable in the simple pleasure of chaste cuddling with Rhiannon, his amoruk. He'd had no idea how much coordinated work was required to operate a sailing ship and prepare it to sail. He'd stood ready and offered to help, but sometimes the best way to help was to stay out of the way and pay close attention. The evening before when he'd gone back to the Raven's Roost to pack a few things, his sister Tessa had been more enthusiastic than he'd expected about Kalian leaving with Rhi on the Night's Kiss. Being 'out' as an apostate in Jader affected his family in unexpected ways.

Jessamir had seen Kalian come up from below deck. It warmed her heart to know that her daughter had found her person. "Kalian, my dear. Let us talk." Her tone was jovial.

At the sound of Jessamir calling him, Kalian nearly lost his footing on that last step from below deck. She didn't sound displeased with him. He sent a few furtive glances around to locate Rhiannon, her mother always made him nervous, but he wasn't exactly sure why Kalian took a deep breath and headed toward Rhiannon's mother. "Good Morning, Captain Jessamir. How can I be of help?"

Jessamir gave Kalian a once over look and smiled. She turned to again survey the work going on. "My daughter told me last night that she gave you her forge." She let that sink in for a moment. "And you accepted. Is this true?"

"Oh. Uh..." Kalian's dark skin took on a bright pink overtone. He'd understood 'give him her forge' to be similar to when humans say 'give you my heart' – except with unmistakable sexual overtones. And really, the last thing he wanted to do was discuss his and Rhi's sex life with her mother. "Yes, ma'am. That is true."

Jessamir gave a nod. She could see that Kalian was a bit unsure where this conversation was heading. This made her grin. "I will put your mind at ease. Well a bit anyway. I am not going to pry into your time behind closed doors with my daughter. (pause) There is another meaning to what she said. You know what a forge is for. Creation. When a dwarven woman says she is giving you her forge, she isn't just giving you herself physically, she is giving you her life. She is asking you to be her Blacksmith and she the Anvil so you both can create a life together. Heart and hearth. You have accepted privately. If you truly want to be with my daughter. When you are alone again, you will ask if she would accept your hammer for on the Anvil of her forge. I am sure she will accept." Jessamir smiles. "Any questions?"

Kalian took in Jessamir's speech with thoughtful deliberation. The dwarven concept of life partners went even deeper than he'd previously thought. "I think I'm beginning to understand. The forge metaphor, hammer and anvil, is about more that sex, more even than the potential for children. It's about pledging to live our lives together always striving to be our best selves for one another." He gave Jassamir a tentative smile, somehow not quite as nervous as before. "I will be the luckiest man on Thedas if you're right and she says yes."

Jessamir listened as Kalian said what he thought she meant. A smile rose warmly across her face as he continued. When he was finished she closer and gave him a quick hug. When they parted she looked up at the young man. "Tha would Mer honored Kolun othok ihonlor ruk join our Kazamar. (I would be honored if you were to join our clan.)"

Kalian lowered to one knee so that he could hug Jessamir back properly. "Thank you, Jessamir."

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Kit had done what she could do the night before. Spending the night in the cabin, Kit had not realized how small they were. Though her Aravel was small so she was used to small spaces. Though with Katya with her, it was quite cozy. When morning came Kit was up and was getting ready to go and help where she could. "You ready my heart?" She gave Katya a warm smile.

"Always darling! As long as you are by my side, I'll take on the world if need be. It would seem we're off on another adventure. My darling Kit, no matter what the future holds, I know we can face it together. You know my Mother really likes you too. That helps."

Kit gave a smile at hearing that Katya's mother liked her. "I am glad." She gave Katya a hug and a kiss. "Let us go be useful. I'm sure that the Captain has stuff for us to do."

"Indeed my love. Indeed." They sought out the captain. "Ho Captain Jessamir. Good morning. How may we be of assistance?"

Spotting Katya and Kit, she gives both women a smile. "It is good to see young love. Yes, yes, help. Well lets star....." Jessamir stops as she sees Kit looking very green.

Kit had been fine when she had gotten up, gotten ready and came up on deck. It didn't take long though for that small gentle pitch and roll of the ship to work its own devilish magic. Kit took a few steps and as dexterous as she was, this was not for her. Without a word, Kit ran to the side of the ship, leaned over, and it seemed like everything Kit had ever eaten in her entire life ended up on the pier. Kit slid down to the deck. "Nha bren Tel' uanna's doing?" (Is this the Maker's doing?)

"Oh no! Oh Kit! Looks like you're seasick! Oh my poor darling! Umm captain, can anything be done for Kit? Maybe Kalian can help?"

Kalian went to Kithris' side and put one hand on her shoulder. Although he was well aware that Kithris had similar healing talent to himself, she was not openly out as an apostate like he was. "I've never tried healing seasickness, so I've no idea if this will help." Out of habit, he glanced around to check if a Templar was nearby, then after a nod of consent from Kithris, slowly opened himself to the fade and poured healing magic into Kithris' body.

Kithris felt the warmth of magic rush through her body as Kalian used his magic to heal her. It didn't take much when she felt the nausea slip away. Standing up, Kit looked to Kalian and smiled. "Thank you Kalian. I feel so much better." She looked to Katya. "I can't believe.......there was so much."

Katya laughs. "Oh Kit! I am sorry you had to go through that but if it's any consolation I went through the same thing on my first voyage. I eventually got used to it. I hope you will too." She took Kit in her arms. "I'm glad you're feeling better." She turned to her old friend. "As always you have my thanks Kalian!"

Kalian bowed to Katya and Kithris. "My pleasure."

Rahvin had not come aboard the night before. He had gone back to the keep, had gathered his travel gear and let the Warden Captain know what he was doing. He knew enough that this might be the last time for awhile that he would be sleeping in a real bed. So when he arrived in the morning, he came aboard, stowed his gear and proceeded to help.

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Sister Elinowy awoke before the dawn. The night had passed adequately. The bunk in the officer's quarters were meager, but substantially better than many of the streets she slept on when first arriving in Jadar. As she emerged through the door onto the main deck she could see the light glow of the sun preparing its assent. The morning air coming off the harbor was crisp which helped clear some of the growing pain in her head. Something was off. Still she had devotions to attend to. Certainly being on a ship would be a different experience for her. But the deck only moved slightly from the forces of tide and gentle waves. She raised her hand in a sign of blessing as she passed the first group of sailors as she made her way up the ladder to the Fore deck. Ahead of her was a panorama of the harbor of Jadar. A beautiful sight in the breaking dawn. She closed her eyes, feeling a brief respite from her aching forehead. She settled her feet into the first position of the opening form. She raised her hands in welcome to the sun and began to sing... or at least tried to. Her throat was tight and soar.

She steadied herself and looked into the piecing brightness of the sun. Something was very wrong. The world began to spin slightly as she stumbled to the rail of the forecastle. She prayed silently to the Maker that he might make this suffering brief. She did her best to start humming the Chant of the morning. Beads of sweat began to pile up on her forehead, she pulled back her hood allowing her flowing tresses of fiery red hair to play in the breeze. She was not well. Her mind went to the medicinal herbs she could brew for whatever this ailment was. She looked over at the docks finding some comfort in the stability of the town buildings.

Kalian found his dear friend Elinowy leaning over the rail of the forecastle, apparently affected by seasickness. In a soothing voice, he asked, "Elinowy, are you all right?" He had been able to help Kithris, at least temporarily. "I've no idea if it will help, but would you like me to try applying some healing magic?" Elinowy had such unusual reactions to magic.

The pain from her aching head was growing worse. Elinowy could feel her heart beating through her temples. Closing her eyes she prayed the Maker might make this pass. Suddenly she became aware of Kalian's kind voice calling to her. She slowly opened her eyes and looked over to him.

While she was always happy to hear Kalian's voice, the look she shot him was very uncharacteristic, not dissimilar to a trapped animal that was begging to be put down. She breathed deeply and snapped. "I have felt better, Kalian."

Catching herself, she gripped the rail of the ship, looking up at him with bloodshot eyes that were burning out of her skull. "I pray the Maker might make this pass soon, but this is nothing to open yourself to the fade for." She of course immediately wondered if what she was saying was correct, as she did not like the way she felt. But nevertheless, magic had its place, and regardless of how miserable she personally felt, that danger to her friend of opening himself to magical energies was much worse in her opinion. Of course she was in no shape to make arguments however theologically strong they might be.

"Elinowy," Kalian murmured his friend's name softly. "You know I wouldn't use magic on you without your consent." He tried to think of a way to convince Elinowy to accept help. "The Chant says that magic must serve mankind. I can think of no better service than to ease your suffering so that you are well enough to serve the Maker in your own way. Please allow me to try to help you."

Elinowy gave Kalian a grim smile. "Some suffering we are meant to endure, especially if this is indeed, just discomfort. Magic is the easy road, some things we just need to persevere especially if they don't kill us." Her eyes closed as she felt the pounding in her temples. She hoped this was just discomfort, because it was uncomfortable. She focused on her breathing and gripped the rail. "If you could get me a cup of hot water from the kitchen or whatever they call it on these things.... it would be greatly appreciated," she said miserably.

Kalian only nodded as Elinowy explained her choice. Magic was not the easy road for him. His friend's life or long-term health was not in danger, so he acquiesced to her wishes. Knowing Elinowy's skill with medicinal herbs, she probably intended to brew her own treatment. "Of course, I'll be right back."

Rhi emerged from below decks, as she did she quickly ascertained how the crew was working and how her guests were doing. She spotted Kithris being attended to by Katya. She noticed how green the elf looked though it was quickly going away. She glanced in the direction of her mother, her mother gave a slight nod and then continued to get the ship ready to sail. She spotted Rahvin diligently helping. She then saw Elinowy and Kalian seemed to be helping her. She made her way over to them. "Is everything alright?"

"Elinowy is seasick. She asked me to bring her hot water from the galley." Kalian hesitated a moment before heading below decks, in case Rhiannon had another recommendation.

Rhiannon will give Kalian a nod, "A cup of hot water please. Ask the cook for a dash of honey as well." She will turn to Elinowy and smile. She pulls out a small piece of ginger root and hands it to her. "Here, put this between your teeth and bite down. Don't chew, just bite for now. This should help a bit."

Elinowy made a failed attempt at expressing her thanks, mumbling as she accepted the ginger root and proceeded to immediately bite down on it. The strong scent of the ginger flowed through her nostrils causing her sinuses to expand and relax. It didn't stop the throbbing in her head, but it was a wonderous respite from her misery. The coolness of the salty air played on her exposed fiery tresses which similarly felt wonderful. She looked over to the kindly dwarf and did her best to smile with the piece of gingerroot hanging out of her mouth. The root was good. She would add it to her tea when Kalian returned with water.

Kalian hurried below deck to the galley and had barely started asking for hot water when Cook – not their name but clearly the moniker they were accustomed to - cut him off by handing him just what Elinowy needed. Apparently Cook anticipated seasickness among the passengers.
Within only a few minutes, Kalian was back with a small iron teapot full of just-boiled water and a cup. "The ship's cook was prepared. I said you have your own healing herbs, but Cook said they have an herbal tea mix for seasickness if you'd like to try it."

The scarlet sister took the root from her mouth and grabbed the mug eagerly in her hands, letting the aroma fill her nostrils. Her trained sense of smell began to determine the ingredients of the tea. Her body meanwhile relished the stabilizing flavor as it flowed past her lips. she closed her eyes, grateful for the beverage. She lingered in the moment of teas flavor and fortifying attributes. reopening her eyes she turned to Kalian. "Thank the Maker, this is perfect. Your kindness is greatly appreciated." she spoke in a soft voice, then took another hearty sip of the concoction. This was not a cure, but was a joyous respite from her suffering. She gave Kalian a smile as she lowered the cup. "I will be alright. Do not worry for me."

-----

Jessamir and Rhiannon started to call out orders as the crew started to move quickly. Most of the orders were called out in dwarven though some were in common. What was interesting was the fact that, even though both Jessamir and Rhi were shouting out orders at the same time, the crew did their jobs. An organized chaos. Then the order came from. Rhi, "Cast Off The Lines!" The dock workers took the ropes off the cleats, as the ship's crew started pulling in the ropes. "Push Of!" The dock workers picked up poles with large flat pads on the ends and pushed the ship away from the dock. "Fenders Up!" The ship's crew brought up the pads. "Unfurl The Sails!" As the crew shifted to unfurl the sails, the wind caught them. The black sails filled and the ship seamed to leap forward as it started to pick up speed. Rhi moved from side to side up on the quarterdeck, once it seemed that she was satisfied, "Trim the sails! Steady as she goes, helmsman! Keep a sharp lookout for reefs and shoals. We sail for adventure and fortune!" Rhi looked to her mother, who gave her a quick nod. She then looked to the crew and then to her companions.

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Vasil was on deck, still unsure of exactly what his duties all involved other than to watch for anything involving 'security'? He had checked the hold once even using a lantern for the deepest darkest parts. No unwanted stowaways...unless they had been really good at hiding. He saw his share of bilge rats though but then it was common knowledge all ships had rats, they were impossible to get rid of completely. He was not about to chase around down there trying to stab the things with his dagger.

Anyhow now up on deck, he kept waiting for the dreaded 'sea sickness' to come over him, he had heard all about this queasiness that came over some folk aboard ships. It seemed to affect different folk differently. Fortunately so far - and the key words being SO FAR - he felt just fine. But then there were no storms either to toss the vessel about.

It was fascinating though to watch the countryside go by as he leaned against the deck railing.

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