Thief of Security

Posted on 10 Apr 2024 @ 10:48pm by Mage Kalian Winter & Warrior Rhiannon Cadash & Rogue Vasil

1,085 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Bann Voyage
Location: The Night's Kiss, Leaving Jader
Timeline: Bloomingtide 20th

Kalian was not exactly sure what Rhiannon's responsibilities were aboard ship whilst the Night's Kiss was underway, or what he was supposed to do besides stay out of the way. Besides, he knew that Rhiannon would find him if she had time to relax.

So when he saw Jessamir's new security consultant - whatever that meant - leaning on the deck rail, Kalian decided to join him. "Hello." Kalian leaned against the rail near the other young man. "You're Vasil, right? I'm Kalian." They'd been introduced before, but names could be hard to remember, especially when meeting several people at once.

Vasil had been staring out over the glistening waves to the closest shore, mind empty at the moment. Until the voice and figure brought him back to the here and now.

"Hullo. Yes, Vasil. And indeed Kalian it is," the young man grinned, the other fellow had saved him the embarrassment of not remembering the fellow's name. He really needed to learn all these folk.

Small talk usually came easily to Kalian when he was working the bar or serving tables at the Raven's Roost, but he found himself at a loss to think of something to say besides an obvious question. "At the meeting in the chantry, Jessamir said you were in charge of security. What does that entail?"

Rhi had been up at the helm, talking with the helmsman and the Navigator. When she spotted Kalian a smile crossed her face. She finished giving her instructions to the two and moved down to join Kalian and Vasil, catching Kalian's question. She looked to Vasil to see what he thought his job entailed.

Vasil blinked, "Hmmm, that is a good question. I have never done anything like this before. But then I've never been on a ship like this before either."

"I have been told I am to check the hold and other places on the ship to look for anyone trying to stowaway on board. That is all I know for sure," he shrugged.

"What is your job on board?" he figured turnaround was fair play as he now asked basically the same question of Kalian.

"Well…" Kalian considered the question. "My usual job is working at the Raven's Roost Tavern in Jader. Just now, officially I'm a passenger. Mother Giselle and Lady Seryl commissioned the Night's Kiss to transport the group of us to West Hill Bannorn. But as I understand it, all able-bodied passengers are expected to help. So far, I've just been staying out of the way, I don't have a ship-board assignment. But perhaps the First Mate has something in mind for me to do?" He looked to Rhiannon, curious what she would say.

"Ahh, I see," Vasil simply nodded.

Rhi gave Kalian a wicked smile, "There are many things that you can do. But for now learn how to run the ropes for the sails and if needs be for speed, I believe my mother was hoping you could use your magic to make some wind."

Vasil heard the word 'magic', that startled him a little. Magic could be a good thing but it also could be made into sorcery which could be dark and dangerous.

She looked to Vasil, "You have very keen eyesight, along with a very particular set of skills. Until your other skills are needed, doing watch duty will be good."

"Yes, that I can do easily enough. Watch. I shall keep my eyes peeled then," Vasil was quite willing, didn't sound hard at all.

Kalian noted the look Vasil gave him at the mention of magic, and his quick recovery. So Vasil was not, as Kalian thought he might be, a mage like himself. Attempting to reassure him, Kalian said, "My primary skill with magic is healing." And shapeshifting, but that was a secret known only to Rhiannon and Kithris. "I know a couple of ice and fire spells," he added. Potentially dangerous spells had been the most difficult to learn and control.

"Ahhhh, most useful I'm sure," Vasil nodded. Also spells, especially the fire, which could cause injury or worse depending on their strength.

Looking up at the sails, Kalian rubbed his chin in thoughtful contemplation. Given his relationship with Rhiannon, first mate of the Night's Kiss, he had been experimenting with manipulating air. "I've been working on a wind spell. I've yet to master it, but I'll do my best," he said to Rhiannon, a little sheepishly. He wondered if Kithris knew any Dalish wind spells. If she was feeling better, perhaps she could give him some pointers. But first, he really needed to talk to Rhiannon about how well he knew Kithris. "And I'll learn how to run the ropes for the sails. I want to stay in our Captain's good graces, so best to be as useful as possible, right?"

"Yes, my hope too, be useful. So I don't get chucked over the side," Vasil grinned, not that he really thought it would ever come to that.

"I'm sure Captain Jessamir wouldn't throw you over the side for that." Kalian looked to Rhiannon for confirmation, thinking about his own potential for a longer term situation on the ship.

Rhi listened to the two men talk for a moment. She had not spent to much time with Vasil though her mother had vouched for him. So for Rhi, that was good enough. Rhi looked to Kalian and Vasil, "By the time we reach our destination. You both will know how to set the sails and steer the ship. As for getting thrown over board, my mother would never do that. She has other......." Rhi stops and smiles. "I will say that we have things to do today. So let's get to it. (she looks to Vasil) Head up to the ship's wheel, watch and learn" She looks to Kalian, "Bavibella is waiting for you by the main mast. She is your trainrumm. (Trainer)"

Vasil thought he was going to learn the rigging, it would be the sort of thing his natural agility and fearlessness were perfect for. Oh well, orders was orders. He headed toward the helm. But before he took more than a step...

Kalian gave the young man a sincere grin. "I'm glad to know you, Vasil. When we get back to Jader, stop by the Raven's Roost tavern for a beer, on me."

"Why thank ya. And I will take you up on that!" he grinned then continued on his way.

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