Eggs-pedition

` ``Alexandros wilderness, midday``

A rarely used road, one of many that connect Alexandros with the Myrrish Kingdoms, cuts a path through the trees here in northern Alexandros. The weather is hot, but there's enough shade to push back the worst of the blazing sun overhead. Birds are chirping softly, and a squirrel peers out from a tree branch.

Suddenly, there's a faint chill in the air, and a crackle of energy. On the road, the air seems to twist in on itself, before suddenly expanding into a glowing, opalescent sphere of light that hums for a moment, before fading from sight -- leaving behind a number of people.

Telamon Lupecyll-Atlon stands in the middle of the group, dressed in a light ruffled silk shirt over leather riding trousers and black boots. A broad brimmed hat with a large violet feather stuck in the brim sits on his head, and he looks around, nodding to the others. "Alright, this is the place... everyone all right? Nobody with a queasy stomach or anything?"

Carver is now dry-heaving, one hand pressed against a tree, the other holding her hair back. She was told to be ready for just these kind of landhopping magical shenanigans, but warned of and experiencing are too very different thing. Past tense, confident and assured.

Present tense: Blaaaaaaaaaaaargh

Burp. "I hate portals and wizards."

Elisabeth du Leoncorte, Sunguard of Daeus, left Alexandria a good few years ago to return home to help her old friend mentor to prepare the temple there for his retirement as the leader of that religious community. Now, she's returning to the city where she'd cound adventure aplenty. Though travelling alone, she seems unhurried and comfortable with the journey... then, one night, she saw a bright light in the sky: a falling star.

The impact was easily heard and felt, seemling not far from Elisabeth's campsite... and curiosity, the bane and strength of all who call themselves 'adventurer', struck her to the core. Come morning, she started travelling to where the star seemed to have fallen -- unaware that others were also making their way to that place.

GAME: Harkashan rolls Fortitude: (5)+10: 15

All roads lead to Alexandros. Just recently, Harkashan had returned with Rune thanks to the might of a particularly small butterfly - which had left him a bit disoriented on timezones and the lot. Teleportlag is not something enough people talk about.

"You come here often?" He asks Telamon, looking aside. Last he recalls, most of these teleport spells require people to have been places before. "A place good for stargazing, perhaps?" Harkashan croons, as he stumbles just a bit. Stomach goes gurgle for just a moment, then settles again.

Sith-makar have strong stomachs.

Over time, Rune has become more accustomed to the strange sensation that comes with being suddenly pulled across vast distances to somewhere else entirely. Though it does have her shift her feet just slightly upon arrival, as if she were bracing for a hard landing that never comes. "At least we're not teleporting into a mass of werewolves, so I'd say doing pretty good on that count." Rune replies, her lip quirking.

Glancing over at Carver, she distinctly looks away again, lest their stomach troubles become her own.

Then, she raises a brow towards Harkashan and his turn of phrase. Sometimes, Makari and their use of the common tongue is amusing, "You know... 'You come here often' is usually a pick up line, right?" She asks the lava-scaled one, nudging him on the arm. "I mean, I know Telamon is hot, but save the flirting for later." She teases.

Dolan drops his hand from Telamon's shoulder almost as soon as the spell completes, staggering as he reorients to his new location to get a good look around. "Yeah," he answers Telamon after a moment, turning himself around to get a full view of the area through both his natural and artificial eyes. An easy grin blooms across his face at the place in which he finds himself. "I could get used to a place like this."

Dressed in a breastplate and with both the longsword at his hip and the greatsword over his back, leather cuff tightly bound to his left shoulder beneath the breastplate, sheepskin jacket traded for a simple oiled leather one in a similar cut, and fully geared for battle, he looks around at the others. "How close did we get, d'you think?"

Schara was relatively fine as teleportation came and went, perhaps a bit unsteady on her feet for a few moments, but it was still difficult to determine when someone was covered almost entirely in bronze armor. "I am alright, it was not that bad." The artificer answers after a moment. "But Carver does not look alright, she may need help. I do not have time to brew any ginger tea, but I would suggest finding an unmoving point on the ground to focus on."

The artificer then takes a moment to make sense of her surroundings. "Ah, right, I think? I thought that was strange it was used in books so often. In terms of temperature I do not imagine he would be above average, but given context and limited knowledge, you are probably right, even if such things are subjective."

Telamon shakes his head at Harkashan. "Honestly? Never been here. I only saw it in a dream." He furrows his brow, turning in a circle. "Spread out a bit. The impact site shouldn't be too far away... something hitting from that far out probably left a mark." He runs his hand through his pale hair, looking up at the tree canopy. "If we have too much trouble, I'll take flight and look for breaks in the trees."

Tel grins at Dolan, nodding. "Yeah, there are worse places to visit, all things considered." Noting Carver's distress, he fishes in his haversack and pulls out a bottle. "Need some soothe syrup?"

GAME: Rune rolls survival: (9)+10: 19
GAME: Elisabeth rolls survival: (19)+8: 27
GAME: Carver rolls survival: (11)+11: 22
GAME: Harkashan rolls Survival+2: (11)+6+2: 19
GAME: Dolan rolls survival: (6)+10: 16
GAME: Telamon rolls survival: (10)+1: 11
GAME: Schara rolls survival: (11)+1: 12

For his part, Telamon is a bit distracted, pausing at an oak tree and tapping it with a knuckle as if he expects something to happen. So he doesn't see what everyone else notices -- a trail of broken tree limbs that proceed in a line, a wedge of destruction dealt to the forest that will eventually fade, but in the meantime, is as obvious as an arrow.

There's the faint scent of smoke as well -- as if something had burned out here.

"I believe you will find that I am hotter." Harkashan answers Rune with a playful look on his face, as some of the red on his body radiates for a moment. A little flare of a red glow, a wave of heat from the lava-like Sith-makar.

"Hrrm... in a dream you say?" He then asks of Telamon.

Dreams have gotten brought up more and more lately.

"Alright." He rumbles, and begins to just wander off in a random directly, looking around for something that might stand out. The Am'shere people are not unused to falling stars.

Luckily, smoke and broken trees are pretty easy to find, so the Sith-makar approaches quietly. Figuring Telamon would have obviously seen this too.

Carver takes the bottle, wiping at her mouth with the back of an arm. She sniffs at its contents, and then sips from its content, finally taking in their surroundings. The trail is fairly obvious, enough that she does not call it out. A correct assessment, as she watches Harkashan instead take that initiative.

She does sling her cloak back, freeing her draw arm.

"At least your dreams take you to relatively pleasant places." Rune seems glad of that fact sa she looks around the forested expanse, checking for signs of the whatever had fallen from the sky. "If you were anyone else, I'd be surprised that it wasn't just a dream." Telamon really does have a thing with celestial forces, it seems.

Instead, she gives a smirk towards Harkashan, "Go away. It's too warm out for that." Sure, having a lizard that radiates heat is great in the winter, but right now, Rune may just be wishing Skielstregar was here.

Falling back, Rune ends up walking near Carver, if only to make sure that she has a bit of back-up incase there is any sort of trouble. Since it seems obvious which way they are supposed to be going, it's just a matter of falling into step and heading that direction as a group.

Elisabeth finds her way into the area and, being as they're being so conversational, can't help but hear the group coming. Being as she doesn't know who they are, but also keeping in mind that she's never been the stealthy sort, she stands near a tree with her shield in plain view, so that the heraldry of Daeus is easily seen, and, hidden behind it, her hand at the hilt of her sheathed sword.

"Who goes there?", she calls out, opting to go ahead and draw attention to herself being as the group really doens't seem to look like bandits or cultists.

"Don't bother, Tel," Dolan counters amusedly, reaching up to rub gently at his left shoulder beneath the brace and simply staring at the swath of smoking destruction wrought by the fallen meteorite. "I don't s'pose you could miss that if you tried. Look. It carved us a path and damned near destroyed the forest. Dirk'd have a screaming fit." His voice is unexpectedly deep and full of humor. "This way, Tel."

He starts off in the direction towards the rock, looking back to see if the others are following, but at the call, stops short. "Oi. We've got company." He raises his voice to answer Elisabeth's call. "Just travelers. We on someone's land?"

"I guess that a vision in a dream would be close enough to be able to focus on, that is true." The artificer offers before following the others who seemed much more capable of following a trail. It seemed easy enough to follow at least, but she did stop on being hailed, not wishing to pass by and continue on. "Oh, hello miss, My name is Schara, or are we not supposed to be giving our names like they did? I am sorry if that is the case, but it should be alright, they look like they're wearing armor that is decorated with iconography of Daeus, unless they're impersonating a priest, or are a bad priest, they're probably alright?

Telamon blinks, looking around, then realizes where Dolan is pointing. "Oh. Sorry, I thought... well, I'll save it for another time." He moves along with the group, before suddenly they're challenged by Elisabeth. "I don't -think- we're on any landholder's territory," he remarks to Dolan. "Still..."

He shifts along until he's clearly visible, and sweeps off his hat, bowing to Elisabeth. "Good day, miss! I am called Telamon Lupecyll-Atlon! My friends and I are seeking a fallen star that landed in that vicinity." He points toward where the path of damaged trees goes. "I do hope we're not trespassing. May we know your name?"

"No", is the reply of the armored woman bearing Daeusite livery. "So far as I'm aware, it's unclaimed land -- I'm travelling, myself, bound for Alexandria. Are you also tracking the staff that fell from the sky?", she goes on, making it clear why she happens to also be in the area... and coming from the opposite direction.

When Schara speaks up, followed by Telamon, the woman gives a little down-nod of her head and replies, "I am Elisabeth du Leoncorte, Sunguard", and reveals her sword hand as she pulls it from behind her shield, empty -- her sword remains sheathed, as the strangers seem to be non-aggressive.

Carver is not surprised that she hears a voice, anyone nearby would be curious about this and look to investigate. She pretty much understands the whole adventuring as a lifestyle, including seeking out falling stars. She tucks the vial into her belt in case she needs it later, giving Rune a nod in greeting. As Telamon greets the anonymous armored acolyte, she draws an arrow from her quiver. It's not outright a threat, but her coal-ringed eyes narrow.

"No harm in being ready, righ'?" She asks the leathery rogue next to her, as if she was an out and out beacon of ethics in all things. Like a Paladin in even tighter pants.

When Elizabeth steps out, Harkashan slows a bit, while motioning at the destroyed trek of trees for Telamon's sake.

"Good day to you, Warrior of the Platinum Dragon. I am Deathsinger Harkashan." The Sith-makar rumbles to her in rather well-spoken Trade-speak, touching his chest on his introduction. The strange lava-like patterns of his scales strangely warping within the light. The unusual armor clearly showing him as not being from around here.

"A staff from the skies, you say?"

With the stranger arriving in their midsts, Rune tilts her head before lifting a hand in greeting, "Leirune Theran, but you can call me Rune." She rarely goes by her full name, it seems. Where some others offer titles or roles, the half-sil is silent on that measure.

"We just came from Alexandria. Assuming the good Sir Lupecyll-Atlon has the magic left at the end of this escapade, you can probably hitch a ride back with us. Otherwise... traveling as a group is always safer in the wilds." Rune lifts one shoulder.

Her hands had not even gone for weapons, likely not picking Elisabeth out as a threat, especially against a group as large as theirs.

"Yes. I saw it fall as I camped, just last night", Elisabeth indicates. "I came to where I thought it'd fallen... and I've apparently come to the right place. Shall we sate all our combined curiosity, together?", she suggests. "...and if there is magic transport being offered to make my journey shorter, I'll gladly accept", she adds, starting out of the treeline in which she'd been standing, towards the group.

"Dolan Donnelly." Dolan doesn't immediately say more of himself, merely levels an intent _stare_ at the woman that would unnerve many. He retreats to the back of the group, then, letting Telamon and the others do the talking, and assumes something of a guard pose near the back of the group, folding his arms across his chest.

"Oh, so we are giving our names! That's good, unless you are because I did, in which case, I guess it's too late for me to say you don't need to. But I think it should be alright." Schara sighs. "Oh! But there we go, alright, I guess it's good to meet you, and I think Telamon planned on teleporting back, at least I hope he does, but it would be alright to walk back if that's necessary."

"Well then, I consider this a sign of good fortune!" Telamon seems utterly at ease, his dark eyes glimmering with distant starlight. "After all, I can't see why Highest Eli would not put you in our path if not as a sign of approval as well as a stroke of good luck for you in turn. I will be happy to bring you directly to Alexandria, once we've secured the falling star."

As the group follows the trail of destruction left, Tel continues, "You see, strictly speaking this was -- is -- not a star. It is..." He pauses, looking for a good word. "A vessel, for a good friend who sent it across an incalculable distance, intent on aiding the good people of Ea."

The group soon comes to where the star impacted. The forest has been, sadly, damaged by the falling star -- but this is no damage dealt by some monster, but simply an unfortunate event, no different than a lightning strike. At the center of the crater is a shattered rocky shell, bits of strange, pockmarked stone scattered around in geometric forms. And resting undamaged within the shards is a sphere, two feet across, with the green-blue hue of the sea and an odd oily sheen to it.

Elisabeth stands on the edge of the crater. "If your friend sent it, do you know what it is?", she questions of Telamon. She crouches, then, as if to get a better look at the sphere.

"Whyfor am I not surprised an archmagus has friends within the heavens themselves, capable of throwing down gifts from the skies?" Harkashan muses as Telamon gives his explanation, approaching the 'wreckage' of the gift, slowing down on approach.

"What's the name of this friend of yours?" The Sith-makar inquires curiously.

"Kind of figured it was more than just your usual sky debris falling to Ea." Rune replies, following the path of the destruction along side the others. "Though... if it's meant to be a gift from the skies, your friend must be remarkably powerful."

Crouching to examine some of the damage, Rune peers at a bit of pockmarked stone, looking at it a bit closer before turning back to tilt her head quizzically at the mage. "Also, leave it to those who are that powerful to not just send something by courier like normal people."

The sight of the orb, however, has her backing up a step. Magic is something that Rune doesn't have any deep understanding of, and this is likely something well beyond normal magics. "So... besides being very pretty, what is it?"

"It's a Flart." Carver says very proudly.

"What archma... oh." Telamon actually looks embarrassed. "I'm... still getting used to that idea. I mean, intellectually I know I probably do qualify as one, but... is it weird that I don't feel like that? And honestly, I prefer the title 'husband' over 'archmage' any day."

Tel approaches the sphere, still talking. "In any case, it was sent by a creature, a flumph, known as the Watcher in the Stars. I've known him for years, though we could only speak through dreams. And this vessel is an egg -- containing one hundred forty-four baby flumphs." He looks at the others. "It's always important to fight the darkness wherever it appears. And the Watcher's solution is to... send us some of his kind, to fight alongside us."

Gently, Telamon places his hand on the egg. Under the surface, something stirs ever so slightly. "We'll need to transport it to the Alexandrian docks -- it has to be cast into the sea, so they can mature there."

"Oh, yes, he does know what it is, did he not explain it to you before arriving here?" Schara asks as she looks to the others. "I guess it's nice you all agreed to help him without knowing what it was. I don't want to say something potentially wrong again though, so I'll let Telamon answer this time."

A notion which lasted all of half a minute as Schara turns to Carver. "Flumph, not flart."

"Oh," Carver says, sounding distinctly less proud.

"A what?" Lifting her eyebrows, it becomes obvious that Rune has no idea what the creatures in question are. "Why would you need one hundred forty-four baby anythings? And why are we making babies fight things?" You can imagine that her mental image is very much not anywhere close to reality. It probably runs something along the lines of an infant arena where toddlers fight werewolves.

Still, even though her understanding limited, there is a curiosity there as she watches the interaction as Telamon touches the egg.

"I've never heard of a... flumph... before", Elisabeth admits, rising to her full height, though she's actually quite small, even for a human woman, just *barely* reaching five feet in height, and that probably just because of the thick soles of the boots on her feet. "Are you certain they're a gift, and not a threat?", she asks, then lifts a hand, "I'm not trying to speak ill of your friend, but are *you* certain?"

"I fear I am not ready to call you my husband yet, Telamon. You will have to excuse me." Harkashan is quick to quip back to Telamon with a little twinkle in his eyes. "So I fear archmage will have to do for now, my friend."

He then looks at the vessel and rumbles, "... Flumph you say?" A pause. "A most unusual name. But very well. I shall guard this egg until we can get it to the docks then." Harkashan remarks, and grabs his buckler.

In the background, Dolan listens to the explanation, eyes, and indeed his whole head, still roving the entirely of the area in the search for trouble. He doesn't comment on the entire affair, but it seems that Telamon had planned this, and so he appears to take it in good grace. Harkashan's quip draws a cheeky grin and a call from him. "He's already got all the wife he can handle, Harkashan."

Tel takes a deep breath at the protests. "Some blows are not swung in a moment. Sometimes they are calculated across years -- millennia even. That's where the egg comes in. The flumphs will mature, and become a bulwark against the manipulations of evil creatures, particularly the aboleths."

At Elisabeth's question, he looks her in the eyes, his starry gaze unflinching. "I am. The Watcher may see the world differently, but he is a good person. He would not send his children to us without cause." His expression softens. "There are vast, terrible evils in the world. And so the world can always use more heroes -- even if they come from a distant star."

He can't help but chuckle at Hark and Dolan. "You two are terrible," Tel grins. "I ought to make you walk back. But since I won't do that, let's gather around, so we can bounce to Alexandria proper."

Carver moves over to the egg, studying it as the others continue to converse. There isn't any overwhelming feelings. Of hope, or fear, or anything that compels her more than curiosity. The thing exists now. Outside of its natural habitat. Given a chance at new life. The official story that they are guardians is a pretty one.

"Seems kinda sad though, donnit?" The raccoon-eyed ranger looks to the others, "Like, sure, you got all your brothers or sisters in the egg, but you're still not from here. You'll always be outta place. You'll always be a lil' weird. Or, a lot weird. I still don't know what a flumph even looks like."

She rubs the egg, maybe for good luck, unless stopped. "Welcome, little fellas."

She goes to join the others for another rousing game of hold your stomach's contents, please.

"Oh, yes, it is a lot of flumphs, from what I have heard. But how are we going to move it? You said it weighs several hundred pounds and we haven't brought a cart, is there a floating disc for it?" The artificer wonders. "Oh! I guess if we're just teleporting back, I don't want it to drop to the ground, after all when teleported, I know it isn't precise."

Elisabeth nods her head, saying, "Well, then... Archmage Telamon", clearly having caught his name and title from the conversation had by his companions, "I will trust you to ensure that it works out so."

Harkashan just quietly nods at Dolan. There's more in his mind. More amusing thoughts. But he does not voice them this time.

Instead, he motions for Telamon. "Please, if you would."

"I think I'm going to have to go look up what these creatures are when we get back to Alexandria." Thankfully, someone probably has more information, or a picture or something to fill in the blanks for Rune. "It makes sense to play the long game, though. Actions now to protect future generations."

As the group begins to gather, Rune steps in next to Harkashan, giving a sympathetic look to Carver, "It helps me a little if I close my eyes. Less sensory input."

Telamon smiles. "I know the floating disk spell. Once we return, I'll cast that, then carry it down to the docks." He looks sympathetically at Carver. "My thoughts exactly. And the Watcher, and his... brethren, sent those children here. Because they thought we could use a hand." He pauses. "Well, figuratively speaking. Flumphs don't have hands."

He nods to Rune, as the group gathers around the egg. "A man plants a tree, so that his grandson might sit beneath its branches. Same principle." Tel laughs softly. "It makes my head spin to try to imagine the calculation involved, the will to do this. I am glad I only have to deal with the challenges here on Ea."

Elizabeth steps up closer to group, apparently not a complete stranger to teleportation spells.

"Need me to lift that thing, Tel?" Dolan takes a step forward, his arms dropping, the left one held close to his body. "Ain't rightly sure I can lift it, but-" Seeing the others move close, he does the same.

"Okay, if everything is in place, I guess there's not much reason to stay around here if that is the case." Schara muses as they step closer to the group. "Well, I'm glad things have gone alright, but we shouldn't wait around for things to not go right. I'm ready if everyone else is."

Telamon shakes his head at Dolan. "Dolan, if you mess up your shoulder again, Zeke and Andie will have my hide. I should be able to roll it onto the disk, and if I can't, well..." He tilts his head. "Shouldn't be too hard to get help to do so." His eyes glint happily. "Alright, since we're all here..."

He puts one hand on the egg, and gestures for the others to grab him, or each other. "Anungal kaskal, nu siten, ula'ulla." The chant falls from his lips, and the swirling multicolored sphere wraps around all of them, and the egg as well. There's the sensation of moving, even though what direction and how fast are strangely muted. Then it stops, and the shimmering sphere dissolves... leaving the group, and the egg, standing in a familiar meadow not far from one of the watchtowers just outside Alexandria.

"Well!" Tel says with a grin. "That was less unpleasant than I had planned for. Sunguard Elisabeth, it was a pleasure to meet you. If you wish to see the end of this strange little journey you're welcome to come with us."

Elisabeth nods to Telamon. "I'd be glad to see this egg place where it must go", she says, looking past the watchtowers and into the city itself. "I'm appreciative, too, of you taking more than half the time off my journey here", she adds.

Another teleportation, another ripple towards the other side of Alexandria. With the limitations of the wards on Alexandria, just outside. "So we head to the docks, and then... just dump the egg in the ocean?" Harkashan looks to confirm with Telamon. "And they'll be fine from predators that roam there? Flumph babies must be rather powerful."

Carver listened to Rune this time, and closed her eyes, no longer interested in watching the world break itself and then reform anew in another place. She leans her head back, hands on her slim hips.

"I really hate wizards and portals."

Despite her earlier words to Carver, Rune is just a moment late on closing her eyes before the color barrage takes over her senses and she finds herself back on solid ground, clutching onto Harkashan's arm and blinking with her pupils wide.

"And that is why I keep my eyes closed." The rogue raises a hand and rubs at one eye. So, when Carver expresses that same emotion a second time, she offers a commiserating chuckle. "Better than walking, though." Kinda.

Releasing the Death-singer's arm, she looks towards the city, "I'll come along as far as the water. That way I can warn the fishermen to avoid that area just so they don't cause any trouble to the little ones."

Again they teleport, and Schara tilts her head once. "I do not understand. You and Carver are two of the most physically coordinated people that I know, why would you both struggle with this?" The artificer wonders aloud. "Perhaps I am simply used to nausea that it is not a concern from this, but I hope you feel better at least."

"We should all work together to get it on to the disc, since Telamon estimated it around six hundred pounds, I believe. It would throw out anyone's back trying to do that on their own."

Dolan lets out a long, heavy sigh at Telamon's response, one that persists through the teleport and into the return, which he staggers only a little on, and finds himself in the familiar field. "Damn it. Tel's right, though. I'll just have to put my other shoulder into it." He straightens, and drops his hands, and stares at the large egg. "Does it need to lift up to get it on the disk?"

He looks over at Carver, a sympathetic grin tugging at the mobile half of his features. "Teleportation took a lot of getting used to," he agrees. "It really is a lot faster, though."

Telamon incants, "Emegar maltum," once they've arrived, and a floating disk forms next to him. It takes a little effort, but the group is able to wrestle the egg onto the disk, which seems entirely unfazed by the egg's weight. "Probably a good idea, Rune," he admits. "I... really have no idea how this will work. The Watcher was pretty clear it would be all right once the egg was in the water -- I guess the baby flumphs have more... intelligence than newborn people? I mean, a little brains does go a long way if you're having to deal with hungry wildlife."

Once everyone is settled, the procession moves towards Alexandria proper, the city gates open and admitting people on business. Telamon is known, of course, and it's also well known magicians deal in strange things, so seeing the archmage carrying a strange blue-green sphere along isn't drawing much attention. "Agreed," he replies to Dolan. "I admit I don't have a problem with it, but there's a reason I carry soothe syrup with me if I bring friends along."

Harkashan thinks for a moment, on the warnings of the Guild's people. Warnings of magicians bringing things into the city unwanted. Summoning Demons. That kind of thing. Bringing over a hundred creatures into the harbor of Alexandria, where they might deal with the fish population has Harkashan just a bit concerned. "What do they eat?" Harkashan asks. "I am a bit concerned how this may affect fishing nearby. We may want to make sure we explain the situation to the Guild after this. Because otherwise, there's no doubt going to be quests to figure out the 'strange lights in the water' or something like that." He warns.

"Not sure I could pinpoint the answer for you, Schara. I think for me, at least, it's a lack of experience." Rune answers, then starts to tick off on her fingers the number of times that she's been a participant in one of these teleportation spells. She doesn't even get off of one hand. "And all of those have been in the past few months."

Between Telamon's statements and Harkashan's concerns, Rune lightly toys with one of her earrings and adds, "If they're smart enough, it will be relatively easy to avoid the fisherman. By the same logic, they'd also be smart enough not to cluster in one area and completely take over the resources there." She raises her shoulders slightly, "Then again, I'm no expert on sea life."

Schara is able to activate their armor, causing several joints to shift and reinforce themselves, just long enough to heave the egg onto the dis. Followed by further heaving as the armor is switched off, quieting the whirring and reconfiguring various joints yet again. "Well, I guess that would make sense. I think Telamon should trust that the person who contacted them knew what they were doing. At least I hope they do, and perhaps they can be spoken to later to make sure things will work out. Assuming they don't head for areas they can not be reached, but I also do not know how long it takes flumphs to mature to the point of being capable of conversation."

"He's got a point," Dolan opines, even as he studies the floating disk and its lip. "We're going to have to go up and over to move this, but - does it have to be the Alexandrian harbor? Or could it go a little further out?" He seems torn between the two topics, studying the egg, but clearly listening to the others.

Tel pauses, considering. His hand resting on the egg. "I don't know. But..." At Dolan's suggestion, he nods. "It might be better to take it further out from the harbor, at least into the bay." He looks at the others. "At least then they won't have to worry about getting caught in fishing nets close by the shore."

Telamon's expression is thoughtful, then suddenly he makes for one of the fishing boats that's pulled up at the docks. "I knew feeding Tanith all those times would come in handy," he remarks a bit obliquely, as he approaches the ship's captain, and begins talking fast -- evidently working on convincing the fellow to let Tel charter the fishing boat for a few hours.

"When you decided to start this life, ya know, the whole adventurin' thing?" Carver asks the others as they watch Telamon try to fast talk a good rate for a chartered ship. "That you would be worryin' local ecology from an invasive STAR creature? Not me." She rubs at her eye. "I bet they eat algae."

The Alexandrian docks on a sunny days. Boats and ships going in and out. It's -mostly- pretty mundane stuff -- the calls of sailors and dockworkers, the creak of rope and wood, the scent of the sea and fish and tar.

A small group of adventurers stands at one of the docks, accompanied by a floating disk, on which is balanced a large, greenish-blue sphere of some indeterminate origin. Telamon Lupecyll-Atlon stands at the front with his disk, haggling with one of the fishing boat captains to borrow his ship and services for a few hours. The sailors are watching a little suspiciously, but nobody's getting ornery yet -- thankfully.

Carver says, “i can be home in a min”

"I.... made.... it!", she pa"

One member of the group is jogging to catch up. Rune had stopped briefly to speak to the local sailors and fishmermen to let them know to hold boats away from this part of the docks for the time being. Of course, this request is probably part of why the sailors are watching with those suspicious eyes.

"We should be clear for a bit." She informs, huffing a little to catch her breath before leaning forward, taking another look at the sphere as if trying to see the creatures beneath the surface of the 'egg'. She is certainly curious, and witnessing this is certainly a story to tell.

The sound of running feet doesn't stand out at first among the DIN of the dockyards. But those standing by waiting for Telamon to buy a bigger boat may pick out the click-clack of wooden sandals on the wooden docks. A bald-headed, albino Goblin in copper and blue robes comes to a sliding stop, aided in part by Tel's leg, which she bounces of and ends up on her behind.

"I.... made.... it!", she says between pants and wheezes.

Schara, a small but heavily bronze armored figure was part of the small group that was around the floating disc and it's cargo, where the artificer was taking a look off of the docks. "I don't have too much to spare for boat rentals, I am sorry." They note. "It would be good to get some fishing done, but I shouldn't be attracting any predators closer to where we drop it off so I should do that another time as it has been a long time since I had any fish."

"Oh, hello Simony, you said you would help so it's good that you are here, are you alright?" They wonder while offering a hand up. "What happened to your hair?"

Carver has taken a seat, perched on a crate with arms wrapped around her lanky legs. She's mostly observing the actions of the others, hardly predisposed to charming the pants(or boats) off sailors. Might as well take a moment to collect herself, the fresh sea breeze and the less fresh odor of fish instilling Alexandrian charm to the locale. Frizzing her hair with all this salt too.

Telamon has always been of the firm opinion that a little diplomacy -- and some judicious lining of pockets -- will take you a lot further than you might expect. He pauses, though, as Simony bounces off his leg, looking startled at... "Simony!" Fortunately, Schara's there to help the goblin priestess up. "Careful now. I swear, you should buy something that lets you fly, at least you'll be less winded when you have to sprint places."

He places a hand on Simony's shoulder gently, before turning back to the boat captain. "So yes: just us, plus this, out to the bay and back. Shouldn't take more than a couple hours, tops." He reaches into his haversack, and jingles a coinpurse. "Besides, captain, you -did- say I could charter you any time after I bought that entire hold full of fish."

The captain is a craggy faced fellow with gray hair and a handlebar mustache that'd impress even a dwarf. "Hmph. Of course you'd remember that, milord." He sighs. "Alright..." He steps to the side. "All of ye get aboard, mind the crew and don't touch -anything- unless we ask ye."

The Gobbo reaches up to take Schara's hand. "Thanks Schara! Uhm it all fell out or burned in that fireball. No harm done here!" She hugs at their hand briefly before looking to Telamon, and laughing. "You want more Goblins flying around? Does that not frighten you? But I suppose the feeling is better than televomit or dimension vomit." Simony quickly straightens her robes. She wave then to Rune and Porter. "Hello!"

"I think the idea of anyone flying around is a bit frightening. Except maybe for the Egalrin. I guess it's pretty normal for them." Rune replies, her lip quirkling slightly. She raises a hand to Simony. She isn't exactly good at running, either so the rogue is still catching her breath.

At the invitation to board, Rune offers a nod to the captain. Never underestimate Telamon's ability to bargain. "You know, I can't think of the last time I've traveled by boat."

The prospect of not being able to touch things does get a slight scrunch of the nose.

"It would not be a bad idea to make travel easier, yes. I see, I did not realize goblin hair takes so long to grow back. I hope it will be alright, though." Schara answers after a moment. "Not as normal as you might think, a lot of them can't fly. Something about their physiology and long lifespans, I guess? I don't think I've ever been on a boat, so I don't really know what to expect."

The artificer turns to the boat, and Schara stops, and tilts her head. "Are we allowed to touch the deck? I can't fly or anything, so I'll need to be in contact with it, I guess."

Carver wrinkles her nose at the Captain, but not at his orders as it must have first seen. Instead, her eyes latch on the mustache. The huge furry catepillar that yon climbed upon thy upper lip, the improbable thing equal parts fascinating and disgusting. It takes her an extra minute to realize they're on the move.

She gives a shake of her head, dropping to her feet and following the others up the gangplank. Shouldering the bow as she goes, she pauses only briefly to rub Simony's bald head for luck.

Telamon gives Schara a look. "Are you serious? They just don't want people messing with the ropes or gear if they don't know what they're used for." The half-sil just rolls his eyes. "Come on, let's get moving." He grins as Carver rubs Simony's bald head, as he steps aboard with his cargo.

Once people are aboard, and the crew starts making ready, Telamon turns to Rune. "Flying's actually a lot of fun, -but- half the trick is getting there, since the gods didn't issue most of us with wings. Still, if nothing else it beats dealing with foot traffic." He taps his chin. "However, if you fly around the city, expect the watch to ask to get your name at some point. They like to keep track of people who're in that habit."

Simony squeaks at the rub to her head, laughing as she swats playfully at the hand. "Hey now, don't use up all the luck!" She eyes Schara and tries very hard to quiet her laugh as Telamon admonishes the armored one. The Gobbo saunters on behind Rune, looking around the ship with interest. "Aye aye, Captain!", she says with a jaunty salute.

"I don't know that it's something I'll ever experience, but I'll wave from the ground to all you magic folks." Rune waggles her fingers in Telamon's direction.

"I don't know that it's something I'll ever experience, but I'll wave from the ground to all you magic folks." Rune waggles her fingers in Telamon's direction.

Eventually, she settles on a spot along one side of the ship so that she can get a view of the docks as the ship leaves port. Of course, while they wait, she is fidgeting with her mother's locket. The rogue never does seem to sit perfectly still. At least, not anywhere that there aren't threats around. "How far out do we need to go? I thought most normal hatchlings preferred the shorelines."

"Yes I am serious, why would I not be?" The artificer answers. But the others seem to be going on without concern, so Schara joins them. "I have never been on a ship, they seem agitated and I don't know where we are allowed to stand or be if things are a concern. But that's okay, I can always lock up my armor and go wherever in that case."

"You could ask shaman Harkashan to carry you if he had a magic scroll, or have him use one on you, maybe? I don't think it's outside of the realm of possibility if it was something you wanted to do, miss Rune."

"Why would you even want to?" Carver asks, "Good pair of boots to the earth good enough, innit? Maybe a fast horse. Done fine by almost everyone. Speakin' of boots to earth, I hope we isn't stayin' here long?" She can handle the rocking of the ship, shifting her weight as they go, but it's a particular motion that she doesn't necessarily agree with. Thankfully she still has that sweet syrup to soothe her belly.

She leans out toward the fresh spray of the ocean, squinting as she looks out. "How far out do you think we needs going?"

The ship is stout and well maintained, and the captain and crew well-seasoned. Soon enough, the craft is cutting through the waves, sailing away from the harbor. Telamon confers with the captain, and passes him a pouch of coins, before returning to the group as Carver asks the big question.

"About an hour or so into the Inmost Sea. Not really that far -- just far enough out that the egg doesn't interfere with harbor activity." His hair blows around his head, as he looks out to sea. "We'll be back well before evening meal." He shakes his head in amusement. "You know, when I first came to Alexandria, I really did not think I would find myself in this sort of situation."

The Goblin, after some initial wobbling around in circles trying to figure out the concept of 'sea legs', she finds great distraction in the waves splashing away from the bow. Her laughter lasts a while.

Eventually she finds Telamon's side again, casting him a look that says the most terrifying thing a Goblin can say: I'M BORED

"How is the uh pea pod doing? It's not six hundred pounds is it? Did they speak to you? Any words from their Grandfather?"

"Actually, I'd probably ask him to use it on Aelwyn first." Rune uses one hand to lightly catch the breeze off the water, making a flying motion across her palm. "I imagine it would be a life's dream for him." She doesn't elaborate on that, perhaps knowing that his dreams are his own to share. "Boats don't bother me, but I tend to agree with Carver. I'd rather keep my feet on solid ground."

With a glance over to Schara, the half-elf offers a soft smile, "Just don't fall overboard in your armor. I imagine that would be a quick trip to becoming a permanent fixture on the sea bottom."

With the boat underway, Rune's hair is blown a bit back from her face, but she seems to enjoy the feeling. "I mean... I didn't exactly expect to end up here when my father sent me to your doorstep, either." The messenger smirks. "Sometimes you just follow the path fate has laid out for you."

Dolan has been quiet as they begin their journey out into the harbor, letting the others do the talking. Per Telamon's instructions, he was of only minimal assistance to the effort of hauling the egg onto the floating disk, and seems to be content for the moment to enjoy wind and waves and watch the harbor. The wind off the water sure doesn't hurt, either, and he lets it ruffle his shaggy mane, a hand on the rail to steady himself until he is used to the motion.

Now, though, he speaks up. "What sort of situation?"

Telamon rests a hand on the egg absently. "Nothing, but... I can sense -something-. Like... anticipation? Hope? It's come a long way, after all, and the journey's nearly done." He smiles at Simony. "And before you ask, I asked the Watcher how long and how far, and he said the number wouldn't mean anything to me. So I guess 'a long, long time, from a place far, far away' will have to do."

At Dolan's question, he sweeps out his other arm. "All of this. I led my donkey into Alexandria -- after getting lost on the way -- but I never expected my life to take the turns it has. I don't regret any of it, but I never would've predicted I'd be riding on a boat with friends to drop an giant, star-traveling egg into the ocean."

Carver shrugs, "Yeah, well, I though' I'd have starved to death in the shadows of the peaks of Khazad, so I would call this 'makin it'." She fusses with her knife, turning it over and over in the palm of her hands. "It's not even close enough to the weirdest job I done took, jus' like the one that I maybe learned to stop askin' questions about."

She reaches up, touching her own frayed hair, considering Simony for a long moment.

Then she gathers up all the burnt and crispy ends into a thick handful and...

Saws through it, tossing it all out to the sea.

The Gobbo slides about the deck with each bob of the ship. She nods to Telamon, "You've mentioned before. I've ... tried guestimating. Fun to ponder such things, you know? Erm. May I touch it? When I get back...?"

Simony slides past Porter. "You might have a good point about the earth boot thing!", she gets out as she skids by. She gasps at the act of random hair cutting. "Why?"

The bored look from Simony followed by the knifeplay of Carver both echo some of her own expressions at times, and it draws a smile from Rune as she lets out a soft breath of a laugh. A laugh that seems to be harder to contain when the Goblin starts sliding with the movement of the ship.

However, the strange moment of Carver cutting her own hair is met with a tilt of her head, "Everything alright?"

Then, turning eyes towards Dolan and Telamon, she watches the pair with a bit of quiet wonder. Rune knew the sort of suffering Dolan has faced, and it wasn't that long ago that she saw Telamon drop dead. It seems heartening to see them both in far better states. "Maybe you just need a more active imagination, my friend."

"Well, I guess Aelwyn would like that, but I don't think it would be the same." Schara answers to Rune. "I can't say I know Aelwyn the best, but I think he told me one time. I like being on the ground, but flying would have some fascinating insights and things to consider."

"I guess you weren't, but it shouldn't be surprising given circumstances and knowing a flumph from so far away? That is difficult to determine. I will be fine, I don't plan on falling in, and even if I did, I could tread water for a while since I know how to swim, but I would probably be dead before the boat could get back around regardless. And without armor it wouldn't be much better."

"I guess personally I did not expect things happening here, but none of that is important or relevant."

"Know what you mean," Dolan replies to Telamon, looking out to sea. "Been a damned wild ride. Think it's almost over, though." He turns his entire body to face Rune, grinning easily. "No need for an active imagination. Ea itself's got all the excitement I need. Can't make half of this shit up."

"A chair was eatin' my hair." Carver says in explanation, as she fluffs out her much shorter 'do. "Now it can't." It's 'a' logic.

She tucks her knife back into the belt, and then goes to unstring her bow. Nothing about this trip suggests to her that she needs to be ready, so might as well do some maintenance on her equipment.

"There's always another adventure to be had, Dolan. It might not be something as dramatic as what we're used to, but it'll be one with its own rewards." Telamon's eyes twinkle gently, as he pats Simony on the shoulder, helping catch her as she slides past. "Almost time." Indeed, the waves have slid past, and Alexandria is almost out of sight save as a tiny smudge on the horizon.

Tel can't help but wince a little at Carver cutting away some of her damaged hair. "You know, I do know people who can help you with that sort of thing. It wouldn't even cost that much." He shakes his head, ruefully. "Ah well. Hair grows back -- eventually."

"You are right there, Dolan! How are you and Andelena doing? It's been a little while." Simony grins as Telamon pulls

"You are right there, Dolan! Ea makes fools of us all on a regular basis. We should be humble. Something in me says where is the fun in that? How are you and Andelena doing? It's been a little while." Simony grins as Telamon pulls her from her path. "Thanks Telamon. And none of us imagined we'd be here at all, with uh 'excitement' for the taking."

"But we're doing the right thing, yes? We're alive. Lives have been saved. Evil things have been beaten and destroyed. Now we get to see something rare happen. Amazing!" She hops once, raising her arms, and then dangles from Telamon's arms.

"The mimic, right?" Rune asks, raising a brow to Carver. "Just one of the many things I dislike about the Felwood." She runs a hand through her own hair, not wearing it particularly long, herself.

Then, back to Schara, Rune nods, "Aelwyn's a bit of an enigma at the best of times, but... I know he enjoys the open sky. There's more to it than that, but... I'm not entirely certain I have the specifics right." Sometimes the fire-dancing Makari is a little hard to understand.

Then, resting her arms again on the side of the ship, the rogue adds, "True enough. Sometimes I wish it was a little less exciting, even if only for a couple of days."

"Me and Andie had our share before we ever got to Alexandria. True that it didn't involve demons or werewolves, usually. Didn't think I'd find myself in Alexandria, though." Dolan turns his attention back towards the speck of Alexandria in the distance, but only for a minute, then back to the mighty view of the sea that surrounds them. "I'm a lucky man, honestly. Let's hope that good luck continues. "Got a beautiful lady, and good friends, and my life, and I can still swing a sword. Damn lot of men can't say all that. The Knight's blessed me."

"Oh, was that because short hair is safer? That would make sense. I thought that she was cutting it because of the burning, to stop and damaged ends from causing further damage." Schara considers after a moment. "I guess since my hair is always covered up it doesn't matter, but I like keeping it long, it is an unecessary habit I suppose, and actively causes issues accommodating for it, but I still like it."

"Aelwyn is a fascinating individual and a good friend. A bit hard to understand at times, but I care about him and that makes me want to understand them better." Schara answers Rune. "I think we are doing a good thing hear, it is nice when what is and isn't good is clearer like right now."

"In my experience... which, granted, seems both 'not much' and 'more than even I had expected' at the same time... we make our own luck. Yes, sometimes you have to gamble -- but I'm not the sort to let fate choose the result. Not without me trying to stack the deck in my favor, anyways." Telamon's grin is wry, but cheerful. "Still, can't argue with the results. If you'd told me two years ago I'd be married to a gorgeous woman, be accounted an archmage... I'd have suggested it was time to stop drinking."

Gently, he nudges Simony towards the egg, where it sits on the floating disk. "Here's your chance, Simony. You won't hurt it -- gods, it survived flying through the stars, I wonder what -could- hurt it."

"Really??"

Simony's eyes widen , and a few tears of joy leak out as she turns to view the egg. A long hesitation follows before she places a gentle hand on the egg's surface. No comments about warmth or texture, no drawing commences.

"Mighty Navos, if you might lend this body a small portion of your might. May it please you, these gentle creatures are babes in the wilderness. Please protect them from any who intend them harm beyond basic predatory instinct."

"Little ones, I feel that you can hear me, and may soon understand me. Be free, learn all that you can. This work can be dark and mean. But in your darkest of hours, look for those who walk in the light. They will move mountains, slay evil, and rescue you. I will not live very long, not compared to your lifespans. But my wish is to meet with you once more."

GAME: Simony casts Bless. Caster Level: 7 DC: 14

The way Schara speaks of Aelwyn draws that warmth back into Rune's expression as she nods her head, "Me too." There is a fond affection for the fire-dancer, "I need to catch up with him while we're back in Alexandria."

Her ear twitches then, turning back towards Simony at that sound of excitement from the Goblin. Though the prayer has her quieting, giving proper respect to the moment.

Dolan's about to comment, but seeing that Simony's been handed the blessing, he simply stands and watches, respectfully letting her do as she will and waiting until all is done before moving to assist with any moving that may be required.

Carver doesn't really get the blessing, but is attune enough with the gravitas of the moment that she doesn't pipe in with any irreverent quotes. Instead, she observes quietly, coal-ringed eyes narrowing.

"Yes, that is a good idea, I should, as well. It has been some time, and I have a promise to set him on fire that I have not fulfilled, yet." Schara agrees, with a glance out over to the egg that it seemed to be time to deal with. The artificer hesitates for a moment, and sighs, leaning against a wall on the boat, before correcting the request to not touch anything shortly after.

"I hope this helps Kira, it's another small step, but it's not impossible." The artificer states quietly, and mostly to herself. <celestial>

Telamon smiles down at Simony, patting her shoulder, his eyes full of warmth. He nods to Dolan, "I think if I move the disk out past the gangplank..." Tel nods to where the crew is extending one, "... the disk will vanish, and drop the egg into the water."

Once Simony's blessing is complete, Telamon begins to 'walk' the disk out onto the plank, and then it floats along the narrow length of wood. The force-disk bobs lightly with the waves, until it reaches the end of the plank -- and then vanishes.

The egg, of course, drops into the ocean with a splash, but it doesn't exactly -sink-. It bobs up and down a bit, and then suddenly everyone can see that the egg is unraveling, dissolving! And releasing a horde of small, strange creatures -- like large squid, with elongated bodies and many tentacles, about the size of a man's arm. They swirl around each other, schooling in a way much more like fish than squid. And then their bodies point upwards, tiny black eyes peering up at the people on the ship.

And wordlessly, they begin to sing. It's a strange, ethereal song, without words, an alien hymn that's nevertheless loaded with compassion and happiness. They sing for several minutes, before the school of baby flumphs suddenly dives beneath the waves, to begin their own journey of adventure and discovery.

Leaving the heroes to sail home to Alexandria.