Aeshma walked a little ways from the evening fire where the Crew were gathered drinking grog and swapping stories. She smiled as she heard someone asking Captain Baldbeard and Kyp for some music. She was happy to see Captain Baldbeard and Durik back, and to meet the interesting Pharos who had helped Durik escape. The thought of Pugwash's fate saddened her and she chanted a blessing and farewell to his soul. She wondered if Captain Baldbeard had found anything useful. With all the excitement of the return, meeting Pharos, tales of the rescue and of Pugwash, not to mention the High Council galleon Count Karnstein had seized, she hadn't had a chance to really talk to Captain Baldbeard quietly yet.

Thinking of the galleon, and the Count's tale of his tangle with the magical items, Aeshma almost chuckled. She would have to carefully look over the contents of the Envoy's cabin tomorrow. It would require studying everything with a critical magical eye, and she wasn't sure they should keep any of it. She didn't trust the Council, and even if a few items might be useful there was no telling what might be trapped or geas-cursed should the Crew attempt to use them. She sighed, if they wanted Refyx to look at the items she'd have to carefully pack them up and bring them to him. There was no way in the nine hells Refyx would ever board a Council ship unless his life depended on it, and possibly not even then.

The papers and scrolls at least she kept and stored in a witch-locked chest. Many were written in Elvish, possibly old Elvish, so she would pass those to Captain Aylar and Devin to decipher. Others were in a magical language which she would study once she could ward an area sufficiently for safety. Which might not be until the Ship returned she reminded herself. Kyp was right, the dragon turtle was keeping them safe and they should likewise try to keep her from harm. The scrolls could wait. It may not be wise to risk what magics might be on them combined with the dragon turtle's natural magics surrounding them.

Aeshma's gaze turned to the moon as she heard the first sounds of music starting. Devin and Cap'n Rummyfangs were out there somewhere, as was Captain Aylar ... and Cliodhna. She whispered a prayer to the Lady of Winds to guide them and keep them safe. She hoped they found what they sought, and returned soon. Until then her eyes would be on the moon, counting down the days.

Secreted away in a little watch-nest atop the mast, Aylar stared at the horizon. The two handed-over vassals minded the deck below decently well, but he still saw it fit to coax some wind into the sails of their speedy ship. Even though he made sure to leave just on the cusp of breaking dawn, moderate tribute of Monkey Island goods carefully stowed away in the cargo hold, time still was of the essence.

They passed a larger ship only a couple hours ago, going in direction opposite theirs. His instincts warned him of it being of Council-make; despite being reasonably sure that they would not deem their fleeting appearance worthy of their attention, he ordered to take a little berth all the same, reinforcing the intent with a little glamour of insignificance.

Already they have started their move. Briefly, he thought back to those few chess games he had with Bellandra; were they playing white or black? Surely, he was simply still too tired to scheme straight, and that's why he felt some concern about all this, instead of the usual fiery glow of confidence and daring. There should be no threat of outright failure, he reasoned. The Crew is already making their move, and whatever the other side was about to throw at them, would, fortune willing, either miss or graze.

For everyone's sake, he should focus on what only he be able to get done. The time to reassess his position on the board would come once he were fully rested and rid of the ballast. Once he was at the node, he would be able to cross over the boundary between mortal and Fair, and slip into the Dreaming, taking a pathway home and with it, a long overdue rest. And the damn siren would finally be out of his hair.

Instantly, frustration threatened to boil over when he remembered the siren, and the annoyingly delicate performance he had to come up with, springing her briefly out of her shell in the privacy of the cargo hold shortly after the ship departed from the island, to paint a picture of her current predicament in tones that only he would be able to see the true hue of. He always preferred to deal with the obstacles in a direct way, even when it came to making plans. He knew how to tell a half-truth or spin a white lie; vapidity, even for the purpose of pretense, was still coming difficult to him. Soon it would be time to make good on his promise, he told her, pressing whatever trinket her simple soul would want to receive into her hands. Soon, all of her curses and geas would be broken, and she would be free from whatever the aboleth or the hag had wanted her to do, and the shell would not entrap her any. They were heading to a place away from the mortal sea, a place more fit for her that would treat her in a way she deserved, and a place that would keep her safe from the Crew or those that wanted to meddle with the Crew - but only if she would keep things secret; after all, can't have someone figuring out why she was in hiding, right?

Behind every word of it he put the intent, the true and pure intent of needing her be removed from that plane of existence, away from his Ship and the people he would continue to fight to lead and protect. He wanted her gone; the banshee in him wailed for vengeance, the phoenix energy, still nestled securely in the charm within his hair, wanted justice. Personally, he felt exasperation and disgust. He knew, however, that his late father would have probably taken pity on her and not pick the option that Aylar so craved initially - the option locked in a magickally sealed chest in Captain's Cabin, and that his mother, though as bloodthirsty as he'd usually be when thrown out of balance, would caution patience and a steady scheming hand. Tricking souls into being willingly bound into eternal servitude, be they criminal and punished justly, be they naive and misled, was highly valued as a measure of power of those Fair who had the power and right to do such deals. He had to start his training in matters other than sword and sorcery someday, he reasoned then, as the girl vanished back into her shell with a glassy-eyed, happy expression on her face. All along, the oath she gave to him was twisting it into exactly what she wanted to hear.

Aylar hoped that was not the currency that would fetch him the highest increase in Court stature. He wanted completely different exchange rates. It would have been so much easier to just feed her soul to the Sword, and cut off her tail so that Argy would have fillets to spruce up. But he had to show more patience. It would pay off.

That being said, the Sword would likely appreciate being handed down at least something, just as he really needed to kill someone eventually. Aylar thought back to his mental kill list. Maybe he could feed Beckett to the Sword down the line...

-

They reached the node at what he would estimate be the cusp of mortal evening. Quickly, he instructed the two souls aboard to bring the tributes to deck, and secret themselves away with some food and water. "That will be the safest fer ye; ye may risk leave the ship and seek new fortune elsewhere, but neither the local Folk nor yer new bound allegiances would nae see to it kindly. No one that would wish ye trickery or harm would be able to step below deck, fer the ones crossing aboard be here only to take what be owed fer docking and pay their regards; this be me courtesy to ye. By the next morn, those of me kin overtaking yer employ will be here and be permitted entry - decide with them by yer own will the trade and tasks ye be most content with."

With that, and after dealing with the usual affairs pertaining to leaving the ship docked, he finally crossed ashore, and instantly, his soul felt a smidge lighter. Here was the true boiling pot of People, as the Fair and Magick Folk free and willing to mingle among each other called themselves, bartering, arguing, making merry, scheming, living, countless glamors of countless races and lies and truths and half-truths converging. Here the banal was tearing at the seams, making way for the reality of the wild, untamed wyld. Walking down the main road and away from the pier, he shot a brief glance towards the tavern of Knucker's Spiral, but shook his head, stepping off the roughly hewn stones in favor of the more rarely walked path. That part of his role would wait, for now. Drinking was no good while one still nursed a headache.

-

The Old Pool clearly had seen better days. The hue of the water, the shade given by the trees, the lean of the shore-plants, nearly dipping their heads below, the peculiar rickety sound the little pier gave as he walked along it to the water's edge - all felt to him particularly neglected. Fleetingly, he shared in the sorrow of it all. These days those sitting at the top were too occupied looking at the sun while the foundations rotted right beneath them. Luckily for the place, he has finally returned to bring some color to it all. Oh, that ought to be his favorite part of this entire thing. Have to mix bitter with the sweet.

Aylar inhaled, putting a good dose of intending to alert as many denizens in the earshot as possible into the words following.

"Oi, lads and lasses! I have returned!"

It only took about a minute to bring a flurry of activity, as a number of local merfolk broke the surface; all but a couple of them, to his further relief, still were ones he knew from his past visits. An exchange of greetings and boasts and well-wishing mixed with a few jabs followed; then the swapping of news and rumors. Then, with a smile and a wrist flick, he produced from one of his sashes a collection of Monkey Island-made combs and bracelets, and asked whether any of the fine crowd gathered to greet him would be keen on doing him a favor for these, sweetening the deal with a promise of a wild tale or two as well, once he were done with the rest of his business in town. The trinkets proved a good hit, and after a bit of carefully veiled explanation ("you see, I have one of your sisters here that needs escorting to this specific place through this specific merfolk route...") everyone sat back quietly, watching and even theatrically and tactically cheering as Circeana was set free from her shell and her curses, and then sent off on her undoubtedly merry (merrily final) way along with an entire suite of escorts.

After the gaggle of merfolk disappeared beneath the waves, Aylar stood still for a few moments, feeling the murk of that entire ordeal slowly lift from his spirit. He made a right choice. A long, but right choice. Once the damned girl crossed the boundary between the Free merfolk pathway and his people's territory, she would never be able to return unless the High Queen allowed it. The thought soothed the hatred in his soul a little, but to soothe it proper-like, he would probably still need a drink.

"I can tell you are glad THAT is over." Another mermaid broke the water surface near the edge of the pond, grabbing the dark, waterlogged wood of the little pier. Her incursion on the quiet moment wasn't seen as unwelcome, however, or as a surprise.

"Filena." Aylar inclined his head. "I have been wondering why you weren't around."

"The little wretch seemed familiar, so I've decided to stay out of sight just in case. You've played her well, Aylar. You'll get the hang of this side of dealings with time." Filena brushed away an auburn lock stubbornly sticking to her wet forehead, then nodded. "I think everyone involved in this exchange will be satisfied, even the good itself. Speaking of exchanges, I'm here not just to gloat, and faster we pull this off, the better," she reached out her hand expectantly.

"You want to play messenger? I didn't expect that." He passed her a sealed, water-treated leather case. Filena grabbed the case, only to put her elbows onto the pier and the case down for a bit, clearly intending to gossip a little bit more.

"No kidding! She hasn't been terribly liked among the merfolk AT ALL so, personally? I'm glad she's going to-" she mimed air quotes, "-transfer. Like," she lowered her voice down to a whisper, "-it's for real, right? Once your people get someone, they are not getting out ev-er, and so she's never getting out, and she's like, the doomy-kind-of-doomed like the way one is doomed when your kind really wants someone dead, right? I kinda can tell that you would like nothing better than to do one of those string-weaving things you sometimes do-" she mimed the act, wild toothy grin on her face, "but, like, with her entrails. Do your people do that? Entrails weaving? Rumors go around, but who am I to rag on you. On the other side we drag mortals underwater and pluck their eyes out of their skulls."

"Filena."

"Was that rude of me to imply? Sorry." She clutched at the case, demeanor strikingly more awkward. "Point is, I want to be the one bringing home the good news. This will improve my standing just by being the proxy."

"Always with the standings." He took out another comb out of his bag. That should be enough of a showing that he wasn't angry with her. "Here, since you've missed out."

"Them's the class burdens. I hope the story you'll be bringing on your way back will entertain away the political drudgery of it all." Filena snatched the gift out of his hand and dove beneath the water, a flick of silver tail sending an errant splash his way.

Ah, yes. Drudgery. Aylar grimaced. He needed that drink all the more now.

-

By the time an approximation of twilight was encroaching upon the node, most of the local seafaring Folk knew that the Red Mane was back in town, and though the details of his adventures remained largely and very much deliberately nondescript, People still took delight in seeing one of their own, once stranded ashore by ill tidings, be now back in the game again, exchanging information and general, very-general tales of bloody battle. The pirate-accent was as heavy on his tongue as the taste of grog, though. He knew that the phoenix magicks in him would no longer allow him to get proper salt-dog wasted, but it was a greater disappointment to realize that in his forced brush with sobriety, he lost the appreciation not just for the proper, acid-battery, G.R.O.G kind of swill, but even the humble rum. Maybe that particular side of his blood was finally kicking in, and he'd develop a taste for graveside wine instead? Aylar shuddered from the thought, as he was leaving the merry of the Spiral for the night, and warm lights of the town for the gloom of the wilderness, wind tugging at his clothes. Another weight lifted off his shoulders once he finally stepped into the hilly boundaries of the Site, and saw the huge, winding, yet proud and lonely trees reaching out to the skies.

A black rabbit bounded out of the hill-grass at his approach, golden eyes twinkling mischievously. "Welcome back, welcome!"

"As hale and hearty as always, Fee."

"I gotta be, gotta be running fast all over and all along and all across. But! I ran my fastest to greet you, and I am sure you can't run after me as fast, so!" Fee thumped his hind paw on the ground. "I demand you carry me back as payment!"

"Payment well demanded." The rabbit was thus deftly scooped up.

"I will give you directions as usual! We have your favorite spot free this season! Want it? Of course you do!"

Some things still were as usual. As usual, he made his way to his preferred tree. As usual, he set the rabbit down onto the faded, dry leaves and listened to him rattle off the usual well-sleep wishing and dash off to greet or warn or chase away someone else. As usual, he settled among the roots and sank down into the earth until the earth sheltered and roots entwined with his form the way they sheltered and soothed into Dreaming all that crossed the boundary between the living and dead, sometimes no matter whether they had the power to cross the boundary back. And as he fell down into a Dream long overdue, he felt a thing not Usual - a careful tug of familiar magick, a reluctant nip of a beak upon his lock - but as he tried to reach back and listen and respond, that vague feeling streaming down the roots to his being slipped through his fingers and through his mind as a thread uncaught, and he continued down still, on his way down the road that led Home.

And so the Siren's Song is sung, and done. As the interim drifts to a close the Ship drifts on dark waters ...
-----

Chapter Five - There is a Way Out of Darkness

"There is a way out of darkness ... you walk through it."

She was drifting, unanchored, far away from the currents now, in an endless dark ocean of oblivion. At first there had been pain, and cold ... so very cold. She didn't feel them anymore. Now there was nothing ... no hurt, no chill, nor something to fear ... just nothingness. She didn't know where she was, or even who she was anymore. What was her name? The thought came to her that there had been many, but they all had escaped, fluttering maddeningly just beyond her reach, playing hide and seek along with her fading memories. Where were her feathers? Was she supposed to have feathers?

Sometimes she saw faces, flashes that briefly floated to the surface of her thoughts, only to dissolve away again ... a halfling with a cocky grin, a carved face of beauty and grace, a blond dwarf with kind eyes, another bald with a lush beard, yet another with a glass eye. Then there was the fierce mighty half-orc with a parrot and ... was that a three-headed monkey? Another half-orc's face rose from the cresting waves, this one kindly petted a cannon. There was a half-mer with a twinkle in his eye, a half-dwarf with sly plots in his, a pale human with a dashing air and intense eyes of his own, and a grinning Felinoid spitting a furball of light at her. Who? Where?

Once there had been somewhere she belonged, someone she was supposed to be with, a place and a purpose ... but again she couldn't remember. Something was gone ... someone was gone ... now only a gaping void in her heart and her soul where once there had been ... everything that had truly mattered. Gone, all of it gone ... lost along with her heart and soul to the endless dark. It had frustrated her once, this fragmentation. But now even the frustration had faded into that nothingness.

There were occasional flashes of a sea dragon, no it was a penguin. No, someone with red hair and a rakish smile, or was it raven black and a rogue's? She heard things sometimes ... the sound of laughter, the lilt of brogue calling a name, or was it the snatch of a haunting melody sung low? It was all slipping away ... like her ... further into the mist. Were they real? Did they even exist? Maybe they had forgotten too ... or didn't need her anymore. It was need that would call to her, she still remembered that much ... but nothing reached out to her, even though at first she had tried listening. But that was gone now too and only the silent dark beckoned. How long had she been cast adrift here? She couldn't remember. Was it years already? Eons? Did time even have a meaning anymore? She knew she was losing herself now, her faint glow dimming ever more. What happened when it was gone altogether? Would she be gone with it?

-----

It is all paws on deck. Cap'n Rummyfangs kept the helm steady as Devin quietly sang the moonlit path down the River Lethe to the last moongated passage. He spit a spectral rumball to the deck, for luck. Then they are through, and Devin immediately silences his lute and his voice.

The Sea of Lost Souls stretches before them, ominous, quiet, dark. Its treacherous waters hide despair and desperation, anguish and angst. "Abandon hope, all ye who enter here," Devin had quoted to Rummyfangs when he told him of their destination. It was why the Crew couldn't come, because the dangers to those still living, or their now fated half-life spirits, of being overtaken by hopelessness and then lost is immense. Even the phantom crew is at risk of being pulled into it or swept over and lost. But here they are, because here is where she might be, their admiral and friend.

The Ship lies almost becalmed, adrift. There's barely the hint of any breeze, only an undercurrent that seeks to pull them outward into the darkness. Still the phantoms and Rummyfangs remain alert while Devin prepares. The Lost are in these waters, and even though the Ship's lanterns and spectral aura are dimmed and Devin is the only live soul, it is enough to draw the Lost to their light. When that happens the Lost will swarm to come aboard. Some Lost Ones are still sane, others simply adrift, but the Forsaken are the desperate and angry Lost, and will try to pull the others off or sweep them overboard and take the Ship. Cap'n Rummyfangs knows they cannot allow that to happen. They must hold the course and give Devin time.

Suddenly there is a strange flash nearby, then a splash. It wasn't lightning, Cap'n Rummyfangs is quite sure of that. It had looked different, a momentary flash and he quite distinctly heard a splash. Has someone fallen? Could it be the admiral falling here? Barfdeck looks out into the dark sea and then at his paws. Last time he had caught her. But this time there was no warning from the Ship. He bares his fangs and looks around again. He be the Ship's heart and captain now ... where was the notice? Shouldn't he get a notice? He stares at the Cursed Hook Hand holding the Notice Board. Nope. No notice. Why didn't the Ship tell him to catch her? Why didn't she fall on the quarterdeck like before? He's here. He's soft. Well, muscular with soft fur. She should have fallen right on him, he'd make a great pillow ... err, soft landing for her. He stares out into the darkness again and his Felinoid eyes widen. There is a shadow and a Lost wouldn't be falling in. Cap'n Rummyfangs quickly motions to Devin and sends orders to the phantom crew while he steers the Ship closer. Somebody's out there!

Captain BenKii, you feel a power surge, then a wrenching and suddenly you splash down into cold water in the dark. There must have been a transporter malfunction. This certainly isn't where you're supposed to be. You look up, only to see no stars. Only inky blackness greets you, and the cold water soaking into your great coat and replicated local style clothing as you tread water. (roll dice) You feel a momentary despair, but you are a Starfleet captain and you manage to dismiss it in favor of assessing the situation.

You see very dim light nearby. There is a dark ship, with a slight aura, bioluminescence perhaps? It is a smaller galleon, sleek and swift and made for speedy passage and quick maneuvering. In fact the Ship doesn't so much ride upon the waves, as it has the waves swirl around it, reminding you of a warp field of some type, ebbing and flowing about it in iridescent hues. As it gets closer it becomes apparent the Ship has been damaged in some sort of recent battle.

By the light of dim lanterns you see a white feline person dressed like you at the helm. Several of the shadowy crew are standing mid-deck ready to lower a rope with a board seat to you. Suddenly another man appears out of the shadows on the deck above. He is tall and reminds you of a pale Vulcan with long black hair pulled back into a clasp at the nape of his neck. (In this Sea the phantoms look more like normal crew, only slightly shadowy in the dark.)

Devin slung his lute over his back and gazed out into the deep darkness of the Sea of Lost Souls. He had thought to never return, but his lady was Lost and he would find her. Find her and bring her home. Memories surfaced of a darkness so black, a silence so deep it devoured all the music within him. Hope had died in that quiet vastness of nothing. He felt the draining despair reach for him and conjured in his mind the memory of starlight in that darkness, when his lady's musical voice had reached out to him, pulling him from a state of nonbeing back to life. Devin would not listen to that insidious despair, not when his Lady of Stars needed him.

A flash of light caught his attention off the starboard bow. As he turned the sound of a splash as if from a cannonball reached his ears. Devin saw that Cap'n Rummyfangs had also noticed. He pulled his silver dagger and hurried to the starboard side, his eyes seeking the cause. A person was in the water, a human male by the looks of it. He hummed a harmonic. Whoever it was he was not one of the Lost and did not belong here. Devin motioned for the man to swim to the Ship and grab the rope being lowered for him, offering a hand to help him onto the main deck.

[Once Captain BenKii is aboard and steady]

Devin's eyes ran over the human, noting various traits and storing them away in that appraisal. "Who be ye? How did ye come to be here?" he asked the stranger.

As the blue electric field from the transporter faded around BenKii, the captain began to make out where he had been transported to. An ocean as far as the eye could see with no land in sight. Wait? No land? BenKii looked down. He saw no land below him either.

"Oh fra--!" The captain exclaimed before falling feet first into the endless ocean. The transporter must've malfunctioned and sent him to the middle of nowhere. Instinctively the captain started to tread water and get his bearings. It was dark all around him. Not even the stars could be seen above him. He only saw one source of light. One that was coming straight for him. As it got closer, it appeared to be some sort of galleon. Like one of those pirate ships from an old holo novel.

'What luck?' thought BenKii 'Perhaps I'll live after all.'

As the ship approached, a rope was thrown down and voice told him to swim and grab ahold of it. Seeing no other alternative, BenKii swam towards the rope and started to climb it. Once up top, a man with pointy ears reminiscent of a Vulcan extended his hand to help him on board. Surely, he wasn't actually a Vulcan but perhaps another distant relative to the species like the Romulans. Anyways, he seemed like a nice guy so BenKii grasped the offered hand and is pulled on board. The helpful stranger then asks, "Who be ye? How did ye come to be here?"

'That accent?' thought BenKii, 'Definitely sounds piratey to me. Better act the part and put on your best Cap'n Sparrow impersonation.'

"Aye!" said BenKii, "I be BenKii... Captain BenKii that is." The Captain thought how best to explain his situation without breaking the Prime Directive. Possibly telling the truth while not exactly giving all the facts may be the best course of action. "Me ship came across a wee strong storm you see and we've run aground. It be badly damaged and I be in need o' repairing it but it be needing special parts. I be in search fer some purple looking crystals so I set off to find me some." This next part would be tricky. Surely they saw the transporter flash but BenKii had a way to explain it. "I must 'o made a wrong turn somewhere cause the next thing I knew a flash o' lightning struck me and I be splashing down into them cold waters. I thank ye fer the rescue me hearties. I don't s'pose any ye have seen where them purple crystals may be?"

As BenKii awaited an answer, he examined his surroundings on board this Ship, checked his equipment (tricorder, phaser, comm badge) for any damage, and made formal introductions to the rest of the crew. BenKii also had 5 silver and 5 pieces of 8 that were replicated for him before being transported down.

Cap'n Barfdeck Rummyfangs secures the helm and bounds over to hear the human introduce himself as Captain BenKii. Another captain, whose own ship has been damaged and run aground. His Felinoid eyes scan the blackness. It can't have been near, and Captain BenKii is not a Lost ... err, well he's obviously lost, but not Lost lost. Rummyfangs considers spitting a spectral rumball at Captain BenKii just to make sure, as Devin said his rumballs could repel the bad Lost and might help the good Lost. Then he pauses. Captain BenKii might take that as an insult and he doesn't want to be rude. Instead Barfdeck hacks the spectral rumball to the deck between them (as politely as possible for a Felinoid) and watches the glow turn golden before fading. He nods and grins, he is just getting the hang of this Heart of the Ship thing and the new ways to use his spectral rumballs, but he's sure it means the Ship approves of Captain BenKii.

"I be Cap'n Barfdeck Rummyfangs, cap'n of the Ship," he says, careful not to bare his fangs too much, lest it be taken as a threat. "I no' be knowing about them purple crystals ye be seeking, but it be no lightning that dropped ye 'ere, that be magic trickery." He nods towards Devin. "This be Devin o' Moonsea. He be half-elf and bard and be the one ye should be asking as he knows 'bout such things. He be guiding us here to save a lady fair." Cap'n Rummyfangs stands taller saying this, then motions and has a crewman bring a blanket for Captain BenKii. "Welcome aboard, Captain BenKii. Best I be gettin' back to the helm. We be havin' only a short time to be findin' and savin' our admiral."

Barfdeck gives the wet human another grin and turns back to the helm, putting the Ship back on course towards the center of the Sea of Lost Souls where Devin has said they need to go. At least that's one thing his spectral form saves him from ... he no longer needs to worry about baths or wet fur!

Perhaps the unusual excitement of Captain BenKii's arrival has alerted them, for it isn't long before Sensei hisses a warning from the Crow's Nest. (roll dice) Cap'n Barfdeck Rummyfangs looks up, then out to where his fellow spectral Felinoid is pointing and growls a challenge of his own. To starboard and forward the Lost are starting to gather and approach. He quickly musters the crew to stations while he adds spectral energy to push the Ship to move faster. For the Lost the crew will use boat hooks and cannon ramrods to push them off the Ship and back into the sea, but the Forsaken they must fight to kill, banishing them into a different underworld sea.

(roll dice) A swarm of 20 Lost begin to climb up the starboard side of the ship. Among them are 3 Forsaken. (Total = 17 Lost, 3 Forsaken. Their presence drains the Will to fight, their touch will chill and slow you. The Lost are slower from despair, but the Forsaken's anger gives them normal initiative and attack speed.)

-----

Meanwhile on the island: Mighty regretfully informs the Crew that Monkey and the Chieftain have said he needs to remain on Monkey Island for now, to train and lead Mighty's Monkeys to defend against possible attack by DRM Alliance minions or High Council presence investigating the loss of their people. Perhaps he can join them later, if the current difficulties are overcome and allow it. (Due to RL demands, Mighty will not be sailing with the Crew for now. Your GM wishes you all the best and hopes RL eases up soon.)

Aeshma gives Mighty a big hug and wishes him well, blinking a tear from her eye. She tells him she will keep watching and to have the Chief send a bird if he can rejoin the Crew. Then she slowly walks down the pier to the galleon to investigate those items in the Envoy's cabin. Maybe they can ask Kyp to do some fishing and Argy can do a fish bake and pig roast and have coconut rum to give Mighty a mighty 'farewell for now'.

Devin returned Cap'n Rummyfangs' nod then turned back to Captain BenKii and addressed him in his deep melodic baritone. "As Cap'n Rummyfangs said, I doubt it be lightning that stuck ye, Captain BenKii. 'Tis more likely to have been a portal that ye encountered. Have ye had dealings with such before, or mayhaps a shadowy figure?"

Devin watched Captain Benkii carefully as he asked him, noting any flinch or twitch that may reveal the truth, while he allowed his voice to inspire confidences. There seemed to be something about this human captain that hinted of interplanular travel. Though Devin didn't sense true perfidy, there was something the captain was not fully saying. (per GM) For now, Devin would be cautious, even though Cap'n Rummyfangs had shown the Ship was fine having Captain BenKii aboard.

"Aye, while there are many purple gemstones and crystals, I believe I know the magical ones of which ye speak. They mostly come from certain Fae lands or the lands of the Weirding Sea." In his years of wandering as a bard, and his training, Devin had learned to trust his instincts about other beings. Captain BenKii struck Devin as mostly honorable for a human. He had a warrior's stance, command presense and intelligent observant eyes. (Per GM) Devin considered, then continued, "Ye be in luck, this Ship be heading for the Weirding Sea soon. First we need find and rescue M'Lady of Stars, afore she becometh truly Lost. She was assaulted and taken from the Ship by foul means and now be entrapped here within the darkness. Willst ye help us, Captain BenKii?"

[Waits for Captain BenKii's answer.]

Hearing Sensei's hiss, Devin quickly looked up and about. "We hath run out of time, Captain," he informed BenKii. "We be in the Sea of Lost Souls, and some of those Lost Ones hath now found us. They be attracted to our lights and our life essense. The peaceful ones we seek to repel only, but the truly desperate and angry be the Forsaken and those we must kill or they willst seek to drain us of hope and abandon us overboard while they take the Ship." Drawing his silver dagger once more, Devin grabbed a boat hook and tossed it to Captain BenKii as he stepped to the railing to defend the Ship.

Devin will use the silver dagger and concentrate only on the Forsaken, pushing any peaceful Lost towards Captain BenKii and other crew as he does not know if Captain BenKii's weapon - which he has not seen - will be enough to kill a Forsaken. Only if they are in desperate straits will Devin use one lightsheen vial with his rapier.

-
Good luck, Mighty/Sulibor! Sad I be to not be sailing with ye. May everything work out for ye, matey!

Kyp upon hearing the news about Mighty needing to stay on the island is upset, crews got to stick together but sometimes members have to depart at times or have time to themselves. Kyp is no stranger to leaving the crew for personal endeavors for short periods of time.

Kyp goes and starts fishing while quietly playing a soft tune on the accordion,.

The 2 members of the crew introduced themselves as Cap'n Barfdeck Rummyfangs (some sort of cat creature) and Devin of Moonsea (a half-elf). 'Ahh, that explains why he looks like a Vulcan' thought BenKii. Rummyfangs, the cat captain, then spat out some sort of... ghostly looking furball?? 'Must be some sort of cultural greeting for his species'

BenKii bends down and picks up the furry hairball "Thank ye Rummyfangs fer your gracious... umm... gift." said BenKii. Perhaps the captain will scan it later to find out what it actually is.

BenKii then turned his attention to Devin of Moonsea. He seemed to think it was not lightning but magic that brought BenKii to these lands. BenKii thought for a second, "Yup! It be magic sure enough. Couldn't have been anything else." Devin also knew of where the dilithium was on this planet. Somewhere in the Weirding Sea which so happens they were heading towards. But first, they need to rescue M'Lady of Stars and have requested Captain BenKii's aid in rescuing her.

"Well I could never say no to rescuing a beautiful lady. I be joining you in your rescue to save the damsel in the distress, so to speak."

Suddenly 20 ghostly looking figures climbed up the starboard side of the ship. 'Oh what the hell is that?' thought BenKii. 'Ghosts!? I ain't afraid of no ghost. I shoot them!'

Devin hands BenKii a boat hook and inclines for him to use it to push the peaceful ghosts back overboard. However, BenKii believed he could be some help in the fight with the angry ghosts.

BenKii will use his tricorder to scan the Lost for any weaknesses. After that he will move to a safe distance away from the Forsaken but making sure to stay in weapons range and use his phaser (which upon discovery finds out that it looks like a musket now but uses it anyway) on the closest Forsaken enemy.

"Blisterin' barnacles! Trouble be boardin' the Ship!" (roll dice) Cap'n Rummyfangs leaps over the quarterdeck railing to the main deck, pouncing upon a Lost One. Even being spectral, Barfdeck feels a chilling despair seeping into his mind and heart. Alarmed, he barfs a spectral rumball from his tummy up into his mouth, almost choking himself. He spits it out onto the Lost One's chest and watches in amazement as light from the spectral rumball infuses the despairing soul. A smile comes over the Lost's face as it fades out.

"Shiver me timbers, it works!" (roll dice) He coughs up two more spectral rumballs and spits them at the Lost, and again sees the light and relief on their faces as they fade away. Encouraged by this, Cap'n Rummyfangs targets the nearest Forsaken and remembering his last act of his ninth life, spits a spectral rumball at the Forsaken's face. The spectral rumball hits, but instead of a smile, the light of the rumball staggers the Forsaken for a moment, then it turns on Rummyfangs with red eyes shining with hatred. "Sink me, that just walked the plank." He draws his rapier and bares his fangs. This is his Ship and freeloaders are not welcome!

Devin, (roll dice) targeting a Forsaken, you blend through the shadows to it's back, swiftly plunging the silver dagger beneath the left armpit in a seasoned move. It disappears instantly. (roll dice) Spinning, you notice a Forsaken intensely focused on Cap'n Rummyfangs. You deftly cross the deck, knocking a Lost overboard before bringing the dagger across the Forsaken's throat, and it is gone.

Captain BenKii, you bring out your tricorder to scan the Lost for any weaknesses. (roll dice) It gives a high pitched hum, then blinks as if hiccuping. It appears to be malfunctioning. The only scan it seems to do is for 'unseen or magical energy' anomalies, which it informs you registers as the entire Ship and crew, as well as the enemy. With one last weak beep, your tricorder shuts down. (roll dice) Unfortunately, during that time several of the ghostly Lost have managed to make their way on deck, and while the crew is dealing with them as they can, two have their sights set on you. One seems rather zoned out and slower, but the other is large and reminds you of a vengeful Klingon in bloodlust. (roll dice) You move away as you can on the crowded deck, drawing your phaser, which now looks like a musket for some reason, and shoot. Your phaser musket spits a single shot, recoiling in your hand, then stops as if for a recharge delay. The shot does manage to blow a hole in the Forsaken's chest, which sends it reeling back overboard. (roll dice) Meantime the Lost has drawn nearer and reaches out towards you. (roll dice) Luckily the other Felinoid from the Crow's Nest swings down from the fighting arm and kicks it over the railing. He grins at you, then goes on to toss the next Lost head over keister with a practiced martial arts move you've seen Starfleet master instructors use.

(roll dice) The Lost have been repelled and the Ship leaves them behind as it begins to increase it's pace, even though there is no wind for the sails. Up ahead appears a small wooden dock floating in the middle of this seemingly endless sea of darkness. Cap'n Rummyfangs brings the Ship to the dock and has the crew secure the docking ropes.

He nods to Devin. "We be holdin' the Ship secure, and givin' no quarter to any bilge rats that try us. Do what ye must, and fair winds to ye."

Then Cap'n Rummyfangs turns to Captain BenKii. "We be dropping anchor 'ere 'til Devin finds the admiral. We still be havin' to keep watch fer Lost and defend the Ship while he be searchin'. He has a very limited time to find 'er, and we can't be sailing about while he be away, so we'll be needing yer help holding the Ship 'ere." He thinks a moment, then nods to himself. "The crew don't need sleep, but there be a cabin available for ye among the Commissioned Officer Quarters, where I and the other captains stay. It was Captain Aylar's, but he's in the Captain's Cabin now since he turned Polly from an undead parrot into Cliodhna the phoenix and the Ship chose him as Captain," Rummyfangs says, as if it should all make sense.

Captain BenKii, Cap'n Rummyfangs leads you through a door to a hallway just off the main deck. He opens the second door on the left for you. The cabin is not huge, but still spacious enough for to have a sea chest, a wardrobe, a functional cubby desk and two portholes. The bed is clean, comfortable and large enough without wasting space. Everything but the rugs and the desk chair is bolted down.

-----
The Ship, deck plan
Attached: Sensei, Felinoid, was the Ship's cook until an unfortunate accident with zombie mushrooms in last year's first Mission.

"There is a way out of darkness ... you walk through it."

Devin locked onto the memory of her voice from when his Lady of Stars had spoken that to him and banished the tendrils of doubt. At the time he hadn't truly hoped to believe her, but she had proved it, coming for him through the darkness with her healing light. The Ship had now come through the Lost to the small floating dock at the center of the Sea of Lost Souls. A dock which was the only place a living spirit or soul could leave this place from, through winning their way here and paying the toll. Devin was prepared to do both. He climbed the rigging to the fore top yard. He had to be above any possible fighting when he returned with her and hope Cap'n Rummfangs and Captain BenKii could hold the Ship here and free from any more of the Lost.

He fingered his braid, his vow. So it had come to this. Cap'n B betrayed and overcome. His lady held in darkness, with no stars or moon to see. She was bonded to another captain, another half-fae. Not just any half-fae, Devin knew now. One who according to Aeshma would not Call her back. Wouldst not, or couldst not, that be the question. Or be it more likely that she couldst not answer?

His thoughts returned to what he had finally puzzled together from Captain and Crew, and his Dreams. Lady of Light, what had she been thinking? Just to give up? Had it become so bad, herself so broken, that she would? No, not unless she had a backup to save the Crew. Captain Aylar. He considered if the Fates had twisted the threads with the two of them and Aylar truly didn't know what he had tripped them into, or the possible repercussions and opportunities it offered. The High Queen would. No doubt by the time he returned, Aylar would too. He thought of knowledge he had that they didn't. Whispers of a long ago Seeing, a child saved. A destiny reaching forward to now? Was it to be this Captain, this Crew that be Fated to free them all?

Focus. Before any of that could happen they had to get her back, or her severed ethereal form would become a disembodied spirit forever lost to them. That Devin would not allow. Once a bond was formed the way to Call to an ethereal phoenix through that bond wouldst be by need. In the case of his lady, that need was not a calling of magics, but of the heart and spirit. Of course no one had thought to ask the goddess-blessed bard who had known her for several centuries. Why had she not called upon him sooner?

He called upon the energies of the fullness of the moon he knew reigned in the sky beyond this place and began weaving the melody into his chanted prayer. He placed his life and his trust in his goddess. Then he opened his spirit and his heart to his Lady of Stars. Hear me, Fair One. I be here. I hath come for ye. I needeth ye now. Guide me. She was his Lady of Stars, an ethereal phoenix not by birth but forged from need and sacrifice. He focused on that need and his own willing sacrifice now, sending his call with every heartbeat into the darkness. Locking his mind once more to the memory of her voice telling him to walk through the dark, and his heartfelt intent and need for her clear, he confidently walked the fore top yard and stepped off the end.

-
(GM allowed 3 tries with increasing penalties. - copied from PMs)
First try: Devin sticks to the central more known paths; no enhancements, normal goddess favor, save tolerances. I know she's not here but I'll use it to build blessings and bonuses for the other tries.
Second try: Devin will range outward to the lesser known paths; moonsong, defensive bardic enhancements, enhanced goddess favor, normal tolerances.
Third try: Devin will seek the dark of the moon paths; All in. All enhancements, resistances, tolerances, goddess blessing, boons and luck - throw it at this one. Aye, Devin knows the penalty. "With my shield or on it, Fair One."

'Well it may look like a musket' thought BenKii 'But it still packs a punch!' The Lost had been repelled for now but that doesn't mean they're gone for good. More may still come.

Devin had left to find his "Lady of Stars" and it was up to BenKii to keep the Ship protected. This..."ghostly" Ship. At least that's what the tricorder readings were saying. Apparently everything about this place was ethereal. Course it could've been that the tricorder was malfunctioning. And so was his phaser, only shooting short bursts at reduced power levels. BenKii tried his comm badge, "BenKii to Freedom. Come in Freedom." There was nothing but static on the comm. Perhaps this place was causing signal interference.

Captain Rummyfangs showed BenKii to his quarters which apparently belonged to another captain named Aylar. 'How many damn captains does this ship have?' thought BenKii.

Rummyfangs also explained that Aylar no longer required these quarters because he now resides in the Captain's Cabin. As Rummyfangs put it, "...since he turned Polly from an undead parrot into Cliodhna the phoenix and the Ship chose him as Captain." BenKii just stared at Rummyfangs nodding along like he understood it all then said. "Yeah, that be making total sense."

Now in his new quarters, BenKii decided to search the area for anything that may help him in his quest including the sea chest, desk, wardrobe, and even under the rug. Possibly for some currency, weapons, armor, or consumable potions. Or even just a sandwich because, let's face it, he be hungry after fighting some ghosts. BenKii will also attempt to scan with his tricorder Rummyfang's ghostly looking wet tribble "furball" to find out what it is. After that, BenKii will return to the Crew Deck and be on the lookout for more enemies that may approach the Ship. BenKii also remarks to Captain Rummyfangs, "Ye be sure that Devin need no help in finding his "Lady o' Stars"? Dunno where I be of most help. With the Ship or be it with Devin?"

Cap'n Rummyfangs minds the helm. Sensei is looking out from the Crow's Nest while several of the phantom crew are walking watch fore, aft and mid Ship. The gun ports are sealed and locked against infiltration. Two more phantom crew are on the dock guarding the lines. Rummyfangs watches as Devin climbs the fore mast rigging to the fore top yard until he stands for a long moment on the yard arm. Then he walks confidently toward the starboard end, purr-fectly balanced. Devin would make a fine Felinoid, Barfdeck decides as Devin steps off the end onto the faintest wisp of moonlight and vanishes.

Captain BenKii, (roll dice) you search your new quarters to find ... nothing of interest. All the contents beyond the furnishings must have been moved with the previous occupant. You do notice that the sea chest, wardrobe and desk all lock when you close them, yet glow slightly then unlock at your touch. You attempt to scan the 'gift' Cap'n Rummyfangs gave you, but it seems to have faded away sometime, or at least you cannot find it anymore. In response to your question about staying or helping Devin, Cap'n Rummyfangs simply points up towards the forward mast. There you are just in time to see Devin walking steadily along the fore top yard (the mid cross beam of the forward mast of the ship). In a moment Devin simply walks off the end of the crossbeam onto a wisp of pale light and vanishes.

Once Devin is gone, Cap'n Rummyfangs orders some food and a mug of grog brought for Captain BenKii. They don't have much on board as Devin was the only one who would need to eat, but it is something and not fish heads. Barfdeck doesn't know why Argy has such a thing for fish heads, but he doesn't think Captain BenKii would appreciate them as much as Kyp does.

Next Rummyfangs concentrates on the Ship and the beat of his heart. Before he left, Devin explained how to push some of the Ship's returning energies into the wards Captain Aylar carved so it could help against the Forsaken. When Captain Aylar left neither he nor the Ship were in any condition to properly charge the wards. But over the next few nights, Aylar should be connected to the Dreaming, Devin told him, and the dock of the Sea of Lost Souls is another form of gateway. Cap'n Rummyfangs doesn't understand what Captain Aylar might be dreaming, or how the dock might help. Maybe Captain Aylar is dreaming of sitting on the dock of the sea? Rummyfangs uses what Devin taught him and imagines the energy as the Ship's blood and pushing some that isn't being used to help repair and heal the Ship into the runes with every beat of his heart. (roll dice) It is partially successful and a very faint glow fades into them.

(GM Note: Sorry for the late post. I didn't realize you were going to bring this part fully into the thread. I had to go back and find it.)
Devin on your first try you walk the more marked and guided moonpaths. (roll dice) Your goddess favors you and most of the Lost you meet you are able to charm with music and song and guide back to the paths, earning boon and favor. (roll dice) The Guardian's task you complete easily, but as you already knew, your lady is not found here and you return tired, but not exhausted. (roll dice) Luckily the Ship has avoided the attentions of the Lost and you are able to enter a Dreamless sleep.

On your second try you walk the lesser known paths. (roll dice) Your goddess grants you favor, but the Lost here are not as easily charmed and the despair and hopelessness tries to attach itself to you. (roll dice) Your Will and Wisdom resist, but it still takes a toll on your mind and your heart and darker thoughts manage to creep in. (roll dice) The Watcher's task you get through by the skin of your teeth and in your search six Forsaken challenge you and two have marked you. The one you seek is not here. You return with your body exhausted and your thoughts unsettled. (roll dice) The Dream takes you under and with the darkness in your mind it is not kind. You wake to oppressive blackness and for a moment forget where you are. Luckily the dim starlit lamp in your cabin gives you just enough light to reorient yourself and your wineskin is within reach. You spend the next several hours sorting through your memory of the Dream, before you are finally able to rest, but you now have your answer. (PM)

(roll dice) Something must be working because only a few Lost find the Ship. They are easily repelled.

On your third try you seek the dark of the moon paths, the furthest out with the greatest danger of getting lost. (roll dice) Sensei visits you in your cabin. You are as prepared as you can be with the little rest and chill still in your body, (roll dice) you bear one mark on your heart, another on your mind ... you will be challenged. You have selected to throw everything at this one. (roll dice/bonus) Your goddess grants you blessing. Your boon grants you protection. (roll dice/Luck) The Forsaken trail you, attracted by the marks. Your beast tears them apart. You've manage to resist the pull of your former desolation and heartbreak and reassert your Will. (roll dice/blessing) Success, however you have sacrificed your submission for your blessing and now (like the Crew) you are marked by Fate. (You so owe that Luck card and your blessing. With your previous history penalties I wasn't sure there for a moment. Congratulations.)

Devin simply walks off the end of the crossbeam onto a wisp of pale light and vanishes. BenKii look over the edge to see the sharp drop and thinks, "Nope, I ain't jumping off that deck. Devin's got this. I'll just sit here and wait for the pointy eared dude to come back."

BenKii sees some food and drink brought up by the crew and decides to dig in. "Gotta build up me strength for the battles to come! I wonder if they have any leftover pizza? o_O"

Devin heard that Captain BenKii had been asking if he should help Devin search, or where he would be the most help. "I fear me goddess willst not allow ye on her moonpaths where I must search, brave captain. Once I hath retrieved her ethereal form, her spirit, from this dark place - then indeed I wouldst welcome yer aide in freeing her mortal form from those that seek to enslave and torture her, For the now, help defend the Ship. It be our only way out of this dark sea." He nodded to Captain BenKii, then turned once more to the forecastle mast to climb the rigging.

Devin drew a deep breath and tried to calm his unsettled heart that wanted to rage within. It would not do, he needed to center himself for this. He'd already been marked by the darkness. He would be challenged. Resentment and fury would not serve him here. His goddess would not let him walk Her paths unless composed, and Devin needed to walk those paths now. He focused on his purpose. His Lady of Stars had once gone out into the darkest void to retrieve his own broken and desolate soul. She had given him new life and purpose, refusing to give up on him no matter that he had not deserved it nor thanked her for it then. Aylar may not yet know what gift he had, but Devin did. He would not give up on his Lady of Stars. It didn't matter what the Fates or the Council or others might try to put in his way, he would never give up on her.

Three nights. Three nights of the the full moon and this be the last one. He had to find her tonight or they could lose her to the paths permanently. Devin concentrated, steadied his breathing and walked off the fore yard arm one more time.

He knew he had cut it close when he returned, carrying her in his arms just the way Cap'n Rummyfangs had described to him. Devin looked down to where he held her small bare form, his Lady of Stars, a beautiful fair, fiery haired Elf maiden. He grit his teeth as his eyes saw the terrible black gash showing just above her heart.

He almost stumbled and went to one knee on the yard arm, exhausted but triumphant. He breathed a prayer of thanks to Her, his goddess of the Moon. He had found his lady and gotten her back just in time for he sensed the full of the moon was giving way, almost gone now. She wouldn't have lasted even to the last quarter moon, she'd been drifting too far off the paths already. But he had been determined not to come back without her.

Devin quickly stripped off his shirt from beneath his waistcoat and pulled it over her. Rising, he called out to Captain BenKii below. "Captain BenKii," he spoke evenly while roping her carefully into a sling. "I be lowering M'Lady down to ye. Take her gently, and free her from the ropes." Devin cautiously lowered her down to the deck. Then he slid down the rigging, reaching to take her from the human captain (should BenKii assist) and carrying her swiftly to the Captain's Cabin. He laid her down on the bed and reached out to softly brush the long feathery curls of her fiery hair back from her face. "Stay with me, Fair One. Don't ye dare fade on me, M'Lady. I spent too long on those moonpaths looking for ye to just let ye fade away."

From a small pocket within his waistcoat Devin withdrew the small vial Aeshma had passed to him. Uncorking it, he pulled the shirt back to expose the black wound and poured the single drop from the vial onto it. A single precious ethereal phoenix tear would heal almost anything on a mortal form. He prayed it would heal an ethereal one.

He looked up as Cap'n Rummyfangs came rushing in to join them. "Cap'n, reach out to her through the Heart of the Ship. See if the Ship can stabilize her here or we'll lose her again."

(per GM) Devin watched as Rummyfangs stepped up to gently spit a spectral rumball of pure light at her. It glowed for a moment as it touched her, then disappeared. It wasn't working. More drastic measures were called for. He thought carefully for a moment, then smiled.

"We must wake her to keep her here, before she fades again. Luckily I know just the thing - at least it works in all the human's fairy tales." Devin gave Cap'n Rummyfangs and Captain BenKii a wink, then drawing on his fading full moon energies with a musical whisper beneath his breath, he took the Elf sorceress's face tenderly between his hands and kissed her.

Devin uses the ethereal phoenix tear given to him by Aeshma on the black wound over M'lady's heart. Then he will invoke the last bit of his goddess-granted moon magic to perform a healing kiss, but the very moment she starts to wake he will immediately move to the foot of the bed or a distance away. Preferably with Cap'n Rummyfangs and Captain BenKii closer. Devin be a rake, not a fool.