-It seems the better part of my existence has been spent waiting. Waiting, planning, hoping. Maybe this time will be different. Maybe they will pull together and rally in the face of extinction. Then again, maybe they were always right about me. Maybe I am insane. After all, what is the definition of insanity? To repeatedly engage in the same pursuit and expect a different outcome. Yet here I sit, awaiting those who I plan to kill..those who would just as soon kill me, ready to put them to the test. I wouldn't be so committed if the responsibility wasn't so great. If nothing else should they fall like the others, please at least let them understand...I never lost faith in them.-

The inner monologue served to put the moment in perspective for him while he sat on the deck of the battered merchant ship, shrouded in black smoke and waiting for the glimpse on the horizon. By now the world knew of the sickness and because of it any ocean traffic would be kept to necessary transport only. A ship seen coming from that particular direction would be on course for Lapis Cove, and the only vessel that would follow that heading would have been sent to find out exactly what was happening. How did he know? Because he had sat in that spot, watching the horizon from the oceans of countless worlds.

His attention was taken from the setting sun by a sloshing sound to the right of the ship. Glancing over, he noticed 2 of the native sea-people holding to the rail from the outside and looking at him inquisitively. He could not speak their language but they seemed to understand him just fine. So while he spoke with words, they spoke with gestures and mimicry.

"Why have you come?" There had been no agreement to meet here. The last he'd spoken with them he had specifically instructed that they, and their 'guardian' wait for his word to show themselves again. The pair of sea-dwellers proceeded to point towards the ocean, gesturing their hands against their mouths with the fingers meant to mimic tentacles. They followed by hammering their fists down against the railing. It wasn't difficult to decipher that the creature they had allowed to awaken was becoming restless. It was an unfortunate but foreseen outcome. For all its size and menace it was still just a beast, it worked on instinct and could not bring itself to think on a broader scale. If left unchecked, it could ruin everything.

Something had to be done.

"We made an agreement. Only after I have finished what I have come to do will you, or it, interfere. There will be no re-negotiating our arrangement. The only reason any of you continue to swim free is because you agreed to assist me. Should you outlive that usefulness, I have no issue grouping you with the rest of this world. Then you will have the chance to show who deserves to see tomorrow." Whether or not he was done speaking, the next sound was a loud sloshing of water along with a series of rapid clicks that varied in tone from high to low. Several massive glowing globes of bio-luminescence came to the surface of the water and with the appearance the ocean people fell from the side of the ship, disappearing into the sea.

Their protector had come.

No ship was on the horizon, and the waters were calm so there was no danger of the gigantic beast being seen. It could not speak or mimic, so its ire was given by a series of harsh splashes down the length of its immeasurable form. The shadow beneath the water appeared to stretch all the way to the horizon, and as the beast breathed below the surface its expanding and contracting movements were enough to make waves that lightly swayed the boat. The feeble looking man seemed unimpressed as he stood from where he had been sitting beside a long dead corpse. Walking towards the rail of the ship he looked down to the water when abruptly a massive eye that was easily larger than the vessel opened just a few feet away. It was full of the primal focus only an animal could possess, and that vivid intensity was met with the cloudy ever aloof stare of the mans nearly useless eyes. For several long, silent moments a beast and a monster held each others gaze In the end it was the hooded figure that broke the silence.

"I understand your anger. What they took from your people, what they stole while you slept..the need for retribution must be so strong. And as promised, once this is over you shall have your chance. Those that are left will seek safe haven, to do that they will need to take to the seas...and that is when you shall have your time. Until then, you will do as you have been told. You will not ruin my plans, you will NOT act out of turn. Do we understand each other?" The creature gave off a sound beneath the water that was similar to an insects chirping only amplified many hundreds of thousands of times, no doubt it would be heard for miles in all directions. Rage was easy to sense in any language. Beneath the low hanging cowl the sickly looking man moved closer to the rail, his eyes narrowing as he showed a slight agitation.

"Do not force me to end our relationship. You are only worth something to me for as long as you follow my lead. Remember..there are more important matters involved than your short sighted need for revenge. If you put this all in jeopardy by acting prematurely you will no longer need worry about your people. Because I will have them tearing each other apart all around you. YOU WILL NOT RUIN THIS."

The voice which had been so rough, barely able to emerge from behind every wheezed breath suddenly became threatening. Blood began trickling from the corner of his mouth as his eyes widened threateningly. The waters churned abruptly, the ship swayed back on a sudden wave as the beast emerged upright from the sea. It took several seconds for such a gigantic thing to raise itself, and when it did its form would be impossible to miss for many miles in all directions. Despite the distance of the Jade Phoenix its crew would see what had brushed against them towering over the smoke. But the sound it unleashed was just as imposing. A single, ominous bellow that reached nearly every shore of every continent.



Slowly the mans widened stare of fury became a narrowed gaze of aggravation. Even now he showed no fear towards the creature as he looked up to regard it. For a moment his metallic teeth clenched in anger, but the tension eased quickly as he knew this would only help what he planned when the Jade Phoenix finally arrived. The angered look turned to a subtle grin as he lifted his head enough to let his face be seen by the beast that nearly blocked out the sun. "When this is all over and my time is done on this world, you and I will settle this. Until then...get back to the bottom."

Primal hate or not the creature had the awareness to know that the man was a true threat. It had seen through its peoples eyes what happened to those who encountered his blood, and that was a risk that triggered its survival instinct. With one last loud series of clicks it drew back into the water until its entire form disappeared without a trace. The waves caused by its movements had doused the flaming debris, but by now any ship heading in his direction would already be on a direct course.

It was at that moment he moved from the rail, turning to see the telltale dot of a ship just on the horizon. He glanced around at the condition of the ship, the wreckage in the water, the corpse nearby, it was all perfect. The creature appearing could not have come at a better time. In only 10 hours or so he would have the first direct meeting with those who held the fate of their world in their hands. Anticipation was not a strong enough word for what he felt just then, and with that vigor running through his sickly, withered body he grabbed his walking stick and violently smashed it against his face. Blood instantly began pouring from his mouth and nose, and before it had even the time to drip he pounded the gnarled head into his ribs, breaking several. There was no cries of pain, only a subtle wince that came with an almost satisfying sigh. Finally he stretched out his contorted right arm, and the pain of it registered on his face. The hand was as gnarled as the head of the stick, and the bones were bent in unnatural directions, but through the force of will he stretched the arm out until the twisted hand rested on the rail. A deep breath was drawn in and held as he steeled himself and swung the stick down onto his wrist.

The bone shattered like glass, splintering out of his flesh in several places and finally he gave off a low grunt. It was only a moment before he steadied himself and moved back to where the corpse lay. Now he need only wait for the Jade Phoenix to arrive. Perhaps it was irrational, but he always preferred to know those who came to the aid of their world before the violence began. It was a small show of unspoken respect.

Dropping down beside the corpse to sit and bleed, he began tapping the bottom of the walking stick against the deck, singing to himself in a voice that could only be described as deathly;

"I left my home as a boy to brave the savage lands.
To face the monsters in the dark with my own two hands.
I never knew the things I'd do to stay upon my feet.
In icy cold, through dangers old, to all the foes I'd meet.
Soon a man I became, my path left in the mud.
Wearing the cost of all I lost in every drop of blood.

Outside of the light for so many years
I discovered that I was wrong.
There's a monster in me that this world's set free

And the dark is now where I belong."

Lieron knew when he took over the Red crow tavern that eventually his discomfort inside cities would make him incapable of continuing. His time there wasn't a total loss at least Taria's full elf sister had found them both and they offered healing to the citizens of Bariston while there. However, The shape changer was far more comfortable living among the trees in Vandual. He left the tavern clean and ready for the next owner that came along.

Their former employee John came to the Brona trio while they tied up loose ends before returning to their home in the north of Elved. He was in a panic because his brother was no longer responding to the medicine Taria made especially for him. The young man was so distraught that he finally decided to take them to his house for immediate care. It was a small building with two bedrooms and a central area that contained the fireplace which was used for warmth and cooking.

John's brother Derek was breathing shallowly and seemed unnaturally thin. Lieron smelled death on the boy, in his opinion the cub didn't have long. However, Taria had worked great magic in the past to save lives so only time would tell. Something other than the stench of decay bothered his well developed senses, but he couldn't figure it out why at the moment. He hoped it was nothing serious, his wife often asked him for details he may have picked up no matter how small. "Careful love, things are off here. I don't like it one bit."

Taria responded quietly as she delved her patient for the cause of his condition. "Thanks for the warning Lieron, I'll be extra cautious." Despite her worries having her lover and sister right beside her was very calming. Her doubts only grew as hours of effort passed with no change. She asked Vadania and her husband to bring her fresh water periodically to keep the young man cool and hydrated. Eventually she could think of nothing else to do for the youth and fell asleep after having exhausted her magic and stamina.

In the middle of the night Derek stirred moving as if something pulled his strings. Taria, Vadania, and John didn't notice the boy stirring. Lieron was taken by surprise when the door to the small home burst open. The sudden breeze from the opening woke the ranger immediately. He took in the state of the small room and noticed the sickly cub was gone. He rushed to the doorway and glanced up and down the street, but didn't see the kid. Next, the skilled tracker searched for signs that led him to the sea. The strange feeling he had earlier grew by the moment, because wounded humans never moved this fast.

Since the trail stopped at the water's edge he dove in hoping he could find the cub quickly. He searched for a while, but couldn't find him until ten minutes had passed. Something within the murky depths released Derek as a drowned corpse. Lieron brought the boy to shore even though he felt like something was watching him. All he could tell was old magic was thick around them while underwater. Despite the strangeness of it all the cubs sibling needed to know what happened. However, he would return and learn more of whatever hid within the ocean depths. He owned to this innocent child after all.

This journey was damned. Lawrence had maybe a sliver of hope to start with but that sliver was wavering by every second that ticked past. He was about ninety-five percent positive that he was going to die. When Wish Star dropped onto his deck, he felt himself somewhat fortunate. At least if the crew got hurt, there was a skilled healer on board. However, with what happened next, Lawrence was sure of it. Death was imminent.

Slowly at first, the sea started to open up. That was the best way Lawrence could describe it to himself. From the dark depths of the ocean rose a creature, a titanic beast which he assumed was the same one that had threatened their ship earlier. The sea monster rose into the sky, waves pushing away and towards it as it went. It towered to immeasurable heights and blocked out what little left of the sun there was. For a moment after it rose to what Lawrence hoped was its full height, there was silence as the Jade Phoenix rocked uneasily on the waters. Then there was a primal sounding bellow that ripped from the beast - a noise that could be heard for miles and miles.

The sound shook the waters, moving his ship even more as it bounced against the waves. Lawrence put his hands over his ears, as did several of the other crew members. When he was certain that the beast was finished, Lawrence removed his hands. Just as soon as the monster had revealed itself, it uttered a few clicking and hissing sounds then faded back into the ocean. Where it went, Lawrence did not know, but in its departure, something else was revealed.

Another ship. It had been much closer to the sea monster and if Lawrence judged correctly, it looked to be about an hour away. Lawrence picked up one of his telescopes and scanned the waters. There was no sign of the creature and turning to the ship, he could see that the boat had recently been on fire. It was a familiar looking merchant ship and Lawrence wondered how it had been attacked and why the monster had not finished it off.

In any case, they would have to check the ship for any survivors. Even though he was in disguise, he was still obligated to assist any ships in distress, whether they turned out to be troublesome or not.

"We are going to inspect that ship over there," Lawrence said. "It looks to have been attacked, so we'll get as close as we can, take a better look and then possibly board the vessel."

There was something calming about watching the terns swoop down for fish as the Jade Phoenix sailed onward. Wish leaned slightly against the side of the ship, her olive colored eyes following the sweeping dives the birds took, unaware of the danger that lurked beneath the ocean. Yes, there was definitely something calming about this, but the journey Wish had dropped into was about to become anything but.

It did not take Deanna long to reach her and when she did, Wish pushed away from the side of the ship and shrugged her shoulders as she moved to face the therianthrope. "Aye, it pays well enough. Keeps me fed and allowed me to purchase a house of my own. But I am not here to talk about my living expenses." Wish leaned towards the ship and wrapped her hands around the railing as she sat against the edge of the ship. As Deanna lowered her voice, Wish did the same and shook her head softly. "Verial did not send me to hunt you down, although you may find yourself wishing it was him on this ship instead of myself."

As Deanna diverted her attention towards the sea birds, Wish did the same though her curiosity perked when Deanna mentioned she had come to Eiler to seek out Wish herself. A brow lifted in question as Deanna mentioned she had some sort of proposition for Wish, but of course, the details would have to wait until this mission she was now a part of was over. An almost impatient scowl crossed Wish's face as she looped a brown colored strand of hair behind a pointed ear.

"We are a long way from Eiler, my friend. Just when were you planning on seeking me out before this wee little detour of yours?"

It appeared that Deanna was not going to talk much more about the situation she was currently in. There would be no answers for Wish right away. Instead, Deanna mentioned something about possibly wanting to murder Brock Steelcod, another member of the crew. Wish snorted a little and waved her hand dismissively, although Deanna was not facing her.

"Probably not worth the effort. The boy... girl... is probably just entering puberty and trying to find themselves. Besides, the last thing you want – in your condition - is blood on your hands."

Deanna turned back to face her, but did not respond to Wish's statement. Instead, she was inspected and Wish was not even sure what for. After Deanna was done though, a small smirk grew on her face as if she had found something Wish was unaware of. Indeed. Somehow, Deanna knew Sharay had been lurking about her recently.

"Aye, she wants to keep me alive for some reason," Wish said. "That and I believe she has some sort of crush or fascination for me. I don't suppose she cares if I tell her I do not particularly have any desires for women?"

Before Deanna could answer though, Brock, unable to contain him/herself waltzed up to Wish and Deanna, pointing a thumb in Deanna's direction. Wish smiled a little, in spite of the unnecessary warning and nodded to Brock.

"Oh, thank you. I will be sure to watch my back constantly."

If her sarcasm was even detected, Wish didn't know. Brock had rather skipped off in a hurry, headed in the direction of another crew member (Zaur). Deanna muttered and Wish was going to smile in return, only she never had the chance.

The entire ship rocked and not very far ahead of them, a gigantic sea creature rose up from the ocean trying to reach the heavens. Wish nearly fell off the edge of the ship she had been sitting on and she had to steady herself. Finding her footing, as Wish looked up at the beast she instinctively stepped in front of Deanna, although realistically, if the monster came towards them, her little defense was very meaningless. Her stance was broken again when the beast roared and Wish was forced to place hands over her ears. For being so close, the scream could have been deafening.

Just as soon as the creature had surfaced though, it was gone leaving behind it the mystery of why it had come in the first place and... a ship. A ship was revealed on the horizon and low and behold, by command of Lawrence Cross, they were going to investigate. Wish pursed her lips together, holding back an irritated breath as her hand felt the hilt of her rapier the rested against her hip. She glanced back to Deanna, in particular to the woman's ever growing belly and shook her head. Keeping her voice low, which wasn't difficult since the ship was now busy and in a slight panic, Wish spoke to Deanna.

"And will you now explain to me why in the name of the gods you have chosen to come on this ship to risk not only your life, but the life of your unborn?"

The casual banter that commenced back and forth between Deanna and Wish almost caused the shifter’s heart to feel a bit lighter. The fae woman was one of, well not very many, people that Deanna called friend. If she was totally honest with herself, Deanna would have admitted that she rather missed Wish’s company and briefly touched upon their first encounter together in her tavern. Ah, her tavern. Her lips twisted in a grimace thinking about her brief stay as manager of the Oak Barrel Tavern as her mind drifted back to what could have been seen as better days. Maybe.

During their conversation, Wish made it quite clear in her not-so-subtle attempt to disclose her knowledge of Deanna’s condition. Well that cat has been let out of the bag, she thought as she glanced at the fae without offering comment. Women were not exactly prized on board of a sailing vessel, and a breeding one would definitely cause calamity. Best to keep that bit of information between herself and Wish.

The subject of Sharay was brought up by Deanna looking for an excuse to change the subject of her growing mound, and Wish’s response brought a snicker from the therianthrope woman who knew all too well how the goddess’ tastes in her paramours held no discrimination concerning gender. Deanna presumed that Sharay, for all of her cruel delights, was simply toying with the fae woman and held no real interest in Wish save for bringing her discomfort. Idly she wondered what poor sap had managed to fall into the greedy clutches of the deity, then decided she couldn’t care less. If the loss of the tavern was a sore subject for Deanna, her days of service and past relationship with Sharay were nearly taboo.

Scowling, Deanna glanced idly toward Brock who was whispering furiously to Zaur, and before she could offer some scathing remark about the child she felt herself losing her footing as the ship rocked and swayed unexpectedly. She swore rather loudly as she toppled over, hands and knees smacking hard against the deck and as her head snapped upward, discovered Wish had barely managed to keep herself from falling overboard before standing in front Deanna who slowly drew herself to standing position. Other crew members suffered the same fate, yet managed to right themselves and after doing a quick head count, Deanna breathed a sigh of relief seeing that no one was truly hurt.

And then she saw it.

Deanna had seen a variety of creatures in her days ranging from demons to golems, orcs to vampires. She had fought a majority of them and been successful. Even up against the Val’nothe, Deanna had pushed aside any fears she might have had and took up sword against them without any hesitation. This...was something altogether different. This leviathan from the depth of Alerian oceans was larger than anything she had ever encountered before, and honestly Deanna wasn’t sure if it was possible to destroy it considering the creature could most likely devour the Phoenix and each and every member of crew without missing a beat.

Despite the proximity of the beast, its thunderous roar carried clear across the waters to which instinctively Deanna clasped her hands over her ears to muffle the sound as best as she could. A pointless gesture really as each decibel was caught by her sensitive hearing, the vibrations bringing fresh pain to her head as it overwhelmed her. Squeezing her eyes shut tightly, she smothered her cry of pain against her arm until all was silent again save for the sound of waves crashing against the ship. It took several long moments before the ringing in her ears subsided as well as the nausea it brought as a result and Deanna finally lifted her head only to see that whatever it was that had risen from the cold watery deep had vanished once more to reveal the source of the plumes of black smoke seen earlier.

Pandemonium broke out on board as Cross and crew raced to approach the damaged vessel to search for signs of life. Their journey to Lapis Cove would be delayed, but perhaps the burning wreck of a ship would reveal clues as to what was taking place at the Cove. Slightly pale and shaking, Deanna composed herself as best as possible and withdrew her pistol, once again inspecting the weapon for readiness. As she did so, Wish who took advantage of the commotion to question Deanna about her presence on the ship and the risks she was taking with her life and that of Verial’s unborn. Deanna maintained her grip upon her firearm, her lips pressed thinly together as she uttered a response to Wish while keeping her eyes upon the wrecked vessel.

“It is what I do. Never said I made the best decisions.”




It took some time but they managed to reach the stranded ship just as the sun was beginning to set. The fires were starting to die out, but the pungent stench of acrid smoke clouded the damaged vessel. Sails were lowered and the anchor was dropped with hopes that the sea floor wasn’t so deep that it wouldn’t catch. Luck was on their side and soon the Phoenix was gently riding the waves in a slow bob while a smaller dinghy was lowered into the water. Cross and a few of the men decided they would investigate while leaving the remainder of the crew (read-women and Brock (child) on board.

Deanna was perfectly fine with that as she held no desire to leave the Phoenix. Rumors swirled that it was most likely the sea beast that attacked the ship and whomever was on board, nearly destroying it before fleeing underwater, but Deanna had her doubts. The fact that the ship was left mostly intact was enough to cause suspicion, but when Cross and crew finally returned with a robed figure of man, still alive though badly wounded, that confirmed Deanna’s reason for disbelief. A survivor. There shouldn’t have been one.

She heard Cross bellow for Wish, Aurora’s Paladin and a healer in her own right. The hooded man was laid carefully on the deck, and though Deanna could not quite discern his facial features, she couldn’t seem to take her eyes off him. Something was so wrong, so off about this ‘lone survivor’. Every bit of instinct warned her to stay as far away from this person as possible, and Deanna heeded those warnings. While everyone else was either busying themselves readying the Phoenix for departure, or hovering around the castaway, Deanna sat on a wooden crate, pistol in hand that rested on her lap, with wary amber eyes that never left the robed figure.

“Not joining the crowd? See what happened to this guy? Maybe he knows about Lapis Cove?”

Deanna shook her head at Brock who was all too eager to stick her nose in this stranger’s business.

“No.”

“Why? Scared?” The kid jeered, laughing as she wormed her way closer to the robed man.

“No.” Yes.

Her finger rested on the trigger and pressed lightly upon it before releasing. The dragon scale that hung around her neck suddenly began to burn, not unpleasantly but enough for Deanna to draw it out and examine it. What was normally obsidian in color glared a bright white before returning to its original state as if nothing had happened. Verial. Something was wrong with Verial. Deanna’s thoughts transferred over to the drow, and concern filled her. No, nothing tragic had befallen him. She would have known, would have felt it in her bones.

A chill crept down Deanna’s spine as it seemed the wounded man began to stir and move, and Deanna cautiously followed Wish’s form as the priestess made her way over to where Cross and some of the crew knelt beside the hooded stranger.

Her fingers flexed on the pistol and she shook her head in dismay. Wish thought Deanna risking herself on the Jade Phoenix was a bad idea?

That was nothing compared to the one just made.

They came for the ship, for him, and what they found was exactly what he intended them to find. He laid upon the deck, seeming to be drifting in and our of consciousness as he mumbled in a whisper so faint that it couldn't be heard unless the ear which begged to listen was nearly pressed to his lips. The scent of death and sick that hovered over him was enough cause for no one person to ever get too close, and with a bit of effort he had been placed on a makeshift stretcher and brought from the broken down vessel onto the Jade Phoenix. Though he seemed near death his senses were always open, a millennium of existence had allowed him to hone his fully functioning senses to be honed and perfected to the point of near supernatural ability.

Every sound, every smell, from the otherworldly aroma of magic to the much more obvious scent of a woman with child, none of it escaped his notice. Each instance where a pale eye would crack open and he seemed to be drifting between awareness and blackness he was actually taking information. The number of those around, those fit to fight and those who were to be ignored, all of it was vital.

When they finally laid him down upon a more sturdy surface he was quickly surrounded by members of the crew, all of them with questions and curiosity. For a time he said nothing, seeming to be in quite a bit of pain. How he was able to sell the appearance of a man near death so well is because it was no act. The pain he felt was true, though his sickly moans were simply for show. And the sickness that seemed to dwell in him was far from a lie, thus it was impossible not to believe he was an ill, wounded man who seemed to have narrowly avoided death. However, there was one that seemed not completely accepting of his state.

A woman. By the number of different people and scents on the ship it was impossible be completely certain, but the smell of a 'form changer' clung most distinctly to her. Whenever his eyes opened he could almost feel her watching him, her doubt almost palpable in the air. For some that might seem a hindering to their plan, but he on the other hand was impressed. What he could tell without a doubt was that she was the one with child, and there was an underlining sensation coming from her person that peaked his notice. She carried death with her, he could sense it. Not only that but the wafting scent that came from her, not just her but most others, was that of murder. Not a single person around appeared to be without old, violent blood on them.

Glorious, he thought.

After a short while he seemed to slowly awaken from his haze, his muttered words coming so abruptly one would be forced to believe he had no idea where he was or what had happened.

"Wh...what..what's happening? Where am I?"

A young shipman, obviously just eager to be part of such a grand voyage was quick to offer information as he moved closer to the man. Ah, youth -- so yearning to please, so wanting to willing to take that first step forward. So gullible.

"Ye be on th'Jade Phoenix sir. We found ye' ship in a spot of bother and came ta investigate. Ye' lucky we came when we did! If we hadn't my wits tell me that sea-monster would've drug ye'down ta th'bottom!"

The sickly, hooded man moved as if attempting to raise himself. His struggle to do so was quite believable due to the fact it was genuine. But it also had a purpose. Without thinking and wanting so badly to be the angel swooping down to save another the young man moved ahead and knelt softly, reaching out and offering the man assistance. Beneath his hood he could almost feel Deanna's eyes widening. Surely she would have yelled, perhaps the captain would have ordered the man to pause. He had to think quickly, and so he did. The hooded man swatted his nearly skeletal left hand at the boys own.

"Take your hands away, boy. I may be injured but I'm not dead yet. I can right myself. Just give me room. Anyone this close should at least buy me a meal first."

The young man laughed a bit, mentioning to several others who also chuckled that the old man had some fight left in him. It took several moments but the injured stranger finally moved to a sat-up position. Tension eased slightly, and soon the questions were coming from multiple directions;

"Who are you?..."
"What happened?"...
"Where were you heading?"...
"What do you know of Lapis Cove?"...

The old man waved his hand about as if demanding space, and as the circle parted a bit he glanced around as if searching for something.

"Where is my stick? I had a walking stick. I'm useless without it. Ah, to Hell with it. Boy...I think I'll need that hand after all."

The youth came to him as asked while Captain Cross watched on inquisitively. He didn't order his men away, either because he believed what he was seeing, or his men were simply asking the same questions he would have. Either way by now if anyone had told the crewmen just who they were speaking to, they would have laughed it away. How could this sick, wounded man be the cause of anything that threatened them much less the entire world? The young man took hold of the strangers left arm and offered him full support as he began slowly raising him with a softly spoken 'easy..easy does it'.

As he was slowly raised he began to respond to the questions, albeit between wheezing grunts and groans.

"My name is Brahngier, but you can call me Brahn. I was in Lapis Cove looking for my son. Foolish boy ran off in search of a land without laws or some such nonsense. I haven't seen him in quite some time you see. When I arrived everything seemed all right, that is..as all right as Lapis Cove ever is..

oh..careful now boy, my bones aren't as strong as they used to be. Anyway, it wasn't long before things started turning for the worse. Screams in the night, buildings catching fire, everyone in a panic. A bunch of crazies running around, killing and raping...it was awful. I managed to take shelter in a tavern with a dozen or so others. I asked them about my son..and luck, she seemed to be on my side. One of the men there was a merchant who said he had seen my boy several days earlier. The merchant said he had a ship and he would take us to Grand City. Once we got there he said I could perhaps tell the King what was happening and he may send soldiers back to Lapis Cove to help locate my kin.

We left the tavern at night for the docks...but unfortunately only he and I made it. We set sail with those mentals chasing us, he practically had to carry me the entire way, poor man. Once we reached the open ocean I thought we would be all right..but then the clicks came. You must have heard it, horrible sound it is. The water began to churn and bubble, the ship swayed and tossed. The merchant, he started covering his cargo in pitch and lighting it on fire, tossing it into the water..I imagine to try to scare off whatever was knocking us about. Then these..these things, like snakes without eyes came from the water and began to tear into the vessel. He tried to fend them off but...it ripped into him. There was so much blood. One of them caught hold of me, then another, ripped me open and threw me around. The fire must have burned it because it soon dropped me down, and that's when everything went black. The next thing I knew, I was here."

Silence. Wide eyes and silence. The story he told was believed completely if the looks he was being given were any indication. Bracing against the young man who held to him, supporting him, he smiled softly.

"Thank you. Thank you all for coming for me. I would have died on that ship if not for you. Now that you've come I do not need to waste precious time journeying to Grand City. We can return to Lapis Cove and you can help me find my son. That's what you're here for, isn't it? To stop what's happening there. I don't know what's going on but whatever it is..the answers are there. Will you help me?"

His words were so genuine, so emotional despite being spoken with labored breaths, and that constant wheezing coming from his lungs. The young man, facing a journey to save a sickly mans son and stop what was happening to Aleris was only too ready to nod with haste and smile.

"Aye! That's why we're here! To help. This plague's happenin' all over. I've heard stories. We'll find ya boy, and the captain here..he'll know what to do. Don't you worry now Brahn, we'll keep you safe."

The stranger smiled again and patted the young mans back.

"You're a good boy. Not like that two-bit son of mine. He should have been a sailor, it might have kept him on the straight and nar.."

The old man began to cough, and it ended with a harsh cough that caused him to lurch slightly. A small spatter of blood, so small it may have gone unnoticed to the naked eye landed on the young mans face. The sailor was quick to use his free hand to rub at it, wiping it from across his eye.

"Oh..I am so sorry. I've been with consumption for the last few years. I..I'm sorry."

The young man smiled again and shook his head softly.

"No worries! My uncle had it. I used ta take care of him, so I know it ain't contagious."

The stranger smiled, only wider this time as he nodded. His gaze stopped at a slightly tilted angle for a brief moment, and no one on that ship save for one would have been able to see beneath his hood, and that was Deanna. Two milky pale eyes seemed to pause on her for a few fleeting seconds as the stranger replied;

"You're right about that. Consumption isn't contagious. I think it's the last sickness any of you strong people need to worry about."

By the time they had reached the wrecked ship that was previously on horizon, the fires were no longer a threat. The damage that had been done to the ship left a floating piece of singed rubble in the ocean. A few of the sailors on the Jade Phoenix boarded a smaller boat to inspect what was left, Lawrence included. When they reached the other vessel they found an older man who although was injured, was alive. The obvious and admirable course of action would be taking him back to the Jade Phoenix, though something didn't sit right with Lawrence. There was a heavy feeling of death lingering over the man - his skin stretched too thin, the broken bone at his bruised wrist and the man's hood constantly shrouding him as if he were hiding something. This man should have been dead, but he wasn't.

Lawrence managed to pull his head away for a moment and look over to the side of the ship or what was left of it. There was nothing to discern the name of the ship or where it had come from. It had all been conveniently burnt away. Due to his position in the kingdom, Lawrence knew a lot of the vessels that came and went in Hinewai Harbor, but he had no knowledge of this one, which might have helped.

And why did the giant sea creature specifically target this ship and no other sailing vessels (not that he was complaining they hadn't gotten attacked)? So many questions swirled through Lawrence's mind as the Jade Phoenix sailors once more boarded the dingy with the old man and made way back.

Once on their own ship, the task was to see to the old man's injuries. For that, he called over Aurora's Paladin, Wish Star. As luck would have it, they had a more than skilled healer on board. When Lawrence lifted his head to look for her, he saw the fae leaving Deanna's side and wondered if there was some sort of connection between the two, hidden as it might be on the ship. Deanna, however, did not budge an inch from where she stood, her amber colored eyes focused and intense on the old man. It appeared Brock had tried to jab at her a bit, but her eyes never left the old man and Lawrence personally could not blame her suspicions or her reluctance to stay away.

Before Wish Star could make way to the old man though, another sailor had jumped in, perhaps too eager to help the wounded stranger. Aurora's Paladin stopped in her tracks confused, but waited. After some discussion, the old man who had just enough life in him finally sat up and then took some extra help to get to a standing position without the use of his requested walking stick. Poised against the young sailor, the old man stood and began to tell his story. Lawrence did not ask any questions, as all of them had been asked already by those on board. He merely listened to what the old man had to say.

Apparently, Lapis Cove was as bad as what Lawrence had heard from word of mouth. People were murdering and raping others without so much as a second thought. Mass violence had forced the old man to temporarily flee from the island and abandon his search for his son. Only on the way out, they were attacked by tentacle-like entities which Lawrence imagined were part of the beast that had shown itself only an hour or so before. The crew believed every word of it, but Lawrence was a bit skeptical and didn't think all the truths had been revealed.

At long last, once the story was finished, Lawrence had opened his mouth to finally say something, but was cut off by the sailor who had agreed on behalf of the entire ship that they would assist the old man once they settled onto Lapis Cove. His eyes narrowed and when the sailor was done offering the man assistance, Lawrence shook his head softly and cleared his throat.

"Brahngier, please excuse the excitement of my crew. Understand that our journey does take us to Lapis Cove, but has other intentions than finding a missing boy, unfortunately. Our time is limited. You are free to stay with us with the hope that we may come across your son during our expedition, but keep in mind that it is not why we sail on to Lapis Cove."

With that, the old man coughed in response, a bit of blood coming from his mouth and landing on the sailor in front of him, as if to show his frailness some more. Lawrence sighed slightly, and disregarding the rest of the conversation between the man and the young sailor, Lawrence continued to wave Wish Star over to Brahngier.

"Please assist him, Lady Star," Lawrence said. Once his direction was given to the paladin, Lawrence lifted his head above the crowd on deck. "Enough standing around. We sail onward in shifts - some of you will rest while others take turn staying on watch and helping to keep the ship moving. Lapis Cove is about a week away and we've wasted enough time already."

Once Lawrence's authority was made present again and the crew was back to work, the ship being readied to sail ahead to Lapis Cove, Lawrence turned back to Wish Star.

"See to it that Brahngier gets some rest after you are finished. There should be a spare room in the ship's cabins." After she nodded, Lawrence left and went to make sure the ship was actually on its way, his eyes always on the sea for any more signs of the giant creature. But at this point, the presence of that beast wasn't the only thing that was a constant worry in the back of Lawrence's mind.

Wish waited her turn. The captain was correct in calling for her as being the most skilled healer on board (at least to her knowledge anyway), it was her duty to help the old man who gave his name as Brahngier. However, on her way to tend to the man, a young sailor had intercepted him first, eager to help and absorb whatever tale Brahngier had to weave. Wish resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the young sailor's ambition and instead, studied Brahngier's injuries from afar. There was definitely something wrong with his breathing as it was labored by coughing and wheezing, perhaps the result of a broken rib. The man's face had been beaten and bruised from something, blood caked and dried against his nose and the corners of his mouth. Wish swore she saw broken bone protruding from his right wrist, but she couldn't be sure without getting closer as Brahngier's robe sleeves were long, as if in an attempt to hide his frail figure.

Looking over her shoulder, Wish glanced to Deanna who was seemingly sitting as far away as possible. She had changed in a way Wish had never seen before. Though other crew members might not have noticed, due to their interest in Brahngier's story and condition, Wish saw that Deanna was more alert and cautious, her eyes focused on the wounded old man that was behind Wish. Wish didn't blame Deanna; there was more to the story that wasn't being told here.

Her name being called again, Wish turned to see that Cross was beckoning her over finally. After Brahngier had finished telling his story, Lawrence gave his orders and the crew's next course of action - to sail onward to Lapis Cove. When the rest of the crew was back in action, Wish stepped around the youthful sailor to Brahngier and waved the boy away to help where he was actually needed. Wish glanced over Brahngier then looked to both her left and right before spotting Brock who was standing nearby with an open-mouthed stare.

"Brock," Wish started getting the girl/boy to snap out of their trance. "Bring me some fresh water and bandages, please?"

Once Brock had fallen out of her comatose state, Wish shook her head and stepped toward Brahngier. With gentle hands, she helped the old man to sit once more and stood before him, inspecting the wounds on his face. By merely touching the wounds on his face, Wish could feel other parts of him were broken like his ribs and his wrist. However, Wish could also tell that Brahngier's attention was not entirely diverted to Wish's inspection of his injuries. No, he was looking at something else across the deck as fleeting as his actions were.

Deanna.

Casually, Wish stepped in front of his line of vision in attempt to return his attention towards her. Lifting the man's right arm by his elbow, Wish gently pulled back the sleeve of his robe and winced a bit at the sight of the broken bone that had splintered from his wrist. She'd seen worse of course, but that didn't mean it was something she wanted to see. More than that, she wondered how this man was not seriously crying out in pain. A wound such as this would have had the strongest on their knees, but not frail, weakened Brahngier.

"Brahngier, did these injuries all result in the attack on the ship?" Wish asked not that she expected an honest answer. People often lied about how they received their wounds in attempt to not be embarrassed or to hide something. However, she smiled softly, a bit of charm in her olive colored eyes. "I know how strong you are, but I cannot have you wandering about the ship all broken and battered. Do you have any objections to my healing you? The magic can be quick, but of course, there might be some pain in the beginning."

Zaur thought Rahne's/Brock's suggestion made sense being as for some reason his fellow reporter aggravated the therianthrope woman greatly. However, the ancient savagery he was having trouble fully understanding kept trying to break his control as if it was somehow alive. He could safely say he had never felt so terrified of himself in his entire life. The closer he got to Lapis cove the more will it took to maintain sense.

Then a primal roar echoed across the waves like the sound of death given form. In an instant Zaur's human eyes became that of a lizard as he heaved with the lust to rip and tear flesh and feel the wet splash of blood. The Alerian tongue was beyond him now, only his native language could escape his lips. Higher brain function was slipping by the second. He yelled while the terrible sound of the creature still boomed hoping he was heard despite it. "Everyone stay away from me!" Unfortunately, he didn't realize the Alerians' would only hear a series of growls though the fear was still evident in his tone. Mercifully the bestial roar subsided, like drawing a curtain over his bloodlust, reason became his once more.

Somehow he kept his footing on instinct alone when the waves rocked the boat. Zaur couldn't bring himself to set foot on the boat were the smell of death lingered. He felt the humans were far safer by themselves due to his current unpredictability. The lone survivor they brought back had a very confusing scent, he was more than he appeared. His heartbreaking tale felt off but, as a Guardian he felt obligated to remember the civilian's plight. However, he had more pressing concerns about Lapis Cove, the old man's story only added to them.

Due to the strangeness of the whole ordeal Zaur decided to try gaining more information. He went to the crew cabin below decks which was currently unoccupied. He began setting up a summoning circle composed of the five elements drawn in his blood. The magus was strongest in air and fire making him weaker in earth and water. His power in spirit was in the middle and the most essential to call something to the circle he inscribed on the wooden planks. The ritual took several minutes of concentration but, eventually he brought a small air elemental to the large room.

Zaur's voice was respectful as he addressed the primal power given shape in his native language. "What happened to the damaged vessel before we arrived?"

A voice like a cold wind issued from the small white cloud before his eyes. "The two humans' sullied my domain with their violence. Then fire came to the floating tree from one of them"

He now knew the boat only had two passengers that turned on each other for some reason. Unfortunately, an air spirit had little interest in human affairs so more information was unlikely. However, the shifter spoke again despite that. "What of the massive creature, did it do anything to the ship?"

"The old one was annoyed," stated the spirit neutrally.

Zaur's time ran out before he could learn more due to his limits with spirit magic. He was lucky he got any cooperation, usually he summoned less helpful spirits when he tried. The crew quarters floor was clean since all the blood discharged with the conclusion of the spell. With his task done the magus returned above to see how everything faired.