Mingzhu heads to the market. Plenty of goods for sale there. Zsikhou keeps looking for snuggles and head pats a wary watch. Zsikhou keeps silent, letting Mingzhu take the lead in the market. Mingzhu buys a small bust, incense, candles, offering bowls, stone incense holders. It's difficult finding anything that is iconography of the Celestial Emperor, or anything too religious, but it is there, at least. She starts the trek to the shrine. walking slowly and thinking. Zsikhou follows along, still watching warily.
Zsikhou continues to keep watch as Mingzhu walks slowly up the hill and to the outskirts of the city. No one notices them. They walk to the shrine unhindered; it's a steady trek back, eventually the city grows sparser, Zsikhou does seem to keep a watch behind them. As they get to the more rural part of the island, nearer the farms, Zsikhou looks back sharply, then looks to Mingzhu. "We're being followed."
She looks back. “By who Zsikhou?"
"Just looks like a normal city-dweller. Saw him at the market but didn't notice it until this one saw the same person at several places we walked through." Zsikhou quietly comments aside.
Mingzhu nods solemnly and continues on to the shrine. "If you think I need to use magic let me know."
Zsikhou nods. "Right now, they're just watching. Doing nothing other than that yet." Though he continues to follow Mingzhu's lead.
Once she gets to the shrine she looks to see if it's in the same shape, she left it in. Seeing it is in the same shape, and no one has touched it. She does some cleaning. As she does, she casts Shield of Faith and Protection from evil on Zsikhou. Once done with that she sets the bust into place and one by one. As she finishes, she sets a prayer mat down. She quietly says, "if you think I should throw Obscuring Mist give me a sign."
She sets about the work. Zsikhou just keeps watching, he looks aside, shaking his head. "They're just watching us for now."
Mingzhu sits down in full lotus and bows with her hips before the bust of the celestial emperor. "I call upon the immortal Chih Shih: Lord of Sages, God of History, lore and tradition.
I call upon the immortal Fa Kwan. One who walks in righteousness, The lawgiver, God of Justice.
I call upon the immortal Kwan Ying. Goddess of compassion, Mercy, and joy.
Immortals I have been torn from my center. My soul is in disarray. I come beseeching you grant me wisdom and mercy. I have been sundered from my tether to the heavens and cannot do my job nor find my place. I beg your wisdom, and compassion. Your justice.”
Zsikhou raises and eye ridge at this prayer. But for now, he raises no interference.
“This place full of strife and unease has affected me greatly. I thought I could change things however small and thought I was doing well then all collapsed in a single battle. A battle I tried to stop with mercy and compassion. It did not go well. Now, now I feel I am a ship with ripped sails subject to the wind and tide forever lost. I beg forgiveness. I bed wisdom. I beg that justice can show through in whatever small way I may now. I wish to go home to tell truth lords and lady but know tis my fate to see out this venture. I thank you for listening.
Fa Kwan
"May my mind settle like a still lake, reflecting clarity without disturbance. May each breath I take carry serenity into every corner of my being. May I remain centered even amidst life’s chaos. Teach me to find calm within, no matter what surrounds me. Through this prayer, I invite peace to stay with me throughout the day. Let it influence my actions and interactions, making every step more mindful. May I be happy, healthy, and safe in body and mind. May I experience joy in every simple moment of life. May all beings everywhere be free from suffering and filled with loving-kindness. May their hearts feel warmth, comfort, and hope. Help me release anger, resentment, and judgment from my own heart. Let compassion grow so that it flows naturally to family, friends, strangers, and even those I find difficult. May this loving-kindness ripple outward, touching the world in small yet meaningful ways. Let every action I take reflect care, understanding, and peace. Help me release everything that weighs down my spirit. May I let go of fear, regret, and pain that no longer serve me."
Chih Shih
May I find peace even in difficult moments.
May my heart remain steady when challenges arise.
May wisdom help me understand the lessons within hardship.
May patience guide my responses to struggle.
May compassion help me treat myself gently during pain.
May I trust that difficult times will pass.
May calmness replace fear and anxiety.
May courage grow within my heart.
May I learn from every challenge I face.
May peace remain present within me.
Kwan Ying
Kwang Ying, I turn to you for emotional healing. Help me release the pain and sorrow that burdens my heart. Fill my mind with your wisdom and compassion, so that I may find inner peace and joy. Guide me to the path of mindfulness and loving-kindness, allowing me to heal from within. May I extend this healing energy to all beings, fostering harmony and understanding. Amen.”
She raises her head and goes into a meditative state. Zsikhou watches but just keeps quiet.
She sits for an hour meditating before standing and rolling up the prayer mat. "Did you want to pray Zsikhou?"
"I usually do so at night, but..." Zsikhou looks around "Am focused on keeping an eye out for trouble." He looks over at Mingzhu, then steps closer. "Although, I was listening. Did you... want to talk about what happened with Renkao? This one can tell it's affected you greatly."
"What can I say Zsikhou. I failed. I failed so badly that I lost my ability to negotiate as a community shaman. I... since then every time I do it’s been a disaster." She looks away to the nearest body of water.
Zsikhou motions for her to sit by the shrine, then does so as well. "Maybe. But the Celestial court is still pleased enough with what you do, that you can still channel their blessings. Maybe... we should take this from the beginning. From the moment we decided to rush over there and why. Perhaps another perspective might help. Even if we can't change what happened, it can help us understand it."
"We rushed over so to save the judge and to stop the battle, so no more souls became lost. We saw so much death. We have burned so many people. It was a chance to get ahead before disaster struck, yet again and again we were too late. Tzukine, Soljura I wanted to stop another of those.”
Zsikhou sighs, considering. "Do you believe our approach to that situation was flawed? The one in Renkao, that is?"
"I... just don't know anymore. I did what I knew was right. The only way I thought to save everyone from fighting each other. The only way I could come up with. It failed and the trail of death continued...... Maybe it’s these lands and these savage people. There seems no comprise to either side. and no quarter given no matter what I do. I couldn't even stop Minamoto and Fwangzhu from fighting."
Zsikhou sighs, a nod... "It is likely the problems here have been stirring for far longer than we have been here." A pause. "Minamoto, Fwangzhu, well, those two have loyalties external to us... is what happened with them bothering you?"
"Minamoto turned out to be an arrogant ass that betrayed the group at first opportunity and now we are left with Fwangzhu, who was part of the biggest problem, and why we failed to keep the armies apart. That and we just didn’t get there in time." She shakes her head, "And now hundreds more souls have been given in death. 2 entire islands were decimated and now a third is... who knows how many are dead or hung or crippled because there is no compromise on either side."
Zsikhou huffs, considering. "Minamoto was always loyal to his Daimyo, as you are to the Celestial Court. He of course was going to side with his own, should a conflict arise. Even after he still resolved to try and... explain our case to the Daimyo. I'm not optimistic, but I do believe he will make the attempt." He pauses, considering "I do admit, I think our approach was flawed, but it was also a situation that was likely well beyond our control."
"It doesn’t matter now we are most likely outlaws. No one would listen to me anymore. I worked so hard for peace between the people and the lords of Kaluso." She looks away. "All that has turned to ashes now."
"From his perspective we likely betrayed him." Zsikhou considers.
“He wouldn’t listen just as Fwangzhu will never listen.”
Zsikhou huffs. "You know my perspective on this matter; we need to remove the agitators first from this land.... but let’s go back to Renkao." A pause. "If you had to do it again, what approach would you take? In how we attempted things there?"
She purses her lips, "Most likely would send a team directly to the judge and immediately confront the commander of the soldiers to negotiate a settlement before any fighting started. but we were too late for that."
Zsikhou nods aside "Attempting diplomacy in the middle of a battle was not effective or wise. Has to be stopped before then. And yes... I do agree. We should have went for the magistrate with more force. That was our objective there." He shakes his head "That's what I would have done there. And not interjected between the opposing forces outside." He looks to Mingzhu, hard to say if he's scolding or sympathetic, or both. "Sometimes you need to pick and choose your battles."
"I couldn’t stay out now after seeing what happened to Tzukine and Soljura. I couldn't just sit there and watch."
"Was there anything you could have done there that would have actually helped stop it?" Zsikhou looks: His voice sharper.
"I tried to use every ability and spell I could to calm the situation. I even used my status as a shamaness. I knew no one would want to attack me if I could hold the middle of the field." She shakes her head. "I lost my status now. everything I built up unto that point. I also lost something else. something inside of me. My will maybe. I do not know. And after Minamoto was so damn arrogant on the ship. That was a breaking point for me."
Zsikhou furrows his brow, looking over. "How do you mean? I didn't find him particularly arrogant."
"He was practically sneering at us Zsikhou. At least that is what I saw. It doesn't matter anymore. What happened, happened. There is no going back."
"There is no going back. But if this problem is bothering you, you need to assess why and resolve it. That or push it aside and keep going. You still have your blessings, so you haven't lost your status. Though what else do you feel you've lost?" Zsikhou asks.
He then pauses, a huff "As for Minamoto, he behaved in an expected manner. He's loyal to his Daimyo above us. He couldn't be expected to go against him. From his perspective we attempted to thwart someone he is duty bound to serve. A Samurai outranks a man-at-arms."
"Neither he nor Fwangzhu saw that both sides were wrong in Soljura and both sides were right. They were just so harden against the other; both sides failed. and Minamoto and Fwangzhu could not even see that. It gave me much thought that indeed this kingdom is completely corrupt I'm trying to negotiate with savages that will not see any other thing but their side of an argument. I am so tired of this. I also know that I failed I don’t know who could succeed given the situation."
Mingzhu stops a moment and asks, "Is our intruder still with us?"
Zsikhou looks over. "Watching from a distance. If we speak quietly enough, he won't hear us."
She stands up. "WE KNOW YOU FOLLOWED US FROM THE CITY. DO YOU COME TO PRAY? JUST TO SPY ON US? OR DO YOU SEEK US OUT FOR SOME OTHER REASON?"
Zsikhou then narrows his eyes as Mingzhu says that. "He's moved away now."
She quiets down, "So a spy then."
"Probably." Zsikhou nods aside
“Well, we are doing nothing but worship. So, he doesn't have anything.” She sighs and turns back to the alter. "I guess next is plant some flowers." Zsikhou nods... She continues, “"I at least feel useful tending the shrine."
"Do you believe that you could have stopped what happened at Renkao if you changed your tactics? We definitely could have improved, but it was a difficult situation." Zsikhou says.
"I honestly don't know. Maybe. Perhaps used control water as soon as I stepped off the dock to give the soldiers something to think about.
"Possibly. Could have provoked them into hostility." Zsikhou shrugs.
Mingzhu nods, "yes that’s what I was thinking at the time at least. But that doesn't matter now. What is done is done. We failed and many people died because of it."
"What we do know is that we still have a duty, and it's real. And these problems aren't going to go away on their own. Gross correction is still needed." Zsikhou mentions. Mingzhu simply nods while looking out to sea.
Zsikhou looks over at the rest of the group approaching. "Guess we'll have to table this discussion then."
She Came from the Sea: Book 2
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Winterhawk99
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Winterhawk99
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Re: She Came from the Sea: Book 2
Balan and the rest of the party find their way to the city hall. It looks like this section of the town is nicer at least. Better maintained. More expensive architecture, the city hall itself seems functional and well kept. Probably a nicer neighborhood in this port town. The City Hall has a pair of guards on the outside, and more on the inside. There's a desk with a row of secretaries who are handling various petitioners. It takes some time waiting in line, but Balan and Silgara are eventually able to speak with one of them. The furniture in the city hall looks expensive, with decorations, paintings, and adornments on the walls. The secretary looks up, “Hello there, can I help you sir?
“We wish to speak with the minister if possible.”
"Hrm, name? And do you have an appointment, sir? Also, which minister?" The Secretary shuffles through some paperwork.
“Apologies, I am Balan and minister Quinn.”
"Hrm, one moment." She checks the paperwork...
“I do not have an appointment though, but me and my companion were hoping to have a conversation with him.”
She looks back to Balan, annoyed. "I see. Well, you will need an appointment to see him. Do you wish to schedule one? I will need to..." Meanwhile, someone goes up to the secretary, whispering to her, looks like another clerk. She nods "Right, I see. Well, you and your companion apparently do have an appointment. Why did you say you didn't have one?"
Silgara interjects. "Pardon, he simply forgot. But yes, we do have one."
The secretary sighs. "Right, well, follow inside to room 51." She makes a motion. "Better yet, the Clerk here will show you the way."
The same man who whispered to her nods, then looks to Balan. "Please come with me sir."
Balan slaps his forehead, “Apologies, to much going on as of late. He follows the clerk.
The man leads him to a small, but well filled room. Papers and paperwork everywhere. There's a small room with one man. He wears well-made but rather nondescript clothes, definitely not a person who makes himself look flashy or noteworthy. But he does have a short, well-trimmed beard and goatee. He appears to be penning something. He sits at a rather large desk with many shelves in it, there's two chairs in front. He looks up. "Right, thank you for joining me here. Come in, sit." He doesn't seem to mean it, given his terse tone, but he motions to the chairs all the same. Minister Quin looks up to Balan. "Right, so, you wish to discuss something, then. Well, go ahead." He twirls a pen in his hand. Silgara seems nervous just being here but keeps her cool.
Balan looks to Silgara for help but seeing her face, he turns back to the minister. “We were hoping to get some information from you on the going ons in this port. We have some information but specifically we wish to know of corsair involvement.”
Minister Quin looks over at Balan, looking somewhat annoyed. "Really? Well, I hope you know how this works. Well, go ahead. What information do you have for me, then?"
“We have found that they are most likely working with a trade company that is in this port but there are many other things that we have been informed of on their...dealings.”
Minister Quin twirls his pen, flexing his hand. "Well, continue on then. I assume you're going to tell me which trading company in this port, and their other dealings."
“Aye... The Fated Winds though I am sure a man of your nature had some ideas on that.”
"I might. So, what else? And I'd like to hear proof if you have it." Minister Quin looks at Balan squarely.
“Search their warehouse and you will see proof I am sure along with stolen goods from other trade companies that the corsairs have taken for them to resell. We do know there is an envoy making deals with the corsairs from daimyo Zuodong’s lands...Perhaps you know something about that as well?”
"Hrm.... you know, interesting that you bring that up." Minister Quin twirls his pen, then pulls out a note, unfolding it, reading it. "I had heard that there was a robbery at Warehouse 19. I had also heard a complaint that was regarding some stolen goods by the Golden Sails. And I know it was a member of the Golden Sails who had arranged for this appointment here. It's an interesting set of coincidences." Quin seems to muse on it, looking to Balan to see how he responds.
“Aye that is interesting indeed however we were owed a favor by the sails from previous endeavors on another island. We are friends of their captains after all.”
Minister Quin looks over, considering. Perhaps as if trying to assess if he knows something to dispute that, or something else. He considers. "I see. So, what gave you the idea that there is an envoy of Zuodong's Court that is involved in making deals with the Corsairs?"
“A woman who is well respected as a protector of another island on the way here had shall we say obtained that information and not in a peaceful manor I am sure of that.”
Minister Quin regards Balan, narrowing his eyes, musing, considering. "Which island? And I assume that this woman has a name and can presumably be trusted."
“Perhaps trusted as much as anyone who tortures and devours for information though the location is not important is it. She had also informed us on a specific raid on a specific holdings that may have been influenced by this person that has made deals with the corsairs.” Balan leans back in the chair carefully watching his expression after looking back at Silgara for a moment. Minister Quin narrows his eyes some, considering. Silgara looks to Balan but seems to be content to let him handle this.
Minister Quin then looks over. "I see. Now, that is quite the reveal." He clearly doesn't mean it, but he seems more guarded now. "So, I suppose we'd better get on to the part where you tell me what it is you're looking for out of this little... exchange of ours."
“There is an island we are looking for as well as further information on stopping the corsairs’ trades and thefts if you would give it. The island is that of midnight and not seen unless you know where to look.”
Quin raises an eyebrow. "Now that's a new one. Island of Midnight. What exactly is this island of Midnight?"
“The last one we located held...Some unsavory people along with creatures that should not be on the lands here. Needless to say,… They are dispatched and no longer around.”
Quin flexes a hand, a smirk. "You're not giving me a lot to go off of, here. But I suppose that's expected. Of course, now there is the part where you think you can stop the Corsairs with my help, and what you can offer that is actually actionable and valuable."
“We have taken down One of their ships and many of their men already...An exchange of information may be valuable to you unless you are working with them then that would put a target on our back if it hasn’t already. Though we do know there is a demon that leads their fleet...So perhaps that is of value.”
The minister considers. "And what can you tell me about this... demon?"
Silgara decides to chime in. "A Glabrezu. A wish-granter that appeals to the darkest desires of men. This one has been supporting the Corsairs in their endeavors."
The Minister looks to Silgara, considering. "I see. A Yokai being involved can make things more... complicated than is necessary." Then he looks to Balan. "Of course, how do I know that you might be able to deal with this... yokai?"
“We have dealt with one already on the island we found...One that rode a nightmare horse.”
The minister muses. "So, you do have some competence in combat." Though leaves the rest unsaid. "Unfortunately, I don't have any information regarding a Yokai prior to this, so what are you looking for, and why is it to my advantage to disclose?"
“If we were to remove the corsairs or dwindle their numbers enough so they are not operational it would allow better prosper and more negotiations with trades companies that are already here less the fated winds of course. And since they are already destroying Daimyo ships that have soldiers on them...And destroying entire populations on islands...It is the best option.”
The Minister muses, "Destroying whole entire populations on islands where?"
“Near Kizamine they killed or enslaved all they could.”
Minister Quin considers for a time. "Ah, that island is under Kaluso's domain. Of course it's a tragedy hearing that." He clearly doesn't seem moved by it. "Of course, what happens in Daimyo Kaluso's domain is not something I really have jurisdiction over. Unless there's some reason it should concern me."
“If they do it in one domain they could easily, do it here. Unless you know something, I do not.”
"Oh, I am sure I know many things you do not." Minister Quin smirks.
“Aye your position of course notes that spymaster.”
"I'm responsible for ensuring my fellows here in the city hall are duly informed so they can make proper decisions." Minister Quin shrugs "But fine. If you want to be more direct, and crass, perhaps you should convince me then. Why should I help you with sharing."
“Is there a task you need done that could convince you or should I just give you a blatant reasoning on why evil and pirates should be removed when they are in the amount of force they are...or perhaps having shady traders selling stolen goods can cause a whole domains influence to tank into the bottom of the sea.”
Minister Quin pauses, considering, he huffs "What have you heard regarding this... deal with the Corsairs someone under Zuodong allegedly has?"
Silgara presses the advantage. "That someone under his employ is paying them. I'm sure you don't need that additional expense." She tries to give a sweet smile but just comes off as condescending.
Minister Quin seems to consider. "Tell me what you know then. I'll fill in the blanks."
“From some of what I had overheard it is one of three people...You were named as a potential though with the way you hold yourself, I am unsure.”
Quin waves a hand off "Alright, I'll fill in the blanks then. I'm sure you've heard of the term 'an offer you can't refuse', right? I'll tell you this, the Corsairs logistical structure doesn't make any sense. None that we can track anyways. We know they have a port somewhere, but their ships just seem to... disappear. So, patrol boats rarely find them." Quin sighs, "Now I assume this... Island of Midnight you mentioned may be involved, but what else can you tell me about them?"
“First, I need to know if you are the ones that made deals with them or not.” Quin gives Balan a hard look...
Quin grimaces "It's not an ideal situation. We're essentially paying them off until we can find their hidden port for a strike. Playing them along, for now. If we went to open hostility now, they'd cut us off and vanish without us being able to stop them. It's a 'protection' scheme, not a partnership." Silgara looks at Quin, unsure if she trusts that, but she says nothing. Quin continues. "Which is why I need to know about this... Island of Midnight, and how to deal with it."
“Do you have a location of where their ships have...Disappeared near.” Balan asks.
"Off to the west, somewhere. There's three islands out in that direction, one is an unimportant fishing village, one is barren, and another is a jungle so full of monsters that it's of no worth to anyone." Quin huffs "We had the Barren one checked. It's not that. Isn't the monster infested one either. As far as we can tell they just vanish out at sea, but our ships haven't found anything."
“Where they vanish exactly is of the highest importance.”
"Scattered places, on the map. But I haven't gotten any kind of clear reading on that." Quin shakes his head.
Silgara looks over. "It might require a portal key like the last one."
“Do you have a map to referance...And yes, I was thinking that as well Silgara. Without the key you would sail through the area and never know it was there.”
Minister Quin pulls out a large, complicated map. "As mentioned, it's somewhere around that monster-infested island to the west. A large one, but that one doesn't have ports. Usually, the vanishings happen to the north-east of there." He then looks over to Balan and Silgara, narrowing his eyes, considering something. "Hrm, and what would this... 'key' be?"
Silgara steps in. "Magical in nature, the last was a set of four symbols. Barely noticeable unless you know exactly what to look for. Fortunately, I do." She does give off that mildly condescending tone.
Minister Quin looks at Silgara, narrowing his eyes, then looks at Balan. "Alright, you want direction, you want direction. And if your work on Warehouse 19 is anything to go by, I expect you know how to be discrete, or at least plausibly deniable enough here. Are you listening?"
“What warehouse?” Balan smirks.
"Exactly." Minister Quin waves Balan off. "Now, here's what you need to know. There is a Corsair I know. Captain Gantu Grimslade, captain of the Crimson Tide. He's probably going to depart soon. If he and his crew have an accident out at sea, well it's not something that can really be traced back to me. Just don't be an idiot about it. Oh, and in case you throw a lot of magic around, I need the logbook intact. So don't scuttle their ship before you get what you need from it."
“We have others who can...Travel in the water freely so even if their ship is....well you get the idea.” Balan smirks.
"Just not in port where the guards will get involved or anything that tips them off that I told you that." Minister Quin says, sounding deadly serious about that.
“Aye that would be foolish.” Balan nods.
"It would be. So, is that all then?" Minister Quin has stopped twirling his pen, leaning forward, looking far more serious.
Balan looks at Silgara, “Am I missing anything?”
"I believe we have covered what was needed. I'm sure we can let the secretary know if we have that... logbook." Silgara says.
"Just say you have a Logbook for me to look through. I'll make sure they know what to look for." Quin replies.
Balan nods, “Aye then that is all until our next meeting then.” He nods, Silgara goes to depart.
They leave the City Hall without further incident. Silgara looks over. "I have a feeling we shouldn't discuss this out in the open. Let’s reconvene."
He nods to Silgara, “We need to be careful where we speak about this and who is anywhere nearby.”
"Where should we go then? Back to the Inn Room? Or to the shrine where Mingzhu and Zsikhou went?" Silgara looks over.
“Perhaps to the shrine to collect them so we can inform all parties in private.”
Silgara nods "Let’s get moving then." They and the rest of the companions start their journey to the shrine.
“We wish to speak with the minister if possible.”
"Hrm, name? And do you have an appointment, sir? Also, which minister?" The Secretary shuffles through some paperwork.
“Apologies, I am Balan and minister Quinn.”
"Hrm, one moment." She checks the paperwork...
“I do not have an appointment though, but me and my companion were hoping to have a conversation with him.”
She looks back to Balan, annoyed. "I see. Well, you will need an appointment to see him. Do you wish to schedule one? I will need to..." Meanwhile, someone goes up to the secretary, whispering to her, looks like another clerk. She nods "Right, I see. Well, you and your companion apparently do have an appointment. Why did you say you didn't have one?"
Silgara interjects. "Pardon, he simply forgot. But yes, we do have one."
The secretary sighs. "Right, well, follow inside to room 51." She makes a motion. "Better yet, the Clerk here will show you the way."
The same man who whispered to her nods, then looks to Balan. "Please come with me sir."
Balan slaps his forehead, “Apologies, to much going on as of late. He follows the clerk.
The man leads him to a small, but well filled room. Papers and paperwork everywhere. There's a small room with one man. He wears well-made but rather nondescript clothes, definitely not a person who makes himself look flashy or noteworthy. But he does have a short, well-trimmed beard and goatee. He appears to be penning something. He sits at a rather large desk with many shelves in it, there's two chairs in front. He looks up. "Right, thank you for joining me here. Come in, sit." He doesn't seem to mean it, given his terse tone, but he motions to the chairs all the same. Minister Quin looks up to Balan. "Right, so, you wish to discuss something, then. Well, go ahead." He twirls a pen in his hand. Silgara seems nervous just being here but keeps her cool.
Balan looks to Silgara for help but seeing her face, he turns back to the minister. “We were hoping to get some information from you on the going ons in this port. We have some information but specifically we wish to know of corsair involvement.”
Minister Quin looks over at Balan, looking somewhat annoyed. "Really? Well, I hope you know how this works. Well, go ahead. What information do you have for me, then?"
“We have found that they are most likely working with a trade company that is in this port but there are many other things that we have been informed of on their...dealings.”
Minister Quin twirls his pen, flexing his hand. "Well, continue on then. I assume you're going to tell me which trading company in this port, and their other dealings."
“Aye... The Fated Winds though I am sure a man of your nature had some ideas on that.”
"I might. So, what else? And I'd like to hear proof if you have it." Minister Quin looks at Balan squarely.
“Search their warehouse and you will see proof I am sure along with stolen goods from other trade companies that the corsairs have taken for them to resell. We do know there is an envoy making deals with the corsairs from daimyo Zuodong’s lands...Perhaps you know something about that as well?”
"Hrm.... you know, interesting that you bring that up." Minister Quin twirls his pen, then pulls out a note, unfolding it, reading it. "I had heard that there was a robbery at Warehouse 19. I had also heard a complaint that was regarding some stolen goods by the Golden Sails. And I know it was a member of the Golden Sails who had arranged for this appointment here. It's an interesting set of coincidences." Quin seems to muse on it, looking to Balan to see how he responds.
“Aye that is interesting indeed however we were owed a favor by the sails from previous endeavors on another island. We are friends of their captains after all.”
Minister Quin looks over, considering. Perhaps as if trying to assess if he knows something to dispute that, or something else. He considers. "I see. So, what gave you the idea that there is an envoy of Zuodong's Court that is involved in making deals with the Corsairs?"
“A woman who is well respected as a protector of another island on the way here had shall we say obtained that information and not in a peaceful manor I am sure of that.”
Minister Quin regards Balan, narrowing his eyes, musing, considering. "Which island? And I assume that this woman has a name and can presumably be trusted."
“Perhaps trusted as much as anyone who tortures and devours for information though the location is not important is it. She had also informed us on a specific raid on a specific holdings that may have been influenced by this person that has made deals with the corsairs.” Balan leans back in the chair carefully watching his expression after looking back at Silgara for a moment. Minister Quin narrows his eyes some, considering. Silgara looks to Balan but seems to be content to let him handle this.
Minister Quin then looks over. "I see. Now, that is quite the reveal." He clearly doesn't mean it, but he seems more guarded now. "So, I suppose we'd better get on to the part where you tell me what it is you're looking for out of this little... exchange of ours."
“There is an island we are looking for as well as further information on stopping the corsairs’ trades and thefts if you would give it. The island is that of midnight and not seen unless you know where to look.”
Quin raises an eyebrow. "Now that's a new one. Island of Midnight. What exactly is this island of Midnight?"
“The last one we located held...Some unsavory people along with creatures that should not be on the lands here. Needless to say,… They are dispatched and no longer around.”
Quin flexes a hand, a smirk. "You're not giving me a lot to go off of, here. But I suppose that's expected. Of course, now there is the part where you think you can stop the Corsairs with my help, and what you can offer that is actually actionable and valuable."
“We have taken down One of their ships and many of their men already...An exchange of information may be valuable to you unless you are working with them then that would put a target on our back if it hasn’t already. Though we do know there is a demon that leads their fleet...So perhaps that is of value.”
The minister considers. "And what can you tell me about this... demon?"
Silgara decides to chime in. "A Glabrezu. A wish-granter that appeals to the darkest desires of men. This one has been supporting the Corsairs in their endeavors."
The Minister looks to Silgara, considering. "I see. A Yokai being involved can make things more... complicated than is necessary." Then he looks to Balan. "Of course, how do I know that you might be able to deal with this... yokai?"
“We have dealt with one already on the island we found...One that rode a nightmare horse.”
The minister muses. "So, you do have some competence in combat." Though leaves the rest unsaid. "Unfortunately, I don't have any information regarding a Yokai prior to this, so what are you looking for, and why is it to my advantage to disclose?"
“If we were to remove the corsairs or dwindle their numbers enough so they are not operational it would allow better prosper and more negotiations with trades companies that are already here less the fated winds of course. And since they are already destroying Daimyo ships that have soldiers on them...And destroying entire populations on islands...It is the best option.”
The Minister muses, "Destroying whole entire populations on islands where?"
“Near Kizamine they killed or enslaved all they could.”
Minister Quin considers for a time. "Ah, that island is under Kaluso's domain. Of course it's a tragedy hearing that." He clearly doesn't seem moved by it. "Of course, what happens in Daimyo Kaluso's domain is not something I really have jurisdiction over. Unless there's some reason it should concern me."
“If they do it in one domain they could easily, do it here. Unless you know something, I do not.”
"Oh, I am sure I know many things you do not." Minister Quin smirks.
“Aye your position of course notes that spymaster.”
"I'm responsible for ensuring my fellows here in the city hall are duly informed so they can make proper decisions." Minister Quin shrugs "But fine. If you want to be more direct, and crass, perhaps you should convince me then. Why should I help you with sharing."
“Is there a task you need done that could convince you or should I just give you a blatant reasoning on why evil and pirates should be removed when they are in the amount of force they are...or perhaps having shady traders selling stolen goods can cause a whole domains influence to tank into the bottom of the sea.”
Minister Quin pauses, considering, he huffs "What have you heard regarding this... deal with the Corsairs someone under Zuodong allegedly has?"
Silgara presses the advantage. "That someone under his employ is paying them. I'm sure you don't need that additional expense." She tries to give a sweet smile but just comes off as condescending.
Minister Quin seems to consider. "Tell me what you know then. I'll fill in the blanks."
“From some of what I had overheard it is one of three people...You were named as a potential though with the way you hold yourself, I am unsure.”
Quin waves a hand off "Alright, I'll fill in the blanks then. I'm sure you've heard of the term 'an offer you can't refuse', right? I'll tell you this, the Corsairs logistical structure doesn't make any sense. None that we can track anyways. We know they have a port somewhere, but their ships just seem to... disappear. So, patrol boats rarely find them." Quin sighs, "Now I assume this... Island of Midnight you mentioned may be involved, but what else can you tell me about them?"
“First, I need to know if you are the ones that made deals with them or not.” Quin gives Balan a hard look...
Quin grimaces "It's not an ideal situation. We're essentially paying them off until we can find their hidden port for a strike. Playing them along, for now. If we went to open hostility now, they'd cut us off and vanish without us being able to stop them. It's a 'protection' scheme, not a partnership." Silgara looks at Quin, unsure if she trusts that, but she says nothing. Quin continues. "Which is why I need to know about this... Island of Midnight, and how to deal with it."
“Do you have a location of where their ships have...Disappeared near.” Balan asks.
"Off to the west, somewhere. There's three islands out in that direction, one is an unimportant fishing village, one is barren, and another is a jungle so full of monsters that it's of no worth to anyone." Quin huffs "We had the Barren one checked. It's not that. Isn't the monster infested one either. As far as we can tell they just vanish out at sea, but our ships haven't found anything."
“Where they vanish exactly is of the highest importance.”
"Scattered places, on the map. But I haven't gotten any kind of clear reading on that." Quin shakes his head.
Silgara looks over. "It might require a portal key like the last one."
“Do you have a map to referance...And yes, I was thinking that as well Silgara. Without the key you would sail through the area and never know it was there.”
Minister Quin pulls out a large, complicated map. "As mentioned, it's somewhere around that monster-infested island to the west. A large one, but that one doesn't have ports. Usually, the vanishings happen to the north-east of there." He then looks over to Balan and Silgara, narrowing his eyes, considering something. "Hrm, and what would this... 'key' be?"
Silgara steps in. "Magical in nature, the last was a set of four symbols. Barely noticeable unless you know exactly what to look for. Fortunately, I do." She does give off that mildly condescending tone.
Minister Quin looks at Silgara, narrowing his eyes, then looks at Balan. "Alright, you want direction, you want direction. And if your work on Warehouse 19 is anything to go by, I expect you know how to be discrete, or at least plausibly deniable enough here. Are you listening?"
“What warehouse?” Balan smirks.
"Exactly." Minister Quin waves Balan off. "Now, here's what you need to know. There is a Corsair I know. Captain Gantu Grimslade, captain of the Crimson Tide. He's probably going to depart soon. If he and his crew have an accident out at sea, well it's not something that can really be traced back to me. Just don't be an idiot about it. Oh, and in case you throw a lot of magic around, I need the logbook intact. So don't scuttle their ship before you get what you need from it."
“We have others who can...Travel in the water freely so even if their ship is....well you get the idea.” Balan smirks.
"Just not in port where the guards will get involved or anything that tips them off that I told you that." Minister Quin says, sounding deadly serious about that.
“Aye that would be foolish.” Balan nods.
"It would be. So, is that all then?" Minister Quin has stopped twirling his pen, leaning forward, looking far more serious.
Balan looks at Silgara, “Am I missing anything?”
"I believe we have covered what was needed. I'm sure we can let the secretary know if we have that... logbook." Silgara says.
"Just say you have a Logbook for me to look through. I'll make sure they know what to look for." Quin replies.
Balan nods, “Aye then that is all until our next meeting then.” He nods, Silgara goes to depart.
They leave the City Hall without further incident. Silgara looks over. "I have a feeling we shouldn't discuss this out in the open. Let’s reconvene."
He nods to Silgara, “We need to be careful where we speak about this and who is anywhere nearby.”
"Where should we go then? Back to the Inn Room? Or to the shrine where Mingzhu and Zsikhou went?" Silgara looks over.
“Perhaps to the shrine to collect them so we can inform all parties in private.”
Silgara nods "Let’s get moving then." They and the rest of the companions start their journey to the shrine.
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Re: She Came from the Sea: Book 2
Eventually, the party finds its way back to Mingzhu and Zsikhou. Silgara looks around, then looks to Mingzhu "Everything alright here?"
Mingzhu looks at the group, "Theres a spy behind some bushes if you haven’t noticed already."
Balan grins, “Would you like it lit on fire?”
"And we are relatively fine yes............ Ummm no. We were just praying and tending to the shrine. There is no need. And the only prayers I used was to reinforce Zsikhou here."
Nor'vee looks over "Might be a bit excessive."
Silgara looks over. "I should probably get the boat ready for us."
“Aye that would be best...We need to talk.” Balan says.
She nods, slipping off, finding a quiet place, then casts invisibility, then fly. Going to fly off, deploy the boat out at sea, then come back to where the group had initially docked. They board the ship. Silgara casts off to sea, though keeps the island in sight. She dismisses her invisibility spell. Silgara breathes out a huff "Right, Balan, go ahead on how our... meeting with the minister went?"
“In a moment I want to make sure no one slipped on that is unwelcome.” he sits on the front of the ship looking backwards as he uses Detect Evil. He only feels Zsikhou’s presence.
Mingzhu casts trance and commune with spirits. "Ocean spirits come to me." A spirit is called to her.
"Spirit is there anyone aboard this ship that does not belong to the group?"
"No."
"Spirit are any of our people or the ship being divined?"
"No"
"Spirit the man who followed us to the shrine was he hired or a member of one of the trading companies?"
"Hired."
Balan stands and walks back to the group rubbing Zsikhou’s head. “Just you buddy.” Zsikhou loves it and can't get enough looks somewhat annoyed.
"Was the man hired by the fated winds?"
"No." The spirit fades.
Mingzhu turns to the group. “We have no stowaways, and we are not being divined. The man that followed me and Zsikhou was hired but not by the Fated winds. The spirit got confused by my words or I would have narrowed it down further.
Silgara looks over to Balan. "I was hoping to discuss how much we could trust Minister Quin, but..."
Zsikhou looks at Balan. "Let’s start with the bad news."
“Trust...not at all but he has given us information at least. and he is willing to betray the corsairs. Bad news, we need to take out a corsair ship that is ported here without sinking it.” Balan shrugs.
Fwangzhu huffs, looking over. "Why not at port? Because the shitbag guards would defend them I'm guessing?"
Balan replies, “It is more that we would most likely be arrested for causing issues...”
"Yeah, that shit." Fwangzhu huffs.
"Let us hope that the ship does not sail out of port till tomorrow. I will re arrange my prayers for a ship." Mingzhu says.
Nor'vee looks over to Balan. "So, what is good news then?"
“We have an idea where the midnight island may be located.” Balan takes the time to explain what happened during the meeting and how towards the end Quinn seemed to want to help with their plot
Mingzhu frowns, “That’s the good news?”
Silgara nods, "I'll put it on our map. At least the suspected locations. But it may be good to assume that this next midnight island is using a different portal key."
“Aye...That may not be an issue if we can take out the crew of that ship...Their captain may have a key.” Balan insists.
Silgara nods aside to Mingzhu "And we apparently need the captain's logbook. That means we can't sink their ship until we get it."
"I could always swim down and get it." The shamaness replies.
"If it gets ruined by water damage, then..." Silgara shakes her head.
“Aye best not to risk it getting wet.” Balan reinforces Silgara’s statement.
Mingzhu shakes her head. “Well, that takes away me creating a maelstrom.”
“Less you remove the water from under their ship completely and let it drop to the ocean floor?” Balan suggests and asks at the same time.”
"I can’t do that Balan. The most I can do is sink it 35 feet into the bottom of the maelstrom and release the spell instantly sinking it if the ship is small enough." Mingzhu says while she is thinking about it.
Balan nods, “Then I believe that would not work.”
"If the ship is too big it would be violently thrown back up and bob on the surface of the water. I could call up a giant great white shark Jaws and try to fowl the rudder."
“That...That may cause massive issues to any living creature on board...” Balan almost seems delighted.
"It would certainly disrupt any spell casting for a few minutes.” Mingzhu responds.
Balan muses trying to do the math in his head. “That may launch them 15 feet above the water and slam them back into the surface with enough force to break legs.”
"Would it risk tipping the ship?" Silgara looks over.
“That may depend on how the ship is built.” Balan says.
Mingzhu nods, "It would."
"And could compromise the cargo we're looking for..." Silgara sighs.
"Like I said the other avenue is call a big enough shark to foul the rudder." Mingzhu says again.
“It is unfortunate and not worth the risk with maelstrom... however the shark would leave them dead in the water.... And perhaps they would be dumb enough to jump in and try to fix it.” Balan almost laughs thinking about it.
"If that happens, I may have to call another spell to call multiple smaller sharks. Perhaps I could start a feeding frenzy with enough blood in the water it will attract even more. Though if that happens, I want out of the water as soon as possible." Mingzhu shudders.
“Aye I could imagine so. We do know they will be departing port soon but not how soon.” Balan informs.
Mingzhu thinks a moment then says, “The horizon is 2 miles off the coast we can hold there and wait. Or wait for them to depart and follow them. We do need to hit them further along in case other traffic sees us. At least 5 miles off the coast I would guess."
Silgara nods. Balan smiles, “Aye, farther is better.”
Mingzhu looks at the group, "Theres a spy behind some bushes if you haven’t noticed already."
Balan grins, “Would you like it lit on fire?”
"And we are relatively fine yes............ Ummm no. We were just praying and tending to the shrine. There is no need. And the only prayers I used was to reinforce Zsikhou here."
Nor'vee looks over "Might be a bit excessive."
Silgara looks over. "I should probably get the boat ready for us."
“Aye that would be best...We need to talk.” Balan says.
She nods, slipping off, finding a quiet place, then casts invisibility, then fly. Going to fly off, deploy the boat out at sea, then come back to where the group had initially docked. They board the ship. Silgara casts off to sea, though keeps the island in sight. She dismisses her invisibility spell. Silgara breathes out a huff "Right, Balan, go ahead on how our... meeting with the minister went?"
“In a moment I want to make sure no one slipped on that is unwelcome.” he sits on the front of the ship looking backwards as he uses Detect Evil. He only feels Zsikhou’s presence.
Mingzhu casts trance and commune with spirits. "Ocean spirits come to me." A spirit is called to her.
"Spirit is there anyone aboard this ship that does not belong to the group?"
"No."
"Spirit are any of our people or the ship being divined?"
"No"
"Spirit the man who followed us to the shrine was he hired or a member of one of the trading companies?"
"Hired."
Balan stands and walks back to the group rubbing Zsikhou’s head. “Just you buddy.” Zsikhou loves it and can't get enough looks somewhat annoyed.
"Was the man hired by the fated winds?"
"No." The spirit fades.
Mingzhu turns to the group. “We have no stowaways, and we are not being divined. The man that followed me and Zsikhou was hired but not by the Fated winds. The spirit got confused by my words or I would have narrowed it down further.
Silgara looks over to Balan. "I was hoping to discuss how much we could trust Minister Quin, but..."
Zsikhou looks at Balan. "Let’s start with the bad news."
“Trust...not at all but he has given us information at least. and he is willing to betray the corsairs. Bad news, we need to take out a corsair ship that is ported here without sinking it.” Balan shrugs.
Fwangzhu huffs, looking over. "Why not at port? Because the shitbag guards would defend them I'm guessing?"
Balan replies, “It is more that we would most likely be arrested for causing issues...”
"Yeah, that shit." Fwangzhu huffs.
"Let us hope that the ship does not sail out of port till tomorrow. I will re arrange my prayers for a ship." Mingzhu says.
Nor'vee looks over to Balan. "So, what is good news then?"
“We have an idea where the midnight island may be located.” Balan takes the time to explain what happened during the meeting and how towards the end Quinn seemed to want to help with their plot
Mingzhu frowns, “That’s the good news?”
Silgara nods, "I'll put it on our map. At least the suspected locations. But it may be good to assume that this next midnight island is using a different portal key."
“Aye...That may not be an issue if we can take out the crew of that ship...Their captain may have a key.” Balan insists.
Silgara nods aside to Mingzhu "And we apparently need the captain's logbook. That means we can't sink their ship until we get it."
"I could always swim down and get it." The shamaness replies.
"If it gets ruined by water damage, then..." Silgara shakes her head.
“Aye best not to risk it getting wet.” Balan reinforces Silgara’s statement.
Mingzhu shakes her head. “Well, that takes away me creating a maelstrom.”
“Less you remove the water from under their ship completely and let it drop to the ocean floor?” Balan suggests and asks at the same time.”
"I can’t do that Balan. The most I can do is sink it 35 feet into the bottom of the maelstrom and release the spell instantly sinking it if the ship is small enough." Mingzhu says while she is thinking about it.
Balan nods, “Then I believe that would not work.”
"If the ship is too big it would be violently thrown back up and bob on the surface of the water. I could call up a giant great white shark Jaws and try to fowl the rudder."
“That...That may cause massive issues to any living creature on board...” Balan almost seems delighted.
"It would certainly disrupt any spell casting for a few minutes.” Mingzhu responds.
Balan muses trying to do the math in his head. “That may launch them 15 feet above the water and slam them back into the surface with enough force to break legs.”
"Would it risk tipping the ship?" Silgara looks over.
“That may depend on how the ship is built.” Balan says.
Mingzhu nods, "It would."
"And could compromise the cargo we're looking for..." Silgara sighs.
"Like I said the other avenue is call a big enough shark to foul the rudder." Mingzhu says again.
“It is unfortunate and not worth the risk with maelstrom... however the shark would leave them dead in the water.... And perhaps they would be dumb enough to jump in and try to fix it.” Balan almost laughs thinking about it.
"If that happens, I may have to call another spell to call multiple smaller sharks. Perhaps I could start a feeding frenzy with enough blood in the water it will attract even more. Though if that happens, I want out of the water as soon as possible." Mingzhu shudders.
“Aye I could imagine so. We do know they will be departing port soon but not how soon.” Balan informs.
Mingzhu thinks a moment then says, “The horizon is 2 miles off the coast we can hold there and wait. Or wait for them to depart and follow them. We do need to hit them further along in case other traffic sees us. At least 5 miles off the coast I would guess."
Silgara nods. Balan smiles, “Aye, farther is better.”