The Galley docks along the Nyoka

[Amanita Vernia]

Amanita is found, a search party is sent to find Venor and Krakatoa plans his next move

Amanita Vernia: Word had spread through Schendi of the fire at Silenti and the now missing occupants, it was now abandoned and the rumors the death toll grew larger the further they reached. First it had been a dozen, then twenty, and now it was as if hundreds had died. Krakatoa was feared even more by those of the city and while those of Silenti had stood against his men and survived, they knew it was time to leave the city. The galley captained by Brinlar had left with no than twenty on board. It was a smaller group than Arculeius had wanted and at the time of departure was short one merchant as well as the journal of Shaba. It only took a few days to reach the first trading post along the Nyoka, a market for those of the jungles to trade pelts and slaves for good from the city. It was an assortment of cultures that came about after the canal built by the Ushindi Ubar, Bila Hurmuna, had been completed. Arculeius, like most of the crew left the galley to trade for food or other supplies needed for their expedition, but top on his mind was still the questionable whereabouts of the merchant. He trusted that she would know to meet them here, he trusted she had gotten out of the house through the tunnel her father had built under the house, he trusted she was still alive. He had no proof, nothing but his gut.

Brinlar Sevarii: uncommon silver-flecked gray eyes narrow in the bright light of la-torvis , scanning the pier for signs of Arculeius, and more importantly, Amanita, for..without her, this expedition will come to an abrupt conclusion, almost before it has begun. Brinlar looks over as TaSheera emerges from below decks and moves towards him , gifting her with one of his patented dazzling smiles. "Sheera..you were wise to stay out of the heat until now....I am slowly becoming acclimated to it..or..I am hoping I am anyways" He looks from her back to the bustling wharves and the steady flow of supplies carried up the gangplank of the galley.

Thurnock Scormus: ::he was working as quickly he could with the brought in timber and metal to fix the railings and shore up the decks by the perimiter of the Folly as was his usual he was garbbed in leather breeches, his torso bare glistening with sweat in the heat of la torvis, the bandana around his head catching the sweat as his arm raised and fell pounding the bolts into place. Mateo was working with the first mate quickly to direct and make sure all that was being brought to the ship went to the proper place all were busy working as fast as things came aboard to make things ready yet again - Thurnock turned hearing the Captain adress Sheera as she came aboard, a slow grin crossed his features as he quickly scanned the docs, then looked back to the on comming supplies he had to chuckle as he looked over to Sheera, then back to Brinlar:: Cap'n, if your not used to the heat by now, you never will be

TaSheera: ..::the time she had spent in these jungles had taught her alot and reserving her energy was a top priority for her right now. When in the city itself she had chosen to dress in saris to blend in more with the flow of people around her and draw less attention to herself, now that they were underway her garb was much more familiar and "workable" and too she seemed to blend in with those around her...she emerged from below and headed towards Brin, a quick wink delivered Thurnock's way as she drew up to Brin's side. Her gaze fell upon the incomming supplies briefly before scanning not only the docks but the area beyond slowly::.. has there been any word of the others? ..::as the question was asked that wintery gaze was directed Brin's way and leveled in those seas of silver that she knew so well, she was almost studying him::..

Son of Klima: ::As soon as the galley touched the dock and the plank put down, Salty had left the boat, nearly running so as to feel dry, solid, non-moving dirt under his feet. He had put a leach on Tara's collar for he meant to scour the market place for local herbs and medicines. The leash would keep the girl from being stolen, he hoped. It took him nearly 2 Ahns to find what he wanted and he was pleased. He had also received two offers from tall black men for Tara. They had never seen a female such as her. It was with a bit of regret that he decided to return to the galley, he had not been alone with the girl for nearly a hand and he was in a bit of turmoil.::

SK tara: tara peered up from a thick fringe of sooty lashs, lifting one slender hand, she curled tapered fingers about the leash, gripping it tight in her hand, her Master had clad her in soft breeches and a tunic the long dark mane tucked up beneath a hat, though small wisps curled about her face, delicate beauty not hidden beneath the clothes, she was now unaccustomed to wearing, taking a deep breath, she glanced with dark luminous eyes along the path she was led, her steps sensual and graceful, and as he found what he wanted, a soft smile touched her lips feeling his gaze upon her, hearing his voice " we return now to the galley girl .. I have what I need " she nodded as she eagerly followed after him, the leash only for her protection, for she would follow him anywhere .

Beast of Nyoka:| The Golden Kailiauk, Schendi | [/b]The Beast of Nyoka sat between two of his men, sipping paga and watching a slave do her bump and grind in the patch of sand before them. She was good. He might use her later. Yet, it was said that there was a time for slaves and a time for business (steel or coin) and it was a time for the latter. The Merchant had shown her hand. It would not be polite of him to let that mistake of hers slide. Just as Krakatoa lifted his mug up for a slave to scamper forth and fill it; his general entered the paga den. Half his face was a mess of scar tissue and mulchy flesh. One eye had been scoured from it's socket. And he was scared as he approached the easy lounge of the Beast and his two men. Krakatoa spoke first, in the jungle Unkungu dialect. Only 9 percent of people in Schendi can speak Ushindi, and even fewer that could speak Ukungu. "Sit my friend. Sit before you topple over." Krakatoa made a motion and a slave ran to get the general a drink. "Drink with me and tell me of the Merchant." The general's name was Quetzcotl and he slumped with relief down to the furs opposite of his Commander. He downed half the paga bowl's contents before he launched into his report. "The woman had been warned of the attack. The people we planted amongst her guards were able to take out the first savo, but fell soon after." Krakatoa was slowly chewing a leaf of kanda, his eyes on the dancer. He glanced to Quetzcotl. "Fell to who?" The general rubbed the jungle's moisture from the back of his neck. "Her guests picked up the slack. That and a kajirus." Not liking how pathetic that sounded, that his men were routed by house guests and male slaves, the man kept going, moving his report along to what was now key. Where they all were. "The party has gone down Nyoka in the galley, except two. The merchant and her slave lost us in the jungles. You said you did not want her dead so that tied our hands. Yet, there has been no sign of her, so that is also a possibility." The general need not say but only imply what a woman's chances were in the jungle. Not good.

Amanita Vernia: The League of Black Slavers controlled most of the trade on the docks, even if it was not flesh, they were given a cut to keep things peaceful. There were also cages lined along the shore, various captives taken in by the jungle tribes men along with a few brave taluna. Arculeius had already check the cages on the docks just incase the merchant had been captured by slavers, but did not find her there. Those that remained on the boat were probably much safer there, their light skin made them stand out while Arculeius could freely move between the different tribes. The slaves in the wooden cages along the shore cried out to be set free, a few even begged him to buy them, but again, none were the merchant or the kajirus. It was during his second passing along the rows of cages that he noticed a woman further away, not caged, but in the brush. She was looking right back at him with the same shocking stare. When she was sure that it wasn't just a mirage she left her hiding place and ran towards him. The once white of her robes showed not spot of that had not been stained by mud or other spoil, her hair was a tangle still half in briad while the rest was in distress. Her face had no veils, but she was covered by enough grim that it didn't matter and her eyes... well they were near tears. "He's dying... you have to help me save him, he can't die." She latched her hand around Arculeius forearm and started to pull the man with her. He didn't move though, he returned the grip around her arm and pulled her in the opposite direction towards the boat. "No, Amanita. I have to get you to safety.... we can send others back for your brother."

Brinlar Sevarii: Watching as the last man trods up the gangplank with his sack of flour, the Sleen of Cos looks down along the wooden wharf, slipping an arm round Sheeras waist and repying quietly " Arculeius has been gone for 3 ahns now. Once he returns we will know wether we will proceed, or return to Schendi." Brinlar says nothing further, but his uncommon sense, one that has served him well and earned him his moniker for his brazen daring on Thassa tells him the merchant woman of Silenti will be with the tall nubian guardsman upon his return.

Thurnock Scormus: ::Mateo approached Brinlar waiting back a bit as he spoke to Sheera, he scanned the docks looking for Acruleius, seeing him off in the distance behind a grouping of people walking he moved to the Captain speaking low:: Captain.. they are down that way ::his large arm gave only a hint of direction to look in, not wanting to call undue attention to those on the dock that might also be looking for her

TaSheera: ..::she leaned against him gently as that strong arm surrounded her, one arm crossing over her stomach to allow the hook of finger in the waist of his leathers and she nodded hearing him, her gaze had filtered back to the ganglplank and then towards Salty and the approaching slave....she hadn't quite figured Salty out yet, he being a mystery and that slave of his ....she had to wonder how much of a hinderance she might be in the jungle...of course she could always be used for bait...everyone had thier little perks, the thought brought a ghost of a grin to lips when Mateo's voice drew both her gaze and attention, eyes of ice then following the slight motion of hand::..

Son of Klima: ::Salty led his kajira up the plank, onto the deck of the galley. It was then that he saw the captain's woman for the first time and he walked over to her. "Tal, I am Salty and this kajira is Tara. I understand that you are the warrior with the long bow. I have something for you" and he reached into his pack and pulled out an arrow. "Is this one of yours?"::

SK tara: : slow sensual steps along the plank, delicate fingers gripping the leash as he stopped near the woman, she coiled to her knees beside him, a strange visage dressed in such clothes,feeling the hat slip the long silken mane tumbling down her back, delicate features glowing as she heard his voice, she lowered her palms to the tops of her thighs, the tip of her tongue curling her top lip, she glanced back along the path they had come, shivering slightly from what she had seen, the girls in the cages, their soft voices calling out made her wince glad she was where she was, although not at all sure where they were going, a peek to the Mistress and the Master from beneath her lashs studying them intently

Beast of Nyoka: | Still at The Golden Kailiauk, Schendi | Krakatoa merely listened to all this, rolling the kanda leaf over his tongue. Nothing, nothing that the man was spewing he did not already know. Then he spoke. "You have done well to spook the shy urt from her hole. Since she runs for the river and not for authorities or help from Schendi, I am confidant that she had and still has what I want. But you, friend, will return to the compound and heal yourself." Quetzcotl knew a dismissal when he heard it and he thrust himself up to standing. The rest of the paga was gurgled down. "My thanks, Commander." The Beast only smiled before turning back to the dance. The kajira now knew that the black man was watching her so she doubled her efforts to tempt him. He only gazed at her. All in his own time, things would happen. Even with the Merchant. A low chuckle came from Akubu, the man next to him. "He thinks you will let him live." Krakatoa shrugged. Some men were foolish like that when they thought they would be exempt from paying for their mistakes. "What will you do? Ah. I know. You will have him enslaved." Akubu flashed a smile, his teeth very white against his dark skin. "He can pull an oar with that shattered hand." The Beast finished with the kanda and flicked his fingers, beckoning the slave to approach. When she did, he took her by the hair and thrust her over his lap as if he intended to spank her. Her bare ass cheeks quivered in the air. "He is now unfit for slavery and even slaves have tongues that can wag. Don't you, girl? Hm. Show us." The girl swallowed thickly, whispering Master please and stuck out her tongue. She was shaking all over. Even Akubu had ceased the questions. "The men wait him at the compound. They will hook his tongue like a caught fish and hang him from it." The thick fingers of the Beast pinched the slave's tongue and drew it out from her mouth a fraction more. Until it was uncomfortable. "If he survives it." Doubtful. "Then they will simply gut him." And there would be one less leak. The stealth and precision that was required before he was certain that the Merchant had Shaba's journal was nothing compared to what it was now. Before, a scything of a panga could do the job. Messy but effecient. Now, a scalpel was needed. All in good time.

Amanita Vernia: Amanita could of dug in her heels and insisted they go back into the jungles to get Venor, the wound in his side had gotten infected and she could not carry him herself. She needed Aruleius, but he was taking her the wrong way. "There isn't time," she insisted. Of all men alive she trusted Arcurleius more than any, he was her protector and keeper of her secrets, he knew everything. Even who the kajirus had once been, but even with that knowledge he didn't let her persuade him. He would have carried her over his shoulder if he had to and the merchant knew this. Seeing that he would not allow it she hurried along side him back to the galley. He kept his arm around her and nearly knocked a few of his own men over when they came up the gangplank. "You!" he shouted to one. "find me a stretcher and kit of medical supplies either on the ship or elsewhere, then meet me on the deck." He continued with the merchant still wrapped under his arm having her explain how to find Venor, exactly how far and in which direction. She had been smart enough to leave markers of cloth along the way so even she wouldn't be able to lose him. There was still sound of distress in her voice, but she didn't bother asking Arculeius to let her go with him. When they reached the deck where the others were his eyes met with the captain first. He had watched Arculeius wearing a hole in the floor with worry and would understand the relief now found in his eyes with the woman safe. "I'm taking two men into the jungle to get an injured man, but I want you to proceed if anything goes wrong." He also wanted the man to make sure the merchant did not leave the ship. "Salty!" He turned towards the warrior. "Your steel is needed."

Brinlar Sevarii: Following Mateo's slight gesture of direction with a casual, what seems to be indifferent glance, he sees Arculeius and a very disheveled Amanita approach the galley, and smiles knowingly, as that "sixth" sense once again proves it's validity. Moving down to meet Arculeius with a feral pantherlike grace, he greets Amanita with a smile "Tal, Lady..welcome aboard the Dukembi's Folly" Looking over at Sheera as she follows him to the deck, he makes a quick introduction. "This is Tasheera, my woman..Sheera, this is the Lady amanita..please escort her below and help her clean up and find fresh garments" Silver-grays turn back to Arculeius and he chuckles "I do not think you yelled loud enough for those on the far end of the wharf to hear you, warrior. And....I go nowhere until you return..so i suggest you take Renn and Mateo with you, their steel is worth 2 of your men, no insult intended. We will be ready to cast off as soon as you return" Turning his gaze towards Thurnock he beckons him close and mutters " Take 6 men to the wharf and watch for any possible trouble..also as rear guard once my friend here" he grins at Arculeious " returns from wherever he is going" Berinlar has learned quickly not to question the nubian, simply to add his expertise when he feels it is needed.

Thurnock Scormus: ::Thurnock moved closer to Brinlar, and hearing the order gave a sharp whistle motioning the 6 men to follow him turned to Arculeious giving a nod as they headed towards the warf.. he motioned to men up two men down and two to walk along in front of the galley.. he himself moved further up the docks towards the direction of the market listening as he paused from time to time to see if he could pick up any information - Mateo in hearting Brinlar made his way towards Arculeious adjusting the sword on his side and making sure his daggers were in place as he waited the next order of business, he had seen the womans condition, and could only catch smatterings of conversations about what might be happening, but his own witt was sharp and he quickly new what would have to be done::

TaSheera: ..::a finely sculpted brow arched gently as Salty approached her like that, hearing the introduction she tipped her head to him, albeit slightly::.. well met ..::a flick of her gaze towards the slave::.. Tal, slut..::slowly icy blues lifted to seize the man's gaze as he continued on and dropped to the arrow he inquired about, she never really directly answered his question, instead she took the arrow in her hands::.. where did you get this?...::she had of course seen him before, he was the man that warned them when the galley was docked that there had been a spy in the jungles....that raised many questions for her, but it also told her something...he himself had been watching the galley....she was distracted from her own question by the approach of Arculieous and Amanita and she was certain the bellow from the man would be cutting the conversation between Salty and she short, she once more tipped her head to him and fell instep behind Brin.....comming up on the lady, in such a disheveled state, well...it was hard not to smirk...it was always interesting to see the havok first the forest and now the jungle could reap on one of the city.. she gave a sidelong glance towards Brin hearing his ..instructions, there was a light clearing of her throat as she turned back to Amanita::.. well let's see if we can find the Lady again under all of this, shall we? ..::seemingly pleasant enough was the offering::..

Son of Klima: ::Salty looked into TaSheera's eyes, "It was in the leg of a boy who was mixed up with those who attacked the house. It was a shame to leave the arrow behind, I know they are difficult to make. The poor lad was in pain, so I ended his pain and retrieved the arrow." It was then that he heard Arculious' order, he turned to Tara, "Go to your blanket and stay until I return." He turned back to Arculieous, "I am ready warrior."::

Beast of Nyoka: | Still at The Golden Kailiauk, Schendi | [/color]Krakatoa released the slut's tongue and immediately she made endeavors to placate him by kissing and licking at his thigh with a tongue that she was relieved to be keeping. Except for those needful sounds, there was a time of silence amongst the triad of black men. The Beast was not considering his next move, he was enjoying the woman's ministrations. He permitted her to lick him. Then the clipped dialougue of Ukungu began anew. "Akubu. You will go to the Ubarate. If the Merchant has thoughts to enlist the aid of Bila Hurmuna, I expect you to sabotage any such plans." Akubu, an askari warrior reached for his mug and nodded. "She would be a fool led over to the men. "Yes Masters?" Akubu motioned to the empty square of sand. "Have you no dancers to entertain us? Perhaps we should go to another paga den." "No no, Masters! I will get you a dancer." He spun and hurried to the back of the den, calling for some lazy wench named Tymeria. True, the man would love it Krakatoa and company would leave, but not angry or displeased. His den would not be standing by the end of the hand. "I doubt the Merchant has ties to the Courts of Ushindi but if she flees there than charm her. Befriend her. Do what you need to to make her see that the Jungle Ubar is not to be trusted." Another dancer stumbled to the sands and with the skirl of a flute, she began. "The Ubar will not grant her audience right away so you have time to catch up on the two days you are behind." Akubu nodded, drinking heavily of the paga. It was true. Bila Hurmuna was legendary for making people wait hands to be able to speak to him at his court.

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[Amanita Vernia]

Amanita Vernia: The state of the missing merchant brought curious looks from many of them, but her eyes seemed to glaze past most of them as if she were still lost in the jungle. She looked more than tired, exhausted, and along with her devastated dress, she was also hungry. Rain had at least kept her hydrated and knowledge of many of the plants kept them from starving, but they had to keep moving. Venor had been stabbed deep in his side when they were hiding from Krakatoa's men. Underwater and breathing through reeds, they has survived, but only by the skin of their teeth. What should of been a days walk turned into three, then four. The wound to Venor's side had grown infected and finally she had to leave him. There was blood mixed in with all the mud on her tattered robes. It was hardly the appreance she wanted to give on a first meeting, but hearing Brinlar speak her name brought her back to conciousness. She looked at him, remembering their meeting at the house... the pirate. The woman she had heard Arculeius describe was with him and she would follow her to get cleaned up, but first looked back at Arculeius in an unspoken communication. She knew the man thought it would be better if Venor did not live, how easy it would be to pretend to look for him and come back without the man. To tell her they got there too late. Much was in his hands now to control. Arculeius looked to Brinlar with his usual serious expression, but he nodded to the suggestion of extra men. "If we are not back in a day, you move ahead." He understood Brinlar's loyalty, but keeping the ship docked in would only give their enemies more chance to catch up. Arucleius looked to Renn and Mateo, as well as the other six men who would keep watch at the edge of the jungle. These men, as well as Salty were all given the same signal. His arm lifted and gestured them to follow. "We will be back, Sleen of Cos.... let your gut confirm it."

Brinlar Sevarii: His silver-flecked eyes glitter as they meet Arculeius', but rather than debate what he will do vs. what Arculeius professes he do , he simply nods in agreement. He intentionally sends Renn and Mateo with the man to retrievewhat he assumes is amanita's guard, if he thought it was the kajiiru he might have not done as he did, but it matters little. He would risk death or failure before he deserts his trusted crewmen. Until thier return, he will ward Amanita and be ready for any attack on the galley. "I wish you well, Schendian..trust in Ren and Mateo, as well as the "humble" merchant" Giving Salty an amused grin "they will ensure your safe return..that I am certain of.." Renn, offering that lopsided grin of his, shakes his redhaired head in agreement, patting his blade like a favoirite kajiira "Aye, safe as a babe in it's mama's arms, Cap'n" then turns and follows the rescue party down to the docks.

TaSheera: ..::oh you can bet Salty's words had not gone unheard and perhaps there was something about the way he looked into her eyes, it was almost like he was delivering her a warning....it earned him a glance back over her shoulder as she had approached the Amanita and she held his gaze until he turned, it had been her choice to spare that child and it seemed he took that choice from her, if infact this irked her in any way it would never be allowed to descend over features......... Having the woman fall instep behind her she headed below and she brought her to a cabin, once inside she turned to face her, her gaze drifted slowly along soiled robes taking note of what looked like blood mixed in she asked::.. are you injured ?

Son of Klima: ::Salty gave his kajira a pat on her butt to move her along. "If you are not on that blanket when I return girl, you will find yourself in the river." He turned away, loosening his scimitars in their sheaths, a confident smile on his lips....this was the reason he had really joined up for the journey.::

Beast of Nyoka: | Still at The Golden Kailiauk, Schendi | [/b]Akubu nodded and lifted up to his feet. The Jungle Ubar's court and it's intrigue was not unknown to him. That was why he was best for the job. "And if the journal is within my reach?" The Beast shrugged. He understood that Akubu wanted clarification that if he had a shot at the prize, if he should go for it. Krakatoa had stayed the hands of his men before when it came to the Merchant and Akubu wanted to know if she would remain under that shield. "Do not kill her. The Merchant is of use to me even without the journal. Beat her, rape her, but do not kill her. Yet." The slave that writhed and begged so prettily was shoved from the lap of the Beast. He had grown bored of her. He lifted upwards as well, followed by the third man. The one who had known only silence. "The rest of them are, as always, expendable." Krakatoa had been an askari and it showed. Ropes of muscles ran beneath the dark flesh. Scars ran atop it. "I will give chase and urgency to our little urt and find out about her house guests." The barges were ready to leave tonight. In the deep thicket of night, he would disembark from Schendi. Up the Nyoka and into the Ushindi river, Krakatoa would give chase, but not to overcome her and her retinue. He had far better things planned then that. He would only be one day behind them now.

Amanita Vernia: Watching the redhaired pirate petting his blade with the promise to his Captain to have them back safely, Arculeius even let the whites of his teeth show up with a grin. He did feel more at ease with the added force, but he wouldn't underestimate the danger of their envirnoment. Amanita had somehow survived it, but it was purely against the odds. Venor could of very well been dead, the blood he must of been leaking would attract preditors and the men going to aid him might even be some of them. Arculieus had figured out that the guard he ordered to watch Amanita didn't make it, whether he was killed in the house or somewhere in the marsh was still a mystery, but he knew from her tone that she would not care as much about a guard. The ten men left the galley causing a few eyes to follow what looked like a mobsquad, but none seemed to be following them. Amanita was still half dazed when TaSheera asked about any injuries. She followed the woman's eyes to her clothing that was caked with dried blood. "He was cut in the side... it's his blood." Who she was talking about wasn't explained, but it was easy enough to gather it was the one they were going back after.

Brinlar Sevarii: ~ The Sleen of Cos, pirate and rogue barks out orders to those left aboard ship, smiling as he watches the search party head off into the dusk of the oncoming eve. Soon they will depart upriver, now that the lady is with them once again, for the game has resumed and that is all he could ask for...

Thurnock Scormus: ::Thurnock had his small band of men and were looking along the brush and bush along the borders of the forests closest to the docks.. two were ordered to move back about 1/4 passang into the wooded area to search.. - Mateo having gone was following Arculeius, the new the gravity of what they were up against, but any one of them would gladly give their life for their Captian::

TaSheera: ..::as she looked into Amanita's eyes it was obvious a bit of shock had settled in, this *might have softened her a bit towards the woman, she dragged over the small tub and hefted the jug of water beside it, she began to fill it and as she did that wintery gaze scanned the woman's body once more incase there were injuries she herself might not have been aware of::..it certainly isn't the comforts of home lady, but it will get you clean..::she turned for her trunk then, she certainly didn't have robes to offer the woman but she had those new saris and she wasn't exactly upset about giving them up, drawing one from within she tossed it on the table and she started for the door::.. while you're bathing I'll go and get you something to eat..::this of course would offer the woman a bit of privacy....but then something had her stop at the door and she turned to face the woman::.. perhaps I should make certain you aren't injured before I leave...who is it they are searching for anyway? ..::this too would afford her the opportunity perhaps to see what if anything had been concealed under robes:::..

Amanita Vernia: Numb would describe the woman's state, both physical and mental, but she knew she was not hurt. Her legs were tired, covered with scratches and bruises, but nothing deep. The spear had almost grazed her, but lifted from the water only to come down on Venor. She was also still in shock over the burning of the house.... not only was her current robe destroyed, all others were. Everything was gone. She appeared vulnerable standing there, her arms just hanging at her sides and her eyes still half glazed. She first nodded to the offer of food, watching the woman prepare the tub. She was a free woman of the cities, but the merchant was not so pampered that she would not be grateful for what was available on a boat. She might of gotten a better offer from one of the slavers on the docks, a nice bath, but the price of her freedom wasn't something she would barter with for comforts. "Thank you," she said humbly, ".. but I can manage." She said it gently as not to seem defensive, perhaps the woman would just accept it as frigid manners, but Amanita had other reasons for not wishing to strip before another. "My guard," was her answer and it wasn't a complete lie... after Venor had saved her life, he had earned his freedom.

TaSheera: ..::her gaze lingered upon the woman for a long moment as she weighed her options, the hint of a smile threatening lips she seemed to conceed::.. ok, if you're sure. You must be hungry so I'll go get that food..::and she slipped out of the cabin that she shared with Brin and headed off for food, she murmured lightly to one of the men to keep an eye on the door and tell her if the woman left for any reason, a glance back to it briefly and she was on her way once more...she made quick work of putting together a plate of food and some drink::..

Amanita Vernia: The merchant's face had little life to it, even when she mentioned the guard, it was expressionless. Arculeius could read her pain, but he had known more about the woman than any should. She bowed her eyes to TaSheera before she left the cabin and waited a few Ihns before she undressed. The dirty robes had to be peeled off in places there was so much mud, most of it dry now, but still heavy with humidity. She stepped into the center of the tub and began to wipe away at her flesh. She let the water sooth the scratches she had, trying to get the dirt out of them so they wouldn't become infected. What was once a braid had to be tugged out and unwoven. She was sitting in the tub with her back to the door as she did this. The part of her that she wanted none to see was covered by what was now murky brown water.

TaSheera: ..::the crewman shook his head as she passed him and she nodded lightly, she made her way back to the cabin, she paused at the door and lifted her hand to knock rather then just barging in on her. She hadn't been gone that long and she figured the woman couldn't possibly be finished by then....not to mention the sari would conceal far less then anything robes might have::..

Amanita Vernia: "Enter," she replied to the knock. Her fingers were busy trying to untangle her hair, but her head turned around so her chin rested against her shoulder and she could see it was TaSheera again. She had not thought it would be any other. The robes she had been wearing had been torn up enough that they weren't even worth trying to save. They lay on the floor now. The water had helped wash away some of the shock and Amanita even offered a small smile to the the woman... or maybe she was just happy to see the food. "Do you know how many were killed during the attack on the house?" She had wanted to ask Arculeius the state of things, but he needed to reach Venor, but she didnt' waste much time on small talk even if she had just met the TaSheera.

TaSheera: ..::her gaze settled on the features offered her over a shoulder, the woman seemed so vulnerable just then...a confident stride closed the distance to the table with ease and she set the food and drink there to await her when she was done bathing, she turned back for her trunk to pull a towel from within, she had forgotten that earlier...it was set within reach beside the tub...a bit of a smile offered to her before she settled on the floor, to the side but a bit behind her ...a rather kind gesture for her actually. she settled into a cross legged sit...one of her little defiances and she turned her attention to Amanita::.. I don't know the number Amanita, but I would say it was many..::even as the words fell that sickly sound of the house caving in on itself rang in her ears, there had been screams from within but she payed little mind to it at the time, those she was looking for had emerged safely.....she studied the woman for a long moment, she had survived several days in the jungle, with whom? she wasn't certain, but the fact that she made it at all wasn't lost on her it was rather impressive actually. She had no knowledge of the tunnel and her own question formed::.. speaking of the house, I never saw you there, how did you make it out?

Amanita Vernia: The addition of the towel, the food brought.. all noted as kindess, but what Amanita took even more of a not of was how the woman sat. It spoke volumes about the woman. She sat like a man would, cross legged, on the floor. Amanita would seem quite fragile to her at that moment. She was without clothes, without home and her protector had just gone into the jungle after a man who he did not like or trust. She was vulnerable... but with the merchant this was at times her greatest weapon. Allowing others to see her in such a state often times made them want to help her. Hearing of the unknown number of losses, not that a number would of been better, she brought the cloth to her face wiping away tears that never fell. She was too proud to cry, but she felt the pain knowing many of them had been her guards, some of them house slaves, but none deserving to die. She just nodded and finished washing herself. "There was a tunnel.... we got out and hid in the marsh. The men found us, but we were able to escape again... that's when his side was pierced by a spear." There was no reason not to tell about the secret tunnel now.. she had seen the smoke and even flames from the burning house... she knew most of it had to be gone.

TaSheera: ..::well it was true to some extent, the Merchant's "weapon" had worked on her a bit, there was no doubt that the woman's state of affairs had softened her stony heart just a tad...at least for the moment....she hadn't really considered it before but she realized that the woman might well have lost people that she was lost to in the flames or to steel in that battle and she, for that very snipet in time, identified with her and what she might be feeling...as she continued on a slender brow came to a slow arching::.. pierced by a spear? ..::she repeated her words hoping she would expand upon them::.. [/font]