Post by Amanita Vernia on Aug 10, 2005 10:09:19 GMT -5
Amanita Vernia: EAST OF THE VILLAGE OF ULLALI // It wasn't Krakatoa's hand that had stopped the Explorers this time, but the dwindling supplies. With rations running low Arculeius had pointed out a spot on the map he remembered from his childhood. Not far from the cove that Thurnock had suggested they stop and wait out the Beast behind them, but it was the closest point for them to dock at and reach the village by foot. Only a small group of them would leave, Arculeius was reluctant to leave the merchant again, but knew she would be safer on the boat. Among the jungle tribes a woman of fair complexion would draw too much attention. It was thus decided that Arculieus, the Captain and Thurnock would leave the galley, along with a third of their men, to find the village of Ullali and bring back the needed supplies. The drums had been silent for the last two hands and it would take at least that much time before they reached the court of Bila, but coming empty handed would only make them seem like beggars. Arculieus lead the small group through the jungle using the moss on the tree trunks as his compass. The duel scimitars remained across his back, even as he halted suddenly and raised his hand for the others to stand down. "This is the edge of their village, we will wait for them to meet us here so they will know we are not a threat." He explained this to the man closest to him, Brinlar, and any others near, perhaps even loud enough for those hidden in the jungle to hear. He spoke in gorean, which only a few of the jungle tribesmen were familiar with.
Brinlar Sevarii: ~glittering silver-flecked gray orbs glance about as the Sleen of Cos disembarks the Folly and follows the nubian guard of Amanita into the jungles, Renn left aboard the galley, Thurnock, Mateo and 6 of house Silenti single file behind the dashing pirate, who paces Arculeius as he weaves in and out the heavy foliage, his hand on his sword hilt. To Brinlar this venture is unsettling..he is used to the openness of Thassa, and was just becoming accustomed to the snakelike Nyoka river when Arculeius spoke to him about replenishing their supplies. So...he defers to the tall Schendian, and nods, looking over his shoulder at Thurnock, muttering quietly " Be ready..but...look...casual while so." flashing the massive carpenter a brief grin, before turning back to Arculeius and commenting " What do we have to barter with for supplies, my friend?"
HuntressSakina: it had taken her less time alone on foot to travel to the village than is was Krakatoa's men, she knew at least a few shadowed her and she, too, had sentries nearby, ones of her pack that could trust, few if any she told the real reason for the stealth, at first light she had slipped into the village, her complexion odd in these climes for a free woman, she donned a native sari, weapons carefully hidden, a male of the village appraised her of arrival, she had allies in odd placed but this befitted more often than threatened, an urn of fresh water carried to the man's hut, good cover and he would see her safe while here, the slim woman was easily equipped for chameleon behavior and as night bled dark velvet over the rose hued dusk, she was in an excellent position to observe, learn, and see first hand how cautious they were~[/color]
Thurnock Scormus: ::following not far behind the Captain he looked to him with a grunt, his eyes constantly scanning around the area aware of his surroundings and himself too not liking the confines of space as opposed to the thassa he looked towards Mateo, then turned back to make sure where the rest of the men were, as he looked back towards the front he caste a glance upwards thorough the thick foliage of the trees he was far from at ease as Arculeius spoke about being at the outskirts of the village seeing the flash of Brinlars grin he stepped a few paces quicker and spoke in a hushed tone to Mateo:: The natives are restless, I can feel it.. and those damn drums are far too quiet and have been a bit too long :: again he scanned around ::
Amanita Vernia: EDGE OF THE VILLAGE OF ULLALI // There were no trunks of goods taken from the Folly to trade with, no fair skinned slaves, and from the looks of things nothing of value... but Arculeius turned to Brinlar as he heard that question and grinned. His hand slid slowly into the cuff of his tunic and pulled out a small bag. He was careful, knowing that they were probably being watched not to make any quick movements, but the pouch was held up to the snout of the Sleen of Cos. He would smell the rich scent of those rare beans used to make black wine. The sack was no larger than a fist full, maybe enough to make several cups, but they would be enough to trade for whatever rations the crew needed as well as a few chips to barter with when they arrived at the court of Black Ubar. "Since the canal's completion many of the tribes close to the Nyoka have learned the benefit of trading with outsiders... they have also grow fond of this delicacy." He shook the bag in his hand again before slipping it back into his sleeve. "I would even wager the village elders would even trade their own daughters for just one of these beans." He laughed quietly, while group waited in the near silence of the jungles. There were of course several birds and ambient sounds, but nothing that alerted them to the approach of three men who appeared almost out of nowhere before them. There may or may not of been others still in the jungle, but Arculieus remained calm and spoke in a clear voice. His words, however, were not Gorean, but one of the inland dialects taught to him by his father. They were received with an indifferent stare, only a few words returned before the men turned and Arculeius and the others followed them to the village.
Brinlar Sevarii: ~ Unable to understand the conversation tween Arculeius and the villagers that seemed to unfold from the jungle underbrush a mocha-hued brow raised as he listens. his left hand raised he gestures at those behind him to follow, carefully perusing the jungles on either side as they follow the jungle dwellers , 1/2 expecting more of them to suddenly appear.....yes..definitely unsettling...
Thurnock Scormus: ::it made him feel a bit on edge to not know what the conversation was, that coupled with the fact they were not on their own turf so to speak he moved forward seeing the motion from the Captain, the birds and sounds about them he was sure covered the sounds of something or persons following or at the very least keeping pace with them, the feeling of eyes on them was enough to make his skin crawl, as they passed the dwellings of the village, the sight of the dark skinned people was not something he was without expecting, and the stairs that followed them, that too was not expected, but the hot stickiness of the humid terrain, along with the idea that they could not see who or what was not, and who knew if Krakatoa had in fact caught up or was not far behind them he knew they were adept at handling themselves, yet the customs of these people were not familiar to him or those for the most part that he traveled with every sense, that of hearing, sight and smell were heightened, to say it was unsettling would almost be an understatement. As they approached the village center he looked ahead, his eyes falling on one specific person, the markings a bit different, as were the items that adorned his body definitely had his attention::
Amanita Vernia: THE VILLAGE OF ULLALI // Brinlar and his men were fish out of water, even Arculeius felt the uneasy tension, but he did little to show his concern. Playing it cool, without being too cocky, that was the balancing act of a man born in the jungles, but spent the majority of his manhood in the city. A man who was half black and half white. A man whom Brinlar and the others would have to trust and who had to earn the trust of the jungle tribesmen that they were now following to the village. It was still a long walk until they reached the gathered huts that were home to these three men and their brothern, to their women and children. Had they thought the group of explorers were a threat they would not of lead them to their home, but whatever it was Arculeius had told them was enough to earn them passage. Once they came to the wider path Arculeius no longer walked in front of the Captain, but beside him with Thurnock and the others close behind. He changed his tongue back to Gorean as she spoke. Thurnock had already spotted the tribe leader, his headdress depicting him as the most important man among his people as well as the scarring on his cheeks. "That is Hacara, if he likes our gift he may grant us what we need to make it the rest of the way on our journey." Arculeius didn't mention what would happen if he didn't like the gift, but from the stares of those watching them come into the village it was easy to gather what would happen if such was the case. "When you step into the circle, bow your head, but do not lower your eyes or they will think you are a slave." It wasn't that much different than customs of the city when greeting an Ubar or other high official.
Brinlar Sevarii: ~ Brinlar nods in agreement, piercing eyes on the village leader, not confrontative, but offering a cool respect. Stepping forward alongside Arculeius, he presses his right fist to the center of his chest and bows slowly, keeping his uncommon eyes fixed on Hacara, then lifts up to his full height again, and shows a visible relaxing of his muscular frame, offering finally that oh so charming smile he possesses.
Thurnock Scormus: ::as he came to a stop in the "circle" he too bowed his head, a thing he was more than accustom to when in cities, though he still didn't like the idea he bowed his head, his eyes remained up and focused on Hacara, as he stood he again looked about, his head turned from side to side, always the curious type to some degree even thoughts ran through his mind about what good timber those trees would make for the ships repairs once cut up and honed, always the carpenter it seemed, he looked towards Arculeius wondering what was to happen next.. always in the back of his mind hoping they would be lucky enough to find favor with these people. His nose twitched, the urge to sneeze had caught him a bit off guard, trying to suppress it his eyes become a bit wet, he blinked in back and looked about again before leaning to Mateo and whispering, hoping no one outside the Captain could hear him, and even then it would probably be best if he didn't either:: something smells funny ::he gave a sideways glance to Mateo before looking back:: ::it took a bit of control for Mateo not to laugh, in fact he had to cover it with a cough as he leaned towards him speaking just as low:: You's be's thinkin somethin be smellin, jest be's thinkin how we's be smellin to them ::he cleared his throat as too his attention went back to what was going on::
Amanita Vernia: THE CIRCLE OF HACARA // As they entered the circle there was a mixed reception from those of the village, some watched silently as the small group of outsiders showed their respects to their leader, while others groaned or clicked their tongues to show their disapproval of the strangers. None, however, made any move to enter the circle once they came into it or would draw weapons. Most of these men used spears or bows, rather than steel weapons, and were not going to insult their own leader with any unwarranted attack. Arculeius had bowed his head before entering the circle the same as he instructed the others to do, his eyes remained steadfast, while he waited for Hacara to grant him permission to speak. When he did, it was again in his tribe's tongue, but this time he translated his words to the others in Gorean. "I have told him you are all merchants and that our boat is docked in the cove and in need of supplies to get us back to Schendi... that we have something of great value to barter with, if they are open to trade." Hacara looked to be considering this proposition even before he knew what they had brought him, but Arculeius' confidence promised that it would not be a waste of his time. Arculeius had also been very careful not to tell the tribesmen where their boat really was docked and which direction they were headed just incase things did not go well.
Brinlar Sevarii: ~Brinlar , with that smile still offered, takes one of the daggers from his brace and hands it hilt 1st to Arculeius,telling him "Tell him this is steel from across the Thassa, that I wish to gift him regardless wether he wishes to barter or not"
|| Scene to be continued in next thread ||
Brinlar Sevarii: ~glittering silver-flecked gray orbs glance about as the Sleen of Cos disembarks the Folly and follows the nubian guard of Amanita into the jungles, Renn left aboard the galley, Thurnock, Mateo and 6 of house Silenti single file behind the dashing pirate, who paces Arculeius as he weaves in and out the heavy foliage, his hand on his sword hilt. To Brinlar this venture is unsettling..he is used to the openness of Thassa, and was just becoming accustomed to the snakelike Nyoka river when Arculeius spoke to him about replenishing their supplies. So...he defers to the tall Schendian, and nods, looking over his shoulder at Thurnock, muttering quietly " Be ready..but...look...casual while so." flashing the massive carpenter a brief grin, before turning back to Arculeius and commenting " What do we have to barter with for supplies, my friend?"
HuntressSakina: it had taken her less time alone on foot to travel to the village than is was Krakatoa's men, she knew at least a few shadowed her and she, too, had sentries nearby, ones of her pack that could trust, few if any she told the real reason for the stealth, at first light she had slipped into the village, her complexion odd in these climes for a free woman, she donned a native sari, weapons carefully hidden, a male of the village appraised her of arrival, she had allies in odd placed but this befitted more often than threatened, an urn of fresh water carried to the man's hut, good cover and he would see her safe while here, the slim woman was easily equipped for chameleon behavior and as night bled dark velvet over the rose hued dusk, she was in an excellent position to observe, learn, and see first hand how cautious they were~[/color]
Thurnock Scormus: ::following not far behind the Captain he looked to him with a grunt, his eyes constantly scanning around the area aware of his surroundings and himself too not liking the confines of space as opposed to the thassa he looked towards Mateo, then turned back to make sure where the rest of the men were, as he looked back towards the front he caste a glance upwards thorough the thick foliage of the trees he was far from at ease as Arculeius spoke about being at the outskirts of the village seeing the flash of Brinlars grin he stepped a few paces quicker and spoke in a hushed tone to Mateo:: The natives are restless, I can feel it.. and those damn drums are far too quiet and have been a bit too long :: again he scanned around ::
Amanita Vernia: EDGE OF THE VILLAGE OF ULLALI // There were no trunks of goods taken from the Folly to trade with, no fair skinned slaves, and from the looks of things nothing of value... but Arculeius turned to Brinlar as he heard that question and grinned. His hand slid slowly into the cuff of his tunic and pulled out a small bag. He was careful, knowing that they were probably being watched not to make any quick movements, but the pouch was held up to the snout of the Sleen of Cos. He would smell the rich scent of those rare beans used to make black wine. The sack was no larger than a fist full, maybe enough to make several cups, but they would be enough to trade for whatever rations the crew needed as well as a few chips to barter with when they arrived at the court of Black Ubar. "Since the canal's completion many of the tribes close to the Nyoka have learned the benefit of trading with outsiders... they have also grow fond of this delicacy." He shook the bag in his hand again before slipping it back into his sleeve. "I would even wager the village elders would even trade their own daughters for just one of these beans." He laughed quietly, while group waited in the near silence of the jungles. There were of course several birds and ambient sounds, but nothing that alerted them to the approach of three men who appeared almost out of nowhere before them. There may or may not of been others still in the jungle, but Arculieus remained calm and spoke in a clear voice. His words, however, were not Gorean, but one of the inland dialects taught to him by his father. They were received with an indifferent stare, only a few words returned before the men turned and Arculeius and the others followed them to the village.
Brinlar Sevarii: ~ Unable to understand the conversation tween Arculeius and the villagers that seemed to unfold from the jungle underbrush a mocha-hued brow raised as he listens. his left hand raised he gestures at those behind him to follow, carefully perusing the jungles on either side as they follow the jungle dwellers , 1/2 expecting more of them to suddenly appear.....yes..definitely unsettling...
Thurnock Scormus: ::it made him feel a bit on edge to not know what the conversation was, that coupled with the fact they were not on their own turf so to speak he moved forward seeing the motion from the Captain, the birds and sounds about them he was sure covered the sounds of something or persons following or at the very least keeping pace with them, the feeling of eyes on them was enough to make his skin crawl, as they passed the dwellings of the village, the sight of the dark skinned people was not something he was without expecting, and the stairs that followed them, that too was not expected, but the hot stickiness of the humid terrain, along with the idea that they could not see who or what was not, and who knew if Krakatoa had in fact caught up or was not far behind them he knew they were adept at handling themselves, yet the customs of these people were not familiar to him or those for the most part that he traveled with every sense, that of hearing, sight and smell were heightened, to say it was unsettling would almost be an understatement. As they approached the village center he looked ahead, his eyes falling on one specific person, the markings a bit different, as were the items that adorned his body definitely had his attention::
Amanita Vernia: THE VILLAGE OF ULLALI // Brinlar and his men were fish out of water, even Arculeius felt the uneasy tension, but he did little to show his concern. Playing it cool, without being too cocky, that was the balancing act of a man born in the jungles, but spent the majority of his manhood in the city. A man who was half black and half white. A man whom Brinlar and the others would have to trust and who had to earn the trust of the jungle tribesmen that they were now following to the village. It was still a long walk until they reached the gathered huts that were home to these three men and their brothern, to their women and children. Had they thought the group of explorers were a threat they would not of lead them to their home, but whatever it was Arculeius had told them was enough to earn them passage. Once they came to the wider path Arculeius no longer walked in front of the Captain, but beside him with Thurnock and the others close behind. He changed his tongue back to Gorean as she spoke. Thurnock had already spotted the tribe leader, his headdress depicting him as the most important man among his people as well as the scarring on his cheeks. "That is Hacara, if he likes our gift he may grant us what we need to make it the rest of the way on our journey." Arculeius didn't mention what would happen if he didn't like the gift, but from the stares of those watching them come into the village it was easy to gather what would happen if such was the case. "When you step into the circle, bow your head, but do not lower your eyes or they will think you are a slave." It wasn't that much different than customs of the city when greeting an Ubar or other high official.
Brinlar Sevarii: ~ Brinlar nods in agreement, piercing eyes on the village leader, not confrontative, but offering a cool respect. Stepping forward alongside Arculeius, he presses his right fist to the center of his chest and bows slowly, keeping his uncommon eyes fixed on Hacara, then lifts up to his full height again, and shows a visible relaxing of his muscular frame, offering finally that oh so charming smile he possesses.
Thurnock Scormus: ::as he came to a stop in the "circle" he too bowed his head, a thing he was more than accustom to when in cities, though he still didn't like the idea he bowed his head, his eyes remained up and focused on Hacara, as he stood he again looked about, his head turned from side to side, always the curious type to some degree even thoughts ran through his mind about what good timber those trees would make for the ships repairs once cut up and honed, always the carpenter it seemed, he looked towards Arculeius wondering what was to happen next.. always in the back of his mind hoping they would be lucky enough to find favor with these people. His nose twitched, the urge to sneeze had caught him a bit off guard, trying to suppress it his eyes become a bit wet, he blinked in back and looked about again before leaning to Mateo and whispering, hoping no one outside the Captain could hear him, and even then it would probably be best if he didn't either:: something smells funny ::he gave a sideways glance to Mateo before looking back:: ::it took a bit of control for Mateo not to laugh, in fact he had to cover it with a cough as he leaned towards him speaking just as low:: You's be's thinkin somethin be smellin, jest be's thinkin how we's be smellin to them ::he cleared his throat as too his attention went back to what was going on::
Amanita Vernia: THE CIRCLE OF HACARA // As they entered the circle there was a mixed reception from those of the village, some watched silently as the small group of outsiders showed their respects to their leader, while others groaned or clicked their tongues to show their disapproval of the strangers. None, however, made any move to enter the circle once they came into it or would draw weapons. Most of these men used spears or bows, rather than steel weapons, and were not going to insult their own leader with any unwarranted attack. Arculeius had bowed his head before entering the circle the same as he instructed the others to do, his eyes remained steadfast, while he waited for Hacara to grant him permission to speak. When he did, it was again in his tribe's tongue, but this time he translated his words to the others in Gorean. "I have told him you are all merchants and that our boat is docked in the cove and in need of supplies to get us back to Schendi... that we have something of great value to barter with, if they are open to trade." Hacara looked to be considering this proposition even before he knew what they had brought him, but Arculeius' confidence promised that it would not be a waste of his time. Arculeius had also been very careful not to tell the tribesmen where their boat really was docked and which direction they were headed just incase things did not go well.
Brinlar Sevarii: ~Brinlar , with that smile still offered, takes one of the daggers from his brace and hands it hilt 1st to Arculeius,telling him "Tell him this is steel from across the Thassa, that I wish to gift him regardless wether he wishes to barter or not"
|| Scene to be continued in next thread ||
