RP:Setting Up Camp

Part of the Rynvale Darkest Night Arc

Summary: Base camp is set up in the nefarious pirate coves of Rynvale, for what will amount to the combined forces of a unit of Fold militia and their allies in the Rangers of Larket as well as targeted island refugees; the children of the lycan pack and those who stand with them. (The children are sheltered aboard the ship Eternity) The island residents continue to prepare for the unknown that’s impending.

Characters: Arien, Leoxander, Gwenilyn, Roelstra, Sterling, Keturah, Jack, Mahri, Angelo.

Location: Secret cove, The Jolly Roger

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Leoxander had insisted upon being a part of the night's watch, and come morning, the camp would be set up, patrolled and partially stocked. The militia had brought plenty of armor and weapon from their compound, makeshift tents and fire pits were scattered along the hidden beach of that secret cove, while elves pushed down their wariness and sent their cautious looks toward the furry beast stationed near the water on the stone, watching. Prowling among the crowds was the rogue, counting numbers to know how much supply they would need, what sort of battle tactics would be most efficient, and how many lives might be lost during the course of that war. A nod would be given to one of the Fold's soldier's who seemed to appreciate and respect their new place of safety, and handed the Captain a bottle in passing, which he took but did not open, yet. Elves and their fruity drinks... he'd probably pass it off to the governor, were she awake. Within view, the Eternity waited with it's new sails rolled and roped, shifting only from time to time in those relatively still waters, impatiently awaiting the day she'd be needed and adored, again.

Gwenilyn :: There is an air of relief about the fae this day, along with the noticeable absence of a certain golden dragon. Somehow, Gwen finally convinced the stubborn thing to go home to the Governor and it was with a huge sigh of relief that she watched it wing its way west. Gwen picks her way along the pebbled path, sapphire eyes expectant and full of curiosity. She had heard something during her earlier explorations, something just above the sound of the surf. And having found the path, Gwen follows it to its end. For long moments the auburn-crowned fae simply stands there and absorbs the scene of military preparation. Quite impressive when you get right down to it. To one end is that beautiful Eternity, which Gwen had only heard of but never seen before. A smile of delight spreads over her features as she views the vessel. But then, perhaps a flash of blonde might catch her eye and it registers that the rogue is prowling around. Quite without reservation, Gwen heads in his direction, and should the man glance her way, she will lift a hand in greeting.

Arien was awake, she’d enjoyed only a fitful rest until the sounds of those boots on gravel and sand had stirred her to the realization that the rogue captain had returned finally, with those in his escort; the remnant of the clan’s primary fighting force. Two units had already been redeployed into the plateau highland garrison when the alert had gone out regarding the intended offensive of the drow, and it had only made sense to consolidate what remained of the order’s forces onto the island. It would be here, with the refugees that what was left of the clan would establish a militia force capable of guerilla style warfare should the garrison somehow find itself under siege. The elf was still dressed for war, though armor had been set aside for practical leathers in this, for the moment more secure environment. She’d be moving through the camp as well, pausing to have a word or two with familiar faces before she approached the rogue and Fae where they stood. The emerald gaze of the elf would rest on the male for a heartbeat, and those eyes would not be those of a general when they softened for that “Thank you..” spoken quietly to her partner, in all things. “The camp is secure..you were right..” Gwen is spotted and a nod offered her way. “And thank you Gwen, for sending him home. I’ve quite missed his irritating over protectiveness..”

Leoxander turned his attention toward the Faerie, first, and not having that honey or antidote on hand, he'd draw the black fabric of his mask over his nose as she approached. "Pretty, isn't she?" His jaw motioned toward that dark teak and mahogany ship, a swashbuckler holding what appeared to be a slightly fractured hourglass. Appropriate, given the current situation of war. Arien would be regarded next when she moved their way, and the rogue held a somber look in his eyes, not replying at all to that thanks. He would do what he had to, to make sure they all survived, this time around. "Should get some food in you before we go. We've got more to gather and I want to take a look at what's happening in Kelay, today." Somehow, the idea of walking right into that square where the gallows waited him did not phase him, yet.

Leoxander took a moment to look over Arien's tight leather attire.

Gwenilyn laughs softly as she sees Leo pull that mask up. Thankfully, Gwen is always prepared these days and travels with a jar of Leo's special honey, just in case. As the fae responds in the positive to the rogue's comment concerning the ship, she unslings her pack and removes the jar along with a spoon. 'Here. I somehow figured you had not taken time for your daily dose.' She admonishes her friend quietly, a twinkle in her eyes as she does so. 'You are just going ot have to do better than that if I'm to continue in your employ, you know.' The fae offers him a wink before turning to Arien. The fae had noticed the softening in Arien's voice and now hides a smile. It does the fae's heart good to know that these two care for one another……. Gwen offers the Governor a warm smile as she murmurs, 'it was my pleasure, believe me.' The fae frowns softly and asks, 'Where are you going? If you don't mind me knowing……'

Arien could not help the faint furrowing of her brow in concern for the realization that he intended to head into the mainland, but she couldn’t blame him really. The island was home..but it could very easily become a stifling prison if they allowed the actions of the parasite to limit their movements. They would not be truly free in that event, and she found her military mind wanting to witness first hand the ebb and flow of the land in person; perhaps pay a visit to Ganjumu to look over his siege preparations. “I think the men are roasting meat down near the water..” she said, offering a glance over her shoulder to that ingathered circle. “And I’m coming with you..” she added resolutely. She still had that make up that could enchant a mind to forgetting it had ever seen her. Once she covered her hair and wore guise untypical for her, she might be able to move among the citizenry unmolested. Arien offered a glance to Gwen, the fae was not on the list, or generally known to be an associate of theirs, perhaps she’d heard or seen things as she moved about. “Have you been to town recently Gwen? What’s the atmosphere there like these days?” She could only imagine, with daily displays of violence and mayhem.

Leoxander couldn't help but smirk as the Fae mothered him, but he'd empty his hands and draw his mask back down to comply, screwing off that lid to spoon a mouthful of dust laced honey onto his tongue. He'd give the elf a sidelong glance and offer her a drizzly taste of it, too, silently gesturing with the spoon, as it would be harmless to most. "We'll see if there's a business standing after all this mess is finished, doll. Parasite might just try to wipe us clean." Casually said, as though Armageddon had been foretold for the next afternoon and he was suckin' on some honey, just waiting for it. He'd learned long ago not to make too many plans passed the horizon, with the fire of battle on the hill. Instead of divulging to Gwenilyn immediately where they were headed, as he still wasn't entirely sure, he'd listen to her answer to the elf on whether or not she'd been by Kelay in the last day.

Gwenilyn :: A slight chuckle is offered the rogue as she watches him consume his medicine like a good boy, though when Leo speaks of the "parasite" Gwen cannot suppress a shudder. All that suffering, all the killing…. She mutters to herself, 'I wish I thought some bug poison served in his soup might just be the right solution…..' The diminutive healer sighs, then looks at them both. 'I haven't been there in the past day or so. Only as far as Ganj's compound. I promised Mahri I would stay fairly close to home. Now I wish I hadn't. I'm sorry.' She gives Leo a glance and suggests, 'Of course, if the Alpha~ were to gainsay her…….' With that she looks at the rogue as if she were a wolf puppy looking for a treat.

Arien would step in to close the distance between them, the heels on those boots lifting her almost to eye level with her lanky lover, and she’d be dipping her head toward that spoon and its drizzling sweetness. Rose dusk lips curled in after a taste that she could wipe that measure of sunshine off with her tongue as they stood in the shadows of rocky overhang. Arien might have paused there with her eyes on his for a long moment as he spoke those words so calmly of the losses the future could bring, and she would with equal measured calm and regardless of the mass of activity and public witnesses about, lean forward to settle still sweet lips against his in a kiss that would linger a few beats if he permitted it. It was a reminder that not everything was in the power of the time lord to wipe out. She would love him in this life, or the next. “I’ll get us something to eat..” It would be a quiet murmur over his mouth before she drew away. They were at war, but it did not mean they could not let each other feel. Another look toward Gwen for that reply, but she’d let Leo give her his answer on that front.

Leoxander would put that lid back on the jar and steal it from the fae, stashing it in his own satchel with a licked clean spoon, once the elf had taken her bite. Though, he'd probably taken a moment longer than necessary to observe the way Arien ate it. "I'm not going to dispute her order, Gwen, but if you're with me you're with me." He'd be her 'home base' for now, and Mahri wouldn't likely argue so long as she stayed in his and the elf's company. "Before we go anywhere... I wanna try something." From that same satchel he'd remove the golden earring Arien had gifted him, and reached to just conveniently put it in a second hole, since both of his ears were pierced. Odd, perhaps, wearing a bone ring in one and a small metal hoop in the other, but it wasn't like Leo was worried about making a fashion statement. A nod would be given to Arien's offer on food, once again forgetting to thank her, though he did not forget to return a soft, honey flavored kiss. Mismatched eyes trailed after the elf's departure, quietly. He couldn't help it. He loved her and thus... worried more than he could remember worrying over this sort of thing, in the past. Fortunately, he wore a good mask, even when that black fabric was around his throat.

Gwenilyn gives but a thoughtful nod to Leo's assertion that when she is with him, she is safe. A finger is raised as she murmurs, "Hold for just a moment…." That unfocused look appears in the fae's eyes once more. A slight frown indicating concentration also appears and is gone once the silent communication is complete. The fae's voice is quiet and somber as she relates what she has heard. 'Ranok tells me the streets are quiet, almost peaceful, though that seems hard for me to fathom. He also has said there aer no troops or anything in the streets. That they are all on their way here, to Rynvale. I have spoken with the priest Lared, as well. He indicates the same, that things are peaceful.' Regardless of this news, a hint of trouble remains at the back of her gaze. Though when her gaze falls on the rogue and his lady, she smiles, not bothering ot hide it this time. Their looks to one another speak volumes and one would have to be as blind as… as Mahri used to be, not to see it. As Leo puts the earring in, she murmurs in an amused way, 'Well, I suppose that could be a fashion statement of some~ kind.' The fae offers her friend a quizzical look, wondering just what it is he is trying……..

Arien was a black leather shilouette some distance away, the melodic murmur of her quiet conversation with her officers not quite clear enough to be heard or understood. It would be evident enough the words that had been spoken though, as bodies moved to her directive, one leaning over the slow turning spit to carve hunks of meat from the boar that was roasting there. Another was moving into the supply crates to withdraw the beer that had been set chilled on ice, and it would be Arien herself who knelt to retrieve those baking potatoes in their skins from the embers of the fire. The elf and her two escorts would return toward the pair that had been left behind, a nod offered to her companions to set everything down on a nearby flat stone that she could plate their meals properly. A glance was offered to Gwen, clarification needed. “Ranok speaks of the troops of the Fold? Or of our enemies, when he speaks of a march on Rynvale?” she questioned, as she moved to set meat and potatoes on plates, a snick of metal releasing her dagger from its brace to serve as an impromptu carving knife for those whole ground roots.

Leoxander finished placing that earring into hole and snapped it secure with a look toward Gwen, seeing some use for those telepathic abilities, now. "Tell him to meet us at the shop." It was crowded enough there as it was. Though, to her comment he gives a dull look and simply explains. "It's supposed to help me with the whole..." tap to temple given, "That thing you do. Might be able to think back to you with it." Though he was nervous, trying hard not to think anything important or secretive until he understood how it worked. His stomach was already growling demandingly by the time Arien returned, so he'd shamelessly approach that flat of rock to find something to pick at, even before she could make him a plate. Or, he'd just take his plate if she was just that good.

Gwenilyn nods to Arien's query and once again, those clear sapphire orbs fog, to clear after a moment, nodding as she receives clarification. 'Ah, yes. He tells me of the troops from the Fold,' an ironic grin lifting the corners of her lips at that. 'In addition, troops from the Eyrie in addition to others. As to Vuryal, it seems the parasite has none that can be… seen.' In response to the growling she hears emanating from the rogue's stomach, her own decides to add to that. The fae offers a sheepish grin and moves toward the meal provided. She kneels down to sit back on her haunches, offers a quiet "Thank you" to the Governor and proceeds to dig in. A thought occurs to her, though she does finish chewing and swallowing before speaking. 'Shall I request troops from the Temple as well? I'm certain Myrall and Fertangle would wish to contribute, if they were here.' A trace of sadness crosses her features as she speaks of the dwarves. She misses them far more than she would like ot admit. Then, in a quiet aside to Leoxander she offers, Leo, generally speaking, no one can enter your mind without permission. I for one, never do. Nor will I ever probe one's mind. Secrets should be just that….. Secret.'

Arien was that good. At least one of those plates had already been fixed by the time those soot stained fingers had crept in to play at the thief he was, and the pirate would find his wrist smacked gently by the flat side of a blade as he made his steal. Her lips would curve though, in a faint smile for the fact that he was at least choosing to eat. She’d busy herself with making sure that Gwen would be likewise fed once she settled to a seat, before she would serve herself. Some invisible tension in her shoulders slipped away at the news that she was not facing an army right away, and he eyes turned thoughtful for Gwen’s offer. “It is difficult when the waters are so muddy, to know what precisely must be done. The parasite chose well in deciding to open a separate front that was bond to drag me into conflict, and those with me..” Cabal has declared war in the Fold..not on Rynvale, or its interests..it might seem almost..wrong, to unleash the full resources of allies in engaging them until given cause to do so. For the moment, I am prepared to say the city offers refusge to the Fold.. but we are not yet at war. Should Cabal try to get to them here, and disturb our peace and their Sanctuary, the city and its allies will act in their defense.” In this way, the elf would attempt to hold off on open engagement for as long as possible. Her eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “This is Jolie..she as much as Mahri had been once, might possibly be turned into betraying the paracite..for the right price.” If only she could know what that might be. “That is, assuming her feelings about..me, don’t cloud her ability to objective judgement..” There was far more to be gained in joining forces who might fight against the paracite, than to be his lackeys against the world. The elf speared a piece of meat into her mouth. “If the Time Lord chooses to make his own, separate assault on the City, then I welcome the aid of the Temple, with open arms.”

Leoxander was distant, thinking over things both said and unspoken, considering allies, alliances, desperate measures. "Yeah, we'll need all the healers we can get, anyhow. I'll have to have a chat with Thea and see if she's willing to involve her people." But then he fell quiet, to let the governor speak, to do what he did best and listen. Mask would be drawn back over his features solemnly as he did so. "And Jolie knows I watch these waters." He did retort to Arien's remark on Cabal roaming their way. "I know you're anxious to defend the Fold but let's no do anything rash unless they push it, Elf. Cabal still full of my people." Perhaps she'd forgotten that, and the sway and influence he might still possibly have over a few of them. Those the necromancer didn't send to hate, anyhow. A look over the camp, and knowing they would be relatively safe with his crew and pack milling about, he'd take his plate in hand and start to walk down the cove shore, since they needed to be on the move, anyhow. They could walk and discuss on their journey to the shop, and continue it just as safely there.

Arien might have rested a look on Leo then, not unsympathetic to the challenge he would face if he chose to take her part in that potential conflict. She would not ask it of him..would likely try, if needed to protect the clan with city assets alone to begin with. She wondered if there were any left within that clan that he could attempt at communication with, to at least plant the seed of that idea that there were..other ways, other choices. If Jolie was willing to go that route. The elf rather doubted that the sin eater would be unwilling to follow through on this particular directive.

Arien said to Leoxander, "If I had my choice love, I would not fight them at all.. I will allow them the tactical advantage of first strike..should they choose it." A danger, a risk, when they knew that war was openly declared. It would make them vulnerable. But for his sake, she would bide her time and wait, offering only protection."

Gwenilyn nods her understanding of Arien's words. The fae quietly resolves to make good on her offer just as soon as time permits. Hopefully later this afternoon. She has no useful comment to add and so, Gwen simply rises and takes her plate with her to follow them back to the shop or wherever it is they choose to go.

Arien would be moving then, to join both rogue and fae in making her way up out of the coves, and toward the shop that was home away from home.

Leoxander offered Arien a bite from his fingers, during the walk. "Trust me." The criminal said.

-Later, At the Jolly Roger-

Leoxander pushed the metal, painted doors of the shop open, considering they were not chained closed. He'd prop them to stay that way and allowed some of the light from the wharf to spill inside, dancing dust and bits of fur from wolves and companions about as that fresh air poured in. A tilt of skull and a pull of his shoulder joint, and he cracked some of the stiff vertebrae in his spine before mismatched gaze took in that initial scene. Nose twitched to record who had been there recently, and as ever, he'd be alert for any trap or ambush awaiting in that well known establishment. He was almost just... waiting for it. So long as all seemed well, he'd shy a step aside to let Arien and Gwen pass.

Gwenilyn :: Throughout the trek here, Gwen's eyes have been fogging a bit, then clearing, then glazing over once again. It is a miracle the fae has not fallen and broken something important during all this. Other than the occasional stumble, she has arrived intact. Gwen scoots inside the Jolly Roger, fanning her face slightly at the dust in the air, muttering sourly, 'And he complains about my~ dust! Hmmmph!' The fae proceeds to the bar, hops up on a chair and turns slightly to her friends with the following news. A sparkle in her eyes just might give indication as to the type of news she will convey. 'Alrighty. I have spoken with Temple members and we are all in agreement. Arien, you will have 200 Temple troops at your disposal by tonight. I have given the order and spoken with the commander. I asked them to make all possible speed and he assures me it will be so.' The fae smiles radiantly before continuing. 'Aramus, a Temple member and dear friend has agreed to lend you 50 dwarven engineers as well. he asked me to convey his willingness to do all he can.' Having said all this, Gwen sits there, radiantly smiling upon all assembled.

Arien moved past the rogue, her fingers settling momentarily on his hip for that brush of contact before she crossed the threshold into the heart of the shop. She found herself doing that, now, stealing those touches as if every one might be her last. The elf was living every moment that she had. She’d be moving toward that bar and settling in on the customer side with eyes that drifted back to the captain wherever he might be, even as she answered Gwen. “That is indeed good news Gwen, and we shall ever be in the dept of the clan for this offering. If you will, have your people report to the Garrison up on the plateaus? The troops already there will best inform them how they might be useful in deployment. For now, we merely prepare..” A quick glance at the fae then, “And please, have them relate this information to the general and commanders on the ground. Ganjimu, Rilla and Kalid should be informed of all military movement on the island. I facilitate as governor, now..not as a commanding officer of the clan..”

Leoxander would be making his way to the bar, naturally, a plate he'd carried with him deposited on the counter with only a few bites from the meat and potatoes on it picked at. He'd fish out his typical breakfast from behind the walkway with a glass, maybe two just in case someone intended to join him.

Leoxander listened to the governor and druidess confer as he poured himself a glass.

Roelstra was already behind the bar, languidly sipping on a glass of blood-wine as she leaned on one elbow. The vampiress remained silent as Arien and Gwen conferred. When Leo wandered around the back of the bar, her head jerked in the direction of the closest bottle of rum. A glass was already on the counter.

Leoxander was perhaps not the one connecting physically but his behavior had changed a little, also. Again, he trailed a look through his hair after the elf as she walked by, unable to pry his gaze off her for a good moment where he lost his mind to thought. A slight knot formed in the center of his brow for the cause, but he'd pull on the front of that collar/mask to make sure it was off his bearded jaw entirely, and lifted his tumbler to take that dose of his medicine. Probably two and a half, three shots worth of it, hard swallowed, before he’d go on the search for a bottle of Arien's request. Arien seemed to be the one person he didn't glare at when she crept up on his meal. He was quiet, anything he had to say having it's own dispute in his head.

Leoxander looked toward Roelstra as he grabbed a handle of a bottle of Scotch. "Take it easy, the crowd's not here yet, dove."

Leoxander dropped 1 Single Grain Erristyn Scotch.

Leoxander slid that half full tumbler the elf's way.

Roelstra smirked behind a sip of wine, lowering it before replying, " I've taken to staying here when I don't have Xion to escort me elsewhere. Besides, it's become habit to keep a glass out for you, Cap'n."

Leoxander grabbed a bottle of scotch.

Leoxander nodded in understanding, glad that the vampire was remaining on that island, and would be there to help with the soldiers and refugees that were due to pour in, eventually. "Like I said, there's an empty villa down the shore. Fixed it up last summer..." He faded from those words before saying why, and went on. "No one uses it. Safe as far as I know. Just gotta deal with Ears for a neighbor..."

Arien popped the piece of meat that she had stolen from him into her mouth and licked her fingers before she’d venture a feminine glare his way for that playful nickname. “They’re not that big..” she murmured, reaching for that glass to lift to her lips. “Are you still wanting to head inland today?” This, to the captain, even as she smiled faintly to Roe in her place behind the bar. She might have offered Gwen a quick look too, before spearing another piece of potato with her fork.

Gwenilyn listens carefully to Arien as the Governor explains her wishes, nodding at the conclusion. 'Aye, I shall see to it.' Gwen frowns slightly, before murmuring, 'I can speak directly to Ganjimu, but I have not met either Rilla or Kalid and so will have ot send them word via letter. I'm not certain Zephrim knows them either, but I can ask.' Gwen simply assumes the others will know who Zephrim is, since she~ knows the commander's name…..' The fae's glance cannot help but detect both Arien's and Leo's… demeanors. For just a moment, a trace of wistfulness overtakes her. She has had no word from her husband since…. She does not even remember when. And Gwen misses him fiercely. The fae looks over to Roelstra and asks politely, 'May I have something to drink, please, Roe?' She smiles softly to the vampires as she waits.

Leoxander almost broke into a smile at Arien's words. "Not you, Elf, the other ears. The fox one." Kirien had moved into the cliff on the other side, and that's who he meant, but now he could not resist reaching up to grab the end of her ear lightly in his fingertips, peeking through her hair.

Leoxander went back to business as his hand fell, and the shadow of his smile faded, the darkness under his eyes creeping back in. "We'd better. I don't want to be in the dark with what's goin' on in the hive. Almost feels like the calm before the storm." That bottle of scotch he'd poured Arien's glass from was given a sniff, but he crinkled the bridge of his nose a bit as he set it down to exchange it for the dark labeled bottle of rum he refilled his glass with, still crowding Roelstra's spot behind the bar with Arien.

Arien turned her head into that touch for a heart beat, but like the rogue her attention was soon enough focused on business. “Ashen has written. He is convinced that the war against the clan is a diversionary tactic, intended to draw what forces I might muster off the island and leaving it vulnerable. I concur, and or that reason will seek to fortify our defenses here.” Her gaze shadowed. “I cannot help but worry for those who chose to remain. There must be those inland whom we could count upon to offer them aid in their stand. I will attempt to seek them out..” It was an almost distracted communication. “I’m ready when you are..”

Gwenilyn resolutely refuses to be left behind, unless so commanded by the rogue. 'I am ready as well, if you will have me. I would like ot check on things at the Temple while on the mainland.'

Roelstra gives Arien a gentle smile in turn, raising her glass in greeting. A look was sent Gwen's direction, along with a nod of acquiescence. She crouches down to grab a clean tumbler before rising up. " What'll it be? Scotch? Whiskey? Rum? The list goes on..." The kitchen had been quiet all day; she had not heard Kirien come in at all to putz around in there yet. And from Leo's habits over the last few days, the vampiress felt justified in her action of placing one pale hand on one of her hips. " Cap'n. When's the last time you ate?"

Gwenilyn chuckles softly at the "list". 'Whiskey please.'

Leoxander spoke on that matter Arien did, when the opportunity arose for him to break in with his deeper, ever edged voice. "I'm really not worry about Jolie. Sonuvabich doesn't know who he's dealin' with to beat on her then expect her to cooperate. She might be itchin' for the chance at you but I don't see her uprooting the land in the parasite's name. I'll see who else I can talk to." He'd have to try, even if it meant communicating with his ex, face to face. Roelstra's question brought a glance over his shoulder, then he motioned toward that plate Arien had been picking from with his whiskered jaw. Seemed Gwen and the Elf weren't his only 'mothers' for the day.

Roelstra reached behind her to finish off an almost empty bottle of whiskey; the perfect amount for Gwen. She slides the tumbler towards her before tossing it into the bin that other shattered bottles had been slung in to. Leo's gesture indicating his meal brought a grin to her lips. She gives his bicep a gentle tap with her fist; she wouldn't have asked if she didn't give a damn. For those the Head Ranger -did- choose to call friend she looked after. Whether they liked it or not, as Mahri would testify. She saunted out from behind the bar with her blood-wine in hand, heeled boots clicking softly on the worn floorboards. She finds a stool next to Gwen and settles atop it, crossing one shapely leg over the other.

Sterling slips into the shop, rubbing constantly at her nose, sniffling and sneezing while her lavender gaze mists over. She looks down right miserable. Eventually, she settles into a bar stool only to drape herself down against the counter top. "Sterling's face is..." The word doesn't come, but her right hand shifts up onto the bar so that her fist can open in close, mimicking a throb. Leoxander knew they only looked out for him, and mismatched eyes lingering on her wolf-like, he'd pick up a piece and pop it into his mouth to chew on. There. Then after that bite is swallowed he'd shake the contents left in his bottle and pour another glass, leaving a third of that rum left in it's vessel. The doors were already open, even so Sterling's quiet entry would draw his attention up her way, and a knot formed between his brows once more. "The hell happened, pup?" He'd set his glass down, before he could indulge, to round the bar and walk her way. It seemed Leo was actually, possibly... worried? He forgot to mask all of that expression.

Sterling is suffering from allergies! "Sterling's head is going to pop." She grumbles, settling that constantly clinching fist against her head as if to hold it together. "Sterling's face hurts and can't breathe." She tries to suck a breath through her nose as if to prove her words.

Gwenilyn looks over at Sterling when the girl comes in, curious. That curiosity changes ot commiseration when she understands the problem. 'Poor Sterling' is offered softly to the girl.

Keturah had an empty wheelchair and no younger brother in her sight. Of course, that was hardly the oddest thing about her appearance that day. The more formal white dress she had been meeting with other healers in had all but been ruined by clay stains up her sleeves and at the hem of her skirts. Even her hair had some drying clay streaking through it. Without a bit of mind to any of this, Keturah parked the wheelchair outside the warehouse doors, silently watching the path toward the city proper.

Gwenilyn smiles her thanks to Roelstra for the whiskey and sips quietly as she observes her companions.

Arien was.. inclined to agree with Leo’s spoken assessment of the situation. In certain quarters promises were made to be broken. If Cabal was contracted to fight on the parasite’s behalf, there was really nothing beyond fear of the Time Lord’s consequences that could possibly hold the woman to that agreement. Except her own will and desire to conform to his. Despite the rumor that abounded that the sin eater had made this agreement to spare her people being his target, the elf did not think she would be..happy, about having been made to do anything. It just remained to be seen how deep of a risk the woman would be prepared to take to settle her own grudge with the time lord. And if her resentment on one front, would be enough to overshadow the other reasons she might have for choosing to carry out his directive. Her brow furrowed. She had no idea what the outcome there would be. Leo would try. She knew that as surely as she knew her next heartbeat. But there was a great deal of truth to the adage about hell and a woman’s fury. Time would tell. Her eyes would trail the alpha as he moved to offer his brand of comfort to the delta, and her look softened slightly for the almost paternal care he demonstrated.

Leoxander looked back over his shoulder, first at Gwen and then to Arien, though he might just have caught Keturah's scent about somewhere, as well. "Can one of you check it out?" He knew allergies, of course, but couldn't relate her descriptions and miserable look to the same cause. But, since she didn't seem to be wounded or dying, he never did close the distance over to the teenager. Instead, he took his glass off the counter full, and refusing to sit, paced a few feet into the center of that room to drink, and place the empty cup on a bare, unoccupied table beside a doused kerosene lantern. He was left staring toward that door when the healer made her way to those propped open doors... with a wheelchair. Abandoning his station, Leo wandered for the entrance and held onto the top of the doorframe to hold himself for a tired and bored lean part way outside, to glance.

Gwenilyn nods once and hops down from her stool to move next to Sterling. The healer fae will lean close to quietly ask Sterling what further symptoms she might have. Gwenilyn whispered something to Sterling.

Roelstra nods to Gwen; she was doing her job, but at least she wasn't bored anymore. The vampiress knew some field first aid, but was hardly a healer. Keturah's scent pricked the vampiress' heightened senses. She figured that Sterling would be fine so long as her or Arien were able to look her over. Roe turned herself on her bar stool to watch the doorway. Xion had left some time ago; probably to go run for some fresh air or hunt down a meal. One way to break up the tedium when the Jolly Roger was empty was hunting with her new mate. The island proved to be more than bountiful in deer, rabbit and other woodland creatures. The kitchens of the establishment would have plenty of meat to cook up, if she had her way. Recent dangers did leave her concerned for Xion when he wasn't nearby, hoping he'll return soon.

Sterling 's face crinkles in random patterns for a few seconds before the witch sneezes loudly into her hands. With a drawn out groan, she whimpers in an unhappy fashion. "Sterling is going to -die- and Leo doesn't even care." Surely she expected more attention from the Alpha than that single question and his slightly-worried look. Pushing herself upright, the girl pokes at her cheek bones, pressing her fingers against the area of congestion hard enough to cause her nail-beds to blanch.

Keturah might have been content to keep vigil on her own, but Leo's nearer presence might have brought a truer smile to her clay stained features. "Hey.~" And a prod of her finger into his side when he leaned out. She might have even left a trace of that clay against his clothes when she lowered her hand again. "He said it's paining." She murmured it, though the smile had yet to actually fade away. "Stubborn boy.~" Because the teenager had been insistent on walking the rest of the way on his own. Still, it would be a few long minutes more before the younger desert-born appeared, clunking wearily into view with those new metal braces.

Leoxander spared a dull look over his shoulder at Sterling's wail, but he'd be looking back toward the healer's greeting just after that poke to ribs, wondering what it was about everyone so comfortable with touching him and prodding him, lately. A snap of his jaws clicked teeth her way, though his eyes trailed to follow hers onto that path. A moment after Tarun's appearance on the horizon, not all too far away, he let go of the door frame and headed wordlessly outside, toward the teenager, for a number of reasons. He liked the kid, first and foremost, but he could see that stubborn weainess the youth was trying not to show. Leo wasn't going to haul him the rest of the way, but he would join the journey for the rest of the way at the desert-born's side, shamelessly watching the way the stilted legs worked and moved. Not only that, but there were hunting drow and fiend parasites about, and he'd escorted many to a door or building or campsite, as of late. "Not quite what you were expectin', is it?" This murmur would be offered to the boy, guessing that these first attempts would not be easy, or fluid. But practice, work at it, he could see Tarun finding a way through the stumbles and frustration.

Gwenilyn had noticed Keturah, but the desert born seems preoccupied with something so she does not bother her friend, but rather sees to Sterling. Though the fae is tempted, she does not laugh at the teenager's dramatic statement. Rather, she will place a hand to Sterling's forehead, should she allow it, to check for fever, before doing anything else.

Sterling 's lazily lidded and watery gaze shifts to Gwen when she comes to whisper in her ear and immediately, the witch sniffs. "Sterling didn't do anything different today." A pause ensues for just a second before she continues. "Well, Sterling got a drink from this big water holder where Kavard is. It was strange cause there's two, silver coins in the water."

Arien lifted her head, a look flickered Sterling's way.

Arien said to Sterling, "What did you say, pup?" Silver..in drinking water..was too coincidental for the general's war focued mind to overlook."

Arien said to Sterling, "Were you wolfed? Who gave it to you?"

Sterling , while her body is usually warmer than the average persons due to the lycanthropic virus running through her veins at current, does have a rather high fever.

Keturah only grinned sunnily up at Leo, for that snap. She took the other's place in the door when he moved to escort her brother with a softer expression gracing her features. It might have been about then she noticed Arien's wave, and offered one of her own before attention drifted back outside. Tarun wasn't about to show any hurt in front of Leo. True as that toothy grin was, it still looked a little strained "It is not being that heavy," he said, breathlessly. He did not risk leaning over to motion at the various cogs and metal plating that had been fitted to allow him somewhat awkward movement. Instead, dark eyes lowered to the path ahead, and it was not until they were near enough to his sister that he called out, "Told you I was not needing the chair." Keturah crinkled her nose at him. "You did, mm? Proved me wrong.~"

Roelstra 's pointed ears perked; she was half-listening to Sterling and Gwen. She herself had started to like Sterling, her naivete was endearing to witness. Roe vaguely knew of where this drinking water source was and for two silver coins to suddenly appear roused suspicion in her as well. Roelstra got off of her stool, coming to stand next to the delta.

Sterling said to Arien, "No one gave it to Sterling. Sterling drank from the water container at the horse houses down the road." She sniffs again and blinks her eyes in a slow, lazy fashion. "Sterling asked why the money was in the water. 'To keep algae from growing in the water.'" She's used to drinking from streams, rivers, ponds... If Kavard will drink it, so will Sterling. "Kavard didn't get sick."

Gwenilyn frowns slightly at Sterling's answer, and catches Arien's gaze with her own sapphires as if to say, 'What is she talking about?' before returning her concentration to the teenager. Softly she murmurs, 'Well, for now, if you'd like ot make your head pound less, let's get a pot of hot water going on the stove. When it boils we can put a towel over your head. Lean over the post and breathe steam. That will help loosen things up a good bit.' She smiles softly to the teenager, but again her gaze will shift to Arien's.

Sterling said to Arien, "What is algae?"

Leoxander did not dispute Tarun's reassurance, though he would retort. "Bloody noisy, though." Clunk, clunk, even with shoes on and Alaine's expertise, they were bound to be a bit noisy that first ride. Another sneeze and the conversation his wolf sharp ears picked up on outside caused a sigh in the cold wharf air. He hadn't considered that the drinking water of the island would be tainted, but camp supplies would be coming from the runner and Fold compounds, anyhow. All he'd add to Tarun and Keturah was a low, "Don't start already, you two." And picked up that wheelchair from outside in his hands, by the wheels, hugging it to his front so that it could be brought inside. War time was no time to leave a sign of sick persons like a banner outdoors, and he'd set it on the wall at the other side. A frowning expression would search toward Sterling and those gathered around her, then, but he kept a distance, folding his arms over his chest to listen.

Arien’s shoulders relaxed of tension. She had drunk from the horses troughs at the city stables, and the elf was familiar with the practices used to keep that water clear. “Ah..it is because Kavard cannot be made ill by silver dear. And you can..” she murmured. “Because you are wolf. You must be careful to avoid it, even small doses can make you ill. Large doses might kill you.. do you understand?” For a moment the caretaker was looking out of the general’s body toward the youngling in her care. Arien spared a look Gwen’s way. Treat her for a mild case of silver poisoning..” she said quietly.

Sterling 's brows arch, lower and pinch together, and arch high once more while her fingers continue to press against her cheek bones before the butt of her palms press hard against her eyes where tears from the allergies constantly gathers and threatens to spill. "Sterling feel really bad." Not only was her voice nasally, but raspy as well and each breath sucked in through her mouth was wheezed.

Leoxander finally let his arms uncross, and he's step closer to Sterling hesitantly.

Sterling lowers her hands from her eyes if only to settle her watery gaze on the red haired elf. "Silver make Sterling sick?" It's hard to tell that the idea baffles her due to the constant movement of her facial musculature in hopes that it would not only loosen the congestion causing her entire head to hurt. Gwenilyn :: A look of embarrassment overcomes the fae's features and stains her cheeks bright red. Apparently, there is a lack to the fae's training…. In a very quiet voice, eyes lowered, she admits it. 'Forgive me, Arien. I… that is something I have yet to learn. If you would consent to do it, I will watch and learn.' Having to admit fallibility is onerous to Gwen, who despite her gentle ways has a prideful nature at times. Ah well, pride goeth before a fall, they do say….. and it appears the fae has fallen.

Leoxander said to Sterling, "Listen to her the first time."

Keturah :: Tarun laughed through his nose. "I like 'em.." After all, Leo hadn't heard the way they sounded on cobblestone, which in the boy's opinion had been a nice clunk-y click that had heads turning the siblings' way. Keturah finally did peel herself from the door, eyeing Leo with a wrinkle of her nose. Focus finally did pull inward, and while her brother went toward one of the spade marked chairs for a break, she was watching that small gathering with a healer's eyes. Gwen was there to tend to the girl, as was Arien. So Ket remained nearby, quietly, in case she was needed.

Sterling doesn't respond to Leoxander directly, but she does grumble something inaudible, due to the nasal congestion as well as the tightness in her throat, beneath her breath.

Leoxander studied Sterling for a moment in silence before he'd speak low, directly to her. "If you've got the strength, get undressed. We'll hunt." Not only would that meal assist her into recovery, but being a wolf would increase that regeneration ability with a faster heartbeat and smaller body. He knew Keturah could probably help if not Arien or Gwen, so either way, a hand would brush over Sterling's unruly hair before he paced toward the Lotus Eater, hand finding the curve of her waist in an almost hug, a dip of his frame bringing his whiskered mouth to her cheek in a proper greeting. From there, he'd let her go, in case he needed to change or she needed to assist. Either way, he unsnapped the mask hooked to his collar at the front of his throat, shifting his attention back the Elves' way.

Keturah leaned into that hug and kiss, temple nudging against him before he withdrew. "I can heal silver poisoning," she offered that.

Roelstra would step back from Arien, Gwen and Sterling once it had been confirmed that silver coins in the drinking water indeed kept it free of algae. With nothing better to do aside from watch the doorway for her mate's return, the vampire saunters around the back of the bar, one hand pulling her hip-length hair over her shoulder to start braiding it. Roe didn't like hair being in her way, but she wasn't one to cut it short either. " Ket. Were you able to find the books needed to track the liquor inventory?"

Sterling continuously rubs her face and throat. This was certainly a lesson needing to be learned for sure, but a terrible way to learn it. Regardless, the witch's attention swings to Leo following the mention of a hunt, and while the shift itself is something she doesn't look forward to, running and eating sounds wonderful. Arien smiled gently Gwen’s way. “I am, perhaps a healer in emergency only Gwen, I have no where near the depth of skill or knowledge that you do.” Her expression turned thoughtful. “It is treated as one would any poison to the mortal bloodstream. The magic identifies the matter of silver as a foreign body, and consumes it, to clean the blood of a taint.” She was rising to her feet though, and moving toward the youngling. “In extreme cases, I have had to blood let the victim, and then use the healing magic to replenish a fresh blood supply from her natural sources..”

Arien 's fingers would settle into those curls, just as the alpha's did, and their joint connection would be felt a beat before he withdrew.

Leoxander said off handedly, in reply. "Can't hurt to do both." Eyes held the red haired elf's in his vision, wondering if she would make the change to join them. That look welcomed it.

Arien said, "I'll take care of it..she is not too badly toxic."

Arien 's gaze flickered toward the alpha, and he'd see the tug of war in her soul over the risk taken in assuming that other form, now. But..they were still safe and could afford to take the moments. She nodded his way, once, in agreement.

Sterling shifts her eyes between Arien and Leo while managing a confused expression. "Wait... What?"

Gwenilyn smiles softly in return to Arien, then squares her shoulders confidently. 'Ah, then in that case I am certain I can help. I don't think bloodletting will be needed, at least I think not.'

Leoxander had been talking to Keturah on the mention of doing both, healing and hunting.

Keturah would be Lotus the Manager, until she needed to be Keturah the healer. Scraping clay coated fingers through her hair, the desert-born was drifting toward her artist's station near the back. It seemed most of her attention was on Sterling. Jack appears from the south.

Kumorohyou quietly enters the tavern to find it bustling with patrons, most of them familiar to him. A small smile appears on the feline's exotic face as his brilliant gaze moves from Arien, then to Keturah, then Leoxander. Stepping inside, he takes a seat at one of the tables.

Leoxander said to Keturah, "Show Gwen whatever it is you do, while yer at it."

Arien 's attention was diverted to Sterling then, her mana stirring slowly to life as healing balm flowed into the girl beneath her touch. Her magic reached deep, searching for anything that was not of nature made and organic, that process of absorption slow and painstaking, depleting the elf somewhat of her own reserves of energy with each passing moment.

Leoxander shifted his off colored and sharp vision back to the door when others made their way inside, but those painted, metal doors had been propped open for just this reason. A look checked to make certain someone was behind the bar, so they could quickly indulge in the business and conversation that needed to be held.

Leoxander greeted the panther with a simple and strict nod.

Keturah flashed a smile toward the captain, over her shoulder. "Chal.~" A reassuring smile toward Gwen later, and Ket was back to rummaging through her drawer for that inventory book.

Jack made his way into the tavern as per his directions. His deep chestnut eyes cast about the room, catching the familiar face of Arien and the slightly less familiar face of Kumorohyou. "I swear, seems like I disappear for a little while and we are already back at war. Does it ever end?" The question was, of course, that of a rhetorical nature, followed with a quick laugh. Crimson locks tossed a little as he nodded slightly to Kumorohyou before turning more attention towards Arien. "Miss me?"

Leoxander had watched this other fellow enter his place of business, pass him, and follow the shaman. Leoxander would proceed to watch him approach the elf to ask that question, and one might notice his hand slowly tightening into a fist, in that fingerless, black glove. A knuckle popped.

Leoxander was definitely staring at Jack. Definitely.

Mahri is walking in behind someone, catching the door hopefully before it closes right in her face. Hot damn, it was nice being able to see again. Only, what she sees upon crossing the threshold has the beta stopping in her tracks to just..stare.

Roelstra was already behind the bar when Kumoro had wandered in. She finished braiding her hair and was tying it off and tossing it behind her back. When he decides he needs a drink, she'll be ready.

Sterling sits at the bar beside Arien, whose fingers are currently settled within the girl's blonde hair. Constantly, sniffles, sneezes and tears are produced by the young witch, even throughout the process of the healing. Slowly however, Sterling's fever wanes, her throat loosens to allow for easier breathing and swallowing, and the throbbing pain in her head dulls with each passing second.

Jack :: It was the popping of the knuckle that warned Jack that perhaps he might have crossed some unspoken line, his gaze then turning to face Leoxander. "Are we not all friends among friends, here? Or did I perhaps come to the wrong address?" It was his way of making light of the situation, though he very much meant what he said. After all, Jack simply fought for Arien; nothing more, nothing less.

Roelstra quirks one well-groomed ebon brow as this stranger asks so bold a question of Arien. Leo's popping knuckle was expected, a smirk slowly curling her lips. Oh, this was gonna be good. She would've felt sorry for the fool, if she didn't enjoy seeing ones such as him put in their place.

Arien was, at that moment fairly lost to the act of healing the pup under her hands of silver poisoning, but that familiar though long missed voice would be enough to draw her attention toward those doors. “Jack..’ she murmured softly. “It’s all your fault I’m sure..” There might have been a tease there. “The Time Lord shows up..and then you do? I’ll put gold on it you gave him the bloody key..” Her affection for the officer was evident. “You left all well at the camp?” She assumed he’d come in with the latest batch of officers last night. Kumori too was greeted with a soft nod and a smile. How much she had missed them all.

Leoxander took a moment to regain his composure and patience at the male's words. Yes, they had a war to fight, and those battles did not include his own personal preferences or feelings, though mismatched eyes stayed locked on the stranger a moment more. "Have a seat." He directed neutrally, bearded jaw motioning toward the table Kumorohyou had chosen.

Mahri takes in everything, pretty much, with a sweep of silver-gray eyes. With a shake of her head, the beta makes her way to the bar to claim an empty seat. "Hey, Roe," she says to the vampire on the other side. "Looks like I missed..something?"

Arien might have shifted a look toward Leo then, a soft smile tugging her lips. "Leo..this is Jack, Jack..Leo. And yes, we're all friends here.." Except when proper respect was not displayed for the owner of the establishment..and when a strange male asked his mate if she missed him..evidently.

Angelo was sitting at home, perfectly natural -- all was well. Nothing was wrong. Then his eyes casually drifted over to Leoxander's bow and his eyes widened. "Son of a bi-" He rushed over and tripped on the rug, grabbing the bow after he had righted himself. And then he was off, running through the streets of Rynvale whilst swearing to himself in his own language whilst holding the bow tight to himself; he was -not- going to have it get scratched. In the slightest. He had his sanity and physical well-being to look after, of course! He accidentally bumped into several people along the way (and one stall of various beads and knick-knacks, which may or may not now cover his person for the most part). All the while, the bow remained untouched. And as he stumbled into the Jolly Roger holding the black bow out (praying silently that Leoxander was actually -here-), he blew some of the beads out of his face, eyeing those assembled.

Gwenilyn 's attention is focused on Arien's work, so as not to miss a thing. It is, after all, a learning situation, and by damn, she was goin g to learn!

Leoxander knew the elves could continue their conversation in chairs. He looked back toward the door, expectantly, and took a slow breath. He could already hear Arien in his ear, 'Breathe, Leo'... and debated for a moment if it wasn't the effects of that gold earring. Leoxander didn't seem interested in Jack's name. His eyes had found Mahri.

Keturah was.. ignoring the suddenly larger amount of people, or at least trying to, after individual smiles and greetings were given. It helped that she was working, rounding the bar to deposit her book in an out of the way spot for Roe later. A final check on Sterling-- whom the desert-born was relieved to see responding to Arien's healing magic- and the woman might have been shifting her attention to Mahri. That was.. good timing. The clay-stained healer might well have been drifting closer to the other.

Roelstra finishes her blood-wine, placing the empty flute down on the bar. One of the half-empty bottles of rum was pulled off a shelf before Roelstra quickly made her way over towards where Leo had left his glass, pouring some rum in after she'd picked it up. The glass, along with the bottle, is left on the bar end nearest Leoxander. Though a little brawl would've livened up the night, the vampiress knew this wouldn't have been the time or place.

Leoxander would be staring at Angelo very intensely, in that same expectant and calm wolf manner, as the male entered the establishment with his compound weapon.

Roelstra said to Keturah, "Alright, then. Just let me know where you've moved it and I'll look it over later. I'd kept note of what seems to be low or out, so we can send for orders." Angelo half-heartedly stumbled over to Leoxander holding the bow outwards towards him respectfully. "Bow...take...please..." He was out of breath, covered in multi-colored bead chains of all sorts, and had a nasty bruise forming on his shoulder. But the bow was untouched. Thankfully.

Sterling sits beneath Arien's palm enjoying the touch if only because it is attention given. Once the healing is complete, the witch immediately searches around for something that might be used as a napkin; while the healing got rid of the allergy symptoms, it didn't get rid of the mucus stuck in her nasal cavities due to the swelling of the passages. Angelo gave 1 obsidian compound-bow to Leoxander.

Leoxander looked down as a couple beads rolled across the wooden floor passed his boot.

Mahri 's attention too is drawn to the bead bespeckled Angelo. Something like amusement touched her lips and traveled to her eyes as she watches him go over to Leo. The alpha then would get a smirk and lofted brow towards the Sentinal. Jack knew to pick his fights, and avoid the ones that probably wouldn't end in his favor. Tonight, the start of many to come, was not the night to invest in unwise words. Taking a seat, he nodded to Arien before turning his gaze to the male. "Pleasure is mine." There seemed to be quite a crowd gathered, reassuring for the war to come.

Leoxander finally lifted a hand to take the weapon, narrowing his eyes only vaguely. "Good thing I didn't give you a g'damned frost weapon." Subtly hinting that it would be melted, without bothering to put any effort into that joke or finish it. He wasn't amused.

Roelstra notices Mahri taking her seat after Roe had deposited some rum on the bar to keep Leo's temper even. She shrugs half-bared shoulders, " Eh, not really, just-" She stops in the middle of reaching over to grab her blood-wine. Mahri's eyes were focusing. Actually focusing! The bartender beams at her best friend. " Mah! You can see, can't you?"

Keturah said to Angelo, "You're sweeping the damn floor. "

Keturah shouldn't have talked. She'd left clay dust where she walked.

Leoxander looked back toward Kumorouh and Jack's table. "You two it, then? Or the rest held up on your end?" He wasn't going to openly or needlessly relay where that place was, but he guessed other units were stationed where Arien had mentioned that morning.

Mahri 'll give up her seat if only just to go around the bar to get herself a drink. "Mhmm," is her lazy answer to that question of her sight.

Leoxander caught Roelstra's exclamation as he approached the bottle and filled glass she'd left for him on the bar, attention drifting over Mahri briefly to study her silvered eyes. Callused fingers closed on that glass to drain a good half of it, while the gears in his mind continued to work and the rogue, all the while, couldn't yet bring himself to sit down.

Leoxander set the bow against the base of the bar near his knee.

Leoxander picked up 1 black rum.

Angelo would nod to Keturah, thankful to just have this damn weapon off him. He'd stumble outside briefly and return, thankfully un-beaded and seating himself at the bar, breathing still heavy. "Never. Again." . Mahri said to Leoxander, "Gonna fill me in sometime soon?" On what plans have been made, "Or have any been made yet?"

Leoxander absently flipped that coin end over end across his knuckles, thoughtful, for that pause to himself.

Roelstra holds a hand up to stop Mah, " Uh uh. Sit your ass back down, I'll get you a rum." Her excitement for Mahri's recovery was quite obvious, pouring a drink and sliding it her way, " That's wonderful!" She would've given her a hug, but she knew her skittishness for such gestures.

Leoxander said to Mahri, "Depends, you been a good girl an' stayin' outta trouble?" Mahri said to Leoxander, "Hell no."

Gwenilyn finds herself suddenly in the midst of far more people than she had thought a moment ago, wondering where in the world they had come from. Her eyes register Angelo, along with a bead that goes rolling on the floor, along with several others. When the fae's eyes look over and see Mahri, Gwen's face lights up. HSe maneuvers her way through the assemblage to find her way next to her fiend. 'Mahri.' is offered the sighted woman along with a warm smile.

Roelstra lets out a bark of laughter at Mahri's answer, muttering under her breath, " Could've told you that..." This time, she finishes pouring herself some blood-wine, taking a couple long sips. She'll wait til her and Leo finish talking before chatting her up.

Mahri is effectively shoo'd from behind the bar, but rather than sit, Mahri'll lean. And take that rum with a grin towards her friend. "Priests are good for something it seems."

Keturah finally had her attention back on Roe. "I take inventory every morning. If you are noticing something is selling quickly.. just be telling me, and can adjust the numbers am wanting to keep about, yes?" She ghosted a smile, forcing down that prickling anxiety that all but demanded a breath of air. Damn. Moss-gaze turned to Mahri, "Your priest has finished healing your eyes?"

Arien would remain where she was near Sterling, though a booted foot would nudge a stool out for Jack to sit on. In the mass of bodies he would have her attention for the moment, the elf wanting to know as much as Leo did if the troops redeployed to the garrison were comfortably settled.

Roelstra said to Keturah, "Well, you know rum disappears around here like it's going out of style..." She takes another sip of her blood-wine." And whiskey seems to be dwindling steadily. Xion and I have taken care of stocking the kitchen with meats...." She smiles softly, looking forward to the next excursion with her new mate. " He and I figured we might as well be productive when we're killing deer and killing time. Oh and if we can keep a stock of that excellent red wine Runner apparently donated, that would be wise as well."

Arien said to Jack, "Have you been supplied with all that you'll need at the fort?" It was a quiet murmur. Mahri would receive a nod and a lazy salute as she moved to settle in at the bar, and if the rogue would not answer her Arien's quiet response might suffice to still the worse of the pangs for knowledge."

Keturah 's brother pushed himself to a noisy stand, finally. He may have been quietly trying to make his way over to that drum kit, but the clunking of his metal braces all but ruined that plan.

Jack accepted the seat without question given to him from Arien, the question posed to him one he unfortunately didn't have much of an answer to. "To be honest, I've not got a clue. I peaked my head in at the mainland and Ganjimu pointed me to Rynvale. I'm just as clueless as you are, it seems."

Sterling looks toward Leo only after she's finished blowing out her nose. "What is happening with that Joliette woman and the war?" She sniffles once more, but due to the lack of shifting facial muscles and clear eyes, it's evident Sterling feels much better. Mahri shifts her gaze towards Keturah and offers the healer a half shrug, "Yeah. Caught him taking some kids he'd given knives to through the forest.." Stupid priest..them kids from Cenril would just as likely cut his throat probably.

Keturah said to Roelstra, "Would ask the Runner about that wine." Her own smile might have warmed, there, and she was making her way to the working side of the bar for the book. "We can go over these numbers together, then.. when it is not being busy."

Arien said to Mahri, "We train, we fortify, and we wait..for whatever comes.” Drow, Vuryal, Cabal.. and all hell if it came to that. "I have offered the Fold sanctuary in the city, while they attempt to explore options for stepping down from the precipice of war with the Cabal."

Mahri blinks. At Arien, "Why the hell would we be going to war with..." her sister.."Cabal?" Roelstra said to Keturah, "Sounds good to me..." The vampire bartender took another couple sips, looking once over towards the doorway, as if expecting someone. " I've taken to staying here a good bit ofthe time. Though, I might take Leo's suggestion and look at that emptied villa. It'd be nice to live on waterfront property, me thinks."

Leoxander brought his hands up and tried, "Alright everyone shut up for a minute."

Roelstra half hears Arien mentioning preparations and she snaps her fingers as if remembering something.

Gwenilyn is beginning ot feel a might claustrophobic with all the people here, despite the fact that she knows the majority of them. A slight panicky flutter comes ot the pit of her stomach, so before it can get any worse, Gwen will quietly excuse herself as she moves through the crowd and hopefully gain the door. Once there, she will move just outside to allow the cool air to wash over her. large gulps of free air will be taken as the fae forces her stomach to stop quivering.

Arien said to Mahri, "We arent.. " Her fingers flicked toward Jack at her side. "They are..if it can't be stopped. Vuryal made jolie a deal to take her people off his list for punishment she defeated the clan in war. I'm fairly certain it is a diversonary tactic..intended on drawing me and my resources away from Rynvale. It is for that very reason I have done the opposite." The general would hunker down, and fortify the city against whatever the Time Lord intended. "We will do what we can, to help Jolie see that there might be..other options than compliance with a treaty with that one." Mahri might be only too familiar with that course of action. It was why she was on the list to begin with."

Mahri shuts up. And looks over at Leo.

Leoxander would wait, standing in the middle of that lounge area in a corner of the warehouse, until the conversations stopped and he had some attention his way.

Roelstra was about to speak to Arien, but Leo compelled her to silence.

Gwenilyn pops her head back inside the door to listen.

Keturah 's brother might have made it to the kit, but he at least didn't play. Both the siblings seemed to be focused on Leo, then.

Jack turned his gaze to Leoxander. Out of respect, he wasn't inclined to even make a joke.

Sterling 's attention had already been on Leo. Yep.

Leoxander would also, in this time, head over toward those double doors and push the stone from it's place with his boot, to let them seal together closed. A simple precaution to keep voices from carrying across the wharf. Despite that the warehouse is crowded, and that Gwen's claustrophobia might be warranted, he'd give a look across the room to suggest everyone sit down and get comfortable. "The Elf an' I are gonna tell you what we know. Then we go aroun' the room an you do us the same favor. Anything not covered we'll question at the end." A hand raised to the back of his neck along side that inked web on his throat, some of the tension rubbed at there while his eyes drifted the floor, thoughts collected. "A lot of s*** washed up these shores at once. We've got drow prowlin, takin stabs at the elves and thanks to the darkies, most of 'em left have high tailed it across the map. I'm not going to ask any of them to risk it. As for the rest of you, do as you will, but this is our central base. Everyone an' their damn mother are tryin' to empty this island because we heard word that the parasite, Vuryal, he's due to attack. There's quite a few on his list livin' here, since the first war..." He was nearly paused, there, and would give Arien the chance to add anything he may have skimmed over of importance, though this was just the start. She could also give him a break and take over, since there was so much to cover. But first, to Mahri's words, he added a few low words of a brief explanation. "The bastard caught 'er up somehow and from what we know, he's the reason her clan's involved on his side. They've supposedly declared war on the Fold." He might have been repeating what the elf had already said, but not everyone was likely listening in to Mahri and her conversation.

Leoxander said, "As Arien said, Vuryal's just trying to start a fire under our ass to get us scattered."

Mahri 's teeth might be heard to grind with the explanation. Both of them. Explanations not teeth..

Gwenilyn :: None of this is news to the fae so she remains quietly by the doors, simply observing and absorbing whatever information she can.

Keturah lowered her head, both hands lifting to her temples as she closed her eyes. Listening, focusing on Leo rather than that now closed door; not that the words spoken much helped her..

Angelo would be listening as well, though he was still picking the stray bead or six out of his hair.

Arien would turn in that relative quiet to supplement the rogue’s observation. “ Leo is right in that our civilian population is restless. The military forces of the city, the armada, the rangers remain and on heightened alert. The current commanders of the Fold have redeployed almost their full contingent to the island. Two thirds of them remain at the outpost in the plateau badlands, and the remainder have set up camp in the coves on the western front of the island. We will be training there, likely guerilla warfare tactics and hand to hand combat. The Rangers of Larket have been offered to our aid, under Roe’s command and per our alliance with that city, should we need them. The Temple has also allocated a contingent of officers and engineers who have been deployed for training to the garrison.” Here the elf would pause, to allow those representatives to speak any further clarification on that front. What and how Cabal might be handed she would leave to those who knew Jolie best. “For now..I fully intend at a holding pattern. There will be limited if any preemptive activity. Save perhaps only for any efforts that might be made to preserve life at he gallows daily in Kelay.”

Jack didn't have much of anything to say, considering he just arrived to the place. So, eyes and ears focused, he waited.

Sterling didn't have much to say due to the fact that her knowledge about the impending war between clans has already be made public by both Leo and Arien.

Leoxander studied the other faces in the crowd solemnly as Arien spoke, and in her pause at the end, he said. "We've got a few priests of Kanos who call this a 'resistance', but they can keep their asses in Kelay. Trust the wrong person in this situation is handing those blaggards a weapon, so watch who you talk to. The parasite's got his ways of convincing people to do stupid things. I'll do what I can to talk to the cabal, and at least keep them off our ass if not workin' to help us." A little louder, he'd demand of anyone listening. "If you're not runnin messages or workin' for a cause, I suggest you be at the cove, preparing how you can. Surviving is gonna take more than your head up yer ass." Angelo nodded at Leoxander's suggestion, thinking already of several things he could do...perhaps an enchantment on the areas that needed it most...

Leoxander was pretty much done with his speech, and stepped toward the drink on the counter to let Arien say whatever else she needed to say, and maybe control the flow of any questions that came up. She was Governor. He was just a pissed off pirate she'd foolishly hired for war, once.

Gwenilyn might posibly hide a smile at Leo's final words. However they are true ones and she will offer a small nod in agreement.

Mahri 'd be absently tapping a fingernail against the side of her glass. Not that she had much by way of nails. They were kept short for many reasons. "I don't have anything to add to that." She didn't. Really. Mahri'd hardly left the island but once and that had not turned out so well.

Leoxander looked toward Mahri as he lifted what was left in the tumbler. "Might startin' thinkin' about getting your boys to the ship. I know there's one of you magic users that can build wards, and I've got some lycan stationed to watch."

Mahri flicked a glance towards Leo, "Eternity or Illoria?"

Gwenilyn speaks up softly. 'As some or most of you know I have a house on the island near the bank. If that would be helpful I'd be happy to open my doors to whoever might need shelter... or whatever is needed.

Keturah opened one eye, glancing through her fingertips and hair toward her brother. She'd been aiming to keep this from him, and she could already feel his questioning stare. Now, more than ever, she wanted him back in the relatively safer environment of the deserts. Hell. Gaze lifted to Leo, then dropped again. "Gwen.. I need your help with the healers." Her voice was a little more quiet than she'd have liked.

Mahri 'd give Angelo a speculative look at mention of wards, "Mmhmm. I know someone."

Leoxander said to Mahri, "Eternity."

Jack would turn to Arien, "I think I might best serve to train some young soldiers, if you see fit. Problem is, I don't know where the damn camp is!" A brief smile would crack, Jack being himself and all, it only made sense.

Angelo grinned, looking to Mahri. "Just say where."

Mahri might actually have noticed, at some point, that Sterling hadn't been looking too well, but with all that's gone on and seeing that the girl had been in the care of the Elf, Mahri hadn't asked questions. Sure that if she needed to know, she likely would have been told.

Gwenilyn looks over at the desert born and nods, smiling warmly. 'Absolutely.'

Leoxander also knew that Tarun was there, in the room, listening. He would do anything -but- keep it from the boy. There was no point in leaving him clueless, vulnerable, and caught by surprise when the storm hit. He shifted a look across the room at the teenager, but just finished off his drink silently.

Leoxander caught the soldier's words, and he'd finally speak to Jack in a casual and calm manner. "I'll take you, mate. If you're serious, I'll even get some set up with you immediately, and keep you goin' throughout the night. The frost magus should be by to work on some magic, for those playing the other hand." Which, curiously enough, would be him, should she show up. He thought about how awkward it would be sitting and listening to instruction of magic around a bunch who already understood it, and suppressed a private shudder.

Arien had nothing further to say, now, so she'd be shaking her head in the negative and returning to that quiet conversation with Jack.

Mahri considers Leo's answer before saying carefully, "I can bring Illoria back to Rynvale. Could use another ship, you think?" Considering the damage both Illoria and Eternity had taken in that sea battle..Mahri was more than willing to risk her ship again. And not just to thumb her nose at the parasite either. This time, it's her home the wolf is fighting for. "Of course, that means I need a crew, a captain and to leave Rynvale." A moment then, "Of course the boys will go to Eternity while I'm gone." As though it were a forgone conclusion she would, indeed, be going.

Keturah was looking at Gwen, if only for a place to focus. She might not have been speaking directly at her. "Training.. too. We can help." However, it did seem as though Ket was volunteering the fae to help with that, as well.

Mahri said to Angelo, "Start here. "

Arien said to Jack, "One of us will take you. You can either work with our militia at the camps in the coves, or bunker down at the Fort in the hills. I'll leave that up to you. You can proabably train in both locations. We all need it."

Leoxander said to Mahri, "Hell no."

Keturah 's brother voiced a question in desert-speak that went ignored by the healer. Frustrated, he was making his slow way down from that stage and to her side.

Mahri said to Leoxander, "Why not?"

Leoxander gave Mahri a flat look. She'd never finished her Captain training.

Leoxander said to Mahri, "Who's gonna hold her?"

Angelo said to Mahri, "Here? Oh jeeze. I need people to be ready -before- I do this."

Mahri shrugs, "I sailed her for two years," as a cook..but still.."I can hire someone." Jack looked from Leo to Arien before speaking, "Aye, whichever you'd prefer will work for me. I think Leo here said he'd take me, as I'm sure you've a ton to do yourself." In truth, Jack hoped to have a private word with the pirate, fixing some misunderstandings from earlier.

Leoxander divided his attention between the desert born siblings and Mahri, finally landing back on her. "Tell you what, I'll let you bring yers if you can convince that noisy wench from the barrel to bring hers, too. We need defense in the bay."

Leoxander wasn't going to leave Jack to talk to his elf about how much they'd missed each other, anyhow. Not that he was jealous. No.... of course not.

Mahri narrows her eyes at Leo for a second. That had been too easy. Or Leo was trying to get the beta out of his hair.. "Of course I can. Hanan happens to actually like me." And, well, probably for a good reason.

Gwenilyn holds Ket's eyes with her own, smiling softly and nodding. 'Aye, we can both help with that.' With those words Gwen will make her way closer to Keturah and gently place a hand ot the desert born's shoulder, before removing it and sepping slightly back. Claustrophobia is no fun.....

Leoxander was not trying to get the Beta out of his hair as much as he was trying to avoid being the one to confront and talk to Hanan. That would not likely go well, him trying to bully her into doing what he wanted. "Yeah, I know, and I don't bloody wanna deal with her. Just keep her in her boat and I'll let you float yours in the water. You're gonna need to be on shore with the pack, most times. We'll keep the boys in the cove. Eternity stayin' there in case we need a quick exit." Plus, he really wasn't sure how much he wanted to risk fatal damage to a ship he'd just had repaired, since the last storm that had been hit.

Keturah inhaled, lowering her hands so that fingers could twine together. By then, she realized Tarun was speaking with her over the bar, and Gwen was at her side. She gave him a flat look, and murmured something in their language that sent the boy into a hushed, if heated frenzy of those foreign words.

Leoxander said to Mahri, "Tell her I want her parked in the bay, defending the channel."

Leoxander added, begrudgingly... "Tell 'er I'll pay her."

Angelo would raise a hand tentatively. "Erm...Leoxander...if I may..."

Leoxander debated on refilling his glass, but he figured Roelstra would do that soon enough anyhow, so he'd head over to those closed doors to prop one back open with the heavy, sea smoothed stone, letting some of that ocean air back inside and revealing a typical cloudy sky that seemed born from the fog in the neighboring forest.

Leoxander said to Angelo, "What is it?"

Leoxander kept his attention on the other male as he returned back toward the bar, but slowed to a stop to stand near a vacant table, instead, hands sliding into the pockets of his skull marked jacket.

Roelstra would wait until there was a pause in the din before speaking to Arien directly, " I have already sent work to Larket, requesting a handful of my Rangers to arrive. I have yet to receive a response, but I do not see why they wouldn't heed the call. " With the King and Queen gone into hiding for the duration of Jacklin's pregnancy, and the forests being quiet for now, she didn't think there was any harm in calling for ten or twenty Rangers to the island. " I can also offer training in archery and some hand-to-hand combat as well. A Ranger would need to be proficient in both."

Angelo coughed, feeling he was going to regret this. And probably pass out. "I...have a few tricks up my sleeve. Mahri can vouch for me - anyone who isn't...well, 'imprinted' on the building and steps in suffers a very nasty surprise. And I'll know about it."

Keturah might have relaxed a bit, once those doors were open, despite her brother. Gwenilyn :: Standing by Ket's side, the healer fae hears a flurry of words she does not begin to understand. However she cannot help but hide a grin behind a hand. It sounds rather like the two desert borns are giving each other what-for in the worst way......

Leoxander said absently to Roelstra's remark, though listening for Angelo's. "Better to get those men the hell out of there, anyhow. Pars' probably took them away for a reason." Namely, the heir to Larket's throne being due any day.

Leoxander eyed Angelo warily. "We can have a talk about it, but mark me, you scar my ship in any way..." Yeah, the illusionist already knew. Leo would have his skin.

Keturah said to Tarun, "That.. is enough, for now, boy."

Gwenilyn :: Fresh air, what a wonderful thing! Gwen thinks this as she inhales deeply. There might be a look of gratitude shot Leo's way for reopening the door. Te fae will edge her way outside once again, to remain in earshot should she be needed for something. She might grab Ket's hand and drag the Lotus Eater with her.

Leoxander glanced between Tarun and Keturah, briefly.

Angelo said to Leoxander, "It won't leave any marks. None whatsoever. Just...get everyone you want imprinted at once. I have to renew the enchantment for every new person."

Leoxander turned his head into the bend of his arm for a sneeze, as Gwen passed, and he mighta shot a look back her way. "Quit it..." Did her wings flutter with that bit of happiness, or what?

Angelo didn't mention that enchanting this many buildings would probably put him out. For a while. Anything for the pack.