Featuring: Coral, Kekipi, Raven Bringer, Sharpclaw, Soft-Feather
Date: September 18, 2004
IC Date: July 14, 3930
Summary: One-time teacher/student duo Soft-Feather and Sharpclaw meet to fill each other in on the results of the pirate attacks. Magus shifter/Troll and Adept graisha/ambassador are soon joined by Atlantean diplomat Annan Coral, Raven Bringer, and Kekipi as all five discuss the state of affairs and attempt to determine how to begin rebuilding and recovering.
Waterfall Pool - Mohononeo Lands
The waterfall thunders into a large near-circular pool, a pool at the head of the navigable section of the river. A pebbled stretch of beach to one side of the falls serves as a place for canoes to rest out of the water, upturned hulls making elongated domes on the shore. The rest of the pool is surrounded by greenery, though there's little hiding the oft-used path that meanders up the cliff-face.During the day, the waterfall pool is rarely empty. Sylvan women gather around to wash clothes in the pool and nearby river, often keeping a careful eye on toddlers in the process. There are few boats on the shore and few people here not busy with something, even if that something is walking along the path.
Peacefulness? Shattered in one swift attack on the fields. Chaos ensued as it spread to the cities, and there's been very little in the way of rest since. In spite of that, Sharpclaw's had to take a break just to get away from the recovery efforts, even if it's just a few minutes. For the moment, he paces near the waterfall, shaking his head.
Soft-Feather makes his way through the forest, having to make the rest of his journey on foot. As he pierces into the waterfall area, the now-tattered royal blue robes he wears flap in the breeze. Even his new Troll's badge barely hangs on to the garment, hanging haphazardly as the open robe displays an aging yet verile Sylvan body, covered in soft fur--though not the animal kind, of course. Not even cognizant of Sharpclaw, Soft-Feather moves to the edge of the pool and begins to wash his blood and mud-covered face in the water.
Sharpclaw's found a place to sit down, rubbing his temples for a few moments. He's also quite dirty from whatever he's been up to, and the heat doesn't help. He was not at the bridge when it was attacked; he was busy doing all he could to help put out the fires or at least keep them from spreading closer. Stretching a leg out, he pauses as he looks up in time to spot Soft-Feather coming through..in Troll clothing? "Solan?"
Soft-Feather looks up from the pool, water dripping from his cupped hands and face. He's surprised to see Sharpclaw here, that much is apparent. Blinking twice, pushing aside his surprise, he splashes the remaining water in his hands on his face. It feels very, very nice. "Yes, Ewan," the man's voice is very strained, "It's me." Wincing as he stands, the Magus moves toward the younger man and takes a seat. "Was...was anyone hurt?" The real question burns in his eyes...his mate, is she alright?
Younger by now is, of course, relative. Sharpclaw's feeling older than he is right now, but at least he's alive. He watches the older shifter quietly for a few seconds, then rubs the back of his neck and finishes his stretch. "I hate pirates," he mutters before a nod follows, an unhappy one. "Some were. Some died. She did not." A simple answer.
Soft-Feather nods slowly, relief flooding through him. "I was patrolling the Bridge with my partner, Jacqua, when the violence broke out. Pirates stormed the Bridge and began to take what they wanted from the merchants. We stood up to them as best we could, ended up driving them away. Kekipi, the head Troll, came at my summons...he engaged one of the pirate leaders with his sword. I..." he arches a dirty eyebrow, "helped distract the man, giving an opening for very damaging blow from Kekipi. He called the retreat, then. Once everything was under control, I came back here..." He leaves out the bit about turning into a bear and mauling quite a few of the pirates on his own--not exactly something he is proud of.
Had he been there, Sharpclaw may just have mauled as many pirates as he could, with no remorse to follow. When attacked, it's no quarter asked for, none given when they'd just as soon kill you as take from you. "I didn't even know you'd joined the Trolls," he begins with. "But it is good they were driven off. I've already been to the city, and it looks like they hit everything."
Soft-Feather has never been a man who was comfortable with violence--but then, that has never kept him from using it when necessary. It only haunts him later. "Yes, I joined the other day...I've reason to believe LightHope is being held capture by criminals. Kekipi and I both believe that by detaining criminals on the Bridge, I might uncover the information I need. This was my second day." He stretches out his hands, trying to prevent them from cramping. His nails are caked underneath with dirt and dried blood, though slightly less concentrated than before the quick wash, has stained them red. "They DID hit everything, Ewan. The Bridge, the homes, the halls...the whole city seemed to be on fire, and the very water attacked us!" He almost snarls, "They put something in it that makes Atlanteans unable to breathe well. I helped one down to their island, she told me about it." He looks around at the forest, which seems to be peaceful...though chaos no doubt reigns on the other side of it. "What is happening here?"
Sharpclaw growls quietly, rising just a bit with each piece of bad news Soft-Feather ticks off. He approaches the water and splashes a bit of it over his face, wiping back through his hair. "The next pirate I see, if I find he was responsible for any of this, he's going to pay." Just how, he leaves out. "And it will be right," he adds before Soft-Feather can say otherwise. "But how did they manage to do so much so fast? I can't understand it! They burned our fields, and it looks like they fled to the city like they were victims, farmers."
Soft-Feather just shakes his head, his whole world having been turned upside in the breadth of a second. He's not alone in that, of course. "It was incredibly coordinated, Ewan. I wonder if they have been out there, slowly sending in mercenaries to strike at a specific time. They could swim to shore at night, and never be noticed. And when the time came, everything exploded at once. Then they docked and came to the Bridge, among other areas..." He's heard the docks fared far worse.
Can you tell Sharpclaw is not pleased one bit? One would have to be just about dead to miss that. "I am going to be seeing Annan Coral as soon as I can to see how the Atlanteans are doing, and see how we might help each other. Other than that, all I know is it's bad." These sorts of things weren't supposed to happen. He gets a bit more water for himself, cupping it to drink as his tail twitches in clear agitation.
Soft-Feather sighs deeply, "There is some comfort knowing that many of those pirates did not leave my presence alive, Ewan. They thought me an old man...but like a mountain cat, I am danger incarnate if cornered." His eyes briefly flash with a pale golden light, which fades as he calms himself down. "The fields, they are completely ruined then?"
Sharpclaw manages a half-smile as Soft-Feather speaks of his abilities to fight and defend himself and others. "I remember you never cared for violence, but it is good to see you can still dish it out if you have to. Had I been there, even less of them would have made it away, and I'd have come away with their eyes." Boastful to say now, but maybe that's how it would have gone. He could certainly have the talons with which to do it. "That, or I'd have hamstrung them and crushed their necks in my jaws." That does speak to the more feral side of him that he must continue to control. "The fields..I don't know yet. Very damaged."
Soft-Feather can only nod, an oral response failing him at the moment. He can certainly understand that kind of rage...he felt it himself. That anger that just coils up inside like a giant snake and then suddenly strikes, viciously and without abandon. Even he has to work sometimes to keep it under control. "I will pray to the Grandmother that the crops may yet be saved."
"They will be, somehow," Sharpclaw answers. Just how, he doesn't know yet. "I just have to figure out what to do first, where to start." With all that's happened, there are many things that need doing. "Before much else, we must honor those we have lost."
Soft-Feather stands now, the tatters of his robes flapping in the breeze once again, as if he were some solemn statue dedicated to the memory of violence and loss. After many minutes, the Magus merely sighs. "We should gather those who are present...perform the proper rituals. But do the Moho do as the Ettowealona? I've not yet seen..."
Coral comes upstream within the river.
Sharpclaw wipes at his face a little more, but most of his body still shows signs of dirt and the like, even a spot or two of singed fur from firefighting. The loincloth remains intact, though. "The customs are a little different, but mostly the same," is all he says for the moment, lips thinning.
Soft-Feather moves to the water's edge, once again kneeling to collect water in his cupped hands. Without reply, he washes his hands and then his face, doing his best to remove the blood stains and the caked dirt under his nails. "The water is soothing," he grows quiet again for a time, "are there people here who play the reed pipe? That would be fitting for the rituals of departure..."
Rather than her usual unannounced arrival in the waters themselves, Annan Coral today has chosen to travel in a small skiff of a boat. Two guards accompany her and row the boat, rather than the one she uses most days on land or the absence of them at all when she comes to Sylvan territory under normal circumstances. Along with her unusual mode of travel is the more somber air about her and her clothing, the dark color making her seem serious and accenting the weariness about her eyes. "Chookma." Seeing the two Sylvans nearby she speaks aloud, "Sharpclaw and Sylvan troll it is good for me to see that you are both well, as I hope?"
"Far as I know," Sharpclaw replies, crouching a little so he can doublecheck a spot of fur that did indeed get heat burns. Before much else is said, his eyes shift over towards the skiff approaching, with none other than Coral on it. "Well, this takes care of needing to go see her," he murmurs to Soft-Feather, hailing her arrival with a raised hand before approaching the riverbank to help her ashore, should she need it. "Chookma, Annan Coral. We are as well as can be expected. What news do you bring?"
Soft-Feather watches silently as the fish rush past his hands, which are once more dipped into the waters. Sensing that their flight is due to some external factor, rather than internal desire, the Magus rises to stand tall, firm, and ready. The boat approaches and he is poised to defend should this intruder prove to be another Pirate. When he recognizes the woman from the Bridge, however, he relaxes. Sharpclaw's remark helps too, of course. Letting his tension fade, Soft-Feather moves forward as well, duplicating the younger man's gesture of greeting. "Annan Coral, you may call me Soft-Feather." Here, in his natural habitat, he is not a Troll.
Raven Bringer arrives from the southeast.
Kekipi arrives from the southeast.
Standing carefully in the boat with practice, Coral takes the offered hand from Sharpclaw to step onto the shore, the two Atlantean men with her bringing the skiff to a slow stop against the ground. "My thanks." Nodding to Soft-Feather briefly she replies, "I will call you this name then, as you have asked. And just as my friend Sharpclaw has said, I am Annan Coral." Reaching down she takes the rope from the boat to help tether it to the shore with a spoke sticking out of it before the two men get out silently. Not responding at all to either man. "I have come to offer what aid we might to the Sylvan people, though our own situation is quite grim as I am sure you have been told before now. And to see what the matter of things here has become."
Kekipi follows along beside Raven from downstream, his hands unclasping from behind his back to sway at his sides in a somewhat martial manner as he strides along. Tattered and bloodied uniform at odds with his healed state, though the once royal blue is now a somewhat nasty purple, "It happened fast, too fast.", he offers with that typical bluntness to her, his eyes looking to Raven and then about him as he takes in the new surroundings and the gathering up ahead.
Sharpclaw, Soft-Feather, and now Coral with her two Atlantean cabana boys, er, guards, are all near the waters as the wolf-graisha gives her a helping hand. After nodding to the somewhat abnormal way of introductions - at least names are known - he nods a few times to her words. "I had been planning on approaching you to discuss these matters, but now is as good a time as any. Mainly, our fields are in a shambles. They attacked and burned them, then moved on to the cities. We heard of what they did to your waters. Do you know if the algae is safe to move? We will do what we can to help, as well." His attention on those with him, Raven Bringer and Kekipi are not yet seen, if they're even within range yet.
Soft-Feather bows his head deeply in a gesture of deep respect for this woman. He sensed that she was someone of importance the day before, given that she had such a large...defense force, in the form of her immense man-servant (or so he seemed to be, at least). As Coral makes her purpose known, Soft-Feather lets her ambassadorial counterpart, Sharpclaw, do the talking. For now, he merely observes the situation and listens carefully--that's how he detects Kekipi and Raven, even before they emerge into the clearing. He does not announce them, though, instead allowing them to come out on their own terms.
Before they truly join the slowly expanding group of Sylvans beyond, Raven Bringer imparts a few more words. "Soft-Feather. Sharpclaw. Soft-Feather is of the old lands." And then she is silent - on foot and with word - leading on until upon the edge of the premises. There, formalities - or at least, the bare minimum - are observed. Short and blunt. "Kekipi, Elder. Sharpclaw." A glance towards the unknown woman, and yet there is no greeting, just an even stare that displays nothing. Staff settling to her side, she is fierce and statuesque.
"I had heard from Silence that the crops were destroyed. Is there knowledge of how badly the land is damaged? He at the time did not know, he had come to help those who were wounded." Coral asks and explains all at once to Sharpclaw, "Of the algea I do not know very much yet. Our water mages study it and will tell me more soon. First I have been concerned with the healing of the wounded. Though we have brought many Atlanteans to shore to keep from danger to them as I do not trust the red algea. It is why I come in a boat today myself." As the other two approach she nods to them politely, "Blessings, Achelisis Kekipi, I am gladdened to see you in such a good state with the circumstances of our last meeting." Nodding in greeting to the Sylvan woman as well, she offers, "Chookma.
Kekipi bows his head lightly to Coral, "Annan Coral.", he offers gruffly before likewise nodding his head to both Soft-Feather and Sharpclaw, his stance distinctly martial as he stands straight, arms at his side as he offers the Sylvans a greeting, "Pasiphae's Blessing upon you both.", his words erupting from his lips like lemmings from a cliff, but the old Troll seems in good spirits given his appearance, "I heal well....I am fortunate.", are the only other words spoken on the matter concerning the bridge and his last meeting with Coral.
Sharpclaw looks over towards Raven Bringer and Kekipi, recognizing the latter from a few times seeing him on the bridge. Right now, he appears to be in need of a good bath to get the dirt and leaf bits and the like off of him, but that may come later. "This is Raven Bringer," he gestures to the newly arrived woman with Kekipi, believing that covers all names present save those of the guards. "We are still finding out how much is burnt, but so far it does not look good. We may have no crops this season, and our stores of food will only last so long." Blasted pirates. The mere thought of them is enough that the graisha's jaw tightens and his nose wrinkles, but he forces the anger to the back. "We have also lost some of ours, unfortunately," he adds after giving Kekipi a nod of the head. "We could use all the blessings we can right now. The same are extended to you."
Soft-Feather wonders, with good reason, why Kekipi would travel all the way out here. It's a bit far from the Bridge, isn't it? For a moment, the Sylvan entertains the idea that his city-boss might have issue with his work and has come calling to discuss it. But after facing deadly pirates and piles of causualities yesterday, a negative job performance review hardly seems likely. Arching his right eyebrow curiously, the Elder stands tall and nods in response to the Head Troll's greeting and Raven's introductions. "Chinchookma, forest-sister and Kekipi." Can he call him that when not on duty?
News of the Atlanteans predicament surely concerns Soft-Feather, whose eyes narrow as the information is shared. "Is the algae too small to be dragged out of the water with fine mesh? Or to have water foul gather it up in their beaks and carry it away? I could ask for their help..."
A step back, away. It is an unconscious movement that reflects not upon the company, but rather personal quirk. A glance to the forest, to Kekipi, Soft-Feather, and Sharpclaw, before settling upon the Atlantean woman. She has news, but it is not imperitive, not important. And, by and large, it looks like her idea to bring an ambassador here was already thought of. Slow woman. No, best that Raven Bringer remain silent, watchful, distant.
"Chookma, Raven Bringer, it is good to meet you even if the times are bad. I have been told of your wisdom and am glad that you are here." Coral offers with another respectful bow to the Sylvan woman. The men behind her continue to remain silent, looking about calmly. Those who have seen him might note that neither is the man who normally accompanies her normally. Looking back to Soft-Feather's words, Coral's expression turns to a near frown, "That is not clear yet, but I will remember your offer when more is known of the nature of the problem. It is a very kind one, my thanks. There is so much of it whatever solution comes may be more than one method."
"Soft-Feather.", Kekipi offers with yet another nod, he is never too good with these offical like meetings that involve others. Its far easier dealing with pirates and thieving mongrels. Venom flows much easier than diplomacy from this Troll. He looks to Raven Bringer, the old Troll a fair bit in common with Raven it would seem as he too ponders a dutiful silence and a watchful air, the words just not rolling as easily through his mind as the typical words of his Bridge duties do. But say something he must all the same, "Indeed, what assistance my Garrison can offer is always at hand....I myself came to ask for wood, we are in desperate need of shoring up the northern gate given the people trapped or dead beneath the rubble, though I know your people are busy yourselves."
Sharpclaw looks again between Kekipi and Soft-Feather for a moment, head tilting thoughtfully at the latter's question about the algae before nodding a bit at Coral's reply. If Raven Bringer wishes to remain in the background until a better spot to speak comes up, he'll not question it. "We will need to figure out what needs to be taken care of first, but right now it feels like everything needs to be repaired somehow. We must see if the fields can even be salvaged this season, the algae must be removed, the bridge shored up.." He nods Kekipi's way at the last, rubbing the back of his neck wearily. Stress bad. "Whatever can be spared, we will work something out. I don't know just what, yet. We fought off as many as we could, but it was not enough. It is too late to fix what happened, but patrols around our fields and roads will be increased."
Soft-Feather bows his head deeply once more, "I am glad to offer. If you have need of me, you will find me on the Bridge during the day and in these lands at night. Merely ask and I am at your disposal, Ambassador." He offers a grim nod before turning back to Raven Bringer, Kekipi, and Sharpclaw.
"'Increased' is hardly the best term," a dangerous golden glint flashes in his eyes, "If it goes the way I hope it will, there will be a guard outpost and /many/ patrols. The Empyreans should send guards as well, to assist in keeping watch. I would like to stop any and all traffic that comes to close, just to ensure that they are not here to cause harm." Soft-Feather folds his arms over his tattered Troll robes, the badge marking him as such barely hanging on to the garment, "Those Pirates must have dressed up as farmers. when they ignited the fires, they ran into the city as if they were victims...and if you were on the Bridge like I was, there were more Pirates there than what came from the Northern section. It was a devastating strategy."
A brief glance without word to Coral, though it is not from a purposeful impoliteness. The warrior woman, however ill-fitting words are to her habit, her form and lips, is forced to speak yet again, tragedies of tragedies. "It is too late to plant again, Sharpclaw." This much Raven Bringer knows, without doubt. The growing season is mostly over, and harvesting about to begin. What we gain must be from the forest." Her tones are hard, unforgiving, and entirely unbendable. But then, "We will live as Ettowealona and Apisachi do, and survive. What must occur now is reparation to the soil, in preparation for the next year, and pre-emptive harvesting in moderation." And if anyone so much as -thinks- about purchasing foods from the Empyreans and Varati, she'll hack them to bits and have -them- for her winter, salted meat.
"We should ask them." Coral agrees, "Knowledge of their motives and methods will be most helpful in preventing further damage. And I have heard that there have been some who were taken by them as captives, though as far as I know I have only heard of an Empyrean woman." Nodding again to Sharpclaw, "There is much to do. Were I to say what was to be done first it would be to make certain that those who are harmed are healed, the ability to do more harm is stopped, and then the repair of the damage that has been done by those who might be able to help in doing so. Though I think that we can do all of these things in some ways, with many people having skills better used for one or the other."
"Either way I will need to clear this with my seniors, but I intend to offer the Sylvan Contingent of the Trolls to shore up your own patrols and ensure increased security...I know their hearts belong to the forest and the bridge itself is protected to a great degree, but the better the perimeter is protected...the safer us all.", Kekipi states gruffly, looking to Raven as she speaks of the other tribes, he'd offer food himself but all the barracks can offer is gruel and perhaps a side serving of algae given half the river washed through office window and ensured the Barracks was awash, "We also need to find where their vessel weighs anchor, we need to take the battle to them...we need to dash them on the rocks and leave their bones to the ocean.", forced and stern words indeed from the Atlantean troll, but his past has certainly caught up with him here, "I spent many years protecting the Atlantean Trading Fleet as a guard, these Pirates know no honour...death is all that ends their plague."
"You will want to have someone other than me ask them," Sharpclaw puts forth. No question about it - ambassador though he may be, some things go above and beyond acting civil, and dealing with pirates seems to be one of them right now. He adds to Soft-Feather, "Whatever you want to call it, we cannot allow this to happen again. Whatever it takes to protect the fields and the Earth Mother, it will be done. I am sure the Sachem and Elders will agree. Like Raven Bringer says, we will survive." No matter what it takes, and he nods grimly to her own assessment of the situation with the fields. Slowly, he nods in general agreement to Coral's arragement of the top priorities, his tail twitching in agitation like it did a few times prior to the arrival of the rest. As Kekipi speaks, he begins by answering during a pause, "Any help, we will make good use of." It's when he begins to talk of going after these pirates that he finally begins to smile again, sharp canines visible. "As soon as we can be sure things are safe here, I agree with finding them and returning the favor." Oh yes. Revenge will taste bloody sweet.
Soft-Feather listens intently as everyone speaks, doing his best to take it all in. As he is no planter, the knowledge that it is too late to plant more crops is a surprise. But then, why should he expect the Sylvan people to get a break in this ordeal? No one else has.
When Kekipi mentions assigning the Sylvan contingent of the Trolls to aid in the defense of the perimeter, he frowns. That would mean that his search for LightHope as a Bridge Troll would come to a halt, at least for awhile. While it had only just begun, Soft-Feather feels that the sacrifice is necessary. "I would ask that I be named the liaison between the Trolls and the Moho. I serve both and can better understand the needs of every side. Ahote will be in command, yes?" He hopes so, he likes and respects her a great deal.
The talk of revenge, however, troubles the Magus Elder. Soft-Feather may not be opposed to fighting back when necessary, but looking for trouble isn't exactly wise in his opinion. "If we make our shores and lands impenetrable, then what need is there to attack further? They were driven away, many of their number slain, and it does not seem like they made off with any degree of wealth, did they?" He relaxes slightly, his voice becoming that of a kindly teacher, "Be careful, inkanas. The thirst for revenge is strong, but in the end we may only make the situation worse. What if we attack them, only for seven or eight more ships to ambush us in the night?"
A quiet sigh. It is all the people here are given now. Extracting herself further from the situation, it is towards the pool. And no wonder! Soot taints nearly every inch of her, clothing and not. Care is taken to set the length of her staff aside, but without further ado, Raven Bringer is to the pool's side, kneeling and silent, without touching the cool waters yet.
Nodding her chin in politeness to Soft-feather, Coral says with sorrow in her voice, "To some, even as much wealth as was taken would not be enough were that their goal. And if they believed that it would be easy to claim more when it was available they would do so. But, I worry, that that was not their goal." The Atlantean looks between the Sylvans and Kekipi as she speaks, her tone serious, "They seemed to have a more organized plan than for simple destruction and plunder. And that being the situation, if their goal was not realized, they could return to do so." Looking to Sharpclaw and then back to Soft-feather again she says, "And more than simple revenge, we should find those that were taken and return them here. It is too early perhaps to know the whereabouts of everyone that is missing. Some have most likely died and not been found, while others..." Both peoples here have more than enough experience with loosing their numbers to slavers.
"Indeed Soft-Feather, I do not wish to force Sylvans from the Bridge if that is where they feel they can do the most good, I just wish for them to know that where ever they serve be it our here or the city, they are welcome given their loyal and distinguished service...I know that many a heart is out here, while many a mind may rest with the cobbles of the bridge.", Kekipi offers hoarsely, his voice tremoring faintly as the words erupt from his mouth, "The simple fact remains that I need Trolls everywhere, I fear that each race may well have been looking out for their own and rightly so as the attacks began...messages where perhaps not relayed as swift as we would have hoped.", though as for revenge, he manages to twist it about enough within his Military mind to be thought of as Justice more than anything else. Swift, damning justice. But in the end, all he is is a Troll who follows orders and stands straight when in the presence of his Superiors. The usual spot in the usual Guild Hall stared at till dismissed. The Dutiful Head Troll. Loyal, a bit dim, a bit violent and a bit gruff. Thats about it. Still as Raven moves off to the pool, he takes a slow step back to watch her kneel at the waters edge, his brow creased faintly as he moves after Raven, reaching out to rest a webbed hand upon her shoulder once at her side. Nothing spoken at least, just a look.
"If they are made impenetrable, what does it matter how many ships they have?" Sharpclaw asks openly, but mostly to Soft-Feather. "They may have been driven off, but they are still out there and will need to be dealt with further. They got through once, and they could always try again. I will not sit, wait, and hope they decide not to. But, whatever is done must be planned out. This includes trying to get people back." Past that, he keeps out of the Troll talk for the moment, looking Kekipi over instead. The man certainly strikes a formidable look, no doubt about it.
Soft-Feather hmms thoughtfully, "It is not really the actions I question, moreso the intent. Retaliation to make yourself feel better is dangerous, we have spoken of it in the past," he brings forth an echo of the past, recalling lessons between the pair from long ago. "Justice is another matter. Increased defense and a truly thought out strategy to regain our people and stop them from attacking again is indeed wise." He looks now to Coral, "If we knew which direction they went off, the Shifters among us could be of great help. We could fly off in pursuit, gain access to their ship as small rodents...I myself can become a ferret...and then free those on board, especially if they are Empyrean. Then they could simply fly off with us, yes?" Raven and Kekipi are given a nod as they withdraw from the conversation.
For her part, there is no movement from Raven Bringer. Waters watched, lips still.
"Yes, it is true that we must be careful not to spend ourselves unwisely at a time such as this when it would be most easily done." Coral agrees, "I will inquire with others to learn if there are others that have been taken and what races they might be. As far as I have been told there are no Atlanteans who were seen being taken. Though there are still some who are not found for certain." She glances to the two by the water and back again, "So it seems to me then that there are some tasks that our peoples wish to tend to themselves, or have the ability to begin with more ease? Your shapers of land will be more wise in the ways of the soil and the crops than mine would be, though if we have any services that could be of use and we can supply them we will gladly do so. And for our part we will continue to study the waters. Together, then, we will work with the others to defend against further attacks, heal those who are in need, and learn what the reasoning was behind this action?"
Kekipi remains over at Raven's side, the odd gruffness escaping him, though softer, stiller, clearly the Troll most people have come to know given the lack of anything that is really said. His hand remaining upon Raven's shoulder as the clear pool before them is watched with a certain thoughtful look.
Sharpclaw shakes his head. "I don't talk about doing this to feel better for myself, but because it is right to do." His tone holds a sense of irritation to it; perhaps he feels the reminder is not needed. "Right now, we know what needs to be done to begin recovering, and we will do what we have to. Coral, we will need to keep in close contact in the coming days, so we can be sure everything is going properly. So far, I think the plans are good." Somewhat idly, he watches Kekipi and Raven Bringer for a few moments as he crosses his arms at the chest.
Soft-Feather shrugs lightly, having seen the fire of revenge in too many eyes in too few hours, including his own. But Sharpclaw has grown into a wiser man than he once was--age will do that--and he reminds himself not to jump to conclusions. "Do we have an envoy to the Empyreans? Someone to request more aid in guarding the fields?" He knows little of political ways.
Rising from her spot near Kekipi, leathers soon are removed, leaving only feathers and scars and skin to greet the day's sun. She is as bashful about nudity as Atlanteans have shown themselves to be, and in short order, the sooty, sweaty woman is stepping into crystalline waters. It is a bit of an awkward process, for those odd graisha appendages have yet to be reckoned fully with. With her descent is a quiet, welcoming sigh. She's missed these pools.
The removal of clothing by the other woman doesn't even cause Coral to bat an eyelash. Climbing into the pool seems to be the most natural thing in the world to her. And in some ways, it could be said she envies the luxury, but, instead, she nods to the Sylvan men. "Indeed, this I believe to be the plan. Our ambassador to the Empyreans will not be able to serve us here, but I will find someone with which to speak about these things. As well as those among the Varati if needed, there I have more knowledge."
Kekipi watches Raven rise from his side, his hand slipping from her shoulder as she removes the leathers and slips into the pool. Her words causing him to regard his stained tunic and gashed leather armour, his webbed hand probing the gash that saw much of his own blood spilt that day. But with all the bashfulness of something that isn't at all bashful, the invitation has his own bloodied leathers and clothing discarded, the Troll Blue a dried and disgusting purple. The Head Troll without the clothing to hide his aged frame, shows a certain numbness to his steps as he slips into the pool. Thankful no doubt for the distraction, diplomatic talks never quite worked with him, it was only a matter of time before a rare anger surfaced and he truely voiced his opinions with regard to those pirates. As the High Priestess has stated, this Trolls spends too much time away from the Ocean.
As for Sharpclaw, the entire conversation, beginning when it was just he and Soft-Feather, has been one long exercise in self control. More than once, wolf has sought to let its opinions about all this be known more clearly, and in some cases this has happened. For the most part, he's kept his temper fairly well and managed to get through all this as a diplomat should. "I don't know what the talks with the Empyreans are like yet, or the Varati. I am sure they are working on things as we are." Eyes flicker towards Kekipi and Raven Bringer for a few seconds, then settle on Coral again. "Anything you learn, please pass along."
Soft-Feather bows slightly to Coral, "We thank you for your aid, Ambassador. We will do what we can on all sides of this tragedy." And with that, he follows in the wake of Raven and Kekipi. His tattered blue robes slide to the ground and the Elder steps slowly into the waters. Though chilly, they do much to embrace and sooth his tired muscles. "Raven Bringer," his voice shakes slightly due to the rapid change in temperature, "I am pleased to see you well." He nods to Kekipi, "What should I call you? Kekipi? Sir?" Clearly, despite being in his home element away from the Bridge, he is ill-at-ease.
Effort is taken to remove some of that soot with a fist full of grasses and sands. At least that obnoxious smear across her forehead disappears easily enough, particles left to drift downwards, past slowly paddling feet. Wings tuck securely into her body, Raven Bringer watching Kekipi join without so much as a twitch, despite the familiarity and welcome that floats within her gaze, a faded if similar glance given to Soft-Feather as well. Bright ambers, however, do not linger long, instead lifting to those two left on shore. She is quiet, but the offer is obvious: clean, clear waters for both Sylvans and Atlanteans alike to offer a bit of solace. And then the woman's expression is closed, and beneath the water she dips.
"I am happy to offer it, and yes of course I will tell you whatever I know when I have been able to learn it myself. We will keep in contact with one another to find out what we can. And at the time when we can question the pirates that have been held aside, I will alert you." Coral offers to all the Sylvans gathered. Though, Sharpclaw most specifically is answered as the other ambassador present. "I must offer my thanks for the opportunity to join you in the water but return to my people. There is still much to be seen to and to be done. And I should not be long away." The senitment in her voice is genuine, regretfully she looks to the water and then back to the others, "Blessings to you all, my hope is that all will be well in short time."
"Kekipi is fine, there is little need for...for...ceremony out here, little need for it on the Bridge, short and to the point is all that matters.", Kekipi offers as Soft-Feather enters the pool, the Atlantean clearly one reason for the tradition of single word answers within the Mercenary Garrison to anyone that isn't a Troll. Raven Bringer watched albeit briefly but with a certainly warmth as she vanishes beneath the waters, "Blessings to you Annan Coral...", though his words are cut off as he glances to the surface of the waters, a brow arched thoughtfully as his webbed hand skims the surface and he sinks deeper to submerge himself up to his neck.
Sharpclaw nods a couple times to Coral's last few words, going through a few general goodbyes for the time being, explaining that he needs to make another check of the fields before anything else. Following that, he'll likely take the chance to clean up a bit.
"Then Kekipi it shall be," Soft-Feather nods. He's very tired now, and the water isn't helping that. He feels quite relaxed, the chilled liquid lapping at his weary muscles. The ferret inside longs to take advantage of this respite and play in the pool but Soft-Feather doesn't want to spare the energy to shift. Instead, he floats to the edge of the water, grabs his robe, and begins to wash it out.
At last surfacing for air, there is without question a lingering 'refreshed' feeling to Raven Bringer, long raven mane unleashed from its captive bonds to stream like sin down that fighting frame. There, see? A brief grin, that again swiftly fades. Soft-feather is watched in his retreat back to shore, an offer gracing her lips even as concern threatens to tug her brows downwards. "Elder. Do you wish an herb to revitalize?" Not very martial of her, but this too is an oddly natural counterpart within.
One of the guards with Coral helps her into the boat moored to the side of the pool before getting in himself. She settles herself easily before the men join her, the last one in unmooring the boat. She looks to make certain those swimming in the pool aren't going to be knocked on the head as they pull away to go back to the contaminated waters of the estuary and beyond.
