Sorry, guys, it's been a heck of a week!
Emm doesn't even feel her feet touch the sand. That's how gentle the giant raptor set her down on the far beach, returning her as promised. She looks up into the owl's eyes as it hovers above her a moment, a silent message, an acknowlegement, an agreement. Then the vast wings fall and the owl is almost instantly elsewhere, sailing off into the violet twilight. Emm's gaze follows it for as long as she can, until it disappears from sight. She turns to see the
Seahawk being led ashore, but can't see Sam in the fading light. In an uncharacteristicly selfish way, she is taken by a sudden, joyful fit of giggles at the thought of what has happened this evening. She spreads her arms wide and dances a few awkward steps in a circle, until a familiar call brings her back to the present. Sheba is approaching as fast as her legs can carry her, yipping happily.
Emm's smile grows even brighter at the sight of the creature.
You! She points a playful finger at Sheba.
There is clearly more to you than meets the eye. It's obvious the odd canine wants to escort her back to the landing party, where it seems all eyes are upon her. 3 figures are emerging from the jungle also, and tho the dim light prevents her from seeing more than simple figures, there is no mistaking Ulrich's form, Caelvanna's gracefulness and Bog's swagger
(In the OLD sense of the word). They are all burdened with something... A crate, and... A snake?? Leave them for only a few minutes and..! No, Ulrich gave his word to only defend himself, and a python of that size would certainly... She decides not to risk offending her new friends by asking. There are more important things to discuss.
My friends! The Druid greets her companions happily.
My friends, we have truce. And we may have important knowlege. She turns again to see the progress of the
Seahawk, to perhaps catch a glimpse of little Sam.
The Great Owl has granted her blessings to us, that we may stay as long as repairs require. And we can eat that snake. She has told me much of this Isle, and of the others here. There does not seem to be any people here, but the 3 larger islands are all inhabited by Human cannibals. In their history they have warred on each other, but no longer. They also seem to have come to some truce, possibly due to the easternmost isle becoming port to a series of ships in the recent past. The islanders do visit this place occasionally, but mostly to a large cave on the far side. She tells me that place is the most dangerous part of the island. Even the foliage there has the will to kill. There are giant spiders, giant lizards... And snakes.
Emm pauses and draws a deep breath. The sudden realization that she has been babbling strikes her, and she tries to control her excitement and slow her speech.
Master Ziller, Gentleman Billy, that ridge, she directs their attention to the place where the Mistress took her,
is a plateau extending down this side of the isle. I am guessing the Owl's nest is somewhere along there, tho she did not confirm this. I believe it would be prudent to avoid exploring overmuch there. I also think she will be watching our activities here. She has agreed to meet with me again on the morrow before she begins her hunt. She said she has something to show me. Sorel, I believe this belongs to you. May be handy at some point. She hands the Easterner the crossbow bolt taken from the owl.
The Priestess grows quiet for a moment, and casts her eyes downward.
My friends, I want to express my gratitude, both for your willingness to fight to protect me, and your willingness to believe in me. It may seem childish to some of you, but I have crossed a great threshold this eve. I have been a bit of a bumbler as a Druid, but this night has proven the path I tread is the proper one for me. Again she turns to check progress on bringing the ship to ground, hoping to sight her little one.