Initiative 9 - lower due to multiple wounds now

Using Air Dance & Tiger Spring

For a moment, the scene on the ship is frozen in time. Luthilien can hear her heartbeat pounding her ears, she can smell the blood and poison intermingled on her skin, she can feel the fear of the sailors on deck... and then it all slows. She can hear her father's voice over the thudding of her heart. She can hear his commands.
Faster, Luthilien, Faster! Battle will not be slow. Battle will demand more from you then you can give. You must be ready to meet the challenge.
The world comes into sharp focus and Luthilien leaps, slicing down and into the body of Wyvern clawing madly on deck.
Melee Weapons Attack #1

Broadsword Damage #1

Feeling her sword bite into flesh, Luthilien screams in rage and twists her sword down and across, raking the Wyvern across it's body.
Melee Weapons Attack #2

Broadsword Damage #2

Lutielien swings out, the balde slicing the throat of the wyvern open. Before her feet hit the deck of the ship again, her blade comes down in an arc, splitting the wyvern open down the chest. A clean slice of red, and the wyvern opens up, and collapeses.

Time seems to freeze in that perfect moment. Then Lu hears Kyla Lu! Look out!

Snapping her head around, Lu sees the second wyvern streaking towards her, barreling over the sailor trying to slow it, his spear stil lstuck in the beast. Kyla leaps out it, gliding aling the air as Lu had just , trying to intercept the beast.



Kyla slides in front of the wyvern, slicing a line across it's chest, just between the scales as she goes, then crossing back with another slice just underneath the first/ The wyvern's tail snaps out, cathching her along the side. The sailor, abandoning his spear, lashes out, actching a wing with his sword.

Initiative 9
[/spoiler]

Initiative: 18

Whipping around, Luthilien snaps her arm up and in place, holding her sword set like a spear.
Bring yourself here. Taste my blade.She smiles.

Melee Weapons

Broadsword Damage

Lu's blade snaps forward, taking the wyvern high in the chest. The blade bites deep, to the hilt, right between the armored sclaes. The thing screams and thrashes, and falsl dead at her feet.

Lu stands next to Ordat and Ky, breathing hard. She can feel the poison pulsing through her leg. Gathering the magic in the air around her, drawing it in line breath, Lu concentrates on the wounds marring her body.
Recovery Test: 8
She can feel a coolness in her body, the raging burn ebbs somewhat. Grateful for even the smallest relief, Lu turns to aid her sister and Ordat. Seeing Ordat's wounds are more extensive, she goes to him.

Ordat is already drinking a potion of some sort. Although he has numerous gashes, across his arms especially, he doesn't seem concerned by them. Kyla is using a piece of her already torn shirt to bind the gash on her side.

The sailor that came to Lu's aide is also using a wrap around his arms, but is still bleeding from his chest.

The Captain is moving across the ship, hcecking crewmen for injuris and counting heads.

Seeing the extent of the injuries on board, Lu quickly hurries to her cabin, returning with her healing kit and a healing potion. Moving to the young sailor with the chest wound, Lu lies him down. Smiling at him, she cleans and dresses his wound.
Stay down for now. Rest. Let Garlen take care of you.
Lu takes the kit and moves from sailor to sailor, doing what she can for their wounds, saving her potion for the most dire.

Suprisingly , most of the sailors are not badly injured. The few that took serious wounds are dead, mostly from poison. Apparently Lólindir did most of the work on the third wyvern, including keeping it distracted. He has only one wound acorss his arm.

The sailor thanks Lu. Thank you, very much. I'm sorry I couldn't do more to stop it from getting to you. Are you okay?

I will be all right. Don't worry about me. I don't know what I would have done had you not gotten your spear up and set in time. Thank you. Lu smiles at the man again and doublechecks his bandages. She can tell from the look in his eye that all though he's hurt, he's enjoying the pampering.
She takes another moment to indulge him before heading over to Ky.
You all right?

Ah yeah I'm ok. Stings though. And ruined my shirt. Could've been worst though I suppose. Tell you one thing She points her sword at the second wyvern I'm taking that one's hide. Damn thing. Might make a nce vest or boots or something. Maybe a smith can make some decent armor of it. Besides, you cut that other one up to much.

Good work littlesister. Kyla winks, and moves off to look around the deck.

Lu can hear the Captain speakign with Athernon. Six lost. Two over the deck, four to poison. Could've been much worst though.

Yes, it would have been.

Captain Jonthen walks over the Luthielien. I thank you for your blade today. You've sved quite a few lives, as has your sister. I'll have to thank ou properly at dinner tonight. For now however, I must see to my men. Thank you.

Of course, Captain. Please let me know if there's anything I can do.Lu smiles reassuringly at the Captain and then turns to face the rest of the crew.
Feeling unsure of what to do, and wanting to do something for the men who have lost close friends today, Lu simply walks among them, talking to them, offering them a drink, helping to bandage those that need it, making herself useful to those with jobs to do now that there are fewer men on deck. For a short time, she even helps Ky to skin a portion of the Wyvern, claiming a small piece for herself.
Could make a nice set of gloves.Lu winks.

The rest of the day passes quietly, as does the night after dinner with the Captain. Morning of the next day brings a few more aches than Lu had realized were there from the battle, but nothing that she can't cope with. On deck, the young sailor, Landen, who was injured makes nice eyes at her. Lólindir also spends a good amount of time with his arm around her.

How do you fel, after slaying a pair of wyvern? They're vicious creatures. It's quite an acomplishment. I'm sure the men will spread the story of it once we get to Krats.

I did what was needed, nothing more. And you, you took one down by yourself, no aid. I'm impressed with you, Swordmaster.Lu laughs and wraps an arm around Lólindir, careful to not jostle his wounded arm.
Looking over at Landen, Lu smiles and waves.
How are you feeling, Landen?

More sore than yesterday. You seem well enough though. That;s good. I suppose I shouldn't try to match a true Warrior in battle, but I jsut couldn't let the thing get you.

Lólindir nods It was a brave thing you did, and I'm gald that you did it certainly. To imagine losing one such as our Luthielien ....

But things such as wyverns, when ever possible , leave to the adepts.

Turning to Lu, he says IT wasn't quite all by my self Iadmit. There were a few sailors who kept the thing pinned. I couldn't help but notice the difference in our particular styles though. Among sword masters, a single hit can mean defeat. My arm troubles me very little, but I don't care to have the wound in the first place. Warriors seem to handle things a bit differently. Interesting... since you got two, and I only my one. He smiles again.

Hmmm... perhaps that should tell you something... but, I thank you for the compliment.Lu laughs and smiles at both Lólindir and Landen.
Do not belittle what you did yesterday, Landen. You fought bravely and well. No adept could have asked for more or performed more admirably. I wouldn't go around looking for a fight, but I would think with a little more practice, be it with spear or sword, you could be a force to be reckoned with.

He smiles., although it doesn't quite reach his eyes. It's clear that Lólindir is the reason. Without saying anything else, he nods, and goes back to his work.

Lólindir leads Lu up to the fore deck of the ship.

Just two more days, and we will be in Kratas. Are you excited?

I am ready for the next part of my journey to start, though I have to admit, I find myself less and less anxious to depart the Cloud Leaper. I've come to love it up here. What about you? Are you anxious to reach Kratas and join with Ky and I on our daring treasure hunt?

I admit that I am. For a sword master, there is little better than crossing blades with another. Battling beasts is not something that I enjoy.Testing my blade and skill against another however, now that is a thrill to live for. Have you been in many battles?

No, not really. Unless you count grudge matches between Ky and I. Although, I must warn you, she doesn't hold back.Lu laughs.
Battles are not something I look for. I was taught that a Warrior does not seek out battle but the Warrior will finish the battle that has found them.
My father was very much a traditionalist in that sense. What about you? What is your family like?

I suppose my family is traditional in another sense. Any insult to our family honor must be avenged. The House comes before all. Nothing is stronger than family. I suppose the first is why I became sword master.

My master used to say "Anyone can swing a sword. To master it, and master your opponent, that is the true mark of Swordmaster".

Lu nods sympathetically. After that, she simply enjoys lying her head on Lólindir's shoulder, watching the clounds pass by.
What will you do with the gold we find... assuming we do find it?Lu asks, curious as to what a man like Lólindir would do with so much wealth.

Bring it to my house. A share of it will be completely mine of course, but it is my duty to see to my family, as they have seen to me. Would you care to go below my dear?Some discussions are best had in private I think.

Looking around, Lu sees no one listening in, but agrees.
Maybe he saw something I didn't. He's right though, probably shouldn't discuss the gold where crewmembers can hear us.
Following him down to his cabin, she spots Landen on the way. Landen is glowering at Lólindir, and practically stabbing the deck with the paintbrush he's using to cover the bloodstains.
Lu smiles at him but it seems to make things worse.

Arriving at the cabin, Lólindir makes Lu and him self comfortable, by slowly kneeding her shoulder. Tell me, what do you plan on doing with your coin my dear?

Ohh.. that feels good. I, uh, I had planned on giving it over to my family, the same as you. I'm actually hoping that besides the coin we find scrolls or books, something that tells us of life back then. Ohh.Lu moans, enjoying the massage immensely.

Fascinating. I hadn't taken you for the scholarly type. Still, scrolls and such of life as a dwarf, not much of a treasure, in any time really. But I wish you the best in it. He continues rubbing.

And your sister? What does she plan on doing?

The scrolls aren't for me. They're for my father and and a Wizard who helped us a great deal. I do not like to leave my debts unpaid... As for Ky, I really don't know.. which is rather disturbing as I'm sure I'll get pulled along.Lu smiles up at the swordmaster, enjoying the attention.
You know, your very curious for a Swordmaster. Are you sure you're not a Troubadour?Lu laughs.

Oh swordmasters are very curious. It's a habit I suppose. You practice probing an opponent long enough, soon enough, you start 'probing' everything.

He continues massaging. Soon there is a lot less talking and a lot more rubbing. It's a good way to pass the after noon. The pair don't arrive on deck until jsut before dinner.

Kyla appraoches Lu Where have you been? That human with the spear was hitting on ne for like an hour. I think he thought I was you. You go talk to him before I hurt him .

Lu laughs. Fine, you go distract the Swordmaster then.
After getting her plate, Lu searches the tables for Landen, finally finding him near the end of one of the far tables.
Landen?Lu asks as she approaches. May I sit here?

Kyla moves off, removing her scarf around her waist, and doing her hair up like Lu's.


When Lu approaches Landen, he smiles and nods enthusiastically, but doens't answer. She managed to catch him with his mouth full .Finally he chokes down whatever he was eating.

Of course! Sorry, I would have saved you a seat, but I thought you were eating ... in your cabin. How are you? Some of the others that got stung said they were still sore. You feeling ok

I'm feeling much better. Thank you. How are you doing?Lu looks over and down at Landen's chest.

The bandages are gone now, and only faint scars are showing on his muscled chest. Healing magic of some type must have been applied.

I'm doing better. The Captain had some healing ointments that I'm supposed to rub on it. They've been helping. I'm able to get back up in to the rigging fine now. I was ... just worried about you. You look, ... you look really good tonight. I guess everything's back to normal then.. He smiles.

Lu smiles again, blushing just a little bit. Gently reaching out, she touches the fine scars that cross his chest.
Thank you, Landen. You look well too. These scars are... impressive.

He smiles broadly at that, even puffs out his chest a little.

They hurt like fire, but they were worth it, everyone. Anything to protect someone as beautiful as you.

There are a few groans around the table. Apparently it's not exactly a private conversation. There are four tables in the galley, each sitting 8 men. The six at Lu's table are all apparently listneing to their conversation. Landen blushes.

Umm... would you like to go some place more private we could talk?

Smiling, Lu nods and picks up her plate. She can't help but see the looks the other sailors give Landen and the proud look Landen gives back.
Once outside the doors, she turns to him.
My cabin or yours?

Well, I don't really know where your sister is, so maybe my cabin would be better. At least there no one will barge in.

The pair move throuh the ship, and eventually arrive at his small cabin. There's not a lot of room besides his bunk, but he does at least have his own room. He sits down on the bed, plate on his lap. He starts eating quickly.

I wanted to tell you that it was amazing to see you fight that wyvern. I'd never seen anyone do anything like that. That you took them both down, well, I'm glad you did anyway... He runs his fingers lightly over his chest to make his point clear.

Lu blushes again. It was what needed to be done. Please, don't think on it anymore. It's over and we've lived to fight another day. That should be all that needs to be said.
Lu takes a few more bites of her food, stealing glances at Landen as she does.

Yes, well, I didn't ever really thank you .. properly, so I wanted to do that. And I meant it ... uhh.. to .. besides.

Landen puts his plate down, his food finished in record time. He smiles a very sincere smile again.

Lu smiles. You don't have to thank me, Landen. I was just doing what Captain Jonthen asked of me.

Well, you did it very well.

Landen starts leaning closer. He slides down the beda bit. Nothing too cospicuos. Not yet anyway.

Thank you, Landen. So, tell me what are you planning on doing once we reach Kratas? Will you be going into the city or staying on board?Lu finishes the last bite of her meal and puts her plate down.

I'm on the Cloud Leaper's crew. Sailing is my life, it's what I do. I go where the wind takes me, to whatever challenges ro adventures it brings. I couldn't leave it.
He puts his hand on Lu's as he talks.

Doesn't sound like it leaves a lot of room for anything else... or anyone else.Lu smiles and looks down at their hands.

Well, you must understand, you're a Warrior. Its your way of life. That doesn't mean that you can't enjoy ... the special things that come in to your life when they're there.

I understand. The things that come into your life for only a season are oftentimes the most precious. I know, that when I leave for Kratas I will remember the sailors of the Cloud Leaper with a very fond heart.

He leans forward and kisses Lu right at that moment, very deeply and passionately. He conitnues to for a good minute, then pulls back and looks at her.

Lu's eyes open a moment or two after the kiss and she smiles.
Wow...she whispers. Looking back at him, she leans in again and returns the kiss, just as passionately.

Lu returns to the deck of the ship hours later taking in the night air, letting it fill her. As she walks the deck, she sees the forest in the far distance , and remembers some of the dangers that lurked beneath the waves of green. She walks the deck, seeing the few men move about their work.

Soon she notices the Captiain approaching, smiling.
Well if it isn't my most lovely passenger. What has you up and about on deck tonight my beauty?

Captain Jonthen moves in close, gently taking Lu's jaw in hand, and kisses her , softly and deeply.