Sonovia

(20:02:05) [#] The Plague of Shadows event is now starting at the *docks !

[#] The party had been given time to assemble and prepare nearby - including a chance to grab some extra weapons and armor, as it was likely the process of the fight would ruin these items. After a short time, a horn was sounded - and then the Tether lit up like a beacon. Procedurally, torch after torch was lit by both mundane and magical means - all leaving little trace of darkness in even the Tether's darkest bowels. The creatures, loathe to venture out into the open, were forced toward the docks - and in a rush of living darkness they swarmed aboard the same quarantined ship that had first brought them to Guildereim. There would be only a brief window of time for the party to board the vessel - at which point the docks were lit up too, and the ship was pushed adrift, stranding both the wraiths and the party until the fight was finished.

Jacob Cross was present, of course, but not quite as familiar looking. That distinct black and gold armor of his was replaced with something vaguely similar but far less streamlined and refined. An older set, perhaps? Likewise, his saber was nowhere to be seen - replaced by a pair of standard-issue short swords strapped to his back. As the group a
ssembled, he'd nod to each - waiting and eventually addressing all at once. "The Tether, and Guildereim as a whole, thank each of you for your presence. As do I. There is unfortunately only one way to do this, and it isn't going to be easy. We'll be fighting in complete darkness. Check your movements, communicate with one another, and stay calm. If they kill us, they'll eventually get back ashore and we can't sustain the lights for long. Medics and stiff drinks are waiting for you ashore." He paused, then nodded. "Let's go!" It was a loud call, solemn and booming - and at that he'd quickly board the vessel.

Chaffen was a familiar figure around the Tether now, though not of any official affiliation, almost everyone had at least heard of the assassin at one point or another. Though the last few months had turned his hair black and weathered the corners of his goatee with the peppered grey and whites of age, there was no question that the black cougar was more than capable of handling himself in a fight. No doubt, he would be a beneficial addition to this battle, especially when it was rumored that he had once, himself, been something similar to that which they now hunted. However, today, the assassin did not wear his mililtary coat, nor his treasured blades. Instead, his form was wrapped with form-fitting leather woven with metal, belts strapping across his frame and limbs, a black cloth stretched over the lower half of his face, revealing only his nose for air. Moreover? The assassin was completely, entirely blindfolded. He needed no sight for this, not in the pitch blackness, not with his ears as long and powerful as they were. Strapped to his back, four swords of no real value to him, and across his torso, a set of six throwing knives. Four stilletto daggers were strapped to his thighs. "Ready to work." The assassin rumbled deeply, stealthily slipping in behind cross, no hint of fear on his tone or actions.

The Gavel had spent the better part of the day hiding things in the atrium where she knew the shadow-things would congregate, things to draw them out of peoples' rooms and hallways to put them at a place closer to their "safe spot" Her own room had been left extremely bright with orders for her slave to not venture out. A small silver dagger and a simple leather cuirass had been hastily bought for the small woman. Her usual elaborate masks were abandoned in exchange for a simple black handkerchief, as she walked through the Tether, her clothes beneath the light armor just as simple, a shirt, trousers and boots. Long hair was -- cut?! Not so short that it was all gone, but it fell only to her mid-back in a tight braid. She waited in the already waiting on the ship, in the dark belly. They'd be able to hear a strange clicking sound when they boarded somewhere just inside. When she heard Jacob and Chaffen set foot on deck, she cracked the door just a bit, her tiny pale hand covered in whispy shadows as she gestured them inside hurriedly.

Remei Aoki made her way out of the underhall up towards the dock dressed to impress, the woman donning a tougher looking greek chestplate and a small crimson and gold skirt and mantle in the colors of the Golden Tether-- matching the wooden and bronze gladius, trident, whip and large knife she'd managed to bring lug along with her. Armed to the teeth, Remeille marched towards the sources of light and the loud horn calling her to battle--. Washed in light the gladiator's approach would be hard to miss, the woman nodding to Chaffen as he arrived just ahead of her before turning her attention to Guard Cross. "Fancy seeing you here~! I'm by your side." Rem said with a coy smile, drawing her gladius from the small of her back then giving it a twirl and following the lion with the golden mane as they moved to meet Gavel-- already hiding inside the ghastly ship!

M'ree was early to the event, dressing in a form fitting silk one piece outfit of ebony. Nothing like getting blood or goo on something so easily seen, exiting the main hall and to the docks. Bare feet keeping her approach silent, wanting to take in the area in which they were to meet. Taking in the sight before her, upon hips were rows of daggers and vials. Antidotes just in case, as all her weapons were tipped in poison. A calling card if one might want to think on it, upon spotting those that were to board the ship along with her. A brief tilt of head given in acknowledgement, before the lights came on. Causing the shadows to return to the boat, along with the others she ran on to the ship. Drawing out a pair of her daggers, a glance would be given at the ship itself. The sensations, eerie at best. Though no fear, or hate evident. There was a slow burning rage that filled her, they dared to prey on those that resided here. And honestly, she was just frustrated all to hell. And so she would take it out on these things that were causing so much trouble, bad bad things they were.

Reilithe was uneasy about the battle before him, but he couldn't sit back and hide while the creatures that had injured his master, Purrcival. The wolf had recieved permission to use his master's jian for the battle, the green tassled blade resting at his side. His hand closed tightly around the handle, then relaxed, a symptom of his anxiety. He took deep breaths as he followed behind the others. As told by his master, he was accompanying Sonovia and would do his best to stay near her. The flames within him flickered, ready to leap forth at his command as he prepared for what was to come.

Sonovia didn't see Cyntawni. The she-wolf was supposed to be her counterpart in battle, but it seems as though something else preoccupied her. Nonetheless, the lapine would hurry to the docks where some members of the party had already entered the ghastly ship and other's were mulling in. Purrcival's Daisho clanked against her back noisily as she ran. The kimono the lapine normally sported was changed for a simple outfit consisting of a heavy cotton shirt and deep navy pants that clung loosely to her full hips allowing full range of movement for whatever my lie ahead, and unbelievably the lapine even sported shoes! They were heavily worn boots that fit snugly on her feet and thumped heavily as she ran. Sonovia hoped she could be of use in battle, because the poor thing had never weilded swords before, but she remembered what Purrcival said to her just before she parted. "Just take them, and jab them with the pointy end."

Solki could almost feel it. Oh yesss~ But of course, that bastard had left him mostly numb so 'feeling' things was a bit of an issue. And tasting? It was probably best that he did not get a taste of it, at least as the first thing. Gross. But things were going to look gross soon enough. Thing, big bastard messed up his fur and some of his favourite clothes (everything his was his favourite though), so it was about time he make it pay. Hearing out for the plans made, Solki showed up at the docks - much to the dismay of any doctors and medics - still partly bandaged under his clothes, lighter than his usual armor just to make sure his markings and the glowing factor got more room to be shown, the magenta light seeping through it some. If it attracted the enemy, all the better to him, come right up to get sliced. Sword by his side, he was going to get his revenge and break the thing, just like he broke that obstacle course. No mercy as one would say, right? Eh, anyway, the thing was paying if he could get his sword onto it, no matter how dark it was, he was good at to adapting to it and would whop it. Whop it's ass - if it had one. Others aboard best not get on his way, apologies were short written as of this moment and the name for today's team work was 'to each their own'. Movement may not have been all that quick but but it mattered little as he settled to lean against one of the inner sides of their vessel, used to the sea, he should have no fear on being knocked off. Currently it was just all about waiting. "Bah, darkness is no problem. If they think they'll get me alive, That is a problem, for them." Someone was confident.

Cahaya followed the gathered band out onto the docks. The torches lighting a beckon to the rickety ship from which the inky creatures had spawned. A scowl of determination over the brown leopardess' features. Wanting some revenge for what one of the shades had done to her poor pinky finger the other night and leaving her quite breathless. The feathered feline seemed rejuvenated now, finger plumped back to appropriate proportions, and the slave had been given permission to don her weapons for the occasion. An intricately designed hornbill mask shrouded her face, leaving lengthy crest of plumes visible spilling from the top of her head. Armed with her mandua blade and a shield that had demonic imagery painted on the front. Both blessed and sacred to her tribe, made for the purposes for driving out evil and could not be tarnished by the writhes touch. Hanging from either hip was a skull, strung by crimson satin which wrapped about her toned figure. Cahaya Tail swayed about as she stalked over the damp wooden boards, tailing the fleeing shadows. Making way to the churning vessel. The splash of the ocean creating a haunting crash and swell in the distance. Dark roiling waters. Giving an acknowledging nod to the leader of the group the Guard Cross. "Let us see them put to proper rest." Her wrist was lifted to her teeth and a quick whisper spoken. A nibble released some of her blood which she smeared upon the skulls hanging from her hips. A green glow came to their eyes and her muscles seemed to bulge under her fur with power. She surged forward aboard the pitch black ship joining the others as the last torch was lit and the ship sealed. Cat eyes quick to adjust to the darkness, not full vision by any means but enough to make out the differences of those in the party.

Purrcival wasn't going to come out for the extermination, having recently been damaged to the point of near death and zero recognizability. A series of healings later, sugar-laden meals of Kutia and Larma fruit, and regular rehabilitation had all made him so close to the man he'd been. Except for his back. His fur had been pitch black again by the time he'd awoken, but on his back were a pair of greyish-white handprints in his fur. Spectral, skeletal stylizing to the color-drained pelt. It still hadn't healed yet. He emerged onto the docks, the brightness of the lights at his back, walking with his massive Guan Dao being used as a walking staff. He moved in close to the bunny, Sonovia, a protective stance and nodding to Reilithe "I heard Cyntawni hadn't been seen," was all he said in answer to his surprising arrival. Nods were offered all around, though M'ree got a smile and a, "Hey Sis."

Sofos swindled in her usual combat attire, Sofos made her way through the crowds. The two razor sharp fan blades flicked out and ready as tail flicked. She may not recognize the sea of unfamiliar faces, but that posture was well prepared as she gazed around the deep dark shadows with those uncanny cat eyes...still yet not seeing quite as well as she should through some of the shapes. "They are here." spoken softly and like a whisper into the night. Shifting her feet wide and crouching, those fans were flicked out to display the steel, ears folding back as tail lashed. "Step into the light...minions of the darkness." Playful mrrp noise resounding as her ears flicked forward playfully, giggling.

Jacob Cross stood near the entry to the ship, greeting each member of the party individually - snarling and giving their arm a 'light' shot as they went by. This wasn't his usual surgically-designed strike, this was a brawl - and he wanted them in the right mindset for it. Then they were in, the ship was sealed, and off it went. Immediately, the things attacked - silent, grasping at armor and exposed flesh and withering everything they touched. Their silent swarming was met with a roar as the lion charged into the darkness, knowing he could show no hesitation. Both swords drawn, Jacob moved fast for something so big - slicing through living darkness again and again and again and again; barely-discernible heads and bodies and limbs falling all around him.

Chaffen offered no greetings to anyone else, not since his eyes were covered and, frankly, Chaffen was an asshole. There was no payment he was being offered for this job, but in some respects, this offered him benefits he might not otherwise have. Guildereim was a place where his business flourished, regardless what people thought of him and what he did. He wasn't about to see it swallowed up by the same evil he had escaped from. The moment that Jacob threw himself into the fray, the cougar did likewise, uttering no sounds as he launched himself forward, daggers suddenly in either hand, spun and driven viciously into the bodies of the first wraithes that dared to touch him, and in seconds, a sizeable mound of corpses littered the ground around the assassin, who was already listening for the next target.

The Gavel was quick to move out of the way of Chaffen and Jacob as they came into the shadows. She clawed at the wall and shadow things desperately as she shrieked and tumbled down through the wood into the murky, wet water below. So much for that training she'd done with the lion! As moldy, wet wood gave way, shadowy creatures would seem to stir, worked into quite a frenzy. And now all the sugar in Janna's pocket was wet. The Gavel could be heard sputtering below as she finally surfaced and would no doubt appear again, but shouted upwards, "The floor is rotten! Be careful!"

Remei Aoki wasn't built to fight in the dark, even with those mismatched glowing eyes, all they would serve to do was to give the others something to not swing at-- they provided no additional night vision. So when Jacob went charging in along with a few other party members, Remeille would be left feeling slightly alone-- and that spooked the small gladiator once the darkness enveloped her totally. "A...ah..? H...hello?" the woman muttered in the dark and felt something brush up against her! "YEEK!" Remeille screamed at the top of her lungs and swung at the first thing that came close, her weapon sinking into something with material and felt warmth coat her wrists. "...?" this also confused the woman, weren't these ghosts...? IN the dark, Remeille couldn't see but she'd just struck Sofos unexpectedly-- the gladiator drawing her weapon free of her ally and muttering. "...did... i hit someone...?"

M'ree had entered the dark, something in which hid that dark smirk of hers. She loved the dark, most of her previous job dealt with the stuff. With daggers drawn out, and held within palms. She'd run in after the others, into the thick of things. Brief "Hello brother," was given. Both daggers used one to stab, the other swiping across the jugular. Though wraiths, they had ways of dying. She'd continue to move through out bodies, until she came to a stop just shy of going over the railing. Each strikes had landed a blow to the creatures, coating her in a lot of who knew what. Good thing she hadn't worn red, that be very very messy. And so not a color that would look tempting upon the highly frustrated lioness.

Reilithe was a bit surprised to see his master make an entrance, but was glad to see him well all the same. He returned his nod with a slight bow of respect. When the battle began, he bravely entered the dark, pyrokinetic flame at his fingertips giving him a small amount of light to work with. The jian was drawn and readied in his other hand, lashing out whenever he caught a glimpse of one of the foul creatures, though for the moment his strikes only made contact with thin air. Frustrating as it was, he was glad to put a little bit of distance between him and them.

Sonovia was creeped out by the ship to say the least, but still she prepared her weapon, ready to strike at anything with her new found heroic attitude. The presence of Purrcival made her feel comforted. Now, all the lapine needed was to focus. She pulled the swords from her back wielding them tightly preparing to swing. A couple of deep breaths and she swung hitting into the blackness. She felt her blade connect with something in the dark. Filled with excitement, she swung again and again! She was doing it. Just as Purrcival said she would. When she was finally winded, she stopped a sizable pile of bodies sitting about her worn boots.

Solki got up from his spot, pushing himself up just as they were off to dive deep into the darkness. They seemed to be off to a good start - up until someone fell in the water. Geez. These people did not know where to invest. Nose wrinkled at that and the rest of the unfortunate happenings, but at least some people were still doing fine. However. As everyone seemed to suddenly Burst Out Forward, this left Solki in his still healing state to just try and fight for his own balance as the weight shifting of the ship was drastic, so drastic he had to stab the floor at his own feet to stay on place instead of falling forward. Well there goes his attack and this left the man Very Displeased. If looks could kill.

Cahaya had taken note of the various faces that walked the planks and entered the boat. Though with business at hand there was no time for idle chit chat. The feathered feline was however somewhat motivated by the clasp to the arm by Guard Cross as he tried to encourage and peap up the team. Hopefully a boost to the slave's reputation, privileges, and price might even await at the end of this dark dark tunnel. A sly little grin spread over the felines lips. Though mayhem was already heard inside the wails of the dissipating diced and slashed spirits. The breaking of wood and splash of water as someone called from below about weakened floor boards. Sounds of clanging metal. The sweet sound of battle filling her ears. Letting a cry of her own as vigor pumped through her veins. Shield bashing into the nearest fluttery shadow causing it to explode in a puff of ichor. Spinning upon heel to slash another straight down it's middle. Leaving a dark puddle of ooze. Bodies were piling up and the team seemed off to a good start.

Purrcival blinked as he watched Jacob, Chaffen, and his own, baby sister, dive in en masse and carve through the spectres in three rivers of death. It was nothing new to him, he had been a killer for years, both in and out of the ring, but his (not technically) half-pint bunny, whom he was supposed to be protecting, followed the three warriors and assassins, using his own Katana and Wakizashi simultaneously, that fair-fucked him up. Someone had been handing out celestial peaches from the Jade Emperor's own fields before he'd arrived! Cahaya managed to take out two of the things, a respectable number among normal people, but that was because everyone else hogged all the killing! While waiting for more wraiths to come in, he pulled a bandage and poultice from within the inner linings of his coat and moved in to patch up Solki before following Sonovia's trail of dead ghosts.

Sofos had been fine, really. But when she watched Cross and Chaffen work. The eagerness to jump in herself was there too much perhaps. For as she glided in with her fans and sliced at the retreating shadows who might be trying to reanalyze their approach, she clearly felt a blade slice through her. A shout of surprise and pain sounded out, ears quirking off to the side in confusion as she jerked her head at Remei. "Yeah, you hit me. Watch your aim.." was hissed, ears folded down briefly as tail lashed before she'd roll her shoulders and flick her blades out, stepping a bit further away from Remei and following Jacob Cross wide trail he had left to sort out the left overs.
Ashkost arrived with his Asaaranda - mage staff - crackling with electric energy, the scent of petrichor heavy about him. He jerked his head roughly downward in lieu of a nod to Master Cross and Janna, before making his way onto the ship at the tail-end of the party. As foretold, the creatures swooped in like so many wraiths he'd faced before, and he immedtiatly sent a blazing ball of flame at the lot, but they dematerialized and it connected with a support beam instead. Ashkost cursed as searing splinters rained down upon his comrades. He ducked and slid onto the floor on his belly to offer a hand to Janna. "Quickly!" he shouted.

Jacob Cross gathered his breath as the battle was joined all around him. M'ree and Sonovia exploding into the fight alongside him was heard, but without sight the lion couldn't be 100% sure who was doing what. That burst of flame, though, he saw that. "No fire! No light!" Came the shout even as debris rained down and battered him. Roaring once more as means of making his position clear (and to intimidate the wraiths), the lion went at it again - blades wielded expertly as he put every effort into tearing through the things, knowing that allowing any opening to the swarm would be doom. Bodies piled up, beginning to form something of a retaining wall around him.

Chaffen, as the call came out of a warning, Chaffen's ears twitched, alerting him to the incoming debris overhead. He side stepped just in time to avoid taking a ton of damage, but with a hiss, he could not avoid all of it, as a wooden beam collapsed over his shoulder, rolling down and off of him. "Cross!." Chaffen rumbled from nearby. "These beasts will be looking for a way to escape." He warned, suddenly set upon by another group, which he felled almost without incident. The blades in hand however were useless, and even his tough armor was beginning to peel and rust. "Do not look into their eyes! They may try to possess you!" Just an idea, after all. No one really knew what these creatures were, and Chaffen knew a significant amount about demons. Perhaps that was why he had shown up blindfolded.

The Gavel grumbled as she clambored up back into the ship out of the water, soaked to the bone, shivering already. She made a mental note of where the floor was weak. When she got up, she'd see the big guy she danced with at the Halloween ball! "Thanks!" She grabbed his hand to try and pull herself up. A little scraped up from her tumble and the first bit of debris from Ashkost's blow. She winced as more of the ship decayed and found its way on top of her. Wind knocked out of her it took a minute or two for the woman to catch her breath. She definitely wasn't cut out for this and wondered if she was being punished for feeding these things for so long.

Remei Aoki frowned when she heard Sofos reprimand her from afar andwould have apologized if it wasn't already so hard to keep track of what was going on around her-- the roaring from Jacob making the gladiator quiver in her boots and somehow stunning her more than the wraithes, or just as much anyway! Carefully stepping forward, Rem would poke around with her gladius, not quite hitting anything, but would get seperated from the group once more-- and unfortunately, get snuck up on by a wraith that would reach out and touch her flesh with a bone chilling rake. Rem rattled as she pulled away and collapsed, rubble falling ontop of her thanks to a certain *someone's* missed swing, nearly buring her under the heavy wood. "uhg..." Rem whined and struggled back up to her feet, muttering as she put away her gladius and drew up on her knife-- maybe she would be less dangerous with this?

M'ree took a moment to take in things, though dark. Would listen by ears, it was still busy with weapons flying and the occassional falling beams and bodies at this point in time. Though nostrils flaring would catch the scent of others being hurt. The first she came to was Sofos, taking out one of the many bandages that she had on her. With a salve to numb any pain, and hopefully help ease her discomfort and able to fight on. Slapping it to the wound that she had been given by another, before a pat to shoulder was given. "Keep fighting, there is more." Mumured before she spun around and sought out the next for her to go at.

Reilithe was surprised as searing splinters fell upon him in the midst of the battle, though he narrowly avoided taking more than a scratch from it. A little blood, a little burnt fur, never hurt anybody. Before he could feel any joy at avoiding that, however, he was struck from behind by one of the wraiths, suffering a nasty gash across his back and damaging the nice clothes he'd recieved from his master. What a shame, he was quite fond of them too. With an angry growl through gritted teeth, he swung at the creature, though at this point it had already retreated out of his reach.

Sonovia heard the cracking of the debris before she saw it. It allotted enough time to try to escape unscathed, but alas she was hit. As a large piece of timber fell its jagged fingers dug into the flesh of her collarbones, but it didn't deter the determined bun. She was still feeling the excitement of running through all the wraiths with those borrowed swords. Again and again she slashed leaving a trail of the vile creatures in her wake. She never saw the support beam of the ship in front of her. With a deafening crack of both swords, she bit into the wood. It groaned in protest as the blades sent splinters and debris back onto not only her, but the others of the ship's raiding party. She growled out in discontent. Dammit! She was doing so well too. Now, it seemed as though it was time to settle down a bit, regroup her thoughts and try to be a bit more careful.

Solki pulled his sword up from the flooring as the balance returned, able to stand on his two feet again, even if he might have cut himself in the process. Rather embarrassing for a fighter, he might need to slow down th glowing of his markings and just act like he wasn't even there. Sounds good. Too bad Purrcival got there before he could proceed, and so he'd just have to stiffly agree to take the help. "Just a flesh wound." Spoken hastily. So he did not have his armor and made an accident. Uhh, uhhh, his pride was still fine, right?? And so as he was ready to get back to it, a piece of the ship was now struck in that wound, undoing the bandaging. "Damn it." Anyone else who stubbed their foot onto something, welcome to the club. Ain't but scratches. Getting some distance to the others fighting, he'd make sure to not hit anyone but the wraiths, taking down 9 of them. Redemption!!

Cahaya gave a snarl as flames erupted from Ashkost's staff. The momentary blinding light causing the shadows to become invisible until it was dark once more. Wood creaked and rained down over her causing splinters to cut small dashes through her fur but nothing that would take her out of this fight. All around it seemed the tables had turned upon the group. The ship was tossing back and forth which made footing unstable at best..impossible at worst. She was flung as the ship tilted and churned upon the waves, sliding over the sleek wooden surface. The feathered creature was having some flashbacks to the journey on the slave ship and her stomach began to clench with the nausea of sea sickness. She certainly wasn't a seafaring creature. More clattering metal rang out and thanks to Sonovia more falling debris. She tried to roll but a huge chunk fell and hit the back of her head leaving a nasty gash. Her mind reels and it seemed a chain reaction of falling pieces all around her. Cahaya was playing dodge the wood instead of find the shadows. "The ship is falling apart!" She hissed into the darkness.

Purrcival takes a moment to steal his coin purse back from the sticky-fingered Solki before darting forward. He plants that wicked, mauling base end, (NO! It's too cool to be called a 'mace!') into the wood of the ship, catapulting himself over the breach where The Gavel had vanished downwards into cold waters. He brought his weapon up in a defensive swing while sailing through the air, but there were still no Wraiths within strike distance of his MASSIVE POLE ARM. With Cyntawni missing, it makes sense he would be delegated 'Party Healer,' but then with falling debris, some of it her own fault, he would have done this anyway. Rather than seeking out the scant few remaining wraiths, Purrcival pauses, kneeling by the bunny-pup and retrieves another poultice and set of bandages, taking a much more thorough couple moments to bind and secure her wounds, surprisingly calm and level-headed, he even offered her a reassuring smile, "Remind me, when I'm not making you roll over and beg, we need to find some time to train your insanely innate sword skills."

Sofos it was no wonder her father had looked up to Cross. Each wave that threatened him or Chaffen. The two massive feline brutes came shoving them back with an impressive display of fettered walls. M'rees approach and slap of salve was noticed. "Thank you." offered to the medic. Ears perked up as some of those leftover wraiths started her way, seemingly amused by her little fans. But they would come swinging and slicing through the air. Flicking her fans out with a devious smile and giggle, soon enough those fans were fanning the darkness back quite literally, slicing and making diced chunks of shadow matter while she made her way to be beside the duo, shaking her fans off with a simple flick of black goo. "Any more?" was asked to them, smiling widely. There was always something pure about fighting.

Ashkost gently but firmly pulled Janna free from the water and debris as best as he could before having to roll away with agility he wasn't aware he still had as yet more of the ship caved in upon them. Someone else had hit a beam. "Vasheden!" cursed the saarebas, before adding a loud "My pardon!" at Cross. Once he was up, Ashkost summoned the willpower from within and this time sent forth a fist-shaped boulder at a patch of darkness in a corner. A massive squeal erupted as a score of the wraiths met their doom. Finally!

Jacob Cross, growing weary, was listening in. He knew the voices of those with him, knew their calls, even could sometimes tell the weapon by the sound of it striking. Still, Jacob was cut off from much of the information needed to strategize. "Good! They're thinning! Press on!" Even as he spoke, however, a bit of armor crumbled away from his back - one of the things pressing a hand directly to his body and drawing a snarl of pain and frustration from the lion.

Chaffen was not a man for extended combat, perhaps why he was never actually spotted inside the Tether's arena, but instead, making bets from the outside. His exhaustion was nearing more quickly than he had hoped, and as the assassin turned to try taking on more, a falling bit of lumber scraped against his armor, and then lodged into his thigh. Not much, but enough that the man growled out venomously before discarding his trashed weapons and fetching new ones from the throwing knives across his chest. Though the swing was fast, the wraiths were fast enough to evade the weapons as they lodged themselves into a far wall instead.

The Gavel was just glad none of her comrades had hit her. It would take a little bit, but most of their weapons were iron, which spelled disaster for the small woman. She winced again as more splinters rained down on her and she got up from where she'd tumbled onto the floor. That little silver dagger dug into the wall as she pulled herself up and did the unthinkable. Tucking the knife between her teeth, the little baker got serious about this when she heard Jacob snarl. This upset Janna so much she removed her blindfold, leaving her normally covered face completely exposed. Fair features were mostly hidden in the shadows, but those that could see in the dark would at least get a glimpse of how angry those cloudy, violet eyes of hers looked as she stabbed through one wraith. She started to hyperventilate, panicking, but quickly sliced through another. "H-hey. I did it! I did it!"

Remei Aoki was truly struggling, the woman stumbling about and swinging wildy in the dark-- strikign something and managing to power through with enough oomph! Too bad it wasn't a wraith but instead another support beam (how many fucking support beams does this ship have?!) and dropped debris ontop of the party once again. Despite knowing this was coming, Remeille could do nothing but brace herself as the roof caved in on her and knocked her to the ground again with a groan that showed she was not particularly pleased with how things were going for her. Hearing Jacob call them forward, Remeille would reply with. "y-yea...y..you go... get em... I.. 'll catch up..." muttered aloud as she pushed off some timber and began working her way to her feet.

M'ree was hearing the numbers start to dwindle, though the others comment had a smirk tugging. "Alwys things to kills. Still seems there are more." Not many more from the sound of things, but still again she made her way through the dark. Those daggers flying in her hands, to stab and slash throats and into hearts. Seeking to take more of them down, trying to make sure she didn't get any of those in the party. As it was they all had some kind of injury, her own being the slightly bloody gash upon temple. And the odd one on her arm, each in which she could bandage on the go.

Reilithe cursed as another round of debris fell, this time not making it out quite as lucky as a piece struck him dead on. Ah, but the night wasn't about to go any better for him, was it? As he returned to the fight, yet another round of debris struck him. Growls slipped out from under his breath as he cursed his luck yet again. For the moment at least, he decided it might be wise to take a step back for a moment and recouperate. He'd be no good to anyone if he didn't do something to fix his sorry state. As a temporary measure, he drew upon his flame to cauterize some of the open wounds he'd recieved.

Sonovia nodded a thank you to Purrcival for taking the time to heal her, though it didn't dawn on her until a moment ago that he probably couldn't see it. So, instead she offered him a, "Thank you, Sir," before preparing for the next round of slicing and dicing. He called her skills good. She merely called herself lucky, but he saw potential in her, and that was a plus. All around the woman could hear the dying shrieks of creatures, the smell of blood and potions alike. For a moment, her senses felt like they were on overload. Now, was not the time to lose it. Reil's grumbles startled her as they sounded so close. Sonovia whipped around incorrectly judging the distance between them, and clipped the poor fellow. "For gods sakes." The bunny yelled desperately, "I am so sorry," and it was true. Sonovia felt horrid for hitting him in the heat of battle.

Solki's sword neatly cut through the small critters, entities, nuisances, something, and in a poof of black they'd go and be rid off. Felt good, even if the healer smacked his hand when he had tried to take some sneaky reverse payment. Had to put his excellent night vision to use afterall! But not before pieces of the ship came down again! Damn it, he swore they had been given the worst ship! Maybe on purpose, like, suppoooosedly others didn't see as well in the dark and all that, not good for a luxury ship's decoration. But dang the particles were raining on his fur. "FFFFFF-Fucking hell man!!" Cursing, swinging at the debri, he'd forget that his sword was a tad longer than his distance from people. Looks like his sword was still all about going for what caused the most damage, poor Reilithe was getting his share of the whole mess. MMMMMM A simple 'sorry' might not cut it here. Let's just retreat in the dark shall we? It was the wraiths, it was the wraaaaaiths

Cahaya for a long while she seemed stuck in the crumbling part of the ship. Lost in the gaping haul as another beam was buckled and dumped planks of wood on the feathered cat. Another hiss as a particularly large piece came crashing down. She lunged with her shield up to block most of the falling pieces and avoid being utterly crushed by it but found her ankle was pinned underneath it. A yowl echoing into the darkness. "Agung lend me your strength." More of her blood was spilled into the eye sockets of the skull propped against her right hip. A surge of power ran through her, twisting herself and hefting the beam up and off her ankle and tossed it into the dark masses..smashing five of the writhes against the back wall. She limped out from the haul trying to re-join the group.

Purrcival, was struck with debris, again, as he stood up from his second successful pause to heal someone in the party. Lifting a hand, he swiped the back across his forehead, rubbing blood from out of his eyes. He knew this was a group effort, and had been watching everyone, but M'ree was his baby sister, and she got a great deal of his attention. She held her own beautifully with those tiny blades, as he'd secretly expected. Purrcival was well aware they were poisoned and he could generally smell the antidotes and herbs around or on her furreson, even when some of the toxins themselves were scentless. Reilithe was pack, but he was doing better than Purrcival had expected, and he did not fear for the man's safety. Perhaps he should have! Sonovia, while she had taken out 30 wraiths with no training except a quick demonstration as he had initially shown her the weapons, didn't actually belong to him, at least not yet. Honor demanded he keep safe. Reilithe had apparently had the same idea, since one of Purrcival's blades in her paws had just clipped the male slave! Purrcival had been turning to rejoin the fray, swiping forth with his polearm when Reilithe cried out louder this time. Pole pinned between his curling arm and side, he spun, slicing through more wraiths as he turned back to see what had happened, and took out a support beam. Purrcival immediately disconnected the Guan Dao into two separate, and smaller weapons, due to the limited spatial designs of fighting indoors! "Greydark's balls! Sorry! Sorry!"

Sofos due to the attention they had brought themselves, the icy chilling touches were soon enough impossible to fend off. Even for her. Fan would splay out flatly, aiming to stop those hands but they were otherworldly. Easily pushing past useless physical defenses to grasp and lightly scratch along her fur. Sofos looked a bit wobbly with all the mass damage to the ship. A beam, somehow found it's way to smack her upside the skull, slamming into her heavily and causing those eyes to flutter as a confused expression crinkled across her face. A few steps to the left, then right...then suddenly...plop onto the rotting floorboards of the ship. Out like a light.

Ashkost was too enthralled by the chaos of battle to notice anyone else anymore. Unfortunately for them all, two more support beams took a hit and the entire ship reeled as weight shifted above and below deck. "The structural integrity is failing, Gaurd Cross! We must finish them swiftly! Ebost issala!" Just as he jammed his staff into the floor, however, his words rang truer even than he expected, and the brine-rotted boards crumbled beneath him, sending him bellowing into the water. Now, the sea was beginning to sluice into the hull, and sinking became a possibility with all these holes and broken beams.

Jacob Cross knew the voices, and by this he knew the positions. Everyone was being worn down, but Reilithe seemed to have taken a particular beating - and that's where the lion headed. He was no field medic, but he produced some sort of capsule and crushed it under Reil's nose. A special sort of smelling salt - not particularly medicinal, but it would alleviate pain and deliver quite a boost. "Hold fast, soldier." It was spoken in a reassuring manner, even as Jacob heard the calls around them - and the falling debris. Still, he also felt much less in the way of attacks: the wraiths were greatly diminished. "Fight! Finish them!"

Chaffen's only purpose here was to fight, as was clear by the way that, while others tended to the wounded, others passed out and called out warnings, he continued to fight. More fallen debris clipped against him, leaving small injuries he would tend to himself later, but for the time being, the rogue was in flight, more or less. Every sound was an indicator of where he should go next, and within seconds, another three of the wraiths had fallen, their bodies broken beyond any state of repair, along with two more of his daggers, which he dropped uselessly to the floor. Finally, two of the swords came free with a metalic sound, and soon after the thud of two more bodies- luckily, none of their crew, nor Chaffen himself. No words uttered from the assassin, only the faint huff of his breathing and the occasional growl of what could only be assumed as rage.

The Gavel may have been a little over-excited. A little overzealous. The wee Gavel and her trusty letter-opener were going for another wraith, through the debris falling from other blows when she was distracted by Ashkost falling down through the floor! She turned to try and help him, even though his weight would've pulled her down as well and missed her mark, instead, crashing into another support beam, head-first. It was difficult to fight with only one arm, after all. She stumbled back away from the beam and the encroaching wraiths just to see them crushed under it. Slipping down towards the hole Ashkost had fallen through she kneeled and called down to him, "Are you hurt?"

[#] ...and just like that, it was done. The darkness remained, but it was a little less deep. Nothing was attacking, nothing was withering armor and fur and flesh. It was a good thing, too, because the ship had all but disintegrated. As it fell apart around them, the light of the docks was visible - and of the rowboats that had kept perimeter. At an 'all clear' signal from Jacob, in the boats came to recover the party and bring them ashore.

Remei Aoki just couldnt catch a break it seemed, after just getting up a moment prior from being pounded into the lower decks-- Remeille would be smashed with more debris from above as other fighters hit other beams and dropped more heavy wood onto her tiny frame... Again and again-- the gladiator's skull and shoulders being battered in by large beams and pieces of plywood. Her armor wasnt doing enough to stop the constant barrage and by the time Remeille finally got back to her feet, and struck the last beam holding the ship together-- the entire thing seeming to crack into pieces as light penetrated the heavy wood about them and Jacob began waving a recovery group towards the remaining fighters. Somehow... Rem managed to barely survive the ordeal, but a rogue pillar would strike the woman one final time and lay her down face first on the rapidly seperating form... With a groan, Remeille just rolled onto her back and muttered. "...ca...can i... just... get that drink now...?"

M'ree was close to the last support beam, and so when that was taken out. More debris came down on her, peppering her with wood and who knew what else. Likely landing her with more scratches and imbedded splinters, and like that with the other wraiths taken out. The ship started to topple, so she ran towards the edge of the ship and dove out into the water. Coming up for air, she'd look for the others. Making sure they were accounted for, making a point to look for Sofos. After all she'd been out cold, upon spotting them all. She'd make way to one of the boats coming for them, and up into it with a sigh. "Well that took off the edge of my frustration." Not all of it, a pity really. Ebony lioness would upon landing on the docks once more, glance to Cross and Purrcival. "Good to see you two again, will meet up another time." With that she'd stride off to her suite, to take care of her injuries.

Reilithe had only just recovered a bit when he took a swing from Sonovia of all people. The one he was trying to keep safe. Though at this point he wondered if it should be the other way around. He graciously accepted her quickly uttered apology, as it was only an accident. Though shortly after, he found himself taking a swing from yet another party member, this time Solki. More curses under his breath. What in the name of Meyotah had he done to deserve all of this abuse? He gave a sigh of relief and uttered a thanks as he was treated briefly by Jacob Cross, though it was short lived as more debris continued to be brought down. As the last of the wraiths fell and the wolf found himself dropped into the water, he had to wonder if the party had done more damage to the enemy or themselves.

Sonovia heard the cracking of another beam. Gods they were falling left and right. In an attempt to duck from the screeching wraith as it met it's demise, Sonovia found a sizeable chunk of wood smacking her in the back doubling her over further. A couple coughs to catch her breath and she was standing once more, taking it painfully slow. She was heaving now, and her body ached. The swords she had fought with that felt practically weightless during the heat of battle now felt like they had anchors tied to them now. "We're done." She said as she plopped on her ass propping herself with the longest of the blades. With light now flooding into the disentigrating death trap, she looked to the people who she fought with offering them a nod of thanks. She looked to the woman who had fainted. As much as she wanted to help, there was no way for the little lapine to lift her. She would have to be rescued by someone else. Finally, she looked to Purrcival and smiled. He had put so much faith into her during their battle, and she only hoped she made him proud.

Solki wanted to get one last smack at the wraiths! This wasn't enough! He wanted MORE!!! .... But not debris. No. No. NO. Not The Debris!!! Seems that he had fought with the ship more than with the enemy, which was a little frustrating, but hey, he had hit a good couple handfuls. Although it did not satisfy him, and it just.... Did not feel like a win. Somethig was still up. There just was that feeling. As well as a feeling that the ship wouldn't last. He knew how to swim, and not afraid to get wet, sword was sheated, but not before he made his way to the side of the ship, facing the island, and brought out some of his ice magic to create a thin bridge of ice to cover a path on the surface. He then took some distance, pulling back before leaping onto the trail, ice cracking behind him as he slided his way towards the docks. Oh no, he was not gonna trust these boats no more!! Not in full health however, the ice was way too thin to carry anyone else but him, and even still, halfway over and he had to take a leap of faith as the 'bridge' he was surfing on crumbled! He'd have to swim the rest of the way, sword in mouth but making it onto the docks and pulled himself up, shaking off all that water from his wet color changing fur. Absolutelly Worth It though! Screw them boats.
Chaffen waited at the ready for a good, long moment after everything seemed to have stopped. As the others seemed to celebrate their victory, Chaffen cautiously reached up, drawing the blindfold away from his eyes, and then slowly, tugging down the cloth over his lips. His swords, which were slightly in disrepair, were slid back into the sheathes on his back. He then retrieved from the wall the knives that had embedded there before departing the ship before it could actually sink. As for the ruined hilts of the daggers he had used, left to rot with the rest of the ship. As he departed, he paused only briefly besides Jacob, his chrome eyes scanning their other fighters as he spoke somewhat low. "It was well to fight beside you, Cross... Color me impressed, I suppose... But I would be wary. Things like this are hard to vanquish for good." He warned, then, with a faint dip of his head, the cougar strode away a faint limp from his injuries, seeking no help from others.

Cahaya just as she was climbing the steps to see if any remained on the upper deck another beam swung down and sent her tumbling back down the stairs and into the darkness with a oaf as she hit the slime riddled salty floor. A bruise spread across her abdomen. So far none of the shades had actually approached her. She'd taken all damage from falling scrapes of wood. It must have been something about her sacred weapons that kept them at bay. But just because none had slashed at her nor tried to partake in her essence like the other night didn't mean she wasn't feeling the fatigues of the battle. The ship had beat her up a good bit. The back of her head still oozed from the cut and she was covered in splinters like someone had taken her out back and beat her with a porcupine. To top it off more wood dropped down from another blow to it's foundation. A huge jagged piece skewered her through the leg. Then another through her arm. A wild yell of agony ensued. The water was rising quickly now that the ship was full of holes and falling to pieces from being overtly decayed for so long by the wraiths. She was not looking to go for a swim! Unfortunately Remei was too close to the water to be considered. When Jacob proclaimed all the shadows had been destroyed she bolted for the top of the ship. Panic was setting in as the boat twisted and started to capsize. Spotting small boats rowing in the cat was quick about the decision to abandon ship and leapt overboard landing with a husky thud on the recovery boat. Panting and clutching the bloody leg which was the worst of her wounds. Sprawled out over the floor of it and just laid there trying to catch her breath. Lifting sword and shield in the air as a symbol of victory albeit the show was brief and weak before she passed out. She'd likely wake up some hours later in the infirmary nice and patched up.

Purrcival was fucked. One of his favorite past times was finding ways to subtly jab at Jacob or get under his skin, without being obvious about it, (unless he was drunk cause then, fuck it,) but as the latest round of woodgrain particles settled from all the flotsam & jetsam-to-be, the golden lion who was leading these charges with precision, even in chaos, and wrangling control of the Atrium during the night shifts, had just rushed to the aid of one of his own pack members and offered him supportive words, and what's more ... over the much worse off and unconscious Sofos laying sprawled out on the ship's weakening floorboards. He was going to have to find a new hobby when this was over. More debris ripped him back to the moment with a painful 13th? strike to the top of the head. He returned the favor by dropping his weapons, and hoisting Sofos off the strangely strong spot to have held her up after that solid tumble! Once she was thrown over his shoulder, he retrieved the two halves of his Guan Dao and screwed them back together at the center join while carrying her towards the oncoming ships. M'ree was seen catching sight of him lifting Sofos before diving out a breach. Reili and Sonovia were accounted for, though he reached a hand out to haul her up off the floor and drag her towards the exit. "No time to rest yet, Puppy. Sheath those swords before you go swimming with them to get to the rescue boats." He kept sight on the rest of the group, and nodded towards Jacob near the edge of the crumbling ship. He'd jump after all the others had, and keep close to Sonovia, even weighed down with Sofos, whom he had to re-situate, once in the water, to keep her from drowning. Rescue strokes brought them away from the capsizing vessel.

Ashkost peered up through the hole he had made and, adding insult to injury, felt a chunk of musty wood clock in square on the nose. Cussing again, he checked for bleeding but found it impossible to know since he was already drenched, and resigned to instead tpull himself out from whence he'd fallen. The voice of Janna called out to him, and at first all he shouted back was "Catch this!", tossing his enormous staff up for her. Once he'd gotten a leg back up on the battered ship, he squeezed some of the water from his shirt. "I will live," the kossith grunted ruefully. To Remei, he gave a snort. "We all deserve a drink after this vashe-qalab." An eerie silence fell over the group in the void left by the din of battle, filled only with the ominous groaning of straining timbers and the panting voices of the fighters. Thus, he offered his hand out to Janna for his staff and to help her onto a rescue dinghy, lips twisting up wryly. "You fought well, especially for a small one, I am impressed."

Jacob Cross clung to a piece of timber, thankful that a significant amount of his armor had crumbled away. Dragging his way into a rowboat, he'd make sure to get to his feet and do a rapid head-count for ensuring everyone was being safely ferried. Once at the dock, the lion sat on a barrel and breathed - unstrapping a ruined bracer from his arm and tossing it to the ground. Looking to Chaffen, he'd let out a little laugh. "It was mutual. We will be...vigilant." Spoken with a bit of a sigh, knowing the assassin was very likely correct. When M'ree marched off, he'd lift a brow and see her off - rumbling out a "Goodnight, miss". Rem's question drew a smirk. "A drink of water. And a trip to the infirmary." Spoken firmly as he looked around. "I'd advise everyone be looked at. No one has endured this much contact with the wraiths before." Those who were unconscious or close to it were carried, of course, and escorted by guardsmen. With things more or less under control, the lion leaned back and was simply still for a moment. His top half was nearly bare, showing multiple patches of greyed fur over so many old scars. He grasped for a canteen, finding it half-crumbled and thus empty. Shrugging, he'd toss it aside. "You all have my appreciation. I'll speak with you one-on-one in the days to come." It was a flat, calm tone - tired.

The Gavel fumbled to catch Ashkost's staff when he tossed it up. She did, but it knocked her on her ass with a thud. She'd hand it back to him, "I have to find my blindfold." After all, she could see the lights from the Tether through cracks in the ship. She crawled around for it, while others were getting onto the rescues boats, finding it finally. Tying the fabric around her eyes, she followed the massive horned man, but stopped at the edge of the ship, giving one last look at where all the shadow creatures had been slaughtered. She frowned, but climbed onto the boat after Ashkost. Settling down she wiped away amber-glistening black blood that seeped from cuts and scrapes on her face and arms. The iridescent sheen of the blood would confirm rumors that the woman definitely wasn't human, if her ability to walk between shadows hadn't already. She sat quietly on the docks once the boats arrived, staring out at the sea for a long time, her arm crossed over her chest.

Ashkost nodded and watched Janna retrieve her mask, only then realizing he still had yet to see her face... just those phantasmagorical eyes of hers. At length, the party made it ashore and Ashkost began his own damn healing by pulling a vial from the sopping pouch on his belt, leaning his staff against a pier, and dabbing the solution on his cuts and abrasians. It was quite a while before he realized Janna was silently peering out into the darkness, and even longer before he slowly re-approached her, picking his staff up along the way. "You bleed shadows, my lady," he murmured, offering his vial to staunch the flow. "Are you unhappy that we killed those creatures? Were they... your kin?" He (figuratively) shuddered to consider. Regardless of her answer, he would jerk a thumb over his shoulder. "We should return to the Tether. They may seek vengeance we are not prepared for tonight. Come."

Sonovia listened to Purrcival's words carefully and did as she was told. The Daisho found their way back into the sheaths that rested on her person, and with a deep breath, the bun would find herself diving into the depts below. The water was almost welcomed reflief for the fact she felt light and almost weightless, but oh how it hurt to move. Sonovia could not wait to retreat to the quiet reserve of the Atrium and just rest. Her injuries were not life-threatening in the slightest, but the were substantial enough to make it difficult to heave herself upon the boats. With a solid surface beneath her, the lapine plopped backwards and heaved a heavy sigh watching the night sky move slowly as they rowed to shore.

Jacob Cross, upon hearing back, had arranged for the meeting. The group would have met on the dock and boarded a small ferry, then taken a ride out to Jacob's vessel: The Cutlass. Too large to dock normally, it lied anchored in deeper waters - and within it lied Loraen. The lion was relatively quiet throughout, but to explain a few matters. "I will not insult you by searching you or stripping you of weapons. I count you and yours as friends, but I will be clear: Loraen is under guard both visible and not. A false move, a trick, any sign of danger will be met with immediate and lethal force." The ferry, upon reaching the hulking Cutlass, would jerk as it was caught by the pulley system and lifted to be even with the deck. Anyone sensitive to such things would already detect all manner of magic afoot - nulled areas, healing powers, surveillance, protective barriers, and much more. They'd pass a number of guards and decsend into the bowels of the ship, through many locked doors - many of which seemingly designed specifically to become defensible choke-points, complete with slots in walls where projectiles of every sort likely waited ready. As they stepped to the final room, they'd see other guards - slender, wrapped in tight black armor, their faces covered by golden leonine masks. Wordlessly, they let the group past. The chamber itself was of average size. The walls were bare and seemed reinforced, oddly seamless for being on a ship. The chamber was warm, yet there was no fire. Stacks of books were everywhere, mostly clustered around a large chair and table that also hosted an emptied bottle of wine and a few discarded pillows. Beside this, in the center of the room, was Loraen. She lied on a large canopy bed, surrounded by gauzy curtains. Thin blankets covered the lioness to her chest, and she wore a simple but fine blue gown. Her bedding was fresh, clean, of the greatest expense. She looked to simply sleep, but nothing would wake her. A pulse and breathing were present, albeit very slow and steady. "Welcome. Thank you for coming." The lion spoke before looking to his wife. He was resolute, but the group may well hear a shaky sigh leave him before he firmed up, squaring jaw and shoulders.

Sonovia felt like she had only just got off a boat (which she had hoped was for good), only to be brought another one, but it was an urgent matter, as the great lion, Jacob Cross, himself had sent out for them, for anyone who would listen. The bunny had heard a few rumors drifting about, but it was when the letter (that was stuff in a stack of Purrcival's papers) was carelessly laying on top that curiosity took over. The lapine was well versed in reading and read its contents feverishly. The lady of the Tether had fallen ill, and her leonen husband was calling for help. Sonovia had experiences with healing. She had been studying with her Master, Graham Webev, for a few months when she was in his care, and when she found her own free-time (as much free time as a slave could have, that is) she would duck into the infirmary or the library to do some studying. The lapine was now a little more sure in her craft, sure enough to try and offer some sort of services to the lion she fought beside not so long ago. "Evening, Mister Cross." Sonovia offered him, a sort of sadness danced in her eyes as she gazed upon the poor man. She hadn't met his wife, but she had heard of her. As she slipped into the chamber where her lifeless body lay, the lapine paused for a moment just taking everything in. The smells, the sense of magic in the air (it always did leave a specific charge). she looked to the books, and the bottle. She assumed Jacob resided there when he could, trying to find something to wake the literal sleeping beauty. "Jacob," she started softly, her attention drifting back to the sleeping being,"How long has she been like this? What have the medics tried?" There were thousands of other questions that could have been asked, that should have been asked, but the woman didn't want to overload him all at once. She would cross those bridges when they came. Right now, she just needed to know the very basics.

Cyntawni had refused to allow the Pup to go out on her own anywhere beyond the tether itself. As much as she disliked so many around the Tether, her pack (bunny included) had her protection and when Sonovia insisted on going, the she-wolf grumbled, grabbed the bands of throwing daggers she so often was seen with these days and wrapped them securely around her thighs before following. "I'm going to assume you didn't talk with Purrcival about this." Considering the bunny had found the letter so carelessly put aside. This was brought up as they were crossing to the ship but no more was said about it. Cyn should've objected... but she didn't. Once on the ship and faced with the golden Lion, Cyn let the bunny take point. The she-wolf, even now, held little 'love' for those about the tether, whether they knew it or not. Oh, she could be civil. She could play the role of the good pet... but a friend, she wouldn't have gone so far as that. When searching them was mentioned, ears pricked. They wouldn't have had to search hard. Those bands at her thighs were painfully obvious and within easy reach of either hand. "If we meant you, or your wife harm, Cross, we wouldn't be coming in through the front door with an invitation." A devilish smile traced those lips. "There have been more than enough opportunities, I would say, that don't involve a ship so heavily guarded." From the moment the wolf had stepped on the ship, she'd already been looking around, ears, eyes, that acutely sensitive sense of smell. And something else, something deeper that made Cyn's fur stand on end along the back of her neck. Magic. Some were, perhaps, a more pleasant type, but how many were darker still? As they were lead through towards Lorean's chamber, Cyn, at one point, stumbled as those defensive magics crackled across her form. It was likely the more nullifying types that shocked her, if only because she hadn't expected them, and the first touch messed with her inner wolf and her own abilities. A brow was raised, ears pricked. "Primes, Cross, are you expecting a war on this vessel?" Not that she could blame him... she may have taken just such measures to protect those she cared for (snirk). Upon reaching the chamber, Cyn's gaze fell on the sleeping woman. A stranger to the wolf, whether that be a good or bad thing. Staying close to Sonovia, Cyn did her own searching but in an entirely different manner. At any rate, it would take a great deal to persuade her to make any attempts. "How did it start?" The words left her lips before she realized she was speaking.

Reilithe had decided to come along with Sonovia when mention had been made of Jacob's situation. He didn't know the man very well, but he had at the very least fought at his side on two different occasions and had been aided by him when his luck went sour during the wraith battle. To the wolf, that was enough to feel that he owed a visit when help was asked for. While he didn't have quite the healing expertise of Sonovia or Cyntawni, he was more than capable of providing moral support. As well, he simply did not want Sonovia going alone. The boat ride wasn't the most pleasant thing in the world, as the last time the canine had been on a boat, it had been full of wraiths and ended up sinking. He was fairly calm throughout the check, seeing as he had no weapons on him. He didn't have much need of them if it came down to it, to be honest. He too was immediately aware of the magic in the air, a feeling that made his fur stand up on the back of his neck. Recognizing Jacob when he saw him, he gave a courteous bow. "Good evening, Mr. Cross. Thank you again for the aid you provided me during the wraith battle. I'm sorry to hear about the condition Loraen is in." As the others had already begun to ask the important questions, he would simply listen to the answers before attempting to provide whatever aid he could.

Rennata had boarded the ship earlier in the day -- or perhaps sometime last night. Her trips between the Cross' ship and the island were met with much less fanfare than visitors to the ship, her comings and goings routine now, it seemed. The woman wore a black dress, golden lion embroidered on the back and a pair of plain, black boots. Whether she'd known or not that Purrcival's pack were visiting, she was concealed inside the room, so concealed that she wouldn't have been detected when they first entered. She appeared by the lion's side the instant he arrived, however, silent, with a somber look on her face that softened somewhat when she looked up to him. The elbow of her right sleeve was a bit bulkier than the other, covering a bandage that rested there. Hands clasped behind her back, the quiet woman let Jacob's guests question him, her gaze drifting towards the woman in question. She frowned a little. "No change, Mister Cross."

Jacob Cross was largely silent along the way, though Cyn's question about preparing for war was answered with a simple "Yes." He'd let them have their look, listening and frowning as eyes moved to Renn. "Thank you, Rennata. We will likely be having an increase in visitors over the next week or two. Word has spread and many care to help or...pay respects." There was that brief weakness in his voice again, though he recovered well enough. "I appreciate that," This spoken to Reilithe. "...and you are welcome but needn't thank me. Your assistance in that fight was a great boon." As Cyn and Sonovia questioned him, he'd sigh - turning eyes to the slumbering lioness. "Over a month now. She woke up one morning feeling a bit weak and weary, headache, no appetite, but overall fine. That night she went to sleep and didn't wake. "There is no apparent...illness or focus. Her vitality was simply...fading away. Quickly. They've attempted all sorts of medicine, salves, potions. Remedies like unicorn horn and blood have done nothing, nor have proven healing abilities possessed by various slaves and patrons. They haven't even identified just what this is, let alone determined a cure."

Sonovia knew that others had mentioned coming, but she honestly didn't expect them to attend, though in all honesty, she should have. To the pack, the bunny-pup was like a precious treasure. Someone who needed to be guarded and cared for at all times, much how Jacob saw his precious Loraen. No, she hadn't asked Purrcival for permission before taking on this endeavor. She merely just felt compelled to help. It was a natural occurrence for her. She would take the repercussions that came with her lack of asking later. Sonovia found herself to be a little shocked when the she-wolf made mention of how Loraen had come to be in the state of suspended animation, for lack of a better term. The lapine had been with the pack for nearly a month, but she had no knowledge of what other abilities Cyntawni possessed other than being a very skilled fighter and protector. Still entangled deep within her own thoughts, she stepped forward, toward the bed. Absently she gazed at the woman. She was puzzled, to say the least. Reilithe's voice greeting Jacob pulled her to present moment, but still the lapine only nodded to her packmate. "Thanks for coming, Reils. If Mister Cross needs anything, please see to it." Strange how she seemed to take an almost dominant role in things. Another voice joined in the mummurings of the group. A female voice, quiet, reserved, and unfamiliar. The bun turned to catch sight of her slipping next to Mr. Cross. "Evening, Ma'am." She said with a slight bow. "You said there was no change in her condition?" A furrow of her brow showed her concern, but she looked to the golden lion once more as he explained the situation further. "Never woke." She repeated quietly. "There are lots of illnesses that it could be, but you have made mention that no one suspects that's what it is. Could this be something entirely new?" The thought probably already crossed everyone's minds, but the lapine just wanted to be sure.

Rennata touched Jacob's arm gently as Purrcival's slaves questioned him and so on. Her head nodded towards the island. She was going to tend to things there, be his eyes and ears while he was here. "You know how to reach me." Then she simply stepped behind him and never came out the other side. For all they knew, she may have still been in the room.

Cyntawni's ears flicked, a brow raised as Jacob gave that simple answer. Luckily, she was looking at Lorean, else he may've caught the look in her eyes that said he couldn't fight this battle for his wife. It really was a pointless statement, he already knew that and no amount of defenses on the ship were going to resolve whatever ailed her. As Sonovia listened and made her own guesses, so did the wolf, gaze drifting across the woman for reasons known only to her. Poor little bunny knew so little about her guardian packmate, which Cyn was happy to keep it that way. Not because she wanted to keep secrets from her, but because the wolfess wasn't one to discuss certain aspects of herself. Reilithe knew... so did a few others and, of course, Purrcival. "She's so weak." She whispered softly, seemingly lost in her own thoughts as her gaze came to rest on the lioness's face. Sleeping, but not. Alive, but not living. Movement snapped Cyn's attention to Rennata as the sneaky little woman made herself known. That never-fading feeling of distrust made the wolf's skin crawl, her ears perk and her tail creep upwards. And just as quickly as she came, she vanished in a fashion that felt eerily familiar and equally sly; like a viper in the bed. Jacob seemed to trust her though so it wasn't any of Cyntawni's business. She gave a tiny shake of her head, then turned her attention to Sonovia. "Can you do a proper evaluation without thoroughly examining her?" Blankets, clothes, they hid things from the normal view. Gem-like eyes turned to Cross. "Will you allow her to be evaluated? Or do you prefer it be left to your current chosen healers?"

Reilithe listened calmly as the details of the situation were explained. He could sense the weakness in Jacob's voice, which stood out as something he had definitely not heard the previous times he'd encountered him. From the sound of things, it wasn't looking too good, and that only made the wolf feel a bit worse in regards to what help he may be able to offer. Having senses the others did not, he was not as surprised by Rennata's sudden appearance. He was, however, quite surprised at her quick departure. Though he did not wish to dwell on such thoughts amidst the current situation. He would follow Cyntawni's lead in looking Loraen over to the limited extent they were allowed, to see if there was anything he could see with his thermal sense. True to the feeling of magic he'd gotten, there was no physical evidence that he could discern. Which wasn't exactly what he'd been hoping for, to say the least. Other than...the fact that her temperature seemed weirdly consistent. Under normal conditions, there would be small fluctuations. "She seems like she's...frozen? Not...in the cold sense, but..." The wolf wasn't terribly knowledgeable about things that were unnatural. "Like her present state is locked as it is?" He wasn't certain if that made sense, but he wanted to offer whatever he could.

Jacob Cross nodded to Rennata, leaving her to her affairs while folding arms over chest. Cyn's commentary drew a rumble. "Weak?" Teeth bared briefly, then he eased. "That lioness is stronger than you'll ever know. Do not speak so of her again. She has been evaluated - but I may allow more, yes." Sonovia's remarks, on the other hand, had him spreading hands. "She was losing strength rapidly...this, ah, stasis was the only way. She's effectively frozen-" He gestured to Reilithe, nodding. "The condition is no longer worsening, but obviously not improving either." It was far from a good solution, but it had been the only option. "Something new seems most likely, or something long forgotten. I have people doing research, but records in so much of the world are inaccesible or just not there..." He exhaled, frowning and setting hands to hips. "I will need very good cause to have this stasis broken for any length of time. It was...difficult to arrange, and there is no guarantee it'll work again." He thought a while, eyes now rarely leaving the lioness. "I..ah, will not rush the matter. Any research you need to do, any materials or books or even assistants...have mister Myrrwyn draft me a list of needs and I will provide for it. I try to keep others visits with her somewhat brief, so she can rest..." Obviously this didn't quite make perfect sense, given the circumstances of her 'resting', but the lion was just as obviously straining to maintain composure and handle the matter.

Sonovia turned as the woman who literally had just made herself known vanished without a trace. How peculiar, but the bunny assumed that she merely had stayed aboard the ship for many hours, and was looking to seek some relief from the infinite pressure that was mounted in the room. Jacob's words, but more importantly, his actions held heavy in the atmosphere. His desperate plea to have his wife, the woman that held all his love, to be all right made the entire ship feel heavy. Cyntawni's uneasy energies added more to the already restless air. Primes, it felt like being in an oven. The bunny felt her hairs prickle lightly, and just like that, with the she-wolf's voice prodding her, she turned to eye her fellow packmate. "No, I cannot fully evaluate her without being able to physically interact with her." Sonovia didn't sound curt, or at least she hoped she didn't, and with that, the lapine found her own gaze shifting to the golden lion. "I need your permission to touch her, Sir. I need to make sure that there is full consent given for me to do my job properly." Should anyone gaze upon the bunny-woman, she had turned to face him. Her hands now rested against her form tightly folded on one another as she looked him in the eyes. Her own moonlight hued orbs dancing with concern. Reil's comments about her Loraen were heard, and for a moment, the bunny considered how to best explain things, though in all honesty, she knew little of the situation herself. "I don't know precisely how these magicks work," she stated carefully, her head turning a bit to ensure every word was heard, "But assumably, since Mistress Loraen is unable to care for herself in any sense of the word, they are in place to ensure her survival until a cure can be established, or the lioness is able to free herself from whatever ailment this may be." Wow, bunny was rather blunt this evening it would seem. The lion had gave a brief explanation of this before she had made her own remarks as well. With nothing more to say, the bunny-pup now in medic mode turned once more to the deathly still Loraen. Carefully, as if touching a newborn child, she brushed locks that may have been strayed or otherwise in the way. The lioness' face was placid. Frozen in a state that would portray her as nothing more than sleeping. Curious paws placed atop her forehead left the bunny "Hmming." quietly. There was no fever. Seeming to be pleased with her temperature, Sonovia began to draw back the covers in hopes of finding something to give the lion a little hope to the rather dreary situation.

Cyntawni's ears twitched as that sound echoed from Jacob's chest. Her ears flicked immediately his way and muscle all across her form tensed and coiled. Glittering eyes fixed on the golden lion in an instant and her own lips curled. The she-wolf didn't take kindly to being growled at, even at the best of times, and it took her several seconds to get a good hold on herself before she could actually speak. The understanding expression that had been on her features only moments before had turned cold and stony. When she spoke, her voice was a great deal harsher than it should've been for a slave. If she cared, it didn't show. "I was referring to her body and health, Mr. Cross. Don't look for enemies where there currently isn't one." Because that could change in an instant. Cyn lifted a hand, meaning to settle it on Sonovia's shoulder to keep her still for the moment but the Bunny's small form had slipped from her grasp. Not surprising, Cyn's attention was all on the lion, hackles standing on end at the tone he'd taken. Logically, she understood he was being defensive of his love, that he'd taken it as a comment doubting her strength as a person. Instinctively though, his growl and baring of teeth, the words that bordered on a threat set the wolfess on edge. It didn't take much. Her own arms rested at her sides, free to move if need be. Sheer force of will made her pull her gaze from Jacob and let it follow Sonovia's movements. As Cyn had no intention of sharing her own secrets, much less at this moment, she let her gaze follow Sonovia's movements. She told herself she was only guarding the bunny but that ingrained healer nature had her doing her own assessments, looking for anything that seemed unusual. At the same time, for Cyn's healing style, it required a deeper connection and a touch that went beyond physical.

Reilithe was happy to hear that his analysis had been correct, though less so upon learning it was a preventative measure and not apart of her ailment. His fur stood on end sensing the tension between Jacob and Cyntawni. While he was sincerely hoping their exchange wouldn't come to blows, he was also concerned for Loraen, and that is where his attention would return to as Sonovia began her examination. His tail waved nervously behind him as he watched, focused on every movement she made. Brows furrowed, eyes intense. It was like he was expecting her to somehow have all the answers. As unlikely as that may have been, he wanted to hope for something at least.

Jacob Cross eyed Cyn as she commented, but said little more. There was no real aggression in the lion, but all of this represented a vulnerability that left him a bit...raw. And it showed. Sonovia's questioning drew his attention soon enough and after a moment of consideration, he'd nod. "Very well. I would appreciate you be quick as possible about it." A hand ran back through his mane and he'd keep eyes on Loraen -and Son as she approached-. "I do appreciate all of you coming. Very much. This will be remembered...and Loraen, when she recovers, she'll be thankful. For what it is worth, you -and mister Myrrwyn- have a lasting ally in me." He'd wait, leaving Sonovia to finish her inspection - and barring any further question or incident, would escort them as far as the ferry back to the Tether's docks. Once out of the chamber, Jacob would relax considerably - still sorrowful, but less tense. His manner would be cordial, even friendly, and the goodbyes offered were gracious and sincere - as were the promises to be immediately available if any of them came upon any revelation or scrap of information that may help.

Sonovia paid little attention to the mounting tensions that seemed to explode behind her in a minute fury. Cyn was doing her job and Mister Cross doing his own. As the trio sat and did what was needed and expected of them, the bunny did as she could sensing the lion needing a moment to breathe. She held off on her inspections of the lioness and turned to face Jacob once more. "I sense your tensions, Sir. We will take our leave and come back when it is best for you." Another polite bow and they were on their way back to the docks waving a good evening and turning to leave. "Please, Mister Cross," The bunny began," We know not what is wrong with Miss Loraen. Take care of yourself as well, Sir. We do not need another case of this, whatever it may be." And with that, the bunny turned and headed back to the suites of Purrcival Myrrwyn.

Cyntawni knew his reaction had been just that, a reaction. Unfortunately, being tribal... being savage (as she's been referred to previously), and more, being wolf, made her respond deeply to body language. It didn't help that her very nature made her aggressive... something Purr often seemed to try to sooth. She had to remind herself that he was hurting, even frightened, and his words weren't meant as a threat. Sonovia's choice to wait until another time worked well enough for Cyn as well. As it stood, the wolf couldn't focus on the body before her when that protective nature had her watching the golden lion more than the bunny's examination. Granted, as far as anyone else knew, she was there as little more than a guard for the Bunnypup. But... that also meant they had to come back... damn. Cyn couldn't help her own tension at so many 'guards' being around them. All the same, as they exited and just before they left, focus rested on Cross. "Just let us know when is a good time for you." She paused, thought for a moment, then added, "Might... want to send the missive to me..." Her gaze flicked to Sonovia. "Since Purrcival..." Didn't know a damn thing about them coming anyway? "Has been busy lately." From there, she'd stay at Sonovia's side, keeping a close eye on Reil too, as they headed off.

Reilithe bowed his head once more to Jacob once they'd been escorted out. "It was nice to see you again, Mr. Cross. I apologize that we weren't able to be of more help this evening." He paused for a moment, taking in what all they'd learned. Which, given the rather mysterious nature of the illness, hadn't been a whole lot. Even yet, he had to hope there was something to be done at some point in the future. "Let us know if you need anything else in the future. We'll be there. Farewell for now, sir." With his goodbyes said, he would follow along with his pack mates.

To be continued ...