Sungar, the Eastern Coast, a secluded glen. Springtime, morning. Far north of the Clannish town of Dokovichy, in Lupii lands, near the inlet of Sungar's eastern lake.

Here resides Mara Edelvise. In her tongue, she would be called a Baaku, a dog person, though it has been many years since she has heard the language of her people. She looks akin to a shepherd dog, with fur of brown and black, and a fluffy but stout and strong body. The one thing, though, that sets her apart from the rest of her people is the accursed taint that spreads across her, from her right hand, up her arm, and onto parts of her torso and face. It is purple and black, staining her down to the flesh, and even giving her right eye a slight pale lavender coloration. Exiled from her homeland, the Agrillin Clan, she made the treacherous journey across the sea and washed ashore many years ago upon Sungar’s eastern coastline. Living a quiet and secluded life in this glen, she has found a small measure of peace and penance. She is dressed in several layers of tattered but mended and re-mended robes, dull blue and purple, and an amulet of Tam, the Goddess of Order, is strung around her neck with a simple cord.

A clear spring of water bubbles happily, and tall trees reach up high into Tam's loving arms. A hut has been erected here, with a small garden beside it, where many herbs and vegetables are carefully cultivated by Mara's hands. The smell of rich dirt and sweet grasses permeates the air, and the birds are singing a springtime tune. The sun is warm. The day is good.

Now, Mara stands at the edge of the spring, gazing into the water. While her journey may have physically begun across the unforgiving ocean, it is here that it truly begins. Here and now, as the water tickles her feet. And always, a journey begins with change: The birds have suddenly stopped singing.

Mara is confused at first, her ears perking up at the noise. Or lack of noise. She turns and looks out into the forest. She grasps her amulet close and begins to venture into the forest with curiosity and caution, questioning what she should be on the lookout for. Typically, the birds going silent means something is approaching. Something dangerous. The forest around the glen isn't so thick that it feels oppressive and claustrophobic, but something about this feels... ominous. The amulet begins to feel warm in her hands -- far warmer than usual. A warning from Tam, perhaps?

Other than the gentle breeze rustling the leaves and grass, all is calm. But she sees no birds, nor any other animals. Have they all gone into hiding?

Mara's eyes narrow, and she runs into her hut to grab her staff, shuffling back outside with determination and protectiveness for her hut. She walks out into the forest, hackles raised, as she grips the amulet harder.

The amulet grows warmer. It is a comforting warmth.

There is a large rocky gulch up ahead, flanked on either side by brush. If Mara wishes to continue further into the forest, she'll have to cross it. It is difficult to see past the brush, but there are glimpses of movement. Maybe it's something. Maybe it isn't. Only one way to find out. She walks toward it, her ears flattening against her skull, staff braced out.

Almost immediately, she gets tangled in the brush, and the rocks in the gulch make her slip. She tumbles to the bottom and it takes a few moments for her to get back up. There's no lasting physical damage, but certainly some embarrassment.

Mara groans as she gets up, covered in dust. She goes alert, hearing the rustling. Going back up the gulch would require too much effort, and she hadn't the time for that. Frantically, she begins running down the gulch, huffing as she does so. Unfortunately, her mishap has caused quite a bit of noise, and there is rustling nearby. It's getting closer.

Suddenly, a beast bursts from the brush and lands a few yards in front of Mara. A Manchatii, baring its many teeth, skidding on the rocks. It too requires a few moments to regain its composure as it slips and slides, its unnatural agility no match for the uneven, loose rocks. It makes no sound, no hiss or growl. Humanoid in shape, with a hard chitinous exterior, nearly pure black but with a slight hint of rainbow color, a sheen like a pool of oil. In stark contrast to this are the two large eyes, milky white and pupilless, unblinking, staring right at Mara. It gnashes its razor-sharp teeth, prepared to tear into her. A chaos demon, with little thought for anything other than to destroy and consume. ‘Manchatii’ -- ‘Many Teeth,’ in the Wyrdyne tongue.

Mara skids to a halt before it, then realizes she has no choice but to fight. She grips her staff and reaches toward its head, attempting to hit it upside the temple with the large, thicker end of the staff. The Manchatii is struck in the head, sending a spurt of ichor and various dark fluids squirting across the rocks. It falls, its head striking the ground with a sickening crack. It lies still.

There is more rustling in the brush... and two more Manchatii take the first's place. They land on either side of Mara, out of the reach of her staff. Unlike the first Manchatii, they do not slip on the rocks; their claws instead clack gracefully on the stone. Their teeth chatter in anticipation.

Upon seeing both Manchatii, Mara spins about with her staff. Her feet slip on the bloody stones, and she slips -- falling right on her ass. One Manchatii pounces on her prone body and bites deep into her arm. The other prepares to leap, but perks up, looking around. It is briefly distracted, and only the Manchatii atop Mara is currently a threat.

Mara grunts and pulls her legs under the Manchatii, kicking upwards, while also punching out with her fists. The Manchatii is knocked back, but its teeth were still in Mara -- tearing away some flesh in the process. While this first one is knocked away, the second is no longer distracted, and now comes right for Mara! She had better act fast.

Attempting to club the Manchatii, Mara’s aim is thrown off by the pain in her arm. She strikes it in the temple, but it isn’t as hard of a hit as she had hoped. The Manchatii is thumped and only manages to get a single claw swipe on Mara. It stings, but it isn't that bad. She growls in pain, huffing with exertion.

The Manchatii that has been knocked aside stands, but is suddenly struck in the head with an arrow! Its body tumbles to the side with the force of the attack, coming to rest in a mangled position. This second Manchatii turns to see where the attack came from for the briefest of moments -- but one moment is all Mara needs. She lets out a cry of effort, slamming her staff into its chest. The Manchatii's carapace cracks and buckles with the force of the attack, letting out a crunching sound. It stumbles and falls, then lies still.

There is more rustling in the brush... but it sounds less like something trying to hide, and more like something that wants to be seen. There are voices as well, but in a language she cannot understand.

Mara turns toward the noise, then cocks her head. "Hello?" The grip on her staff only tightens, and she feels the warmth of her blood trickling down her arm.

The voices mumble in surprise! "Wyrdyne! They do not sound like one of us..." she hears one say. She can understand it now, as they speak in Wyrdyne too. It is in an accent she does not recognize... but it sounds like they are Baaku.

"Friend or foe? We are no friend of Manchatii, if that may sway your answer," they call out. They have not yet shown themselves.

"Friend! I mean, you did just save me." She nurses her wounds with her free hand, wincing as she touches an especially deep one. "Anyone with such kindness is someone I would love to know."

There is more muttering, and now rustling. Three large dog-men walk out from the brush and carefully enter the gulch. They look like Baaku, but... different. Much larger. Their voices are strange, even when they are speaking Wyrdyne. One is holding a recurve bow, and two others have spears and shields. Their leather armor is also strange. Everything about them is strange.

These men eye Mara curiously and hesitate upon seeing her cursed flesh. "By Tam, you look extremely hurt! What did those Manchatii do to you that caused such a blight?"

Mara's eyes widen, then she shakes her head. "These are nothing... just scars. I had an accident. I, um… excuse me, sirs, if you don't mind me asking, why are you here? A-and, who are you?" As soon as she looks at them and realizes she's having a face-to-face conversation, she begins getting anxious, hastily bringing the hood of her robes over her head, and her tail shivers a bit between her legs.

They nod. Each introduces themself in turn. "Diokles," says the one with the bow. Then, the other two with the spears: "Iason." "Nicomedes."

All three are gray, and look far more wolf-like. Diokles looks chubby and fluffy, but still strong and athletic. Iason is tall and muscled, with sharp eyes and a nicked scar on one ear. Nicomedes is the tallest, but thin and wiry, and everything about him seems long. Each of them is wearing light and flexible leather armor that forms a segmented upper cuirass and a lower skirt made of tough flaps. Underneath, they wear a long linen tunic that stretches to mid-thigh, and sandals that wrap up to their mid-calf. Although their armor is largely similar in style, the accents, as well as their underlying tunics, are all dyed a different color. For Diokles, dusky blue hues; Iason has autumnal red colors; Nicomedes, greens. Diokles quirks up his left brow in curiosity. Nicomedes raises his right. Iason just squints.

Diokles fidgets with the string of his bow. "We are scouting the area for Manchatii, as they have been more active in the area for some strange reason. Our Clan may have to move to new grounds..." a pause. "What Clan are you from? You do not look like any from around here."

"I'm... I'm clanless," Mara replies.

"Are you from Notios? Medius? Borealis? Or are you from the independent lands?" Iason asks.

"I um... I'm from Yrumvum..." She pulls her hood further over her face, looking down at her feet. She wears no boots and simply wraps them in linen ‘bandages’ to keep the pads of her paws safe from excess wear.

All three of them, collectively, make a confused face. "You are Lupii, yes?" Nicomedes inquires.

She tilts her head. "What's a Lupii...? I am Baaku."

"Lupii. Malon-Lupii. The first of the Malon-Duhl, here on Tam’s great land of Sungar." They all look completely perplexed.

"I, um..." She puts a paw on her head, sitting down on the rocky surface of the gulch. "I'm sorry, I don't know-"

The Lupii exchange glances. Iason takes a cautious step forward. "May I approach you, to examine your wounds?"

"I can heal them myself..." As he steps forward, Mara shrinks back.

"Of course!" He steps back. "I meant no disrespect." There is a pause. Finally, Diokles speaks up. "You... you are a healer? Using magic?"

"I-I suppose. Not just with magic...."

They all perk up simultaneously. "So, you are familiar with Tam’s grace?"

"Tam is my guide." She smiles at them. "I would be nothing without Tam." She lifts her amulet to show them.

All three of them smile. Diokles’s tail even begins wagging, and Iason elbows him to get him to stop. "We are honored to be in your presence, then!" They all bow deeply.

All of a sudden Mara's face flushes warm, and she stands with a start. "No, no, the mine is all honor! I mean- The honor is all mine! I am astounded with your skills and- I'm really nothing, I don't deserve this praise!"

They exchange glances once more and burst out laughing. "So humble! Truly, wherever you are from, you learned from Tam well! Come now, let us be out of this ditch. It is unbefitting of someone such as you to stay amongst the remains of accursed Manchatii." Iason accentuates this last point by spitting on the corpse of one of the dead Manchatii.

Mara laughs and nods. "I've never been fond of dead things, so I'd enjoy that. Thank you for your hospitality."

"Hah! You have not yet experienced Lupii hospitality!" They climb up the side of the gulch effortlessly. Diokles reaches out a hand, offering to help Mara up. "We can tell you are not from around here, and not used to people," Nicomedes says. "So, I understand if your answer is 'no', but... we would be honored to help you back to our camp, and offer some food, drink, and company. I swear on my grandfather's grandfather, Herakleitos, son of Philokrates, that no harm will come to you." He bows again.

She looks at his hand, clearly deep in thought. She looks toward her camp with somber eyes, then grasps her amulet. After a minute, she takes Diokles’ hand. "I would be grateful... thank you."

One could swear Diokles winks at Mara as he pulls her up.

"Excellent!" Nicomedes explains. "It is not far. This is the farthest we’ve ever been from our village, but the Manchatii have been restless. We suspect foul magics are afoot."

"Dark times indeed," Iason agrees. "But it is good fortune to find a follower of Tam out here! Perhaps these lands are not as lawless as we thought."

Mara suspects the trek to the camp will not be far, but perhaps she can ask a few more questions before they all arrive. "... How have they been restless?"

"On their own, they stick to the shadows. They are not smart, but they know they are too frail to face us. Small packs of them, though... they are more dangerous. And we have been seeing packs more often."

Iason grumbles in agreement. "Yes. And the last time the Manchatii were this restless..."

All three of them motion their left hand over their heart in a crescent motion. Their hands begin in an open position, and by the end of the motion, the hand is closed. "Tam protect us, and ancestors preserve us," they say quietly.

"Ah, but we should not bring up such gloomy thoughts with an honored guest in our host," Diokles says after a short pause. "This will be a blessed day."

Mara remembers the elders talking of the Night of Falling Stars, which happened a few years before she was born. For several months, nearly every night there were thousands of stars streaking across the sky. The priests and priestesses had disturbing visions, and the elemental casters found their magic waning. Any memories Mara has of her young childhood would include that of hushed whispers and stone-faced elders. Maybe these Lupii had their own troubles back then?

Mara's gaze softens. "I will do my best to meet your expectations... And if you need any help, I'd be happy to offer it. You all seem very honorable and kind, and this is something I can respect." She hesitantly lets go of her amulet, relaxing in their presence. "I believe that you all have the strength to get through anything that comes to you." Her tail droops. "I, um. Sorry, that was out of nowhere, wasn't it?"

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"We thank you for your kind words!" They chuckle. "And do not worry, everything about you is, as you say, 'out of nowhere'," Iason adds. "We had no idea you were living around these parts. Though we have never scouted this far until today."

Mara and the Lupii come upon a clearing in the woods, where a few tents have been erected around a firepit. Various supplies are scattered about, and some wet clothing is drying out on a length of rope tied between two trees.

"Come! Sit!" Nicomedes says, gesturing to the fire. "I will get the fire started. Diokles, fetch some drinks for our new friend! Iason, the food!" Nicomedes steps up to the firepit, retrieves some flint and steel, and begins relighting the various logs and kindling within. Diokles and Iason head into one of the tents.

Mara looks around the camp for any sort of medicinal herbs or bandages. There is a pouch resting next to one of the tents. Some dried herbs are visible, sticking out at odd angles.

Diokles and Iason come out of the tent. Diokles holds a pitcher of wine and a jug of water; Iason with several clay bowls with dark breads, cheeses, figs, and olives. They clear away detritus, leaves, and twigs from the area around the fire and carefully set down the food and drink.

"I see you're eyeing that herb pouch," Nicomedes says as he looks up from the fire, which now crackles away happily. "Go ahead and take what you need for your wounds. We will not mind."

He looks at Iason and Diokles putting the pitchers and bowls on the ground. "Show some respect, you two! Fetch a cloth from the tent, we will not have a guest eat from the dirt." He says this sternly, but with enough camaraderie to still keep things relaxed. Iason and Diokles bolt back into the tent to fetch some cloth for an impromptu tablecloth.

"I don't mind! I'm used to it." She walks over to the herb pouch and looks through its contents, hoping to find something that might be handy. She instantly recognizes various healing herbs. "I really appreciate all of this. Is there anything I can do to repay you?"

Diokles and Iason put down the cloth and carefully place the food and drink upon it. "Nonsense, Nicomedes is right," Diokles says. "Just because you are used to a humble lifestyle does not mean you are forced to live ascetically your whole life. Tam allows celebration, and I think now is a fine time for it!"

Iason sits cross-legged on the ground next to Nicomedes. "Yes! And as for repayment..." His face scrunches up in thought.

Diokles sits down now and looks up at Mara. "You are lonely, yes? Perhaps you desire companionship?" There is a pause, and Iason and Nicomedes both whip their heads to glare at him.

"I- what?" Mara stammers, dropping the herbs.

Diokles’ entire body poofs up. "I MEANT OTHER ACOLYTES OF TAM!" he insists loudly. Nicomedes and Iason shake their heads slowly, but say nothing. Diokles clears his throat and continues: "Perhaps we could find a way to introduce her to other Sisters. Engage in studies and friendship with others like you. Your talents may be wasted out here in the wilds." Diokles pats down his poof and dips some bread into a saucer of olive oil, and munches on it.

Mara blinks. "OH. You meant... Okay. Um. I'm not sure... I'd really, rather stay here and help you all." She gathers them back up, still somewhat flustered.

Iason elbows Diokles. He chokes on the bread for a moment, then gives Iason a "WHAT?" face.

Nicomedes shakes his head and looks back to Mara. "We are in no need of your help. Our people are well-fed and healthy, and safe, despite the Manchatii sightings. Diokles is right, your talents would be so much more useful elsewhere." He bites into a fig and sucks out the sweet juices, gesturing into the distance. "There is a ship, you know. It's headed around the coastline, and will end up near the Temple of Tam."

Iason nods. "And we mean THE Temple of Tam. It is less a temple and more a glorious city erected in her honor. Sisters of Tam are trained and taught there, then sent all over the land to assist those in need."

Mara would feel her amulet grow warm, and wiggle slightly at his words.

"Your path is your own," Diokles says, washing down the bread with a sip of wine. "We would be loath to tell you what to do. After all, we are not Tam!"

Iason gestures at Mara's magical scarring. "And perhaps they can heal your scars. Nothing is impossible with Tam's grace."

Mara looks down at her amulet. "I-I suppose. Thank you for your help, I will take you up on that offer."

Diokles points to the east. You know that the coast is not far from where your shack was, and likely not far from here either. "A short walk to the coast. There's a ship called The Maelstrom, captained by a Lupii named Lucius Miretalon -- he's Borealis, which is why his name is so different from our Notios names."

Nicomedes nods. "Aye, but he's a damned good captain. Named his ship the Maelstrom because it's said that it survived trips into the deep ocean, where none return... all but him." He laughs. "But that is impossible, as everyone knows. It's a strong ship, though! Takes trips around the coasts all the time, delivering goods from us Lupii to the Human lands."

Iason is now the one to nod. "Tell him that we sent you, and he'll let you aboard. He owes us a favor. And you're blessed with Tam's favor, no?"

All three of them laugh, then sip some wine.

"Alright, thank you." Mara takes a piece of food and hastily eats it, somewhat overwhelmed by what's happening.

"Do you live nearby? We could help gather your things if you wish to take the ship. It’d be a shame to leave your things behind." Iason offers.

Diokles nods and pops some olives in his mouth. "It’d be our honor to assist you on your journey!"

"I don't live far from here! I'm near the coast, over the gulch."

The three look at each other, and nod. "We can find it easy enough," Nicomedes says. "You wouldn’t mind staying here as we gather it all up, would you? We'll deliver it all in five minutes or less, on our honor as the Scouts of Artemesia!" All three of them thump their chest and howl proudly.

She laughs and nods. "Just be careful not to step into any poisonous plants or anything..."

All three of them smirk and exchange glances. "Alright, boys!" Iason says. "Howl when you find the shack!"

All of them bound away on all fours at ridiculous speed. The last thing you hear of them is Diokles exclaiming "First one to find it gets a sip of the good wine!"

Mara starts tearing into all the food set before her. Tam above, this stuff is delicious. It had been so long since she had proper bread, and the figs -- although barely just average by anyone else’s standards -- were sweeter than even the tastiest beets she grew in her garden. As nervous as she is about meeting these strangers, she cannot resist the ultimate temptation of good food. Great food, even. She pauses mid-chew, wondering if this ‘Temple of Tam’ place has even more food. She shakes her head and resumes chewing. No, no, she can’t be motivated solely by her stomach. Good deeds before good food. At least the warmth of her amulet reassures her that her heart is in the right place.

Only a minute into getting her munch on, she hears a distant howl. It didn’t take long for them to find her place it seems. Had she not left her hut at all today, it may not have been much longer before they found her anyway. Her anxiety spikes. She worries that they had found her lifestyle to be sloppy, or maybe even detestable, and she grips her robe tightly. Quickly, she wipes her face and starts cleaning up any empty bowls, hoping to make the camp a little more hospitable when they return.

Soon after, the three Lupii come running back (this time on two legs), holding Mara's things in their arms. "Retrieved, as promised!" Nicomedes exclaims.

"Quite lovely for something you made yourself! We just live in tents, and you've got a nice little hut!" Iason adds.

Diokles is holding a handful of veggies and herbs. "I gathered up as many as I could! Only the ripe ones, though."

"I wouldn't consider it that good, but thank you!" She bows quickly. "Oh! I just remembered. I must have not introduced myself... I'm Mara. I suppose that was a bit rude of me." She then cocks her head. "For later reference, how um... What are the acolytes of Tam like here?"

"Greetings, Mara!" They all say in unison. They bow again, careful not to drop any of her belongings. "A late introduction is better than none at all!" Nicomedes adds. They glance at one another, mulling over the question Mara has posed.

"Are they... nice?" She adds.

"Well, the Temple of Tam is the headquarters -- for the lack of a better word -- of the Sisters of Tam," Diokles explains. "But all sorts of followers of Tam will congregate there. Plus, followers of Jal, and unaffiliated folks. It's a very diverse place."

Iason nods. "You'll likely stick out for a bit, but most adventurers do at first. Besides, conformity isn't a teaching of Tam, or Jal for that matter." He shrugs. "Don't worry about it. Love, compassion, and warmth are Tam's teachings. You will be accepted as long as you have kind intentions."

Diokles wags his tail -- briefly. "And you're very kind!" The other two nod in agreement.

"It sounds promising..." Mara muses.

"As are you!" They say in unison.

She pulls her hood over her face with embarrassment, smiling and wagging her tail. "Thank you... I hope I see you all again."

"Onwards, to the ship!" Nicomedes commands. The other two follow in perfect step. Mara picks up her staff and sets off. She has no qualms about leaving so fast, so soon. She knows this is the right thing to do. Her amulet is warm, the birds are singing again, she is full of tasty food, and she feels a trustworthiness from these three strange ‘Lupii’ that she has not felt in years.

The trek is not long, aided especially by the three Lupii’s skills at traversing rough terrain. At the coast, there is a ship, just as promised. Typically, ships are in the sea, but this one is not. The huge ship is in the sand, tilted over almost perpendicular to the ground. All the cargo is on the beach, stacked up and tied down, and the whole crew scales the underside of the ship -- attached to ropes rappelling down or climbing up on ladders -- to scour away the barnacles. A tall Lupii (and Lupii are already tall) watches from a distance, arms crossed. He barks out orders (literally and figuratively) every so often.

"Is that Lucius? He seems kind of… intimidating." Mara muses.

"A ship's captain can't be soft," Diokles says.

"I suppose you're right. I, um… should I go talk to him or-"

Mara is cut off by the sound of Lucius yelling. "NICOMEDES! IASON! DIOKLES! GREAT TO SEE YOU AGAIN!" Lucius takes massively long strides across the beach to meet the three. He practically has to bend completely over at the waist to be head-height with Mara. Which… he does. His face gets uncomfortably close. "And who are you, little girl?" He’s fluffy and wolf-like, just like the other Lupii. If he was just a few feet shorter, he’d fit right in. Instead, he’s nearly pushing nine feet tall, broad-shouldered, muscled, and with deep scars.

"I- UM. RAMA EDVILDISS!" She shakes her head. "Mara. Mara Edelvise. I, um." She backs up, close to the others. "I'm... not a- It's a pleasure to meet you??" She coughs. "I was told that you could take me to the Temple of Tam?"

Lucius straightens his back and looms. He doesn't even mean to loom, it's just his natural state. After a few seconds, he laughs. It is a deep and hearty laugh. "A pleasure to meet you as well, Mara Edelvise. Any friend of these three is a friend of mine." He holds out a hand to shake. It's the size of Mara's entire head. There is a ring on his (surprise, surprise) ring finger that's also massive and glints in the sunlight. "I am Lucius Miretalon, though I'm certain your friends have already said my name before."

The three Lupii nod in unison. "We hoped you would let her aboard," Diokles says. "To the Temple of Tam, as she said!" Iason added. "She's a healer, and she's never been there!" Nicomedes adds as well.

Mara hesitantly shakes his hand while still keeping a fair distance. Her paw is nearly lost in the beefy beans on Lucius’ palm. In response to the three, she nods.

Lucius straightens up all the way, stroking the fur on his chin like it's a beard. It's so fluffy that it practically is. "My route stops at New Trensidale... but maybe I can afford to go to the Temple after that. It's been a long time since I've talked to the Headmistress there. I'm sure she misses me."

"Yes, I haven't been to the temple, and I am rather interested in what it's like, I suppose. I didn't think I'd find anyone out here. Is um... the ship. It's all set, right? I mean, of course, it is, but… I just don't want to be too close to the depths, in fact, I'd-"

"The depths? We're sailing along the coast, Lady Mara. Probably the safest sea route you could ever take. No shoals nor coral reefs to run aground on. Smooth sailing." Lucius nods. He turns to look at the ship. "ARE YA DONE CAREENING?" he yells out. In unison, the crew turns to look at Lucius and they all salute. "Aye aye, captain!"

"I mean- I knew that. Um." She breathes in and out, trying to calm herself down. Lucius looks back down at Mara, leaning down to look at her at head level. "Are you ill? Those scars don't look natural."

At his mention of the scars, she begins to get a little more anxious. "It was an accident, I'm fine. How about we get going? I'll just… keep out of your fur." Without waiting for a response, she began walking toward the ship, doing a little crab walk around them.

Lucius puts one giant hand on Mara's shoulder, stopping her in her tracks. Mara lets out a yelp mixed with an inhaling noise, snapping her head to look up at him with an expression of catatonic fear.

He crouches down and looks Mara right in the eyes. "I need you to be honest with me," he says quietly. "Are you ill? Is it anything contagious? I cannot endanger the lives of my crew, no matter how good your intentions are." He reaches out with one hand and gently pokes her in the chest. "I am responsible for all those on board my ship. You included." His face is covered in scars as well -- it is clear he is no stranger to the concept. Despite his size and harsh exterior, his eyes go soft. "I will not harm you."

"I-I'm not ill! I'm not! It was a mistake, I swear- Please just, let me go, I need to go to the Temple, they can-" She takes a breath. "Please just let me go to the Temple. I'm not contagious."

His eyes scan Mara up and down. He takes his hand off her shoulder and slowly stands. "The word of Tam is always taken as truth. If you truly are blessed by Tam, then I must take it as truth." He looks out at the ship at the beach.

The ship has been righted, and the entire crew is pushing it through the sand into the water. They are chanting in a language Mara does not know, and with each heave of the ship they let out a "HO!".

O Títos ítan o Kaísar tis Klaniás prin apó tin epanástasi. HO!

Makriá, apomakrýnesai! Tha petáxoume ton Kýro! HO!

Sti synécheia, ómos, ésvise to kefáli tou to opoío ésfaze to sýntagmá tou. HO!

Makriá, apomakrýnesai! tha apomakrýnoume ton Kýro! HO!

Trópos, apomakrýnesai! HO! Tha sikothoúme kai tha kollísoume mazí! HO!

Makriá, apomakrýnesai! HO! Tha apomakrýnoume ton Kýro! HO!

Mólis ímoun sta ypsípeda skápsimo vromiá kai patátes. HO!

Tóra eímai se éna ploío thalássiou lýkou ríchnontas se fýlla kai tirántes. HO!

Tóra, ótan ímoun mikrós agóri -- HO! -- i mitéra mou mou eípe óti an -- HO!

den filíso ta korítsia ta cheíli mou -- HO! --tha ginótan óla moúchla. HO!

Trópos, apomakrýnesai! HO!

Tha travíxoume ti sfaíra! HO!

Trópos, apomakrýnesai! HO!

To pakéto eínai éna trochaío! HO!

With the combined strength of so many Lupii, it doesn't take long at all to get the ship back in the water. A few smaller crewmembers clamber up the side and let down rope ladders, which tumble down the side with a clatter. Each crew member grabs a crate of cargo and climbs one-handed up the ladders, continuing to chant. Despite the size and weight of the cargo, the Lupii crew restocks the ship with ease.

Lucius looks down at Mara, and his gaze softens. "I apologize. I did not mean to startle you." He looks up at the three Lupii holding Mara's belongings. "Get her things into the guest quarters!" The three of them nod and sprint to the ship, climbing up one-handed while tucking Mara's things under the other arm.

"I understand you had good intentions, so-" She pauses. "I'm really sorry."

"I do not think you need to apologize, but I accept it nonetheless." He gestures to the ship. "Come, let us come aboard. You will be in the guest quarters next to mine. It is the least I can do for an honored guest that Tam has given to me." He begins taking long strides across the sand.

Mara tries to keep up, attempting to make equally long strides toward the boat. Upon arrival, she huffs, looking up at it. It looked significantly different than the ones she knew of, and she felt a bit intimidated by it. She glanced nervously at the large Lupii before climbing up the ladders. The pads of her feet tingled at the sensation of being on the boat… but everything was telling her she had to, and she didn't have a choice. 'This is such a bad idea; I can't believe I'm doing this. I don't want to be here.' She looked around for any kind faces to focus on, or someone to guide her to the quarters so she didn't have to be alone. 'Everything is going to change starting now.' As she thought this, she gripped her amulet with an astounding amount of force.

The amulet somehow feels both warm and cool at the same time.

All the crew are far too busy putting away cargo, tying down crates, hoisting ropes, and running about to notice Mara. Lucius guides her with a gentle hand to her room, which is located directly next to the captain's quarters. Iason, Nicomedes, and Diokles are standing outside.

"We put her things in the room! All nice and neat." Iason says, nodding to Lucius. Lucius nods back.

She quickly bows low to the four and goes towards the guest room without a word. She turns slightly. "It won't be long, will it? I know it probably won't but, I think you can tell I don't like boats very much."

"We have good winds this time of year," Lucius says. "The Trade Winds are fast and strong, and with me at the helm we'll be there in record time, Tam willing." Lucius winks. "After all, I'm certain Tam wouldn't want to keep one of her followers waiting."

"I suppose you're right..."

Iason, Nicomedes, and Diokles run to the railing on the side of the ship. "We'll help give her one final push into the water, Lucius!" All three of them hop off the side, splashing into the shallow water.

"Don't worry about it, Mara!" Diokles calls up, grunting with effort as he pushes the ship. "No storm, nor man nor beast can best the Maelstrom! Safest way to travel!"

"You flatter me, Diokles!" Lucius calls down. He turns to Mara. "Come, I'm sure your friends will want to see you off. Hard to do that cooped up in the guest room." He beckons Mara to come to the railing.

Mara isn't sure if it's the swaying of the boat or something else, but she feels uneasy. The amulet becomes very warm, giving a feeling of comfort as it rests upon Mara's body. Even the choppy waves of the ocean become gentler for a moment. Soon, though, the amulet returns to normal.

Mara relaxes, nodding at Lucius before heading to the rail to look down at the three Lupii. "I've been saying it all day, but thank you so much. I'm glad to have met you, and... I'm glad to have you all as friends." She hesitates before the last part. "I hope I see you all again, and wish you good luck."

The sails catch the wind, and the hull catches the water. "We're off, captain!" one crewmember shouts. The ship slowly glides out, away from the shore. Lucius gives the three Lupii on the shore a wave, then turns and busies himself with giving orders.

Nicomedes, Iason, and Diokles stand at the shore, waving up to Mara. "The pleasure was all ours, Mara!" Nicomedes calls up. "We will pray that your journey brings great fortune, power, and glory!"

All three of them bow in unison. "If you ever find yourself around these parts again, you will always be welcome to our hospitality!" Diokles shouts, smiling wide.

They continue to wave as the ship goes further out. They pound their chests and howl, give one final wave, then bound on all fours toward the forest. Mara can see the gentle wisp of smoke from their campfire still wafting into the air. The three cross the threshold, then disappear into the brush. There is more howling, though it becomes fainter and fainter as the sound of waves and wind overpowers it.