Room for One More? (E 1.5, L 1.6)

Laughter trails off, not like you'd said anything wrong, Edmund, but because it's a serious question. Javan, Zephyr, and Shrike all turn to look at Litch with the expectation that he'll lay down the law. Jackdaw simply goes back to eating.

"A typical day, you ask?" I respond, not looking up from my work, but recognizing that the silence is my invitation into the conversation. "Well now, that sounds like the question of someone who intends to stay a while." I glance up at the small assembly, my eyes twinkling in amusement. "Which you are welcome to, Edmund. I ask that you simply pitch in when asked and respect our hierarchy of authority. I don't expect you to memorize all of our rules. We'll tell you if a line has been crossed, but we won't hold the first offense against you."

I look around the room at the others so they know this is my directive to them as well as to the butler. "Now, finish up and get back to your duties. Zeph, the raven's rookery needs to be cleaned. Javan, take out the trash and then I'll meet you in the armory and help you clean out the weapons. Jack, stay back. I want a progress report with the Shark Eaters and your other ongoing deals. Mundo," I pause and look at him and Shrike. "Enjoy your stay in the Roost. And thank you for helping us. Shrike will keep you busy for the morning. I'll check in on you this afternoon. Dismissed."

I hand the large bucket of scraps to my son, then grab a mug of tea and sit at the table with Jackdaw to hear his report.

I blow gently on my tea before taking a careful sip as I listen to the braggadocio as he basks in his element. "We don't have scuba gear, Jackdaw. That's why we needed the Shark Eaters in the first place." I set the mug down on the table, then clasp my hands together in front of me, leveling him with my pale, stern eyes. "But I have no doubt that you can still get us the gear. Perhaps by using your magnanimous personality."

I nod in agreement and reach inside the right breast pocket of my duster to grab jingle for Jackdaw. The action makes me recall the missing smokes from the night prior - we used up the last two I had - and my face twitches as I also remember the pain from the laser-orbs. I should have asked Edmund to take a look at the wound. Time for that later.

"Alright, Jack." I say, slapping the bag of coins into his palm, making the distinct sound for which it's named. "Don't try to double-cross them at the Tower. It isn't Poseidon's Belly. There are fewer idiots and more resources."

My knuckles pale as I nervously grip the handrail that ends just as the narrow walkway begins. I'm not the strongest swimmer. While I don't fear the water, I certainly respect it. Sometimes, out the corner of my eye, even the shallow waves that roll past seem to be claws that lap at the surface, threatening to drag the careless or overconfident to the murky depths.

I'm excited to go with Shrike, but should make sure she is confident in letting me join. "Are you sure you want me to join you Miss Shrike." Have to have speak loudly to make sure my voice carries to her. "Won't I just slow you down?"

My face softens at Jackdaws offer. "That's...kind of you, Jack." I sip some tea and ponder for a moment. "If you can swing it, see if you can find an artist that's familiar with Kiwi's likeness. Have them draw a picture of him. If there's enough jingle, maybe you could get one of Javan and Zeph while you're at it." I pause, before adding. "Unless artistic renderings happens to be another one of your many gifts?"

I certainly hope so. I tip my invisible cap to him as he heads off. I had told Javan I would meet him in the armory to help him clean and ready the weapons and combat equipment. Makes the work go faster when there are more hands and I enjoy spending time with each of the Talons...yes, even with Jackdaw. Though his company, as well as his art, is a procured taste.

In my soul, I know that I may need to locate Helix and search for a means to untether Kiwi from her. Unfortunately, she's with the Sippians and outside of easy reach. I mentally file it away. There's time. If she is linked by the Gray Wing to me then I'll let the divine direct her to me. In the meantime, there's work to be done. I finish my tea in silence, then head towards the staircase to the armory.

"Careful I can do."

I steady myself and head out to Shrike along the walkway.

Litch, please go here.

I step to where Shrike stood just a moment ago, taking a hold of the crank. As I slowly spin the simple mechanism, the rope coils around the winch pulling the trap closer and closer to the murky surface.

"I hope you don't take this the wrong way, especially coming from someone like me, but I really appreciate the life you Talons have carved out here. A dwelling to yourselves. Family who genuinely cares about each other. And I can see your effort and struggle alchemizing into results before me." As I speak the water's surface erupts in ripples as the crate emerges from the depths.

"Fair point." I say as I let the rope out again, watching the crate sink below the surface.

"If someone shot Litch, and you managed to save his life, but then everyone started hunting you as if you were the one that struck at him - what would you do." As I look at her it is hard to hide the panic that has been consuming me. Still, I force a smile. "Asking for a friend."