Chapter 4: Open Sea

As the set of again Iantha sits to the side of the ship playing with the gained trinket. She had tried to distraczct herselfwqiqrh other tasks, m like clearing the dents omfir m her armour, sharpening heyr weapons, but such chores had now bee done and she was left with little more than her thoughts. Thoughts that constehd on the worth of the last 10 years, and the whims of the gods.

She could try and aid the crew, but she was concerned about barging her way in. They were well trained, a unit each with their own job, like she has used to be. She could take one of those kisoot oti the war, or the sea creature, but would that be salt in the wound.

She places the bracelet on her wrist, next to another trinket - one of the hooks from the sea creature hastily stringed. She didn't want Artemis to think she was forgotten.

Sighing she looks around for someone else off duty.she couldcknvince into a syoar, a game of dice, cards, someing to distract herself.

Nikias is glad to have the sea beneath his legs again. He always had liked sailing, though it wasn't his profession or calling. It reminded him of the times his father had taken him out on their small boat to fish as a child.

He spends the days visiting with the crew, attempting to make himself as present as possible and available to each and every one of them. They were off-course, he knew, and maintaining morale was going to be important for all. He accepts his role as a leader to include such guidance and provides hope where he can.

He otherwise spends some time with the twin captives of Troy, eager to learn more of what he can of the girl's visions and trying to ensure their comfort as much as possible, given the circumstances.

After one such encounter, he stands and stretches, bidding them a good night. As he leaves, he finds Iantha, walking the deck of the ship, alone. "Warrior," he says in greeting, then pauses, "How have you been getting along? I, regrettably, haven't taken the time to just stop and check with you all that closely. I witness your strength, and perhaps foolishly, assume you can shoulder much burden. Is the rest of crew being accomodating?"

"Be wary, men! Could be a coy attempt to lure us in, could be pirates!" He nevertheless gives the orders to approach the waving figure, as it was their duty to offer aid upon the seas to those in need.

Iantha moves to stand by Nikias at he shouts his warning. She had been getting agitated stuck in the ship nothing to do or hunt and just stuck with her own thoughts . Part of her was almost hoping for it to be a trap, but even if genuine at least it was something different than just the never ending waves.

"Chara!?" Nikias shouts, "Afraid not, sailor. But we have shade from the sun, and fresh water. You look as if you could use both. Do you request aid?"

"Stelios. I am Nikias, of Ithica. Yes, we were caught in the storm, but braved it as you did. What island did you come from, how long have you been at sea, friend?" The man drains one waterskin, so Nikias draws his own and hands it to him. "Here, more water."

Iantha watches Nikias as the captain for cues as to how to proceed. As he let's Stelios on board she relaxes slightly, placing her spear to the side. Her hand still jota le stays close to the sword on her hip however just in case.

She gives the man a nod. 'Iantha of the Amazons. This Chara.. did you know her before you set sail? Or only from dreams?' [/b] There is some bafflement in her voice. Who would set sail just on dreams of a woman?

Cracking an eye open the scout would glance down from the crossbar of the mast where he was reclined, one foot looped carelessly around a line for security. Sleep interrupted he'd sigh and sit up, stretching with a startling number and volume of cracks sounding their way down his spine and hips.

"Limnos isn't exactly out of the way, captain" he'd opine, pointing generally off to the west "We'd just cross the Aegean there instead of south by Ikaria. It's more open water, to be sure, but it'll be faster: the currents run south on the west bank and north on the east, so we'd have both the wind and the sea on our side." Casting a critical eye over the now-secured fishing boat he'd sigh, then slide easily down the mast to land with an unsteady "THUD" on the deck, wincing at the impact "Damn, I dreamed that the gods had made me young again. Well, I know they'd punish us for leaving him alone. We can easily split the crew to do basic repairs while we tow him along. The gods love lovers and madmen, after all"

Nikias takes a deep breath then gives a curt nod to Kouru. "I suppose it is as you say. If Limnos is close enough along the way, let us bring the man home."

He looks to the man, Stelios. "Does that work for you, friend?"

Nikias narrows his gaze at the man. "A rocky outcropping? You speak as if you see sirens, my friend. Does Chara sing to you?"

"And how again was it your ship was made to be in such a condition as we found it?" Nikias has difficulty shaking his skepticism.