| Logs |
2000-11-05
| Starfall |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
 |
Heading Inland
Rosita is awake early the next morning in spite of the late night. She gets breakfast with the crew and then curls up out of the way to wait for her employers to wake up.
Alex does her fighting workout with the crew as usual, practicing under Mac's stern eye. Once that's done she splashes some water on her hot face, then heads up into the rigging for her acrobatics and magic practice. She's trying hard to learn to grab or move things both while they're moving, while she's moving, and while both of them are moving. She wants to be able to work with her brothers usefully; either as an aid to Carroll's dagger throwing, or to Horatio's alchemical preparations. She finally finishes, landing lightly on the deck, then patters over to wash up. She grins, noticing Rosita curled up and catching a few more winks, but doesn't bother her. Clean up, change of clothes, then breakfast, she thinks.
Horatio emerges from his belowdecks quarters just as Alex is finishing her acrobatics training for the day. He grins quietly, seeing her landing as graceful as ever, and pads over towards her as she washes up. "Honest, Alex, I wouldn't be surprised if you're able to swing from our rigging to that of a ship we're drawn up against."
Rosita is curled up, but actually quite awake... her eyes open and bright as she watches Alex's acrobatics with astonishment. When she comes down from the rigging, the armadillo pads over to her. "Senyorita... what ees eet you are doing up there?"
Alex grins cheerfully at Horatio, looking a bit pleased that he's proud of her, "Morning, Horry! Thank you!" She grins just as cheerfully at the little armadillo, "It's called acrobatics, Rosita. It means in combat I can move easily and smoothly in ways my opponent might not expect... and that if the ship should lurch suddenly in a storm I'm less likely to lose my footing and get swept overboard -- because I know how to curl and grab something quickly." She thinks a bit, tilting her head, "Well... it actually has many more uses, but those are two quick and easy ones." She grins again, "So, breakfast anyone? Oh! and Horry, how'd the talk with senyor Valencia go?"
Rosita looks a bit dubious. "I know curling up, but..."
Horatio says, "Breakfast sounds good to me. It went well, all in all. He talked about some of the uses he's found for his... material, whatever it is. There seem to be quite a few, and they're pretty promising. He wants me to go with him to his village today, to see his lab and what other things he's done with it." He appears a little reluctant, however, and says as much. "I don't mind saying," he adds, "that I'm not planning on going alone.""
Alex looks interested, "Hm... may I come along, Horry? Along with whatever guards you'll be taking?"
Horatio grins, "You're more than welcome to, Alex, in fact I'm glad you asked. As for other guards, I haven't thought about that yet. I was thinking maybe two others besides you and I...?"
Alex nods to Horatio, "Let Mac decide... he'd know best."
Horatio nods. "That sounds good to me."
Alex heads for breakfast with Horatio, and grins at Rosita as she walks, "Well, let's see. Say you're in combat, Rosita... this is your ship, you're fighting fiercely against a pirate, right? And you're over there, see, where the rope ladder up to the crow's nest is, with the guy ropes hanging next to it?" Her voice is animated and she gestures as she talks -- she likes telling stories! "And so you dispatch your pirate, boom! all taken care of... and you look up to see where you'll be most helpful next... and oh no! There's the captain, up there on the quarterdeck, fighting three pirates all at once! and no one's close enough to help him, and there are fighting furrs between you and him -- how can you possibly get there in time?!"
Alex grins again, mostly unties one of the ropes and holds out a small paw to Rosita, "Want to see what happens?" By her relaxed stance the little armadillo can tell that Alex is unlikely to pull any nasty pranks on her... and by her cheerful grin, that she believes she's offering something fun to Rosita.
Rosita gingerly takes Alex's paw once again. "You are jumping through the ropes like that?"
Alex nods, "Yep!" She boosts Rosita up onto her back, "Put your arms around my neck and hold on tight, okay?" Once she's sure Rosita's hanging on tight, she takes a few running steps, flips the rope completely free, and lets the weight on the other end of it yank her into the air, sending her flying towards the quarterdeck with a gleeful, "Wheeee!" She blinks in startlement, partway through her leap -- this girl's a lot heavier than she looks! Better correct a bit with magic, or they're both going to smack the quarterdeck railing, not save the beleaguered captain in the story! She makes another mental note -- need to practice acrobatics with extra weight too, just in case! Finally she lands lightly, "Tadaaa! And here you are, just in time to save the captain! Fun, huh?"
Rosita ooohs as they land. "You deed something... eet was all sparkly, si?" The armadillo looks exhilarated, apparently not realizing how close they came to crashing ungracefully.
Horatio blinks in surprise at Rosita's words, even as his heart slowly returns to normal after the performance. Alex did well, of course, even if it was a little clear that the armadillo was a little on the heavy side. But Rosita noticing that magic was used? That certainly couldn't be that common, could it?
Alex blinks again -- Rosita noticed the magic! She grins, "Yep, I gave us a little extra boost. See what I mean though, about this being one of the things acrobatics is good for?" She patters down the stairs, neatly ties the hanging rope back up, and grins at Horatio, "Ready for breakfast, Horry? and after that I want to have Rosita talk to Cleo a bit, while you're talking with Mac, okay? She can apparently see magic use!"
Horatio blinks again at Alex's complete unflappability. "Er... sure, that... sounds good... I mean... of course, that sounds like a good idea." He smiles and walks with Alex and Rosita to breakfast.
Rosita doesn't let on that she's already had breakfast, and quite happily puts away another serving, listening to the conversations going on around her. Horatio munches on his breakfast, glancing to Rosita now and then, but not unpleasantly. On further reflection, he shouldn't be surprised that Rosita could sense when Alex used magic -- hadn't Alex already noted that Rosita had something of a magic aura? He found it hard to comprehend magic, at least the magic that could come so naturally. What magic he was capable of was tied up, part and parcel, with the workings of alchemy, of fulminates and sublimates and precipitates and essences, of all four elements and nigh-countless herbs and minerals. Of course what Alex and Cleo -- and, perhaps someday, Rosita -- could all do was a mystery to him, and wondrous.
Alex devours her breakfast with relish, then takes Rosita's small hand (if the armadillo doesn't seem to mind) and heads down to see Cleo, still chewing on a piece of bread... mm, fresh bread! Loads nicer than hardtack -- ports definitely have uses, she decides happily, and fresh food is one of 'em! She introduces Cleo to Rosita, then explains to the calico that Rosita noticed Alex using magic earlier in the day, calling it a 'sparkly' -- and so Alex decided perhaps Cleo might want to talk to Rosita. Rosita spends perhaps a half hour with Cleo, and looks a bit bedazzled when she comes back out. "Hechicera? Yo? Rosita, la hechicera?!"
Horatio blinks. "'Hechicera...? Does that mean, erm, 'mage'?" Because I hope it doesn't mean 'witch'! He doesn't really expect an answer, though he asks that out loud. Alex smiles at Rosita encouragingly... but doesn't comment, since she's not sure what an 'ech-ee-sera' is.
Rosita curtseys deeply to Alex. "Muchas gracias, Donya Alex. You... geef me chance I deed not know I had."
Alex smiles again, "Thank Cleo, Rosita. She gave me the same chance, and the training. I just noticed that you noticed when I used magic."
Rosita shakes her head. "But... you are great lady, Donya Alex. You geef thees chance to poor street girl. Gracias, gracias..." Alex looks a little surprised that Rosita would consider it unusual that a lady (or any noble, for that matter) would not take care of her people... but she simply accepts the thanks graciously, and encourages Rosita to do her best with Cleo's training.
Alex talks with Horatio, Mac, and Valencia, and the decision is made to stop by the large bird's village on the way to the inland capital. While the arrangements and logistics are being made, Alex decides to visit the mercenary's guild. Perhaps they can give her more information on imports and exports in this area.
The local Mercenaries Guild office is not nearly as extensive -- or elaborate -- as the ones in the League and the Empire. It's a small whitewashed stone building, in fact, with a courtyard barely big enough for weapons practice and far too small for archery. The local officer is a rather bizarre creature with a long pointed nose, gray and white streaked fur, and heavy claws on his hands. Rosita introduces him as Capitan Diego Alvarez.
Alex bows politely, giving the unfamiliar accent and name her best shot, "Captain Alvarez. Thank you for seeing us." She offers the letter of introduction to the anteater, then waits while he reads it. Horatio stands quietly beside Alex, not really worried at all that there might be something wrong with the letter. He has been managing to relax and calm down a little after the ambush that nearly took their lives, and his calming is due in no small part to his siblings' care, something that is not lost on him. Carroll remains quietly in the background, letting his sister ask the questions.
Alverez reads the letter, his long bushy tail twitching as he does. He replies, by way of Rosita, "Donya Alexandra. You honor our humble establishment. What may I do for you?"
Alex smiles up at her dear, brilliant, and charmingly twitchiest brother, patting his arm lightly and reassuringly. When the captain is finished reading she nods politely to him in return, and says, "Thank you so much, captain, you are too kind. We were thinking of traveling to Iniesta, and I was wondering if we might ask you a bit about the route we plan to take? For example, are there any caravans that travel that route routinely?"
Rosita translates again. "The route to the capital, she starts by riverboat. There are trails, si, but the river ees faster. At Cascada Aguila, ees caravans to travel weeth sometimes, or ees... wagons? I theenk not right word. Cocheros, we say, to take you to Iniesta."
Alex hms, then checks to see if Cascada Aguila is near senyor Valencia's village. Rosita translates, "Eet ees not close, but ees on the way. Not far from Rio Verde."
Alex nods thoughtfully, noting that, then in the discussion asks several questions about who runs the caravans, what they're transporting, what the likelihood of banditry is in regards to what is being transported, how friendly the various caravaneers are... similar things like that, mostly woven in within the context of a friendly conversation. She's also careful to check with her brothers, to see if they want to add anything. Carroll has been listening carefully, and softly asks a question of the Captain, via Rosita, getting clarification on some points. He's also madly absorbing the language. Horatio taps his chin quietly, and when he gets the chance asks if there is any trade in anything that alchemists might have interest in, and also asking what happens to go into or out of the village they'll be heading for later.
Rosita translates as the conversation continues, as Alvarez notes that the caravans carry ores and metal down from the highlands, food and imports back up, and that most caravaneers are reasonably friendly. Banditry is minimal, since the caravan trails represent the easiest routes and getting stolen goods to a market without getting caught is difficult at best. The anteater does still recommend the 'cocheros', though -- the conversation seems to indicate that they are some sort of faster passenger conveyance. Alex finally gets a perplexed look, and asks Rosita or the anteater captain if they could maybe draw, or further describe, these 'ko-cheh-roh' thingies?
Alvarez looks surprised, then twitches his tail as he stares at Rosita, who looks a trifle embarrassed. A sketch is quickly made, with a cochero turning out to be something like a stagecoach. He continues chatting with Horatio while he draws, describing the little villages in general terms. They tend to produce lumber and other forest products, especially cafe and cacao. Horatio nods, listening. Valencia had mentioned that the material had been developed from tree sap, among other things. That makes sense, considering how much lumber products are produced in the jungle villages.
Alex hms to herself... so, it sounds like there's mostly import/export from Hamasura to Costa Yermo, and not as much to the port. Hmm... and Hamasura apparently has a need for... ores and metal? She's not sure she's got that right... but food seems to be a big export, along with other bulk cargoes like wood and non-precious metals. That, and they have a highway of sorts, to accommodate the stagecoaches, and little to no banditry -- good. Wonder if it's the same on the other side of the mountains, in Costa Yermo? Then again, if the peasantry's as beaten down as rumor has it... banditry may be all some of them can manage, despite the instant death sentence it would doubtless carry. Alex frowns thoughtfully to herself. It must be the shipping costs that prevent simple things like food or wood being transported much to the League. She's a tad bit surprised Costa Yermo's not doing more trade with the League, in fact, considering their main exports seem to be (she grins to herself) gems, gold, and mouthy nobles! None of those are bulk cargoes, after all... and she'd think luxury items like gems and gold would be quite popular to transport by sea.
Horatio ponders quietly, then looks to Alex and Carroll. "Normally I leave the monetary aspects of our voyages to you, Carroll, but maybe, perhaps, if there isn't much trade between here and the league we could... incite some, with a speculative trading mission back home...?
Carroll chimes in with a question, via Rosita, asking if there is much piracy of the trading ships. Rosita translates, "Si. The poor folk of the islands, they have leetle to lose by preying on sheeps, si? So ees much piracy there on lone sheeps."
Horatio says, "Well, that explains the lack of trade... and maybe a solution?"
Carroll nods and murrs, "It may be that we might find good trade here, yes. Some of the hardwoods or other natural products for Starfall, and the precision instrumentation and machinery Starfall can manufacture here." He considers, and then adds, "Single ships are easier targets than convoys. Perhaps we can think about that."
Alex hms to herself. So... piracy problems through the northern islands off of Hamasura, unless we can figure out some way to trade with them. The big, valuable cargoes are a magnet to them, probably... and it's not worthwhile to transport the big bulk cargoes. Hmm... she wonders if anyone's ever tried moving cargoes with magic... maybe that would work better than battling pirates? She'll have to ask Cleo about the feasibility of that... that, and check on a map which island or port it is that the silly Costa Yermo princeling is allowing pirates to use.
The three foxes and their translator chat with the mercenary captain for a while, but eventually Carroll notes that the time for their appointment with the mayor is approaching and they politely take their leave.
There is a slight misunderstanding at the Palacio, as the alcalde's secretary assumes that Rosita is just a guide and tries to chase her off when she comes along with the St. Genevieve family. It's quickly sorted out, with more than a bit of embarrassment on the part of the secretary when the little street-rat points out that she's got a much better command of Killimaran. Alex grins to herself at that, but quietly lets Rosita handle things -- looks like the little armadillo is just full of unseen talents! She's oddly rather proud of her. Horatio bows as well, making quiet note of Alex's beaming appreciation of how well Rosita is guiding the siblings through Hamasura. I'd almost start wondering if we haven't found a new member of our merry band he thinks, if not for the fact that she's trying to make a living for her family.
Eventually, all four are introduced to His Excellency, Alcalde Stefano de la Novita. "Senyores, Senyorita, buenas dias!" The alcalde speaks no Killimaran worth mentioning, and Rosita again must translate.
Alex bows politely with her brothers and grins... Rosita's certainly earning her pay and then some, today! Carroll tells the Mayor, through their translator, who they are and that they have enjoyed their still-brief stay in his beautiful city. He will add a vague description of why they have come; to consider new trade routes, perhaps here and perhaps to other parts of Hamasura, but not go in to details, at least unless prompted.
De la Novita, a rather portly opossum with interesting reddish-brown fur, smiles and makes similar noncommittal remarks. He does comment, with a greasy smile and flowery phrases that don't translate well, that there are certain licenses and applications for traders, but that with an introduction from such an august person as the Ambassador to Maidstone, these could be expedited... for a slight fee, of course... Alex smiles quietly at that... and bets Carroll won't be able to resist, even through a translator, trying to bargain that down! Carroll smiles, and smoothly does just as his sister expects him to, and attempts to casually halve the fee offered for licenses and titles.
Horatio's ears flicker a little, and he leans closer to Alex and Carroll, and asks in a quiet voice, "Are we here on official Maidstone business that we're able to make use of Ambassadorial status?"
Alex smiles and whispers back to Horatio, "No-no, Horry... our letter is signed by the Hamasuran ambassador to Maidstone. That's what he's referring to."
Horatio whispers, "Oh! Sorry about that. One of these days all these court titles and things will sink in. It's easier to remember that you don't want to immerse fulminate of earth into an aqueous solution..." Alex giggles softly at Horatio's comment, then covers her muzzle, still grinning, and shushes her brother and herself, so Carroll can talk uninterrupted.
Carroll finds working through the translator difficult, but manages to concede with grace that the second, already reduced number will be quite acceptable. The Alcalde smiles as the deal is concluded. Rosita translates again: "Fine, fine, senyor. We shall have the licenses ready by the end of the week."
Carroll tells the Alcalde they may venture inland, to visit Iniesta and explore more of the beautiful land, and see more of the interesting things that are available for barter. He inquires of the Alcalde what he things valuable exports, or needed exports are. De la Novita shrugs rather expressively. Rosita translates a lot of platitudes, which seem to boil down to 'he's a politician, he doesn't actually know anything like that...' Carroll ahs, and nods and smiles widely, telling the mayor that he certainly understands how details like this can be lost when one has such large and heavy responsibilities, and that he appreciates his time, and will let him return to his important work.
The opossum smiles and bows politely as the Starfallers and their translator leave, directing them to the correct clerks for processing their permits and actually accompanying them to that office to make sure that his minions know this is an important procedure. Alex smiles as charmingly as she knows how at the alcalde, thankful that he's helping expedite the paperwork.
Valencia meets the group again that evening to make arrangements for the trip to his 'plantacion', as he calls it. Rosita translates again, "He says, senyores, that he make arrangements to have the riverboat to stop at Madera Occidental." MacKenzie decides to come along himself this time, and details Lars and Jessie to come along. "They're the best we have for work in a forest."
Horatio is, of course, overjoyed that Jessie is better, and knows better than to be overly worried for her. "How long will the riverboat trip take?" Alex makes sure there's a crossbow for each St. Genevieve sibling packed, as well as the other supplies. She debates with herself... then shrugs and takes her whole (and growing) dagger collection along. Might as well keep practice up, after all. Carroll approves easily of MacKenzie's choices and makes the best preparations he can for this trip, making sure everything he knows is needed is along, and asking Rosita if there's anything they'll need that he hasn't thought of; he is certainly not too proud to ask the locals for tips on travelling in the area.
Rosita translates again. "Half day to the landing, then a little while along the trail."
Rosita is acting a bit oddly as the preparations continue. It's Alex who first realizes what the problem might be... she's terribly nervous about something, and it might be the proposed trip. Alex will quietly take the little armadillo aside at one point, and ask her, "Rosita, do you want to go with us on the trip?"
Rosita nods to Alex. "Oh, si, senyorita... but... I have never outside the city traveled before. You weell be coming back, si?"
Alex grins, "Oh yes, we have to -- the Saucy Mare is docked here, after all! And if you're nervous about traveling, don't feel bad, Rosita... the first time my brothers and I left Starfall on the Saucy Mare I was so tense I was almost sick to my stomach!" She grins, adding, "Hopefully this will be a much less stressful trip."
The armadillo smiles. "Oh! Si, she ees. But.. how long weell we be gone? Never has it been thees long I am gone from my seesters."
Alex says, "Ah! I understand. Hm... I'm not sure, exactly." She looks around, then nods, "Why don't we ask the captain? He'd have a good idea, I'd think, of how long it will be?" She adds thoughtfully, "How old are you and your sisters, Rosita?"
Horatio pads up quietly as Alex is talking with Rosita. "Probably no more than two or three days, I think. It takes only half a day to get there, plus some more to walk there.
Alex nods to Horatio, "That'd be to the village, right? Any idea on how long to the capital?"
Horatio says, "I'm not sure about the capitol. Probably closer to a week to get there, I think, though."
Carroll has been listening unobtrusively, and walks by, hearing Horatio. He stops and murrs, "Actually, it's a push to get there in a week. Any little thing goes wrong, and it's a week and a half. We'll also want some time to do business when we get there. We could be gone for as long as a month."
Alex nods at Carroll's comment, "About a month then," and looks to Rosita, "Does that help any?"
Rosita's eyes get wide at the time that Carroll mentions. "A month?" She remembers Alex's question then. "We are fourteen, Senyorita."
Alex blinks at Rosita, "Uhh... you are all fourteen? How many of you are there?"
Rosita looks a little puzzled herself. "Four of us, Senyorita. The usual number."
Carroll sees Rosita's discomfort, and sits down on the deck by the railing they're talking at, crossing his legs and tucking his tail in to his lap, so he's shorter than the armadillo girl. He looks startled at 'four'... Alex says, "There are four of you?" She looks startled, then curious, "Wait... are you saying that armadillo furrs have four siblings at once usually?"
Rosita nods. "Si, senyorita. You deed not know thees?"
Alex says, "No!" She sounds fascinated, "Is that common in Hamasura, or is it just armadillo furrs?" She settles out of the way next to Carroll, comfortably, leaning a bit on him if he doesn't seem to mind.
Carroll hmms and murrs, "No, that's quite odd indeed." He asks casually, "I wonder if any of the others can do magic, too?"
Alex's eyes widen, "Oh my! Carroll, we must ask them all to talk to Cleo!"
Carroll rarely minds his sister leaning on him. He murrs, "Yes, we must. Is Cleo coming with us?"
Alex looks up at Horatio curiously, "Did you know that, Horry? That usually children are born in foursomes?"
Horatio says, "Well, I sort of knew that, Alex. It was mentioned to me once in class, I think."
Rosita giggles. "Just armadillos, senyorita. There ees me, and Juanita does sewing, Estrella works for a tavern, and Sofia... Sofia ees rowdy, but she keeps our place safe, si?"
Alex says, "Huh!" She giggles, her eyes dancing as she glances at Carroll, "I guess, in a way, it's kinda like us, yes?"
Carroll casually replies to his sister, "I feel for their parents."
Alex laughs, lightly bapping his arm, "Oh, surely we weren't that bad?!" She grins at Horatio, "Amazing. I had no idea! Well then..." she smiles at Rosita, "-so... what do you want to do, Rosita? We don't want to take you away from your sisters if it's too long for you to be comfortable, after all."
Carroll asks Rosita, before he gets too distracted, "Do you want to come with us on this trip? We certainly could use your skills. Is there anything we can do to make that less frightening?" Alex nods at Carroll's words.
Rosita shrugs. "Ees yust... just.. has been the four of us seence Mama... got sick. Never been apart before."
Alex watches Rosita thoughtfully... then reaches to gently tug on Carroll's ear, to whisper to him, "Do we have any positions for um... a seamstress, or maybe cook's assistant? Maybe the rowdy one might have fighter potential?"
Carroll nods to Alex, and murrs, "I was wondering the same things. If they've all potential for magic, time with Cleo might be very profitable for all of us, too." He asks Rosita, "Do any of your sisters speak Killamaran like you do?"
Rosita shakes her head. "We all learn to do different theengs, si? I learn languages, to help visitors, be guide."
Alex pats Carroll's knee and nods firmly, "Regardless, they should all take a moment to speak to Cleo, don't you think?" She looks at the little armadillo, "Could you ask your sisters to come visit the Mare tonight after they're done with their work, Rosita?" She grins, "Because if nothing else these girls have already shown they're smart and plan ahead -- they all decided to learn different things!"
Carroll nods and murrs, "That would be a good idea."
It takes a little bit of persuasion to get Rosita to bring her whole family down to the Mare, but eventually they all arrive. Alex leans on the quarterdeck railing, curious to see something she's never seen before -- identical quadruplets! Or... maybe they're all different? Who knows! She grins to herself and wonders if they'll all have that slightly brighter magical aura that Rosita has. Carroll is on hand, too, with Cleo. He asks the cat, "How long will it take you to be able to tell if the other three sisters have any potential?"
The four armadillos are indeed identical siblings. Aside from Sofia, who is currently sporting a bruise on her left side, the only way to tell them apart is by their clothing. And... they do share the bright aura. Alex's eyes widen slightly as she sees them arriving... then she looks at Cleo and whispers, so only she, Cleo, and Carroll can hear, "They all have it, don't they, mistress Cleo?!" She shakes her head slowly, looking back at the 4 girls now coming up the gangplank, still speaking very softly, "What a surprise to find here." She smiles, "A surprise... for all four of them, I think. I wonder if they want to stay here, or if they'd like to travel?"
Carroll asks Cleo, "Have they all got the ability, Cleo? Can you say if it's very strong, or what it's in?"
Cleo confirms that all four of the sisters have the magical ability. "They don't seem to be all that powerful yet, but it's there. They're still quite young, though, so it's hard to tell how much power they'll develop."
Carroll asks Cleo, "Would it make sense to start training now, or wait until they're older?"
Cleo purrs, "Oh, start the training as soon as possible. Ask Alex... there's a lot more to it than just practicing the spells. You need to know how things work to be able to use it properly."
Alex nods amusedly at that, then grins a little excitedly, "I bet they'll be pleased! I wonder if they'll all have the same talent -- or different ones?"
After Cleo's talked to the girls, Carroll goes down and, via Rosita, introduces himself, and asks Rosita which of them is the fighter... Sophia, with the bruise? He asks what her best weapon and/or skill is. Alex follows Carroll with Cleo, smiling and nodding politely at the armadillo quads and listening with interest. Sofia nods as Rosita translates. "Si, senyor!" She flips the side of her skirt up and reveals a dagger strapped to her upper thigh.
Alex eyes the dagger thoughtfully for quality of make, then nods silently to herself. The dagger looks cheap. Probably well balanced, but low quality metal. Unsurprising, but at least it looks like they're not thieves. Excellent. Carroll nods sagely, and places in his brain 'street fighter.' He thanks her, and murrs, "Rosita, can you and your sisters wait here just a few moments. I need to talk to Alex."
The four armadillos are soon jabbering away, apparently discussing what Cleo has told them, while Alex and Carroll step aside. Carroll asks Cleo to join he and Alex, and MacKenzie, in his cabin for a bit of a discussion. As soon as everyone has collected, he asks, "So, Cleo, how do you like teaching?"
Cleo chuckles. "It depends on the student. I think these four will be... hmm. Motivated, if a little behind where they should be at the moment. You realize that none of them can read?"
Alex looks a bit surprised, then nods, "I suppose I should have realized that might be the case. Hm... do we have anyone on board that can help Cleo with this?"
Carroll erms. "And three of them can't speak our language. Yes, that will be a particular challenge. I don't think there's any problem with any of them being bright enough to learn it if Rosita is any indicator, however. I too think they will be motivated, and dedicated, hard workers." Alex nods in agreement. Carroll has this odd thought of the four of them running a ship someday, but doesn't say it aloud. Instead he asks MacKenzie, "They have a fighter among them; she uses a knife. I'd presume she's a typical street fighter, although I could be wrong. Do you think it would be possible to train her out of bad habits and in to something useful?"
Cleo thinks about it. "Skeee, Maria and Pedro can help Rosita with the language, and once they can speak the language even a little bit.. Horatio, MacKenzie, Sir Alex, the helmsman are all literate... I think we can find someone to help out there."
Alex murmurs, "We might want to talk to Sandy too, about taking an apprentice sailmaker on... hm, and Kennard maybe could use a hand in the galley?" She wonders silently if Rosita would be interested in being cabinboy... that would be the first step towards command crew on a ship, after all. She suspects somehow all four of these girls will work their tails off to fulfill their dreams... she just doesn't know yet what their dreams are. Carroll smiles at Cleo not mentioning him as literate, but doesn't say anything. He already knew he could write.
MacKenzie nods. "Aye, we can retrain her. She's got the aggressive streak; that's the important thing. And a sword is enough different that she won't have any major bad habits to unlearn." He chuckles himself at being named in Cleo's list. "I'd probably not be the most patient reading teacher, Miss."
Alex grins, but remains discreetly silent! Then she nods, looking pleased, "Fantastic! So, Captain, do we want to make them the offer?"
Carroll nods and murrs, "All right. Even if we don't need an apprentice sailmaker or ropemaker, or galley help, the other two can train as sailors in general, worst case. Alex reminds me we should ask Sandy and Kennard before I foist an apprentice on them, which we should do. Presuming we can find an excuse to keep them occupied, I'd like to bring on all four of the girls, and train them as crew and in magic."
Alex beams, "Excellent! Shall I ask them in then, captain? Or Sandy and Kennard first?"
Carroll murrs, "Go check with Sandy and Kennard, please." While Alex does that, Carroll idly asks Sam and Cleo, "Would it be foolhardy for Cleo to accompany us on this trip this next month?"
MacKenzie looks thoughtful. "From what I've heard about jungle fevers, having a healer along would be a very good idea."
A few moments later Alex knocks lightly on Carroll's door, then enters, "Captain. Kennard doesn't seem to care either way. Sandy says she'll be happy to train another sailmaker." She smiles, "So... would you like me to invite them in, or would you like to think about it a bit more?"
Carroll's comment is, "That sounds unpleasant. I think you should escort us, Cleo, as well as the four armadillo girls, if they sign on. If more guards become appropriate for that number of people, please make the arrangements, Sam." Then he nods, "Yes, Alex, please bring them in, and we'll see what they think of the offer."
Cleo's tail twitches as she thinks. "Probably wouldn't hurt to keep them together for now -- and having the four of them along could be handy." MacKenzie concurs. "Don't really need more guards, and Sofia counts as a warrior apprentice at least. Ought to put them in our colors, though."
Carroll nods, "We'll outfit them as part of the crew if they accept. I doubt they'll object to that."
Alex grins, "You got it, sir!" then leans out the door to attract the attention of the four girls. She waves them into the captain's cabin, shutting the door quietly behind them.
Carroll smiles, and murrs, "Rosita, you'll have to translate for your sisters. We would like to offer each of you a position as part of the crew of the Saucy Mare. We can bring you aboard and put you in apprenticeship roles -- as a sailmaker, warrior, sailor, or translator, or other tasks for which you may be interested or skilled. We will also teach you all to speak, read, and write Killamaran, and to use the mage's powers each of you have been born with, as they develop. There is plenty of hard work aboard a ship, and you'll have to do as you're directed to do by your superior, but you are all four welcome, and can learn a useful trade with us, as well as receive magical training." He goes into the briefest detail of pay and terms for apprentice crew, too.
Alex smiles, leaning silently against the wall with her arms folded in unconscious imitation of her warrior brother. She hopes the girls take the offer... she'd be proud to be of their patron family. Carroll idly wonders what his father will think of this action on his part. He feels he can justify it -- four mages, loyal to the House because of the generosity we gave them being worth something.
Rosita translates Carroll's offer and a brief discussion follows. At the end of it all four nod in turn, with only one adding some words. Rosita looks up then, her bright smile mirrored by her siblings. "Capitan... we would be most honored to sail weeth you. Estrella would like some leetle time first, to warn her taverna to find a new barmaid, si? But we agree."
Alex beams! She's quite pleased. Carroll smiles, and murrs, "That is very prudent and responsible of her. How long does she need?"
Rosita shrugs. "A week at most, senyor. Eef they do not get angry and fire her right away. But they probably weell not."
Carroll smiles and replies, "A week is fine. If they fire her right away, the problem is solved right away, isn't it?"
Alex chuckles softly, then grins at the girls and says formally, "Welcome aboard as crew of the Saucy Mare! Let's get you started right away." She'll hand the girls over to the appropriate folks, so they're introduced, attired properly, and taken care of... once that's all dealt with she turns back to her brother and smiles, "I think we did a good thing there today, Cara, don't you?"
Carroll nods, and murrs, "Good for everybody, if things remotely work out. I can't see these girls being problem workers, either. The language will be the hardest part, and I have the feeling we'll manage."