A Side Trip...

As I mentioned some time ago, I really am not in the mood to write anything. Yet, I find myself doing so again.

Fakharu, Lesser Elemental Dragon of Water and Censor of the West brought to us a proposal. He has a problem, a sensitive one. His mortal lover has been kidnapped. So even dragons can have problems like those - I find it strangely amusing.

He was laying it out on us thick on how powerful we were and the like but I didn't really believe most of it. He gave us some favors to do the deed so we agreed. Captain Kalaman thought it was a good idea while we waited for the Wyld Invasion and the Globe of Precious Stability, whatever that was, to be delivered. I got myself the use of his network for information. All in all I think I can accomplish plenty of long term goals much easier.

I believe I'm quite young when it comes to dealing with the more supernatural side of our Exalted lives, but this was quite bizarre and more mixed up than usual. It reminded me of that cold snack I had during my most recent trip to WaveCrest. It was a mix of tropical fruits, yams, some sort of milk, and sweet syrup served with ice that the priestesses gather from the mountains that aren't too near volcanoes. Those who spoke High Realm called it "Halo-Halo" or something like that.

First, we traipsed over to a Storm Mother named Sikunare to get the details of the location of the Islands of the Exiled as Fakharu mentioned he didn't know where it was and she did. After weathering a storm and seeing her pop out of a maelstrom, she requested that we do her a favor and capture some Sirens who displeased her for some reason. As we needed the information, we accepted.

I mull once more about the three Sirens she wants and the strange marks they all bear. Chamae is apparently missing her left eye, Ekele has no thumbs, and Tenereshe is scarred or tattooed white and gray on her torso. Interesting flaws for Sirens who are reputed to be quite beautiful. Those that approached us before we left Sikunare's domain were quite beautiful. They wanted to serve us in exchange for release. As we didn't want to confront the Storm Mother yet, we could always return for them.

I for one started to feel like one of the messenger boys so damned common in Coral. But we finally arrived in the "archipelago" which really consisted of just around 5 or 6 islands.

We were near the first when 2 Sirens tried to lure our crew out of the ship and Howling Wind called them out. They suddenly decided to back down when they saw that they were facing a full Circle of Solars. We sent one back to it's master while one we kept to guide us. I felt rather strange when I spent the night in the tank with the Siren, keeping watch. Breathing underwater is something I have to get used to one of these days.

We went into the island called the Isle of Serpents and Flowers where there were a bunch of mortals that needed saving. We got the location of the renegade sprites from the master of the Isle calling itself Sliding Mirror. It gave us the location for a rather interesting story. Naar wants to come back to kick the sorry ass of this spirit. He is quite compassionate. I believe we could use more willing workers in my island.

Some Fire Butterflies had an argument on the deck of the Arc and I thank the Unconquered Sun and whatever fickle fate led us to always use this ship that it wasn't made out of wood. Otherwise that encounter passed without any real incident.

We were viewing the surrounding islands when we were caught by an Undertow. Interestingly enough it wanted some stories and secrets in exchange for it's own. We got some juicy stories regarding the ruler of the Isle of Broken Masks, where the rule is nothing must be perfect. The undertow also gave Naar a juicy little secret on where to find some crystals to fully power his vessel. I say, just put in a PSV, whatever that is, sometimes my memories from my last incarnation seem to seep through at weird times.

I think once again on the strange duality of the ruler of the Isle of Broken Masks, called Silver Mask, an Air Spirit by the Undertow. He lives in a place where perfection is not allowed yet he seeks beauty. He also has a rose garden if the undertow is to be believed. Stranger and stranger, he follows not his own rules.

Now, Akira and myself are preparing to do some reconnaissance on the Isle of Broken Masks. Unfortunately, she's the only one with the ability to make a quick getaway.

This will be bothersome. I'd best get ready.