Some people in our party spend way too long looking for a dress

General Summary

And by some people, I do mean Cap and I. EIGHT HOURS! Eight hours to find a dress for Amara. I tried to get information from him on what he wanted it for, and all he told me was Amara needs the best or Amara needs to have a beautiful dress. “Where will she wear it?” I say, and I get “Places, you know places.” After Cap attempted to get some horridly awful dress with all of the brightest colors, and the shop clerk tried to convince Cap to buy a dress with FORTY SILVER BUTTONS. “But if Amara is ever short of money, she can just cut a button off.” If she’s wearing a dress like that and she’s short of money, there are other problems. That being said, we did spend some of our money in preparation for problems we might run into. We bought the materials for another hallow and for a hero’s feast, as well as some diamonds in case we need to bring someone back from the dead. With all of that, we were finally ready to head off. I almost forgot to say, I also talked Cap out of the skin-tight, lace dress. He said it was pretty, and I said, “Would you as her father want your fifteen-year-old daughter wearing something like that?” He very quickly changed his mind about that one. But, I got lost in the moment. We finally read the letter that was with all the gold we found. It reads: His most serene aspect honored to hold the title of Tribune, born of the House Lantreal, Greets the Speaker of the Children of Sorius, I am reminded of the pleasant conversations of the springtime in Dodana. I think this spring will be even more special as I have it that the household of the Last Emperor will be there for the Cherry Blossom Festival. [very long description of the amazing wonders of the artifacts of the Last Emperor, apparently it’s amazing] It is a shame I will miss these with the legion on exercises in the Barrens. I have always hoped to someday hold the Imperial Regalia and the Emperor’s Blade. I have sent the funds you had mentioned. This loan need only be repaid as you can. Gaius [a bunch more names and a seal]
I can just imagine what would have happened if this gold got to its intended recipient. There would have been some interesting battles.

MEETING WITH BARON MIGUEL DE VACA

As we approached the Baron’s ship, he was so very kind to offer for some of his crew to take over our ship so we could have a chat. We met him in his cabin, he sat at his large table with papers spread out all over of various jobs he was working on. Two smaller tables were set up for us and food was brought in. “I trust you were successful?” he asked as we were served food. “Yes sir,” I answered. “We were able to find out where he will be heading, and a couple of potential sources of information. In particular, the current head of Antwerp is Admiral Bloodmoon, and he has a fondness for oranges. We thought to gather a few to give to him to gain more information that way.” The Baron waved a cabin boy over, “Tell the captain we will be sailing to my Southern Villa for a short stop.” He turned back to us, “What is that ring you carry with you all the time?” “It’s an artifact we’ve been asked to deliver for another person,” I answered as I desperately attempted to remember what the Rholdanese views are on the Artificers. “I had feared as much. I do have priests on board who can destroy such an item for you, it will be no problem to destroy such a desecration.” “Oh no, we were tasked by someone on the Holy Isle to deliver this,” I answered quickly, finally remembering they were rather disinclined to like the Artificers. “You did not loot the Holy See, did you? You would not do such a thing?” he bit out, anger in his eyes. “Why would you think such a thing?” I stammered. “It was a craftsman, there on the isles. He needs it delivered to another craftsman, but was not able to deliver it himself.” “If that is all, then just lay it down on the floor,” the Baron gestured in front of his table. “Surely that will not be a problem?” I tightened my grip on the ring resting beside me, “I’m not sure that is the best idea, sir. The ring has certain magical properties that I do not wish to accidentally engage.” I thought back to the times I’d woken up to the ring laying flat on the floor and how clean my room had smelled, and my clothes were repaired. Worse, the random leaves I’d found on the floor from time to time. I’d taken to leaving bowls of milk out, just in case. “Very well,” he said. “If you should wish it destroyed, you have only to let me know.” “I thank you, sir.” The next day Cap delivered the dress and fabric to Amara, she was quite overjoyed with the presents and quite indignant at being left behind with the Rholdanese. “They’ve been making me read!” “Why that’s good Amara,” Cap responded. “I wanted you to learn. This will help you a lot in your life.” “I don’t like it.” I don’t envy Cap raising that one. I’m quite happy without any kids.

BARON DE VACA’S SOUTHERN VILLA

Villa does not adequately describe the monstrous fort we saw. Set upon the cliff face was the largest fort I’d ever seen, and built into the cliff was a small city. We were led into the fortress and the reason for its size became evident. Several small groves of trees filled the fort. I recognized a few different citrus fruits. Baron de Vaca was able to gather a few crates of oranges for us, and he arranged for us to gain some more clean clothes and a few other useful things, and we set off yet again on our little ship.

Report Date

23 Dec 2021