Ilithi Socialites/Logs/Play/Rescue on the Reshal Sea/06202020

Performed in the year of the Silver Unicorn, 434 years since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer. It is the 1st day of the 10th month of Nissa, the Maiden. It is currently winter. (6/20/2020)

Production Note

This production was an original play co-written by Ezerak Evyntine-Vershir and Ayrell Evyntine-Vershir.

Cast

Narrator/Co-Playwright - Ezerak Evyntine-Vershir

Co-Playwright - Ayrell Evyntine-Vershir

Eshdin - Enthal Vershir

Remeil - Talmoon Durrenleaf

Dasir - Nyrhin Essrotha

Tasaf - Fariden Morsileo

Zisaer - Raufel

Ysilda - Melindrha Quinnell

Merchant Captain - Serlenth

Introduction

Swashbuckler Ezerak came through a thick dark curtain.

Ezerak says, "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here tonight. The Ilithi Socialites are proud to present our first play, "Rescue on the Reshal Sea," written by yours truly, and Lady Ayrell Evyntine. I hope you enjoy."

Act One

You hear a baritone voice chanting from the shadows:

   "The curtain rises to reveal a stage set to resemble the docks with a large trading vessel moored in the background.  What appears to be the crew is lined up before the vessel, the captain scrutinizing each member in turn."

(Serlenth paces up and down the line, nodding his approval at the experienced crewmembers who have served on his ship in the past. He stops when he reaches the end of the line, noting a new face.)

Serlenth asks Nyrhin, "What's this, then? New recruit? Looks a bit young, don't you think?"

Nyrhin says to Serlenth, "Aye, Cap'n, but so was I, when I joined your crew."

Serlenth glances at Enthal.

Serlenth asks Enthal, "What's your name, kid?"

Enthal says, "Eshdin, Sir."

Serlenth asks, "Eshdin?"

Serlenth raises an eyebrow.

Serlenth asks Enthal, "And what would you say you bring to my crew, Eshdin? Do you even know your knots?"

Enthal blushes, the tips of his ears turning a deep shade of red.

Enthal says to Serlenth, " I do not, Sir. But I have sharp eyes, and a sharper sword."

Nyrhin says, "He could be useful in the crow's nest, or if we're attacked."

Serlenth snorts, loudly.

Serlenth says, "We'll see."

Serlenth says to Nyrhin, "He's your responsibility, Dasir. Get him trained."

Serlenth brusquely says, "Alright then. All of you, stow your effects, and get the cargo loaded and secured. We sail at first light tomorrow."

You hear a baritone voice chanting from the shadows:

   "As the curtain falls, the crew bustles about the stage, gathering items and moving crates, preparing for departure."

Act Two

You hear a baritone voice chanting from the shadows:

   "The curtain rises to reveal Eshdin and Dasir in the ship's crow's nest.  The stage lighting suggests it is late in the day, the sun low in the sky."

(Enthal fiddles with a small section of rope, practicing his knots as he watches the horizon for sails.)

Nyrhin proudly says to Enthal, "You're getting better."

Enthal grins at Nyrhin.

Nyrhin sternly says to Enthal, "Just don't slack on your watch, boy. We're on the Reshal Sea now, and the Red Sash have been known to sail this part."

Enthal says, "Aye, sir."

(Enthal sets the rope aside, giving his successful knot one last glance before resuming his search of the horizon.)

Nyrhin asks Enthal, "This is your first time sailing the Reshal, no?"

Enthal nods to Nyrhin.

Nyrhin says, "Well then, you're in for a treat momentarily, to the aft."

(Enthal watches to the rear of the ship as the stage lighting changes, shades of orange and purple depicting a glorious sunset over the expansive sea.)

Enthal gasps!

Enthal incredulously exclaims, "I...I've never seen anything like it!"

(Enthal continues to observe the setting sun as it casts its colors over the waves, unaware of Dasir's eyes still watching him with a fatherly warmth. Mesmerized by the beauty, Eshdin blinks suddenly as something catches his attention along the distant water line, abruptly pulling him from his reverie with a start.)

Enthal yells, "Sail ho! Off the port stern!"

(Nyrhin gazes toward the port stern through his spyglass.)

Nyrhin says, "Looks like the Red Sash, and they're bringing out the oars."

You hear a baritone voice chanting from the shadows:

   "The curtain falls, as both men begin preparing for battle, dramatic music slowly starting to build in accompaniment."

Act Three

You hear a baritone voice chanting from the shadows:

   "The curtain rises to a battle on the ship's deck.  Several bodies lie scattered around the area, the floorboards speckled with blood from the fallen, both friend and foe.  Eshdin enters from stage right, sabre in hand, and a cut above his left eye.  Suddenly, a large Gor'tog wielding a boarding axe charges at him from stage left!"

(Enthal ducks beneath the Gor'tog's wild swing, swiftly thrusting his sabre between the Tog's ribs and spinning away as his enemy falls to the deck with a heavy thud.)

(Enthal pauses to look around, alert and on guard, taking note of the fighting going on around him. To his right, he sees Dasir fighting a large, barrel-chested human, their swords clashing together as the man pushes Dasir back, nearly knocking Dasir's weapon from his hand.)

Enthal frantically exclaims, "Dasir!"

(Enthal rushes in to help his friend, intercepting the man's weapon with his own.)

Nyrhin gruffly says, "Careful, boy. You're going to get yourself killed."

Enthal joshingly says, "From where I was standing, the only one of us getting himself killed was you."

Nyrhin scoffs.

(Nyrhin smirks to himself in obvious amusement of the friendly jab. Taking advantage of the brief reprieve from the enemy, Dasir tightens his grip on his weapon, drawing in a restorative breath before stepping in to add his sword back to the fray.)

(Enthal drives a hard kick to the enemy's chest, knocking him backward to the ground. Recovering quickly, the barrel-chested man rolls out of the way and back to his feet, swinging at Eshdin with more fervor than skill.)

(Enthal nimbly side-steps the strike, the sharpened tip of his sabre finding its mark deep within the man's abdomen, halting the enemy's forward motion with a sickening tear of flesh. Retracting his weapon, Eshdin watches the man fall, nudging the motionless body with his boot to make sure it doesn't move.)

Nyrhin says, "The enemy is retreating."

Enthal says, "For now, anyway."

Nyrhin says, "Aye. We haven't seen the last of them, that's for sure."

(Nyrhin turns to Eshdin, a proud twinkle glinting in his eye.)

Nyrhin proudly says, "You did well, boy."

Enthal humbly says, "I did my best, Sir."

(Enthal looks down at the motionless figure still lying at his feet, an object on the floor beside it catching his eye. Bending forward, he retrieves what looks to be a thin yet durable piece of metal, turning it over in his hands, curious.)

Nyrhin says, "You look as if you've never seen a lockpick before, Son."

Enthal chuckles to himself.

Enthal says, "Of course I've seen one before. My confusion lies in what he was doing with it. He didn't strike me as the stealthy sort."

Nyrhin says, "Never underestimate the usefulness of a good lockpick. You never know when you might need one."

Enthal shrugs.

(Enthal casually slips the lockpick into a tiny pocket concealed within the dark fabric of his pants.)

Enthal asks, "Now what?"

Nyrhin chuckles to himself.

Nyrhin says, "Now we clean up the mess."

Enthal nods.

Enthal says, "Yes, Sir."

You hear a baritone voice chanting from the shadows:

   "The curtain lowers as Eshdin and Dasir sheathe their weapons, working together to grab hold of the fallen enemy, dragging him off the stage as the dramatic music softens and fades with the end of the battle."

Act Four

You hear a baritone voice chanting from the shadows:

   "The curtain rises to reveal what looks to be the common room of a dingy pub.  Eshdin is sitting at the bar, clearly intoxicated, his words slurring as he converses with the pretty barmaid who looks to be hanging off his every drunken word."

Enthal drunkenly exclaims to Melindrha, "Another drink! My last one, though... I think. I don't want to squander ALL of my first pay!"

Melindrha smiles at Eshdin and pours another rum, placing it on the bar in front of him with a flirtatious wink.

Melindrha asks Enthal, "So soon? Can't you stay just a little longer?"

Melindrha smiles captivatingly at Eshdin, leaning forward across the bar to draw his attention to the scandalous cut of her blouse.

Enthal gazes at Melindrha in wonder.

Enthal drunkenly asks, "Oh, uh... I suppose I could stay a little longer?"

Melindrha rubs Enthal's left arm.

Enthal blushes, the tips of his ears turning a deep shade of red.

(Enthal stares at Ysilda as if in a daze, tipping his head back to finish his drink in a single, thirsty gulp.)

(Melindrha watches Eshdin set his mug aside, her full lips curling upward in a beguiling smile.)

Melindrha says to Enthal, "Here, this one is on me."

(Melindrha pours another rum and places it on the bar, sliding it closer to Eshdin with an encouraging nod.)

Enthal smiles dreamily at Ysilda, picks up the rum, and guzzles it down.

Enthal blinks.

Enthal wobbles, looking a bit faint.

(Enthal's eyes glaze over as he suddenly slumps forward against the bar, unconscious.)

Melindrha grins wickedly.

(Melindrha touches a gwethdesuan she is wearing and appears to concentrate for a moment.)

(Raufel enters through the tavern's swinging doors, flanked on either side by two large sailors.)

Raufel says, "Ah, excellent work, Ysilda. As always. This one will do just fine in the galley."

Raufel smiles at Ysilda and hands her a pouch, the unmistakable sound of coins jingling from inside it.

(Raufel nods in silent command to the two sailors, a proud smirk crossing his lips as the men grab Eshdin roughly by the arms and carry his unconscious body out through the swinging doors.)

Raufel says to Melindrha, "Until next time."

Melindrha smiles at Raufel.

Melindrha says, "I may have to up my price next time, Zisaer."

(Melindrha glances toward the swinging doors, an almost wistful expression passing over her pretty face.)

Melindrha sighs.

Melindrha says, "I actually kind of liked that one."

Raufel laughs at Melindrha.

You hear a baritone voice chanting from the shadows:

   "The curtain falls as Ysilda tucks the coin pouch away, returning to her work as Zisaer swaggers out of the tavern without a backward glance."

Act Five

You hear a baritone voice chanting from the shadows:

   "The curtain rises to reveal the stage set as the interior of the galley of a ship.  Several people are shackled in pairs to the benches at the oars, their hair oily, skin caked with sweat and dirt.  Eshdin, still unconscious, is chained next to a well-aged Prydaen male whose head hangs forward haggardly, eyes drooping with fatigue."

(Enthal stirs, groaning miserably.)

Enthal asks, "What happened?"

Fariden blinks at Enthal.

Fariden says, "Oh! You're awake? I was beginning to think you were dead."

Enthal groans.

Enthal says, "Right now, I almost wish I was."

Enthal rubs his head.

Enthal asks, "Where am I? Who are you?"

Fariden says, "You're chained in the galley of the good ship, Peri el s Song. Name's Tasaf."

Enthal says, "Eshdin. I'd say I'm pleased to meet you, but given the circumstances..."

(Enthal rattles his chains in Tasaf's direction.)

Fariden chuckles at Enthal.

Fariden says to Enthal, "Yes, the circumstances could be better."

Enthal frowns at the realization of his situation, his shoulders slumping forward with dismay. After a moment of deep, ponderous thought, his head perks up, a devious twinkle lighting his eyes.

Enthal says, "It just so happens I might have a way to improve them."

(Enthal reaches into his pocket to remove the lockpick stowed within and begins fiddling with the lock on his shackles.)

(Fariden sits up a bit straighter, his expression revealing surprise mingled with apprehension.)

Fariden quietly says, "Wait. We need to think about this. If we're to have a chance at escape, we must bide our time and choose our moment wisely. They're armed. We're not. They aren't going to let us just walk out of here."

Enthal sighs.

Enthal nods.

(Enthal nervously hides the lockpick, tucking it away just as Zisaer appears at the bottom of the stairs.)

(Raufel walks over to Eshdin, staring down at him with a disdainful smirk.)

Raufel says, "It's about time you woke up. This ship ain't gonna row itself. Grab them oars and put some muscle into it."

(Enthal grits his teeth, casting Tasaf a sidelong glance through the corner of his eye. Saying nothing, Tasaf shakes his head, the motion nearly imperceptible. Silently urging Eshdin to stand down.)

(Enthal keeps a cautious eye on his captor, leaning forward to grab the oars without a word. Grudgingly obedient to the command, he begins to row in time with the other prisoners, forcing himself to look away.)

You hear a baritone voice chanting from the shadows:

   "The curtain closes as Zisaer slaps Eshdin's shoulder with a mocking laugh, gruffly shoving a hand against the back of Eshdin's head before moving on to continue his inspection of the galley."

Act Six

You hear a baritone voice chanting from the shadows:

   "The curtain rises to the ship's galley again, the people chained to the benches still rowing in perfect synchronization.  The spotlight centers on Eshdin and Tasaf, their facial hair growth and general unkempt appearance suggesting several days have passed."

Enthal pants.

Fariden chuckles.

Fariden jokingly says to Enthal, "Haven't you gotten used to rowing yet? We've done a bit of it over the last andu."

Enthal chuckles.

Enthal says to Fariden, "I'm getting there. Hopefully, there won't be so much rowing in our near futures."

(Fariden looks around nervously.)

Fariden quietly says to Enthal, "Keep your voice down about that. We'll have our chance soon enough."

Fariden mutters something into the air about can't wait to move back into my quarters.

Enthal blinks at Fariden.

Enthal asks, "Quarters?"

Enthal acts puzzled.

Fariden glances at Enthal.

Fariden says, "I was the captain of this ship, until the Red Sash stole it through the betrayal of my first mate. He sailed us right to them, in the middle of the night, while I slept. Chained most of the crew in here."

Fariden gestures.

Enthal gazes at Fariden.

Enthal asks Fariden, "And what about the first mate? What happened to him?"

Fariden says, "He's the captain now."

(Raufel comes thumping down the stairs, and nods to the guard.)

Raufel says, "Get them rowing, double time! We've sighted a target."

(Raufel stomps back up the stairs)

Fariden quietly says to Enthal, "This may be our chance. If you can get us free... just before the fighting starts, we can hit them while they're distracted."

Enthal smiles to himself as he retrieves the hidden lockpick from his pocket.

(Enthal resumes rowing, waiting for the guard to pass. Once out of the guard's view, he begins fiddling with the lock on his shackles. He makes quick work of the mechanism and goes back to rowing.)

Enthal quietly says to Fariden, "Got it. When they order us to stop rowing, I'll take the guard and get everyone else loose."

Fariden nods.

Raufel yells, "Trail oars!"

(Enthal waits as the guard walks toward the stairs, slips silently from the bench, and strikes the guard on the back of the head. The guard crumples to the ground in a heap.)

(Enthal searches the guard, finds his keys, and unlocks Tasaf's shackles.)

You hear a baritone voice chanting from the shadows:

   "The curtain falls, as Eshdin and Tasaf set to freeing the other captives, Tasaf with the key, and Eshdin with his lockpick."

Act Seven

You hear a baritone voice chanting from the shadows:

   "The curtain rises with a thrum of dramatic music, the sound of scuffling feet and chains rattling creating a cacophony of noise as several prisoners are seen running up the stairs from the galley to charge the deck, armed with belaying pins and marlingspikes.  Eshdin and Tasaf can be seen brandishing the chains of their former restraints, charging into battle at the lead."

Enthal says to Fariden, "Find the false captain. If we take him down, you can reclaim this ship as your own."

(Enthal uses the chains in his hand to maintain distance from the muscular Kaldar man advancing on him from a short distance away, lashing outward with it like a whip to snap the metal links in the man's face.)

Fariden makes a grunting noise.

Fariden says, "You make it sound so easy when you say it like that."

(Fariden ducks under a wild punch thrown by another nameless assailant, weaving gracefully to deliver a solid right hook across the man s temple.)

Enthal asks, "Nothing is ever easy. But we have to try... unless you want to spend the rest of your life rowing?"

Enthal raises an eyebrow in Fariden's direction.

Fariden chuckles to himself.

Fariden says, "I'll take my chances in battle before I touch those oars again."

Enthal smirks.

Enthal says, "That's what I thought."

(Enthal hurries forward, making quick work of his already injured foe. As the burly pirate falls to the now blood-spattered deck, Eshdin reaches down to retrieve his enemy's sword, testing the weight of it in his hand.)

Enthal says to himself, "It's not my sabre, but it'll have to do."

Fariden nods to Enthal.

(Fariden lands another hard blow to his opponent's face, a bone-splintering crack sending the man tumbling to the ground, too pained from the strike to find his way back to his feet. Content that the man is no longer a threat, Tasaf lowers his hand, his eyes scanning the ship with intense determination.)

Fariden yells, "Remeil! Show your face, you mutinous traitor!"

(Talmoon appears at the top of the steps leading onto the quarterdeck, the stage lights glinting off the metal of a long, fanciful cutlass gripped casually in his right hand.)

Talmoon snorts a derisive laugh, sneering in mockery.

Talmoon scornfully asks, "What? You want to fight me, old man?"

(Talmoon makes his way down the steps toward Tasaf, seemingly oblivious to the battle raging around him.)

Talmoon asks Fariden, "You never wanted to fight before. What makes you suddenly want to start now?"

Fariden says to Talmoon, "I only fight when I must, Remeil. We're businessmen, not criminals."

Talmoon says, "There's no money in honest business, Tasaf. You were just too much of a coward to see that."

(Talmoon raises his blade, moving swiftly to attack Tasaf, catching him off guard.)

Enthal exclaims, "Tasaf!"

(Enthal reacts quickly to the sight of his friend under attack, his instincts drawing him to the weapon discarded by Tasaf's previously defeated foe. Without hesitation, he uses the toe of his boot to kick the sword toward Tasaf, the sound of metal scraping wood ringing through the air.)

(Fariden reaches down in a fluid motion to retrieve the blade, bringing the weapon up over his head to block Remeil's incoming blow.)

(Enthal runs forward to help Tasaf, bringing his weapon up in preparation to strike. Before he can make contact with Remeil, a familiar blade intercepts his borrowed sword, diverting Eshdin's attention from Remeil to the new enemy standing before him.)

Raufel disdainfully says, "I should have known you would be trouble."

(Raufel lifts his weapon to let the light play off the blade, revealing it to be Eshdin's sabre in his hand.)

Raufel says, "I hate to kill our purchased goods, but sometimes we have to do what we have to do."

Raufel smirks.

Raufel thoughtfully says, "At least I got this fine blade out of the deal."

Enthal says, "I'll be taking that back now."

(Enthal lunges forward, his aim true, but missing his mark as Zisael side-steps with impressive speed, leaving Eshdin's weapon to pierce the empty air.)

Raufel says, "It's always fun to watch a man die at the end of his own sword."

(Raufel initiates another strike, the attack swiftly met by Eshdin's blade. The two men begin a dangerous clash of weapons, their skill equally matched, their footwork like a deadly dance as they trade blows with expert precision.)

(Fariden continues to block and parry against Remeil, frowning at the strain of the effort required to maintain his speed and strength in the rigorous movements.)

Raufel makes a grunting noise.

(Raufel tucks low in an attempt to sweep Eshdin's feet out from under him. In a display of agility, Eshdin easily leaps over Zisael's foot, landing gracefully, his sword at the ready for the next strike.)

Raufel says, "You're only delaying the inevitable, boy."

Enthal says, "Then allow me to speed things up for you."

(Enthal takes one final moment to calculate his next move, driving forward with a flurry of strikes that takes Zisael by surprise. With the advantage in his favor, Eshdin sees his opening, deflecting one final slice of Zisael's sword before lowering to one knee to drive the blade of his weapon upward through Zisael's chest.)

Raufel gags horribly and gasps for air!

(Raufel looks down at Eshdin in surprise, seemingly trying to speak but unable to form words as the life quickly fades from his eyes, held up by nothing more than the sturdy metal of Eshdin's sword. As Eshdin withdraws the weapon, Zisael lingers on his feet for a moment before crumpling to the ground, blood pooling on the floorboards beneath him.)

Enthal frowns as he bends forward to retrieve his sabre, prying it easily from Zisael's lifeless fingers.

(Fariden pushes Remeil back with a hard shove that sends him stumbling, the footfalls of his boots upon the deck ringing in Eshdin's ears, drawing him from his thoughts and back to the battle raging around him.)

Enthal exclaims, "Tasaf!"

(Enthal turns in the direction of the commotion just in time to see Tasaf slam the heel of his boot square in the middle of Remeil's chest, knocking him to the ground.)

(Fariden plants his heavily booted foot atop Remeil's chest pinning him to the deck, the tip of his blade pointed threateningly at Remeil's neck.)

Fariden says to Talmoon, "You are lucky at least one of us is still in possession of some semblance of honor. Else I'd have you strung from the mast as the traitor you are."

Talmoon asks Fariden, "Honor?"

Talmoon sneers.

Talmoon asks Fariden, "What will that honor have you do to me?"

(Fariden glances up, noticing the other crew members gathered around, the fighting halted at Remeil's defeat.)

Fariden smiles to himself at the familiar faces of his former crew all standing at attention in wait of his command.

Fariden says, "Take him to the brig. We'll decide what to do with him once order has been restored."

Enthal smiles at Tasaf as the crew hurries in to take Remeil away, dragging him gruffly into the bowels of the ship.

Enthal says to Fariden, "Looks like you have yourself a ship again."

Fariden says to Enthal, "And it looks like you have your freedom."

Enthal says, "And my sabre."

Enthal chuckles to himself.

(Enthal gestures toward the blade in his hand.)

Fariden says, "Aye. That you do."

Fariden grins.

Fariden asks, "And what do you plan to do with it?"

Enthal asks, "With my sabre?"

Enthal acts puzzled.

Fariden snorts, loudly.

Fariden says, "With your freedom."

Enthal chuckles.

Enthal shrugs.

Enthal says, "I'm not sure. I'll need time to think about it."

(Fariden claps his hand proudly over Eshdin's shoulder.)

Fariden says, "Then what say we think about it over a drink? I say we've earned one... or five."

Enthal chuckles to himself.

Enthal nods.

Enthal says, "At least."

Fariden nods emphatically.

Fariden says, "Let us hope there is still some rum left in my old quarters, then."

You hear a baritone voice chanting from the shadows:

   "The curtain closes on the men as Tasaf drapes a congratulatory arm around Eshdin's shoulder, guiding him away from the blood and debris of the battle while the once former crew resume their duties, disposing of the remaining enemies aboard the ship and beginning to set the deck to rights."

Act Eight

You hear a baritone voice chanting from the shadows:

   "The curtain rises on a stage set as the deck of the Peri'el's Song, the blue sky and blue-green sea in the background.  The bodies from the battle the day before have been cleared.  The former captives, now the crew of the Peri'el's Song, are gathered around Tasaf, who has changed out of his rags into his former wardrobe.  Tasaf is standing at a barrel, which currently serves as a makeshift table for a parchment scroll and inkpot."

Fariden says, "Alright then, we're agreed. I'll run through the Ship's Articles one last time and then we'll sign."

Fariden says, "Captain and Quartermaster will be elected annually. No one shall serve as Captain or Quartermaster for more than two consecutive terms. Everyone has an equal vote on all matters brought to a vote. Proceeds, whether from privateer commissions or looting the Red Sash, will be split into even shares. The Captain and Quartermaster will each receive two shares, other officers one and a half, and the remaining crew one share each, to be split after each voyage."

Fariden casually observes the area.

(Fariden gives a slight nod, noting no objections from the crew.)

Fariden says, "Alright then, we'll each sign. I'll go first."

(Fariden signs his name near the bottom of the parchment scroll and passes the quill to the next crew member. The crew each sign their names in turn, and wander off to resume their duties.)

(Fariden notices Eshdin standing nearby, separated from the group and appearing to not be waiting to sign with the rest of the crew.)

Fariden asks Enthal, "What about you, lad? You joining us to fight the Red Sash? Or have you had enough of the sea life?"

Enthal says, "I haven't decided. I miss my old crew, despite the short time I sailed with them. Although I kind of miss home and dry land."

Enthal chuckle.

Fariden nods to you.

Fariden says to you, "I can't say I blame you. It'll be a harsh life, but between looting the Red Sash, and maybe getting paid as privateers..."

Fariden shrugs.

Enthal asks Fariden, " Privateers? Is there a war?"

Enthal acts puzzled.

Fariden nods to Enthal.

Fariden says to Enthal, "The captain of that ship our mutiny saved from the Red Sash says some desert-dwellers calling themselves the Outcasts have marched out of the desert, and have taken Riverhaven... with some help from none other than the Red Sash. Could be lucrative, if we appeal to the provinces."

Enthal ponders.

(Enthal walks over to the barrel and picks up the now lonely quill. He looks over the Articles, dips the quill, and signs.)

Enthal says, "So long as we fight the Red Sash, I'm in. They deserve a good beating and I have a mind to give them one."

Fariden says, "That's a good lad."

(Fariden claps his hand proudly over Eshdin's shoulder.)

Fariden exclaims, "Welcome aboard!"

You hear a baritone voice chanting from the shadows:

   "The curtain slowly falls on the scene, the musicians ever-so-slightly increasing the volume on a soft, pleasant tune that fits the camaraderie of the moment.  As the stage lights dim, the gentle strings begin to fade with them, growing fainter in the darkness until fading out completely in indication of the story's close."

Curtain Call

You hear a baritone voice chanting from the shadows:

   "After a moment, the curtains rise once again, the catchy sound of a jaunty sea shanty wafting from the orchestra pit as the production's cast is revealed, returned to the stage for their curtain call."

Ezerak says, "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming. We hope you enjoyed the show. Please allow me to introduce our cast."

Raufel beams!

Ezerak exclaims, "As our traitorous first mate turned pirate captain Remeil, Talmoon Durrenleaf!"

Talmoon bows.

Ezerak exclaims, "Making his stage debut as the evil pirate Zisaer, Raufel!"

Raufel strikes a heroic pose.

Raufel raises his hand in a quick salute.

Raufel bows.

Raufel beams!

Ezerak exclaims, "Playing the part of our merchant captain, Serlenth!"

Serlenth bows.

Ezerak exclaims, "Our villainous barmaid, the incomparable Melindrha Quinnell!"

With a graceful flutter of her hands, Melindrha sinks down in a formal curtsy.

Melindrha winks.

Ezerak exclaims, "As our fatherly bosun Dasir, Nyrhin Essrotha!"

Nyrhin bows.

Nyrhin waves.

Nyrhin grins.

Ezerak exclaims, "As the heroic former captain Tasaf, Fariden Morsileo!"

Fariden waves.

Fariden sweeps a jaunty forest green top hat sporting a long glittering plume off his head and in front of him in a large arc, fluidly stepping backward and bowing at the same time.

Ezerak exclaims, "And as our young sailor turned rescuer Eshdin, Enthal!"

Enthal bows.

Ezerak says, "Thank you all for coming. And a very special thank you to my muse, Lady Ayrell Evyntine, as I could not have done this without her help and support."

Ezerak bows.

Swashbuckler Ezerak's group went through a thick dark curtain.