Hunting Rumors

Timestamp: Ostiarium -Predawn - Day of the Hogue's Departure to Sentinel Island

The Arbiter left the priory before the sun rose, while the wisps of mist were still in the reeds. Donning a water resistant, leather hood and cloak, she made her way to the docks, laden with her bursting traveling pack, a basket of breakfast, and an earthenware jug filled with warm cider to kick off the voyage with some spirit. She sighed as she reached the gangway, staring up at the doubled masted ship, not looking forward to another few weeks out in the cold and wet Arcadian coast winter.

She was joining the expedition aboard The Hogue to voyage to Sentinel Island just a few days southwest of Ostiarium. She remembered it from the Duke's map. It was a mission of reconnaissance and she was requested by Sir Zane to accompany the party on the pretext of more rumors of magik.

If the rumors were true, the islanders were extremely violent cannibals who liked to burn people, perhaps as a warning to stay away, but that did not exactly spell out witchcraft. It was only due to her experience with the Grey Mouth that she gave any merit to such rumors but was keen to join as she needed reassurance from her Gods on her correct path. She was not going on a holy crusade, at least not yet, but she came prepared to defend herself against such "kidnapping, blood-drinking demons", making sure to bring her holy sword, censer bludgeon, and a few throwing knives.

She trudged up the gangway and onto the top deck where she greeted Master Till warmly, pecking him on the cheek.

"It is good to see you again," she still thought of Till and Wim as her lucky stars.

Before the ship cast off, Voah set aside her belongings and walked around the ship, smiling and nodding to the scouts, hunters, and... other members of the expedition. Some of them she did not know. She made her rounds, opening her basket and jug to whoever was wanting, saving a ration for herself, of course. There were spiced vegetable pasties, fresh hot bread, a few fruits and a wedge of cheese.

Once the basket had been picked clean and she had her fill, she took her packs to her quarters and returned to the deck to conduct her holy business. From the lanterns at the stern of the ship, Voah took a stick of flame to light her censer and thus began pacing the decks, hovering for a time under the masts and sails, preparing blessings and quietly singing praises to Cambena and Kupen for a safe voyage.

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