Messages

Diplomacy:

Rolled 1d20+3 : 6 + 3, total 9

Armand anxiously rubbed the back of his neck again for a moment then sighed. "Listen, it isn't your fault. And no one died. And we aren't in a position we can't come back from. If anything I probably could have been more forthcoming about Valerie Renard. This isn't some professional competition for glory and recognition. This is very... personal." He gets quiet for a moment before looking up at both of his companions with a somber look. "She had my father killed to steal his life's work. She tried to have us killed to stop us from reaching this island. She'll kill anyone who gets in her way. But we have an advantage that she doesn't," Armand then smiles wide as he walks up to the other two and claps them on their backs. "The reason she is trying to take us out is because she knows we're better. Now get some clothes on and come with me outside. We need to see what's left of our ship."

Perception on Veritas and Raynolt

Rolled 1d20+6 : 13 + 6, total 19

Armand let out a small hiss of pain and surprise from the shock that quickly turned smile as he shook feeling back into his hand. It was good to see them up and about. As soon as they asked about the situation, though, the smile faded just as quickly. He let out a heavy sigh as he got up and walked across the room, taking his hat off and brush his hair back with his hand. He turned around to face them both, "We are not dead and made it to the island. The ship is beached outside but I don't know how much of the supplies survived and what hasn't been looted. We were rescued by some locals so you have them to thank for not being dead. They took care of us while we were recovering for the past. Three. Days!"

Armand put extra emphasis on the amount of time that has passed since the betrayal on the ship. If he were to be honest with himself, the fact three days had passed didn't really upset Armand. He was sure they would make up for the lost time. He was being impatient because he knew somewhere on this island was the captain who left them to die and the person responsible for his father's death, and they were after his father's life's work. He scratched the back of his neck before shaking his head and trying to let go of the anger. He could only deal with one problem at a time.

"Now here's the good news; everyone on this island who would want us dead, thinks we are now dead and we have made contact with locals who know the area. So we can try to see if they will help us as guides to move around while buying us time before probably being hunted."

Armand stopped and looked at the two sleeping for a moment as a smile of relief slowly came across his face. Despite his rush, he really was concerned for the two men and was happy to see they were mostly in good shape. A sense of calm came over him as the comfort of knowing he wasn't alone here came into his head. The memories of the night their ship sank flooded back to him as he stood there and realized how lucky they really were. Especially, seeing how he really did seem to take most of the punishment. He leaned in the doorway, partly to steady himself but also just to appreciate the moment. They had all almost died just a few days ago and were all lucky to be alive. Armand just stood there in the doorway for a couple minutes, just appreciating the gift of a second chance that they had been given.  Whether by fate or the gods, Armand did not care, because he did not plan to squander it.

He decided he'd let them sleep long enough. He made his way to Veritas' bed and slowly sat on the edge. He then proceeded to softly shake Veritas awake. "Veritas, it's time to wake up!" Armand takes a closer look at his sleeping companion's condition as he tries to stir him from his slumber.

Armand gives a genuine smile and nods. "We do not wish to cause you trouble. We are all friends here and do not want to intrude on your ways. Although, staying here permanently is not an option." He stops himself for a moment. He stands as if he wished to say more but was unsure of something. Instead he simply shakes his head and smiles again. "I really must go speak with my companions but I thank you again for your help." He gave another brief nod as he turned around quickly, almost stumbling, as he made his way to his friends' tent.

As Armand made his way to the tent walking in with a sense of urgency, yelling to his companions as he entered. His demeanor changed from being relaxed and jovial with Mira to one of determination. "Raynolt! Veritas! I'm not dead and we have work to do!"

Armand was about to protest to the woman but he was caught off guard by the warm hand against his forehead. He almost stumbled as he took half a step backwards in surprise. He quickly regained his composure as she removed her hand and spoke. The mention of his two companions being the only other survivors brought the memory of the crew's betrayal came flooding back to him. "If the gods do smile on us, the others were swallowed by the black."

He then looked past the woman towards the others salvaging the remains of the ship. If Armand and the others were going to survive and stop Valerie, then they were going to need help. With any luck some of their gear would be recoverable. And it would be good to have people who live on the island as guides. It was always better to have someone who knows the local area rather than going in blind. He looked back at the young woman in front of him and smiled, offering his hand to her in greeting. "My name is Armand Knute! I'm guessing I have you to thank for saving my life?"

"No,! No, no, no..." Armand tried to make his way towards the commotion. He was a bit wobbly and lightheaded has he hurriedly walked towards the wreckage. He began waving his hands as he moved towards the people to both get their attention and briefly stop them from pilfering what was left of the supplies.

"Wait, Stop! Raynolt, Veritas?" He yelled for his companions having realized he didn't see them nearby. He hoped, what felt like in vain, that they not only survived their ordeal but were in some shape to recover at least some of the supplies they had brought along with them.

Armand quickly sat up, breathing heavily and covered in sweat. He squinted as his eyes tried to adjust to the bit of sunlight coming through. He blinked heavily as he caught his breath and took a look at his surroundings. His eyes stopped at the table with his belongings and the soup. He moved to get out of bed and felt a wave of dizziness as he stood up. He slowly walked towards his belongings with a strange sensation. He dressed himself then took the bowl of soup and drank a few gulps from it. As he put the bowl back down, he had an odd feeling that whoever lived here must be of a small stature.

After making sure he had all his belongings, he checked the hat for his father's letter and the crystal before slowly making his way outside.

Armand couldnt help but let the tears flow as the realization that this actually was his father. He held onto to him until his father let him go and smiled and listened intently. He felt a weight lift off him as his father explained to him.

When he finished, Armand wiped his eyes and looked up at his father. I dont like it but, I understand! He took the hat off and looked down at it as his smile faded. When he looked back up at his father, there was nothing but defeat and despair on his face. It doesnt matter. We didnt make it to the island. Valerie basically paid the captain to double cross us. The ship came apart and I drowned. I was so close and yet so far! Im sorry!

Armand stared at his father for a moment. There was so much he felt he had left to say but didn't have the time to say it all. He sighed  and took another sip of his coffee. Father, I know why you're keeping me behind. I know you suspected you weren't coming back. I know you trusted me to continue your work. And I know that I failed! What I don't know is, why didn't you think I could have helped you? Why didn't you trust me with the truth until after? He paused for a moment and closed his eyes, fighting the wetness starting to form. He then said in a quiet whisper, Why didn't you give me a chance to say good bye? This isn't how this went! You let me leave angry. You never gave me a chance to say sorry...

When Armand finished speaking, he looked down into his cup and wiped the tears out of his eyes. He wanted his father to understand the burden left upon Armand's shoulders. He wanted to get the weight of this guilt off of him. Besides that, despite what his father may have thought, Armand wasn't ready to do this on his own. The fact he woke up in what he only assumed was some sort of afterlife meant he had obviously died either from the blast or the waves and failed in finishing his father's work.

Armand looked around for a moment, trying to understand what had just happened. He looked over the plain kitchen with very few dishes and utensils. There was a window with the view of a small garden outside in the back of the small home. The table in front of him was set with a plain white cloth and two plates with eggs, sausages, and toast. There was a coffee pot with a bowl of sugar and two coffee cups next to the plates. Everything here seemed so familiar...

His eyes followed the sound of the voice and he stared at his father for a moment. Then clicked and he realized where he was. This was the last time he saw his father alive. He had gotten into an argument with him because he wouldn't let him travel with him. Armand had wanted to go with him but his father was adamant about him staying behind without much of an explanation. Of course, Armand had realized that his father had suspected something may happen during the trip. Unfortunately, he was unable to figure that out until after his father's death.

"Yes, sorry! I just... I guess I didn't sleep very well!" Armand wasn't sure what he was doing as he reached and poured himself another cup of coffee and took a sip. He'd always hated the taste of his father's coffee. It was always too strong, habit from working late hours studying old writings and ancient artifacts. Now, though, it was the best thing he'd ever tasted. It reminded him of something he'd never get to experience again, or so he thought.

He then smiled and looked at his father across the table. "I'm sorry, what were you saying?"

Armand looked at the plaque. He hadnt misread it, right? Well, thats curious! He stares at the painting as he walked to the hat rack. He was sure that had changed.

Stepping up to the hat rack, he moved around the velvet rope. Armand studied it and thought for a moment before warily removing his hat. He stared at the painting, I better get this back! He then placed the hat on the hat rack and took a step back.

Armand walked down the hall and couldn't help but stare in amazement. It was practically his whole life laid out in front of him. There was the dagger he found from a lost tomb of a long dead mage in Osirion. A painting of him going on a dig with his father. And there... He stopped at the glass containing his father's coffin. He stared at it with a sullen face and reached out the glass, stopping himself just short of actually touching it. He drew his hand back and tilted his hat back slightly. "Right, I don't know where I am but... I'm not done!"

He walked on leaving his father's coffin behind. He had mourned him in his own way, or so he had told himself, and decided the best way to honor his father was to finish his work. So he continued past the paintings and cases. He eyed the painting, tempted to go straight towards it, but he decided to check out the other two cases first. He slowly walked over towards the case with the clothing to see what they were.

Perception on the case with the clothes

Rolled 1d20+6 : 4 + 6, total 10

Did we die?Armand felt his chest as he laid down searching for any holes and damage. He then slowly attempted to get up with a groan and look around. There was a look of confusion and worry as he tried to figure out where he was and if his companions were nearby. What in the hells happened?

Perception for surroundings and to see where the others are

Rolled 1d20+6 : 16 + 6, total 22