Uncle Long River ~ by SaralynArati

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"No," she acknowledges sadly. "Shooting Star must retire. I won't be able to spend enough time here, and the captaincy of the Firebrand must pass to another. Yet I will pine for the sea. I was thinking perhaps I could be a passenger, since sporadically joining the crew would only confuse matters." The cleric ponders. "It might work, or it might break your heart. I suppose there's only one way to find out for sure." "Thank you, Uncle," answers Estel. "Then, will you do it, sir?" "Yes."

10 years ago

SaralynArati

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As it turns out, Uncle Anduin is the priest from Estel's childhood parish, and the only powerful magician she knows well enough to trust. Of course, the present difficulty of the ambassadorship to the Central Kingdom arises fairly early on in conversation. Then Silver Fox must take out the magic portal and show it to everyone, and explain how it would work if it weren't inert at the moment. "So, you plan to come and go? Become the ambassador yet remain Shooting Star? My child, you cannot."

10 years ago

SaralynArati

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"The pirate who preys on pirates," says Uncle Anduin contemplatively. "You have done much that was good." Shooting Star... no, Estel... waits for him to finish. "And also you have much to answer for. But on the whole, I am very glad to see you, my child. Is it true that you abducted the king and queen, and forced them to work together by living separately?" Estel blushes. "It wasn't all my idea," she says bashfully. The cleric has a rich and hearty laugh. "You had best introduce me."

10 years ago

SaralynArati

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Uncle Anduin stands staring out the wide and expensive glass windows while the commander, the disreputable boatswain's mate, Irayo the cook, and Silver Fox file in after him. "I would like to meet your captain," the old man says. At that moment, the door opens again, and Shooting Star comes through. "Uncle Anduin," she greets him. "Estel! You are a member of Shooting Star's crew?" he exclaims, clearly surprised. "In a way, sir. I am Shooting Star," she informs him, and winces a little.

10 years ago

SaralynArati

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"Show him immediately to my quarters," comes the voice of Shooting Star, floating above the crowd. "I will be there presently. The four of you also invited know who you are." Priests and priestesses in the islands are addressed as aunt or uncle, the scruffy man explains to Silver Fox on the way to Shooting Star's cabin. Here there is evidence of "division of labor" as well, as Uncles preached, married people, and buried the dead, while Aunts prayed, married people, and blessed new infants.

10 years ago