Covert Operations|Fire and Spice, Firegem Isles

[Skittlebug]

She nods and jumps in after him, having a little less trouble this time. Tousle follows them overhead, and they make fairly good time, though Suri's panting when they get to the shore.

[Kender Bard]

"Catch your breath and stay low," Aelwine warned her, keeping low to the ground, his head turning side to side constantly. From the way he was tense with energy, it was clear he was very nervous. "But be quick. We can't stay here. We need to get deeper inland if we're to have a chance."

[Skittlebug]

Suri nods, calling out for any other avian help while catching her breath and quickly asking them for help. Tousle wings ahead through the trees, to report back if she sees anyone else.

She moves quickly and quietly away from the shore with Aelwine, a bird flying overhead now and then to check in.

[Kender Bard]

Aelwine used the 'eyes in the sky' to help him navigate the island as best as he could while maintaining cover. It was a slow, miserable way to traverse overland.

He slowed even further as they drew closer to the inhabited, industrious part of the island. "Let's make a broad circle if we can," he murmured into Suri's ear. "To see as much as we can. All these buildings make it hard to see. Look for men and women wearing grey and red."

[Skittlebug]

Suri follows his lead, not wanting to make too much noise by talking. Staying low, and moving slowly, she follows him in his circle, watching carefully. Only in the back of her mind does she wonder what the grey and red means.

[Kender Bard]

Aelwine moved about, trying to glimpse people in charge or how many. He was dismayed at the number of people on the island and most of them weren't wearing any crests or uniforms. That would make their job all the harder.

"Looks like they're making the natives with a skill or craft continue working on their goods," he murmured.

[Skittlebug]

Suri scowls, looking amongst the ones she can pick out as pirates, trying to see if anyone looks more in charge than others.

[Kender Bard]

A bit of watching did reveal a common factor; the slaves were all working industriously and, importantly, not raising their eyes to anyone if they didn't have to. Those seeming more at leisure were certainly the slavers.

Their vigilance paid off; a woman wearing a cape bearing the crest of Fireteeth walked past view, looking around for something.

Aelwine hissed, "There. Fireteeth."

[Skittlebug]

Tense, Suri shifts a little for a better look, noting the crest, "She's looking for something..."

[Kender Bard]

"Wonder what," Aelwine muttered.

The woman evidently found what she was looking for--a slave standing looking a little lost and bewildered and clutching some folded clothing to her chest. The fireteeth official walked over and struck her, launching into a shouted rant.

Aelwine grew tense and quivered. "Analie," he whispered.

[Skittlebug]

Suri puts a hand on his arm, "Easy, there's not much we can do right now."

She watches the woman, Analie, worriedly, hoping for Aelwine's sake the pirate leaves it at just one strike.

[Kender Bard]

"She's my friend," he said in a strangled, plaintive voice. "How can I just leave her?

When the arrogant, shouting woman struck at her again, causing Analie to fall, Aelwine stood up abruptly.

[Skittlebug]

Suri winces at that and crouches a little lower, intending to stay hidden. If anyone came at Aelwine she could probably take them by surprise.

[Kender Bard]

Evidently Aelwine decided he couldn't tolerate seeing one of his own threads brutalized and began moving forward. "Analie!" he called out and several people looked over at him. He stopped short, realizing what he'd done and just stood, frozen.

[Skittlebug]

Suri nearly groans, idiot!. She tries to think of something to do, wanting to grab him and run, but as is they might mistake him as a slave. Showing herself too wasn't going to help that, so she edges forward a little, getting ready to attack anyone that comes at them.