#odyssey

"This is, like... real voodoo?"

"Houdon" She corrects "I think that's the term? It has to do with a river"

"That's furkin' wicked cool." Fortunately, her hands are full of pottery - she looks with her eyes, not her hands.

"Houdon."

"Sorry!"

A laugh. "No voodoo, non. I am an Obeah man. I'm no science man, I see things, I know things. It's what I do, it's what I work."

"That's in Haiti, but you made no disrespect. They're my brothers and sisters, wi."

"Obeah, thank you" She says "My apologies for presumption."

"Obeah." She tries out the word and nods. "Thanks. I was just sained today, I'm sure there's lots I still don't know about magic."

At least he finds them amusing, that could be good.

"It's what I do, and that's my work. If you are sick I can help you; if a man puts a curse on you I can take it off." he says. "But you are here to pick a fight, with the redfin. And you are on their island." Matter of factly.

"Sained TODAY? Congratulations, child. A good luck day." His whisper is dry, but has some warmth.

"When one tribes raids from another tribe, it is as good as an invitation" A frown. Something in her wants this to be clear that hospitality was not violated on this end

He gestures for them to sit down, the chairs are basic but comfortable, around a small round table. He clears a set of cards from the table and puts them away.

"But why does a Troll, a Nocker an' a Shinin' Host come to play on their island of secrets?" Clearly curious. And looking to Art, "And you, what did you pay for this letter?"

A look at Arthur at that

Art shakes his head. "With all due respect, sir, that's my own business. I'm Art, of no title, and these are my friends, Dame Gladiola, and Thistle- Thistlethwaite." He doesn't mention that they are also his babysitters.

A toothless chortle, amused by the boy's pluck. "Right you are. Well, you got your introducing to me, and I can answer a few questions in return, help guide you a touch, though I ain't startin' no feud with the Redfins. This be their island, but this be my house and that they respect."

"We respect you, too. I know sluagh value manners, and I'm gonna fu-...I'm gonna do my best."

"The Redfins started their feud with me. They might not have realized it, though."

"We'd like things to go peacefully and smooth if possible" Gladiola nods

He offers them cool bottled water, and sets out a bowl of what looks at first like dessicated toe-nails... But after Citrine lands and pokes at one and takes a crunchy bite, it seems they are dried plantain chips.

"They took ti bebe, your sister, is it?"

Gwen takes a chance and takes a bottle "My thanks, Judge" and then adds "To your health" And a drink. If it IS poisoned like the Baroness warns about, who better than a Daireann to risk it? SOmehow she doubts it will be. That would be.. tacky at this sstage, and to judge by Lizbet, sluagh don't often DO tacky

The water is cool and refreshing, and was sealed in any case.

He watches Citrine, and then steps away for a moment, and comes back with a small length of green plant, it looks a bit like Bamboo. "Your chimè, she will like this, I think." Offering to Thistle.

"She's mad I gave away the candy. Is this... sugar?"

"Sugarcane." Amused. "You mi' like it too."

A brow, wondering if Thistle doesn't want to answer the question about her sister's kidnapping. Clearly the man knows

"The Redfins stole my sister, yes. I have come to claim her and take her home. Selkies must be able to make the choice."

He listens, without any expression of surprise.

"I can tell you where they live. Might be you can steal her back. Of course, that info don't have come from me.”

“Or I can set up a meetin with their Chief, see if you can work some reason.”

He sets back in his chair, leaning neither direction.

"Your call, Thistle," A look over at her friend "I worry if we still her they'll just try to steal her back but on the other hand , not sure we're ultra qualified for diplomacy. So.. either has a downside"

“Or I could work you some Obeah if it be vengeance you looking to get.”

"I... I figure the best way is to go to their Chief. To make my claim and address how they have done wrong by me."

"That seems dramatic, but... they stole from me, so I'm the injured party. Right?"

"It was a raid on your family and tribe" Gwen knows she's probably not asking her but the urge to support is strong. She hopes the judge agrees

"That's why I was sained early."

a nod m ore to show her support for her friend where the Judge can see it. Hopefully Thistle already knows she has it

He nods. Citrine is gleefully slurping on sugar cane. Art is sitting and trying to look like he's not itching to examine a dusty shelf of books.

“When you be ready? I'll speak to Chief Redfin and set up a parlay.”

"That's... yeah. It's already been longer than I'd like. We needed to get a Namer in."

“Tomorrow, then, if they be willing. You have a place for tonight?”

Art suggests, “We did find a boat….”

"The boat might not last the night even in dock, it was pretty beat up." She frowns. "The captain might have been fae - and they're lost."

"It was empty when we found it."

Gwen seems to be going along quietly

“You can claim sanctuary at their hold. But if you do, may be seemin' to put you in their debt.” Judge advises.

“There are places to stay in town, if you have funds. No hotels, not since after the big blast but some bed and breakfast types.”

"What of the right of Haven? That shouldn't create debt should it?"

"Should and shouldn't doesn't mean will or won't."

This is the second time a big blast was mentioned!

Art nods slowly. “Accepting Haven means you agree to their terms of demesnes. Issuing a challenge after breaking bread, could be bad manners.”