Though the byplay between Mona and Delia caught the paladin's attention, specifically Mona's response, and mention of seeing more of the backdoor than he thought, Xarius' focus was already set on the next step of their attack, the taking of the upper decks, and re-gaining of their freedom. Everything else would have to wait until they'd taken the ship.<br/><br/>Scanning the cargo hold once more, Xarius takes stock of what they had to work with during their final push, assessing everyone's well being, his first priority. The majority of the group seemed no worse for wear after his healing energies had settled in which was good news. Though Chira, and Garth in particular appeared to have each sustained a considerable amount of damage. The half orc was at least capable of standing, and Chira had moved onto scavenging what weapons and equipment she could from the fallen soldiers, the paladin could at the very least, take solace in the fact neither were injured to the point of being unable to continue. Of course that didn't ease his mind entirely for what was to come. With Chira being injured as she was, Xarius wasn't certain how much more punishment she'd be able to sustain. With her size, and tactical preference for rushing straight into the enemies face, it was only natural she'd end up taking even more damage should further fighting be required.<br/><br/>Delia moves in to help heal up Garth a little more, which brings a smile to the neko's face. Despite their obvious differences, it was nice to see the succubus capable of aiding the poor orc who'd stepped in harms way to protect her, with more than a hearty dosing of flavorful liquid this time. Striding past the pair, Xarius nods appreciatively at Delia, before addressing Garth proper. "The important part is that your still standing with us, and not winding your way through a lapine's intestines." the catboy casting a sidelong glance toward the fallen rabbit. "and if your capable of hanging back and casting spells, don't be afraid to do so, though it may not be the most glorious method, it beats going toe to toe with armed soldiers, dressed in little more than a tattered robe, and wielding an unfamiliar weapon, doesn't it?" the paladin consoles the half-orc.<br/><br/>Seeing as Garth was in good hands for the moment, with Delia mending his wounds. Xarius would step in alongside Chira. The centaur busying herself in stripping the various soldiers of their gear, showing little sympathy for the bodies of the fallen as she goes about her business. Reaching out, Xarius gently places a hand upon the Centaur's flank. "Find anything good?" he asks her, glancing over her towards the pile of gear she's assembled. Xarius' eyes settle on the single ranged weapon among the gear, a crossbow, though not a very big one by the looks of it. Kneeling beside Chira he scoops up the weapon. "This should come in handy....it's no where near the caliber of bow I wielded in the order...but I should be able to make it work." he murmurs as he inspects the crossbow closely. The craftsmanship wasn't bad so it had that going for it, and it was light enough that even Delia or Mona could likely wield it with little trouble. The loading mechanism, string and stock all seemed in well order, which was a relief they'd not been damaged in the fighting.<br/><br/>Taking up what bolts remain in the pile, Xarius leaves his flimsy shield which had only served to slow down his attacks more than anything up to this point, along with the rest of the loot to be sorted out by the others. Though not before gently patting the centaur's low hanging stomach. "Though the others may not say anything, know that I appreciate your efforts. The wounds you've taken shall not be in vain, and I realize many of the blows directed at you, may have been swung my way in your absence." Xarius gently rubbing her tum as he speaks, able to feel the powerful muscles at work within. His pointed ears, standing tall upon his head as they are flooded by the sounds of gurgling, and digestion within. He couldn't imagine what those trapped inside were going through, the horse's gut seeming to waist little time in it's efforts to digest, and reduce them to fuel to mend the wounds of the injured centaur.<br/><br/><br/>Once everyone was ready to proceed, all of the gear claimed and equipped by those capable of using it. Xarius holds his newly acquired crossbow aloft. Channeling the powers of his goddess to infuse his weapon with a divine spirit, the seemingly normal crossbow flares to light with a magical glow, which casts light around the room as if the paladin were lighting the way with a torch. "I know not what awaits us once we reach the top...but together we're going to claim our freedom!" he rallies those around him. Taking note of Delia sidled up alongside him, and the softness of her stomach, as it shifts, and works on the mage within. Glancing back at her he softly adds, "and that armor...looks good on you." complimenting her on the modifications she'd made to the set of armor he'd seen amidst the earlier pile.<br/><br/><br/>---------------------<br/><br/>The moment before they push upstairs Xarius focuses one final time, imbuing his body and weapons with the strength of Sarenrae, ensuring his strikes would be properly guided in laying low any who apposed him, should fighting break out.<br/><br/>Upon stepping outside, onto the open deck of the ship, Xarius cannot help but smile as the sun trickles down upon his body. It's light and warmth felt wonderful after being contained below deck against his will. The paladin's body all but shimmering in the sun, unscathed despite previous battles, infused with holy energy as he stands before the others, weapon glowing brightly in his hand, dark hair and fur glistening as it gently shifts in the breeze. "Well now, this is quite the welcoming party.... you really didn't have to go through all the trouble of rolling out the fireworks display though." Xarius calls out, as his keen eyes narrow against the blinding glare of the sun, taking in the scope of what lay before them.<br/><br/>Xarius is quick to pick up on the detail that none of the crew seem ready to fire the cannons, despite the dwarf's threat of taking down the ship with them. Further more, he takes note of their attention being drawn both toward the door of the closed cabin, and towards the rigging overhead. A quick upwards glance would catch the feathered wing of a harpy, as an accompanying head sneaks a peak down upon them. "Harpies up above us..." Xarius murmurs to those around him. He nodding in agreement as Garth voices his own opinion on the matter. Though Xarius was more astute at picking up details in the environment then he was at reading the intentions of others, he had no reason not to trus the half orc in this.<br/><br/>After hearing Delia's offer to the dwarf and others, Xarius steps forward, crossbow aimed directly at the dwarf. "You really ought to take the lady up on her offer. As you can see, there isn't a scratch on me, none down below stood a chance in the face of one of Sarenrae's own hunters, not even your elven lieutenant. What makes you think you'll fair any better? Your captain's locked away in their cabin, your all that remains of the ship's crew...and sinking the ship shall only have you filling the belly of a sea critter. When you stop to think about it, surrender truly is your only chance of survival." Casting his gaze upwards once more toward the hidden harpies Xarius adds "I see your feathery friends up there, so the element of surprise isn't even on your side...or are those harpies as likely to turn on your own...I wonder."<br/><br/><br/>Xarius<div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">using divine favor, and divine bond on his weapon making it a +1 light crossbow.<br/>as well as using diplomacy once we are top side.<br/><br/><a class="postlink" href="http://orokos.com/roll/468238">Perception</a>: <span style="text-decoration: underline">1d20+11</span> <span style="font-weight: bold">26</span><br/><br/><a class="postlink" href="http://orokos.com/roll/468311">diplomacy</a>: <span style="text-decoration: underline">1d20+13</span> <span style="font-weight: bold">29</span></div></div></div>