The mysterious woman in the cowl, with a name that belonged to the Kings of Old, an Elvish name, but not the name of an elf, smiled as she watched the thief take the scroll - and probably the purse - from the Captain of the Guard. She was not worried what else the young rogue took, that was her own business, but Niomah wanted - no,<em>needed</em>that scroll. She sidled alongside the young woman and held a pale, long fingered hand out.<br/><br/>"If you please?" her voice was gentle, but her eyes flashed with green fire from under the hood that concealed her features.<br/><br/>By the time they reached the ship, Niomah was lagging at the back of the party, as though tired. She looked up at the ship and smiled. "She is a stout vessel and worthy of the trip. I pray the Earth Mother bring us good fortune. We should make an offering to the Ocean. Who will buy the beast for sacrifice?"<br/><br/>And then the Captain spoke of not returning without the egg and the elf answered him. Niomah laughed. "Well spoken, old one. Captain if you wish to accompany us on this quest, to test your own mettle against the challenges that lie ahead, then you will be made welcome, and may even be given the honour of leading us. Otherwise, I suggest you refrain from giving orders to those who, once on this ship, will be no longer any of your concern!"<br/><br/>With that she turned away and stepped lightly up the gang plank onto the ship. "May the Earth Goddess bless these timbers, whether due sacrifice was made for their taking or not!" She pronounced, then, without let or hindrance from any of the ship's officers or crew, made her way up onto the poop deck, where she sat on the after rail and watched the crew make ready for sea.