August 18 - 3.30 PM - Preparing the trip to Coney Island

[robertod]

When the investigators look for someone who would take them to Coney island, they discover that there is not much transit between Greyton and the island. The island is just 25 miles from the coast of Greyton, but no one seems to have ever been there. Apparently, there´s not that much trade between the island and Greyton. Some people believe the island is a Canadian thing. Whatever the truth is, one thing is certain and clear. No one wants to go to Coney Island. No fisherman accepts to give his boat for rent to go there. They never clearly say way. They just make up excuse or say the Bay is dangerous becouse of the fog.
Everything is left very vague and mysterious.

"If you really want to go there, talk to the old Weeks."

The investigator are led to a point of the docks where a small boat is moored at a pier. It is a three small single-masted cutter, fore-and-aft rigged, with two headsails and a bowsprit. The old fisherman use it as part of his dwelling. Inside the cabin is a hammock, while several old blankets have been piled on the floor. The hatch of the hold is open. The hold contains fishing tools, provisions and kitchen utensils accumulated.
Not far from the pier is an old wooden shack, containing an old wood stove and a hammock.

Gregory is standing on the boat. He´s preparing his the fishing net and probably will leave the port soon. Gregory Weeks is an old fisherman, in a costant need of money. His unshaven, bronzy and wrinkled face is the sign of a life spent under the sun off the coast of Greyton. He wears a sack coat, button down shirt, and wide-brimmed soft felt hat. He smiles at the investigators, but his face looks confused and disoriented, suggesting he rarely interacts with someone outside his microworld.
As soon as he realize someone would listen to him, he seems curious to make new acquaintances and soon get the chance to tell a new story about his experience as a seaman.

Gregory's life is the sea. He knows many secrets to get a good fish harvest. He says he follows his instinct for that. When the group mentions Coney Island, he changes mood and remains pensive for a few seconds.

He says he can take them to the island, but he won´t set foot on it, whatever amount of money they will offer. He will stay offshore, waiting for a signal frm them, when they want to go back.

[jp1885]

"That sounds reasonable," Ivy tells the fisherman. "If you can get us to the island in one piece I see no reason for you to step ashore."

"Would you mind if we check the boat over Mr. Weeks? You can go and sit down in the shade."

If the fisherman agrees, Ivy suggests to the others that now might be the right time to hold the ritual.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Michael slips the guy a few extra bucks. "Don't say nothin' about this to nobody, OK, Pops? We just wanna have a little private party, get me?" He mimes drinking from a bottle with a wink. "Just some fun and games." He hopes that proves to be enough of a explanation for some of the strange things the old man might see as they perform the ritual. He heads over to the others. "OK, let's get the bloodlettin' over with," he says as he rolls up a sleeve.

[Mr. Handy]

"According to the ritual," says Kathryn, "we need to use blood from all the occupants of the boat, and that includes Mr. Weeks. We'll have to talk him into it, or at least pay him extra. It's for his own protection too, and that of his boat. I wonder if he's related to Emma and Amanda Weeks. He could be their father or grandfather. We also need to know how to pronounce those words. We have to say them when we set out, and there are other words we have to say in the event of a storm. Maybe he'll know, or maybe he'll know who else knows."

[robertod]

The informations of Thompson´s notesfound in Amanda´s house, combined with those of the ancient document found at Colby´s house, suggest the phonetic pronunciation of the symbols.

When talking again with the old fisherman, the investigators know that Emma and Amanda are his daughters. After his wife died and the girls grew up, he became a distant father. He knew that Emma lost her baby and is very sorry for that. He says it with regret, he knows he should have been closer to her. He adds he never sees Amanda. She has always been a taught person.

[Mr. Handy]

"Have you heard any tales about the Vikings who were in this area centuries ago?" Kathryn asks Gregory.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Michael stands back and keeps his mouth shut for a change. While the others are questioning Mister Weeks, he tries to study the man to see how he reacts to the inquiries.

Spoiler:

Just in case it's relevant: PSYCHOLOGY = 39%[dice]0[/dice]

Weeks turns out to be a hard man to read, probably a good poker player.

[robertod]

The old sea dog has some vague knowledge ... more by hearsay than anything else. However, he is fascinated by such strong men who were able to cross the Atlantic..

"Someone says that those folks came here to Greyton ... maybe even more down ... eh ... they did know what the sea she is like... and she could be an open book for those who can read "

It takes on a solemn and proud tone, as if no one but him in Greyton can truly understand the sea

"You see ... the sea is not for anyone... whoever faces her must be ready to risk his life ... and you know why we would do it ... I tell you ... because we understand that the sea and our life are the same thing."

[Mr. Handy]

"Oh, yes," says Kathryn. "Did you know that the Vikings had a ritual for protecting a ship and those aboard her?"

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Michael admires Kathryn's quick thinking. Going along with the gag, he says "Why don't you tell us all about it. Sounds interestin'."

[Mr. Handy]

"They would draw a symbol on the tip of the ship called the Vegvisir," says Kathryn. "I looked it up in a book and know what it looks like. They drew it with the blood of all the ship's occupants. Then there's a sequence of words they would speak before setting sail, and another series of words they would speak in case there's a storm. I've learned those words and how to pronounce them as well. It would not only protect the Vikings, it would help them find their way. It can also be drawn on the forehead, though there saliva or charcoal could be used instead of blood."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

"I'll bet you've got plenty of Viking blood in you, Cap'n," Michael says to Weeks, hoping the honorary title will flatter the old man. "Wouldn't it be grand to go back to the wise ways of your ancestors? Me, I wouldn't mind a little cut to honor this ship in the proper manner," he goes on, also hoping that calling the little boat a ship will sway the fisherman's mind.

[jp1885]

Ivy gives Weeks an encouraging nod.

"Indeed. I gather these waters are rather perilous, so every little helps."

[robertod]

The old man smiles amused. He doesn't know if these strangers are really fascinated or making fun of him. However, he decides to play the game. In the end, they are nice, and the old fisherman does not seem to have good relations with his fellow villagers. Yes ...he accepts to undergo the ritual ... at least as a reward for their company.
"How much caution .. ha ha ha Coney Island is just twenty miles from here... the sea is not that bad to get there... "