SilverBen wrote:( The merfolk convene on Jakub's words in their own tongue and nod in agreement.
The leader of the mermen addresses Jakub, speaking in Common “You may pass through our fishing water. We find your words favorable. It is we who are obliged to show you more respect for undertaking your goal.” He holds his palm up towards Jakub explaining, “You must keep the wine, it is poisonous to us.”
The leader signals to one of the members of their tribe who responds by diving into the depths while the others remain attentive. The merman returns to the surface with one hand clasped shut and approaches the canoe Jakub sits in.
When he opens his clasped hand, the messenger reveals a small pearl of near perfect shape and stunning milky white hue in his palm. The leader continues, “If any others of our tribe challenge you, then tell them this is a Pearl of Wisdom that we have rewarded you as a token of friendship among the merfolk.” ( )
(Jakob)
"My apologies. I had no idea that such a drink was poison to you. Among our kind, friends often drink alcohol together." I say, then wait while the other merman dives and returns with the pearl. As they offer me the Pearl of Wisdom, explaining its' meaning to them, I bow deeply. "I am greatly honored. My thanks to you, and the thanks of the grateful crew of the Luckless Liora."
I watch as they swim away under the waves, then ascend back up to the ship while the seamen pull the canoe aboard. I walk over to speak to the captain. "Captain, I promised the merman that we would tell other ships and all the local port authorities about this being their territory. If you don't mind, I think those words should come from you and your crew. Ship masters pay more attention to other captains than they do some landlubber cleric named Graingrower." I say with a smile. "We may sail through their waters, but let no man attempt to fish. I have given my word as a priest of Pelor that we would not. And we would be fools indeed to think that they no longer watch us carefully to see that we keep my word."
After this, I walk over to the elves and hand them back the skin of Feywine. "Here is your wine back. It was an excellent gift, however, it is apparently poison to their kind. Perhaps, when our mission is done, we may all have a taste of it."