"Umm . . . Nice to meet you Aeron!" Auehda says, momentarily stunned by the counter-evaluation.
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Auehda is offered a quick glance and a nod. The unnerving smile then leaves her face (probably to everyone's relief) and the expressionless mask returns to her features. Aeron replaces the hat on her head as she makes her way back over to Muga, whispering the command word into the lid as it passes before her face. As she moves, they watch as the magic takes effect, shrinking her form the small boy once more. Her movements are light and measured as she ends her short walk with a spin and a snap assuming her previous statue like posture next to Muga.
Yvell had been watching the entire act net to Valtyra his arms folded within themselves with his particularly well taken care of Segmented heavy armor. on the right arm some strange attachment built into the very structure, some form of weapon and a larger blade upon his back.
During the time he and Valtyra had spent quit a lot of time together but the Muse seemed unable to grasp the language quite yet. It was frustrating but h could not say he did not enjoy the company. His outlook had changed somewhat and with the interaction of several of the Town residents and the party (especially the Aasimar) knew better ways to address others. His faith still stood strong but it held a much higher trigger.
Once almost everyone else had been introduced, Yvell spoke giving his commanding voice as per normal for his character. " Well then it seems the job this time is right around our expertise. Greetings new recruits, I am Yvell Dullahan Endymion, Paladin of Ragathiel. Aeron and Muga I believe you should be fairly good additions and can prove yourselves during this venture. Muga, If you are at least half as good with that sword as another I knew then you shall do fine in our company. I only ask that you cooperate with us to enure overall safety and success of the mission. Aeron, your form belays a dextrous build, that should be quite useful in the coming task I'm sure. " The half-elf seemed confident in his words and had an aura of a general about him, imparting tactical knowledge into your forms.
Good sword? Muga's sword? That rusty scrap of excrement?! Is that pompous a$$ insulting me? Aeron. AERON!!! DRAW ME DAMNIT! DRAW ME!!!
Aeron looks down to her belted blade as it telepathically screamed its demands into her mind. It's outrage at not being mentioned let alone introduced spilling over like a flood of indignation. Aeron blinks a few times down at her weapon, then shakes her head a bit. The flood of emotions coming from the weapon was confusing and wholly indecipherable. Speaking aloud, though in a bit of a hushed voice, she addressees the weapon.
Will you please pipe down. I can't hear the Yvell creature speak. I don't even know what you are all excited about anyway.
Focusing her mind and straining to hear as the mental tirade continues Aeron lifts her gaze back to the gathered group.
Yvell's ear twitched as his eyes drew to Aeron, " Who is it that you are speaking to Aeron? It seems odd you would have hearing my voice from this distance. I am especially trained in oration. Also, Yvell creature is an odd way to address a person. Technically it would b Half-elven or Elven creature to be correct. " The man folded his arms into each other.
"Yes, yes, cooperate to ensure overall safety and success of the mission." Muga raised a hand to his chin, musing a few moments before smiling. "Question, which priority is most heavily weighted? Cooperation, Safety, or Success? If, for example, one us is in danger too great even for them, but I could only save them by breaking formation at cost to the mission, would you want me to do it?"
Muga couldn't keep a straight face for long enough to receive Yvell's answer, if any. "Pphht, hah, don't bother answering. It's a silly question, the answer is always the same."
Yvell's face showed only mild annoyance as he answered regardless " The formation could easily move to accommodate that, do not doubt my abilities. We saved Torch less on luck and significantly upon skill. So both would be the answer and thus your action would be no big change, assuming your decision was not outright idiotic. " Yvell gave a smirk.
"Always the same." Muga's smile noticeably diminished.
Aeron's gaze moved from Yvell to Muga as they bantered. She did notice Muga's diminishing smile and quirks a brow.
Do you have gas again? Your face reminds me of the time you ate the bad fish from the merchant by the water a few days back.
Yvell's smile also dropped " I'm glad not to disappoint then. "
Aeron looks over to Yvell then. In a dead serious tone she responds:
I think we should deal with that merchant first. He is a menace spreading bad fish. He got the both of you. He may kill someone with his tainted life aquatic.
"Hahaha." Muga's laugh seemed genuine for once, and inclined a slight tip of the imaginary hat to Aeron. "Indeed, but of a different sort. I've rather had more than my fill of philosophy and civil discussion for today. I'll be waiting outside." He bowed slightly to Yvell and then Valtyra at each emphasized word, before turning away, giving a careless two finger salute over his shoulder to Aeron on his way outside.
Yvell quirked a brow at Aeron, who already seemed.. odd to begin with. " Ah.. It seems you might misunderstand. I have not eaten any fish and what you are mistaking for it is called contention. He made a joke based upon my words, but I gave an answer he did not find satisfactory and thus he is not smiling and nor am I at his response. You might have similarities to Meyanda.. or rather Phylla in that regard. " Once Muga had left he spoke thus " That one will be a different form of fun indeed. "
Auehda looks up to Yvell and Ibuki. "When will Auehda and adventurers go to Scrapwall? Is it long?"
Yvll looks to Auehda and his smile returns, " Truthfully we could leave now if you were all ready. If not maybe a day to prepare and in the morning. This is an important matter and with the month that has passed it would be best to investigate and stretch our muscles. "
Yvell tryig to figure out about how long the trip would take from here.
Aeron offers Yvell a bit of a blank stare. A few moments pass as they look at one another.
I understood the conversation. It is the awkward shifts in your expressions that I obviously did not understand.
Aeron then moved up to Yvell then, standing uncomfortably close.
At a whisper so only Yvell (and probably Valtyra) could hear: You should understand this though. While you speak of cooperation, you may want to be a bit more diplomatic when speak to those you will be working closely with. I may not understand the nuances of many social interaction, but I do understand an insult when I hear it.
A blazing flame shimmered beneath the grey of her eyes as her protective nature moved to the forefront. She had been around Muga long enough to associate certain actions with him being upset.
Easy banter is easy banter, but if you ever insinuate Muga as an idiot, we may need to have some words in private.
She steps around the pair and begins to make her way out when she hears Auehda's question. She pauses, then over her shoulder to reply.
I have been about 50 miles in every direction from here and have yet to make it to Scrapwall. Assume that it will be a long trek. You can relay the time to depart once a decision is made. I need to catch up to Muga. I want to make sure he does not decide to depart on his own. With that, the android swept out to follow her friend.
You've heard of Scrapwall being northeast of Torch on the other side of the something River. It is about 100 miles. You will have to cross a chasm-road called the First Blade's Path, a 30 ft deep road that is cut into the earth.
Yvells eyes showed no intimidation from the woman but they did size up the person before him. It was a threat but an empty one he was not sure. Showing any weakness however was something that was taught to him not to do and as such he defaulted to that. He made note that his interaction was a failure for now, it would be a long journey.
" Then we will have words then girl, if he decided to go on his own my words were no less wrong. " Yvell seemed to mutter to himself as Aeron left. His old regime made it difficult to be... accommodating to certain emotions even now. He was getting better however, for he noticed this himself.
Shaking his head to create some clean plate h responded to Auehda's question, and to the party, more detailed information. " Scrapwall is northeast of Here on the other side of that river. It is about 100 miles. We will have to cross a chasm-road called the First Blade's Path, a 30 ft deep road that is cut into the earth. It may be perilous so be on your guard. Otherwise when we leave is based on your states. Khonnir, Kyte; I plan making good on your requests. While we are gone Bran and a few others should keep the peace if needed. I promise we will be back successful "
"Yikes! That is long. We gonna take horses, friends?"
Yvell made a pained face but nodded, " I suppose if you think w need to, though I have no expense to pay for one nor do I have any capability with riding a horse. More likely I would break the poor creature in the attempt. It would take about 7 days walking and 2 and a half with horses, though we would have to provide proper care and food for them as well as our selves. "
When you leave the Town Hall, Phylla greets you. Magically disguised as a tiny green plant creature she leaps up and wraps her tendrils around Yvell (this looks much different to the townfolk, like a tiny green plant man hopping onto Yvell's shoulder).
The cerebric fungus speaks into all six of your minds. Well, Yvell- Servant. What did the Council say? How can we better serve this town? She has grown a lot better at using her words and talking.
The current time is morning. Planned departure is either soon, or tomorrow.
Ibuki draws his black robes tighter around himself and the hood more into his face while Yvewll boasts. Seeing Muga leave, he quietly follows him.
Muga don´t worry. Someone quite often put himself and others into danger because by walking away without a word, opening doors and going into unexplored sections alone, by pursuing enemies alone or generaly acting rash and without further thinking. Also we do not have a exploration leader here, everyone has the same say. I say safety most times secures success and would be thankfull if someone martialy inlcinced stays around or near from time to time to have a look on those who are not that martial. It´s hard to cast spells when you are attacked or surrounded by enemies. Cooperation then comes naturaly, out of respect for the others.
After a pause, he adds:
So, what do you say?
Hearing about the horses discussion:
There is a spell i heard of that summons several mounts. I could try to acquire it, but maybe i would need some founds. Probably easier and cheaper than real mounts over time.
"Yes, yes. I'm well aware that nine out of ten times, if anyone falls, the rest of the warband will soon follow. In the average scenario, protect the wounded while annihilating all threats." Muga idly waves a hand, not meeting Ibuki's gaze, obviously a little bit exasperated to be explaining himself.
"I was not referring to the average scenario." Muga respected Ibuki with a glance, but didn't seem to have the desire to make himself more clear.
"We can give you funds," Auehda says. "Magical horse sounds fun."
Then let´s see if we can find this spell in Torch. We can ask Khonnir or look in one of the shops.
Giving a serious look into the session:
Now, something else. Since we are moving into unknown territory where hostile forces will await us for sure and maybe even seem friendly at first but try to betray us, it seems wise we call for a protocol here. Let´s not try to hurt others feelings, boast or force our will onto others or just do something on our own. Instead, let´s find a consense and be nice to each other. That would surely make a better chance for all of us returning alive. Can you all agree on that?
Watching Phylla arrive and hug Yvell Ibuki thinks to himself:
That´s getting interesting. I wonder what she ate lately, not really much fresh red juice around here i guess. Or is there? Ha i don´t even know if the town i live in has a butcher! Ridiculous.
More interesting though, could Yvell and Phylla be crossed and have offspring? Would it need magical help or go down biologically? Better not ask directly about it, but perhaps i should encourage such behaviour. Just not mention it directly, at least not in the beginning.
Everyone can see the curiousity beaming in Ibukis eyes...
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I think that it would be a good idea for us NOT to slit one another's throats. As for protocol. I do not understand what you are asking. I doubt anyone overtly attempts to hurt another's feelings...
Her eyes then dart over to Muga for a moment, then back.
... most of the time. That being said...
She then notices Ibuki's beaming toward Yvell and the plant thing. With great scrutiny, she leans closer to Ibuki and whispers:
If you have feelings for the Yvell elf creature, you should make them known before it is too late. I fear the plant thing is encroaching into that territory.
Aeron then moves back pauses. How frustrating. She had forgotten where her previous train of thought had been taking her. With nothing left important to say, she grew silent again watching Ibuki's curious reactions.
Ibukis head slowly turns to Aeron, his chin dropping.
Surprise stands now in his eyes.
ehm...what? Yvell and me...emotions?
He shudders visibly, shaking his head and finaly laughing.
You misunderstand! I have only a business relationship to Yvell, no emotions there. Although a half-elf like me, he´s not that sociable often it seems. His paladin code probably, things i don´t really understand.
It´s nice to see though how his influence seems to make the al....ehm, plant man i mean, a much better creature!
My heart beats for science and magic though and i have to admitt, some new experiments and possiblities came to my mind just now. Nothing noteworthy though.
What´s your profession actually? You didn´t really mention it yet. As an adventurer, there must be something you contribute, right? You asked about my magic, yet you carry a sword?
Profession? I survive. Those I surround myself with, the few of them there are, would never name me an adventurer as you state it. This place, Torch, is the only populated area I have ever been to. As I told you earlier, I have lived most of my life in the wilds beyond this town. Those who know me find my worth in the knowledge that I have been able to eek out an existence in that wild. Besides, I asked no such thing of you. I merely stated a fact. You have the scent of magic. Was I wrong?
You survive. I see. Care to tell me how you do that out there? i take it there are quite some dangers, predators only being some of them. You solely rely on that sword of yours or you have some other means?
It´s new to me that magic has a scent, but yes, you are right. Probably not difficult to tell, since i carry no weapon. But then, i could be a priest, or monk, or something. You have experience with magic?
Oh maybe you are interested in Yvell! And you just wanted to check the field! He must be quite impressive for a women, yes?
Yvell mumbled something as Ibuki had spoke of his actions without naming him. He thought roughly, They always belittle your accomplishments when it is most convenient don't they. it was not long that he screamed I was the only thing that could stop the Minion Meyanda controlled. Nor did he forget to mention if Sanvil had escaped his Town would have been destroyed by a different power. No matter, they tell you in training, these things will happen.
Upon reaching the outside he was taken by surprise by a pouncing Phylla. Thetendrils she had grasped around his neck and hugged tightly almost stopping his airflow. he adjusted it to be more comfortable. " P-Phylla how many times must I tell y-you. The humanoid form requires the neck to breathe.. not so tight! Our next mission is to Scrapwall and w are to deliver a message.. in more than one way. You'll be able to experience more of this world. " Yvell said in an exasperated tone. During the month he had took it upon himself to care for the cerebric fungus teach her of this world and ensuring that she was.. more manageable. The definite method he used was painful but effective. he weened her off of the thought of blood from other creatures... and feed her his instead. First as a reward with a bite and then more regularly. It was the safest and most consistent form of feed for her. As he had the ability to heal his own wounds. Though if you raised his right arm would have the remnants of that training quite well.
Yvell looked over the group, he knew of the 3 others of his party but the newcomers were going to be a different story. It was even more odd that Yvell found Aeron's movements... confused as if a duck attempting to mimic a lion's stalking pose. No matter it wasnt the most important. After it seemed that the others were engaged in talk Yvell spoke, " I'm not sure I can promise that Ibuki for it would be rude to assume I know these new persons well enough to avoid their feelings and thus do not want to lie. However we should become a strong unit regardless. If I have harmed your feelings... I apologize. " Said with clear discomfort, " Now on to the important case, If we can gather horses either through magic or funds we shall do so today and head out .. is that satisfactory? "
That is satisfactory. We should bring clean water and rations too. How many of those goo tubes do we have left? And will you bring Phylla?
Yvell quirked an eyebrow to Ibuki's questioning and pointed a thumb at the creature that was quite literally attached to him. " She may be fine as of now but even now there are times where she will do as she wants. She is my responsibility so I can't really afford to let her leave my sight. besides.. I don't think I really have a choice. She's gotten interested in many a thing over this past month. " Yvell gave a bit of a sigh. he folded his arms once ore as the tendril more than likely played with different facts of his head.
" Fresh resources are good though I believe Valtyra can provide water so ration will e the main expenditure. "
A thought seemed to appear in his head as he looked at the other half-elf. " What was that conversation you and Aron seemed to go on about? I distinctly remember my name being mentioned. "
Ibuki casts a sideways glance at Aeron.
Oh i only told her how positive your influence on our friend Phylla seems to be. She had some misconceptions there. I believe they weren´t properly introduced yet. We might want to wait with that a while. Maybe untill we are out of town.
Yeah, yeah, Phylla really should not leave your side, i agree. At least untill otherwise necesary. Say, what did she get interested in? Does she take up the role of a female? I wonder if she has a gender. we associated her to be a female plant so far, right? Maybe she wants to behave like a humanoid women? That could make things easier, you know.
His face was unamused but he listened there was clear truth in those words. " What kind of misconceptions do you speak of, your dancing around the bush here. " Yvell would state first and foremost as the question was slightly more important.
On the other portion it took a moment for Yvell to create a proper response, " That's what I meant, she isnt stable enough to be left. Here understanding of this language has grown leaps and bounds however. There are things I'm not even sure but she questioned me intensely and wondered about my God as well. So I simply let her know what I did. "
The answer to the next question however.. was awkward. Valtyra also spent time around Phylla and such questions could have been asked, but h could not remember being around for everything she wanted. Those times were brutal as both Valtyra and Phylla would vy for his attention.. if he didn't know better it was some sort of competition. " Well Im not sure on the last part.. you'd have to ask here as most plants can be both but Im not sure on her.. 'race'. I have no illusions upon knowing what sh thinks about unless she voice it. I cant read nor control minds. I'm wondering however, what you mean by.. 'easier?' "
"We sold goo tubes Ibuki. Maybe Junkmaster sell us some, or maybe we just buy normal food. Auehda also can find food in the wild."
Yvell would prepare for the next day, give Phylla any last minute instructions and basically do the same as he had doing this past month. Give Valtyra her lessons, Thank Val and Khonnir for giving him lodging (Most likely cleaning the place), Telling Meyanda that they will be leaving.
Phylla might be reacting well to the training but he isnt sure. He would likely have given her both spiritual and martial testing with various implements to see what she likes and doesn't like.
Well, i could read or controll minds, at least i could try. Might be a safe backup, just in case, you know. With easier i mean Phylla is an alien, from a different world and society. You took her in offering her a new place after being alone and lost in the ship who knows how long. Maybe she was even born there. Of course she now tries to adapt and fit in, but it´s difficult for her. You have to see the psychological side of this! She somehow needs a role to fit in, some patterns of behaviour and so on. And since she seems female, perhaps she should become familiar with stuff females do usualy? I could try to craft her something that disguises her appearance as a humanoid female, what do you think?
Ibuki gives you a friendly and respectful smile.
Come on, say yes and one of my biggest experiments begins!
Waiting for a reply, he briefly turns to Auehda.
Finding food in the wild...you think that´s safe? Perhaps we should bring along some rations. Too bad we sold the goo tubes, they were so light. And amazing, since it still seemed edible after who knows what time!
Let´s do it like this: I´ll go search for the scroll, copy and prepare it. You go buy everything else we might need. Rations, other provisions, a tent and so on. Is that possible?
Waiting for a yes, he would hurry off.
Ibuki finds the necessary scroll after some time at a local merchants store and hurries off to copy and prepare it.
Auehda nods. "I will get food stuff."
Ibuki has a handy haversack, will have to check out how much still fits in there though.
Yvell had found it strange that Ibuki was suddenly so interested in this particular facet of Phylla's interaction but could find little beyond that. He must just b truly into such research. Giving a shrug with a smirk Yvell responded to his fellow Half-Elf, the arcane-blessed one. " If you are that st on it that I suppose you can try. I have not studied on what exactly the opposite gender must do or like as I left that up to Valtrya. Not to mention I know there are items much like Aeron's that mask form but I am not to sure that would do much considering Phylla's actual form would be different. Either way the decision is not mine to make ,I hold no sway over personal decisions such as that.. Ask her yourself. She has shown me that she is quite capable of thinking and making such choices. If you did the best might be closer to her type.. some plant creature or plant-loving rac to adapt to, though it wouldn't be transmutation magic. "
Auehda spends the day hanging around the Foundry, ordering water mostly and chatting to Khonnir, Val, and Bran. As evening approaches, they climb the Black Hill. After all the smiths have packed up and trundled their carts back down the hill, they look into the flame, and speak. "You hurt Auehda, but not your fault. Burnt One wishes you to remember their parents, who are gone now for good. Remember who you killed."
They look out on Torch, picking out the place where they first performed. "It good that ended. Auehda would still be closed if they still sat in the heap and made jokes. It was not bad life but better to open to world fire. Light-life." Turning back to the torch, they bow. "Thank you. Torch is forgiven."
That night Auehda sleeps in their old room in the Junk Master's home, and in the morning bids him a tearful and awkward goodbye. "Auehda promise to be home by next summer. Bye Junkmaster. Be careful."
Glad for the break Aeron moves quickly and quietly away as Ibuki trades words with Yvell and the others. She had her own preparations to undergo. Muga knew where to find her if he needed to and realizing they were not to leave until the morning, she sped off to gather her things. They were few, but important to her.
By morning, she returns with a pack brimming with items and an expression of interest as she watches the group finalize their preparations. She looks around the area waiting for Muga's return hoping he would not perform his usual "fashionably late" routine as he did.
A curious expression crossed her face then. She mumbled to herself:
How can one be fashionably late. How does one's dress have anything to do with their promptness? What a silly expression.
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Phylla says in your mind,
"I am not a gender. Phylla is beyond such concepts. There is no need for disguises, Ibuki-Servant. I can project images in your lowly humanoid minds and can appear as anything I wish. However, you may try, if you think your abilities are better than mine." You can feel a tinge of sarcasm in your minds carried along through the telepathic link.
---
The purple bonfire rumbles slightly as it speaks only to you. "I BURN. I EXIST. I THANK YOU, BURNT ONE. THE FIRE RAGES. ALWAYS HUNGRY."
---
In the morning you get ready to make the trip to Scrapwall. Ibuki casts Communal Mount and summons several horses with saddles and bridles, and you set off north and east until you reach the First Blade's Path. Seeing no way to cross north along the massive line cut into the earth that goes east to west, you head straight east until you reach the Sellen River.
Along the Sellen River you see a small stone fort. On the northern side of its walls is a portcullis. Smoke rises from two of its buildings covering parts of the afternoon sun.
Yvell smirks, Phylla had turned into more than a diva than he thought, " There you have it.. I suppose you have consent.. " taking the task upon himself to prepare... Phylla was heavy however.
----
As they ride Yvell takes note of the fort ad eyes it from their position. Perhaps it was a place that could give better directions to Scrapwall or it could be bandits. He searched his memory as well for what the place might hold.
" Hrmm, Hold. That place, does anyone recall there being a building like that along this path and what for? "
"Not a clue in the world."
The fort is a resting point for all travelers in Numeria, and has a small staff of crusaders and holy people who give aid to those in Numeria, especially those seeking to fight against the demons of the Abyss. Two of the buildings are smoking, not from chimneys, but from long burnt out fires.