I... am not one to lie, my Lady, I tend to be a delicate man and... well... What happened to Lord Perpireen is quite a gruesome thing.
But he was surrounded by comrades when it happened- most who swore vengeance. His death most likely saved our Mother's life, and she gave him a private funeral and honorary burial just underneath this very Angel-Oak.
Aram pointed to the red carnation at the base of the Angel-Oak as they slowly glided past it- it was clear Aram was some sort of a gentle romantic in regards to this sort of conversation I believe one of them took a trinket off of the little Lord, too- a green blade. If I didn't know any better, I'd say it was perhaps adamantine, but I never investigated it.
He turned to her Ladyship with a sorrowful face and a sigh of disparity If there is perhaps, something I can do to help you? Not many here- know everything I do. You seem to perhaps be a type that appreciates.... Privacy.
Looking around at the books she'd studied, with a slight smirk, "Well, a girl can do a lot of reading when she puts her mind to it. Especially, with such an amazing collection to select from."
Absently stroking the raven's beak, the young Arcanist turned to the Dwarf, "As for dinner, perhaps the same time we had it last evening, that seemed to work rather well."
As Archimedes flew to his master, Telula then said, "Gogrin, can I ask you something?"
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The blow from the left cut lightly across Suzume's breast. It wasn't enough to slow him down, and it was barely anything even worth acknowledging. The other trike was batted away by his sheath.
He smacked the wide-end of the sheath against the first man's kneecap, then the second one was struck upwards his chin.
she stops looks at the spot and then walks over to it, with out a word she bends down and places her hand on the earth. Closing her eyes she says a few words before getting back up and heading back to Aram. taking his arm, she says.
"Lets continue shall we, I would like to meet these comrades who where with him if I may. As for Privacy, I appreciate many things and that is one of them."
Gogrin nodded, stroking his now well groomed red beard- he was becoming more tidy now that he was "Father of 42" Of course, my Majar- what is it?
Well, first, we should most likely get out of main view. I have not seen any communal members yet, so those looking on probably think you are a new woman I fancy- but soon even the dullest of minds will wonder what I'm doing here. You, too, probably- seeing as how you are a new face.
Aram spun and stopped along the main road all the circular paths surrounding the Angel-Oak combined at In regards to meeting the comrades, I believe our Ruler is going to invite them all to a rather large feast at the end of this week. I will be in attendance as well. If you enjoy privacy, I could most likely give you details about this feast pro bono as repayment for, I assume, your relative's sacrifice?
The final blacksmith aid had a look of horror in his eyes as Suzume had just easily dealt with all three of his co-workers in a literal matter of seconds. I, uh... uh... I yield! He hurriedly throws his own sword at the ground, accidentally hitting Rita on the head as she stood up.
You BLOODY fool! You yield? You YIELD? Well 'ter it is then, outsider! He yields. She rubbed her head furiously after slapping the last laborer over the back of the head in a raging sigh That's not too bad, there, no wonder you killed one of them Sons of Terr"ick". Where'd you learn how to do all that, anyways? Rita gave Suzume a wink and a bump with her hip Your mum teach ya'?
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He points his scabbard towards the one aid who yielded.
"We'll work on that. Like a lemon over fish, I shall squeeze all of your cowardice out of you."
He nods at Rita. "No, not my mother. Close, though. My mentor, even in her advanced years, was always able to beat me down with a bamboo staff. Strangely comforting." He gestures to all in the area. "That is the same kind of tough love I will drill into you. You will know how to fight once I am through with you. You will be the strongest fighting force in the west." He focused his eye on one particular man. "And you will never yield. Understood?"
He clipped his sheath back to his side, then pulled out the blade for Rita to see.
"In adition, you will take notes from this sword. Swords should be made of folded metal, and they should not bend with applied pressure. It is an acquired skill, but you will get used to it."
Rita grinned You gonna teach me how to fight, and how to do my job, outsider?
Rita turned to the one who yielded with a scowl and a punch to his side You tellin' me dat if me, Marco, and Julian were down in the field, you'd run, Benny? Huh'? That whatchya tryna say 'bout it? Huh?!?
Benny cowered away from Rita No! No! So-sorry Rita!
Damn right ya' sorry!
The group went at it with Suzume a few more times before dusk, with very similar results. Not entirely hopeless, but for the day it appeared they were more in awe of this outsider's skills than anything else.
As Rita gasped from her last kick into the mud for breath, she spit and grinned Tough guy like you, bet you'd love our tavern right down the street. Next to a' brothel, too. You seem the type, ha.
She eyed Suzume's sword with another grin as she started to catch her breath So... Tomorrow- mind if I study that and we all give a little try at making one?
Ooooooh. Gogrin took a seat next to Telula on the feinting sofa You like Archimedes, then? Or perhaps... Gogrin let his gaze hold on the Majar for just a second too long Well, ha ha ha, I uh... Archimedes!
Archimedes came flying to Gogrin's outstretched hand as he tossed it a few seeds Let's show her where I got you, shall we? Telula? Gogrin stood back up, offering her his hand Care for a little night time stroll before we come back to a little late dinner?
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Without faltering, he answered Rita's question with a simple, "Yes, yes I am."
He walked up to the man who yielded and put his hand on his shoulder. "Us Tengu have a saying. 'A coward's team once struck, is the team that's f#@&ed.'"
Suzume was snickering the entire training session, thoroughly enjoying his time.
"If you're implying I am the type for a stiff drink, then yes. If you're implying I am the type for loose women, I haven't quite reached the point of desperation where I must pay for companionship... not yet, anyways." He laughed.
"I wouldn't mind that at all."
Gogrin led Telula outside as the sun fell beyond the horizon- half the sky was dark and black, the other just a crimson tinge on orange revealing a few clouds.
They turned from outside his house and were walking in the direction of the 42nd Vault. The building was massive- like nearly ten floors of Gogrin's house, one on top of the other. Stone, corinthian pillars surrounded the building with a mock Angel-Oak of silver lined marble sitting on top of its flat roof. Gogrin caught Telula looking at it and smiled Ah- yes some believe in the power of the Mother's magic, and some believe in the power of commerce and trade. Gogrin leaned in towards Telula with a whisper I believe in a fusion of both, ha ha ha. Ah! Here we are!
They came upon a large, wooden fenced semi-farm. Telula could hear a few bird squawks and various other animals from inside, though the fencing and building kept her from seeing them directly This is, essentially, 42's zoo. No doubt another thing your Empire covets to have. It is where I found Archimedes. I fund this place, you see. Most of the animals on patrol, or, rather, that *were* on patrol in the past were trained in some fashion or another here by Handler Ulrich, a soft and gentle hearted man that grew his love of horses into a love of all animals. It was a fun adventure to fund, none the less, and of course The Mother poured her heart into it once she acquired Chelya and Binsk. We made it forbidden for most regular commoners to enter here- it keeps the scenery peaceful for the animals and Handler Ulrich. But for you...
Gogrin whispered a spell to the door and after three knocks, it opened I don't think Handler Ulrich will mind his funder and the Father of 42 visiting at this time, do you?
Rita gave one last, much more playful punch, to Benny the Coward before winking once more at Suzume and leading the group to a place humorously named "The Big Flagon".
A large and curly gray mustached man was wiping down the bar as the five walked in- some were playing various card games and dice at the tables, a few other laughing and apparently sparring for sport in a makeshift ring that hardly fit two people, surrounded by other drunkards cheering one or another man on.
Rita clearly knew most of them as they hooted and hollered while they walked through, straight to the bar Travis, mind if we all get a few pints? Mr. Crow over here just whooped our asses in training. She stuck a thumb and tongue out in the direction of Suzume.
Travis gave a raspy and old chuckle Ha! The day I see you bested is the day I give drinks on the house, Rita. He threw five pints of ale down the counter in a professional and impressive manner That'll be a GP for the whole bit, then, Rita!
"I merely speak truths that people need to hear. I can't help it if you can't handle the truth."
Turning back to the crowd. "Spread this news across the city. This city needs to come together in a way it hasn't in a long time. Workers are needed to help build up the walls, volunteers are needed to join the ranks of those training to protect this city by learning to fight. These individual will need support also. For those that can't make the training. Help each other by teaching what you have learned. Suzume can teach 20 of you. But those 20 can then each teach another 20 and it continues on until all in the city can learn."
Pausing she looked at everyone.
"Just as one spark can start a fire, you, the people, can spark a fire that burns as bright as the sun against the cold tundra. It is your choice. Come Elyse, we must get to the wall."
It was nice to be walking east south-east after Sealith's successful speech to the people- it seemed that the rumors of the dragon-lady and the mother were spreading as fast as they were walking.
A respectable amount of room was made for them as they began to finish their trek towards the broken wall structure, but it was a little narrower- seemed people here were becoming more and more comfortable with the "traitor" Mother and the "outsider"- it seemed this outsider knew something about them, respected the way things worked then and the way they were looking to work now, and they liked that.
Sealith and The Mother arrived to see the massively damaged wall just at dusk, with two distinguished laborers greeting them. It appeared they were at least somewhat familiar with The Mother as they introduced themselves Oy, I'm Roy, Roy McAllister. And this here is Trish- I'm to be your foreman there, uh... "Seel-ith"? Yeah, and Trish is the one who runs like a mad woman to get and keep track of our supplies from around 42. It's a big effort to get this wall back in place, ya' know?
Roy was a red haired boy that had soft, green eyes. Trish was pale and a little chubbier, but with matching green eyes and jet black hair with a happy-go-lucky smile, while Roy's was much more sheepish.
It was clear they'd worked on several projects before. Roy looked to The Mother and Sealith with hands clapped together, ready for business Well, uh... I suppose we should go in and make plans, then?
"May we walk along and see the extent of the damage? I am a visual person. You can explain to me what I am seeing and what is needed to repair it. I will need your expert opinions to help me understand so I can help you plan."
Right to work, 'eh? Alright, let's get to it. Roy waved Trish, Sealith, and The Mother over to the actual wall.
It was as if the wall had been corroded and then smashed open all at once by some sort of force
Roy lit a torch for a closer inspection on the wall with a whistle This bad boy hasn't had so much as a scratch on it in all the time its stood. No rust, no deterioration- the Angel-Oak roots musta kept it pure as metal or something like that, I don't know, but.... this? Yeah-
We're talking rebar, welding with magic, preferably fire, masonry to reinforce and attach new metal and stone to it- the works. On TOP of that-
Roy pointed to a part of the damaged wall that had a clear view of what had happened to the roots of the Angel Oak Tree I'm not sure, Mother, but uh- I'm guessin' you're the only one who actually might be able to fix that up?
The Mother smiled Any healer can do it, but... the damage is significant. My poor baby. Chelya and Binsk purred, comforting The Mother as she looked at what her attempted deals with Matthias had caused We have to fix this. Sealith, what do you think?
Sealith took a moment as she stared at the wall as her eyes glowed.
Then she moved to the root and gently touched the root stroking it gently putting in her own healing power to see if she could see any improvement.
"If any healer can do this, then I would recruit every healer you can to assist Elyse. Let everyone of this city give back to the Tree that has done so much for them."
Looking around quietly she flexed her wings along her back.
"This will take a massive effort from everyone but it does need to be fixed." She picked up a piece out of curiosity seeing if her curse could effect it also as she squeezed it in her hand.
"I guess that would depend on if he was trying to sleep or eat dinner." Telula responded as her gaze drifted back towards the Vault. My that really is quite the impressive structure. She thought.
"Lets fine a nice secluded place to talk shall we, I feel we will have lots to talks about."
She waits for him to lead her to a spot, when he dos she talks a seat and says.
"So you want me for something or you would have let me introduce myself to the leaders here. So talk, what are you prepossessing"
Vasu's golden eyes glowed in the sunlight as they picked out a worthy kill. The bison looked far too imposing to take on single handedly, so it was a no go there. She looked toward the deer in mild interest. Not only were they large, but the females lacked horns entirely, making them easily vulnerable to an attack from above. Vasu alighted on a thick oak branch and gazed upon the deer in delight, looking much like a fearsome gargoyle glowering ghoulishly at innocent churchgoers below. Parents would always chide their children for their wrongdoings and warn them that the gargoyles would get them if they didn't behave in a godly manner, but none of Vasu's innocent deer would know that the gargoyle was truly out to get them this time until it was far, far too late.
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Suzume raises his finger to Rita's comment. "That is not true, I never once whupped any of your asses. Knees and torso areas yes, but never asses." He downed his first pint within ten seconds, the pulled in another.
"Please, allow me to pay. It is the least I can do for giving you and your boys a brand new series of bumps and bruises, and for the fact that Julian will probably be walking funny for a week or so."
Aram grinned You... Want to talk to them??? I have no issue with it, although no one is inside at the moment. They've all left to be about their business, and, oh- yes, watch, if but only for a moment please!
As you both sit on a bench in silence, hidden under the shade of a tree and swarms of commoners, you see a pale, dark haired and younger man who clearly takes himself much too seriously wading the opposite direction of the crowd.
He was covered in mud and had a hideous face of anger about him OUT of your Warden's WAY! MOVE aside! Don't you know I sit on the Communal? I have a Prison to keep!
You see Aram whispered with a wide grin he's quite angry, has been irate ever since the Mother kept her head. I, unfortunately, am much to busy keeping an eye on your friends, my inns and taverns, and, well, all of Terra Nix to spare anyone to watch after yet another Communal member.
I was hoping, based on your skills, you would be able to do so in my absence? I can pay you quite well, and, though you most likely don't need the money, I'm sure there is something else you want that I could reward you with?
As Sealith hovers about the damage to the stone and metal wall in gifted silence from Roy, Trish, and The Mother, she zones in on one basic ingredient- acid.
Something was pouring, or casting, acid at the walls over and over again, most likely for a year, before the attack on the walls actually happened.
This explained the weird corrosion of the roots, and how they were able to blast through steel, stone, and magical forces nearly all at once- they had weakened it significantly first.
The Mother, seeing Sealith's expression, put a hand on her shoulder I should be able to gather a few healers- the High Priest of the Angel Oak has plenty of clerics on hand, I believe.
Trish sighed I'llll get them. That's my job, anyways, and we don't have a shipment for another day or two. Roy and his men can handle the receiving end for a day I bet- can't chya Roy?
Roy shrugged nonchalantly Whatever gets this wall back up- it's bloody cold in this quadrant now.
Ha! I was kidding, Telula. No one is bothered by me, not when I'm the Ruler here, at least, ha ha ha. He whispered now Come on- I'll show you the exhibits!
As they made their way inside, Telula realized that it was indeed like that of a zoo or some sort of "animal shop". To the right of her were a series of birds; owls, hawks, ravens, eagles, etc.
To her left were a series of smaller beasts- puppies and kittens that looked to range from wolves to tigers to simple house cats and domesticated dogs. Yes they are all kept around magic, each has a separate room and most of them play together with Handler Ulrich outside on the grass plains you saw just a few moments ago. Now- did you have anything in particular in mind? If you don't like what you see here, well, Handler Ulrich has those large cages outside to handle orders of a more... Exotic nature.
Travis' jaw dropped as he saw Rita accept an Outsider's offer to pay for her Rita.... Wait, ha! Ha ha! He seriously beat you in a fight?!? Oh, no payment needed then, my new friend! What is your name???
One of the two fighters just got thrown a little to hard, and the sound of broken glass and wood could be heard behind the five at the bar. Travis quickly shifted gears with a bark HEY! You break it you pay for it you f+$#ing low-lifes! The bar erupted with laughter as Travis returned to his friendly gaze with Suzume.
Vasu stalked the herd of deer for quite some time, stealth and the coming dusk gave her more than enough cover, in tandem with the snow, to not reveal herself.
As the herd went farther and farther from the wall *three miles* a deer or two straggled behind- looked like one was old, the other young.
If Vasu pounced now, she could most likely catch one, if not both, for dinner.
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Vasu spread her feathered wings and grabbed her crossbow in her talons. She was too far away to strike, but if she just got a little bit closer... Vasu glided closer to the ground on her silent, wind catching wings.
She loaded a bolt into the bow and carefully took aim at the young deer. The young always had the most tender flesh and were much easier to carry than a massive, fully grown animal. Vasu could feel her gizzard quiver at the thought of a tasty meal. Well, no use waiting, she had the young animal right where she wanted it.
Ready.
Aim...
FIRE!
One of the two deer scattered, fleeing to the tree lines where a majority of the others went. The other, however, turned and came towards you-
and it did not appear in the best of moods.
The deer was about fifty or so yards from Vasu when she took her first shot- it would seem she most likely had two more before the stag would be upon her.
Gogrin grinned as he ran a finger down Archimedes' beak There was just... something about him.
You know, 42 used to use Ravens, not Hawks, as their eyes in the sky. Once Elyse became The Mother, well. She always did adore hawks, and had a nasty bias against our poor beautiful ravens, so, haha. I suppose Archimedes struck me as the right kind of history for a Sorcerer to have.
He fed Archimedes another seed, much to the raven's delight. Just don't think any less of Elyse- the Ravens had plenty to do when they were relieved, and Mothers and Fathers of 42 have been changing their favorite animals since history in this city began, ha ha ha!
She would land slightly panting and stretches her wings. She hadn't flown in so long that those muscles weren't built up. Tucking them on her shoulders again she looked at the people before her.
"Trish, thank you very much. We are going to need a lot more than just clerics though. I am no expert on walls though. Shall we go inside now out of the cold then?"
Roy nodded, shivering.
As they went inside a bard holding a fiddle grinned at them all Ay look errybody! We got The Mother 'ere! Welcome, Mother!
The Mother shyed away and cooed to Chelya and Binsk who growled and snarled to anything that got a little too close It's ok, it's quite alright my babies. Ssssh.
Roy grabbed himself and Trish a mug of ale, setting two on the side for The Mother and Sealith as well Brrrrr, alright, now that we're inside- he spoke in a rushed, freezing manner as he chugged half of his mug to warm up You say you don't have much experience building, but that's alright- you let me and my guys take care of that. The Communal sent you over as an Overseer and management to ensure we have top knotch building over here, so- what else do you want to know?
Gogrin let Archimedes fly from his hand as he grabbed Telula's hands and pulled her in close to him in a rushed and intimate manner- it was here that Telula realized Gogrin was actually oddly tall for the man to be strictly just a dwarf Of course I feel, Telula. I just happen to be good at hiding it from those who don't deserve to see it. He grinned as he leaned into her, his red beard tickling her ear as he whispered-
Do you deserve to see my heart, Telula?
"Tell me what it really takes to reconstruct a wall. And how long accounting for possible likely delays. How many people will you need and goods. Also, tell me about the people. I know so little of them, so how can I oversee them if I don't know anything about them. What is the culture of the people in this city? What is and isn't allowed? I have many questions. Not all pertinent to the wall."
She looked at the drink and smiled politely but did not pick it up. Last thing she needed was to have the mug break and Ale spill everywhere.
She looks away lost in thought for a while.
Then Nex comes down and lands next to her, she reaches out her hand and stroked him.
"Yes Nex, I know that nice man wants us to help him."
She takes a treat from her pocket and feeds it to Nex.
Then looks back at Aram.
"What I want is complicated and at the moment I do not wish to reveal it. I may need things from you over the next few weeks, nothing unsavory small things. But for now I think we can work to-giver. And lets be clear your only asking me for help because you have a leak in your organisation and you don't trust any of your own men.I'm safe as you know who I am working for and why. The last person I would pass info to would be this Pri&-Tared the voice."
The Mother gave a small laugh as she drank some of her mug Oh Roy- hahaha, I did tell you in my letter she'd probably have questions! But that's ok- she's my absolute favorite of our new friends!
Roy sighed Well, with how this is going, clearly you're the right, uhm, "woman", for the job there Sealith. So you wanna know our people? Alright. Let's see... Roy gave an awkward laugh as he attempted to summon up his cultural traits.
Trish rolled her eyes and gave a direct approach to Sealith Look, they're pretty superstitious in certain respects. Don't go raising the dead, don't touch the Angel-Oak Tree, pay respects to your dead on the First Full Moon of every month, and most people will give you the privacy you deserve. Now, in regards to workers...
Roy laughed Well Greg was our old Foreman, until the wall gave out during one of his re-assessments and he quit immediately. He was runnin' away so fast he didn't even take his wife and kids! Hahahaha. Then, uh, well, I took over- and no one respects a rookie taking over as Foreman, so the rest of the guys just kind of up and left. We've never dealt with something this serious before, so really the biggest obstacle to building the wall has been fear.
In regards to numbers- Roy took out a roll of several sheets from his back pocket and spread the blue prints out on the table Lookin' like if we get enough people to help us, and no set backs, assuming no blizzards are coming our way, we could wrap this up in just under two months, maybe a little less if Gogrin, er, sorry, Father, can spare a little more funding.
Aram grinned as he stood up and offered to shake Her Ladyship's hand You only got one thing wrong, my new friend. Well, sort of- I don't trust anyone! Hahahaha. I appreciate your help, um- well, I don't believe I remember your name. I must have looked it over on your sheet- how about I stick with Rose?
Seeing Lady Lynyna's dragon come down he grinned even wider Now if THAT doesn't catch more people's attention, I don't know what would. Do you need any help caring for him, or hiding him away?
"Woman is an adequate term to use as I am female." Turning to Trish as she would listen as she talked directly.
"Hmm, I guess that means I will never get to climb the tree and use it a glide spot." She muses outloud. "Remind me when the full moon comes again. I will pay respects to those that are here."
Turning she listened to Roy quietly. "Fear is insidious as it lives in everyone. But you can learn to face fear and use it as a weapon. Well, who do you wish to hire? Who would you suggest to work hard on the shield of your city?"
Standing beside the table as she looked over the blueprints carefully studying them.
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After his second pint, he nodded at the bartender. "My name is Suzume Sunclaw, though some in my old tribe have called me the Crimson Blade, Ronin of the Wind, and Sue."
"Trouble back there?" He asked after the crashing sound of glass. "More importantly, anyone I can forge into a new blade?"
The man that wasn't just smashed through a table turned around to Suzume and gave a nod at Rita Who da f~@$ is dis? He never heard of 42's Axel? I'm wrestlin' champion round here, chump. Yeaaaah you might be able to school them with a sword in "practice" Axel gave a little skip around the make-shift ring of the bar in a feminine manner But 'round here, in the real arena, I make the most coin.
A man from the back of the tavern called out Aye, two gold pieces on Axel against the Crow!
Rita smiled as she shook her head You don't know what you're talkin' 'bout Axel- he'll put your right on your sodding ass.
As Gogrin moved in to kiss her, a rough man with an eye patch could be seen making his was to the building from outside, peering in and banging on the windows, rattling the birds If that's you damn kids in there again I swear! He opened the door that was on the other side of the building and let loose dancing lights across the room.
As soon as he saw it was Gogrin with a lady, he snickered Out for a bit of a late sight seeing then, are we, Father Gogrin? Ha ha ha.
Gogrin blushed beneath his dark complexion, but didn't let go of Telula More of a sight- he gave a wink towards Telula than seeing. Telula- this is Handler Ulrich.
Ulrich waved from afar No worries Gogrin- I thought you were them damn kids again. They always want to play with the damned cats and dogs until one of them ends up bit, or locked in here. Ulrich shook his head as he gave a quick bow Nice to meet you then, m'lady. I'm sure His Insufferableness here has been touring you through all his fancy things, then?
The Mother's eyes widened and were followed by a nervous giggle You... you wanted to climb the Angel-Oak? To fly???
Roy and Trish exchanged a look and a sigh of relief as Trish continued I'm glad you asked about our customs, then, ha! Oy, barkeep! Another round!
As the keep came over Trish laughed, the three beginning to get a little tipsy Miss over here wanted to climb the Angel Oak!
The barkeep gave a toothless grin Well as long as she's back before the candles are out. Laughter ensued as Roy took another chug before answering Sealith
Ha, um, well, I think... I think there should be enough masons and workers here, all we're waiting on this first part of the week is supplies. Trish will go out with a few wagons and horses tomorrow, get the supplies from Alexis' Metallurgy, and then come back with a wagon full of workers and supplies now that you and The Mother are here. *hic*
"Well, of course. With its height, I could get the proper drop time to really soar. Plus, gives me enough time to see if these wings really work." Again she doesn't touch her ale but smiles.
"Why don't we recruit workers while Trish handles supplies. Sitting idle is not my way."
Well alright- I don't see much problem with that. We got a little gold to spare here or there thanks to the 42nd Vault's funding. First thing in the morning then- if it's alright with you I'm a, he he
Roy's eyes had finally started to appear a little dazed and glassy, and he was smiling like an idiot for no reason at Trish, who was giggling as The Mother simply sat and pet Chelya and Binsk while they purred.
The Mother whispered to Sealith I might be able to get you up that Angel-Oak one day. She gave a secret wink and then stood up Well, alright. I have quarters made for me elsewhere so I can be in a place a little more... Quiet. I will see you tomorrow, then?
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He runs his eyes up and down the brute.
Suzume hiccuped. "Suzume, Suzume Sunclaw." He said. "I'm sure I just introduced myself earlier." He was unimpressed by Axel's boast. "Wrestling champ, eh? That's a reall treat, I'm sure. I'm sure this real arena is far more deadly than the noisy, bloody battlefields I've fought in, and I'll allow you your domain and dignity." He waved his hand away dismisively. "A've punched an ogre so hard, his teeth formed a new constellation in my image. That's constellation meaning, stars that make a pretty picture, in case you didn't know."
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"Yes you are a little tipsy. Shall I escort you both to your rooms?"
Looks at all of them wondering if she had time to catch Vasu before she settled in for the evening.
"Indeed you will see me in the morning Elyse. Sleep well."
Axel backed down, mumbling as he walked out of the Tavern.
Travis grinned as he went back to wiping down the barkeep The only thing that man can professionally wrestle is a damn pig. Ha! You, my good friend Suzume, can have complimentary drinks here anytime!
Rita nudged Suzume So, you don't even need a sword to beat someone, huh?
Roy waved off Sealith as he pointed, mumbling, to the stairs Nah we're, we're right up there.... Heh.... He and Trish practically climbed up the stairs, giggling all the way as they went into their shared room.
Deciding that she had time before the stag would reach her, Vasu flew skywards a few feet, stowed her crossbow, and pulled out her rapier. It was a dainty little thing, but it could somehow pierce through the eyes of its victims and continue right on into their brains. Hopefully, the same would happen with this stag. Vasu waited for the beast to charge her and prepared to strike.
The Speaker tore and raged across the throne room in a near-hurricane level of ferocity. Her Majesty the Empress sat, amused, fully adorning her all black full metal plating and four-faced helmet of black steel on a throne of pure gold.
He threw one of her Black Golem's, the elite of her Royal Guard, clean across the room before ripping its animated armor to shreds in a fit. It nearly filled Her Majesty with lust over such violence.
The Speaker cursed as he continued to storm across the room- the Black Golems remained motionless for fear that they might be his next casualty AAAAAAAAAAH! DAMN them! They don't understand, they couldn't, they don't see, Your Majesty! And now they are toiling away, most likely making plans against us- and we are no closer to the Angel-Oak being ours than before.
Her Majesty's voice was metallic and ringing as she spoke clearly through her full face helmet Don't forget the Fey Kingdom that you most likely severed all ties too, Orryn. She didn't need to take the helmet off for him to know she was adorning a disapproving and mocking smirk. It was so fun to see him toil away.
And here he thought his team would perform better than the ones she had chosen.
The Speaker confined himself to his robed, blue tinted self as he approached her I had HOPED it would teach them manners. Who knows. I should have stayed. I should have killed them all.
Her Majesty tsk'd Now now Orryn- where is the fun in that my child? They are powerful- perhaps they just need the correct incentive.
The Speaker sighed, angry at his defeat I already threatened their families- but with the riots we can't sustain any more war- we'll lose the Empire-
Her Majesty's dark, cackling laughter interrupted the Speaker The EMPIRE??? Ha! My Dear Speaker the Empire simply makes it easier for my needed sacrifices to Agrok. The name made The Speaker gone bone cold and freeze in his tracks as she continued You do remember Agrok, don't you, Orryn?
Orryn was that of a deer in headlights But... without the Angel-Oak...
Sssssh, sssssh now dear. Go and find Shakriig- tell him to go to Terra Nix. He seems to be quite good at putting down deserters and solving dissent. Why, the poor idiots already nearly killed their Mother, and we have our needed influence there now. Send them a raven, then send them Shakriig.
The Speaker paced for a few moments with a look of worry But I thought we needed Shakriig here, to settle the riots?
Her Majesty sighed So powerful and yet you still cannot see the picture Speaker. The Empire is an means to an end. Once I have what I want nothing else matters- we have tried the low-profile and simplistic way to acquire the Angel-Oak, and it failed.
The first team was slaughtered by the Frost Giant King, the second attempted a heist of Novo Terra that led to all but one of them being killed, and their Half-Orc becoming a slave to the Frost Giant King. The third, fourth, and fifth, well, who remembers. And the last one, the LAST one convinced The Mother's brother to go traitor so that they could control the Angel-Oak themselves.
Now we find ourselves with a bunch of heroes that you couldn't help but encourage to betray us. I'm inclined to feed you to Agrok instead-
The Speaker could hear Her Majesty lick her lips at the sound of that sentence and quivered, bowing to his knees No, please, there is no need. I have tried, Your Majesty, truly- I, I am your own creation!
Her Majesty cackled once more Oh Orryn don't be so serious. You've done a better job than I could have ever imagined.
Now- go, get Shakriig, send the raven, and return.
The Speaker bowed his way out of the Throne Room of Her Majesty the Empress, only to be greeted by masses of boos and low level magic to be cast at him and the Black Golems that exited with him. He sighed with a wicked, pointy tooth grin Well, she said she needed 100 alive- how many do you think we'll be allowed to kill ourselves?
She takes his hand, then Nex with Telepathy says into his head.
::"No one can overhear this so, My Lady says, 'Then we understand each other, I also trust no one, and I am not joking. But understand this, this act to harm on one of ours, means the great Fay kingdom has noticed this Empire and its leaders. Our Fay king is very old, older them most others in the world. He has seen evil empires come and go. This is just one more seeking its own ends but now we have noticed it, and never forget this when the Fay notice you, it never ends well."::
She shakes his hand.
Nex then says
::"Yes I am very noticeable, but very useful and I suppose where ever ever I am they will be looking for Her Ladyship. Knowing that can be of great use don't you think."::
She smiles.
Then Mex says in his head.
::"My lady wants to know, what is her in, and what you wish of her to do this week. Old all Rosa, she says has to work"::
Rita and the others laughed as she gave him a pat on the back You're pre'tty all right, for an outsider anyways. But I'm tired from gettin' me ass kicked all evenin'- good night Suzume.
Benny approached Suzume as the others left Um... Uh... could you... Do you really think you could train me... to not be a coward?
Travis gave Suzume wide eyes as he made it a point to walk to the complete other side of the tavern's bar.
The Hawk made a light hooting and fluttering noise as it comedically walked from one of Telula's shoulders to the other, then gave her a gentle peck on the shoulder.
In response Handler Ulrich tskd with a snap of his fingers Oi! Come here!
The Hawk gave Handler Ulrich a funny and cock-eyed face before flying all the way to Ulrich, and then making it a point to fly back to Telula.
Ulrich shook his head with a curse I swear, Gogrin, you magic types. She another one then?
Gogrin grinned That... depends. What do you think of the hawk, Telula?
The stag came running in, horns ready as Vasu took her first stab at it
And Vasu's rapier missed by just a few inches on the first stab-
The deer, however, in attempting to dodge the rapier, slid through the snow, completely missing Vasu in its charge.
Aram spoke in continued whispers and thoughts It is good that you have such power- I need you to spy and follow on Warden Franklin, the man in a bad temperment who just passed.
He wanted to execute The Mother, or most recent dethroned ruler, even before that Speaker got here. I suspect he is most likely up to no good.
But he essentially lives in the Prison he runs, and most of my spies do not have the skills of invisibility to a high degree. They would be caught and imprisoned for trespassing almost immediately.
::"My lady asks what sexuality dos Warden Franklin have, dos he like males or females? also what is his type?::
Sealith would start climbing the wall with ease, her wings hooking onto the broken parts and pulling herself up. Once to the top she looked out and for the first time spread her wings.
Their massive length felt the wind as she stood on top of the wall. It had been so long. Looking down she backed up and then ran to the edge and dove over the side. Her wings caught the wind and she sailed up and sailed on the cold winds. Flapping she would gain height and look around again before circling back over the wall and catching the warm updraft and spiraled higher up before sliding back out into the woods looking around for Vasu.
This was heaven for her. Yes she knew he gave her her wings. But she never asked for them and she knew he would take them away at his own discretion. Until then she would enjoy the freedom of flight again.
Ha. I nor my spies have really seen him go towards women, not in the open. He does enjoy flirting with the bustier and rounder barmaids- but the man doesn't drink, and I've yet to see him take one home.
You'll normally find him around one a.m. at a tavern in the North East called "Logan's Flood"- a filth ridden hole in the wall kind of place where a person like him can lay low with other rough types.
Sealith spotted Vasu just a ways off to the distance on the clear and starry night. As she began to glide towards her, voices swirled in her head What's she doing?
Did you find a friend?
An owl? How dishonorable!