Gogrin passed the note to Telula as he stifled a laugh to keep his new little Ring from hitting him. He tossed a seed to Archimedes before giving Suzume a stealthy thumbs up and waved him in along with the Mother, Chelya, Binsk, and Sealith.
Thank you, Suzume! I, uh- Gogrin handed Maxwell the Yak's milk and baby clothes while he made his way back to sitting next to Telula I am not sure entirely how to thank you, my new friend.
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Vasu soared and glided easily down to the market near the intersection of the four major roads of 42. Her newly acquired Raven soared closely nearby her as it gave chirps of glee- it appeared it had been well trained after all.
Vasu landed to the ooh's and ah's of several humans surrounding her before making her way to the first market
Vasu could see around her all sorts of shops on the four way intersection on the outskirts of the Angel-Oak's courtyard- weaponry, armor, clothing, potions, and any other assortment of things that she could possibly desire.
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Sealith looked at Suzume when he came in and very slowly brought a claw to her face and shook it as she listened to him.
"I know I told you. It was not my intent you tell everyone. Just to be able to share the knowledge of their new pairing. I guess Tengu traditions are different than ours."
Her wings shifted and settled as she thought something over. She still looked irritable but it didn't show in her voice.
She stalked around the room towards Gogrin looking at everyone gathered around.
"Greetings to you Gogrin, Telula, Alexis."
She looks at the shop keep.
"If you can do what I wish you to do then I will be spending a lot of gold in this shop, an obscene amount of gold, I need a fine out fit in Black and silver for tonight, for a nobleman and a matching outfit for myself. So I suggest you come from behind that counter and wait on me like your very life depends on it."
She waits for a little more service.
If the woman comes she shows her the kind of thing she wants.
Power dressing, Black and silver, with boots to match.
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She was wrong, she could be more embarrassed. I wish I had a vanishing spell right now. The Majar thought as her cheeks turned a very bright red.
"Greetings Sealith, and Suzume." She finally said rather meekly.
Sealith would move over to Telula seeing the look on her face.
Shifting she would wrap an arm around her as she bent over. "I am happy you are happy. It is good to see your eyes light up." Giving her a squeeze, Telula would be surprised by the gentleness coming from the large Samuraian.
Standing back up.
"Gogrin, I need to speak with you privately. Please, can we retire to another room?'
Gogrin gave a peck on Telula's cheek as he comforted her אוהבולהגן עליך הטבעת הקטנה שלי אני תמיד
Gogrin then motioned to Sealith Privacy... Hmmm... Well, if you mean just the two of us then I suppose a guest room will do. If you meant a majority of us here minus a few, well.... Alright. Very well very well- You five- Gogrin said, pointing to the Royal Escorts Would you be so kind as to escort Maxwell to his home early tonight? Inform him I will be more than happy to finish making the dinner, and I appreciate him staying a bit late to serve more guests.
The Royal Escorts nodded before rising from the table and guiding a protestant Maxwell from the kitchen Oh now Sir are you sure you do not need me for the rest of the night? I've served you since we were boys you know it is no issue!
Gogrin grinned as he stroke his beard Go home old friend- unfortunately we will be here quite a while. I will finish the soup- feel free to come in late tomorrow as well. I know it has been a while since you've let yourself sleep in, Maxwell.
Maxwell nodded without further protest and left with the five Royal Escorts. Now then, Sealith- Gogrin sat at the head of the table after giving Telula a look about her What exactly is going on?
I will always love and protect you, my little ring.
The shopkeeper clicked her tongue as she made her way around the counter Oh alright! Very well very well! She called out Silver and black, you say? My my we don't see those colors very often! You have a very refined taste my lady-, er, I apologize, what is your name my lady?
Sealith would wait for a bit and closes the windows and would turn to him. The look on her face serious. Slowly she would look at everyone located here.
"Suzume, you will have to keep your beak shut about what is to be talked about. Everyone here will. I am not saying lie. I am saying play Samuraian politics. Tell the truth without speaking what is going on."
Looking to Gogrin she would walk to the table. "You got the message didn't you? The one talking about Elyse's request? On our way here, two white gorillas were attacking a civilian. I stopped it but these instances will increase. The plants are currently dying. I don't mean little by little, I mean completely. Its only been 4 days and there is yellowing and the smell of decay is starting to fill the air." Her tail lashed the air.
"I say you put Elyse in the tree tonight. She is willing to make the sacrifice and it will take a month or so to get the fields cleared and planted. That work is already starting in the morning hopefully. Also, Telula, what did you think of the idea of finding a ritual that the people of the city can contribute a little of their life force in mass so the drain isn't always on Elyse?
Shifting her wings she looked at everyone assembled. "This must be done without people knowing what is going on. I mean anyone. We don't know who could be informing Matthias or who to trust. I trust, those in this room. Vasu also if she was here."
Her claws tap on her arm slightly.
"You are now Leader. There are times where you must make decisions without your council. This is one of those times. Will you let Elyse once again bond with the Angel Oak? I believe she is ready."
Staring at Gogrin quietly watching his reaction.
Gogrin hmm'd and hawed as he continued to stroke his beard in his chair Elyse.... We've been friends since the first day I came into 42. Without you and Alexis bothering me, I'm not sure I would have ever been allowed to try my hand at making 42 as prosperous as it is today.
You... You could die if we don't find a substitute in time, Elyse. You could die.
The Mother gave a small smile as her eyes faltered downward as she slowly pets Chelya and Binsk It is the only thing I've known, Gogrin. You know that.
And then we will somehow have to hide it from the other Councilors? Alexis can always be trusted-
Gee thanks Gogrin, ha ha! Alexis retorted in a sarcastic fashion as she laughed
But if the Warden were to find out that you were breaking Council Rulings and Law....
It could even lead to civil war, Elyse.
Gogrin fed Archimedes a seed and tossed another one artfully to Myrddin as he stroked the raven's breast in a few moments of silence I defer to the rest of you. But I would need a plan, we would have to keep her hidden, out of sight, and how would we explain the Angel-Oak working without anyone inside of it, hypothetically? The very purpose of the meeting tomorrow was to stress the urgency of leaving the Angel Oak.
"That is where Elyse comes in. Elyse, you will have to be subtle. No instant rejuvenation. No complete control of the animals. Slowly and carefully working through the city. You will have to be a subtle as the roots of the tree itself. Underground and hidden. You will be an extra set of eyes but don't use the power as much as you did before."
She shifted looking at Elyse. "This will require you to stay hidden in the tree. With the precedent of me sleeping in the tree. I can look after you."
Looks at everyone present. "I know I have taken over the task of organizing these things. But I saw them as necessary. Suzume, Telula, what do you think?"
Looking to Gogrin. "Then keep that urgency, it IS Still there. You don't want Elyse to die and neither do I. So we need all the help we can get to handle the situation. It is as dire as your note is. We are just moving to buy us a little of time."
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Suzume tapped a talon against the chin of his beak. "Am sorry if I did anything to embarrass you. In Tengu culture, mating is a public affair, and point of pride. I myself was very well known among my village."
"Are you alright, Telula-San? You look an unnatural shade of red in humans. Are you catching a fever from the cold?"
He said his hello to Alexis. "Been too long, pleased to see you. You have good reputation among the villagers as a fighter. Would enjoy a spar in the future."
"Will keep beak shut. I take secret-keeping very seriously."
"Sealith is right. Sacrifices must be made. Not just by us. Long road ahead. You have the children to think about." He crossed his arms. "While I would never do such a thing, am tempted to see Matthias here again, just so I can have a chance at killing him, and taking my time in the act. Neighboring country cuts body 100 times until victim bleeds out. Am willing to test it on him."
"I hate the risk, too, Gogrin-San, but Elyse has lived and was willing to die for her home before. We're all ready to make sacrifices. If it could be me, I wouldn't hesitate." He sighed. "You are not normal people, Elyse, Gogrin, Alexis. You do not get the benefit of apathy or peace. You're more likely to spend the rest of your waking hours bleeding for your people than you are to live your days in the calm. You have led your life into sacrifice. I am afraid you must continue down that path."
Telula listened to all that was being said. Putting a hand on Gogrin's arm, she finally spoke, "It may be our only course at this point. I believe the Oak cannot handle much more on its own and we need to help alleviate any concerns to those that also may have noticed the withering plant life."
A thought came to her then, "Perhaps we could fake a ritual and explain it as a way to help wean the city from its dependence on the tree. And maybe it requires someone possessed of a natural connection to the divine to do so?" She added with a look to Sealith.
"In the mean time, I'll look into any such ritual we could use to do as you suggested Sealith and have the city share the burden of keeping the Angel-Oak alive."
Quickly, she wracked her brain to see if she perhaps might have read something somewhere.
As Telula draws from what she knows regarding the Weave, she gets the strong feeling that the Angel Oak does not discrepance against arcane, divine, or natural magics.
She has also noticed that the only magic in 42, essentially, is herself, Gogrin, Alexis, and the Clerics.
More magic might make operating the Angel Oak, temporarily, easier, since all of its magic created currently is from itself, requiring the blood price the Mother pays to it to make it more powerful.
Perhaps a ritual in regards to this would help the Mother.
Alexis tsk'd at Suzume Oi, just cause you're training guards, you think you can take me on, eh? Why don't we give it a spar after dinner, and test that fancy sword of yours? Hm? Alexis' tail flicked back and forth excitedly as she curled her pink hair around her pointer finger.
Gogrin left for a few moments to snatch up the rest of the soup and Telula's favorite dish that he had been making amidst conversation. Returning back and slowly slurping the warm red soup, Gogrin sighed
Well, I suppose then we should get her to the Angel Oak at about six pm or so- which means we'd have to do the ritual at about noon so she has plenty of time to leave in the morning before anyone could see her. I should be able to, or, perhaps, Telula and I could whip up a few disguise scrolls for you, Elyse. I might have a few in my study for tomorrow night as well.... Just know....
This plan makes me quite nervous for you, Elyse.
Elyse nodded It has to be done Gogrin, at least- until the people can sustain themselves.
Very well. Well, in regards to a ritual, I suppose Telula and I might be able to try and dig a few things up as well. High Priest Regal will be happy to feel useful again after my yelling at him only a day or so ago, ha ha ha!
The Mother gave Suzume an off-set smile with a tilted head Don't be sorry, Suzume. This is my fate- and in doing so I'll be able to take care of 1 million people! One million children.
Sealith's face didn't mask her anger as Telula spoke of a fake ritual. Her claws clicked along her scales as she was about to speak but then Gogrin spoke up.
Her eye twitched and her tail lashed the air upsetting a nearby chair but, it didn't fall.
"You would dishonor your people with trickery? With holding an elaborate hoax?! You wouldn't want that to be the first impression you make as a Mother is it Telula?!"
The tail lashed the air the other way hitting another chair.
"As for you Gogrin. Did you not get the point of now?! Every second you hem and haw and hesitate is another second your people are lead to a possible disastrous end. I know you want to take your time and think it out but this isn't one of those times. 6 Pm tomorrow?? Thats over 12 hours away, another 12 hours those plants that feed your people will be dying. 12 more hours Matthias can sew dissidence because they started dying when you took over. I am trying to help take care of your people" Sealith leaned forward her clawed hands slamming onto the table.
My dear Sealith- I understand the need for haste, but if I had acted as urgently as you encourage now only a day ago, I would not have even been here to have this conversation.
Rather, I would already be out and about Terra Nix with Telula and the rest of you, in search of the Frost Giant King.
The people will live another day under the punishment of caution.
You have all taken care of my people well- just as you say you fought off two rabid gone gorillas! We have more than enough capability to suffer one more day. I'm beginning to see that such a thing is the cost of ruling.
"No, I would have called you a fool then and you know it Gogrin. Do not think I am foolish enough to run off to search for this king on what ever wild goose chase you were thinking." She straightened and crossed her arms. "I don't risk my life, or the lives of those I decide to protect so carelessly."
"Have you two even TOLD your people what is going on? I think not because you aren't wanting to start a panic. Its already starting if you listen to the murmurs on the streets. All it takes is Matthias to start the rumor that it is dying and you aren't doing anything about it and you will have lost your people. Humans are skittish creatures. Disturb what they know and sew doubt and that is all it takes to make things volatile. Or, someone else could say they are doing something and you aren't. You have yet to act as far as I have seen. You have done research but I know not what else." Sealith would sincerely like to know what he had been up to besides mating with Telula. After all, Sealith had been busting her ass and loosing sleep just to help this city. It probably why her anger came out so fiercely.
Taking a deep breath she calmed herself down and looked at him.
"Look, you three, Alexis, Telula, Gogrin, have one million people to feed. One million. It isn't as simple as going to the baker and buying bread with your precious gold. One day of rot can ruin plants or vegetables. Make them poisons instead of nutrients. It has been less than 5 days and the plants are turning yellow. Normally that takes a month. The degradation of plant life alone is one thing. Secondly, what about the animals? How many innocent civilians will you let be hurt, let alone murdered by them. because they are reverting to their feral territorial aggressive nature. If I hadn't stepped in that woman could have died. With Elyse in the tree she can subtly shift them out of the city and keep them off civilian's without fully taking them over. The whole point of this is subtlety and taking some of the burden off of you. Buy time so you can make the right decisions."
"Look, I know I come off overbearing but that is just my way. I don't want your job Gogrin. Trust me, I don't. I would have challenged for it if I wanted it. That is the Samuraian way. But know this. A Samuraian that has lost honor, will never be a leader. Until I recover my honor you have no worries about me wanting to take your job. Even then, wouldn't want it. Humans are....well to be frank, mostly honor-less. But it doesn't mean they don't have good people. You have a bunch of great people in your city and some not so good ones, but every city does. When I stuck with this job it is because I decided to protect this city. I will fight for the Honor of its people and I ask you Honor the people as well."
Telula calmly stood up and spoke, ”I think you misunderstand my intention Sealith. If it was suspected that Elyse was once more connecting to the Oak, those on the brink rebellion might see it as the final straw and cause the riots you mentioned. I am merely suggesting a false ritual to provide a cover for Elyse in case there are some astute enough to pick up on the subtle assistance she would be providing. I was only thinking of her safety while Gogrin and I look for a way to have the city provide assistance in the trees functions. Does that clear up what I meant?”
Sealith turned looking at Telula and her tail swayed as she listened to the words.
"Someone may also be astute in seeing through the ruse. That is my concern. I can not look through the books like you can and find a real ritual. The only rituals I know are bonding rituals that involve blood or promises. I would not wish to pass on what I have to the tree so I can not do those."
Looks at her.
"It does indeed clear it up. I think a Blessing would... be a good ritual. But I can not research it properly."
Once she is happy she shows the shop hand her design for the two outlines.
"I expect magic to used, I want them ready by 2pm I will pay in advanced."
The Shopkeeper looked slightly confused, but also, insulted as she guffawed Miss, to craft such detail in such amount of time is impossible! I have multiple items of inventory very close to these things close to you, but just to use magic would require me to hire a Cleric! I apologize, but-
The shopkeeper waved Lilly towards the back of the store Unless you have plans to visit SEQ Keepers in the South East, you will have to pick from one of these. I... I wish I could be of more help!
The dresses before Lilly were close in design, though not exactly what she wanted.
Gogrin turned to Telula as he spoke in
Gogrin then turned to Sealith I respect your concern. I respect your concern, and your concern, and your concern, my
They would kill, in all likelihood, the people who have guided and protected them for nearly the past two decades! And yet I am expected to rule them fairly!
Gogrin took out his mace, casting it aside on the ground as it hit the chair at the head of the table so hard it knocked it back tot he floor FAIR? While my royal sister, Elyse, is killing herself in the Oak? They do not understand the terrors of Terra Nix, a simple mention of it sends them reeling!
They could not even begin to wrap their minds around the issue, the problem. You have asked, Sealith, what I have been doing-
I have been trying to find a way to deal with such insolence minus my anger.
I have been trying to figure out how to rule, without resorting to methods like those of the Frost Giant King. And as it would appear...
Gogrin made his way back to the head of the table, setting up the chair before sitting back down with Telula, caressing her hand in an attempt to calm himself as he continued to fiddle with his mace I am failing. The Councilors have no experience in times like these. I have no experience in time like these, and nor do you, my dear and delightful Elyse.
So how do I avoid the pitfalls of Kings? How do I avoid the divide that the Mountain Elves of the East suffered, or the violence the Frost Giant King uses to the West? How do I avoid becoming a monster like that of the Empress in the West- all while avoiding this city crumbling to its bare stone after 400 years of peace?
Gogrin gave a peaceful sigh as he looked down Such things...
Such things are not written in books. They are gathered from experience and time- neither of which 42's only king has.....
Gogrin then sat, awaiting advice from the three outsiders surround him, Elyse and Alexis silent as their eyes, too, became downcast at Gogrin's truth of their situation. It is now that the despair amongst the Councilors and the Kings became quite clear and obvious.
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Telula sat stunned at the Dwarf's sudden outburst, unclear what to say at this point.
Vasu bent down slightly and folded her wings tightly over her back, but it was of no use. The prying eyes and strange cooing of the earth creatures could not be escaped, no matter how carefully she tread through the throngs of smooth skinned humanoids. In the end, Vasu let her panicking raven take shelter in her arms and folded her wings protectively around the poor creature. At least one of the duo would be safe from view.
As Vasu picked her way around a man carrying several massive chicken corpses, she found what she was looking for: a market. Stalls chock full of all sorts of wares lined the street. Merchants called out, some magically amplifying their voices to be heard over the roar of the crowd. Ack, the roar of the crowd. All around her, humans, elves, and a multitude of other smooth skins chattered in their harsh, grating tongues; nothing like the melodic voices of the Syrinx. Vasu tried to swivel several of her feathers over her sensitive ears, but it was of no use. Nothing could protect Vasu's strigine auditory senses from the chaos surrounding her. It was go time.
Vasu had come to the market with one goal in mind: she had to find something that would allow her to haul massive deer carcasses from a forest to the interior of 42's great walls. It was not to be an easy task.
Sealith stared at Gogrin and slowly shook her head. "It doesn't matter how much I tell you about what is going on. You will simply not believe in me or more importantly, in your people until you see them first hand. So I have a challenge for you Gogrin."
Looking at Alexis she held up her hand. "Not that kind of challenge Alexis. Tomorrow, I go to the fields and see if your people have risen to the challenge I presented them. Before dawn breaks I will be out there. I challenge you to give up your finery, give up your books. Be a citizen and come to the fields and watch your people. I am not asking you to do anything else."
Shifting she looks at each assembled. "This will give you insight to your people and what they want to see in a leader. You will hear their thoughts unfiltered and true. The pitfalls of kings is often in themselves and not allowing themselves to grow or being consumed by their own power. The people below you are not pawns, but individuals. Some good, some bad, but all your family now. I can't continue to give advice until you see your people with your own eyes. Unclouded by past views."
Sealith will step back and bow. "If you will excuse me. I still have Vasu to find to tell her about tomorrow's dinner. I should then catch what sleep I can. Flying across the city takes hours. Elyse, stay safe and sleep well. Alexis, Suzume, when I can spare some time I would like to spar with you two also. I am sorry I do not have time for it now. Telula, congratulations. When I can I will give you a proper gift."
Turning she would walk out and looks around stretching her wings. Not having the energy to launch herself she started crawling up the side of his building to get to the top and scanned the sky looking for Vasu before she would take to the air in search of her Avian companion.
Searching far and wide for Vasu in the late evening.
As Vasu makes her way through the series of hunting shops she sees one with a few human men standing around in elbow length rubber gloves and wielding an assortment of cutlery as they called out in common to other humans.
Vasu could see behind them an entire rack of muleback cords behind the three chefs as they chopped and whipped an assorted amount of meats before throwing them into, what looked like, a large pot of stew behind them.
As Vasu approached the three men they grinned as they continued to do their dance with their knives as they chopped more and more remaining meat from the day. One asked her a question in common, but, seeing that she could not understand them, he held a finger up; a moment later he was offering Vasu a bowl of the fresh meat stew they had just made.
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As Sealith made her exit Gogrin immediately gave her a nod of respect I believe, Sealith, that maybe it is time I do just that.
Gogrin then moved to instantly pop open a few bottles of wine and poured a glass for himself, Elyse, Telula, Alexis, and Suzume.
Gogrin also ordered up Archimedes to fetch him ink, paper, and quill so that he could re-write his letters of invitation cancelling tomorrow night's banquet all together instead of relocating it, telling them all he had official business come up and he would reschedule at another time. Archimedes left the home with at least three different letters wrapped around its feet.
Meanwhile, Alexis palmed the hilt of her sword as she looked over Suzume You still gonna be able to spar with me if you have a few drinks in you, Crow? She grinned as she downed two glasses of wine in a row before pouring Suzume his own glass.
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"As loud as she is, Sealith is right on one front. We cannot wait any longer to take action. We must be decisive. Hesitation is a cancer of the mind. We cannot afford to leave it untreated." He turned to Sealith. "But... if we need a fake ritual, we shouldn't bicker on the honour of the action." He said, the words coming out hesitantly. He wasn't one to sacrifice his own honor, let alone in such a deception. "Perhaps we need to sacrifice a bit from ourselves if we are to save those around us."
At hearing Gogrin's outburst, Suzume stood up and looked him dead in the eye. There was nothing jovial about his voice.
"If that is what you think. Then you are no ruler." He said. "You lack respect for your people, you don't deserve it. You don't trust them, let the revolution come down knocking at your door. Yes, I am willing to keep one secret from them. A temporary solution, and only that. The world isn't fair, but it is your job as a king to be." He shook his head. "If you aren't prepared for, find someone who is." He said lowly.
By the end, he left early in sour spirits, but not before nodding to Sealith and Alexis. "Am ready when you are." He said, stepping out the door just to feel the cold wind on his face. It was enough to calm him down. He looked over to Beru. "Thank the gods you don't have language to speak with others."
Looks around the shop, seeing things close to what she wants.
"Is there a good seamstress local I can take this to, So i can get it just right and what is the price please"
** spoiler omitted **
(Perception)
Lilly can tell from the make of the clothes that while a vast majority are within her price range, the type of make she is looking for currently is, based on the price tag, 150 GP, where as last year's season of nobility clothing, that still is in quite prime condition, is available for about 75 GP a piece, though these are not made in the fashion Lilly would like.
(Nobility)
Lilly knows that couples everywhere in the world often wear matching clothing, just as she desires black and silver. However, she also knows from Warden Franklin's personality that regardless of what he is wearing on top, he will attend public events in full armor regardless of the circumstance to show he is all business, and always prepared for the worst.
Hmmmm, yess, well if you require something from outside of here, the only one I know from the guild halls that works in magic and modern fashion would be the SE Keeper's Tailor shop- I'm afraid I just never quite got the skill of working with magic. If not, I suppose I could provide you a discounted price of 100GP on the modern fashions I do have here?
Gogrin nodded to Suzume as he did to Sealith I will be damned, for the sake of Elyse, and the 400 Years of peace we had, if I let it all end while under the reign of the First Dwarven Ruler of 42!
You two have instilled in me a spirit of yearning I have not felt.... well, with the exception of one sweet soul- Gogrin stared into Telula's eyes as he continued talking, taking her hands A yearning I have not felt to learn and grow since I was a boy crossing Terra Nix. Not since the Frost Giant King have I had such a challenge unfold before my feet.... It is settled, then. In the morning I will go to the South East. I am cancelling all formalities to instead see and work amongst the people.
Respect, after all, can only be earned. Perhaps it is time we councilors earned our fair share.
Alexis grinned as she stood up with Suzume Well if those aren't fair words to get me ready for a fight, King Gogrin, I don't know what is. Let's do this Suzume!
Alexis stood up with a wild grin as she drew out her sword and flicked it from hand to hand in the middle of the street You have a name for your sword, there, Suzume? This one here- She pointed the glowing blade outward as her tail wrapped nicely around her waist This one here I made myself. Call her "Cinder Shade"- and you're going to find out why.
I really hope you are a worthy opponent, Suzume. Well then- how should we do this? Up close, or fifteen feet from one another? I'll take whatever duel style you want.
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Vasu shook her head at the bowl of soup, but the scent of boiled meat assailed her nostrils. She took a deep breath in and exhaled. Vasu extended a talon toward the rack of muleback cords, but was careful not to disturb the raven huddling calmly under her wings in the process. While Vasu wasn't entirely sure what the harness was or what it was supposed to do, it assuredly looked as though she could strap a heavy load to it and carry it with less difficulty than having to drag it along the ground. Her kills would look less mangled by the time she chopped them up, at least.
When the man at the counter understood what Vasu was pointing at, the two began a tense bargaining process. While neither could talk to the other, looks could nearly kill. Vasu grabbed a fistful of gold coins out of her backpack and placed them on the counter. The burly man at the counter shot a dirty glance at her. Vasu placed several more on the counter. The man sighed. He motioned for Vasu's coin pouch. Vasu looked at him with disbelief and mistrust, and simply kept adding coins to the table a fistful at a time. The process took far too long, and the pile of coins grew comically large, but finally the smooth skin gave in and handed Vasu several cords, helping fit them to her back.
Suddenly, Vasu understood why the harnesses cost so much. These weren't just ropes and pulleys, these cords had been enchanted with some sort of magic. The feathered beast of a creature felt a jolt of power surge through her body, and her backpack suddenly felt as light as air. She nearly dropped the raven sitting in her arms as the shock overtook her senses. With an irritated caw roughly translating to "Hey, watch it!," the sleek black bird crawled back into Vasu's embrace.
Vasu blushed under her feathers as the heavy man behind the counter let out a hearty chuckle at Vasu's disorientation, leading Vasu to hurry away from the stand. Once again, she was squashed in between members of the market crowd.
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Suzume walked back in after five minutes of contemplation.
"Sorry." He said. "I needed to see Beru... and kick that stump outside."
He sighed "You and me, Gogrin. We disagree on a ggreat many things, we probably will more in the future. But I am still with you. I still consider you a friend, you short, hairy idiot. And as long as I feel you with yearning, I will not give up on you or your people." He hugged the man and pat him on the back. "We'll get through this s%&@storm, I swear it."
"Doshaburi." He said, nodding to Alexis. "My master's sword before mine. translated, it is called Downpour. Before I took it, it used to strike with the strength of the northern rains." He looked at the blade. Since my master had passed, the enchantment has all but faded. He inspected Alexis's blade. The name was all he needed to hear. "Fire enchantment?"
"Up close." Suzume said, pulling Doshaburi out of his scabbard. "I'm stiff and I have not the time to walk dramatically towards the fight."
Alexis grinned as she licked along her blade I am a tiefling, after all. Those Elves broke me of many things- but the powers of Cinder Shade.... Heh heh.... Not quite fire. Something more beautiful to represent my breaking of the bonds of the Abyss....
If you've heard of it.... My Cinder Shade is brilliant. Shining! No armor can stop it... The fire just comes from my spells! But I'll take it easy on you this time... I don't have my shield, after all. Just some sparring, he he!
Alexis giggled as she took her stance, her full plate armor clicking into place with her body and tail all in one beat
As Vasu tucked the raven in, it began to peep and chirp from within the cover of Vasu's wings.
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As Sealith scouted and scoured the skies, her mighty wings flapping and creating the now sleeping and night filled city into Sealith's own personal and echoing snare drum she could see out in the distance Vasu walking along the streets as people began to close shop and head into their homes.
Coming from the direction of the center Sealith could see a few unfamiliar and too armored "citizens" apparently gathering around Vasu as the two closed in on one another.
Sealith would have to hurry in order to stop just in time to help Vasu with whatever was about to happen up ahead.
Alexis let the sword hit her armor and stay there with a loud pang as she continued to giggle Oooooh! You ARE good! So close, but-
Alexis put both hands on her sword as she slashed upwards against Suzume, attempting to draw her brilliantly shining sword across his chest
Suzume attempted to get out of the way, but couldn't in time. The blade felt weird as it struck him- as if it moved through his leather armor. This was, indeed, no ordinary Tiefling or opponent.
Alexis composed herself back into her stance while continuing her grin Maybe I shouldn't have let you have that wine!
This time Alexis ducked backwards under the blade, still giggling as she went to two legs and a hand before spinning, striking after Suzume once more
The blade missed Suzume by a feather and Alexis tsk'd herself as she reposed once more, this time centering the blade to her chest with a deep inhale Looks like I won't be able to fully mess around, huh? He he!
Alexis continued to giggle If you keep hitting like that- She spoke now as she bounced the sword from her shoulder and moving in I might have to disrobe, Suzume!
But... My worst... How about...
Alexis spit fire on her sword, quickly turning into a bright white flame when combined with Cinder Shade's brilliance Yessss, I think then this will do just fine! Come at me once more, Suzume!
Alexis' stance changed, now- her tail unfurled and her hands using a mixed grip on the handle of the sword- more so the look in her eyes than anything else with her unfurled hot pink hair had changed immensely.
I really, REALLY do not like missing!
Alexis hopped back 30ft- if Suzume didn't know any better, she was preparing for a charge while within his range, taking advantage of his mentioned stiffness.
Too bad, Suzume. You don't know much about Tieflings yet, do you? That's alright- let me show you!
In a matter of seconds Alexis was upon Suzume
Alexis' sword cut along Suzume's left arm this time as she then quickly reposed.
Suzume feinted with his first attack, but as Alexis attempted to simply move out of its way, the second one cut Alexis across the chest in a quick counter.
She giggled furiously Oooooh! I can't remember the last time someone got a hit like that one me! I'll have to pay you back!
Suzume nearly dodged Alexis' blow, but her sword cut right through his armor once more, starting small pieces of it on fire as it began to give off smoke and smolder.
Ah, that's more like it! Bet you're almost done, just one more hit should do it!
Alexis cockily returned to her former stance, wielding the sword in one hand again as she seemed to bounce between her feet, excited to deliver the final blow.
Alexis spun out of the way of the blade, flicking it away with her sword before lunging in
The fire on Alexis' blade quickly went out as, instead of slashing across Suzume, she quickly kicked him to the ground from his back. As he lay on his stomach in admitted defeat, Alexis reached one of her red hands down to help him up Not gonna lie, Suzume, you did way better than I thought an outsider would! It'll be nice to have a sparring partner for now and again, he he! Would you like me to heal you up real quick? I've had plenty of experience with Elyse after all.