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Adolina reaches down to help Fulito up, trying hard to repress a large grin. "I'm terribly sorry Fulito - Canton is turning into something of a greedy-guts. Brush yourself off and I'll replace all the items my dog has decided to scoff."
She looks at the departing figure of Azzrix, seemingly unsure about what to do about his sudden departure.
However, a similar figure-Ameiko-walks in front of the kobold.
"Now hold on!" the Tian woman said, looking down, "Is this really how you respect your Talons? And your tribe? I mean, yeah, we didn't grovel before your grace, nor did we come to your every command. But normally, kobolds AND dragons are normally killed-or at least, a town would try to kill a dragon or kobold as soon and efficiently as possible. Yes, the old man tried to, but no one else did. So while you may not have the worshipers you wanted, at least you got a town to show you some respect."
Azzerix stared back up at Ameiko for a moment, arms folded before cocking his head to one side. "...you really are clueless, aren't you? I highly doubt anyone in this wayward little snarl would have to capacity to slay a half-hatched wyrmling, much less MY illustrious form! And did I not spare the elder, senile though he was, for challenging me!? You call THAT disrespect!? If you believe my sharing of my vast horde earlier will continue simply because I remain, you have another thing com--!"
One could almost hear the mental skid marks being made as Azzerix's entire tirade suddenly came to a grinding halt. 'Hold now... that is an interesting thought. She referred to my proper title upon seeing my treasures... and indeed, the attitude of all seems to have changed entirely. Before, they demanded I leave... yet now, they wish me to stay? Curious... it is as if... they cannot comprehend my magnificence is real unless they witness it firsthand. And now that they have witnessed it, they wish me to remain, perhaps to demonstrate even further, without losing any face? Clever... but not enough to outsmart my brilliance!'
"Hmhmhmhmhm... it seems I gave you too little credit. You are more wily than I expected... not enough to outfox my staggering intellect, but clever. Cute, even." Azzerix folded his arms and shook his head with a devilish smirk. "I see through your little ruse... but rest assured, I will not spoil your game. Very well. I shall remain a day or two longer. Perhaps provide some... demonstration of my power..." He paused to let that sink in, as if quietly humoring some secret wish of everyone's before continuing. "...and if I see some meaningful changes in your attitude, perhaps I will reconsider my assessment of your tribe and my dominion here..."
Toban tires of chasing the butterflies and is back in his stoic mood standing in the street watching the goings on with Azzerix with a puzzled look in his face. What is wrong with that kobald...do they all suffer from such illusions of grandeur?
Ameiko was about to say something, but did a double take on the kobold. "Wait, what ruse?!" she asked, slightly in anger.
Before anyone else could say anything, the sound of a thunderstone cracked through the air, as the crowd drew silent. Father Zantus appeared to be on the stage.
Toban gathered by the crowd the uncomfort from earlier returning.
The boom of the thunderstone snaps Ethan into a state of wariness.
"What's going on?" he says to no one in particular. He unshoulders his bow subconsciously.
'Ah, she wishes to feign ignorance. How adorable... I suppose I should humor her effort.' Azzerix smiled, shaking his head as he opened his maw to speak, but the thunderstone crack cuts him off. Turning to see one of the speakers from earlier, he held his arms over his chest as he watched.
"Seems a tribe elder wishes to speak. Wise way to get attention." he mused, a half-interested look on his face.
Fulito decided to gather some more food, since the baby lizard boy errr, I mean mighty dragon, was leaving.
suddenly there was the thunder. and Fulito jumped at the boom dropping his food all over the ground.
There goes my lunch. Again.
turning to see what was happening he notices some of the others he recently met making their way to the podium.
looking at the mess he made, he gives a sigh, well, maybe I'll eat double at dinner. Fulito then goes to join the others. giving a smile at seeing Adolina and Toban getting along so well.
He stands proud at his success at matchmaking. Now if he could just get is daughter's head out of the clouds long enough.... well that is for another time.
Once everyone has quiet down, Father Zantus clears his throat, and prepares to say something-
Only to be interrupted by a woman's scream slicing through the air. A few moments later, another scream rises, then another. Beyond them, a sudden sure of strange new voices rise-high-pitched, tittering shrieks that sound not quite human. The crowd parts and something low to the ground races by, giggling with disturbing glee as a stray dog gives a pained yelp and then collapses with a gurgle, its throat cut open from ear to ear. As blood pools around its head, the raucous sound of a strange song begins, chanted from shrill, scratchy voices.
Ethan shouts to be heard above the panicking crowd.
Bow in hand, he pulls a shaft from his quiver.
Fulito looks around the sounds are coming from everywhere. he misses the creature as it runs by, and for a moment Fulito is lost in the chaos of the attack.
suddenly the only thought that comes to mind, Flim!
the worry of the safety of his beloved pony clouds his thoughts.
Azzerix quirked an eyebrow as his watched whatever this creature was run up and start a panic. Well, this looked bad. Not that Azzerix minded much. Perhaps these puny little pipsqueaks were a danger to mere mortals, but to an invincible white dragon such as himself? Hardly worthy of his attention, much less his time. "Hmmm... if only you had the divine protections of a majestic Winter Dragon. I'm sure he could deter such threats from even thinking about approaching here. If only one such being were here and still willing to accept the humble supplications of his potential subjects..."
Perception:
Init:
Toban looks on in secret delight as the little creatures run through the crowd. Finally a little excitement he thinks to himself as he tries to hide a grin on his face. At the sound of the squealing dog and Ethan's shout to arms Toban draws his great sword and readies to attack.