”My mentor was from the Shackles - we lived there for a little bit, then moved to where we could find work—hunters for hire. Weird things terrorize towns and villages…we helped. I knew some pirates, but, ah…they were not my favorite people to be around,” She says, grimacing. ”A little too handsy,” she finishes, by way of explanation. Her accent still shines through, but she seems to be making more of an effort to speak “properly” – not dropping her articles and that sort of thing. It had been a while since she had spoken so much Common. ”I visit Ekujae often. They rescued me as a child, I learned their language before being put in the care of my old mentor. Less impressive, no? But I have a knack for them, so that helps.”
"No, not less impressive at all! Still impressive. Absolutely." He smiles, nodding. "Learning a new language is tough no matter what. And I can't imagine pirates being anyone's favorite. With their eyepatches and their 'aaarrrgh matey' and all that. What a bunch of weirdos. I'd just feel stupid if I was a pirate." He shakes his head at how ridiculous that still sounds. "Funny, I was having this con...," he starts and stops, not wanting to ramble on too long because that's what he tends to do.
Looking once again at the land around him, "I don't blame you for continuing to return here. This really is a great place. Slightly hot and humid but working up a sweat never hurt anyone."
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"Nice to meet you, Nketiah. And that's a nice staff you got there. Loving the leopard sculpture. Wild cats are amazing creatures." He grins.
Nketiah smiled. "Remind me to introduce you to Harriet."
Cocking an eyebrow and grinning, "Harriet, huh? Will do. Now you've got me interested as to 'who' this Harriet is. I'll definitely look for you later, Nketiah." He nods.
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Joran turns to see who the old woman is talking to and grins when he sees the curious children. Holding up a forefinger to the elderly woman, "Give me one second with the kiddos, ma'am." Walking over to the tiny children, the big fella - with his fairly scorched clothing and face - towers over them like a giant before bending at the knees to get to their level. "Alright, kiddos, after we're done doing whatever it is we need to do here, there'll be plenty of piggyback rides later, okay?" He smiles, figuring they have no idea what he just said, or even if they did, probably don't know what a 'piggyback' ride even is.
The kids' eyes go wide as the big man distracts a few of them from the whirling toys Caiten is handing out. Few of the elves were quite as tall as Joran, and none of them came close to being as wide as he was. Luckily, Joran was too friendly to be intimidating.
When Catalina translates, there is some squabbling about who will get to go first, followed by one of the smaller children sitting on Joran's foot and clinging to his leg, then another one copying the move and grabbing his other leg, while a third starts trying to climb him. Successfully.
Ohnawa gives them "the look" and they immediately desist, taking Caiten's toys and the hope of later rides as they retreated far enough they deemed the old woman couldn't 'get' them.
With a beaming smile as a few of them instantly decide to grab onto him, he chuckles as one manages to nearly make it up and onto his shoulders. Not a moment later, the two on his legs let go and the one at his chest leaps down, quickly retreating.
With his hands on his hips, Joran lets out a hearty chuckle. "Such sweet kids."
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He nonchalantly walks over to Caiten and Sulee and leans in. "Hey, poppet, what's 'taciturn'? Is that good or bad?" Quickly shooting his focus to the android, "And I'm asking Sulee, Caiten, so don't go around blabbing this to anyone, m-kay? And when I say 'blabbing' I mean 'talking about'. Thanks." Grinning wryly, he throws a wink the poppet's way.
Sulee laughs quietly. "He just means that you are a lot more friendly and talkative than many lumbermill workers are. You don't encounter strangers, just friends that you don't know yet."
Nodding in a fashion that easily visualizes how much he likes that definition, "Okay. Okay. I like that." He smiles proudly. 'I don't encounter strangers, just friends I don't know yet'. That's good. Good stuff. Thanks, poppet." He grins, leaning back out and taking his leave. "'Friends I don't know yet'. I really like that." The barbarian has seemed to have found a spring in his step as he walks away.
As Ohnawa finishes patching up the big fella, "Thanks, Ohnawa! I appreciate it. Now, I've got a 'Harriet' to meet and some kids who are looking for leg rides at the very least." Nodding a farewell, he turns to leave but realizes he has no idea where to even begin to go to find Nketiah. Looking back to anyone who can direct him, "Ummm, would somebody mind pointing me in the direction of Nketiah? I've no idea which way to go." He shrugs.
"I'll look for her as well," says Lisi. "Come, O Friend of Friends You've Yet To Meet."
Lisi and Guba head through the treetop bridges. "Rocco, Shadow, let's go sniffing around."
"I want to find the herbalists and master hunters of the Ekujae," he says over his shoulder to Joran. "They'll know the most about what we may encounter, and the land around us."
Nodding, "Sounds like a good idea, Lis. The more we know about this place, the better." He takes in the scenery as they walk.
Yasami shakes her head. ”Nono... I-"
She waits for Catalina to finish, and gives her a little smile.
"I probably didn't express myself properly. I don't have a deck. What I meant was: We sit down, and try to see what the future holds for me. With your deck on the table. I'm not familiar with the proper expressions. Don't mistake me for my grandmother. SHE was supposedly good at it. I do something else."
She gives a little smile, and moves on to the next patient.
"Months it has been. Been dealing with small monster infestations, a few brigands, never anything this...big. Family agreed with me that I needed to find my purpose out here. Maybe I found it." Dario says with a softer smile as he looks at his comrades moving about, being treated, and asked to get treated. "Another year? Well, if you stay with us, it'll certainly be exciting. Not sure about safe though."
Dario takes the time to watch Caiten and Joran play with the elven children, his own mind going to his brother and sisters. A whole horde of young dwarves, curious and amazed at how tall he was. All his weight had gone into his height, they had teased. He remembered how mad he used to get when they'd point it out to him.
When Ohnawa calls out to him, Renali would see him tense up a little bit. It was only for a second at his scars being called out, his lips losing a little bit of the earnest smile he had. He rose up, dusting himself off. "I know better than to keep an elder waiting."
Pulling off his jacket, he shared many of the same old burns that Catalina did; the burn of gunpowder decorated his arms like a second skin. From her training enough, she would be sure of it now; the man was a true and honest gunslinger. He saddled onto the finely crafted stool and allowed the woman to rub the burn ointment into his skin. A sigh of relief left him, his eyes closing softly.
"It's that big of a deal, ain't it ma'am?" Dario said, his eyes still closed but firmly talking to Ohnawa. "I'm guessing that it is good news that something friendly came through it but it ain't good that anything came through at all." His eyes opened, looking at the woman and carefully observing her with a critical eye.
Yasami shakes her head. ”Nono... I-"
She waits for Catalina to finish, and gives her a little smile.
"I probably didn't express myself properly. I don't have a deck. What I meant was: We sit down, and try to see what the future holds for me. With your deck on the table. I'm not familiar with the proper expressions. Don't mistake me for my grandmother. SHE was supposedly good at it. I do something else."
She gives a little smile, and moves on to the next patient.
Catalina blushes again, a stark contrast to the metallic sheen of her skin, and nods with understanding. "Oh, yes. I understand now. I would love to! Lots of time until the feast. You let me know."
After her discussion with Oren and Yasamina, Catalina approaches the silent half-elven champion, Cevendyll, and looks him over with a critical eye. "You're so quiet...are you alright? I know this city can be a bit of a shock to some. I am Catalina. I didn't catch your name...?"
"... and thank goodness really, because I only very rarely throw it."
Cevendyl smiles, knowing that he had checked out a little being surrounded by elves for the first time in a very very long time. And children; there were no 'packs' of cavorting children in Iadara. Not that the Queen might not like that, but it simply wasn't the way of northen elves. From what his mother shared with him, it wasn't the way of the elves who remained on Castrovel either."I would gladly share it though: my name is Cevendyl Liressade and I am, most recently, from the Temple of Yuelral in Iadara. When I first introduced myself to Jahari, that is why I said Panther Clan, in deference to my patron. My mother is in fact from Castrovel."
"You seem to have a touch of the divine about you Catalina."
"... and thank goodness really, because I only very rarely throw it."
Cevendyl smiles, knowing that he had checked out a little being surrounded by elves for the first time in a very very long time. And children; there were no 'packs' of cavorting children in Iadara. Not that the Queen might not like that, but it simply wasn't the way of northen elves. From what his mother shared with him, it wasn't the way of the elves who remained on Castrovel either."I would gladly share it though: my name is Cevendyl Liressade and I am, most recently, from the Temple of Yuelral in Iadara. When I first introduced myself to Jahari, that is why I said Panther Clan, in deference to my patron. My mother is in fact from Castrovel."
"You seem to have a touch of the divine about you Catalina."
"I think you might mean Jahsi?" Catalina says, correcting him gently with a small smile. "In any case, I wasn't with Jahsi when you introduced yourselves to him...but is nice to meet you." She smiles a tad, touching her amulet of Yuelral. "I know of the Wise Lady, but Lady of Graves is my guide."
At his last statement, she looks a tad confused. "A touch of divine? Just as quickly, it seems to click--she inhales sharply and then nods with understanding. "Oh, yes." She holds out her arms, letting the sun hit her skin and cause the metallic sheen to really stand out. "Family is angelkin. Distant ancestor. It can be...problematic," she finishes with a frown.
Caiten approaches Catalina. "The meeting is this evening, yes? What location? I would like to explore the city, but I need to know where to return to."
"It's that big of a deal, ain't it ma'am?" Dario said, his eyes still closed but firmly talking to Ohnawa. "I'm guessing that it is good news that something friendly came through it but it ain't good that anything came through at all." His eyes opened, looking at the woman and carefully observing her with a critical eye.
Ohnawa's face was grim, but her wrinkles implied that was a frequent expression for her. Still, Dario senses a touch of annoyance -- like one might have if left out of the loop, being denied critical, need-to-know information. "You are quite astute," was all she added.
Once everyone was healed up, Rocco and Shadow set off on the hunt, following Nketiah's trail. Cevendyll's inner observation was correct -- there are many more children here than he's used to seeing back home. Elves, with their long lives, tend to have fewer, less often, after all. There are not as many here as in Breachill, but the small gang that had gathered -- several of them only half elven--followed at a distance, laughing about the strangers who seemed so odd to them.
The adults were less obvious, but still curious, in a politely friendly way. Many stolen glances or direct nods of greeting followed you. You notice none of them dressed like Jahsi -- he was the only Ekujae you'd seen wearing golden jewelry.
One elf seems to be staring at you with an expression that borders on rude, a frown of distaste on his face. He's got long hair, and is currently strapping on some gear, an impressive bow over one shoulder, several companions alongside him. . His expression softens to guarded curiosity when the wargs approach, but he keeps a wary eye on you nonetheless.
As they move along, Joran takes notice of the elf and looks curiously at him. I wonder what's eating that guy? Hey, maybe he's one of those 'Friends I don't know yet'. Or maybe he just needs a friend. Grinning, "Hey, buddy, how's it going?! Nice bow you got there. Once I'm done talking with Nketiah, I'd love to know where you got that bow from. Or if you made it yourself or whatever. Back in a bit." Joran looks over at Lis and grins. "I really like this place, Lis. A lot of friendly people here."
"Mmm...Mama and Papa always said I had keen eyes." Dario says with a faint chuckle. He nods to her, tenderly slipping his jacket back onto his lithe form. "Thank you. You've got a lifetime of having those hands be gentle and I can tell. Appreciate you, Ohnawa." He said earnestly before rising from his seat and moving to stand with his fellows before they began to go looking for Nketiah.
Dario walks in the thick of the pack, looking over the stares that are looking at him. The man was used to being a stranger in a strange town and having eyes looking over him. What he was on the lookout for was for the unfriendly eyes. It didn't take long for him to notice the long-haired elven man with a group of his comrades beside him. He was about to lock gaze when the unstoppable force that was Joran's good nature moved forward in greeting.
"This man, I swear..." Dario mutters but can't keep a grin coming to his face as he looks at Catalina. "Who is that? The one that looks like he ate a lemon."
Caiten approaches Catalina. "The meeting is this evening, yes? What location? I would like to explore the city, but I need to know where to return to."
"I'm not sure where they will have the feast..." Catalina replies, tapping her chin in thought. "They will come find us when feast is ready." She gestures widely, indicating all of the elves around them, some keeping a careful eye on them. There is a mixture of mistrust, interest, and fear in the eyes upon the group; expected in a society where there are not many outsiders coming into the city. "I wouldn't go off alone. Stay with us or with another in your group. But I am translator, not keeper, so..."
"This man, I swear..." Dario mutters but can't keep a grin coming to his face as he looks at Catalina. "Who is that? The one that looks like he ate a lemon."
Catalina falls into step next to Dario, smiling down at the short gunslinger, and leans down a tad to hear him more clearly. She looks over at the elf he's indicating, eyes lighting up with recognition. She smiles at the elf and gives a small wave before turning her attention back to Dario and explaining. "Ah, that is Akosa...best hunter of the Ekujae. He has no love for outsiders," She says, screwing up her face in thought as she tries to find a diplomatic way to explain Akosa's attitude. "Mmm...he was a slave to outsiders, once...he escaped slavery by killing slavers and burning their base to the ground." She grins a little bit at the last, remembering the stories she's heard about his escape and revenge. The destruction of slavers is always something to be celebrated, at least to Catalina. "Strangers remind him of those times. Hard to trust."
"I'm not sure where they will have the feast..."
"I wouldn't go off alone. Stay with us or with another in your group. But I am translator, not keeper, so..."
"Very well. If it is not a burden to you, I will stay near you then."
Caiten notices the various reactions that the group's presence makes in the people who live here, but he is somewhat accustomed to getting reactions like that and pays it no mind at all.
As they move along, Joran takes notice of the elf and looks curiously at him. I wonder what's eating that guy? Hey, maybe he's one of those 'Friends I don't know yet'. Or maybe he just needs a friend. Grinning, "Hey, buddy, how's it going?! Nice bow you got there. Once I'm done talking with Nketiah, I'd love to know where you got that bow from. Or if you made it yourself or whatever. Back in a bit." Joran looks over at Lis and grins. "I really like this place, Lis. A lot of friendly people here."
Seemingly taken aback by the unexpectedly friendly greeting, the elf, whom Catalina named as Akosa, calls out and addresses you all.
"We're preparing for a hunt. If you want any say in what you eat tonight, you can come along.”
Stopping on a dime, Joran looks back at the elf and smiles. "You're on, buddy!" Quickly turning to the others, "Okay, gang, who's with me! C'mon now, don't be shy. It'll be fun! If any of you decide not to go, please tell Nketiah I'm going on a hunt but that I still want to meet Harriet! Oh man, there is so much to do here! I just love this place!" He smiles big, brimming with elation.
Rubbing his hands together in anticipation, he makes his way over to the elf and his companions. "Okay, um, what was your name again? Mine's Joran, by the way. Good to meet you." He gives a nod in greeting. "One other thing, what are we hunting? Anything? Something specific? Doesn't matter to me," he states matter-of-factly, grinning with excitement.
Caiten shakes his head. "I will remain here. Sulee and I have much to discuss before this evening. I will pass the message along regarding where you are."
Caiten shakes his head. "I will remain here. Sulee and I have much to discuss before this evening. I will pass the message along regarding where you are."
Nodding, "Thanks, Caiten."
"I'll go," says Lisi. "And my little friends as well," he says, indicating the leshy and wargs.
"How do we prepare?"
"I'll go," says Lisi. "And my little friends as well," he says, indicating the leshy and wargs.
"How do we prepare?"
With a curious look, Joran grins and simply explains it. "That's easy, Lis. You grab your bow - you do have a bow, right? - you nock an arrow, and then you aim and fire! Piece of cake!" He gives him a friendly slap on the shoulder.
Catalina stands off to the side of the group, observing their behavior and who plans to go where. As she observes, she fidgets with her Harrow deck some more, finding comfort in the soft, feather-like feel of the cards leafing between her hands. She makes brief eye contact with Akosa and offers a small smile and a nod--she does not know the man well, but she knows of him...and she's sure he knows of her as well, given her tendency to come and go in the city since childhood.
Stopping on a dime, Joran looks back at the elf and smiles. "You're on, buddy!" Quickly turning to the others, "Okay, gang, who's with me! C'mon now, don't be shy. It'll be fun! If any of you decide not to go, please tell Nketiah I'm going on a hunt but that I still want to meet Harriet! Oh man, there is so much to do here! I just love this place!" He smiles big, brimming with elation.
Rubbing his hands together in anticipation, he makes his way over to the elf and his companions. "Okay, um, what was your name again? Mine's Joran, by the way. Good to meet you." He gives a nod in greeting. "One other thing, what are we hunting? Anything? Something specific? Doesn't matter to me," he states matter-of-factly, grinning with excitement.
Akosa blinks a few times, then looks to the rest of you, as if wary you're all so exuberant. "Akosa, of the Hawk Clan. We can hope to find red river hogs or waterbucks. Otherwise, there’s river turtles and bats, if you like to work for your food. Or crocodiles, if you like fighting to see who gets to bite first.” His accent, while present, is very faint, compared to the other Ekujae you've spoken with.
"I'll go," says Lisi. "And my little friends as well," he says, indicating the leshy and wargs.
"How do we prepare?"
Akosa cocked an eyebrow. "Have you never hunted?" he asked, with a touch of condescension.
He doesn't return Catalina's smile, but looks to the rest of you. "Just the two?" He glances around the rest of the group.
Dario listens to the reasoning and his demeanor immediately shifts. Insular communities lead to more fearful mindsets; Dongun Hold had that issue when they finally unsealed themselves and returned to the world. How his life would've changed if the more fearful ones had maintained control. A former slave though? That was entirely different.
"Well hell, I'd hate people too." Dario whispers, staying in the back of the group as introductions were made. When the offer for a hunt was made, Dario would step forward at the man's questioning.
"I reckon I can do a bit of hunting. I ain't quiet though and my crossbow isn't going to punch through the most dangerous of things." Dario says with a wry smile. "In the jungle? Not so much. I imagine having you along will help though."
"My apologies, I spoke out of turn. Dario Zuz of Clan Zuz, Dongun Hold." He says with a smile, standing beside Joran's intimidating form and Lisi's unassuming one.
Dario listens to the reasoning and his demeanor immediately shifts. Insular communities lead to more fearful mindsets; Dongun Hold had that issue when they finally unsealed themselves and returned to the world. How his life would've changed if the more fearful ones had maintained control. A former slave though? That was entirely different.
"Well hell, I'd hate people too." Dario whispers, staying in the back of the group as introductions were made. When the offer for a hunt was made, Dario would step forward at the man's questioning.
"Yes, it's understandable, for certain," Catalina replies to Dario, watching to see which of the remaining Champions volunteered to hunt before deciding where to go. She was, technically, supposed to serve as a translator, and Akosa seemed more than capable of speaking Taldane.
She glances at the remaining members of the party and raises an eyebrow. "I am supposed to translate for you all when you need it. So, I will go where I am needed most," she says. Her speech has slowed down somewhat, as she's making a more deliberate effort to speak in clearer Taldane.
"I'm not the greatest shot with a bow, but I'll come along and help on the hunt. And my name is Oren Strelov."
"Ah sure. Why not?” Yasamina shrigs and tightens the straps on her gear. She gives her sling a few twists, puts the twine in place on the bow, and gives Akosa a slight nod. "Yasamina Risva. Though I fancy the blade more compared to bows. We'll see what happens."
She looks towards the forest floor. "I take it you don't hunt here in the treetops?"
Catalina looks to Caiten and Sulee, quirking an eyebrow. "Sure you're going to stay behind?" She asks, smiling at the pair. "I would like to assist the hunt, but if you need translator, I will happily stay with you."
"Yeah, come on Caiten. We can discuss things later."
Caiten nods to Sulee and Catalina. "Very well." He makes sure his bow is easily accessible and follows along with the rest of the group.
"Let's try to avoid the crocodiles though."
Eyes going wide and smiling BIG, "Crocodiles?! Oh, NOW you're talking!" Cracking his knuckles, "Don't worry, Caiten, I'll handle the crocs." He gives him a friendly slap on the shoulder and winks. "And it looks like we've got the whole crew going! Excellent! This'll be fun."
Looking to the archer, "Well alright, I can't wait! 'Man against beast', just as it should be. This place just keeps getting better and better. Okay, Akosa of the Hawk Clan, let's get this party started." He nods enthusiastically. "Ready when you are, buddy."
Renali politely excused herself. "I will find you at the feast, if that is agreeable. I saw several poultices in Ohnawa's collection that intrigued me. I think I shall spend my time learning from her, if she will tolerate me."
"Ah sure. Why not?” Yasamina shrigs and tightens the straps on her gear. She gives her sling a few twists, puts the twine in place on the bow, and gives Akosa a slight nod. "Yasamina Risva. Though I fancy the blade more compared to bows. We'll see what happens."
She looks towards the forest floor. "I take it you don't hunt here in the treetops?"
"Don't worry. We have platforms that can be lowered to carry you. The children use them," he quipped with a little smirk.
Akosa looked to his men. "An army this big will chase off the game. You all head west. I'll take the outlanders north a bit.". They nodded and parted ways. "Come. We'll take the bridges to the outskirts before descending."
He led the way through the city, across several long bridges that felt much sturdier than they first looked. The platforms that formed the islands of civilization amidst the trees grew smaller as you made your way further from the hub, dwellings giving easy to gardens filled with bountiful crops of food and textiles. He walked in silence, unless questioned, to the point where it was a bit socially awkward.
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Caiten walks along in silence also. Not feeling at all awkward from lack of conversation.
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Joran never even notices the silence. Far too excited with anticipation as they walk along, feeling like at any moment they may very well come across a crocodile even though they are nowhere near water. C'mon you overgrown lizard. Show your little self. Good ol' Joran's gonna wrestle you into submission he is. The barbarian can be seen grinning almost maniacally as he constantly looks about, hoping to catch sight of such a fantastic beast.
Stopping on a dime, Joran looks back at the elf and smiles. "You're on, buddy!" Quickly turning to the others, "Okay, gang, who's with me! C'mon now, don't be shy. It'll be fun! If any of you decide not to go, please tell Nketiah I'm going on a hunt but that I still want to meet Harriet! Oh man, there is so much to do here! I just love this place!" He smiles big, brimming with elation.
Rubbing his hands together in anticipation, he makes his way over to the elf and his companions. "Okay, um, what was your name again? Mine's Joran, by the way. Good to meet you." He gives a nod in greeting. "One other thing, what are we hunting? Anything? Something specific? Doesn't matter to me," he states matter-of-factly, grinning with excitement.
Akosa blinks a few times, then looks to the rest of you, as if wary you're all so exuberant. "Akosa, of the Hawk Clan. We can hope to find red river hogs or waterbucks. Otherwise, there’s river turtles and bats, if you like to work for your food. Or crocodiles, if you like fighting to see who gets to bite first.” His accent, while present, is very faint, compared to the other Ekujae you've spoken with.
"I'll go," says Lisi. "And my little friends as well," he says, indicating the leshy and wargs.
"How do we prepare?"
Akosa cocked an eyebrow. "Have you never hunted?" he asked, with a touch of condescension.
He doesn't return Catalina's smile, but looks to the rest of you. "Just the two?" He glances around the rest of the group.
"No Friend of Falling Star, not simply the two who spoke quickly. As surely as I love the Sovyrian gods, I would praise them with my deeds; I am proud to hunt with you. How would I sit at your feast and not have contributed to the table? Yet my comrades may not know that we owe our arrival to Ketephys. They may not know that when elves hunt, elves worship."
Cev smiles broadly at the man ... as he shifts his dagger into a Long Bow
"I know my patron might like me to hunt with magic, but maybe you could spare a few arrows? I want to make sure that Ketephys sees me pay my respects to our traditions. As the bearer of the Hunter's Arrowhead, I think we may find our time to be fruitful."
Catalina gives Cevendyll a sideways look at his preaching but says nothing. As she walks, she pulls out her esoterica pouch to dig around for things that may be appropriate for some of the creatures Akosa mentioned.
She pulls out various types of chains, some dried herbs bound by twine, various talismans, some silver shards, and other bits and pieces of folkloric repellants and remedies, rearranging the contents so that more appropriate things are at the top and easier to grab in the midst of combat.
Eventually, she fastens the pouch back to her waist and falls back to match pace with Caiten and Sulee, walking alongside them quietly for a few minutes before finally speaking, "I know of no polite way to ask this," Catalina starts, hesitating slightly as she goes on, "I'm interested in what you both...are? I have never seen anyone like you both. If you would rather not discuss, I understand!" She finishes hastily, trying to avoid seeming pushy.
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"I'm interested in what you both...are?"
"I do not mind at all," Caiten replies. "I am an Android. A rather rare species that generally live in Numeria. A biochemical construct patterned after Humans - enough so that aside from our unique manner of procreation, we are as much living creatures as Humans are."
"I am a toymaker by trade. Though recently I have started making toys for grown children too."
"And this," he gestures to Sulee, "is Sulee, my familiar and companion. Originally the body was that of one of the dolls that I had made, but I needed help and Sulee came to me and taught me to use magic."
"It is lovely to meet you, Catalina. My name is Sulee, as was mentioned. And this," from her position standing on Caiten's shoulder, she pats Caiten on the head, "is Caiten. A Toymaker tempted and turned to a life of Witchcraft and adventuring." She smirks a bit at him from a position where he can't see it.
"You seem to be quite the expert at Thaumaturgy from the look of it.
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"No Friend of Falling Star, not simply the two who spoke quickly. As surely as I love the Sovyrian gods, I would praise them with my deeds; I am proud to hunt with you. How would I sit at your feast and not have contributed to the table? Yet my comrades may not know not know that we owe our arrival to Ketephys. They may not know that when elves hunt, elves worship."
Cev smiles broadly at the man ... as he shifts his dagger into a Long Bow
"I know my patron might like me to hunt with magic, but maybe you could spare a few arrows? I want to make sure that Ketephys sees me pay my respects to our traditions. As the bearer of the Hunter's Arrowhead, I think we may find our time to be fruitful."
Akosa's eyes narrow, a little grin on his face. "You've a gift for pretty words, and clearly a close connection to the gods. We certainly respect them as well, though we may be less close to them than our kin to the north. After all, we Ekujae remained here to watch over and protect Golarian, while the rest of you fled Earthfall, back into their embrace." His tone was teasing, not malicious, and he threw in a wink.
"You may certainly borrow some arrows. I'm eager to see what you're capable of."
"I do not mind at all," Caiten replies. "I am an Android. A rather rare species that generally live in Numeria. A biochemical construct patterned after Humans - enough so that aside from our unique manner of procreation, we are as much living creatures as Humans are."
"I am a toymaker by trade. Though recently I have started making toys for grown children too."
"And this," he gestures to Sulee, "is Sulee, my familiar and companion. Originally the body was that of one of the dolls that I had made, but I needed help and Sulee came to me and taught me to use magic."
Catalina looks a tad confused about Caiten's explanation. "What is...biochemical, you said? I don't know that word." She listens carefully to the rest, eyebrows raising with interest at the mention of "familiar." Before Catalina responds again, she listens to Sulee.
"It is lovely to meet you, Catalina. My name is Sulee, as was mentioned. And this," from her position standing on Caiten's shoulder, she pats Caiten on the head, "is Caiten. A Toymaker tempted and turned to a life of Witchcraft and adventuring." She smirks a bit at him from a position where he can't see it.
"You seem to be quite the expert at Thaumaturgy from the look of it.
Catalina grins, nodding at the mention of temptation. "I have met some Witches during my travels, but mostly recluses - hiding away and the like. Some places don't like witches. Lots of superstition. Especially in my home country. So, are you source of his power, Sulee?" She asks, tilting her head to the side curiously - a bit like a dog.
"Well, I'm trying. With thaumaturgy. My mentor taught me some...the rest has just been trial and error. I have these implements," She gestures toward the mirror and the gun strapped to her hips, "this mirror, the pistol. Mirror was haunted, but I made connection to it. I do interesting things in fights with them. This, with all my esoterica...everything has a weakness. Sometimes, weakness can be exploited in a way...one wouldn't expect. Is fun. Everything is puzzle to be solved." As she gets more excited to explain her profession, her accent gets a tad heavier - the "th" sounds sounding more like "z"s. Catalina pauses a moment, realizing that she's starting to ramble, and leaves room for the android and familiar to reply.
"Hunting a bird is different than hunting a mammoth, friend Akosa," says Lisi. "We do not know your customs, how you honor what you will hunt. And I hunt with primal magic, and even then not too often. If you will let us know what we hunt for, that will help."
Catalina looks a tad confused about Caiten's explanation. "What is...biochemical, you said? I don't know that word."
Caiten opens his mouth to reply then closes it again, finding it more challenging to explain the complexities of biology and the synthetic reproductions of such to someone with whom he has even more of a language barrier with than he is accustomed to.
"I have met some Witches during my travels, but mostly recluses - hiding away and the like. Some places don't like witches. Lots of superstition. Especially in my home country."
Sulee nods and rolls her eyes at that.
"So, are you source of his power, Sulee?"
"More like an intermediary. A channel or bridge between our Patron who has the power, and the mortal who can do the work."
"Hunting a bird is different than hunting a mammoth, friend Akosa," says Lisi. "We do not know your customs, how you honor what you will hunt. And I hunt with primal magic, and even then not too often. If you will let us know what we hunt for, that will help."
"As I told your friend, red river hogs or waterbucks would be ideal. River turtles and bats, if we find nothing better. Or crocodiles, if your big friend has any say in the matter." He nodded towards Joran.
"As for honoring the hunted, it is only infrequently that we bring down game. We aim for clean, merciful kills, and only when necessary."
Yasamina walks in silence, taking in the atmosphere of her first actual hunt. She takes off her chime belt as she walks. She rolls it into a rag and puts the bundle into her backpack. Her eyes dart excitedly around, looking at the widest trees she ever saw. She snaps out of her trance when she overhears Caiten and Sulee, and picks up the pace to catch up.
"Guys! And don't take offence at this, Catalina, but..." she pauses to consider the verbiage. "Caiten, Sulee - we don't know these people. For all we know, they are taking us to the chopping block." Yasami looks at Catalina "No offence. We just don't know you. That is all." then turns back to Caiten and Sulee. "Anyway - the damage is done -HERE-" she points at Catalina and Akosa. "But next time, when we stumble into a third party we know nothing about, please be less forthcoming with information. You never know who's listening and who is honest about their intentions. Now I'm not saying to stonewall people. Just ... small doses, you know? Can we do that in the future?"
She puts her hands together in a requesting gesture. "Pretty please?"
Catalina watches Yasami carefully as she interjects into the conversation, not saying anything, one eyebrow raised as she chuckles quietly at the woman's admonishment. "If you wish to avoid offense, perhaps avoid acting as though I'm something offensive myself?" She suggests, her voice overly pleasant. Without waiting for an answer, she turns back to Caiten and Sulee, jumping back into their conversation as if there was never any interruption.
"An intermediary? Interesting. Who is your Patron? I have heard of some Witches who are not familiar with the beings they made deals with."
"Well, we're up in their trees, the local we were with is comfortable around them, and that every single person that has not had the intelligence to surrender has been cut down to a man without a shred of mercy, makes me feel alright." Dario says from amidst the middle of the group, hands still in the pockets of his jacket. "They don't know us either. We could be conspiring to burn this all down to the ground and now we know where they keep their wounded, where the children are, there is a risk on both sides."
"That being said, I know what you mean. Not sure if our ambassador over here will be able to help himself." Dario says with a small smirk, nodding towards Joran. "He's helping butter up the man who dislikes us. Not that I blame him, all things considered." Dario says bluntly about Akosa in front of the man.
"We'll try to use a bit more tact. Maybe." The gunslinger says earnestly, trying to be helpful to his friend. Adventurers were really like herding a pack of cats, just like the saying went.
"An intermediary? Interesting. Who is your Patron? I have heard of some Witches who are not familiar with the beings they made deals with."
"I actually don't know. Sulee does, but she won't tell me. Just that our Patron is on the side of Good and that my natural behavior is approved of."
"So wait..." Dario turns to the conversation of Catalina and Caiten, obviously listening in the whole time. "...you asked for magic and it just...came to you?"
"Of course I'm not telling." Sulee winks at Yasami. "Have you ever seen Caiten try to keep a secret? Because I haven't. I've seen him try to lie a couple times. That is always entertaining."
"No, if our Patron wanted someone to do their work while proclaiming their name to everyone, you would have been called as a Cleric."
"Though that probably also reinforces the stereotype of Witches being Evil. Good aligned Patrons more often call Clerics instead."