Hi Folks! Sorry about my absence there, had some issues logging in. Will catch up on what's going on!
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Jixel had been sitting back and just quietly listening, quickly realizing that their visitor wasn't going to be inclined to give too much information away, and was probably just doing the rounds out of due diligence. "I'm afraid that I didn't see anything before the explosion either, I was busy with... well... appreciating some cheese for a late breakfast to be honest. Probably not exactly what the man had wanted to know, but it felt right to be honest about it. "So friend, aside from helping the wounded, is there anything we can do to help you in your investigation? How do we best contact you if we learn anything important?
Jixel sat for a moment with the Officer, but her eyes were always wandering over the array of patients, making sure that she hadn't forgotten to treat anyone, or might have missed something. She let her friends chat with the official visitor for now. Idrassa's concerns in particular made the ratfolk wince a bit. A deep-seated maternal instinct kind of kicked in, and she couldn't help herself from wondering if... should the worst have happened... if... they should...
Jixel nodded in agreement with Illendur, and having pretty much all the patients under control meant that the ratfolk could finally have a quick break. All that running around and hexing of folks was exhausting! She pulled up a chair at their table, and offered one to the latest visitor. "Please sit mister, its been such a busy and horrible day for everyone! How are the investigations going?" She wasn't ready to compare notes just yet, but wanted to be accommodating for this official. Perhaps this was a good time to... get into the good books, or at least the slightly less criminal ones.
Scurrying around in the manner that a rat might make haste, Jixel had kept on treating the stream of injured souls making their way through the doors. She had faith that her companions would be our there following leads and collecting vital information. Actually, this gave the ratfolk lass an idea. It felt kind of mean... but the best time to ask favors was right after potentially saving someone's life, right? Or at least post pain-alleviation. Thus, she started asking a few of less rattled-looking patients a couple of questions. "Oh dear, did you see anything strange before this all happened? Have you heard of anything similar happening around here, I'm quite new to the city? Can you think of anyone with a bone to pick with our friendly community in these parts?" Things like that...
Jixel had never imagined their tavern becoming a hospital, but the transformation happened very quickly! Hurrying about, the ratfolk checked on each of the arrivals, thankful for Idrassa's help in making folks as comfortable as might be possible. Thus far, nobody had been carted in who looked to be too close to breathing their last tastes of air. All were stable at least, complete with a pulse. Now she just needed to move around them, one at a time. "I really hope these folks are used to... well, less traditional forms of healing." That said, she pulled a length of bone from her bag of "things", it was a straight and skinny one possibly from some species of bird. Eyeing her familiar, Jixel then asked the chicken very politely... "We will, yes? This is one of those times? The thing you taught me long ago." A cluck of approval, and she got to work, her healing routine one of standing beside each patient and waving the bone over them. "We are broken yet we fly, we may stumble although try, oh being so oh avian pecked, I hereby call on the healer's hex..."
Jixel had nodded to Ash. "Healing, yes, yes, we will get things ready." She exhaled slowly then, a final moment of peace before it looked like things would get busy around here. Not the good kind of busy either. "So much for after-breakfast cheese tasting eh? I hope these folks know I'm not a surgeon, but it's ok Peekee, we've... umm... got this, yes?" Looking to her chicken, she gave the bird a nervous pat and exchanged winks with it, before hurrying off to find whatever blankets and fresh water they had around here.
Jixel had quickly moved herself under the kitchen table, which was actually rather spacious for a small ratfolk and her chicken friend. After such a glorious time of late, with so many customers and a grand plan's success, the sound of an explosion came as a stark contrast. Almost, she considered, like an omen. Eventually daring to peek out from under the cover of the timbers, her nose twitched at Ash and those nearby about to depart. "Friends, what if it is a big distraction? I don't think we should all run off... What if some folks use this as a chance to loot!"
There were no doubt some tough choices to make, as the group planned out who to talk to, when, how, and with what method of carrot-dangling preparation. Alas, the ratfolk lass, being a relatively new resident of Throneport, was sorely lacking in knowledge of local personalities, goings on and street-politics. But that didn't matter! She could still help... or at least Peekee her chicken familiar could. When at one point the team seemed undecided on if a particular course of action was wise or not, Jixel exclaimed, "I have the answer! Or, at least, I can get it!" She smiled and patted the head of Peekee gently then, before tossing a handful of small bones onto their communal table, and inviting her avian friend to choose one. A tiny vertebrae from a spine! Indeed! Surely that meant that they should approach a key member of one of the groups, who was but a link in the chain of command, yet essential for keeping the outfit's financial balance from slouching over into a realm of... well, begging other gangs on hands and feet.
Jixel had remained hidden as best she could during the exchange. No point these Brands knowing everyone they were dealing with. Would a ratfolk lass and her pet chicken be able to even up the numbers or swing the tide of a battle? Nope. This kind of open-air negotiation wasn't a situation that Jixel was... comfortable, nor well versed in. Better to trust one's instincts. Keep hiding! Listening in, it sure did sound like the chat had gone well, though it seemed that this part of the overall plan might be the easier piece of the pie. Pie? Cheese pie! Jixel wanted to go home. It wouldn't be just cheese that Jixel would be working at, back at the manor though. She had a feeling that it was time to throw some bones around, just in case some insights were of use.
As the others revealed themselves, Jixel remained hidden, wondering if all their cards should be shown quite yet. Was Snow and his team getting the message? Were they looking worried and likely to stand down? The ratfolk peeked out, trying to get a sense of if she should remain hidden as a wildcard, or just hop out and act mean...
Alas, at some point, the tasting of cheese and Goggh's "pub cheese" in particular, had to come to an end. So too did the fantasy of just lazing around the manor all day, nibbling and questioning Ash on what he'd been up to all night. Oh well, there was a new mission that had been agreed on. The ratfolk wasn't quite up to speed on the reasoning and justification, but if anyone needed a friend who could sneak and hide, then she'd definitely not deny them her expertise! Jixel was down the alley somewhere when this supposed "Snow" kid arrived. He looked like a cocky and nasty piece of work, but by the end of this maybe he'd be put in his place. Anyway, Jixel waited, wanting to keep the element of surprise, and also not wanting to give away their true numbers too early.
Jixel had heard voices! Quite a lot of them actually. The ratfolk appeared in the Trollskull's main meeting area at quite some pace. Her furry feet skidded on the floor as she came to a full stop, nearly toppling over with the surface's recently cleaned finish. Her arms went wide in exclaimated joy, and the huge smile on her face was laden with hope and appreciation. "Ash! Everyone! At last!" She moved over to Ash and opened up for a hug. "I was so worried about you! Where did you go? Or... more importantly hehe, what did you do?" Releasing the hopeful embrace, she then looked to the others too. They were talking about work, but some things were more important! "Friends, friends, I have most wonderous news! Oh, and its not just about Goggh's food preparation skills! Oh wait... umm... was I interrupting something? Aha! Who cares! Guess what, folks?"
Jixel - Trollskull Manor, North Ward "Cheeses! So many cheeses! Which one do you think will be best, Goggie? The ratfolk wasn't sure if the Minotaur would appreciate this recent endearing alteration to his name, but Jixel was just too thrilled not to make a bit of extra fun of it. She'd popped the cheeses down in the groovy new self-cooling area with him, handling the goods with the great care and respect that was due. A lot of respect! Gentle. No hard pressing. Not too much contact with fur. Placed carefully on the storage bench so as not to dent their most wonderous forms. Nobody wanted a cheese wheel that wasn't round, right? "I've never seen so much deliciousness, hope, and future potential before." Yes, she was staring at the cheese lovingly, and the way she then cared for the crated varieties was with the deft paws of a soulmate. That's when she found something else. "The magnificence ends not! Check it out! Heavy pouch eh? Hope that helps with some of our overheads. Wait... we have something else in here..." There was barely time to read it before the note went up in smoke. It was hard not to think about varieties of smoked cheese at the sight of the flames, but the words were both kindly... and kind of stung. Jixel started to tear up. Her round little eyes began to dampen on the bottom of their lids. They were tears of joy, and also something else. Yes, there was an honest look of deep regret coming across the strangely rat-like features. "Ash... sniff. Still not home... sniff. Ash made this happen, not me... sniff, and now... sob... No!" She stood up straight and wiped her eyes on a sleeve. "Cheeses of this land, rewards for bravery and glory in snatching cloth, I hereby swear to you..." She crossed an arm across her chest. "... that not a bite of you will I take, until Ash is here, to witness your miracle too." Wait. Was that footstep sounds upstairs? Maybe someone was home! She hurried up to the ground floor, hopeful and anxious all at once. If that was Ash, then tasting time might be sooner rather than later!
Jixel - North Ward - Trollskull Manor "More? More cheese?" Jixel's eyes had followed the delivery man's writing implement, much in the way a fox might gaze excitedly at a rabbit's fluffy white tail. The pen dropped onto more cheeses, as their special... and very delicious sounding names were announced. "Gollygolly! Thank you so much Mister, you know, this is such a treat. Are these ones popular? I'll have to work out what is good for crackers, good for melting on the woodfire, and what goes well with wine, oh yes!" Just because you loved cheese, racially and with every inch of your soul, didn't necessarily mean that you knew a whole lot about it. Especially these funny named ones, for a ratfolk who was relatively new to this particular city. She'd smiled at the man's openness too, sharing the manner of the cooling system and other little insights with her. "I'm really appreciative of this job you do. I'd love to deliver cheeses for living... but... well we know everything would arrive a little bit nibbled at hehe." With her cheeses piled up from largest to smallest, kind of like a fancy stacked wedding cake, except cheesy instead of cakey, Jixel thanked the driver once more and carried the load back inside. She stepped ever so carefully, her eyes flicking left and right, up and down, looking for obstacles. It was like she was carrying a baby, or a pile of precious gold... except what she had was far more interesting than anything like that. The most wonderous cargo was soon gently placed onto a table, the hairy woman exhaling a very satisfied sigh. "Well would you look at that... I wonder what that's all worth?" Honestly she wasn't fussed by the value at all. Just kind of curious how much a hankie could be traded for these days.
Okay, maybe she did care about the value. If milk solids were to be the new currency, then one had to get a good feel for what was a rare delicacy, and what was commonplace. This would also perhaps impact on the rate at which one might eat them...
Jixel - North Ward - Trollskull Manor The uncontainable excitement was just uncontainable! Jixel was bobbing up and down like she was at some kind of rat-rave dance party! "A wheel? A whole... wheel?" She clapped her little paws together. Usually when one received a gift, the elation of the surprise kind of wore off. Not with this wheel though, because the whole event... yes... event in Jixel's mind, just kept on giving. Her large dark eyes blinked in Goggh's direction. "Wait. You ordered cheese too? You're a con... connoisseur or whatever they call it? Why didn't you tell me!" Oh wait. There were quite a few good reasons why one shouldn't tell a ratfolk that you were storing cheese, and also making delights from it. "Pub cheese? Is that a thing or are you having me on?" The delivery man might have thought he was safe in all this, but that soon changed. Jixel's attention soon turned to him too, as she waved a claw near the runes. "Ooo!" She drew her hand back, and then popped it back inside. "Ooo! This is genius!" Looking to the nice gentleman who'd driven these treats around to them, she smiled. The kind of smile a rat with a whole wheel of cheese might have. "How does your cool thing work? It is your invention? Who got this magic to stick to the wood? I simply must know more!" There was a lot going through her head right now. One of the many ideas was learning the secret to this cold transport. Imagine if you could make that commonplace! A cheese-cooler in everyone's home! Anyone who could pull that off, would surely have a hell of a lot of cheese.
Jixel - North Ward - Trollskull Manor As soon as the ratfolk heard the grinding of wagon wheels, she abandoned her fruitless mission peering through the manor's front windows. The cheese! The cheese! She hurried oh so quickly to the rear entrance, near literally bumping into Goggh on the way. "The delivery! We can't miss it!" In a flash, she was at the loading area with a huge grin on her face, and waved to the driver. "Hello friend! What do you have for us today? Goggh here will help us load it in." Were they delivering so much cheese that a minotaur's heavy lifting might be required? Hopefully!
As her friends and colleagues went about some deals, negotiations and drug-dealing surveillance, Jixel stayed home. There were a few reasons for this, and they weren't to do with cowardice or simply wanting a day off, oh no. Cheese! A delivery was due, and although leaving the Minotaur to handle it would have been fine, the ratfolk was excited and refused to miss the opportunity. Furthermore, there was much to do around the Manor, and Jixel hadn't even properly set up her bedroom yet. There was still restoration work to do too, and a lot of planning to deal with. As she finished her morning meal and had waved everyone goodbye for the day, the contented feeling of an imminent cheese arrival was overtaken by something else. A sensation of cold and darkness... Where was Ash? What had happened to him? How did she feel about this Tabaxi and the cat-loving Tiefling? Was it time to learn more about her employer? In many ways, ignorance was bliss... but it was also pretty annoying. The curious and equally nervous side of a rat's nature, wanted to start a bit of sniffing around. It would begin by observing the courier of the delivery! Every now and then she'd peek out a window too, hoping to notice if any passers by moved suspiciously or seemed to be staking the place out. Yes, her employers knew too much...
"Oh I totally understand, forgive me!" Was Jixel's reply regarding the nature of Idrassa and the snake-thing's relationship. "It doesn't always look like it, but in many ways I'm actually Peekee's servant." Had the chicken heard that? The ratfolk really hoped so, because not only was it true, the feathered friend always enjoyed compliments. It just so happened though that the bird was distracted. The damn cats were in here! Peekee clucked and shook an avian breast about in a display of... don't look at me like that! This worried Jixel. These cats. Were they actually cats, or spies? It was probably a good thing that Ash wasn't home with his news, because that might have toppled the ratfolk lass right into full conspiracy mode. Her handler... middlewoman, was a tabaxi though. One who already knew about the Manor. That was scary! How was Jixel's employer so well-informed? She blinked, and her senses returned to reality. "Friends, it is cheese day! Has it arrived yet? Oh I do hope they come early!" It sounded like waiting for cheese was number one on Jixel's to do list today, but as always, she was totally open to helping out with any of the group's other investigations. They only need ask really. There was always so much going on! "So the clinic in Field Ward... I'm wondering if some time we should spend a day there. Get to know the place better, and guard it? See what kinds of trouble they're having first hand. There is quite some attraction to this idea of... well... making a Brand require medical attention... then one of us takes them to the clinic, like a good Samaritan, whatever that is, and then start applying some logic to young and impressionable minds?"
That had been a BIG night out. Thankfully, they hadn't witnessed any elves being murdered as well. Jixel had heard Illendur's footsteps moving downstairs just now, so she decided to follow too, her chicken Peekee came along as well, hopping down from step to step. Nothing wrong with a little free ranging, as long as both remained on-alert for any cats nearby. The ratfolk arrived, smiling, eyes opened a little wider at seeing yesterday's visitors still hanging around. Had they come back really early this morning? Or stayed the night? She wasn't sure, but it didn't feel right to ask. "What's this about arson then?" Oh no, it was actually being tabled as an option. Anyway, that discussion would have to wait because Peekee stopped still in his tracks. Beady eyes staring. Neck held up straight. Jixel was either imitating the chicken, or just showing a similar response. A feathered creature? A snake with wings? Jixel blinked twice. "Well I never... is that... yours?" She looked to Idrassa.
Jixel would accompany Illendur and Zander most certainly! A proper night out on the town, under the guise of a secret mission? The concept of drinking and popping into a seemingly endless array of dive-bars wasn't exactly the ratfolk's style... but everyone had helped her with her tasks, right? It was only fair to contribute to the success of everyone else in the new Trollskull family too. She'd never been to any of these establishments before, and there were so many distractions! Scantly clad ladies of the night. Beefy sailors with shirts open making fools of themselves. What a show! Hang on, what exactly was Illendur looking for? Oh yes, someone murdering elves... well, so far she hadn't seen anyone doing exactly just that. A few people had murdered a couple of local songs though... that last bard... what a shocker! As for the drinks and treats through the evening, surprisingly given her small physique, Jixel seemed to be quite bottomless.
"Cheese order... oh thank you! Be well my friend! Jixel smiled as Rosie made her retreat, and although the ratfolk was curious and wanted to know more about the little project manager, she let her go. This was business after all, and with a bit of luck maybe they'd be meeting again one day. Exhaling, Jixel then bobbed her head up and down a few times, a gesture of understanding and general contentedness. "That went rather well I think. She's nice, yes? Umm, Illendur, I think that Rosie is quite possibly more than she appears to be. Definitely a good employee of my mutual... umm...work-agent in Throneport. So, did someone order cheese, and there is going to be some kind of treat in the package? What treat could be greater than cheese haha! I hope I can sleep tonight... hard and tasty, yellow or orange, soft with a crust? Mmm, exciting times! Trollskull? Yes, I'm ready. Is Ash about? Congratulations are in order, given that he obtained the hanky after all, hehe."
Jixel wasn't about to try anything suspect, not with such a cute young thing! The prospect of asking about payment had dwindled away too. Was that why they used the tiefling? Who could ask such a poor little soul who lived on the streets... presumably, to pay up right away? Then she remembered the Tabaxi, the one who'd initiated this job. The handkerchief collector was only going to be here for a short while. Hopefully that meant that young Rosie had a better home, somewhere. The ratfolk smiled, and from her pocket pulled out the gift. Before handing it over, she folded it as neatly as she could. "Please don't worry, it has been freshly laundered, and hasn't been used. I hope it turns out to be all that you had hoped." Mmm, Jixel had questions... but would hand it over first. Get the business out of the way.
Jixel understood this chatty woman's joke, but it took a moment to figure out how exactly to react! Openly admitting a... well... somewhat sordid past, wasn't a familiar way of going about things for her. Indeed, the ratfolk's past wasn't squeaky clean either, but in Jixel's case, it was no joke. She chuckled though, trying to fit in as best she could. "Oh you know, I kind of wanted a change. This place has kind of felt more lucky, actually! Anyway..." She turned to quickly check that Zander and Illendur hadn't done a disappearing act too, and was quite surprised to see them chatting with a young girl! Was that... her? It must be! Looking back to the nice street-lady, Jixel then nodded. "Oh, my friends, it looks like I'd better go, before they get into any trouble hehe. It was nice talking to you! Hope to meet you again some time!" Jixel then attempted a gracious retreat, and hopped over to the warforged's side. "Hello, hello! Are you the nice Miss that we were sent to meet? It has been quite an experience finding you." She summoned a ratty smile, having heard the tail end of their conversation. A favor? Was that what this was? Hopefully one of the paid variety! "I'm Jixel, and oh yes, I do believe we have the thing, the delivery." The ratfolk hesitated a moment, awaiting the girl's reaction, before moving to retract the little piece of cloth.
Jixel seemed to be stuck in a conversation now, and actually it wasn't as unpleasant as she'd expected! Quite the opposite, and the nice lady had been very open with her information too. It wasn't like there was a big rush on finding the tiefling girl, so why not make a new friend out here? You never knew when you needed an ally on these streets, right? The real question, was whether she should lie? "Oh, I'm from Estaby! Still getting used to Throneport to be honest. I've made some good friends here though, so that's been good. You born and bred ere?" Actually, the ratfolk could feel some pretty serious questions brewing, but decided not to just hop right on in...
Great. Now Jixel was stuck in a conversation with a... you know. How did this woman correctly assume that the ratfolk wasn't "interested"? Mmm, maybe she was good at reading people. Better at reading people than Jixel was right now. What good was a rat that couldn't find one beggar! A vagrant of easily identifiable race, too! She tried to smile, but found this whole situation a bit tense and foreign. It felt intimidating. "I'm sorry I bothered you. Ya know how it is? Some friends have good luck. Others, less so." There, that was alright wasn't it? She answered both questions in one hit! "What time does it usually quieten down around here? Sure is pumping tonight, eh?" Yes, bore her with small talk and plan a retreat... actually, where was Zander when you needed him? And Ash too? Where had the shifty shifter shifted to this time? Jixel was pretty sure she could get him enlisted... given that he was doing all her work for her. This thought actually made the ratfolk wonder, what else was Ash good at that she was unawares of? Cooking? Men who could cook were kind of desirable... unless they liked cooking poultry.
Dock Ward Evening Jixel was starting to get a bad feeling about all this. Maybe they should come back later when it was quieter? Quieter... but more dangerous? She felt like she was being tested, as though stealing the nose-wiping cloth was only half of it! Her hairy face moved to look downwards, a little dejected, when Illendur didn't get far with some sailor types, and then looked to be searching for his coins. Immediately, Jixel's hand went into a pocket, hoping to dear god that the handkerchief was still there! Then again, who would want to steal a nose-dribble collector? You'd have to be extremely desperate to do that... "Me? Ask around? Ummm, mmm..." She clearly wasn't too comfortable about the idea. "Wings n' legs and clucky heads, give me strength for this, I beg." Jixel appeared to be whispering to herself, trying to pluck up some courage. Then she looked around for someone who might appear to be a bit more... local. That long-legged lady over there maybe? She looked friendly. Kind of saucy too. "Good evening Miss! Sorry to bother you, but have you seen anyone around here who lives on the street, in a crate of some kind?"
Jixel was really looking forward to getting a certain handkerchief out of her possession. As much as she liked to imagine a future without the need for this kind of paid work, it would be a while before the Trollskull business was self-sufficient. Until then, she presumed that every little side job would help. At least this one hadn't been too bad, thanks to Ash. Actually, without him, she'd be walking these streets empty handed! The ratfolk had told her companions what she knew... which wasn't much. Find a tiefling girl at the corner of Net Street and Dock Street. Couldn't be that hard, right? Wrong! This place was buzzing! She narrowed her eyes, and tried to scan around the nearby walls, doorsteps and cranies, but damn it, no crate! If her friends had similar luck, they'd be forced to find and ask someone who looked kind of local...
For the time being, Jixel decided to remain quiet unless spoken to. The newcomers were waiting for Goggh, and she was rather curious what their take might be on this "Brand" situation. Alas, the ratfolk hadn't been in these parts a terribly long time, and knew little of the complex ins and outs of gangs, their numbers and weaknesses. One of the benefits of remaining a pawn. Plausible deniability. Whatever they agreed on though, she'd be ready to lend a helping paw.
Once the visitors were inside, Jixel just knew she could count on Illendur to take care of the hospitalities! He was a good talker and negotiator, and the ratfolk presumed he was rather good at drawing reasonable first impressions about people too. The ratfolk, on the other hand, had proven a tendency to remain on the outskirts of any prominent or diplomatic negotiations. Maybe one day, with a little self-analysis, she'd realise that this kind of summed up her whole way of dealing with... and facing... the world. A pinch of denial. A dash of optimism. A crust of fear around the edges. Once the visitors were seated and comfortable, with the screech of a chair-leg dragging along the floor, she pulled up a place to rest her hairy behind too. There was some effort involved in hopping on, but rather than clambering or scratching at the task, there was a certain grace to it. A little bending of the knees, and hop! She was up! Her grin continued, though she didn't say anything until the time for introductions arrived. "Jixel, at your service! Maybes when we all know each other better, I might read your fortunes?" Then a strange clucking sound came from within Jixel's backpack. "Oh dear. Out time? Really? Right now? You watch out for that cat though. Don't stray." A few moments of rummaging, and well-feathered chicken came into her grip. She set it on her lap, only its beady-eyed head at table level... peering at these new faces from across the timber expanse. Cluck! Cluck! The ratfolk chuckled. "Mmm, that sounds like a good omen!"
Jixel had quite visibly grimaced at Idrassa's mention of the Boromar clan. A shiver went down the ratfolk lass's back. At least they were leaning the conversation towards "recon" though. At first, she didn't know what they meant, but then it just kind of clicked. "Oh! Some sneaky sneaky? We're getting quite good at that. Let's all go inside to discuss!" It seemed to Jixel that the group had big plans... but no actual plan. The concept of starting some kind of newly erupted gang war was a touch horrifying too. "Umm, friends, is there no other way? I guess our recon... thing... will help us chose? A peaceful solution would be, you know, refreshing. Can we make these Brands a deal of some kind? Could they not benefit from some free clinical healing from time to time? Anyway, we're hardly a big gang or anything, just a small, happy family, yes?" It was then that there had been a tap at the door, and upon opening it, she was surprised to see another two strangers had decided to visit them this day! "Umm, hello there? I'm afraid our bar isn't quite ready for business yet. Can I help you two? Goggh? Oh! You know the big guy, eh?" A short and dark haired individual had greeted them. Clearly a ratfolk of some kind, her furry face quite friendly with an honest grin and all...
Jixel hopped out of the carriage last of all. The Trollskullers sure were spending big these days, she thought! So many costs, but it was also kind of nice to know they wouldn't have to be legging-it around around all the sprawl any more. That reminded her, she had a little job to do tonight, or at least a reward to collect. The way her friends spent coin would soon mean that every gold and silver would count. She tried to remember the instructions. Deliver it to the tiefling girl who sleeps in a crate at the corner of Net Street and Dock Street, down by the docks. She'll be there every night until the end of the week. Yes, it was something like that. Soon enough upon arrival "home", Jixel was smiling. And, oh, who was this waiting for them? Her dark round eyes moved around this stranger's features, and then to Illendur as it became clear that Idrassa was a "friend". What kind of friend though? Jixel grinned a little mischievously at the thought. Then she bowed. "Hello Idrassa, a friend of Illendur's is a friend of mine too! I'm Jixel, and I'll introduce you to Peekee sometime soon too!" The ratfolk was a four foot high, black furred and plainly dressed affair. She also appeared to travel light, just a backpack on her shoulders and a dagger in her belt. Yes... there was something sneaky about this one. She looked to Ash with a crumpled forehead then, perhaps wondering the same thing...
Jixel was smiling as she watched the group once again deal with this stablehand. Illendur really did sound quite truthful and convincing! Even more interesting was Zander's addition to the offer. Should the ratfolk chime in? She considered it, but then figured that saying anything else might... well... harm the first steps her friends had made. Instead, she stood to the back a bit and just looked around. No harm in keeping an eye and an ear out. Let her friends do the talking, whilst she kept the surroundings in-check. Opportunities were everywhere. And so were potential hazards...
Sorry to hear about Dok. Jixel is very happy though! Lots to do and this game is super-fun :-)
Honesty, Jixel was pretty happy to get out of there, even if it did mean that some fighting was likely. She'd smiled and nodded to Blaze as they departed, and then took a deep breath once back outside. "No thanks needed! Just felt like a change of tack might work... which it sort of did... I guess? Peekee and I are worried though. Do we really need to get violent and scary with these Brands people? Or, could it be worth trying to negotiate with them too? Ask them to leave the clinic alone if they'd like to use it in future? Problem then is, I guess their sworn enemies will be guarding it." Yeah. It did seem like a bit of a mess. Maybe Ash and Illendur were right. Easier to just scare the nasties away? "Zander? Yes! Let us go home! I have a hanky delivery to do later too."
Paizo just ate my post... will try again XD
Jixel had smiled to Dapple, and honestly wanted to continue their conversation! "Well, if it is a good day, then I'd better follow the others. Let's catch up some time eh? So nice to meet someone interested in the telling of fortunes! She was the last to shuffle into Blaze's nice looking place, and kind of remained near her friend's behinds. If Peekee wasn't safe, then she wasn't either! So, Ash, bless him, for all his kindness and good deeds, really didn't seem to be pitching the plan the way it needed to be heard. Illendur too, was he kind of trying too hard? Negotiation wasn't the ratfolk's strong point, but she just had to try to help! She bowed to Blaze and stepped to the side. "Blaze, thank you for meeting us. I think maybe we're not making the best of this opportunity. It isn't about war or asking you to cover for violence. Really, all we want, is the Clinic to be left alone. A place where anyone can go safely, and have their ailments treated. So perhaps... we should be asking some different questions. Have you ever had an agreement with the Brands about boundaries or businesses to be left alone? We seek your guidance...
Jixel was transfixed. Ash's words and those of Cloud's too were like distant mumbling when the sticks fell not once, but twice. If Dapple noticed the hairy bystander kind of staring, she'd smile. "Incredible..." The ratfolk crouched low, blinked, and then looked up warmly to this fellow teller of futures. "Oh, I'm sorry, it is just rare for me to see someone at work with an art that I too, adore. I'm Jixel, and very pleased to meet you. Very pleased to see success, fortune, and perseverance in there too!" Sure, Jixel had come across other folks in the past who used material tools to access the wisdom beyond. Some seemed half decent at it. Others were just plain scammers and showmen. Others were truly talented. Was Jixel of the latter kind? Not really. It was Peekee who did the hard work. It was her familiar that powered the rules of her throws and their interpretations. In many ways, the ratfolk was just a conduit for the chicken's soul, but every day, she felt just that little bit stronger for their bond. Damn. She kind of wanted to share her way of doing readings... but Peekee was off-limits. So infuriating!
"Huh?" Jixel blinked and then looked to Ash quite worriedly. "But everyone here is so nice? Oh no... is Blaze..." It was always hard to know how to describe people of Ash's "kind". It must be difficult really, to be neither this nor that... at least for Jixel it was a simple case of being a ratfolk, and that was that. And although Peekee wasn't just a chicken... "You know... a bit... foxy... or something?" Anyway, she'd take his advice, and gently pat her familiar's head and whisper. "Time to be quiet feathery friend. Take a nap, those children were quite exhausting, yes?" She let the chicken snuggle down into her pack, and then she carefully pulled on the drawstring.
Jixel had remained quiet and respectful in this supposed "friend" of Ash's home. It was also kind of nice for a change, not to be the odd one out. In fact, it seemed that apart from the children's interest, a ratfolk with a chicken in a backpack could kind of blend right on in. A noble half-elf though? Not so much. She resisted the urge to chuckle quite a few times. Sure, Illendur was fancy and all that, but in truth he'd been as willing to get dirty and do as much dangerous work as anyone else. Jixel realised in this moment, how much she appreciated the half-elf's companionship, down-to-earth attitude, and ability to direct people who liked to punch friends, attention away. With a smile Jixel had accepted a small cup of tea, and then just sipped at it. "This is really good! Sure is nice to share a drink with someone new!" She wanted to tell Flow that Illendur had... well... low standards when it came to friends, but she couldn't think of a socially acceptable way to make it known. Anyway, soon enough, it looked they were off to meet this Blaze person, another step in Ash's grand tour?
We totally need a pet horse!
Jixel could only laugh, as was the way with terrible jokes. Had it come from anyone other than a child, it would have been a travesty really. But through the lips of a friendly youngling? Well, it was just such a wonderful change of pace from the constant stress of recent days. The ratfolk chuckled cheesily yet honestly, and smiled to the joker in a rodent's warm and almost... cute... kind of way. "An eggplant! Haha, you know, I haven't heard that one before. Did you learn it from your father? Hehe." Something else was different about this exchange too. Peekee was very much the focus of attention, which was kind of something neither the familiar or its Witch were used to... excluding the hungry looks of Ash from time to time. "Oh yea, Peekee can talk," Jixel confessed, "but not in the way that people assume, you know, by voice. If I ask her very nicely, she will answer questions and give advice, not through words, but through actions.
Yea, it was magic alright. No point telling the kids the whole truth though, unless it was "horror story telling night" or something. "Hey my chicken has the soul of a mad witch inside," would be too much information. It was time to swing this all around. "How about you and your friends? Do you have any favourite animals or plants?"
Jixel quite liked children, especially ones who weren't trying to mug her friends in alleyways! She smiled to the three younglings, happy to have someone to speak to who was at eye-level for a change. "Hello there, friends! A chicken? Indeed!" She gave Peekee's head a little pat and let the bird suspiciously eye the newcomers, offering them an occasional "cluck". "This is Peekee, my companion and closest friend in the whole world. A chicken joke did you say? Of course we'd like to hear it, as long as it is tasteful of course. It won't hurt her feelings, right?" Damn. Using references to "taste" when talking about poultry probably wasn't a good idea around here...
Jixel had no issue of course, with trying a visit of these Twelvedogs first. Probably because she had no idea what to expect. As they closed in on their district, and later the courtyard, she was actually rather happy with what she saw. Animalistic and mix-matched folks around, doing their thing. This was a lot more comfortable than places she'd been in recent days. A gentle nudge to Ash with an elbow. "I'm looking forward to meeting your friends. Are ratfolk welcome here?" For now, Peekee the chicken would be kept out of sight... just in case poultry was a little toooo welcome.
Although this lawless and rather chaotic district should have felt like home, Jixel was too recent of an arrival in this city, to know the inner workings of who worked with who, and who hated who. She cocked her head sideways at Ash's idea, and sucked in a breath between exposed teeth. This sounded... serious. Dangerous. If they couldn't get a stableboy to help them out, how were they going to get two rival factions to find a common ground? "Mmm, interesting! Twelvedogs... do you think their payoff free would be... affordable? She looked to Ilendur then. "House Kundarak. We should ask them for a quotation to secure the place a bit more. Find out which options we can better fund, yes?"
"Yes yes," Jixel agreed, giving the half an orc a friendly rodent-style smile. "We want to help, are you the manager of this wonderful establishment?"
Jixel blinked a few times in surprise, as Illendur revealed a rather nasty streak that she hadn't witnessed before. Thankfully, when Ash chimed in on the mean attitude, the ratfolk caught onto what was going on. Oh, they were just acting! Oh yes, scare these kid-criminals! Must better than a fight for sure, and certainly easier to deal with from an ethical point of view, than both bashing younglings and supporting an orphanage, all at the same time. She pulled her hood back, narrowed her eyes, and showed her teeth. They weren't the most "evil" looking set of fangs by any means, but those front incisors could still tear meat from a bone. "Hissss! I recommend you flee, whilst your souls are still intact!"
Seeing her companions offer an agreement to the idea, Jixel hopped to the left, hoping to enter a side alley. With some luck, her friends hadn't been seen following along! When she looked to them though, there was this strange feeling that they'd been preoccupied with the excitement of imminent conflict, open or otherwise...
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