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RESPITE FALLS OUTSKIRTS - MORNING
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Vix picks through the underbrush as she had a couple days before, once again searching for precious green treasures.
Nesseth strides along a little ways behind Vix, keeping an eye open for any dangers that might be lurking around the place as the two search about for whatever greenery Vix might be searching for.
Vix hums as she goes along, significantly more at ease than she was a couple days ago. She starts to half-sing the words to an unfamiliar song, as if she's making them up as she goes.
Nesseth chuckles a bit as he listens to Vix's whimsical singing, though he doesn't quite get distracted enough to pull too much attention away from his job of making sure nothing nasty sneaks up on them.
Vix keeps humming as she finds a few herbs. "Healthy greens...make ya feel better~. Bitter greens, the bitter the...better~!"
Nesseth laughs quietly as he calls over to Vix. "Kinda unfortunate how that's the case, isn't it? Too bad the sweeter-tasting things usually end up being the poisonous stuff."
Vix nods and absently continues her songs. "Meet a cute guy...write him a letter~. Maybe we could...get together~" She winks at Nesseth
Nesseth blinks, then rolls his eyes a bit as he averts his gaze, though it's clear he's trying to keep a straight face. "You're just coming up with those rhymes as you go, aren't you?"
Vix smiles. "Yep! It's a fun way to pass the time, you know~?"
Nesseth chuckles. "Yeah, I could see that. Keeps you thinking up rhymes as you go, and makes the work seem less like work, I guess." He tilts his head a bit, "So... we're searching for more herbs for May and Brun?"
Vix proudly holds up her herb pouch. "Mmhm! The more we find, the sooner they'll get better!"
Nesseth nods with a smile. "Makes sense. If I knew anything about herbology, I'd help out, but at least I can use my sharp eyes to make sure we stay safe while out here."
Vix giggles. "At this point, I just know which ones the herbalist lady buys, and which ones she warned me about~"
Nesseth hums. "Mmh, Erika knows a lot about the plants that grow around Respite, definitely. With the two of you working to gather stuff, Plume's never going to be out of the basic necessities for their practice."
Vix hums as she digs through another bush. "I've got a little problem, though. If I'm givin' away parts and givin' away herbs, I might end up runnin' outta money soon..."
Nesseth shrugs a little as he scans around the nearby brush, watching for movement. "If you asked Plume, I'm sure they'd be willing to earmark some funds to pay for whatever you can gather up for them. Medical supplies are a little hard to come by, since our only supply line is the route to Bairnell, which can be a little slow sometimes."
Vix shivers. "Ask Doc, huh? I'm not sure..."
Nesseth tilts his head, giving Vix a curious look upon hearing her uncertain tone. "Still worried about what Plume might say to you? Only way you're gonna find out is by talking to them, you know."
Vix thinks for a minute. "Worst case scenario, they come over to visit while I'm er...sleepin' on the couch."
Nesseth arches an eyebrow. "So... talk to them before that happens?"
Vix mumbles awkwardly. "Y-yeah, I guess..."
Nesseth steps over to Vix and gives her a pat on the head. "Sometimes, you just gotta take the initiative if you want to resolve something." He smirks, "Plus, you're gonna have to talk to Plume sooner or later if you happen to get hurt."
Vix involuntarily starts to purr a bit. "Ah, heck...I'll think about it..."
Nesseth chuckles and scritches behind Vix's ears for a few seconds as she purrs softly. "It'll probably make you feel better once you do. Less stress, y'know?"
Vix lets her eyes drift closed for a moment before she snaps out of her reverie. "Oh, right! Got any other ideas for my money problem?"
Nesseth hums thoughtfully as he stops scratching Vix's ears. "Well... aside from maybe making an arrangement with Plume... You're a good merchant, right? Maybe the next time the merchant caravans come into town, you could see about maybe helping sell some of their stuff while receiving a cut of profits."
Vix sticks out her tongue. "Wonder if they'd trust a black cat to do that, eh?"
Nesseth grins. "I don't see why not!" He pauses, then adds, "Okay, it might take a little convincing, but I'm sure you'd be able to make arrangements. If not... there's always scouting work with the guards."
Vix: Aw, if I did that, I couldn't nap on the job like usual...
Nesseth crosses his arms and glances around a bit, then clears his throat. "Uh... don't tell Louma I said this, but... would you believe that the North Gate tends to be boring enough that a majority of the guards that pull that station for the day end up asleep for a couple hours at a time?"
Vix gasps. "Scandalous!"
Nesseth chuckles and shakes his head, his arms still crossed loosely. "Heh, it's a bit boring on that side, as well as the eastern gate, since those are where the lanes leading out of town go towards Bairnell and the surrounding farms. It's almost too settled for wild creatures to try and barge in."
Vix: Well, when you're a guard, no news is good news, right?
Nesseth nods. "Yup, it means everything is safe, and no one is in danger."
Vix taps her chin. "I was thinkin...maybe I could start makin' stuff to sell. The biscuits I baked sold pretty well, y'know?"
Nesseth rubs his chin thoughtfully. "You mean something of a bake shop? That might be interesting to try, since I only really know of that one bakery and the Minnow. It wouldn't hurt to have more food for sale for folks around town."
Vix: Got any recipes I could try?
Nesseth nods. "I could show you how I make that jerky you and the others seem to like a lot. That aside... I think I've got a few recipes for stuff like trail rations and the like. You know, things that'll keep for a while."
Vix smacks her forehead. "Argh, why didn't I think of that! I've been selling the nuts and berries and stuff separately!"
Nesseth chuckles. "It happens, Vix. At least now you know, right? You can start using that stuff in recipes instead!"
Vix scratches her head. "I haven't done much cooking. I only know a few recipes from home."
Nesseth hums. "I'm guessing you think you need some practice, then?"
Vix blushes a bit. "Maybe I can come over later and learn a few things~"
Nesseth smiles. "Sure, if you want. I'm sure I've got a few ideas in mind."
Vix 's mind wanders for a moment while she purrs. Eventually, she blinks and snaps back to the present. "Oh, do you happen to do any crafts on the side you could teach me? Maybe I could make trinkets!"
Nesseth hums as he reaches over and lightly pets Vix again. "Crafts? Hmm... I can make crossbow bolts, if that counts..."
Vix: Mmm, maybe. How about cute little animal figurines?
Vix gasps. "Kitten kaboodles!"
Nesseth tilts his head as he tries to remember some of the crafts he did back home in Orela, when he was younger. "Do we have a kiln for firing clay...? We might be able to fashion things out of clay, glaze them, and sell that stuff...
Vix: If we don't we could just ask Strix to whip up a Strixkiln
Nesseth nods after a moment. "Maybe, yeah. He seems to have a good grasp on fire, so he could probably make something really good for firing clay."
Vix extends her claws a bit. "I bet I could get real good at detailing clay with these~"
Nesseth nods as he pokes at one of Vix's nails. "Yeah, they're sharp enough that you could make some really intricate designs. Dunno how much you'd like having to clean out the clay from under your nails, though..."
Vix frowns, then shrugs. "I've gotta clean my claws all the time. It's no big deal!"
Nesseth shrugs in turn. "Fair enough, I suppose. Could be something to look into when we get back into town later today."
Vix gives Nesseth a bit of a hug, careful to avoid his crossbow as she does. "Thanks! You're a big help~"
Nesseth smiles warmly and hugs Vix in turn. "No problem, Vix. I'm happy to help if I can."
Vix hugs Nesseth for maybe a little too long before pulling away. "Right! Um...so...back to herbs!"
Nesseth doesn't seem to mind the lingering hug, but smiles and nods as it breaks. "Alright, back to herb-hunting, and I'll continue keeping watch."
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STREETS OF RESPITE FALLS - EVENING
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Kira finishes lighting the last lamp along a side street before fluttering back out to the main road and landing atop the lamppost opposite the Thirsty Minnow. She sets about with her work, lighting a match from her trusty tin lamp and carefully transferring the flame into the larger, heavier lantern hung on the pole.
Xochi is winding her way slowly down the road, eyes up to the sky. She's not looking for a drink tonight, or anything in particular, just keeping her eyes on the stars a little wistfully.
Kira finishes with the lamp and flits on to the next, down the road a little ways, crossing Xochi's view in the process. She sets to work on the new lamp, refilling its fuel and lighting it with practiced ease.
Xochi stops herself as the strange thing flitters across her field of vision, tracking it. Her tongue slips out as she watches the creature work. She hums quietly at first in an attempt not to startle the creature before she quietly speaks. "Hmmmm, light-bringer. Hello."
Kira is getting more used to being noticed lately, but she doesn't let the greeting interrupt her work. She finishes with the lamp before snuffing her match and straightening herself up to look at the one who addressed her. She blinks at the large snake, not having seen a true snake in a long while. "Oh! Hello there."
Xochi smiles kindly. "You bring the light where there is darkness. It is a noble thing." She pauses as she looks at Kira. "Ah, and the wings, so beautiful.... forgive me, I am new to Respite. I am Xochi." She dips her head in greeting.
Kira blushes a bit but spreads her wings out for Xochi to appreciate. "Ah, thank you... they are only a pale reflection of the beauty of the moon, as is my work." They glide down to the ground, landing a small distance away from Xochi. "I am Kira. Well met, Ms. Xochi."
Xochi laughs softly, watching Kira glide. "A pale reflection of perfection is still something upon which to marvel. Be it of the moon, or a rainbow, or the tiny motes of the sun you call your work."
Kira blushes more. "Ah, well I could say the same of your scales. They look so lovely in the light..." They look at Xochi as instinct kicks in. "You don't... eat moths, do you?"
Xochi chuckles again, then shakes her head, "If I did, I would not have said 'hello'. I am not one in the habit of talking to food."
Kira thinks over this. "Perhaps you were just trying to lure me down..." She shakes her head and laughs. "But I know you're not doing that..."
Xochi shrugs, "Perhaps, but you are correct, I'm not luring or hunting tonight. I am just an old soul seeking the stars."
Kira hugs her tinned lantern against her chest. "Stars are lovely, but they don't light the ground very well, so I make stars for the ground..."
Xochi nods, looking up above, "They light the heavens. And some say they do light our path, just not the path upon which legs and tails much travel. "They are the same stars here as where I grew up. Mostly, at least."
Kira smiles. "Before I had to care for so many lamps, I would go up on the hills on clear nights to see the stars better..."
Xochi tilts her head, "Before? Was this town not always this dark? It has been such since I arrived."
Kira shakes her head. "No... the ICEE exploded half-a-moon ago..."
Xochi blinks in surprise. "I see. I suppose I had assumed this town was... rather behind the times."
Kira shakes her head. "No... usually lots of good light..."
Xochi hums, nodding. "I suppose they will be repairing it. Almost a shame, to shut out the sky."
Kira frowns. "Plenty of dark outside of town, though..." She starts hovering in the air, feeling a bit restless. "What do you make, Ms. Xochi?"
Xochi frowns. "Make? I make nothing..."
Kira frowns. "Everyone should make something..."
Xochi looks down at her own hands sadly. "I have been denied the chance to make things. Everyone else made things for me instead."
Kira cocks her head. "It's never too late to start. I can show you how to make light if you like..."
Xochi lowers her hands, then smiles, "It is why I came here. To experience all the things I wished but was never allowed. I would like very much to try to make light."
Kira smiles as she flies higher. "Follow me, then!" She's not going far, just over to the next lamppost. Rather than tend to the lantern in place, she unhooks the heavy lantern and carefully flies it down. "So first of all, you need to make sure it's well fed..." She passes the lantern over to Xochi. "Do you think there's enough fuel in it?"
Xochi follows after Kira to the second lamppost, then takes the lantern from Kira and carefully looks inside. "How much is required? This seems to be below half full."
Kira nods. "They usually last two nights, so if there's less than half..." She takes a vial of lamp oil off her belt and passes it to Xochi. "Be careful when you feed it. Getting oil on the outside leads to fires..."
Xochi takes the lamp oil almost too carefully, her movements slow with inexperience and caution as she does her best, slowly filling the lamp.
Kira passes Xochi a rag to wipe off the lamp before putting the vial of oil back on her hip, watching Xochi's movements. "Good..."
Xochi wipes the lamp carefully, then passes the rag back, smiling wide. "Very exciting!"
Kira guides Xochi through the process of lighting the lamp and has the snake help her with the rest of the lamps along the main street before needing to go off alone due to time lost with her new friend.
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STRIX'S ALLEYWAY - LATE EVENING
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Strix: Strix had finally got the point where his little alleyway had a bit of infrastructure, which is to say..a small lean-to, and basic workbench under it. He was confident enough that his 'reputation' would be enough to keep his stuff safe (read: People were afraid everything he made was highly explosive, and wouldn't take it. Strix thought this unfair, but was still happy enough to take advantage of it). His newest project was a glass orb, which had sparks of lightning dancing about in it. He hated having to work on the generator..but it certainly gave him inspiration! The orb in question was currently on a pedestal in the alleyway, with Strix tooling with a large metal rod nearby.
Kira is flying overhead, on her way back home from her first round of the town for the night when she notices the strange dancing glow in the alley below her. She flutters down to the edge of a rooftop and just gazes down at the light source and the small reptiloid working around it.
of electricity arcs from the rod, towards the orb "Good..Good" He nods in satisfaction, before putting down the rod, and returning to the glass 'shiny'. He walks around it, muttering to himself, occasionally tapping the orb, thinking.
Kira continues to watch from the roof. She cringes a bit at the zaps, but the orb itself continues to dance with beautiful, living light, so she stays where she is, entranced.
Strix sits back down, looking at the orb, thinking further "....Ah!" He snaps his fingers, and jumps up with a loud yip, and immediately starts rushing about the workshop, grabbing bits and pieces of scrap from around the place, he's reaching up to climb up on a shelf when he stops, and looks at his 'audience'.
Strix: "Strix sees the Moth!"
Kira lets out a little squeak and pulls herself back from the edge of the rooft, vanishing from Strix's sight.
Strix blinks "..Strix..scare..moth?" He's almost talking to himself, really quite confused by the very idea that anyone could be scared of him! "..Strix not scary!" He calls up "Strix nice kobold! Yes! Very much!"
Kira comes back to the edge of the roof, just her feathered antennae visible. "I just... your orb is beautiful... I didn't mean to intrude..."
Strix: "Strix not mind intrudes! Strix like showing off shinies" He looks at the Orb "SafeZap Orb pretty?" He tilts his head "Strix not think of it like that. Strix happy Moth likes it!"
Kira slowly flutters down into Strix's alley, her tin lamp clutched against her chest. "It is, yes... such strange light inside... it looks like water, but made of light..."
Strix: "Strix made orb because Zaps hurt! So Orb takes all the Zaps instead of Strix, or a notStrix" He nods, tapping the orb. His fingers on the orb appear to attract the little bolts of lightning trapped with it, the arcs moving to touch the other side of the glass "Strix not happy with it yet. Not totally safe. Zaps can still Zap Strix sometimes. If Strix between Zapper and Orb" He looks to Kira "Strix not see Moth before. Moth new?"
Kira is entranced by the orb still, watching how the tendrils of plasma meet strix's hand. "No, I've always lived here... I just have more work to do now... I light the lamps around town..." She sets her tin lamp down and moves closer to the orb. "May I touch?"
Strix: "Yes, Yes! Touch! Totally safe.." He pauses a moment, and thinks, looking her up and down "Yes. Safe" He takes a step back. The trick with the lightning touching her fingers won't work unless Kira is standing on the ground, otherwise it'll continue to just dance around in the little ball "Strix not think of it as a PrettyShiny...maybe Strix make smaller ones? For Prettyplacing?"
Kira nods. "I would love to have one to care for, yes..." She steps forward and touches a small hand to the orb, feeling a very slight tingle as the electricity rises in the orb to meet her touch. "Oh. Very lovely..."
Strix: "Strix happy you find it pretty. Strix is Strix? Who is Moth?" He starts idly making sketches in a notebook that had been tossed idly on a table "Make small, less Zapstoppy..but still pretty..."
Kira presses her other hand against the orb as well. "Ah... it's very happy. You take good care of it..." She realizes the question asked of her a few moments later. "Oh... Kira... my name is Kira... thank you for sharing this with me, Mr. Strix."
Strix: "Strix not sure why thanks. Strix just doing shinycrafting..but..Strix happy Kira happy?" Strix seems a little confused by how all this is going. He's used to having to -defend- his stuff, not be a little bit abashed by it "Strix always want to make shinies good. This Shiny for safety, in case generator go wrong" He points to the lightning generator still firing off in the middle of town.
Kira blinks and looks over at it. "Ah, yes... you didn't make all the ICEE break, did you?" She steps back from the orb and looks to Strix. "I like caring for all the little lamps around town, but it's better when the ICEE is working for everyone, I think. I mean, it does more than make light..."
Strix: "Strix innocent!" Now this is more his territory, defending himself from accusations "Strix make lightning generator! Not as good as old MayGenerator, but Strix not really that sort of Shinymaker. Too many rules and things and wires" There's a hint of frustration there! "Strix waiting for May to get better, so May can make MayGenerator"
Kira nods. "Oh, all right." They smile at strix and blink. "I didn't think you had, but I wanted to know..."
Strix: "Strix understands. Lots think bad of Strix. Strix accepts apology" He nods a few times "Strix can't make small Orb now. Strix needs to make time to make Orb. Maybe another day, but Strix will have Orb then" He settles a bit, replaying Kira's conversation in his head "Kira makes lights?"
Kira shakes her head as she reaches down to pick up her tin lantern with with its flickering flame. "No... I just keep the lanterns around town lit... I don't make them. I think the badger does that... what was his name again? Varco?"
Strix: "Strix not know that name, but lamps look pretty. Strix think work good" He looks at the flame "Making lights important job. Strix think Kira important Moth"
Kira smiles. "Everyone needs light. The moon can't watch us every night, so we need to help people be able to be out and about without it..."
Strix: "Strix not think about it like that. Strix happy at night. Strix come from dark places. Strix stay in light because lots of NotStrix in Light. Strix understand lights important though" He nods "Your Lightmaker good. Moth think Pretty too?"
Kira nods. "It's light and sturdy and has never lost a flame except when it ran out of oil once..."
Strix: "Strix think it very strong. It looks weak, but Strong, and Hardworker" He peers at the flame "Strix see how it pretty"
Kira looks down and whispers. "That one was my fault, but I was still young... only a few weeks out of my cocoon..."
Strix: "Strix make lots of mistakes when Strix small" He holds up his metal arm "Strix had two fleshy arms once!" He chuckles
Kira looks at Strix's arm and blinks. "Oh... it doesn't seem to slow you down at all..."
Strix: "Strix slowed down for long time! Then Strix make new ShinyArm! Strix can't let small setbacks slow Strix down"
Kira ponders this. "But you're good now and making pretty things, so it worked out..." She blinks her dark compound eyes and smiles at Strix. "I do my best to help with this ICEE setback, and I haven't heard of anyone being hurt in the dark..."
Strix: "Then Kira doing very good job! Strix always trying to make Strix better" He grins back "Strix sure Kira making Kira better too! Strix will make Kira ShinyOrb as present. Strix decide Strix like Kira"
Kira blushes just a touch. "Thank you, Strix... I like you too." The two continue chatting for a while until the kobold needs to get back to work and Kira needs to go check on her lamps again.
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ON THE ROAD - FAR FROM ANY RESPITE - LATE EVENING
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Aktzin: There are many dangers on the road away from towns, which is why caravans tend to group up, for safety in numbers. Bandits, wild animals...even the small little inns dotted around aren't perfect, the most recent one just cooling down from one of its semi regular brawls. A caravan making its way down this particular road would see a small campfire beside the road, drifts of smoke barely visible against the moonlit sky.
Bracvar had opted to tag along with an odd caravan, carrying several large crates that only the lead driver had seen the manifests for, but they hadn't had any issues leaving Bairnell. Bracvar was acting as a hired cart for a mouth watering sum of coins, enough that he'd only spent a few days lounging in the ocean for recreation instead of fishing. The lead caravaneer rang a hand bell as the carts ahead of Bracvar passed a lone campfire near the road, apparently deciding this clearing was good enough to consider stopping for camp. Brac himself eyed the lit fire warily, wondering to himself if this was a planned stop.
Narrator: Curled around the fire was a large snakeman, who uncoiled as the caravan approached. He was 7ft tall when he 'stood' up, with nearly twenty feet of coils supporting him on the ground. Putting a hand to a long spear, he held it not aggressively, but with the certainty of someone who was both willing, and able to use it (Even though he's stupidly outnumbered). He's also..pretty badly beaten up. Bruised along his scales and face, with a rather unpleasant looking black eye. He rasps out "Announce yoursself"
Aktzin is green scaled, and well built, over his head and shoulders were feathers, though if they truly grew from his head, or just some odd ornamentation was a little unclear from the poor light levels.
Bracvar the (excessive) nine guards move as soon as they've noticed the spear-wielding snake, creating a barricade of swords and crossbows on one side, with two remaining on the other side of the caravan to watch for ambush. Bracvar goes between watching the guards assemble and examining the stranger from within his cart's corral. He takes note of how the snake carries himself even as the guards demand that the stranger should do the announcing. Bracvar ducks under the bar and scuttles to a few feet behind the guards, remaining low enough that h'es only seeing between two sets of shoulders for now.
Aktzin: "I am Aktzin, of the Featherguard" His eyes flick quickly over the guards, and he's not making any aggressive moves, but he's still clearly not simply 'going down'...though he does put his spear to his side, as to not escalate pointlessly "I do not sseek any conflict with the traders. If you wissh, I sshall trade coin, for information"
Bracvar turns to look at the guards as they shuffle, clearly unsettled by an armed stranger as the greener ones look to the others for what to do about this. "Oh, it is you, Atzink! I hardly recognized you through all the tension in the air!" Bracvar lets out a hearty laugh, using his legs to rise a few feet higher than the nearest guards as he pushes through the crowd and scuttles to close the gap between him and Aktzin. This seems to calm the group of guards somewhat, though the other drivers seem less convinced. "It's been years! How have you been, old friend?"
Aktzin: "I do not know you Crab" He hisses out, coiling a little "I am not your friend, I have never seen you before in my life" He places his spear tip just a little bit forward, he's not attacking..but that point is most certainly uncomfortably close to anyone trying to close into him "I do not wissh to fight, but you sshould not approach without permisssion"
Bracvar pauses his approach, chuckling. "Oh, are you sure about that? If we don't know eachother, you're just an upset stranger pointing a spear in the general direction of a merchant. A merchant with many nervous guards behind him." He spreads his arms, taking a few steps back away from the snakeman, bowing his eyepatch-clad head slightly as he does.
Aktzin: "You would assk me to ssully my own honour? If you wissh to sstrike me down now, for not playing your gamess, then do sso" The spear tip rescinds again as he backs away. He flicks his gaze over the guards "I would fall, and my quesst would fail, but your ego would cosst the livess of more than mysself"
Bracvar crosses his arms, shaking his head. "Ego has nothing to do with it, and nobody in this group is out for blood if you're passive."
Aktzin: "I have merely defended my camp. I offer no harm. I only wish to passs peacefully, and to trade coin, for the information I need"
Bracvar hums, looking toward the guards behind him. "You're not wrong, we could have stopped anywhere else." He turns back to Aktzin, bowing his head. "I apologize for approaching you under false pretenses, Atzink."
Aktzin: "Apology is accepted" He nods in return, relaxing just a little, moving from holding his spear at the ready, to leaning on it, the tip of his tail coiling gently around the base "Also, it is Aktzin" He corrects, not impolitely "Tell me, I have heard that a town in these outlands is guarded by a serpent with feathered wings. Do you know anything of thiss sstory?" The intensity in his gaze returns, there is a certain uncanny way that his eyes stare, unblinkingly as he waits for an answer.
Bracvar relaxes somewhat, though his voice and face hadn't betrayed it, he settled as his legs folded in toward his sides. He knows exactly which guard Aktzin is talking about, one less swayed by his 'charms' than he would prefer. "I think I do, though I believe they were off on some adventure last time I went up that way. She certainly makes an impression what with how uncommon your people are out this way."
Aktzin: "You do?" He tenses "Where do they make their base? They must be found, and returned" His tongue starts flicking in and out more rapidly, getting a little bit more riled up "Our people are rare, and her's are rarer still, that is why it is imperative that I find her!"
Bracvar raises his palm, shaking his head. "Easy there, friend, I may have an idea of who you're talking about, but you're asking the wrong person for those details. For one, I wouldn't give them to a stranger, even for coin, and besides that, I haven't the slightest idea." He shrugs, "I simply don't spend enough time in Respite to find out."
Aktzin: "Respite" He nods "That is what I needed to know. My thankss. I do not need more than that, I sshall find her there" He's already moving, gathering up his pack "For my payment, you may take my fire for the night. I do not need it, for I sshall move out now. I cannot wait another moment" He flicks his tail, bringing up his spear to his back, where he ties it there.
Bracvar grunts at his misspeak. "Hold on, Aktzin. What is it you want with this feathered snake, anyways?"
Aktzin returns back, looking at Bracvar "I am Featherguard. It is my duty to protect her, and return her to her rightful place. I do not know who took her this far from home, but I care not. I sshall find her, and I sshall return her"
Bracvar ponders the possible timeline, as he's well aware that Louma had arrived almost nine years ago, and she's the only winged snake he knows about. "Well, it certainly took you long enough to get this far. You seem like a straight arrow, so I'll give you a heads up. I'm fairly certain she's happy in Respite, you might get a lot of resistance trying to take her back home."
Aktzin: "I am sure there are reasons, but duty is important. I cannot force her, but I will understand her once I meet her again" He turns "They had ssaid sshe was dead, but I knew that could not be. Thank you for confirming what I knew in my heart" And he was already slithering away. He had his goal now..and he would -not- be deterred.
Bracvar scratches the back of his head, turning to the guards mulling about. "Well... At least we don't have to light a fire tonight? What's with that look?"
Guard disarms his crossbow as he watches the snake move along. "Did you just send a mercenary after our captain, Brac?"
Bracvar shrugs, grinning. "I'm sure they'll handle it, let's eat and forget about that bit of worry, hm?" He breaks out a small crate of food and settles next to the fire, the others slowly joining him after they set up their gear for the night.