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GUARD BARRACKS - MORNING
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Louma is ruffled. Not on the outside, her feathers are as well preened as they usually are, but no amount of preening could hide the circles under her eyes or the dull throbbing behind them. She manages to evade nearly everyone on the way in by showing up during the morning changeover, but even so, she dreads when the in box of her desk is no longer going to be empty. For now, Louma is content in her office, door closed, in the quiet, free to just sit with her palms pressed over her face.
Nesseth: [Almost on cue, the handle of the door leading out into the main area of the barracks jiggles a bit. A moment later, a knock comes from the door, followed by a familiar, if currently muffled voice. "Captain? Got some reports to deliver."]
Louma groans with an oddly scratchy voice, lifting her head and sighing to herself. "Right, come..." She clears her throat, her voice sounding slightly more normal. Slightly. "Come in, let's see what we've got today."
Nesseth opens the door upon being invited in. He steps in and raises an eyebrow when he gets a look at Louma. "Uh... just the usual reports, Louma. You okay, though?"
Louma grunts shortly, nodding. "Yes, Nesseth, thank you." She automatically begins reaching a hand out for the papers, but stops, her abdomen still sore from undrinking her wine. "Just... Set them on my desk, please." Her other hand idly rubs at her sore stomach through the guard jacket.
Nesseth hums thoughtfully as he sets the (blessedly small) pile of reports on the desk in its usual spot. He notes Louma rubbing her stomach and smirks a little. "Bit of a rough night drinking last night, I take it?"
Louma chuckles quietly, a half-hearted grin showing. "Not at all, I'm fine. Wouldn't be proper for a guard captain to overdrink." A wave of guards coming in from the ends of their shifts enters the barracks, many of them making a racket that causes Louma to cringe away from the door reflexively.
Nesseth glances back and nudges the door shut, muffling the sounds of the guards. "You sure about that? Sound-sensitive, and obviously what looks like a headache. You're either dehydrated or hung over..."
Louma sighs, turning back to Nesseth. "Thank you, and yes, alright. I may have had an extra glass of wine or two at the Minnow." She grumbles again, rubbing her eyes.
Nesseth chuckles a bit and moves to take a seat. "That's surprising. You don't drink all that much whenever we head to the Minnow after work. We usually go for water after a glass or two, at most."
Louma nods very slightly, bracing herself for the scraping of the chair that's sure to come. "Yes, well, Brunilda is a different kind of drinking partner, I suppose."
Nesseth has the propriety to lift the chair up off the floor while moving it, sparing Louma the scraping of its legs. The thump, however, upon the chair being set back down, is probably a little louder than it would normally be. "Got a bit outmatched, eh? She can hold her liquor pretty well, I see, to get you like this."
Louma grimaces at the thump, giving Nesseth a bit of a look. "Yes, quite well indeed." She tries to clear the scratchiness out of her throat again, reaching for a tankard of liquid to sip from.
Nesseth just smiles at the look. "And I imagine Brun's fit as a fiddle even if she drank as much as you did."
Louma shrugs, rubbing her forehead again. "Probably? I don't actually know. She left the Minnow before me, and I haven't seen her yet this morning."
Nesseth chuckles. "At any rate, it only took me one of those hangovers to figure out how much was too much for me to drink. Hopefully it helps you narrow down your tolerance a bit."
Louma huffs. "I'll take that to heart. It wouldn't be so bad, honestly, if Damina hadn't showed up."
Nesseth blinks. "Damina? What, she joined you two, and you decided to keep going?"
Louma shakes her head slowly. "No, she arrived some time after Brunilda left." She tries to clear her memory of last night a bit more. "Mmh, actually, I think the bartender refused me a refill at that point."
Nesseth snerks, though a chuckle escapes from him again despite his best efforts. "They probably knew you wouldn't wake up in time for work if you had another drink in you."
Louma gives Nesseth an unappreciative look, but can't help losing it to a quiet laugh moments later. "Like I'd let that keep me from all this wonderful reading." She waves vaguely at the paperwork he'd brought in. "Such a nice gift, thank you."
Nesseth grins cheekily. "Always happy to help brighten your day, Louma. You know I'm a right ray of sunshine." He leans back in his seat a bit and his grin shifts to an amused smirk, "The sort of sunlight that shines right in your eyes in the morning."
Louma nods grinning despite the headache. "Oh yes, your blinding brilliance. If only you had been there last night to distract Damina so I could slink away! The only reason I stayed after Brunilda left was so she wouldn't see me wobbling down the road."
Nesseth 's lips slowly curl into another cheeky grin. "Don't you always wobble anyway, when you slither around?" He shakes his head with a soft laugh, "You know, putting yourself forward as always being super dignified doesn't necessarily help."
Louma chuckles despite herself. "Can you blame me for not wanting the newer recruits to look at me as an irresponsible pushover? My plan would have been fine if Damina and Maybelline hadn't shown up when they did." Her smile fades when she mentions the stoat, trying to hide her discomfort behind another drink of water.
Nesseth pffts and waves a hand. "Just imagine their surprise if you did look softer once you started driving them to do their jobs as you do now." He pauses and tilts his head, "So it wasn't just Damina, but May also showed up?"
Louma grunts, her coils shifting uncomfortably. "I suppose she did, yes." She glances up at the clock, turning to the pile of reports and taking the first one, though clearly not focused on reading it. Anything to not look at Nesseth.
Nesseth stretches a bit, taking a cue that he should probably leave Louma to wrestle with her hangover for now. "Sounds like a bit of a party at the Minnow, then. Well, anyway, I'll let you get started on the paperwork, Captain. Hopefully the hangover doesn't trouble you too much."
Louma sighs, mostly in relief. The rest of the events were not ammunition she needed Nesseth gaining. "I appreciate it." She pauses for a moment, looking toward him. "Nesseth? Keep it to yourself, hmm?"
Nesseth stands up and chuckles. "What, that you were relaxed enough to get a bit drunk with a former... well, sort of former guardsman? Alright, if you insist. I'll just confirm to the others that you're just grumpy and don't want to be disturbed today."
Louma narrows her eyes at him, sighing. "Fine, grumpy will do, give me a moment..." She pushes herself up out of her coils, ruffling her head feathers slightly before leaning over her desk, both palms planted firmly on the top. "I'm going to regret this." She clears her throat, preparing to raise her voice, hopefully the only time she'll need to for a while.
Nesseth raises a hand to forestall Louma. "No, no, wait, stop. I mean just... you can be grumpy, just...you know, low-key grumpy. The 'don't talk to me right now unless you want extra work' sort of grumpy."
Louma pauses, then flumps back into her coils. "Oh good, thank you. I really didn't need to add more to the regret file this week." She leaves her feathers ruffled, staring blankly at the door handle.
Nesseth gives Louma a lop-sided smile. "You'll have to tell me about it once you're feeling better. I can't imagine all this regret would come just from a hangover." He starts walking towards the door, waving a hand as he goes, "Aaaanyway, hopefully that hangover doesn't plague you for too long today. See you either later this afternoon or tomorrow, Captain."
Louma gives Nesseth a half chuckle and a half hearted wave. "Sure we'll talk later. I think I'll need it, actually. Thank you Nesseth. Enjoy your patrol, don't nap anywhere that you can't be found." She manages a half decent mean mug before the door can be opened.
Nesseth doesn't give the guards out in the main area of the barracks much of an opportunity to peek into the office as he slips out, quickly shutting the door behind him. Before he slips out, however, he gives Louma a quick nod and a smile.
Louma immediately drops the look after the door closes, laying her chin on the desk and covering her eyes with her arms. "Stupid swan." She mutters, remaining as such while waiting for Brun to arrive.
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SOUTH WALL - EVENING
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Xochi sits upon the wall overlooking the southern pass, the darkened wall lit, by Kira no doubt, with torches at periodic touchpoints. Xochi sits between them in the mingled darkness between the light, looking upwards at the stars.
Nesseth wanders along the wall, his crossbow leaning against his shoulder as he gazes out onto the fields beyond the town's perimeter. He seems to be completely at ease at the moment as he slowly lopes along through the alternating pools of light and shadow, though his sharp eyes warily scan the horizon for anything nasty that might decide tonight is a good night to approach the walls.
Xochi hears the approaching footsteps and glances over towards the sound, smiling, though difficult to see in the dark, she shifts to bow to the figure, "Ah, it was Nesseth, yes? Good evening to you."
Nesseth blinks as he pulls his gaze away from the horizon, somewhat startled by the voice. He pauses, taking a moment to let his eyes adjust as he looks at the person sitting on the wall, then relaxes upon seeing Xochi. "Oh! Good evening, Xochi. Yeah, it's just me, Nesseth."
Xochi smiles, "Forgive me if I'm intruding. I was simply out looking at the stars... I have found the view best from this gate, thus far."
Nesseth shakes his head a bit and smiles. "You're not intruding, really. It's definitely a nice spot for something like stargazing, but the south gate can also be a little dangerous at times, what with it facing towards the desert to the southwest."
Xochi glances in that direction, as if she would see the danger lurking, "I have heard of the dangers around the city, but yet to see anything. Though I do not intend to go beyond the walls, I suppose."
Nesseth nods. "That's for the best, honestly... I've gone hunting in the desert before, and it's either bloody hot, or freezing cold, and everything out there tends to be buried. There's really nothing out there, unless there's something across the desert and we just don't know about it yet."
Xochi hums, "Respite has her mysteries then, hm? Most curious... I am a very curious type, they say. Always getting into trouble, as a youth, for my efforts." She chuckles.
Nesseth chuckles as well. "The heart of an explorer, it sounds like. Curiosity leads to discovery, and discovery paves the way for... well, just about everything. Respite's got some mysteries still, but it's definitely settling down from back when the town was first settled, a couple of decades back, not that it's a bad thing, though."
Xochi shakes her head, "Not a bad thing, no." She looks back up to the stars. "They are the same here, did you know? I had wondered if the stars here would be different then they were, but they are not. It gives me some comfort."
Nesseth hums curiously and looks up at the spangled skies above. "The stars...?" He pauses, "...Actually, yeah, you're right... I see a lot of the same constellations as back home in Orela."
Xochi nods, raising a hand up reverently. "They are old friends of mine. Those familiar lights, watching. My people hold the sun in high regard, and the stars as well. They are the scales of the ancestors, scattered through the skies to glitter and shine forevermore upon our Empire." She frowns at the last word. "What must they think of what we have done?"
Nesseth smiles softly. "For us, they're our ancestors and guides at night, watching over us and keeping us safe as best as they can. During the day, they rest, just as we do during the night." He lowers his gaze and sighs a bit, "I wish I could tell you, Xochi, but I'm not a priest or a shaman, or anything of the sort..."
Xochi sighs, "Similiar thoughts, then. Perhaps they are both, the ancestors of your people and mine. Perhaps in the sky they have found peace." She shakes her head. "But pardon, I am just an old snake, wishing things had been different."
Nesseth hums and shakes his head. "Nothing to apologize for. It's only natural to wish things went better in the past." He shrugs a little as he looks up at the stars again, "But... we can't really change it. Instead, we just move forward as best as we can, you know? Our ancestors might not approve of some things, but they'll just have to understand we work with what we have."
Xochi hums thoughtfully, "Perhaps so. Even if the best we can do is nothing but let it all end." She takes a deep breath and smiles. "I have doubts. Questions. Thoughts. But no regrets, I find. Coming to Respite was the correct choice."
Nesseth lightly scratches at one of the frills on his head as he thinks. "I guess one angle to consider, though... is the end an actual end, though? The Snake Empire might not be what it used to be, but... maybe something new can grow from it, without the conquest and bloodshed of the past?"
Xochi smiles, "I hope so, yes. But I-" She hesitates a moment. "I think the best way to ensure such a future is to let the old blood die away..."
Nesseth tilts his head a bit, sounding more idly curious than wary. "The 'old blood'? But wasn't the royal line severed during that last fight in the throne room?"
Xochi nods quietly, a deep sadness in her voice, "Severed, and destroyed. And so it shall remain."
Nesseth sighs and nods. "Until another coatl is born, anyway. Hopefully they'll be more peaceful..." He shakes his head, "I'm sorry, Xochi. I know all of this is rough for you. I didn't mean to bring down the mood of your stargazing."
Xochi shakes her head, "It is often what I think about, when I look at the stars. The past. The present. The future. I ask them for answers. I listen."
Nesseth stays quiet for a few seconds, then asks in softer voice. "Do you... hear anything that they say?"
Xochi laughs quietly, "I used to think I did. I cannot be sure. Perhaps I am too old, now. Perhaps I displeased them. Perhaps it was merely a child's fancy that I heard them at all."
Nesseth hums and nods a bit. "Mmh... it must have been quite the interesting life for you, though, thinking... or maybe actually communing with your ancestors like that." He tilts his head, "Did others know about that ability?"
Xochi shakes her head. "Maybe they suspected, but I have never told of it. Until now, I suppose." She chuckles.
Nesseth chuckles as well. "I guess those sorts of powers aren't exactly stuff that should be bandied about for no reason, real or not. I'll keep it quiet, so no one pesters you about it."
Xochi laughs, "They will not get the answers they seek anyways." She pauses, then grins at Nesseth, "Do you have a question you would ask the ancestors?"
Nesseth blinks in surprise at the question. "Me? Uh... Well, I guess if I had the opportunity, I probably would have a few questions." He smiles in a slightly self-depreciating manner, "I'm pretty sure the questions would range from silly to maybe just a bit too deep for me to really get, though."
Xochi chuckles, "I would ask for you, if you wish, but I believe all I shall hear in response is the same silence I have heard for many, many years. But who knows?"
Nesseth laughs a bit and shrugs. "Sure, I guess there's no harm in trying, anyway. Thankfully, it's nothing embarrassing." He sighs as he stretches his neck and looks back up at the stars again, "The first question I have is just to wonder if everyone back home in Orela is doing okay. I've not been back there in years."
Xochi chuckles, "First question? Then there are many? Ambitious! Let us see..." She shifts her head up to the stars. She folds her hands before her as if in prayer and closes her eyes. She sits in quiet contemplation for several minutes, then shakes her head with a smile, "They are silent in the matter. Though, perhaps this means nothing is amiss!"
Nesseth shakes his head in amusement after Xochi answers the question. "Not too many, just three." He smiles and chuckles in turn, "And I guess no news is good news, in this case!"
Xochi nods with laugh, "Yes, so it seems. Then, what is the second question?"
Nesseth hums quietly, then answers after a moment. "Do they approve of my current life path?"
Xochi resumes her pose to silently ask the question, then after a moment, a look of shock comes over her face, "Oh? Oh my~. Ahh I see!" She smirks at Nesseth. "Well, most interesting."
Nesseth hums as he gives Xochi a curious look. "You... actually heard something?"
Xochi shakes her head, laughing again, "I did. I heard... Silence." She gives an exaggerated shrug, "Perhaps they disapprove of a life where you speak with a snake, hmm?"
Nesseth blinks, then stifles a snort of laughter. "Well, if they disapprove of me speaking with a Snake, maybe I don't need to worry about asking the third question after all." He smiles, "You had me going for a moment, Xochi, I'll admit."
Xochi smiles back, "I hope you do not mind my laughter at your expense. No harm intended of course... and I did ask your question, I simply heard nothing."
Nesseth chuckles as his amusement settles back down. "It's fine, no offense taken. I can appreciate anyone who can pull a good joke like that."
Xochi grins, "I was very funny at home. I've made many jokes here, but there are many less laughs in response. Most folks in Respite are so serious."
Nesseth hums and nods. "Yeah, while we're friendly, we also tend to be a fair bit more busy since there are less folks around capable of doing... most anything, compared to the bigger cities."
Xochi nods, "This explains much to me, yes." She smiles as she settles herself back into her pose, "And the final question, then?"
Nesseth smiles in turn, though there's a slight downturn at the corners of his mouth as he takes a moment to think of how to articulate his question. "Well, my last question is probably the one I'm wondering about the most. We both know the effects of that war, and we both obviously wish it didn't happen. I have to wonder... why didn't my ancestors try to stop it before it even became a war? You know... without having to actually resort to bloodshed?"
Xochi hesitates as the smile falls from her face as well. It's a question she's asked herself many times as well. She looks at Nesseth carefully a moment, then simply nods, and folds her hands together to ask this question once again.
Nesseth shifts his gaze up to the stars as well, quietly waiting for Xochi's answer, whatever it might be.
Xochi eyes water up and she slowly shifts up from her coiled body. Then, as if something strikes her, she gasps and falls backward, her back striking the surface of the wall. Her hands are still clenched tightly, held against her chest as she holds her eyes tightly closed.
Nesseth startles and turns as Xochi falls over backwards. As she hits the wall, he jumps forward, quickly slinging his crossbow onto his shoulder with the strap and carefully lifts her away from the wall, making sure she's not injured. He's about to say something, but opts to stay quiet for the moment as he watches her expression.
Xochi 's face is twisted in pain and sorrow, then it slowly shifts back to a more neutral expression as Xochi's hands unclench... and one raises up to her head, "Ugh... I heard... silence. But... what happened?"
Nesseth gives Xochi a dubious look as he helps her sit up a little straighter. "You were asking the question, but then it looked like you got thrown backwards or something. You hit the wall, and... I dunno, it looked like you were in a lot of pain."
Nesseth pauses then asks a little more urgently. "Are you okay, though? I can get you to the doctor if you need it."
Xochi shakes her head, "No... no, I am fine. Perhaps it is simply getting too cold out tonight for me."
Nesseth hums, his brow furrowing a little. "Well... if you're sure you're okay, I can at least help you down to street level. I'd rather not see you take a tumble down the stairs coming off the walls..."
Xochi nods as she pulls herself up to straighten herself up, "Y-yes. Yes perhaps so." She gives one last look up at the stars, "Ah... Yes. I would much appreciate that, Nesseth."
Nesseth offers Xochi an arm once she straightens up. "Might not be a bad idea to just take it easy for the rest of the night. We're heading into Summer soon, so the nights should start warming up a little bit."
Xochi hums as she takes Nesseth's arm, letting him guide her. "That should be nice, yes. The heat here is very nice, but the nights are too cold at the moment."
Nesseth nods as he slowly leads Xochi towards the nearest set of stairs, and begins carefully guiding her down. "The desert loses its heat really fast at night, and it's really not until the height of Summer that it stays warm past midnight. All other times of the year, it gets colder a lot faster."
Xochi nods, "I am truly too old to do much in the cold." She sighs, "Thank you, Nesseth, for talking tonight."
Nesseth smiles warmly. "I'm always happy to chat. If you see me around anywhere and want to talk, you're welcome to do so."
Xochi bows, "Same to you... friend." She smiles as she releases the lizard's arm, taking a moment to gather herself (both figuratively and quite literally, before she begins to head towards home, feeling more then a bit exhausted.
Nesseth watches Xochi for a few moments as she starts on her way home, then lifts a hand in farewell. "Have a good night, Xochi. Sleep well." He waves for a couple of seconds before he turns and starts to make his way up the stairs to resume his patrol, now idly pondering what the heck he just witnessed...