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XOCHI'S HOSUE - AFTERNOON
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Louma slithers up the street, having stopped by her home post-duty to change, though she feels a need to burn some energy before waiting for Maybelline. She finds herself wandering until a familiar house comes into view, slowing down as she approaches. She hesitates before sighingto herself, winding her way up to the door and knocking on Xochi's doorframe twice.She takes a breath, feeling slightly apprehensive, though her mild smile hides it for now.
Xochi opens the door a few moments later, stopping short in a bit of surprise, but quickly smiling and bowing down gracefully, "Ah, Captain Louma. A pleasure, as always. Come in, come in! What brings you to my humble abode, yes?"
Louma bows in return, accepting the invitation to enter. She looks around the somewhat familiar home as her tail trails her, turning to Xochi with a smile once she's all inside. "I simply felt a desire to have a visit with you while wandering, I hope I am not imposing."
Xochi shakes her head, letting Louma's full length enter the home before shutting the door, "There is no imposition amongst friends, I am always happy to receive company."
Louma nods, settling on her tail, though not into a coil for now. "Thank you, I am happy to be counted among your friends. Have you been well since we last met? How has your riddle hunt gone so far?"
Xochi sighs quietly, making herself comfortable. "Difficult. I am not so good at the abstract thinking of my friend Sammi. She speaks of intangible things like regrets, embodied in a physical thing." She pauses. "That one I think I know, but the wording gives me pause. The other, an object to represent what I do not have."
Louma tilts her head and crosses her arms, humming for a moment. "Something you don't have... Strange. I must admit, I am terrible with riddles, but perhaps... A painting of an object? Because if you bring something, then you have that item, correct? But then since when does Magic care that much about reason?"
Xochi chuckles, "This is true. Sammi said it was... what was the word... symbolic? Perhaps a painting of something I do not have would suffice?" She pauses, "She would like to meet you as well, asked for me to introduce you two, when the chance is presented."
Louma gives pause; "Me? I don't know if I should be concerned about being summoned by a ritualist or not." She chuckles quietly, "Did she say why, by chance?"
Xochi shakes her head, "No summoning, simply a request. I believe she wishes to make a good example of herself to others. To spoke a great deal about 'town guardians' chasing her away from other towns, when all she wishes is friendship. To tell the truth, it spoke much to my own fears. I feel she is something of a kindred spirit, she and I."
Louma lets her arms relax at her sides, worry leaving her expression as she nods. "In that case, I would be happy to meet her. I am honestly very curious about Sammi as well, though seeking her out wasn't really a priority. Too much time in the office lately."
Xochi hmmms, "When you have time, perhaps. I have found her in the waterfall north of the city while on my long treks. So what of you, Louma? What has kept you so busy since your journey out of the city to help save Erika?"
Louma settles a bit, thinking. "Well, one can imagine the nightmare of paperwork that comes with 'our herbalist and two guards turned feral'. There was a short reprieve after that, but now we're getting a number of bounty hunters coming for a local resident." She frowns, looking slightly aside.
Xochi tilts her head, "Bounty... hunters? Coming for a resident? Should... I be concerned? I didn't think any know of my presence here... but I was wrong before... with Aktzin."
Louma shakes her head, looking to Xochi again. "I don't think so, but keep an eye open in any case. They're after a specific kobold, although I highly doubt the claims laid against him are worth anything. Still... Taking a bounty in Respite is neither protected nor illegal, but I am conflicted."
Xochi hums, folding her hands in front her, "Conflicted? You don't approve of the hunting, yes?" She pauses in thought, then casts her own gaze downwards. "It is something our own people once reveled in. Hunting others. But I had thought this was different?"
Louma sighs, scratching her forearm. "No, I actually support bounty hunting when the mark is valid, though I suppose it's hard to say where that line is drawn. Wherever it might fall, though, I don't know that Strix deserves a price for his capture."
Xochi nods, "Ahh, the mark is likely innocent, but the hunters only care for their prey, not the reason behind it. I see. ...Is there anything you can do, then?"
Louma settles on her tail more, seeming to deflate a bit. "I am not sure. If I act and somebody gets hurt, I'd be in the wrong according to the law, or lack thereof. Right now, I know two of the hunters that seem to be the closest to capturing him, it would seem he's wanted in good health." She lets out one humorless laugh. "So most hunters take that as a cue to be as 'gentle' as they can, at least."
Xochi: "Meaning he shall not be hurt, then? Hmmm. If you know these hunters, perhaps talking to them will ease your mind? I am afraid I have few answers for you otherwise, unless there is a way to change the law." She gives a faint smile, "Admittedly, my own studies never much involved how to change laws beyond... decree."
Louma chuckles, sighing. "I would hope so. The problem with banning bounty hunting is it creates a haven for bounties."
Xochi hums, dipping her head, "Which becomes the problem because of those less innocent bounties. I see."
Louma sighs, shaking her head. "I hope in my heart that he is returned after they find him free of guilt. And that the other hunters leave and stay away for good." She chuckles quietly. "I've brought a sobering topic on us, though. What of your garden?"
Xochi lifts her head back up with a smile, "It grows well, as Erika said. A tender touch each day and plenty of water, several of the flowers have already reached bloom."
Louma smiles, her mood slowly lifting. "That's wonderful to hear! In honesty, I've seen it from above, though that doesn't afford the best view."
Xochi motions a hand towards the back. "You are welcome to come and see anytime you wish, of course! Kira has open invitation as well, she rather enjoys it there now that there is something for her to eat."
Louma giggles quietly, turning to slither toward the garden door. "That moth has quite the appetite, I assume, with the training she's begun. She's very determined to prove herself to the guard."
Xochi nods, rising up to move towards the door and open it for Louma. "She is. She desires to make a difference. It is another thing to which I can relate."
Louma gives a slight bow in thanks, heading through the door into the small backyard garden. She stops mid-response, looking about at the collection around, impressive for the climate. "You were being a little humble, I think, even for having Erika's help!"
Xochi lifts her hand, in what would appear to be a thumbs up. "There are some who say I have a green thumb, yes?" She begins to snicker.
Louma gives Xochi a blank look before breaking into a quiet laugh, punctuated by a soft honk. She clams up, trying to stifle laughing more from embarrassment.
Xochi seems very proud of her rather stupid joke, turning to look over the garden. "I am very happy with it. It gives me something to do. Which is already more then I did back... before."
Louma nods, chuckling softly even as she tries to get under control again. "Y-yes, it's very nice, Xochi, thank you for sharing it w-with me. I'm glad you've been able to occupy yourself pleasantly. Were you not even allowed to care for some flowers in Orela?"
Xochi closes her eyes. "I was... allowed very little freedoms there. I grew very bored. I had books. But was not allowed outside of the estate where I was kept."
Louma shakes her head, looking toward Xochi, the other snake framed by a number of blossoms. "You didn't deserve such a thing, no matter who your father or grandfather were."
Xochi sighs, "I cannot say what I do or do not deserve. I have made the best of it." She chuckles, "Or I suppose I have not, since I have come here instead. But I thank you, Louma."
Louma grunts, shaking her head. "Life here is better than Orela anyways."
Xochi laughs, "I shall take your word on it. To tell the truth, I only know from history books. But I spent so little time there... only while I was fleeing."
Louma chuckles, shrugging. "I just know I've been happier here than I ever was there, except perhaps as an ignorant child. Especially these last couple months."
Xochi covers her mouth a moment laughing, "Woe to those who dealt with me as a child! But thus far... I am in agreement. My time in Respite has wonderful."
Louma grins, nodding. "You've certainly had an interesting time so far. Almost like the adventure has been seeking you out instead of the other way around."
Xochi chuckles, "It has been interesting. Certainly nothing that I had planned for..." The two continue to talk on more pleasant topics pertaining to Respite as the day passes by, until at last Louma bids her farewell.