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RESPITE FALLS - EMBER LEAF TEAROOMS - LATE AFTERNOON
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Aelia steps in out of the afternoon sun into the tea shop, she glances around with a shy smile. Properly dressed in one of the more conservative-looking pastel dresses she purchased from Rhask, she seems rather demure. A new dress, a proper meal, and a soak in the local hotsprings has done wonders for her mood, and now a bit of tea as she tries to figure out her next steps in figuring out how to make a life.
Aelia is lead to a table in the small, but uncrowded and very pleasant looking room, and orders a kettle, "Lotus blossom, please. Just a touch of sugar."
Rondelethia was also taking some time out, relaxing in the corner of the room. While she never complained, and overall getting away from the hectic petty politics of being a "Young Lady", there was some parts of the life that she missed (Especially since she didn't get any of the freedoms, or benefits much of being out here. Duty still called), in the tearoom, she could still do her stately thing, with her tea laid out properly, holding it the right way, and taking delicate sips. Some part of her might say it's silly...but she's still taking some comfort from it, besides, it's not like anyone here would recognize the rituals for what they were.
Aelia sighs, as the waitress brings over her kettle. She takes a moment to rearrange the layout just so, pouring the tea out properly, and lifting the cup, taking a similarly delicate sip. She lets the feeling of the warm tea infuse her, opening her eyes to let out a relaxed hum. She glances across the room, eyes landing on the rather properly dressed rabbit, their poses almost a mirror of one another in the way they hold their tea, the sudden familiarity taking her by surprise, "Oh gosh! You're from Sarn?"
Rondelethia: "Huh? What?" She looks up "Uh..no..not really..I mean, we weren't far away..but..uh.." She looks over to Aelia "Are you from Sarn yourself then? I..uh" She pauses "Rondelethia Bouquet. Pleased to make your acquintance"
Aelia blushes, "Golly, I am sorry! That was very rude of me. I just... I just got here and all and... uh," She dips her head, "Aelia Croise'. And pleased to make yours as well, Ms Bouquet."
Rondelethia tilts her head. That little mental bit of math to see where a family lies in the hierarchy. If that made a difference, it was hard to tell "Don't worry. Come, sit down. There is plenty of room at the table for two" She's straightened up a little, and is acting a bit more formal, like she's 'meant' to.
Aelia glances around for help, but after a moment she stands up and carries her teapot and cup over. She carefully places the teapot down before she very gingerly pulls out the seat and settles in, sitting up straight as well. She dips her head in proper response to being invited over. "Thank you very much. I admit, I didn't expect to find such a place out here in the... wild, such as it is."
Rondelethia: "It's a charming little place, isn't it?" She nods in agreement "I try to find time from work to take a cup, I find it helps me relax" It's something of a statement to make, a noble lady. Working! There's that small pause, waiting to see if this would be taken as a slight against the rabbit.
Aelia smiles quite politely, it doesn't even seem to click for her that this might be improper, considering her own position, "It seems a fine place for that. It's likely to become my refuge as well, once I find some kind of work."
Rondelethia raises an eyebrow, and almost asks a question, before not saying anything about why she needs a job "There's generally a good few opportunities around. What skills do you have to offer?"
Aelia 's smile fades slightly, as she lowers her tea cup, "I... find myself abroad and rather ashamedly lacking in skills... I am a professionally trained dancer, with some acting and musical knowledge of course. I am quite afraid that Respite is rather lacking in theatre, however."
Rondelethia: "Well, that would be a good niche! I'm sure that there's a good opportunity there. I think that people would come to the theatre if there was one open!" She totally takes the wrong message from what Aelia is saying
Aelia blinks, "Oh? I would worry that folks around here wouldn't want to bother with theatre... n-not that they're uncultured! I just... I don't know them. But gosh, to be up on a stage again..." She gets a little wistful and sighs.
Rondelethia: "It's a very new town. A lot of the time when there's not something here, it's not because nobody wants it, it's because that simply nobody has gotten around to making it yet" She gives an encouraging nod "So, there's absolutely an opening there"
Aelia lifts her tea back up and takes a sip. "That is a most encouraging thought..." She slowly realizes what Rondelethia is implying and lifts a hand to her chest, "Goodness! You mean that I should-? Why, I wouldn't even know where to begin." Still... the thought is clearly attractive to her.
Rondelethia: "Well, perhaps a small acting group? See what interest there is, and work from there"
Aelia: "A grass roots acting troupe? How very romantic! I shall have to see if there are any who are even interested."
Rondelethia: "Well" She chuckles "A tea-room might be a good place to start"
Aelia giggles politely, "You're not wrong there, yes. A wonderful place to start."
Rondelethia: "Excellent! I will certainly attend any performance you put on"
Aelia blushes, dipping her head, "I am happy to have met such a wonderful fan of the arts as you, Ms Bouquet."
Rondelethia: "This place could benefit from a little bit extra art" She nods back happily
Aelia nods back, feeling once more uplifted, having some (very distant) idea of what she might be able to do to be happy in this town, and hoping that she and Rondelethia can become better friends, as they spend time relaxing and observing all the proper tea etiquette.
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THE UNRESTING EXPANSE - LATE EVENING
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Victoria is sitting on a rock on a riverbank, the rescue troop having made its' way across most of the expanse and stopped to rest upon finding first sign of fresh water in days. The leopard is not on duty at the moment, rather just wanting some time alone some distance away from the group - never exactly having been one for crowds in the first place. Well, almost alone. She gives the fox sitting next to her a grin in the near-darkness.
Annika smiles back, settling into Victoria, and wrapping her arms gently around the leopard, letting her settle into the fluff. There's a lot there, particularly since they're in the dark, and there's nobody else to see it "It's nice to have some private time, isn't it?" She blushes "I..uh..well, even in a tent, I always feel like there's too many people around" She's trying to more comfortable with intimacy, after all, if both of them stay awkward, it'll drive them both nuts.
Victoria holds her hand around Annika, definitely enjoying the combined softness: "It is... not to mention all the tension in the group. I get it, but some of the more fresh ones are so tense I fear they're gonna snap in half from sheer anxiety if we don't come across some combat soon."
Annika: "Well..why don't we do a little bit of that wrestling...."
Victoria blinks, then grins as she tightens her hold on Annika's waist while leaning closer: "You'd like that, wouldn't you... not that I'm objecting."
Usid has moved carefully through the night, sticking to cover of the underbrush growing along the river, lacking his bone armor in favor of a dark cloak to keep him hidden and out of sight of Nyzai's patrols, who he knows are watching the Outsiders. It was Nyzai's scouts that had informed him they had reached the riverbank. Now, he has slipped away from camp, seeking any of the advance scouts he knows the outsiders must have sent out to keep watch. He moves to the edge of the shadows on the opposite side of the river bank, spotting the furred ones and watching for only a moment, before he risks everything with a low growl, "...Outsiders."
Annika: "Well...you are the combat teacher~" She leans in for a kiss and..her ears shoot up, and she breaks away "Wait.." Her body is tense, on point. Also naked.
Victoria blinks at Annika's surprise, but looks around upon realizing they might not be as alone as needed: "Hmm." She stiffens, peering into the darkness from which the sound came.
Usid blends into the shadows in his dark cloak, but he slowly takes a step forward as the two look towards him, raising his arms out of the cloak to show that, while he is not without weapons, he is currently unarmed. He lacks his typical bow and quiver, though there are still knives upon his belt. He glances up, eyes seeking signs of Nyzai's scouts. "Soldiers from the walled city... stay quiet. The sky is listening. Nyzai already sees you all."
Victoria frowns, grasping one of her machetes on the rock the rock next to her, but not showing it to the intruder yet. If she's flustered about lacking clothes or being surprised, that's all hidden beneath the predator's sharp expression now. "...what. Who are you?" Her voice is low, but with definite edge to it.
Annika coughs a little, and flicks her tail, and the clothes seem to almost flow unto her. They're 'not real', but clothes are only about stopping people looking at bits that only certain people are 'allowed' see, however, at Usid's words, she instead looks up to the sky, trying to see if she can pick out any flying raptors.
Usid does not yet lower his hands, the palms turned outward towards Victoria and Annika. "I am Usid, the Swift, Chosen of Yzzayt." He pauses. "...I bring message to Sister Louma. If... she has kept her word."
Victoria frowns and glances at Annika, but then nods at the raptor: "Message? Talk." She shifts her position subtly, just enough to sprint into action the instant it is warranted. The river is shallow enough for her to get across it if need be.
Annika shrugs to Victoria. She's willing to hear the guy out.
Usid is just as tense as Victoria as he glances around, as if expecting the attack to come at any moment. "Sister Louma promised to seek peace. Her freedom came at the cost of my clan's blood. Now, you Outsiders march across the river... and ambush is ready. Nyzai will rain death upon you, and Usid will lead riders to cut you down. Together, Nyzai and Usid are strong, and Outsiders will die." He shakes his head, "But Usid will not lead riders when attack comes. Riders will wait... Nyzai will strike alone. Usid... seeks peace. Usid seeks to keep his clan alive, and strong."
Victoria listens, then blinks: "You... you seek peace." She frowns slightly, several questions rising up: "...after all that you, your tribe, or someone did outside Respite."
Annika: "Have you released the prisoners? Not just Louma? The rest of them?" She gives Victoria's shoulder a squeeze. She..totally understands though
Usid frowns, shaking his head. "Dvirisse, the Keeper, she holds your prisoners. Usid cannot free them. Usid rode, slew those in wagons, took the prisoners to her. If you seek retribution, then take it from Usid." He thumps a fist on his chest, then lowers his head, "But do it after, when Usid's clan is safe, and your clan is freed. Then Usid will give himself to you."
Victoria grasps her blade, squinting in the darkness: "I'm somewhat inclined to take my retribution right now." She growls, but does not yet make her move.
Usid tenses, shifting a hand towards the knives on his belt, snarling, "You will be hard pressed to take it, furry one."
Annika: "Retribution won't help anyone right now" She cuts over the two squaring up "Our people are still captured. All you've got is words. What are you going to do? You promise to stand back, but you're obviously not in charge. What do you do when your boss orders you to fight?"
Victoria looks at Usid and lets out another low growl, but doesn't make a move yet.
Usid pauses, growling at Victoria, but slowly lifts a knife from his belt and tosses it to the ground between them. "Already told you. Usid's clan will not fight. The Whisperer would see us bleed to the last drop... already ordered us to fight you. Usid not care about peace... but Tizza, others in clan... do. Usid trying to do what is best for his clan... his people."
Victoria frowns, but lets go of her blade as well, ever-so-slightly untensing. "Well... we should not trust you, but my gut tells me to anyway." She turns to Annika, slightly confused.
Annika shrugs "Then go, take your clan, and don't fight. We'll see what happens afterwards. We don't have to trust you, but..." She shrugs again "You can't expect to just walk away with no consequences. You hurt and killed our people" She shakes her head "So..just...go. Staying out of it won't get you much. If you want any life for your clan after this, then you'll need to do more than stand aside. You'll need to help"
Usid 's eyes move from Victoria to the smaller fox for the first time as he listens. "...What help do you wish, then?"
Victoria hums: "Locations would help. We're going in blind."
Annika: "Help with getting our people free. If you're truly on our side, then you'll need to face down those that are keeping them. If you're turning against those that are holding them, you'll need to go all the way. No standing aside and trying to play both sides, and sliding in with whoever wins"
Victoria raises an eyebrow at Annika, somewhat impressed at her thinking.
Usid blinks, then laughs quietly. "Outsiders strong, yes. What then, hmm? Usid turns against his people, yes. Helps free your clan? Gives you riders, to turn against the Whisperer? Maybe you kill the Whisperer? Then... what? What will be done to Usid's clan? Will you aid us?"
Victoria pauses, but finds herself nodding: "I won't be killing anyone actually helping us." She's somewhat surprised herself by that statement, but her gut has a tendency to override her brain when it comes to decisions.
Annika: "I can't say. I won't make promises I can't keep, but...it'll count for something, but you've chosen a side now. I..think I know the sort" She's worked for the sort before "You've already betrayed them. They'll kill you for just talking to us. We don't" Victoria chiming in really helps that point "You've chosen your side already. Now you need to follow through, all the way"
Usid nods slowly as he considers all of this. "...Only the Whisperer knows the Will of Yzzayt. But there is no future for Usid's clan there. If aiding the walled city shall bring us new strength, then so be it. Usid the Swift... shall ride with you. And all who follow him shall as well. Nyzai's attack shall come soon. We must seem ready to aid him, but you will be ready for him, yes? Then... you have my word, by Yzzayt, that we shall fight with you."
Victoria considers this for a moment, then nods: "Good enough for me. Although..." She gives Usid a frown, pointing a clawed finger at him: "...if this is an attempt to backstab us, I will hunt you to the ends of Aephix."
Usid grins, an excitement to that challenge rising in him. "Sister Louma has strong allies. I look forward to learning from them all. If peace breeds this sort of strength, then Usid's clan will prosper greatly from allying with the Walled City."
Annika: "I think this is acceptable. I'll inform the squad leader, and we can work a plan together"
Victoria looks at Annika: "You do the talking, then. I will just stand beside you, but I'm no good with words."
Usid nods, breathing out a sigh of... relief? He has a place again, and has seemingly secured somewhere for his clan. "I shall return to my riders and prepare for battle. When the riders come, it shall be in your aid. Once Nyzai falls, we will help you free your clan from the Abyss."
Annika: "Good." She nods again "We'll head back as well. I hope this works out for everyone"
Victoria nods at Annika, then at Usid: "We... seem to agree, then."
Usid bows his head, "Yzzayt's blessing upon you then... we shall meet again." He slinks back into the shadows for the undergrowth, and then disappears into the night, before his absence in the camp is noticed.
Annika: "Well..that..was a thing that happened"
Victoria looks at Annika and shrugs weakly before finally getting up from the rock and picking up her clothes: "...yeah. I don't know. But... better than fighting against. Probably."
Annika: "So..should we..go back?" She's still pretty antsy. High stress encounters are still stressful, even without actual fighting!
Victoria lifts her hand upon Annika's shoulder, then gives her a soft kiss: "...maybe, soon enough. Let 'em know what's up."
Annika returns the kiss "I..well..I suppose there's no massive rush on it..need to uh..gather our thoughts"
Victoria mmhm's as she leans onto Annika: "Mmmiindeed~."
Annika lets that illusion of her clothing fade away, settling back into Victoria, rubbing her head into her neck, to get back to where they had been so rudely interrupted!
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THE UNRESTING EXPANSE - GUARD CAMP - LATE LATE EVENING
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Xochi approaches the Captain's tents, having been woken up fairly early by a runner to meet with Nesseth there, she approaches quietly and coils up, waiting for Nesseth to be excused from whatever meeting he is attending and speak with her, her heart both eager and uneasy at the strange hour and the sudden summons.
Narrator: Murmurs and quiet, indistinct discussion can be heard on the other end of the fabric blocking the entrance of the tent, though a good bit of light still emanates from within, casting a dull glow in every direction. Not exactly stealthy in the dead of night, but the news that has just arrived is perhaps a bit too important to leave until morning. It's not long, however, before the meeting seems to adjourn, and the guard captains disperse to their own sections of camp, with Nesseth being one of the last few to leave the tent.
Xochi dips her head to the Captains in respect, before at last doing the same for Nesseth, "I assume there has been some news?"
Nesseth spots Xochi as he files out of the tent and nods as he makes his way over to her. "Evening, Xochi. Yeah, there's been a turn of events. Might be a good sign, but it could also be a trap. We don't know, yet."
Xochi hums, glancing towards the moon setting on the horizon. "Some movement, I assume? But nothing hostile... else I would have expected a different awakening."
Nesseth shakes his head a bit as he gestures out away from the planning tent, suggesting they go for a little walk. "Nothing immediately hostile, but... we've gotten word from a couple of the guards on watch that they'd been approached by... I guess a Saur clan leader or something... Usid, one of the ones responsible for the caravan attacks. He's pledged himself and his troops to helping us, especially against an attack that's coming soon."
Xochi lowers herself off of her coils, slithering alongside Nesseth as he walks. She tilts her head curiously as Nesseth fills her in, her expression perking up, "Oh! This is excellent news, is it not? Though... ahh, I see why this could be believed to be a trap..."
Nesseth nods. "We're going to assume he's being truthful about the warning, so we're going on alert once folks start waking up. We don't know where this ambush is going to happen, but we've already got a plan of sorts in place for the rangers and marksmen in the guards to stage a counter-ambush." He sighs, "If it turns out to be a trap, and Usid tried to lull us into relaxing... well, he'll be in for a nasty surprise."
Xochi nods, letting her smile fade at the thought of the upcoming violence. "Warning of an ambush seems a strange way to lull ones foes, but I know little of warfare. I am sure you and the Captains have discussed this, yes? ...you sent for me because this may be time, yes? If this Usid is coming to us, then we have our first avenue for peace?"
Nesseth hums quietly as he walks with Xochi. "Yeah... I sent for you because I think this might be a hint that we might be able to solve this faster and in a much more peaceful way than we'd originally thought, now that their own warriors are turning against them."
Nesseth pauses for a moment, then gives Xochi a sheepish smile. "And, uh... I know I probably woke you up. Sorry about that, by the way..."
Xochi chuckles, waving her hand at Nesseth, "This is truth, yes. But beyond awakening to a loud shout from the soldier, it was of little concern. I have lived through worse than waking up early."
Nesseth nods, smiling a bit less awkwardly in turn. "Then, in that case... well, that's where we stand. There's an ambush coming up, we've gotten warning about it from someone on their side, and we also have potential allies who are probably more amenable to peace."
Xochi: "Good knowledge to have... let us hope it is all as it seems, yes? Captain Louma did say some of them wished for peace, after all."
Nesseth hums in agreement. "Mmh... that she did. Maybe, assuming they're actually going to ally with us, you'd be able to work out something with them after the attack." He scratches his neck for a moment, "I'll leave it up to you if you show your wings or not, though."
Xochi smiles, "Perhaps if he is a known ally, he can inform us if it will matter or not to others."
Nesseth thinks for a moment, then chuckles. "True. I guess we'll just have to see how things play out once this attack happens."
Xochi nods solemnly. "It gives me hope, regardless." She gives out a short laugh, "Though I am uncertain I was lacking in hope to require such a boost. It makes my hopes more manifest."
Nesseth: "Hope springs eternal, as they say. Though, who knows? Maybe all this hope for a peaceful resolution means we're getting somewhere good with it all."
Xochi chuckles, "Yes. Ever closer to our goal." She reaches out to put a hand upon Nesseth's shoulder and smiles. "Avoiding past mistakes. Yes?"
Nesseth smiles over at Xochi and nods again. "Exactly. I'm hoping this goes as well as we both want it to."
Xochi lowers her hand and nods. "Then I had best let you prepare? I shall do my best to remain out of the way during this... ambush. ...Do take care, Nesseth."
Nesseth shrugs a bit. "Not much to prepare at the moment while the rest of the camp sleeps. If we're getting ambushed further along the trail, it's best we let folks be well-rested, first. The scouts will be more alert during the time being, though." He nods at Xochi, his easy smile giving way to a slightly weary gaze, "I'll do what I can, Xochi. Just... stay safe whenever this happens. Keep alert, and stick close to Kira."
Xochi nods, "I shall. I believe between you and Kira... I am most taken care of here. I am simply trying not to be a burden."
Nesseth chuckles and shakes his head. "Hardly a burden, Xochi. You're probably our best shot at peace, here, after all."
Xochi would blush if she could. "A great deal of trust, Nesseth. I shall do my best."
Nesseth smiles again. "About as much as we can ask of each other in this endeavor. Do what we can, and hope everything falls into place." He looks out towards the setting moon for a few seconds, "...Now... I think I should let you get back to sleep, Xochi. Things seem calm still, and we all need to be well-rested for the day's march."
Xochi stops slithering along and dips her head. "I do appreciate the news. It shall hopefully help me sleep easier for what time there is left in the night."
Nesseth dips into a short bow in mirror as he comes to a stop. "At least another couple of hours, I think. Hopefully this news is followed by more good news."
Xochi smiles as she turns towards the direction of her tent. "I shall pray for such, Nesseth. Ensure you get rest as well."
Nesseth smiles a bit more in turn as he waves at Xochi, then goes to make his way back to his own tent. "That I will, right now, in fact. Thankfully, I'm not on third watch tonight, so I can sleep a bit more. Good night, Xochi."
Xochi gives Nesseth one last bow before she begins to make her way back to her tent. "Good night, Nesseth. Thank you once again."