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TEMPORARY WORKSHOP - LATE MORNING
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Robin races through the North gate, dress hiked up in one hand and huffing as he takes a hard left to skirt the wall a little Westward. Taking a slight detour to cross an empty farm field on an angle, he approaches a small barn with expected calm- "SHIRLEY!" -and grace, slamming the door against the wall as he practically hurls himself through it. He looks about the dim, somewhat musty building, being the largest indoor space they could rent for now. "Problem! -huff- Be here! -huff- Shirley?!"
Shirley is in the middle of tinkering with a rather fragile part, a power transfer module that helps the airship along while it's in flight. The sound of the door slamming open, combined with a loud yell makes her jump badly enough that she sends the module flying into the air. She tries her best to grab it, and winds up fumbling the thing once or twice before it bounces off of her screwdriver and lands on the floor with a crunch. "Aaah!! Wha-- w-woah--! N-no, just--! Agh, damn it all!" She rounds on Robin with an annoyed expression, though it gives way to confusion pretty quickly, "What? What's the matter?"
Robin watches the part break, cringing a bit at Shirley's look, though the tide of alarm returns quickly. "Sorry! No, no time for that! -huff- A thing... Flying thing! -huff-" He approaches the bench, starting to catch his wind.
Shirley kneels over to sweep up the smashed unit, and unceremoniously dumps it into a barrel she keeps beside the workbench for damaged or broken parts. She dusts her hands off as she looks over at Robin with a curious tilt of the head. "A... flying thing? Take a breath, Robin, there's no need to panic."
Robin nods rapidly. "There is! There is there is! Flying... Balloon... Thing! Like your airship! Crashed here! Today!"
Shirley blinks, stares at Robin for a moment, then blinks again... then hurries closer and drops to her knees to stare at Robin more closely as she sets her hands on his shoulders. "Wait, another airship!? When? Where!?"
Robin blinks at Shirley. "Today! East-ish-ly of town! I saw it 'n thought I was dreaming, but then it went CRUNCH into the dirt and a guard wandered off toward it. Two were in it, one was a badger! I didn't see the other guy up close, ran straight here." He gives her a serious look. "You're running out of time!"
Shirley leans back a bit and rubs the heels of her hands against her head. "Ahh... I know, I know...! We have everything we need for the power systems, but we just need to put it all together, get or build a ship, get the materials for the envelope..." She gestures frantically, "How intact did their ship look? What was it made out of, what did you see??"
Robin frowns. "I don't... It didn't look broken up but it crunched a bit like wood? The inflatey-bit was cloth or canvas, and I heard one of them shouting about heat and steam to carry it, so just a traditional hot air system, but then the badger said something about needing the steam to steer... Venting steam for some kind of recoil or maybe a rudder? I'd have to sneak over there when they're not around to know for sure." He calms as he starts thinking about designs of other devices he'd picked apart in the past, his curiosity beginning to temper his initial panic.
Shirley hums as she sits down with her legs folded under her, taking a moment to think things through in more detail. "Sounds like they're not using steam to drive propellers, at least, so that's a boon for us. Good, that means our airship design still has the edge on speed... but that's worrying... If they're building a prototype as well, we'll have to move fast to get our design in the door first."
Robin gives her a look. "Don't take my glance from two hundred meters away as a good assessment. I have no idea how they were steering and propelling, just that they needed heat for steam for power. Dunno if they got magitech to make the heat or not, nothin'. If we know they're not around it, I can sneak around and figure it out. I know it's cheating, but this ain't Vamas. Rules are different, right?"
Shirley makes a sound of discontent, but concedes the point. "Of course, but if you're planning on doing that, be careful, or we're going to have a hell of a time trying to explain what you were doing to the guards."
Robin scoffs. "Please, can they blame someone for being curious about a crashed sky boat?" He closes the door, leaning against it. "I didn't recognize the guy that came into town with the guard. He was definitely a badger, and seemed to have a lot of stuffy formal form crap with him. Probably professional."
Shirley sighs and rests a hand on her face. "Oh, great. Bad enough dealing with people who don't tinker like we do, but to be in direct competition against someone who does? Damn it all." She drops her hand back onto her lap, "We just need to get our arses into gear."
Robin nods, looking to what they have completed. "I... We might be able to buy a ship in that port town, but I kind of doubt it. Building one would take ages, though."
Shirley nods as she likewise looks at the completed components. "True enough... We could at least see if there may be a shipwright that would be willing to sell us something... but then that brings up the issue of transporting the ship here... unless we pack up and move to the port once we have a ship in hand."
Robin hums, nodding after a few moments. "Going to the ship would be faster. We probably have enough money left to hire a couple wagons to take all your parts and tools there. Maybe we can buy or barter for sails to make the envelope?"
Shirley sighs again. "We'll have to figure something out, I think. I was hoping we would have time to tinker at our leisure, but... I guess I should have expected someone else to have been working on a similar idea, since Sarn has a monopoly on the magitech side of things..." She tilts her head up towards the ceiling of the barn, "Ugh... I hate rushing with a passion... but we have to if we want to edge out the competition."
Robin chuckles, adjusting his dress as he straightens up off the door. "Alright well... I'll go get changed as we can get right back into it. Also gonna pick up something for lunch on my way back. Skipping meals might save ten minutes, but being tired takes more time."
Shirley slowly pushes herself up off of the floor and nods. "Sure... yeah, some food sounds nice. I'll keep working while you take care of things on your end, so that way... hopefully all we need to do is get the materials we don't have and install it all on a ship when we get to Bairnell."
Robin nods, giving Shirley a big grin. "We can beat some slow badger, no problem! We just needed a plan. You got this, Shirley." He gives her a nod, turning to open the barn door and step outside.
Shirley smiles at the encouragement, then waves as Robin heads back out. Once he shuts the door, though, her hand and her smile both drop as the prospect of someone being this close to beating her to the punch looms over her. She sighs as she makes her way to the workbench and starts doing what she can to put together another power transfer unit to replace the one she broke a little while ago. "I wish I was that confident in it... Their ship is salvageable, mine is all the way down at the bottom of the ocean... They've got money, I don't... at least, not here. Uuuuugh... what a fine mess that blasted blizzard made of things."
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RESPITE LIBRARY - EARLY AFTERNOON
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Nesseth makes his way to the town's library, never really having had a chance before to stop by, even before the current reason he has even came up. He's heard a little bit about the Loremaster that has been managing it lately, but all he really knows is that they're the one to go to for information from just about anywhere the Loremasters are settled across Sarn, Vamas, Aephix and Orela. He doesn't waste much time entering the building once he arrives.
Aurelius was refilling one of the bookshelves near the back. It was the new year, so a good time to change out the inventory. When the door opened, he nodded quietly to Nesseth before he makes his way to his desk which is much neater with only a few stacks of notes behind the countertop. He waits until he's seated comfortable, wings over the back of the chair "Now. How can I help you?"
Nesseth gives Aurelius a friendly nod, but otherwise waits for who he's assuming is the Loremaster to finish up what he's doing before approaching the desk. "Hi, I'm Nesseth, one of the town guards. Are you Loremaster Aurelius?"
Aurelius: "Indeed I am. What brings you to the library today? A question in particular, or would you instead like to take out a membership?" He's pretty sure he knows the answer, but its rude to assume!
Nesseth does get a little sidetracked for a moment as his gaze floats towards a shelf full of books a little ways behind the desk. "A... honestly a membership does sound nice. Could use more reading materials..." He blinks, then shakes his head to get back on track, "Uh, but... that'll be after this, I think. I have a question... and a request at the same time. I hear the Loremasters are able to communicate near instantly across the oceans, and if so I'm hoping to get some information from the Orelan Loremasters regarding some legends and myths Orelan Snakes have."
Aurelius: "That we can. We have certain rules about modern events and the like, but if nothing you wish to know about is regarding living people, there should be no trouble. I may have the materials on hand however. I try to keep on top of current events, and preplan what may be needed" he pauses "Would this be in relation to a mysterious serpent claiming to be royalty? Who is very similar to another serpent that has gone missing?"
Nesseth nods. "Yes, and no. Yes, because the reason I'm asking is because of both of them. No, because it's not anything due to royalty or the fact that they're coatls, hidden or otherwise." He pauses, then nods again, "I'm mostly looking for information about myths and legends surrounding their ideas of spirituality, death and the afterlife."
Aurelius: "Hmmm" He steps up, and meanders out to the backroom. After a few minutes, he returns back, and places a few books on the table "These are all books of their belief system. You say otherwise, but I do not believe the fact they are coatls to be irrelevant. Orelanian myth and belief systems are very much entwined in the coatls" He glances up to Nesseth with the sort of un-judgemental stare of a person who knows that the one they're looking at will do all the guilting for him "Why do you think so much effort was put into killing them all? To truly defeat your foe, you kill their future, and their spirit. Very effective technique, if a little philosophically grim" He taps the books "So, what do you want to know in particular?"
Nesseth hums quietly, but manages a little smile even if a bit of guilt from his past actions do bubble up a bit within him. "Well... I may be a Lizard, but my search is to help her... them... out. Xochi's a good friend of mine, no matter what our two kinds have done to each other in the past." He pauses to collect his thoughts, then continues, "Just looking for information detailing their beliefs a bit more in-depth. Descriptions, primarily. As I understand, Snakes are pretty reserved about discussing their belief system with most anyone not a Snake."
Aurelius: "Indeed. It's a private matter. Their beliefs are rather extensive. You'll need to be more precise. After all, I don't think their beliefs around the proper name for their children is relevant right now, for example. In respect for the serpent's own beliefs around the sharing of same I think it best to ask for answers to particular questions, rather than a deep dive into their entire mythohistory"
Nesseth chuckles and nods. "Fair, I can guess that if we tried that, we'd be stuck here for a very long time..." He doesn't mention the second part about it being way more time than Xochi likely has left, "So, I guess we'll go with information specific to the Snake idea of purgatory. I'm aware that it's something along the lines of a starlit, black sea swarming with the dead who have yet to ascend to become stars in the sky."
Aurelius takes a long pause "No. That's not what their belief is. Purgatory is a belief of an area mortal souls wait while their souls are judged. Not a true part of their belief system, from my understanding. I would be interested to know where you got that idea from, but I suspect that there is more going on that you do not wish to divulge" He considers this, and adds in what he knows about other missing people recently, some of the research materials. "It is not a perfect analogy, but the closest part of it would be a story of the End Times. When the spirits of the ancestors who were not properly respected arise to enact their vengeance upon those that failed them. It is mostly analogy, and generally not viewed by many as a 'True Myth'. A popular story to tell children to scare them into doing their chores however. Give them Nightmares" He pauses again. A Loremaster doesn't give the answer outright. Understanding is only found when you reach the answer yourself.
Nesseth shrugs a bit. "Well, I know it's not the typical idea of purgatory, but something akin to it, though as I heard from another friend, a lesser coatl, it's more like damnation to them." He shakes his head a bit and gives Aurelius an apologetic smile, "If I'm being reticent, it's because I'm... honestly afraid to talk candidly because first, I'm pretty sure I'm going to look absolutely insane no matter how I describe it, and second, I'm doing this anyway even if I don't fully understand it all because I just want to get my friend back from where she's vanished to."
Aurelius: "Damnation could be a way to describe it. I only read it for myself. So the details would be vague. Needless to say, not a good place" He doesn't press Nesseth on the details "If they are in a place like that, then I would note that to a certain view point, it is self imposed. The ..we'll call it damnation is in part due to one's own knowledge that they did wrong. It's judged that an unknown wrong shouldn't be punished. It is only when one transgressed consciously that they would be in the Dark Sea"
Nesseth nods, that detail meshing with what he knows. "Sounds about right... so... this Dark Sea. Is there a guardian of some manner in that place that's mentioned anywhere in the texts?"
Aurelius: "I don't believe so. However, I suspect you have met one. Yes?"
Nesseth nods again. "Yes, at least... I think so?" He pauses, his jaw setting a bit as he thinks, "...Well, it kind of looks like you've probably figured out a lot of what I've experienced, so... if you want, I can describe things in more detail, if it'll help."
Aurelius quietly reaches beneath the counter, and takes out a small book, and opens it up to a bookmarked page, which has a sketch of the figure Nesseth met "I think we can skip that part. Otiax. Guardian of the Dreamlands. They who holds the line between the waking world, and the world of Dreams. Purely symbolic of course, but we're at the point where the symbolic gets perhaps a little literal"
Nesseth shifts a little uncomfortably when he looks at the figure in the sketch, his eyes drawn to the mask he saw. "...Yeah. Yeah, they're the one I saw." He pauses, then decides to just explain it anyway, "...My friend, Xochi, has been missing for a while. Last I'd heard, there was some sort of ritual she was intending to do with the help of another friend of hers. Not that long ago, I had a... dream, I guess, but I don't know if it really was just a dream after a certain point. I saw Xochi trapped in the Dark Sea, talked to her a bit, tried to get her out, but obviously couldn't, and I saw the one in that sketch before I woke up." He sighs and shakes his head again, "Then, just recently, I got word about Xochicoatl being around town."
Aurelius: "I would suspect it is a dream. Which is not to say that it isn't real of course. Xochicoatl is also, I theoretize, a sort of manifested dream. Again, not so say she isn't also real. The being you call Sammi is one tasked with keeping that same line between dream, and reality intact, but she's gone rather off-script. She took out a book from me about certain rituals, one of which was a way to realize someone's desires. That with her own natural abiliities could cause problems. I don't fully understand what those problems would be. It's a poorly understood matter at the best of times, without even considering how Xochi's possible divine status interacts with all of this. However, you need to find the one called Xochicoatl, and bring her to Xochi. You should also find Sammi, and..whatever version of her is likely running around the material world right now"
Aurelius: "I can't help more than that. Loremasters only know what has been learned before, and this is something new"
Nesseth nods. "Xochi told me as much when I found her... Find the "other" her, and... I guess somehow convince her to undo the event that resulted in her appearing? Not sure how I'm going to tackle that, but... I'm going to try anyway." He trails off again, thinking for a moment, then shakes his head, "I have no idea where Sammi is, but Louma does have people actively looking. If she's stuck as well, though... that might cause some issues." He tilts his head curiously as he looks from the books back up to Aurelius, "Since... since this is all new info, once this is all over and we've hopefully fixed things... We could stop by again and tell you what we went through, so you can add it to everything the Loremasters know."
Aurelius: "That would be appreciated" He nods softly "The only advice I can give is that perception is key. If everyone involved believes it enough, it should become true"
Nesseth hums and nods. "Well, hopefully it'll be enough, in that case." He heaves a sigh as he lets some tension out of his body, "Well, thank you for your time, Loremaster... or... should I go with Aurelius...? Er, anyway... thank you all the same for all the help."
Aurelius: "Either, to your own comfort" He nods again "You are quite welcome. It is why I am here"
Nesseth smiles. "Then... thank you again, Aurelius. Since it's already the afternoon, I think it's probably best I leave the thing with Xochicoatl until at least tomorrow. I know where she is, but I don't want to disturb the folks she lives with right now." He shrugs, "Since I'm here... you mentioned something about getting a membership with the library?"
Aurelius: "Of course" He goes under the desk for a form, and lays it out "We've got much more to choose from them information relating to whatever current crisis is ungoing. An excellent fiction section. A lot of reptilian stuff thanks to the saurs that have moved in"
Nesseth leans over a bit to read the form, then starts to happily fill it out. "I was honestly pretty excited when I heard the library was getting staffed. It's been a few years since I first came here, and... it gets a bit dull having to read the same few books over and over." He finishes the form up with a little flourish on his signature, then slides the form back to Aurelius, "I'd have stopped by months ago, but... it's like everything decided to happen over the last year or so."
Aurelius: "I couldn't possibly comment. There's theories about why unusual events decide to concentrate in particular times and locations, but nothing concrete. The best advice I can give you is to either move away, or adjust. If the events move with you, then you may have a condition. It was named after a Lion who first documented. Hence the title of 'Mane Character Syndrome'" He hmms "It's validity is questioned"
Nesseth chuckles and shakes his head in amusement. "That'd be just my luck... Even if it's just something about the town, I'm definitely staying. Too many reasons to not leave at this point. Besides, I've been adjusting pretty well since I first arrived, so I'd hate to have to give it up again." He tilts his head again, "How've you been settling in, by the way, if you don't mind me asking? Hopefully the town's been treating you well?"
Aurelius: "I've found things to be fairly quiet. I keep myself to the library for the most part. It's nice. The people are polite, and nobody has tried to burn down the library. I personally consider myself lucky"
Nesseth hums. "There's definitely something nice about peace and quiet." He chuckles quietly to himself, "I'd like to say the guards have been doing a really good job keeping trouble to a minimum, but really, the town is generally just really peaceful."
Aurelius: "Indeed" He nods again
Nesseth and Aurelius spend a bit longer talking about nothing of much consequence beyond just general, friendly chatter, but part ways once their business is more or less concluded. Nesseth leaves the library feeling bolstered, if still uncertain, with the knowledge he'd been given, which he intends to relay to Louma as soon as possible. At the same time, he has an unrelated, but peculiar sense of satisfaction at finally getting the chance to pay a good library a visit again after several years living in Respite.
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RESPITE MARKETPLACE - AFTERNOON
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Narrator: While Rikard was still at the guard headquarters with all the travel papers and appropriate registrations for the zepplin, the engineer Montag had finished setting up a perimeter on the craft. Certainly the vehicle had taken a tumble, and there were need of specialized parts...or cheap substitutes. The canine kept his protective mask on his face, close to a muzzle than a gas rebreather as he pit-pats through town, eyes wide, taking in the scenery.
Narrator: In the marketplace there was a number of stalls, however if there was one stall that would be useful. It was a stall with a large selection of magical, and techy gadgets. Behind the stall was a cat! Or..something cat shaped. When one got closer, they'd notice that Mia was odd...her skin was a bit too shiny, her hair was a bit too unnatural, and closer again, that her joints were segmented. She's non-organic. In some fashion she's an artificial being, of metal? Or something that's vaguelly metallic. An excellent simulacrum of a catgirl though.
Montag will soon come across the stalls. Indeed the shiny catgirl was something to see, the way it shone in the bright morning light. It seemed fascinating, though the canine could only see the top half of Mia behind the stall. The engineer tilted his head curiously, giving a look around, and then...approached precariously, as if waiting to get her attention.*
Mia: "Ah" Mia sees the duo, and approaches. "Well. Hello there! How can I help you?" There's a huge array of stuff on her desk and stall, mostly small gadgets for light, heat and power.
Montag: "Yas...help please. I am looking for power sourcings of heat variety."
Mia: "Ah" She rummages around, and takes out a few small devices "What do you need to heat? A room, a furnace? Or do you need something to power a heater?"
Montag: "Standard 650 friction engine, preferably of iron construction. If not available, I will take standard velocipede combustion engine sourcing."
Mia clucks her tongue "I can't really help with the former, and I don't have anything on hand with the latter. No real demand" She sweeps away a few bits to give herself some space "But if you just need something that throws out a lot of heat, I can do that no problem" She brings out a stand, and then a small rod, and after taking some time to hook up some wires, flips a switch, and the tip of the rod starts to glow white hot, giving out a tangible heat "If you need it to fit into a particular spot I'd need more details of course"
Montag watches the demonstration. It is hard to read his expression, but the tail was moving slowly, worriedly. "No real dema...oh...what sort of technology is present here? Is no access to third level artificier machinery? Just switchies and suchlike? Machine needs to have lots of heat."
Mia: "Do you mean the heat rod, or me? The heat rod is just a simple mana heater. I'm..a bit more complicated"
Montag looked back at the catgirl, blinking. "Why? Do you act as a heat source as well?"
Mia: "I mean, I suppose I could, if I wanted to, but mostly I just act like a me"
Narrator: There was a few seconds of uncertainty as Montag rubs mask. "I do not think it would be proper. I would think employing a robot for the sole use of propelling the vehicle would violate labor laws and infringe on your freedom to live fulfilling life as vendor." The canine nods. "Offer is appreciated though. Might consider if unable to find conventional devices. You call this...mana...heater?"
Mia: "Well, that's what it is. I call it a burner rod" She grins "And I wouldn't want to be just a heater anyway. I got better things to do. So you need it as a propellant?" She hmms "Wait, is this an aerial vehicle?"
Montag nods emphatically. "Yes. Yesyesyes. Has bag for light gasses. Airship. Zzzzzzeppelin, is what Herr Rick calls it. Sounds more nobler."
Mia: "That could be a bit trickier. Mana is drawn from the ground primarily, so airships have to overcome that problem. I'm guessing you used something else to fuel it?"
Montag repositions. "Fuel variable, as long as it can be heated to high temperature and made into vapor. Granted heat source needs certain ignition forces. Electricity tried, especially static, but problem is outer shell is metal for sturdiness."
Mia: "Ah. So you're using volatile fuels" She nods "That makes sense. Do you just need the fuel, or do you need more than that?"
Montag: "Is more, yas. Mechanism damaged, along with other navigation devices. I have list." Montag reaches into his coveralls, taking out some ratty parchment with proper diagrams of the devices drawn out.
Mia: "Oh dear" She takes the parchment and smooths it out looking at it. "Okay, okay. I think I can make most of these things. It could take some time though and it could get pretty expensive" She looks up "Also, you should know that Sarn isn't terribly fond of flying machines that they don't control"
Montag: "Oh it controlled. Is controlled by me and Herr Rick. Has cockpit and everything. If Sarn worry, she can come along on trip and see everything all legal. No smuggling or evil spy. Honest."
Mia: "Well, don't say I didn't warn you" She considers the parts "All this would work. It's enough though that if you hire me to make them I'd need some down payment for materials"
Montag: "I am aware. I brought many currency and trade materials as need. What is accepted denominalation for town here?"
Mia: "I don't mind any precious metals honestly"
Montag nod nods. "Plenty of those. I suppose you need lots of those to keep all shiny, right?"
Mia: "They're also valuable, and I can use them to buy materials for my own projects" She hmms again "I don't really need that much maintenance on a personal level. I don't think" She chuckles "Honestly, this whole body is pretty new. I was organic up until recently"
Montag leans over, as if to look over Mia's whole form...noting the...lack of legs. "Accident? Or on purpose"
Mia does have legs! The artwork just didn't include them. "Uh...accidental. Generator Explosion"
Montag nods, understanding. "Plenty of accidents here too. Is why I wear mask. Not much explosions. Just...fire."
Mia: "Yeah. I try to avoid them...but you can never be perfect" She sighs "But, I think this was a pretty decent result, compared to what could have happened"
Montagclears his throat, nodding.* Does it...hurt? Does it feel different? You smell and touch and other things?
Mia: "Well, I was unconscious for most of it, and..I have all my senses? I think they're actually just replicated..but it feels real, so good enough for me!"
Montaggives a nod, then puts a finger to Mia's nose gently, giving it a rub, as if examining her closely. "Is...good craftsmanship. Compliment creator for me."
Mia: The "Skin" feels odd, it's warm to the touch, but oddly artificial. There's even a staticy feel that one could imagine was a feeling of 'fur', but still..not quite "I don't have a creator. It's just me"
Montagnods. "Keep beings you then, Miss Mia. I am Montag. I will do more searching. If I not find supply, I will find you and show you precious metals. If I find supply, I will come by again anyways."
Mia: "Excellent!" She nods "That sounds like a plan. Glad to meet you Montag. I'll be happy to help with anything you need"
Montag gives a nod. Perhaps he was smiling on his mask, but it was hard to tell, but the tail was wagging as the engineer walked off, leaving Mia to peruse the parchment he gave her.
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RESPITE MARKETPLACE - LATE AFTERNOON
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Usid has spent some time in the marketplace today, having received some degree of complaint about the Saur youths stealing, he has wanted to show Respite his seriousness in dealing with such breaches in trust. He and a few other of the hunters had rotated shifts, watching the market. As they spotted one of the young thieves at work, the elders stepped in, taking the red-handed young raptor to answer to the Respite authorities, in hoping such a display will discourage the others, but only time would tell. After that bit of excitement earlier today, Usid's own shift 'watching the market' would likely prove rather dull. Still, it's almost as important to be seen watching, as he casually walks the market, wearing rather rugged leather armor that he has since taken to wearing instead of the old bone armor.
Rhask has been one of the lucky stalls that never really got targeted by any of the thieves. None of the younger saurs really seem all that interested in the things her shared stall has, with probably good reason. Small trinkets and clothing aren't exactly the easiest things to make a profit off of, or else want to take. All the same, she's been vigilant, and she can appreciate the presence of the saurs helping watch the market, especially after the showing they put forth catching one of the would-be thieves.
Usid has awkwardly spoken to a few vendors, making sure things have been well, getting any information, though most of that information already came through the Respite Guard, still it's trying to build trust with Respite, something the Saur have struggled with still to some degree. Usid approaches Rhask's booth, trying to put on his best diplomatic smile. "Greetings. This one is Usid," He bows. "Your wares are safe, yes? Our youth have not caused harm?"
Rhask smiles as Usid approaches, and she offers a friendly little wave. "Good to meet you, Usid! I'm Rhask, and no, I've not had any troubles with anyone. I did see one get caught earlier at another stall, though. The one that was guarding the market at the time jumped in really fast to catch them."
Usid nods, smiling, "Yes! Good good. They are just hatchlings, young, impetious. Still wrong. Must learn to respect. Hard lesson for many." He shifts a bit, still not quite comfortable with 'small talk'. "Rhask. Is a good name."
Rhask chuckles. "Well, I guess learning the consequences is one way to do that. The one that got caught looked really sad while the guard was taking them out of the Marketplace." She smiles and dips her head, "Thank you, Usid! I've spoken with a few of the Saurs before, and you've all got such nice names!"
Usid hesitates, but takes the compliment with a bow. "Usid is sure many of us appreciate such words. Glad to here you have spoken to others. Usid has encouraged others to meet those in Respite. Usid himself has been slow to follow his own advice."
Rhask hums quietly. "Mmh, I've heard folks talk about you here and there. You're the one leading the Saurs, right? I'm sure your hands are full with things to do, even without worrying about pulling guard duty."
Usid manages to chuckle, "'Guard duty.', yes. Only right thing to do. Usid may be 'leading', but I pull my own weight. Usid cannot ask others to do what he would not do himself. ...surprised that others have spoken of me."
Rhask tilts her head. "Well... just be careful that you don't exhaust yourself trying to do a bit of everything." She nods after a moment, "And yes, the Saurs I've spoken to have talked about you pretty well. It's why I recognized your name so fast!"
Usid tilts his head, "Curious... had not thought... ah. No matter." He turns around, glancing around the market, keeping watch a moment, before turning back to Rhask. "You sell clothing? And..." He eyes the trinkets. "...things?"
Rhask nods happily. "Yup! Clothing that I make by hand, and the trinkets on that side of the stall are made by one of my friends! Those are meant to be little good luck charms to help folks out in their day to day lives in small ways."
Usid ahhhs, instantly understanding that concept, "Luck charms are familiar to the Saur, yes. The fabrics of Respite... less familiar."
Rhask chuckles. "Well, these designs aren't from Respite! I'm actually from Vamas, a continent off to the north... east, I think? I try to mimic the designs of my hometown as close as I can with the materials I've got."
Usid turns back towarsd the booth more completely, suddenly much more intrigued, "Vamas... Yes... one of the other worlds beyond the sea. In Usid's mind, he now knows about these other places, but still... it is hard to grasp sometimes."
Rhask smiles and unfolds one of the pieces of clothing, holding it open for Usid to examine more closely. "My hometown is snowing really often, so these were originally meant to keep one warm. I've had to modify the material since Aephix is so warm, but I've done my best to keep the designs intact."
Usid takes the fabric carefully. "Snow...? Like in the mountains, yes? It covers the land below? How strange."
Rhask nods as she passes the clothing to Usid. "Yup! It gets cold enough in the more northern parts of Vamas that snow is pretty constant."
Usid feels the fabric between his fingers. "We Saur avoid the cold. But I suppose with clothing such as this, it might not be completely intolerable? Usid has never been up into the mountains... but Usid has never been to Vamas either."
Rhask smiles. "It's cold, but it's also really nice when you're dressed properly. Another thing I kind of miss about Vamas is how all the meals up that way were large, hot, and very, very filling, because we spent so much time out in the cold."
Usid glances down, thinking. "Such a different way of living. Way of dress, Usid understands, weather, different ways of living... but the abundance, it is so strange to us. To me. Vamas, Sarn, Orela, all the worlds fascinate Usid."
Rhask nods with a soft smile. "Mmh... well, the abundance was more out of necessity than anything. Our bodies spend so much energy trying to keep warm, even when bundled up, we eat a lot to keep our bodies from withering away."
Usid chuckles, "Ahh, Usid understands." He slowly lowers the fabric down. "Different hunting needs, different energy needs. Still... Usid would like to visit these places... someday. Your clothing, how much do you ask for it?"
Rhask shakes her head a bit. "Not much, if you're looking to get one of the more standard designs. If you want something a bit more custom fit, that costs a little extra."
Usid glances down at himself, small sized, with a mostly unfamiliar body shape to Vamas. "Ahh. Usid... would likely require custom work... No matter. I shall consider... something other than this armor might be nice when meeting with others in Respite, when Usid is not doing duty."
Rhask nods! "I can take your measurements if you want, it won't take long! And yes, having a nice set of clothes that you like to wear can makes a lot of interactions more enjoyable."]
Usid hesitates again, then nods slowly. "Yes. Perhaps it is worth the effort. Once Usid is done with this watch, I can return to have measurements taken?"
Rhask smiles brightly. "Sounds like a plan, then! I'll be around for a bit after the market stall start to close up for the day, mostly just to clean up things a bit and straighten out the stall itself. So yeah, whenever is most convenient for you!"]
Usid grins back. "Usid shall return. Usid has little concern for 'enjoyable', but it is more of this world that I should examine. Thank you, Rhask."
Rhask gives Usid a warm smile. "It was good to meet you, Usid. I hope the afternoon goes nice and quiet for you and whoever is helping you on your patrol!"]
Usid bows again, and turns back to continue walking through the market as he keeps his eyes open for any strange activity, part of him considering what he might look like in a bespoke outfit...
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THE GOLD CLIFF CANTEEN - EARLY EVENING
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Emmeline has saved up a few coins and finally gotten the time and planning together to take Jennica on a proper date somewhere nice. Now, the time has come and the white cow sits accross the table from her her best friend and now partner. She picks at her meal as the two share a slightly uncomfortable silence.
Jennica is very comfortable in the uncomfortable silence, in that she isn't, really. She looks down at the table, though steals the occasional smiling glance at her date, her girlfriend.
Emmeline returns those smiling glances. After another minute or so, she speaks up again. "Do you like it? I know that Orelan food isn't your favourite, but not that many fancy places in town..."
Jennica blinks from her silent reverie: "Oh uh. Yeah, it's nice." She gives Emmeline warm smile that's just a bit uncertain. "It's less spicy, but it's... nice."
Emmeline nods before fumbling for a moment with her wineglass and finally taking a sip. "I like it too... uh..." She switches to a stage whisper as she leans over the table. "It's not as good as your cooking, though."
Jennica giggles and blushes: "S-stop that! I-it's not polite to say such things."
Emmeline giggles along with Jennica, reaching out a hand to hold hers for a moment.
Jennica takes Emmeline's hand, smiling. "You know you're my best friend ever... never would have gotten this far without you."
Emmeline squeezes Jennica's hand and nods. "And you're mine. I wouldn't want to go anywhere without you..."
Jennica smiles, squeezing as well: "Y-yeah. I guess Respite really is our home, now."
Emmeline lets go of Jennica's hand so that she can take a sip of water. "Anywhere with you would be home, though..."
Jennica giggles: "Well, probably. We've stuck together through so much..."
Emmeline smiles and blushes a bit. "Well, it's worth it... for you..."
Jennica leans on the table a bit: "Well, um, yeah. I-if you say so." She's blushing fiercely and swallows.
Emmeline leans forward as well and and takes both of Jennica's hands in hers. "I do..." She leans even further forward and kisses Jennica's blushing cheek.
Jennica blushes slightly brighter: "U-uh. Yeah." She holds her hands in Emmeline's, then takes a deep breath. "E-em... um. Does any of this feel weird to you, l-like after all this time?"
Emmeline blinks at the question and considers it. "I mean, a bit... it's new.. being... well, romantic and all."
Jennica nods, then continues before she shuts completely: "Y-yeah, but like... I t-thought of you like the sister I never had for so long. T-this sounds crazy, but are we like, too close?" She backpedals almost immediately: "N-not that I d-don't want this, I do, it's just so super-weird at times and I'm confused and..." She trails off, just giving a soft 'meep' at the end.
Emmeline blinks some, going quiet for a while as she thinks. "I... well... maybe? I mean... I do love you dearly in every way..."
Jennica nods: "M-me too! I mean, me too. Maybe I'm just being weird. Not l-like I know how relationships are supposed to feel..."
Emmeline squeezes Jennica's hands again. "So you want us to just... be like before? I thought you liked... you know..." She whispers. "The bedroom stuff."
Jennica sinks down to herself: "I d-do. I do! It's just... I don't know... gods this sounds so selfish, b-but." She swallows: "I uh... maybe I want to explore m-more?" The cow is just short of visibly beating herself for even saying that out loud.
Emmeline cocks her head. "Explore?"
Jennica swallows, then sinks down even further: "N-nevermind."
Emmeline shakes her head. "No, I won't. I want you to be happy..."
Jennica sighs, trying to force a smile: "I am. I um... well. Yeah." She takes a breath: "T-there's maybe more out there, and we latched so fast..."
Emmeline nods a bit. "I suppose so, yes... I mean... I'm really not good at this romance thing, am I?" She blushes and giggles.
Jennica smiles nervously: "W-well, that makes two of us."
Emmeline giggles. "Kind of hard to be... intriguing and mysterious and exciting when we already know everything about each other, I guess?"
Jennica takes Emmeline's hand: "S-so you d-do get some of it. Y-yeah... it's... well, some of that."
Emmeline squeezes back, seeming to visibly relax a bit. "Yeah... I mean, this has been stressful, trying to make a romantic evening and everything..."
Jennica lets out a sigh: "I-it kinda has, hasn't it? Like... we've been more tense lately? Does that make sense?"
Emmeline nods. "It's weird trying to figure out how to be... different with you. And I don't want to be different with you."
Jennica smiles: "Me neither. I just want us... t-to be us." She gives a careful smile: "S-still, we can enjoy t-this not-date together... like we always would?"
Emmeline just nods and squeezes Jennica's hands before letting go.
Jennica lets out a breath she didn't even realize she was holding: "Y-you're okay with this too, right? I'm not letting you down?"
Emmeline shakes her head. "No, you're not. I mean... does it really change anything other than this?" She gestures at their current situation. "I mean, you don't want a separate bed or your own apartment or anything, right?"
Jennica blinks, then looks almost afraid at the suggestion: "O-oh! No. No no. I still want to spend my time with you. A-and I couldn't be alone, I'd go panic-mode in like five minutes."
Emmeline giggles. "It's true...not that I'd do so great on my own either. I mean, I'd cope... but I don't want to." She takes a sip of wine and smiles.
Jennica seems to recall even having a drink as Emmeline touches her own. She takes a sip and smiles back: "U-uh. Yeah... we're better off together, but m-maybe not together together? Best friends."
Emmeline laughs. "Well, I guess... I mean... I just want us to be us." She takes a bite of her food, her body language relaxed and happy.
Jennica likewise leans back and is able to finally focus on her food. Even it having gone a bit cold doesn't bother her now.
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WILDERNESS - EARLY EVENING
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Victoria has been on a hunt with Annika, the leopard having some pent-up energy and a desire to go finding some delicious big bird meat while at it. So far, so successful, as they are almost certainly on the track of finding some big flightless birds nesting near. Victoria crouches down in the tall grass, motioning Annika to do the same.
Annika scoots up next to her. Annika isn't as experienced in such things as Victoria even now, but she's good enough at the sneaky bits of it all to be not a hinderance...well, not the sneaky bits of it. She leans into Victoria gently, her tails brushing up against her partner as they both hide.
Victoria can't help but let out a soft, quiet giggle at Annika's touch, smiling at her. She mouths a quiet 'ready?', even though it's usually been Victoria herself that does the killing... but she can't deny that having company has felt pretty good lately.
Annika nods! She twirls her fingers, to give Victoria a small illusion around her to help in the final approach to the birbs, she then took out her bow, and got ready to pick off anything that started to get away.
Victoria nods, then turns to gauge the jumping distance for a couple seconds. Tail swishing, she pounces, neatly landing on top of the big fat vaguely ostritch-looking bird that in turns looks extremely unhappy at being surprised by a predator!
Annika takes aim, and fires an arrow at one of the other birds that's trying to get away, taking it in the leg, and leaving it stumble, and easy pickings for two more that fly out to take it down fully.
Victoria downs the bird she is on quite handily, sinking her teeth onto its' neck with just a bit too feral of a growl. The leopard seems to lose herself into the kill, her form subtly changing as she bites down, tail swishing at the excitement of downing prey.
Annika noticed the changes, and instead of responding would..wait, and see if this continues. It's been an issue for a while, and perhaps this is a good time to 'solve' it.
Victoria is focused on the kill, though the leopard on top of the bird is now almost fully back to the feral form Annika is familiar with. She grows quietly as she starts tearing a piece out of the still (barely) squirming bird's neck. She doesn't look like she's even aware of Annika anymore.
Annika had expected this to happen, and she focuses, and shifts into her own feral form, and comes padding out, and would join her at tearing at the meat. As if this was just the obvious action to take when hunting. Her tails stroking against Victoria's flank, as she enjoys doing while being much more bipedal.
Victoria gives a warning growl as Annika comes near, but doesn't seem to otherwise mind. It's as though this is an acceptably party to sharing the hunt with, and the feral leopard doesn't have the wherewithal to really question this conclusion that much. She tears a piece out of the carcass and starts eating it.
Annika gives a soft growl in return, and continues to eat the carcass with her. There's a certain tranquility to the act, though she's keeping an eye on Victoria, to see how she's doing.
Victoria is... calmer, than she would usually be on a hunt, let alone with someone interrupting it. The big cat gives the occasional glance at Annika, but mostly focuses on satisfying her hunger.
Annika: She would let Victoria finish up a bit, before she goes over, and rubs herself against Victoria, her head against her flank, followed by a playful lick of her ear.
Victoria is definitely startled by this and a low growl escapes the leopard's throat. She doesn't react unfavorably otherwise, nor does she shy away from Annika's presence.
Annika ignores the growl, instead giving her another gentle rub with her side, her own tails going to lay on Victoria's one. She gives Victoria a soft 'yip', and a lick to her neck. Still playful. She's treating Victoria in the same way she would if they were alone in their room.
Victoria softens to this approach, and starts to find the playful side from herself. She gives Annika's forehead a small push with her own, nuzzling close. The leopard has a friend with her, all is good.
Annika: All is good! She pushes back, before nuzzling as well, licking her nose, and starting a playful wrestling match with her. Though if Victoria responds, the smaller fox would most likely lose.
Victoria does start the match, though it's not terribly serious... even then, her slightly bigger size does allow her to lightly pin the fox down under her. As is only fair, she gives Annika's nose a lick in turn.
Annika: Well, the lack of seriousness is part of the fun, and she's quickly left 'pinned', and just licks Victoria's nose in return, her tail wrapping around Victoria's to bring them closer together.
Victoria lets out an entirely different sort of growl that's really softer to a purring sound. The predator has been successfully calmed down.
Annika returns the purr, and wiggles under her happily. Well, she's nice and 'calm', but Annika sees no reason to stop now....
Victoria lies down next to Annika, nuzzling close to the fox. Nothing would dare to come threaten their freshly caught meal, anyway. She playfully paws at the fox's side.
Annika takes the pawing, and returns them, slowly turning to focus on perhaps more intimdate areas. She's -no- idea how this works in their current forms, but..well, she's curious to find out.
Victoria starts as well, some part of the leopard's mind kind of confused at this form of attention but that part is kept quiet somewhere in the back. Curiosity, or just doing what comes naturally... doesn't matter, much.
Annika: The two have a thoroughly enjoyable exploration of the mechanics of such a relationship, before they drift off to a lovely nap, all tangled up in each other.
Victoria slowly wakes up. She raises her head, the still-feral leopard all confused... then slightly less so as she feels the bundle of fluff next to her. "Whah... what happened?"
Annika: "You went all quadraped, then we had a nice meal, and some funtimes with each other~" She licks her nose "It took a bit, but I think the act has potential"
Victoria blinks a couple of times, then nuzzles Annika: "You... you didn't have to. It's my problem to deal with. The uh, change I mean..." She pauses, tilting her head slightly: "...was it fun?"
Annika: "It was!" She nods "We can do it again if you want~" She nips at her playfully "But it's not your problem, because it's not a problem. Its just something that's cool and different about you"
Victoria pauses, nuzzling at Annika again: "Do you really think so? I'm not really... available, in my head, when that happens."
Annika: "Well. you're still you" She nips her gently "You just need to practice a bit more, and you can start by accepting that this form is still you. Which it is"
Victoria lets out a small sigh, but starts finally returning the nibbling: "Well... with you helping, maybe. Maybe you're right." A bit of a purr escapes her: "Mmmr..."
Annika: "Now that you can remember it, want to find out more about what can be done in this form?"
Victoria pauses for a second, then nibbles at Annika's ear: "...you're on."
Annika: After another thorough exploration of fox and leopard anatomy, Annika settles on top of Victoria, the smaller fox yawning with satisfication "Feel better about it all now?"
Victoria lets out a small laugh: "You make a very good case for it."
Annika: "You're still you~ and I'm still wild about you no matter how many legs you have" She yawns widely, letting her tongue out "And this form has a much longer tongue" She gives Victoria a long lick on her snout "Which has its uses"
Victoria giggles: "You are a very silly fox, and I love you."
Annika: "You're a silly Cat, and I love you too~" She giggles in return "and I'm not just a silly fox. I can be a silly anything"
Annika: "..The silliness is non-negotiable though"
Victoria: "Still getting used to that, love. The anything part, I mean."
Annika: "It's a bit crazy for me, if I'm being honest"
Victoria nuzzles onto Annika's neck: "Suppose we'll have to survive that crazy together then. Our combined crazies."
Annika: "When you're ready though? I totally take requests"
Victoria: "You're devious. Are you sure it's the gem's magic influence on you, or were you always this twisted?"
Annika: "Little from column A, Little from column B~"
Victoria: "I'll take it."
Annika: "But if you say its twisted. It means you've got something in mind?"
Victoria: "I miiiight, but let's save that for bedroom."
Annika: "Well. I don't think anyone is around~"
Victoria: "True, but bedroom is a lot softer to experiment in." Pause. "Well, to experiment more."
Annika: "Well, fine" She pouts playfully "But for now" She focuses, and goes all bipedal, abet Snow Leopardy! With three fluffy tails "This is a classic~"
Victoria sits back to watch Annika change, then focuses herself. This takes more effort for her than it does for Annika, but it's easier than it once was. Once the leopard is back to two legs, she crosses her arms and gives Annika a grin: "You're biased. Like, very biased right now."
Annika: "I prefer to think of it as 'knowing my audiance'" She settles in, and gives her a kiss "If I'm biased, what about you?" Annika reaches behind and strokes Victoria's tail, riiiight up the base, and then with her other paw goes to Victoria's -other- tail, and does the same, until both paws are on Victoria's ass "That seems like you're doing something because of me~"
Victoria blinks at the really odd feeling at the base of her... tails? She spins around in place: "Wait, what?" Experimentally swishing one tail, then other: "Well I'll be... I suppose you really are a bad influence on me." She gives Annika a toothy, greedy, happy grin.
Annika: "We're both terrible influences on each other. Do you know before I met you I'd barely even kissed someone else?"
Victoria: "Then you've either learned fast or are a natural."
Annika: "Or an excellent teacher~"
Victoria smirks: "Flattery will get you everywhere." She grabs Annika's ass in turn and leans in for a kiss.
Annika returns the kiss, and settles back into Victoria's fluff, her hands remaining where they are, exploring those two tails firmly
Victoria starts purring again. Funny how that works. Her hands also do the wander they usually do when the two are like this... out in the wilderness, naked, near a half-devoured bird carcass. Romance!
Annika: Romance! Annika is going to get a firm comparison of how things taste when Annika is a snow leopard. Does it make a difference? So many questions....
Victoria helps creating this comparison eagerly as a tasteful curtain stretches from... somewhere, anyway, across this view in the wilds.