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660.5 | 2022-07-01 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Ser Edvard Eldebrand",
"message": "'*I wouldn't exactly call wearing fancy golden armor and talking down to your comrades handling glory.' Edvard thought to himself, chuckling in dismay. Never meet your heroes, right?*\n\n*Watching the boy disappear into the horizon, Edvard nodded back to Winrae, his smile flying from his face as she spoke. Deep inside him, a certain sense of dull desperation returned to the forefront of his mind, a feeling he had once thought lost to his mind forever. On his face grew a small smirk, taking the place of that once hopeful smile. Edvard drew a heavy and long breath, allowing it to escape with a heavy sigh. He was disappointed, to say the least. But what was he supposed to expect? He had said it before multiple times. The knights of this realm were disappointments. Disgraces to their name. Winrae was no different. Clad in perfect golden armor, holding a stare weighted with the mercilessness of hatred towards an innocent child simply trying to make their way through life. She seemed no better than Faelyth, in a way. Not that Edvard noticed her bigotry. It flew far under his radar. Her bold, brash, and egotistical nature, however, he noticed immediately. It was hard to miss, really. It was clear she didn't like the notion that anyone was better than her.*\n** **\n\n\"Taking all the precautions to save the lives of the innocent isn't a waste of time, Ser. And it never will be.\" *Edvard nodded back to the boy in the stables, happily scrubbing the dirt off of the gold pieces he held in his palm.* \"Like that boy. I made sure he was safely hidden before every shot I took. He's simply an innocent child working to earn a living. I refuse to put so much egotistical faith in my own skill to think that I may not hit him. Risks aren't always worth taking. At least, that's what Ser Hastings taught me. And he was the most honorable knight I've ever met.\" *A direct shot at Winrae this time. He nodded to her golden armor, chuckling softly. This war of passive-aggressive comments angered him slightly, but he supposed it was better than direct combat. The last thing Astalios needed was two dead knights assigned to his detail.*\n\n\"I don't mean to insult your skills, ma'am. But understand that your skill alone cannot always save the day. Safety is paramount. I'd rather lose my life than let another die in my stead. That is a belief I will always hold. 'Be the shield that guards the innocent.' A quote from Ser Hastings. Even as Hedge Knights, we never took a contract from those we deemed inept or corrupt. We never brought our swords down on the innocent. Coin was simply the thing that brought food on our table. And, needless to say, we spent many nights hungry. We were faceless, humble warriors for justice. We are faceless, humble warriors for justice. At least, I try to be. I'd say we, but from most of the knights I've met in this kingdom, I'd be lying.\""
},
{
"author": "Winrae Kaliyah, Kamara's Chosen",
"message": "Winrae's eyes began to glow a bit brighter, a tell tale sign that the emotions of any aasimar were growing in intensity. Nevertheless, aside from Winrae's eyes her demeanor remained just as lackadaisical as before. Edvard would not get under her skin and get away with it, not that easily. Rolling her tongue into her cheek in slight irritation, the paladin stood straight, no longer leaning on her greatsword as she had before. Still, her hand rested on its hilt though it itched to wield the blade in a darker way. That voice in the back of Winrae's head used to be one of reason, one of justice and honor. Now, it screamed for her to cut Edvard down where he stood for so much as suggesting he was better than she. '*Kill him, Chosen.'*\n\nBrushing that voice away as best she could, the paladin rolled her shoulder slightly and scoffed a bit at Edvard's words, a bad attempt at trying to diffuse her own emotions in the moment. Nevertheless, her beliefs were getting the better of her. \"If that boy was stupid enough to make a decision to stand near the target it would be no one's fault but his own for falling prey to your arrow. The weak and stupid have a tendency to cull themselves. And the faith I have in my skill is not ego, it is fact. Its why your Ser Hastings chose to tell you of my feats, not of someone else's.\" Winrae's words snaked out of her mouth like venom, but she refrained from getting any more anger in her voice. She and Edvard were now walking a thin line, and if the knight that stood before the Winged Stag were not careful, he'd walk over the edge at the shove of Winrae's hand.\n.\n\nThere that voice was, yet again. '*KILL him Winrae. Cut him down. He is not better than you, you are far greater. Greater than anyone, greater than Astali-'* Closing her eyes for a moment, she did her best to silence the voice with her own thoughts. No one, *Nothing* Would speak poorly of her prince. Not even the disheveled voice in her head. Never. Eyeing Edvard, Winrae added to her words, \"*My skill alone* Has saved the day more times than I'll bet that child has eaten in his short, dull life.\""
},
{
"author": "Ser Edvard Eldebrand",
"message": "\"Remember, the 'stupid' and the 'weak' are the people you signed up to protect. I thought you were a knight, ma'am.\" *Edvard sighed slightly, moving back towards the bow now leaning back against the wall of the armory. So much for the most honorable knight in the kingdom. She was just as full of herself as every other two-bit fraud in plate armor rolling around this wretched kingdom. He wasn't going to lie and say this one didn't sting a little more than the others, though. He could only hope that Astalios wasn't as dishonorable as Winrae. He thought back to the vision he had seen moments ago as he returned to bow to the armory, setting it on a weapon's rack with a subtle thud. A figure clad in gold, torching the world. Perhaps Winrae was just as evil as the people Edvard had been determined to stop. Seeming as she would kill anyone who DARED insult her false sense of honor. No knight he knew of was honorable for allowing the innocent to die. Be the shield, not the sword. He grew genuinely upset as he left the armory, staring down Winrae intensely, his breath clanging against the thick steel of his visor. He took a moment to devise his plans, before he eventually collected his words and spoke.*\n** **\n\n\"I won't lecture you, as I'm sure you've heard it all before. From knights you disregarded as below you. More honorable men than you'll ever be. Those that gave their lives for the people you call stupid and weak. Your fancy armor and your skill doesn't make you better than anyone. It's the person you are behind it. We're meant to be indiscriminate. Justice for all, or justice for none. Your sword seems to have a thirst for ego and dishonor. When you speak, you don't speak for the realm. You don't speak as that mythic figure of winged gold who stood up for what's right and nothing else. You speak as a fraud. A fool rife with the plague of corruption. Here I was, thinking that perhaps the most esteemed knight in the land might have a SEMBLANCE of honor.\"\n\n\"I was wrong.\"\n** **\n\n*Edvard shook his head, turning on his heel to leave, his visor shying away from Winrae. His mind once again glowed with the smell of honey and the sight of gold. There stood the field once more. The beautiful golden sky, and the rich wheat. This time, he could see the poor making their way through the field, taking their fill and handing it off to their children. Feeding their families. Yet, the figure still stood. The sky dark above them. Torch and blood-stained sword in this hand. He wouldn't let it stand this time. He flung forward drawing his sword and cutting through the heavens and through the gods, striking the figure. His sword shone a beautiful, vibrant white, pure justice being rained down from the very bodice of the heavens. He understood who he was. The shield that guarded the realms of men. The man who stood in the way of evil. The man willing to give his life to save those who couldn't save themselves. He knew who he was.*\n\n*He was a knight.* \n\n*Turning back to Winrae, he shook his head, hand placed firmly on the hilt of his sword. As he spoke one final time.* \"Your skill may have saved the day, but it is your greed and ego that will bring this world to ruin. See the world for what it is. See the weak and stupid for who they are. Innocent people. Fathers, mothers, sons and daughters. Those you've been dedicated to protect. I can only wonder what your god thinks now.\" *Edvard sighed slightly, turning his head from Winrae as he walked back towards the castle. He tried to burn her from his mind, but kept his hand on his sword, knowing she was likely to strike out towards him. He knew who she was, after all.*\n\n*A liar.*"
},
{
"author": "Winrae Kaliyah, Kamara's Chosen",
"message": "As surprising as it may have been, nothing more than a smile began to creep up on Winrae's face. Edvard's speech fell on deaf ears, though it was a bit of a surprise he had chosen to stand up to her. Perhaps others felt the same as he, that Winrae was nothing more than an egotistical powerhouse, but none dared share those feelings to Winrae, let alone in a manner such as this. So, there the paladin stood, satisfied that Edvard had finally shared his true feelings for the Winged Stag. After he had finished speaking, the voice in her head only grew louder and her eyes grew as bright as the sun. The silence that grew between them was soon broken but a scoff escaping Winrae's lips. Then, laughter. Picking up her greatsword, Winrae pointed it toward Edvard, her laughter quickly being cut short by the tense and rage-filled gaze that now burned into the back of Edvard's helm.\n\n\"You speak of honor as though any other knight beneath my command holds it as highly as you. My duty as a royal knight of Alynthi is to be a protector of the kingdom, and the fools that would dare march on our soil. The mongrels and beggars within those walls worship the ground I walk on for the simple fact that I *Am* ***Power.*** I am what all wish they could be.\" Turning, Winrae spun slightly, holding her arms out as if to challenge any and all that dared look her way. \"My honor is that no man nor woman, knight or paladin can stand to my prowess. I am what all aspiring warriors wish they could be at any point in their sorry lives. I am the apex warrior.\" Turning, Winrae pointed her greatsword to Edvard once more, laughing yet again at the man's valiant but deafened attempt to reach Winrae's heart. For now, it was unreachable. It had turned black, finally.\n.\n\n\"Perhaps Ser Hastings was a fool, and has raised a fool to continue his *Foolish* Legacy.\" Chuckling ever so slightly, Winrae shrugged a bit, wondering if she had actually egged Edvard on enough to cause him to turn and face her. \"Did you actually believe your little speech would pull on my heart at all? Perhaps deep down it hurts to know you *Are* Lesser. Slower, inferior, with motives that fall on deaf ears. Where have you been, dear Edvard? Living beneath rocks in the Greenheart Forest? *No knights holds your values anymore.* All any of them want anymore is the fame, the glory, and the legendary stories that follow their demise. That is all, fool. Now, go run to whatever hole you crawled out from. My knight's guard is no place for a weakling such as *You.*\""
},
{
"author": "Ser Edvard Eldebrand",
"message": "*Edvard stood silently as she spoke. He could handle insults to himself, but slights towards Ser Hastings almost brought him to the edge. His hand gripped the hilt of his sword steadily, his knuckles growing white as she spoke. What a fool. A foolish bastard. Perhaps her skill outweighed his, but her motives were so mind-bogglingly egotistical it brought Edvard to the precipice of rage. He stared towards her golden armor, watching as she laughed and danced on the graves of his fallen comrades, disgracing their memory with every wretched breath she dare took. Bastard. Fucking bastard. The Hewman. Ser Hastings. They gave their lives in the name of knighthood. Defending the people they promised to protect. Ser Hastings fell in the field of battle defending a village from bandits who wished to see the world burn so their unit could grow more famous. Take on bigger contracts. The Hewman died on his death bed, surrounded by those he had protected and saved. The commoners he had worked so hard to protect. Now stood a golden bandit at the head of the kingdom. The most respected knight in all of Alynthi, an egotistical and bigoted fraud. Who would've thought? Perhaps a more pessimistic Edvard. He should've seen it coming.*\n** **\n\n*No vision this time. Just a whisper. A voice as sweet as honey and as vibrant as gold once again filled his ears. Free of the harsh flame of Otis. Just Grikta. She spoke carefully, a phantom hand caressing the hand that gripped Edvard's sword. She spoke only one word. Only one word was needed. 'Honor.' Her voice came and went, like the wind howling past Edvard. In an instant, Edvard thought back to those who stood in the castle. Those he was blind to. Ser Athanasius, Ser Girian, Ser Cleverly, The Iron Prince. Warriors filled with honor. Men of good standing with the gods and men. Men who would give their lives for the innocent. Perhaps the fancy golden armor of Winrae had blinded him, but it all became apparent to Edvard. Winrae was an anomaly. A power-drunk fool who sought only to exert her power on all those who dared challenge it. She was a scared child in the body of a god. Her attempt at intimidation and anger fell flat entirely, as Edvard only saw a petulant child, not worth of even the slightest respect. It was all so simple now, wasn't it?*\n** **\n\n*Edvard's hand fell from his sword, and the angered expression on his face fell into obscurity. A smile grew in its stead. That smile extended into a grin. And, as the seconds passed, Edvard began to chuckle. He chuckled louder and louder until the chuckle grew into a laugh. The laugh rang out from the iron of his helmet, heartily reaching all in the training grounds. Even the stable boy could hear his bellows, laughing wildly at the Winged Stag who drew her sword towards him. The uncomfortable seconds grew longer and longer and Edvard continued to laugh, only eventually wiping his humored tears away from his face. He continued to chuckle slightly as he tried to regain his composure, completely turning around to walk away from Winrae, not wanting to give her the time of day. She was nothing to him anymore. Just a weakling trying her hardest to make others think greatly of her. He addressed her a final time, still not daring to even look back.*\n\n\"Go fuck yourself, Winged Stag.\""
},
{
"author": "Winrae Kaliyah, Kamara's Chosen",
"message": "Feeling as though she had won, Winrae watched in pure excitement as Edvard's hand grew tense around the hilt of his sword. *This was what she wanted.* All it would take was for the knight to take the first swing and it'd be over as quickly as it started. She was losing herself to whatever dark force was pulling at her, begging her to strike him down. If he dared raise his own weapon to her, she'd do so. It'd be justified as self defense. Who'd believe a foolish and nameless knight over the great Winrae Kaliyah, Chosen of Kamara herself? Before Edvard had a chance to move, Winrae placed her helmet back atop her head. The paladin was rearing for a fight, that much was obvious, but as Edvard began to laugh Winrae froze. What was there to laugh about? \n\nTo say Winrae was insulted would be an understatement. Those blazing eyes of pure white began to glow through her helm, almost making it look as though a star sat beneath it. Then Edvard spilled out his wicked words, leaving Winrae frozen in place as she had been. Then, he turned. That rage, that hatred that began to seep through the paladin only grew and grew with each step he took away from her. Soon, the aasimar realized she had been holding her breath, and once Edvard was well enough away not to hear her, Winrae let out a shaky and rage fueled exhale. Staring at Edvard as he neared the exit to the training grounds, Winrae called after him, her voice ever so shaky. \"I'll not soon forget you, Ser Edvard The Cowardly.\"\n.\n\nWithout so much as a cough or move, Winrae's head snapped to the child that dared lay witness to the Winged Stag being dismissed in such away. *Damned bullheads, damnations the lot of them.* The voice soon returned, and Winrae wished to take out her anger on something, anything, anyone. The child came to mind, the voice began to push her toward such a heinous choice, but she stood still. The child would continue to breath at Winrae's grace and mercy, but Edvard would not soon forget the boy's face. Not anytime soon. Turning around, Winrae raised her wings and flapped them hard a single time, and within a second the aasimar was meters in the air. Those glowing white eyes began to dull, and the pure white of Winrae's wings followed suit. They had turned a very, very light grey, but something likely no one would notice. Perhaps only Winrae herself or Essme would, but it was obvious a shift had taken place in Winrae, and she soon realized the empty feeling in her chest.\n\n*Kamara was gone, once and for all.*"
}
] | 628 | 3,963 |
783.5 | 2022-11-07 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "ottorintsu",
"message": "The Prince of Alynthi was in the training grounds, making sure that they were vacated beforehand, he perhaps came to the location at a later hour of the night. This was, of course, not only to prevent anyone from being harmed by his elemental magicks, but also to ensure the existence of Gladius was still kept somewhat of a secret. He didn't know much about the entity, after all. He donned a set of black platemail, the armor itself having seen its years of wear and tear in the fronts of the Orcish lands, although being quite well-kept: there were many permanent scratches and marks, but he paid no mind to it. He had grown quite attached to it, after all. \n\nHis imposing aremet-style helmet held two spiked antlers jutting out from either side, and the gaps betwixt the ornate plates of his armor seemed to crackle and light up with azure lightning, filling the courtyard with the scent of salt and smoke: like in the wake of the young Alynthian price, a storm followed. The summoning of his Evocation magic seemed to kick up a brief albeit subtle gust of wind, his golden tabard portraying the image of Dilitrios' crowned stag flailing briefly beneath the arcane-invoked gales. In his right hand he was grasping the glowing azure blade Gladius, the shimmering artifact in itself invoking a great deal of pressure; streaks of lightning enveloping the blade like a coiling serpent. \n\nAemilios would clench his free, gauntleted left hand; concentrating a great deal in summoning a crackling ball of azure plasma before releasing it with a sprawled hand, generating a short-lived beam of lightning and striking the cobblestoned wall of the courtyard's walls. The magic would've lingered for a moment shorter than it *Should've*, and although it left a sizable scorch mark upon the stone surface of the castle, it did not cause any sizable damage. Perhaps a more experienced mage would have managed to strike through the stone walls, but he had yet to understand the theory behind his Evocation magic. Rather, he simply relied on self-taught *Instinct* To summon lightning, a prowess no doubt enough to earn him the title of Stormlord, but not comparable to a dedicated wizard.\n\nNevertheless, this was what he was here for—to practice his magic and improve it the only way he knew how; practice. Soon, the gales of wind that seemed to surround the Prince and minorly lash against his loose tabard would kick up a storm: slowly lifting the warrior off the ground like they were carrying him into flight, though not nearly enough to *Truly* Afford him control. In fact, as the Prince flew through the air, he would scarcely be able to control himself—slamming into a tree and promptly losing concentration on his spell. He fell on the ground with a dull thud. Perhaps it was a good thing nobody was there to watch these minor failures.\n\nRecollecting himself and slowly rising to his feet, he took a deep breath and readjusted his helmet atop his head; though the leather fasteners ensured that the piece would not destabilize enough to fall off of him, the crash-landing had caused it to grow slightly off-set, hampering his visibility. He brandished Gladius in a two-handed grip, flourishing the blade and casting another spell of his own — seeking to test his precise control over the element of wind through his Evocation magic. A blast of wind seemed to suddenly push forth at that, snapping off looser branches from the tree and causing it to dangerously tilt forth; a gale powerful enough to knock down a small platoon of armored men. \n\nHe had relied on this trick many times, but he had learned it firsthand that using his magic this much was exhausting in and of itself. The Prince would soon realize he was nearing the limit of his arcane abilities after another subsequent session of testing out his spellcasting prowess, and the crackling lightning and winds would subside just as soon as they had came. He went to sit beneath a tree, taking deep breaths to recollect himself, exhausted."
},
{
"author": "natureluvr",
"message": "The Princess settled her silverware upon the edges of her empty dinner plate with a clink, sighing softly to herself as she slid back her chair and rose to her feet. The dinner table stretched into the distance before her, velvet cushioned chairs covered in regal golden carvings lined up neatly on either side of the table, armrest to armrest. Every chair but her own was vacant. That marked the seventh dinner in a row that Aemilios had failed to attend. So be it; Aspen would just have to make her way to him.\n\nStepping aside, the long skirts of her baby blue dress swished as the fabric enveloping her slender form was disrupted by her movement. Aspen took a moment to smooth out the skirts of her dress with her palm before pushing in her chair and departing from the table. One of the servants would undoubtedly clear the table for her, just as they did every night.\n\nAemilios was a born warrior, sometimes their mother would joke that he fought his way out of the womb. The training grounds were Aemilios' library, making that the most likely place to find him. And so the Princess weaved her way through the elaborate hallways of the Alynthi castle until she reached a door that exited near the training grounds. Pushing open the door, Aspen was greeted by a gust of evening air, cool and misty beneath the dim moon's light. Her free hand bunched the skirts of her dress as she stepped out onto the trodden path, trickling just a touch of magic through her shoes and into the ground beneath her. The grass on either side of the path leaned sideways and stretched across the dirt, weaving tightly together to create a mat upon which Aspen could walk without worrying her shoes or the hem of her dress could get soiled. The Princess embarked upon the trek to the training grounds, grass unweaving and retracting behind her with each step she took forward.\n\nThe wind began to pick up as Aspen drew closer to the training grounds, no doubt something caused by her brother as he practiced. She got close enough to observe his movements, but not so close as to put herself in the direct path of his casting. Tilting her head, she paid close attention to the positioning of his body as his grip seemed to tighten upon his weapon, unleashing powerful winds that tore locks of Aspen's hair from her neatly twisted bun, lashing them about her cheeks. The princess had to hold the side of her glasses to keep them from blowing right off her face, her skirts fluttering around and nearly sweeping her off her feet. In the distance, Aemilios moved over to the nearby tree and settled down beneath it; Aspen's cue that it was safe to approach.\n\nOnce she was within earshot of her brother, Aspen tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and addressed him. \"Seven years and seven days- is that not long enough for you to miss me, dear brother?\" She commented, half joking as she smiled toward the armored knight. Her gaze then shifted to the branches that Aemilios had torn from the tree he sat beneath, and she leaned over to pick them up. Aspen carried the branches back where they came from and reached up to match the splintered edges with the places they were torn from the trunk. As she aligned each branch with the tree, she moved her hand slowly along the spot of the break, reconnecting the branches with her biomancy like fitting pieces into a puzzle."
},
{
"author": "ottorintsu",
"message": "At first, the tired Prince did not notice his sister's voice—it was not until she had made herself visible that he realized those words did, in fact, belong to Aspen. It had truly been a long time since they had last seen eachother; and as he reached for the leather clasps in his antler-horned helm, he did so hastily so as to not keep his sister waiting any longer than he already had. He pulled the helm; greying-black locks clinging to it briefly before cascading down his shoulders and resting peacefully atop his regal features, which flexed into a very subtle grin. In comparison to what the young princess perhaps remembered of him, he was naught of the sort: the cheerful, always-smiling Aemilios had a much more grim, somber expression upon his gaunt features, a reminder that much had changed in the time he spent fighting in the Orcish lands.\n\nHis sister, on the other hand, had flourished into a lady—he was taken aback in surprise at how much Aspen had changed from what he remember of her, from the little bookworm with stars in her eyes that he had left in a tearful farewell over seven years ago. In her place was a lady with the same piercing blue eyes, but altogether a different person from whom he had left behind so many years ago. The idea that he had been separated from his family for so long never had *Truly* Dawned upon him until this very moment, when he realized that in the time he spent fighting, the world had indeed never stopped turning. Now even his little sister was a grown woman.\n\nPushing aside the feeling of dread that came from this realization, he spoke out to her—his grin lingering unto his features briefly. *\"Aspen. How you've grown.\"*, he said simply, though his tone was soft and full of happiness: it *Gladdened* Him to have this reunion, and he approached her at that. It was perhaps at this moment that the Princess may have realized that Aemilios whom had always been tall stood now at an imposing 6'4'', even further accented by his suit of platemail that seemed to cast a shadow behind him like that of a giant. Despite this, he pulled his shorter sister into a hug: lifting her in his arms like he had when they were younger with the same naturality as if the two were but young children once more, a loving embrace that reminded him of sweeter, simpler times. But like all good things—it came to an end soon after. \n\nHe set her down after a moment, looking to her briefly as he tied his hair into a messy bun: grasping softly his pieces of raven-black locks and messily bunching them together at the back of his head to keep his bangs from falling over his eyes. He continued speaking however, his stormy blue eyes settled upon Aspen. *\"I'm sorry I couldn't see you sooner. I had matters to attend to—and you know how much I hate family dinners..\"*, he trailed. Small talk was not the Prince's forte, and dinners which were so often political only brought further demotivation into the idea of attending them altogether. Aemilios was a warrior, not a statesman. That much was evident not only in his stature and military status, but in the core of his very being.\n\nYet still, he felt guilty: he wished he had been there for Aspen as soon as he returned, even if it meant braving the awkward silence that ensued an estranged family reunion with his grieving mother and many uncles. Instead, he simply kept to himself, hardly bothering to show himself in the palace if not to retire to his chambers at unreasonably late hours of the night, after attending to piles of paperwork and training drills for the City Watch. If his men worked in shifts, Aemilios worked every shift. Such was his duty with the kingdom, though the idea that he could perhaps find rest soon once he had settled brought him an extent of joy. His sister was a sign that there was yet hope for him to find his home once more in the Capitol, even after all these years. It warmed his battle-scarred heart, even if only slightly."
},
{
"author": "natureluvr",
"message": "When she finished mending the branches back to the tree, Aspen turned to face her brother. She made a show of stumbling backwards, tilting her head to be able to meet his gaze at such a height. \"Good heavens, what have they been feeding you? You're nearly as tall as a horse on hind legs,\" She commented, returning one of her own cheeky grins. Although Ameilios had always been taller than her, their height difference was even more pronounced now that he was a man. Aspen never quite grew into her family's tall stature, standing at a measly 5'6\". Perhaps all the hours spent hunched over a good book stunted her growth after all.\n\nAs Aemilios stepped closer, Aspen felt a sense of unfamiliarity, looking over his sullen features. It wasn't that she was surprised the war had changed him; that was guaranteed to happen. Rather, she was alarmed by the significance of the change. The old and faded memories of him that still lingered in the back of her mind were so different- of course they were, seven years was a long time. What would it be like, talking to him again? Would things go back to the way they were before he left, or had the relentless turning of the hourglass rendered them near strangers?\n\nThe princess was enveloped into her older brother's embrace, wheezing dramatically and squishing her cheek against the cool metal of his armor as she slung her arms around his midsection to return the hug as best she could. He certainly seemed happy to see her- maybe they could just pick up right where they left off, after all. Her feet left the ground for just a moment before Aemilios set her back down. A mixture of dirt and grease had smudged on her cheek from Aemilios' armor, contrasting sharply with the princess' pale skin that almost seemed to glow beneath the moonlight.\n\n_He always did love having long hair._ Aspen thought to herself as she watched her brother tie back his graying locks. \"An apology means nothing if it's not well meant!\" She cryptically replied, clearly not expecting him to understand whatever she meant by that. \"But that's alright. How are you faring? It's been long since we were in a position to write each other,\" She noted, turning back to the tree and waving a palm towards it. Some of the roots crackled and shifted, causing the ground to rumble beneath them as they raised up and weaved into a seat of sorts, large enough to fit Aemilios. Then, Aspen raised her hand towards the upper portion of the tree before curling her fingertips in towards her palm, as if tugging at an invisible curtain. The branches of the tree began to shift and thicken, growing downwards and weaving together until a little swing had formed. Aspen slipped off her shoes to keep them clean and sat down upon the swing, pressing her toes to the dirt and kicking off to provide some momentum so the swing would sway a little. She rested her head against one of the wooden swing \"Ropes\", looping an arm around it for better support. The wind kissed her cheeks as she swayed, the chill of the night bringing pink to the pale. The hem of her dress caressed her bare feet with the sound of quiet whispers lost to the wind."
}
] | 787 | 3,134 |
339.888889 | 2023-12-28 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*It was ironic to him. The sounds of combat being heard in the not so distant pits. All those bloodthristy swines and not one of them will step into the pit and take the dogs on. Ursa laughed at his thought as he ate his food, if you could call it that. When he was told his gruel would be upgraded due to his feats in the pits, he thought about chicken leg, or some other mind of poultry. Maybe even an opossum. At least his gruel was hot now, and he had a spoon to eat it with. He had found this 'fighters porridge' of his to be at least comforting. To him, it was one of the only parts of his day that was routine. Wake, train, fight, eat, fight sleep. Rinse and repeat.\n\nHe stood up, placing the bowl and spoon next to the bars and began walking to the other side of his cell to take a leak. He had earned a bucket as one was thrown into the pit after a recent victory. He was proud of his bucket. After he had relieved himself he sat on his cot and closed his eyes.\n\nHe knew soon enough he'd be called upon to put on another showing for those ugly thugs of people. He detested the Orcs in general. Almost as much as he detested the Head Slaver. There is only one he didn't despise as much, the one who trained him. He owed his life to that decrepid Orc they threw in to train the maggots. And he knew it, too.*\n\n*Ursa decided to start his training. The sun had hit the middle of the cell, so he knew it was time to exercise again. He dropped down onto his hands and began to do his press-ups. The first time he did these, his shoulder gave out from the intense pain of the branding on his shoulder blade but now, he didn't feel a thing. He finished them off easily and began to do sit ups.\n\nHe winced a little, feeling the recent pain from an injury he sustained in the last fight shooting him in the gut. As long as he could hold his core for, he would do so until his own body gave out. He needed to get better. A loss here would be an execution, especially when there are now younger fighters than he. He hated fighting the young ones. He saw it as unfair. They were inexperienced, scarless, weak; he was none of those things.\n\nOn the rare occasion he had to, he made their deaths quick and painless as courtesy - much to the displeasment of the crowd. He didn't care though, even if he got whipped for a poor show and gave no food for the night, he would rather that than to torture someone like that. He sometimes wished someone did that to him at that age. Finally, his body gave way and dropped to his back, taking deep scooping breaths of air into his lungs. He looked up at the mossy stone ceiling with a blank, soulless stare. He closed his eyes and began to hum quietly. He hummed the only memory of his Mother: her song.*"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "She was back. Why was she back? She had sworn never to go back! Yet here she was, back in Dasvaz, lingering near the fighting pits. The little Kobold shuddered as she adjusted her cowl for what was probably the tenth time. She had forgotten how awful the pits smelled. Like blood and shit and fear and hate. Like Orcs.\n\nShe kept her long ears carefully hidden as she skirted stealthily through the crowds. No one really paid much attention to her. There were other Kobolds here, after all, most in servitude to the other races, though some were free. They tended to stick together in packs as they cheered and jeered at the fighters down below. \n\nTail flicking, Ves paused near the entrance to the cells. It was where the fighters were kept while they waited for their turn. She knew that many were slaves and might need help. It was dangerous, but she swallowed back her fear. Waiting for the opportunity, the Kobold sneaked around behind a distracted guard and quickly made her way down into the underbelly of the pits.\n\nPausing to catch her breath, Ves looked around. Inside the nearest cage was a beaten and bloodied man. Was he alive or dead? She wasn't certain but a noise startled her and sent her scurrying further down the hall. Her clawed feet were completely silent as she hurried along. \n\nDucking into some shadows to avoid a patrolling guard, Ves pressed her back up against the bars of a cell. She watched the guard pass by, then turned her attention to the occupant of the cage: a Goliath, or so she thought. She wasn't an expert on the races of the world. Her own experiences were very limited. Glancing around quickly, she whispered just loud enough for the Goliath to hear. \"Hello...\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*His memory of his mother became stronger. He saw her - what he thought was her - swaddling a babe and humming that song. Her face covered by her hair. He reached forward in his mind, trying to fight past the resistance of his fading memory. He wanted to see her, he needed to see her, his Mother. The innocence in his mind pleaded to see her. It was then he heard the whispered voice.\n\nHe was dragged back to the present day, dragged to his dirty cell, his scarred body. His partially naked body laying on muddy floors. His head slowly turned to look at the thing before him. It was small, hooded. It looked reptilian, he had killed those before. Their ears were sharp when he bit them off their heads.\n\nHe slowly rose to a crouched position, his yellow eye stared through her. He slowly bore his teeth, an universal sign of 'don't fuck with me'. He looked more beast than man. His body was crouched and covered, a loincloth covered his front and rear. He was clearly scarred, a survivor of the pits. In his eyes brewed a hatred. He looked at the creature before him and spoke, his voice low and grumbled, his throat dry from dehydration:* \"Okak. Ka Kog Lizog.\"\n\n||\"You. Why in cells.\""
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "She immediately took a few steps back and out of even a Goliath's impressive reach. Her tail twitched back and forth anxiously. His stare was scary, but she recognized it as well. There was a defensiveness behind it that many slaves carried. His toothy grimace made her lift her hands in front of her, trying to signal that she meant no harm.\n\nShe couldn't understand his words, but heard the raspiness of his tone. Quickly she withdrew a waterskin from beneath her cloak and took a hesitant step forward. \"Please don't attack me. I mean you no harm,\" She whispered as she quickly tossed the waterskin into the cell, stepping back again.\n\n\"Do you... Do you need help? I can help. My name is Ves.\" She didn't necessarily like giving out her name, but to earn trust one had to give trust. Besides, Ves wasn't an uncommon Kobold name. There were probably three other Veses out among the crowd. She only hoped the Goliath could understand her. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*She spoke common. She wasn't from the cells... She was from the crowds. He stared at her raising her hands and slowly, lingering for a moment longer, he lowered his lips around his teeth and his face began neutral. He saw her tail, it wasn't enough to be a weapon, and he had claws and horns too if needs be. He studied his options, eyeing the small Kobold up and down. She was anxious, he could tell since he's seen that look in his foes before the final blow. But she was clever... He could see in her eyes that she had to have been.\n\nHis eye didn't leave her's, not even for a second. He slowly grabbed the water skin and brought it to his nose, sniffing it deeply. He closed his eyes, concentrating on the slightest whiff of unnatural liquid. He was suprised to find none, but thankful. He drank greedily, softly moaning as he felt the water hit the back of his dried, aching throat. He filled his mouth to the point his cheeks puffed out, making his beard pulse like a frog showing its size from the cheeks.\n\nHe looked to her and slowly approached on his hands and knees. Grabbing the bars with white-knuckled yet dirty hands, he slowly rose to half his full height, looking slightly down at her. In his offhand, he hesitantly offered the waterskin back, having drunk his fill. Life behind bars made his stomach small, he didn't need much to fight - he needed less to speak.* \"You. You speak. Ves...\" *He pondered the name, possibly thinking if he recognised it.* \"You're not a guard. Why are you here? This is not the place for small reptiles... This is hell.\""
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves watched him move slowly closer and had to tilt her head back as he rose halfway. She was tiny in comparison, but that was true more often than not. He offered the waterskin back to her and slowly she stepped forward and took it. Trust. Perhaps too much, too quickly, but there was little time to waste.\n\n\"I'm here to help. If you want it,\" She whispered urgently. The crowd screamed above them, stomping and cheering at the fight they were watching. Ves flinched a little at the noise and looked anxiously over her shoulder. Her long ears twitched, listening for any more guards. After a moment she looked back up at the Goliath.\n\n\"I've helped people like you. Helped free them. I can get you out of this cell. But sneaking you out of here... That will be trickier,\" She explained quickly and quietly. \"But it's your choice.\" She couldn't imagine being happy as a slave, but some were content with the life they had. She wouldn't take the decision away from him. She would not assume he even wanted freedom. Though she did hope he would not sound the alarm.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He didn't lash out or grab her. He didn't yell or roar. He remained quiet, his face a stoic stone. His eyes darted to the side for a moment before he darted his arm through the bars and dragged her towards him. He didn't hurt her, although his grip was tight and his hand was rough. \n\nThere, tucked in the shadows that his cell bars granted, she was hidden.* \"Quiet.\"\n\n*Ten seconds later, the reason for this was made clear. Two Orcish guards walked past, to them in their drunken stupor, Ursa was just stood at the bars waiting his next fight. One of the Orcs spat on the floor as he walked past. Once he knew the coast was clear, he let go of her.*\n\n\"If you can break me from this place, I will be in your debt. I swear it. There is nothing I want more than to leave here, besides killing the one in charge.\" *His words were direct and blunt. In his one active eye, there lay a hint of desperation but also pessimism. He was not happy here. His cell stunk and all he had to show for his life were scars, blood, a spoon and a bucket.*"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "It took everything in the tiny Kobold not to cry out in surprise. She felt herself pulled towards the bars by hands that could easily crush her skull. For a moment she feared for the worst: this was it. This was how she died, at the hands of a Goliath beneath the stinking fighting pits. Well at least she would die free. There were worse things than death, after all. Slavery was one such fate she always hoped to avoid.\n\nYet the blow did not come. Instead she was tucked safely into the shadows as a pair of Orc guards came into view. The sight of them made Ves shiver in fear. She did not move, remaining motionless in the darkness, waiting for them to pass. Once they were gone, the Goliath let her go and she turned to look up at him.\n\nNodding her head, she moved towards the lock of the cell. Tucking her cowl back to reveal her large ears, the Kobold drew a lockpicking kit from a pouch at her side. \"Please keep watch. This may take a minute,\" She said as she began to work. How many locks had challenged her before this one? Countless. And the Kobold certainly seemed to know what she was doing. She held her breath as she worked, fiddling this way and that with the lock.\n\nWith a satisfying *Click*, the lock gave way and the cell door squeaked open slightly. Ves hurried to put away her things as she glanced around worriedly. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He nodded his head to her and his eyes left her and focuses on the world around him. He knew the guard rotations. Years and years of this shit show had given him that. Yet, only now was he worried about getting it wrong. \"Oh Björn, don't doubt yourself you big lug.\" He heard her in his mind. It made him quietly choke back his emotions as he focused more on the stones.\n\nHe knew that ten steps away from that corner was a wobbly stone. It always clicked. A warning sign that trouble would come. He tried to focus on that. \"Please, please don't let me hear that click.\" He begged in his mind to Lunam. He kept his breath quiet, shallow and gentle. However, even with the roars of the crowd, he heard no guards.\n\nHe heard the click of the cell and looked down to her. He stood to full height, his neck bending down to not hit his head. He looked at the door with hesitation. Last time he did this... No. He couldn't bear to think of his beloved. Not in that way.\n\n He bobbed down and took lone last look at the cell he called home. He spat on it and walked out his feet feeling the cold of the untouched stone at his feet.* \"We must move quickly. Guards come soon. One yell and we are dead.\" *He looked to Ves once more and her small statue. Her large ears perplexed him, her red eyes and long snout. Her whispy, anxious tail. She was frial. The Orcs would crush her in a moments notice. He would have to protect her. He would do so willingly, he owes a debt after all but they're not out of the woods yet.* \n\n||"
}
] | 312 | 3,059 |
341.25 | 2023-12-29 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "She took a couple of steps back to allow the Goliath to exit the cell. Gods, he was tall. Taller than she had expected. Of course everyone was taller than her, but she had to tilt her head back further than usual to see his face. How were they ever going to escape? She could easily dart in and out of shadows and squeeze into small out-of-reach places. But he was much too large for that. And they couldn't go back the way she had come.\n\nThis wasn't the first time she had done something like this. This wasn't her first visit to the pits either. Though her fear was strong, she was determined to see him freed. He deserved freedom. She knew nothing about him, but she understood that much. Nobody deserved to be a slave. \n\n\"There are tunnels that lead away from here. They use them to dispose of the dead bodies. It's... Not pretty. But it may be the best way to escape,\" She explained quickly and quietly. It would be a horrifying escape, but it was likely their only option. \"Unless you know of a better way out?\" \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He looked down at her. How could something so small be brave enough to venture here. She was prey, she was food to the people here. Was she mad? Perhaps he was mad for even leaving his cell. He looked at the ceiling against his neck and sighed, knowing this was going to be hell for his legs.\n\nHe had walked around here for a while, he knew the guards and they knew him. Sometimes, he had leave to walk due to his loyalty. Maybe he could use that to his advantage. He looked at her, thinking about his options and listening to her plan.*\n\n\"Guards let me walk sometimes. Let me pick... If we are caught, let me do talking. Me know what to do. Me follow you. Keep you safe.\" *His speech was stunted, he knew this compared to her more professional words. Orcs were not as good with words as the rest of the races. Any words he knew from before were a distant memory to Ursa now.*\n\n\"Tubnels this way. Follow.\" *He gestured to a hallway that seemed to lead towards the pits.* \"It is... Dark but... We can go together. Be brave.\""
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "*Be brave,* He said and Ves nodded her head. Bravery wasn't the absence of fear. She knew this. She was scared every time she helped free a slave. She was terrified of being caught and enslaved herself. Having seen the horrors up close only made her that much more afraid. Yet still she continued on. Was it bravery or stupidity?\n\n\"Darkness never scared me,\" She said as she began to make her careful way down the corridor. Ves had grown up in the mines and so was used to working in near complete darkness. The Kobold kept her cowl down so that her large sensitive ears could catch the faintest sound of a guard approaching.\n\nThere was so much she wanted to ask him. His name most of all and how he had ended up in this situation. Where did he want to go? What would he do with his freedom? But they couldn't exactly stop and chat. They had to keep moving. There would be time enough later for such things. *If* They survived.\n\nPausing, Ves put a hand out to stop the Goliath as she peered cautiously around a corner. There were a couple of guards standing in the middle of the hall, talking in loud voices about the betting that was going on. She ducked back out of view and looked up at the Goliath thoughtfully. This was going to be difficult. Getting herself in and out of tight spots was one thing. How could they possibly sneak by unnoticed?\n\nThere had to be another way around. Or maybe they could distract the guards somehow. Her tail flicked back and forth as she considered. She shifted from foot to clawed foot anxiously.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He was brave. He had fought lions, tigers and bears. He killed adolescents every day. But dark... That scared him the most. His body was rigid as he moved, his large feet making soft taps against the cold stone floor. If his feet weren't so firm and damaged from the sharp stones, he'd be much lighter and stealthier. He wondered who she was and why she wanted to help him. He thought her a fool. But then again, Solaire called him a fool once, too.\n\nHe heard her comment about the dark. He nodded his head. In truth, he was shitting himself. He was more telling himself to be brave than her. He knew what awaited them down here... The rotting reminders of his sins.\n\nHe was curious of her, she was brave in the dark. Yet small enough to be swallowed whole. She must have been mad... His thoughts ran wild as the light became dimmer. What am I doing? Go back! Don't be in here this is dangerous! Cell is safe! Cell is Solaire! Cell is-\n\nHis mind stopped rambling when she stopped him. He nearly walked straight into her hand. He leaned his head around the corner. Vaguely making out the guards. He looked down at her, and had an idea. He crouched to her level and held her hands in his. They were huge compared to her. His hand could fit around her head and pop it like a summer's grape if he pleased. Instead he placed her wrists together and ripped some fabric from his loincloth. Crudely, he tied her hands together and placed a finger to her lips. The look in his eyes told her to trust in him. The look also was one of guilt.\n\nIn one swift movement he pushed her out into the hallway and soon followed behind. The guards turned to look at them, one of them barking something to the Goliath. The only word she could make out from the Orcish words was the outlier - \"Ursa\". He replied with something of his own in their tongue back to them. He gestured to her and placed a hand on one of her shoulders. The orc asked something else. He replied with a sickening grimace before saying something pretty\n\nQuickly. One of them laughed and turned around to face away from them, continuing his conversation.\n\nUrsa lead Ves around the corner, talking to her in Orcish the entire time until they turned a corner. He then crouched down and undid her bindings.* \"Forgive me. Was only way to convince them.\" *He seemed sorry. Though his accented voice made it hard to be sure.*"
}
] | 291.5 | 1,365 |
305.692308 | 2023-12-30 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "He knelt before her and still towered over her. His hands were huge as they held hers and she tilted her head in curiosity. What was he doing? When he tore off a piece of his loincloth and wrapped her wrists together, she understood. But it didn't keep her stomach from churning in dread. *It's not real,* She told herself. *Just pretend it's a game.* \n\nHis look was apologetic before he shoved her forward and into view. She stumbled a little, but caught herself from completely falling. Her amber eyes widened as she looked towards the Orcs, then she quickly lowered her gaze. She didn't want to appear to be challenging anyone. Ves shivered violently. A game. It was just a game. She wasn't really a slave, bound for something terrible. It was all pretend.\n\nThe trio spoke briefly as the Kobold stood there trembling. Then finally the Goliath led her forward and around the next corner. There he knelt once more and freed her hands. She rubbed her wrists absently although she wasn't hurt. She lifted her gaze towards him and spoke quietly. \"What did you say to them?\" Did she really want to know? Probably not. Yet she asked anyway.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He looked down at her and spoke plainly. As he spoke he saw her rubbing her wrists, so he took one into his large hands and began to softly prod it with two fingers, attempting to massage any constriction in her wrists.* \n\n\"I told them I had chose a prize. Being their favored fighter brings... Perks. However I have never once acted on them. Instead I ask for spoon. Or bucket. Or wash tub.\" *He looked at the floor as he spoke.* \"Are you hurt?\" *His voice had a hint of concern and behind his bushy, untamed brows, he kept his eyes on the ground.\n\nHe felt guilt for using her that way but it was the only way to get past them. He would not make the same mistake as before...* \"I told them I was taking you back to your cell, we have time but not much.\""
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "She tensed a little as he touched her wrists, but slowly relaxed after a moment. She studied him closely even as he stared hard at the ground. Her tail twitched back and forth as she gently placed her tiny hand on his. \"I'm not hurt,\" She whispered softly. \"Please don't worry about me. We should keep moving before they realize they've been fooled.\"\n\nWhat kind of \"Prize\" Was she going to be? Ves tried not to think too hard about it. She took the Goliath's hand in her own and gently pulled him down the corridor. They had to keep moving. There was nothing for it now but to continue forward. There was one goal: freedom.\n\nThe smell was growing stronger. It was a stench of decay and rotting flesh and it made Ves queasy. It was also getting darker the further they traveled. Occasionally they would pass by a lit torch, but the tunnels they were headed for had no reason for the light. They were a mass grave, where the bodies of those fighters who didn't make it were carelessly tossed. Ves was not looking forward to wading through corpses, but what other choice did they have?\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He allowed her to take him by the hand and lead him into the darkness. His breath was shallow and quickened by the dark around him. His hand tensed up as they lost the light of the torches. He knew what was ahead... His foes.\n\nHe knew this was going to hurt, they usually tossed the broken swords down here too. He had to be careful, lest he finds himself trapped in mountains of bodies. They eventually approached the small barred entrance. Luckily, they never locked these doors, since it was just a makeshift compost pit. He could practically smell the maggots deep in his eyes, forcing a tear from his working eye from the smell. He looked down to Ves.*\n\n \"This is it, we have to move through that. There may be broken swords, bones, teeth... Ve careful. Be brave.\" *He once again said that to himself more than her. Regardless, he didn't want his savior to bleed out on a broken blade...*\n\n||\n\n*He decided that he would go first, if something was to cut his skin, he would be able to warn Ves. He didn't like the idea of going in the dark. He hated that idea. His mind was currently roaring at him to leave now before it's too late... But if he went back he'd die in this hell, like Solaire. She wanted him to leave, she truky did... He prayed that he didn't come across her decaying beauty in this pit of corpses.\n\nHe lowered himself to his hands and knees and began to shuffle forward. The stone floor scraped his knees and He bumped his head as he entered but... He knew he had to do this. Once he had crawled in enough, he began to breathe solely through his mouth, beckoning her to follow him.\n\n\"Come. Sooner we do this the safer we will be. Fight above nearly over. I'm supposed to be next.\" *He pointed to the ceiling with a look of discomfort.\n\nUrsa then turned to look before him; rows and rows of bodied piled on top of each other were in various stages of decay, the smell magnified by the heat. The fresh ones were in various stages of agony, their faces frozen in pain, eyes half faded. Some even uncannily looked like his blind eye... The more decayed ones were partially rotted away, revealing bone and other offal within.*"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "The smell grew stronger and more pungent and Ves lifted her free hand to cover her mouth and nose. The stench was sickening. She could feel the Goliath beside her tense up as they moved beyond the light. Was he afraid? Did he share in her fear? What did he have to be afraid of? Ves shook the thought aside. Even though he was big and strong, he still had the right to be scared. The Kobold knew that fear was universal, even if some people did not care to admit it.\n\nAs they approached the entrance, Ves had to pause and wait for her stomach to stop churning. She nodded solemnly in response to the Goliath's words. \"I'll be careful,\" She promised. \"I'll be brave.\" She got the feeling now that he was talking to both of them when he spoke those words.\n\nWith wide eyes she watched him move forward and drop to his hands and knees. At least she didn't need to do that: she was small enough to squeeze through. She did wish she had shoes. She had leather wraps around her clawed feet, but they wouldn't protect against discarded swords. After he had passed under the low gate she followed quickly after.\n\nHer steps were light and stealthy. Of course he would be next to fight. They would notice his absence immediately and the alarm would sound. They would look for him... And her. She was seen with him and they would know. Ves fought the trembling that threatened to chatter her teeth. She wouldn't freeze up in fear. She would keep going.\n\nVes tried not to look at the bodies, but it was impossible. They seemed to be everywhere. Faces twisted in everlasting pain and blank cloudy eyes stared at her. Mouths lay open in silent agonized screams for help. It was too late for these poor souls. But it wasn't too late for her Goliath friend. She could save him at least. It was pure coincidence that he was the one she chose to attempt to lead to freedom, but she didn't regret the decision. She stood by her beliefs.\n\nSwallowing hard to keep herself from vomiting, Ves began to maneuver around the lifeless people and the carelessly tossed weapons. It was like walking through a pit of needles. One wrong step and she would be cut to ribbons. Luckily, Ves was a creature of stealth and was used to picking her way through obstacles. She only hoped her new friend was doing as well. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Ursa was struggling. He had seen gore. He had disemboweled lions and wore intestines as garters for the savages above. He beat a man to death with his own severed leg. But this was something else. He gagged on the stench and tried to focus on ahead. If he could get through this, he was free. He could be at peace.\n\nHe winced as he felt the inevitable slash of a gladius sword against his thigh. He quickly picked up the discarded weapon. Thankfully, it was fresh and only covered with his blood. Perhaps one of his mercy killings? Ursa threw it aside with an echoing clink. He paused, waiting in case that single sound spelled their doom. It was in that silence he heard the creaking of the pit. \n\nHe immediately looked to the ceiling as a light began to open up a good story above them, casting a light over Ves. The klaxon horn sounded, signalling the death of a fighter. That was the chute where the bodies fell from.* \"Move in front. Now!\" *He made a hushed yell to Ves a body at that height would seriously hurt her frail form. He pressed himself against the wall of flesh with a sickening squelch, lukewarm viscera painting his back as the flesh of a corpse, as fickle as paper mache, peeled away on his scarred back. It was a small gap, but enough for her to squeeze through.\n\nThe sound of the body being thrown from above could be heard as the poor sod hit something against the stone walls. It was coming. And Ves needed to act fast!*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Light flooded the chamber suddenly as the ceiling above opened up. It hurt her eyes and once adjusted, she wished they hadn't. The light only served to illuminate the horrors around them. But there was a more immediate problem. A body was about to be dumped. And she was right below where it would fall.\n\nShe darted forward and through the gap her companion had created. In her rush, however, she felt something slice into her thigh. She let out a soft cry of pain, but the sound was drowned out by the cheering crowds above. \n\nVes managed to get out of the way just as the body hit the ground with a disgusting *Splat.* Gore splattered out from the corpse, and the Kobold felt her stomach churn once again as blood splashed across her tiny frame. She was breathing hard, her little heart pounding like a drum in her chest. It had been a close call. Any slower and she would have been beneath that body and likely too injured to continue. \n\nThe light began to disappear as the chute was closed once more. Only then did she pause to look down at her thigh. There was a shard of metal sticking out of it and the pain made her shudder. She knew better than to pull it out just yet. Opening the wound might make it bleed worse and if it had hit a major artery, she would bleed out in minutes. Hopefully that wasn't the case, but she had to be careful.\n\n\"A-Are you alright?\" She stammered as she looked up at the Goliath, looking him over for injuries. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*His eye widened when Ves narrowly avoided a crushing end. Maybe that was why she was fretting over him. His face was stoic, still up until this point. Now, his bushy, unkempt brows were raised and his eyes widened to the point the claw scars hurt from the strain over his inept eye. His torso was covered in blood, an eyeball slowly peeling off of his skin, dropping to the floor with a sickly splat.\n\nIn his mind, he swore she would end up like her. He almost swore he saw Ves crushed... Her voice was muffled in his panicked ears. It was only when she began to look him over did he snap back to reality. He stared over at her, taking a deep breath.*\n\n\"I am fine. Are you?\" *He sat down against the flesh and looked at her intently, he was scanning for any wounds. Unable to see her thigh in the dark.* \"Can you move?\" *His words were slow, methodical, between each heaving breath as he calmed himself. Specks of blood had gotten into his wild and thorny beard and brows. He was unharmed beside the pain in his back, which throbbed like a thumb trapped in a stable door or bowstring.*\n\n\"Ves?\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "\"I can walk,\" She said quietly through chattering teeth. \"We should... We should keep moving.\" She wanted out of this place. It was making her sick. The stench of fresh blood mixed with the rot and decay seemed to overwhelm her keen senses. And the pain in her leg only added to her nausea. \n\nShe took a deep breath through her mouth. She could taste the fresh coppery blood in the air. Sweat trickled down her brow and she was pale, though it would be difficult to tell in the darkness. She knew she had come close to dying and their escape wasn't yet over.\n\n\"Come on. We're almost there,\" She whispered, reaching for his hand through the blackness. She gave his hand a little squeeze as she began to move again. She limped along now, a little less stealthy, but still mostly silent. Secretly she was worried about her leg. She wasn't exactly certain what was stuck there, but she knew it needed to be removed and thoroughly cleaned and bandaged. They just didn't have the time right now to do all that\n\nA *Squelch* Sounded from nearby as a bloated corpse opened up and maggots spilled out. Ves hoped she'd never have to do anything like this ever again. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He nodded his head and, for some reason, allowed her to take his hand in hers as they moved across the bloody landscape. His heart was a fast, irratic pace: Thump-Thum-Tha-THUM-Thum-Tha-THUM. He noticed she was limping... His stomach dropped. She had been hurt by moving ahead.\n\n\"When we make a break for it. I will carry you.\" *He said, conviction in his words. He knew she needed some medical attention. He would have to help her or get her help himself. He covered his mouth, swallowing back vomit as he watched the bloated corpse open up like a squashed fruit. He stopped for a second, his eyes stung from the smell and his back was aching. He felt something wriggling on his skin. He suppressed the dreaded thought as he pressed on.\n\nSomething caught his ear, something ahead... It was echoing and unclear but he knew that tone anywhere. A cawing. He used his free hand to rub his necklace. 'Please, Shrike. Guide us.' he said in his head. Round one of the more empty, yet blood soaked passages, a flash of red could be seen.* \"Follow the light. We will be out of here and on the last stretch.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "\"A-Alright,\" She stammered when he offered to carry her. She wasn't going to argue. She was grateful for the suggestion. Even without an injury she would be slower than him, simply because his stride was that much longer. Ves knew she weighed very little and was unlikely to slow him down very much either.\n\n\"Follow the light,\" She repeated as they finally left the main chamber where the pile of corpses lay rotting. The corridor was still soaked in blood, but they were at last leaving the thick stench behind them. Was that a hint of fresh air? They were almost there! Ves felt her heart leap into her throat. \n\nThe cawing of birds made her long ears twitch. The light was getting closer and closer. Just a few more steps and yes! Finally! Fresh air hit her as her eyes adjusted to the brightness. They had made it out of the pits. But the danger wasn't over yet. They still needed to get far away from there. The alarm would sound at any moment. Was it time to run?\n\nEyes darting back and forth, Ves searched for signs of any guards. None seemed to be patrolling this area at least. \"We should go further into the city. I know of a place where we can lie low. An old stable where no one goes. We can rest there.\" To move meant they would have to step out into the sunlight and into a clearing. It was probably the most dangerous part of this venture. The guards on the walls above them might be paying attention and they usually had crossbows. This might be the end of their journey. But Ves was determined. They had come this far. They would go a bit further still.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Ursa followed her to the mouth of the corridor. He could see the light. It was blinding, all he saw was white bright light. And then a flash of red. A corvid flew down and looked at them. It was no ordinary bird. It had swirling tattoos over its body that glew a slow, yet pulsing red with eyes to match. It squawked at them, at Ursa.\n\nHe smiled as it hopped up towards them. Reaching a finger out and making the motion of stroking its head with a curled finger. It tilted it's head towards the gesture, even though no contact was made physically.*\n\n\"Shrike will help us, won't you?\" *The bird replied in kind with a short but fast bob of it's head, twice in a rapid succession. It then flew off and began to squawk loudly above, the sound of clattering could be heard and annoyed grunts from Orcs as they tried to cease the incessant noise.\n\nIt was then that Ursa dropped down and offered himself to Ves.* \"Direct me. I shall run for us.\""
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves looked in surprise as a bird swooped down and squawked at them. But the Goliath seemed to know the creature. He even reached out to pet the raven, though no actual physical contact was made. The bird didn't appear to be a normal pet. Was it a familiar perhaps? She was no expert on the subject, but it seemed it might be. \n\nShe would have to ask later. For now she moved to climb onto the Goliath's back, wrapping her arms around his neck so she could hang on. Her grip was tight, but not tight enough to choke him. She felt a sharp pain in her thigh as she moved into position and cringed. Luckily she was behind him by then and her expression of pain could not be seen.\n\n\"Alright. See those buildings over there, the ones with the red rooftops? Head in that direction. The stable isn't too far from there. We'll take the alleys and avoid the main streets. I don't know how far they'll go to search for us.\" It probably depended on his value as a slave. If he won fights frequently (and it seemed he did) then they would want him back. He would need to lie low for a while.\n\n||"
}
] | 265 | 3,974 |
279.388889 | 2023-12-31 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He placed his hands behind his back to hold her in place against the backs of his palms. A memory came to light of being carried around like this by someone... His big sister...? The memory faded as soon as it came. He shook his head. Whoever she was, she had to wait.*\n\n\"I see them. Hold on tight. Use claws if need to.\" *In this light, it was clear to see how dirty, bloody and damaged he was. Whiplashes covered his back in a deep, jagged 'X' and over his shoulder, she could see the telltale sign of a slave - a scarred branding symbol, a grey-purple ring with an insignia on it.\n\nA chunk of one of his ears looked like it had been bitten off and the wound sewn shut. He was damaged goods. A few more years at most - a few weeks at least - and he would've been killed by a newer 'star' of the pits. It was fated that she rescued him when she did.\n\nHe secured her on his back with a small bump to hold her higher as he began to take a few small steps (granted they were huge compared to her). Each step got a bit wider, a tiny bit faster before he was slowly sidestepping, the jogging, then he broke into a full on sprint.\n\nHe felt the floor beneath his bare feet - it was smooth, cold, slightly wet. It was like nothing he had ever felt! The musty air in his lungs that he was so used to was soon swapped for bucket-breaths of clear air. His pale, malnourished stony skin shone like starlight in his strides. A small gap in the ground came up ahead of him, and he leapt across it with ease, jumping a least two feet upwards, landing with a stumble and continuing his run.\n\nSomething damp hit Ves' face as he did so, it was small and clear. Ursa was crying tears of joy, quietly laughing as he finally felt the freedom Solaire had wanted for him all this time. He praised Lunam, he praised Lunam a thousand times.\n\nAnother tear hit her cheek.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves held on tightly as her newfound friend began to run. She was finally able to study him in the light and could see the tortures he had endured. He was scarred and branded, with bits of flesh missing entirely. The lash marks across his back made her queasy. She had been struck by a whip once or twice in her life and could not imagine what it was like to receive a flogging.\n\nWetness struck her face and confused her. Was it raining? The sky seemed clear. Was someone throwing something at them? No, nothing of the sort. He was crying. It was his tears that hit her cheeks. Her own tears pricked at her eyes as she became overwhelmed by this display of pure joy. She smiled, happy for him, happy for his new life. There was nothing she wanted more in the world than to bring people like him their freedom.\n\nNo crossbow bolts came whizzing past. They made it to the nearest alley safely and unseen. Ves continued to direct him through the city, whispering in his ear which way to go. She knew the city well and knew how to avoid the main streets and guard patrols. A few people may have looked their way briefly before turning back to their own shady business. Anyone in the back alleys had reasons for being there and few wanted to bring attention to themselves.\n\nThey eventually made it to an abandoned stable. \"In there,\" She said into his ear. He would have to duck to enter, but the inside was dry and spacious. There was old stale hay piled in one corner to make a small bed, as well as a few candles and a satchel. It seemed Ves had been staying there for a while. She waited for him to kneel before sliding off his back. As soon as she put weight on her injured leg, it buckled beneath her. The adrenaline was wearing off now and Ves yelped as pain shot through her. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*When he came upon civilisation, he was fearful, aggressive, anxious. Like a caged animal... He was secretly thankful for the whispered directions of Ves. It was a sight to see. A half naked Goliath piggybacking a Kobold around town... One elf took one look and decided he was finishing drinking for that day.\n\nHe ducked into the stable and looked around, it was large and spacious, was this what homes looked like in the free world? Stables? He had never seen one before, it was alien to him, as we're the strange races he saw on the way here.\n\nAs she slid off his back, he saw and heard her pain. He immediately crouched down to her level, scanning her for injuries. When he saw her leg, he kissed his teeth momentarily.* \"You help me. I now help you.\"\n\n*He picked her up and placed her on the stale hay bed, looking at the wound, to see how bad it was and how he could help her. He had been in many injuries before, many sword wounds. To him, this was a weekend occasion. He watched her face for signs of pain in specific areas.*"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Sweat trickled down Ves' neck. As the adrenaline faded, the pain became worse. It was really amazing what the body was capable of hiding in times of stress. Now, though, the Kobold only had the pain to focus on. She looked down at her thigh where the metal shard was sticking out. There were about three inches sticking out and it was impossible to know how much more was embedded into her flesh. She swallowed hard, her entire body beginning to shake. She didn't handle pain well.\n\n\"T-There are bandages in that satchel,\" She stammered, nodding her head towards the nearby pack. \"As well as a salve to aid in healing. We need to remove the shard, then apply pressure to slow the bleeding.\" He probably knew all this, but it seemed Ves was talking more to herself. It was comforting for her to have a plan. \"We'll have to clean the wound and apply the salve, but it might have to wait until the wound stops bleeding. H-Hopefully it didn't hit an artery,\" She added.\n\nHer little body was shaking quite violently now. She took slow and deliberate breaths, trying not to panic. Her amber eyes looked up at the Goliath with a haunted expression. She was terrified. More terrified than she had been the entire time during their escape. It probably seemed quite strange to her new friend, who was likely accustomed to grievous injuries. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*The Goliath looked at the injury. He had seen worse. Thankfully, he knew a bit about working on broken blades like this. He pointed a finger down to it and began to mutter something under his breath. The jagged edge of the blade began to spark as it repaired itself, making the exit wound more clean. He then used some stale straw to tie around her thigh.* \n\n\"This may hurt.\" *He spoke softly and without growl as he worked. Never once did he look up at her but he hesitated before placing a hand on her thigh. He grabbed the satchel and begen to gently grip the blade. He used one hand to steady her thigh and another to hold the blade.* \"Squeeze me if you need to.\"\n\n*He began to slowly pull the shard out, trying his best to not shake it or jut into something. As soon as it was out, he examined the edge and placed pressure on the wound the pressure of a Goliath was almost crushing but secure. It was then he raised his eye to meet her's.\n\nHis golden eye and milky white one looked into her eyes and saw her expression of fear and pain. In a soft voice he simply said:* \"Breathe.\" *He then began to breathe slowly to show her how. His lungs were huge compared to her's so he used shallow breaths that would be a full lung to her.\n\n\"It will heal. But I will be carrying you from now on. No weight on leg.\" *He continued his breathing for her to follow. He was oddly calm, less primal than he was a minute ago. It's like a button clicked in his head...* \"I want to you know, you will live. You will heal. You will persevere. Repeat those words in your heart.\"\n\n*He thought her panic was unnecessary, but he knew he was different to her. Maybe reptiles couldn't handle pain like him.*\n\n*In the light of say, it was easy to see his scarred face. Over his white eye was the claws of a wild beast, it was healed mostly, but it was deep. He likely would never see from that eye again.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves couldn't help but whimper as she balled her little hands into fists. She bit down on the inside of her cheek as he began to pull the shard from her flesh. Ves wasn't good at handling pain. She feared it, in fact. She reached out to clutch his shoulder tightly in order to ground herself as the stable began to spin. The color drained from her face and she looked like she might be sick.\n\nAt his command she exhaled slowly, then gulped another breath of air. Exhale, inhale, exhale... The Kobold focused on her breathing and on keeping herself from passing out. She trusted him. He wouldn't let her bleed out and die. For some reason she *Knew* This with all her heart.\n\n\"T-Thank you,\" She said quietly, finally finding her voice again. \"I've never been good with... With pain.\" She sounded ashamed and her long ears were low. \"But how are you? Are you okay?\" It was easier to fuss over him than to worry about herself. It was a way to distract herself from her injury. Not being able to walk was going to be troublesome. They couldn't stay at the stable forever. And someone had to venture out to find supplies. He couldn't be seen wandering the streets, not as he was.\n\nTaking another slow breath, Ves smiled up at him and reached for his hand. \"You're free now. Do you... Do you have any idea what you'll do next?\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He listened to her whimper and whine like a wounded animal. He didn't like it. It bore holes into him to hear animals in pain. He allowed her to grasp his shoulder, feeling her claws break skin slightly. He didn't mind the pain. Pain is a reminder he lived.\n\nHe began to clean the wound, wrap her up and secure the wound. It would be an easy heal if she rested. He listened to her speak. And waited for her to finish.* \"Pain is a reminder that we are survivors. At least for me. I am fine. I am... More fine then before.\"\n\n*He nodded his head. He didn't smile, but he was appreciative. He wouldn't let her bleed out, somehow he knew she knew that. He let her hold his hand, for some reason that must bring her comfort? He slowly closed his hand around her's, he thinks that's how you do it. He looked at her and spoke directly.* \"I... Do not know. I must heal. I must... Learn. I need a new life.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "\"Survivors. Yes...\" Ves said thoughtfully, her ears twitching. He was right. And the scar would provide an excellent story. Maybe if she ever had children she could tell them the tale of when she freed a Goliath. Though Ves really couldn't imagine herself as a mother. Her own mother had practically been a stranger to her. How was she supposed to treat her own offspring?\n\nShaking the thought away, she smiled for the both of them. Ves was overjoyed by the fact that he now had his freedom. It would be a tough existence, perhaps, being on the run. But if luck was on his side then they would give up the search. \"I would suggest getting out of Dasvaz first. They'll be less likely to follow you beyond the border.\" She would know. She had already been across twice now. \n\nVes blinked as she remembered something suddenly. \"I... I never asked for your name.\" In the rush of the escape there hadn't been time. And then the pain of her injury had distracted her further. But now, with a sudden clarity, she remembered she didn't know what to call him. It felt very important somehow. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He paused... His name. He didn't recall it. But he knew what she called him.* \"I... I was born from Ursa. Björn Ursa. Björn. Björn is my name. You are Ves. I am Björn.\" *He paused for a while, he stumbled over it a few times.\n\nHis mind was cast back. He saw Solaire as he tried to pronounce his name. She was the one who shortened it to Björn... But what was his name?! It racked his head into a spiral.*\n\n\"I need... To leave... Don't know where to go... No knowing.\" *He stumbled over his words once more. He wasn't used to speaking... He never had to.* \"Where... Where will Ves go?\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "\"Björn,\" She repeated carefully, sounding it out. She liked it. Not that her opinion on the subject mattered. His name was his name. That was all that mattered. \"Hello Björn.\" Again she smiled.\n\nHer smile shifted slowly into a frown. She squeezed his hand comfortingly, looking up into his eyes. She wondered how he had gotten his scar. \"Easy. Don't rush. Think about it carefully. No one is making you decide immediately,\" She soothed. She had seen this with many of the other slaves she had freed. Some knew immediately what path they wanted to take. But most were clueless and panicked when faced with their sudden freedom.\n\n\"As for me, I'm not sure. I had just escaped Dasvaz when I returned.\" It had been as though something was calling her to come back. Something had been telling her that she was needed. Was it Björn? \"Honestly, I want to travel. I want to see the world. And *Help* The world. There are more slaves out there that might need my assistance.\"\n\nHer silver scales seemed to glow red suddenly as she became bashful and shy. Her tail flicked anxiously. \"But this isn't about me. Why don't you tell me a little about yourself and we can figure out where you'd fit in? I have a map, although... I can't read. But it's pretty to look at and you can kind of see where mountains and forests are. It's in my satchel.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"I can not read... Much. I was taught once. Not much common.\" *He listened to her talk though, her words soothed him. It was as if she rehearsed the lines.* \"You were a slave?\" *He raised is brows in concern - a new expression - for her safety here.* \"Why come back?\"\n\n*As he listened to her talk about what she wanted, his eyesight didn't leave her eyes. Her scales became red... Why did she do that?* \"What do I tell you?\" *He was clueless to what she wanted from him. But he would try his best to provide.*\n\n\"I am Goliath. I don't know home. Home is lost memory. Family lost too. Tribe lost. I like Axe. They are nice to use. Chop trees. I like trees... They are gentle souls.\" *His face softened as he spoke of trees. It was true that some believed them sentient but he seemed to know it.* \"I remember cold. Cold is comfort to me. Wind makes sounds at night, it comforts me.\" *He made a whistling sound, his home had trees and strong winds.*\n\n\"I want to make sure... You safe.\" *He looked at her, prodding her wounded thigh as he held it.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "\"I wasn't a slave, no. I was never owned. But I worked alongside slaves everyday in the mines. I saw what happened to them. I witnessed the horrors they had to endure. And I... I wanted to do something about it. I wanted to help. So I started freeing them, like I did for you today. Only I was eventually caught and I had to run. That's why I originally crossed the border. To get away.\"\n\nShe leaned forward as he began to talk about himself. Her ears twitched at the sound of his voice, hoarse from lack of use. She had heard that before too. Ves waited patiently until he was finished before nodding. She then reached towards her satchel, digging around until she pulled out a rolled map. \n\nThe Kobold flinched a little when he squeezed her thigh, but nodded her understanding. She unrolled the map between them and began to point with a clawed finger. \"If you like trees, maybe we could try a forest?\" She motioned towards some crude tree drawings. \"Or if you like cold and windy, why not the mountains?\" All she could do was go by the pictures. The words made no sense to her and the color had long since faded. \n\n\"There are lots of places out there. Lots of new cities and new people and new wilderness,\" She said dreamily. Then her expression turned to steel. \"And there are others that deserve emancipation.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn listened to her. She was clever. She was lucky. She only had to witness, not endure. He wished he was any bit as lucky. He was not. He didn't understand every word she said, but he got the jist: She worked, worked with slaves in something called a Mine. She tried to free the slaves. She was caught and ran away.*\n\n*He felt somewhat embarrassed by his lack of speech, however she did not seem to mind it. She understood him. Why did she look at him like that when he spoke? Why did she listen? Why was she not chasing him out? He took his hand off her thigh and placed it back in his own, rubbing then together. She was warmer than he, then again. He had practically no clothes. He looked around for anything but... Nothing.*\n\n\"You sound happy about places. You explore. It makes your scales red. Red suits.\" *He managed to get that much out before his throat became dry again. A short cough later, he looked for at the parchment she called a map.* \"Where do you go?\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Her scales turned red again at his words and she ducked her head shyly. She was probably talking too much. He probably thought she was a fool. She felt foolish sometimes. \n\nShe noted his shiver and his cough and quickly pulled out her waterskin again. She offered it up to him. \"I have a blanket,\" She said as she pulled one from her satchel. \"It's not much but it will help.\" She offered this out to him as well, looking concerned for his well-being.\n\n\"As for where I'm going: I haven't thought about it very much. Maybe I'll go to the forest? I know this place is called 'Lerwick' but I don't know what's around there,\" She said as she pointed to a circled area. \"That's as far as I got and it's close to the border of Dasvaz, which is right here.\" \n\n\"There's a forest down here and I guess that's a big city there?\" She said as she traced her finger along the map. \"There are so many places to go! I haven't decided yet. A big city might be fun. I suppose it depends on the people. Sorry, I'm babbling...\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He liked her babbling. He hadn't heard words for a long time. There was something in the cadence of her talking... It intruiged him. He thanked her, wrapping himself in the blanket... That only covered his head and shoulders... He was amazed at how soft it was! What was this? The hair of Lunmar himself?! It was amazing on his skin, if a bit tickly.\n\nHe took two swigs of the water and handed it back. He could tell she was concerned. She became red and lowered her head. He did not understand at all, was she submitting? Yielding? He did not understand... They were not fighting, were they?*\n\n\"Ler... Wick... Forests and cities. There are lots to see.\" *He kind of understood her words.* \"Do not apologise, I am not hurt or sad. I like hearing you speak. Your voice is nice.\" *He spoke plainly, it was true that hearing common was nice for once. He swore he knew more orcish than he did his own tongue.*"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "She took the waterskin back and took a few drinks herself. Then she once again began digging through her satchel. She came up with a small bundle, which she handed to him. Inside was a few strips of jerky. \"Again, it's not much, but you need to eat.\" \n\nBefore he could argue, she pulled out a biscuit and began to nibble on it. But she was frozen in her tracks when he mentioned liking her voice. Her scales flared red again and she gave a nervous little laugh. What was *Wrong* With her? She just wasn't accustomed to people being nice to her. She took another bite from her biscuit, chewing thoughtfully.\n\n\"Or maybe I'll go this way instead, towards the mountains. Though a city is a good place to find leads... I just don't know. What do you think?\" She asked him honestly. The very tip of her tail flicked cat-like behind her."
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"Hmm... Mountains cold for small lizards. You need furs. Mountains closer to Lunmar.\" *He had a point, his people preferred the mountainous terrain to be closer to their patron God. He chewed the jerky and nodded his head in thanks. He ate noisily, not knowing manners...*\n\n\"Cities have people. Mountains have not. What do you look for? From there, decide your trail... Your tail... It flicks?\" *He tilted his head like a confused dog. He reached out to touch it but stopped himself, not thinking it proper to just grab anything that confused him, it could be poisonous.*\n\n\"Either way you go, I go.\" *He nodded his head.* \"I stay with Ves. Keep her safe. Explore.\" *He seemed very certain of that. It was not like he had anything else to do or go. He was a blank slate, his life had reset before her and all he had was a small lizard with maybe-red scales.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "\"Good point. I could always buy furs though, if we wanted to go there. I took some gems with me from the mines. A lot of people take them for goods.\" She had the distinct feeling that she had been swindled by many of those greedy merchants, but what could she do? She had needed supplies.\n\n\"Though I'm looking for people I can help. Slaves I can try to set free. So I suppose I should go where there are many people. Hmm?\" She looked up just in time to see him going to touch her tail. Before she could react, he had stopped himself. \n\n\"Oh, ah... My tail's just expressive, that's all,\" She mumbled. \"It seems to have a mind of its own sometimes.\" She grew silent for a moment at his words, considering. She should be encouraging him to go where he wanted and all she was doing was talking about herself. Yet truthfully Ves would be grateful for his presence. He was good company. \n\n\"Alright then. We'll go together. To the city. But that's a long way off. First we have to focus on escaping Dasvaz again. I might have to alter our path a little to account for your size, but that's okay. We'll make it out.\"\n\n||"
}
] | 259.5 | 5,029 |
272 | 2024-01-01 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He nodded his head, mimicking what she did when he spoke. He assumed it's what you are meant to do, although didn't see the point.* \"Help more slaves? Maybe not slaves too?\" *He raised a brow, making his one eye look larger for a second.*\n\n\"Many people means many tasks. Many tasks means pay. Food. Water. Sleep.\" *The Goliath had a point. However, he looked very uncivilised for the city; a slaves loincloth, a blanket over his head, unruly hair and beard, untamed brows bordering on unibrows and that's excusing the smell and the fact he was covered with mud and blood... And stale straw.*\n\n\"Tail is nice. Tail is friend.\" *He nodded to the tail, considering it to have a mind of its own literally.* \"I go with you? We go together. I keep you safe, you teach me. Help me... Be normal. He good. I want to be good.\" *His words, while blanked and stunted, was earnest and true.*\n\n\"We can do it together. Be brave. Escape Orcs and be happy. Be brave.\" *It was beginning to sound like a mantra, the amount of times he said that. Was he even capable of such contemplations?* \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "\"Yes. You're absolutely right. I should help all that I can,\" She agreed wholeheartedly. Although her goal was to be the slaves that didn't mean she couldn't help others along the way. Despite his seemingly simple ways, Björn had a certain honest wisdom to him. \n\nVes took this moment to study Björn closely, noting his clothing, or lack thereof. She wasn't much better off. Her armor was old and worn and her cloak and cowl had holes in it. They both were in need of a new wardrobe and probably a bath. Ves considered how to make it happen. Björn was in more need than she was. Normally she'd go into the market and see about buying him something. But with her injured leg that didn't seem likely.\n\n\"We'll go together. And we'll be brave together,\" Ves said with a smile. They'd make their way through the world together, at least until he decided where he wanted to go. And they would head towards the city on the map, wherever that may be. \"As for being normal, I'm not exactly the best teacher for that. I'm not a normal example of a Kobold.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He shook his head.* \"Kobold... No. I want to be like Ves. Ves is kind. Ves is clever. Ves knows... More words. Ves had clothes.\" *He almost made a chuckle sound, it was more like a huff but the sentiment was there.*\n\n*Björn noticed that her cloak and cowl had holes and frowned. He held out his hand.* \"Cloak, give.\" *He opened and closed his hand to signal that he wanted to see it. He wanted to see if he could help. Björn was malnourished but it was obvious he had strength, his muscles were strong and pretty good size for a Goliath. His body had no hair on it that she could see besides his face and head. On his shoulder was a strange tattoo... Or was it a birth mark? Either seemed likely.*\n\n\"Yes we will go together.\" *He tried to mimic her polite baring of fangs but instead just flashed his teeth at her in a calm way, making him look pretty odd.* \"We stick together and we survive. And help others.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "No one had ever expressed such sentiment towards her before. He wanted to be like *Her?* Weak and vulnerable and tiny? He wanted the entire world to be a threat? Surely not. He just didn't understand what he was claiming. No, that wasn't fair. Björn certainly seemed to know more than he let on. But it still made little sense to Ves.\n\n\"Oh, okay,\" She said as she removed her cloak and cowl, revealing the worn armor underneath. It, too, was stolen property and didn't fit very well. It was obviously not meant for her. Ves handed Björn the cloak with a tilt of her head. What was he going to do?\n\n\"So I think the first thing we need to do is rest. We can take turns keeping watch. Then we need to get you cleaned up and get you some new clothes. We need to try and blend in,\" As much as a Goliath could anyway. \"I have the gems to trade; we just need to find a way to the market without being noticed.\"\n\nShe grit her teeth, looking frustrated. If only she hadn't gotten hurt! This would have been far simpler. Kobold weren't exactly rare here and so she had safely taken multiple trips to the market. She needed to convince Björn that she would be okay and that it was the only way. Tomorrow though. Right now they needed rest. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn took the cloak into his hand and felt all the holes in the fabric. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, he once more took his finger to the fabric and chanted under his breath, the fabric began to mend itself. By the time he finished the cloak, he was out of breath. He took a moment to catch his breath and handed the cloak back.* \"Here. Good as new.\"\n\n*He listened to her plan before nodding.* \"Yes. We need to not look... Like this.\" *He gestured to himself with a sense of irony that he didn't even get .* \"You trade. I will... Help. Or hide. I am sorry I do not know healing magic. I only know Transmutation...\"\n\n*He looked at her and could see she was tired.* \"Sleep, small... Ves. You need rest. I will sleep later.\" *It was true that he only needed a bit of sleep. Yes he was tired, but she was injured. Rest would make her fit sooner. He could try to help her in the morning. But he swore to himself he would not let her damage her leg. He swore to himself then and there he would protect his savior.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves grew silent as Björn began to focus. She understood that he was doing some kind of magic, although she wasn't experienced enough to know what exactly it was. Magic of any sort fascinated her and perhaps even frightened her a little. It was something she could not even begin to understand. She stared with wide eyes as the fabric of her cloak began to mend until it was whole once more. Ves took it back with an awed expression.\n\n\"Transmutation,\" She repeated thoughtfully as she pulled the cloak back on, leaving the cowl hood lowered. \"Well that's more magic than I know. Don't worry. We'll figure this out. Thank you for mending my cloak, Björn.\"\n\nShe *Was* Rather tired. Although the blood loss had been minimal, she still felt weak. Sleep would be good. And perhaps she'd actually get to sleep peacefully for once. She had never had a companion to watch her back before. It would be a new experience for her.\n\n\"Alright. I'll sleep first. But promise that you'll wake me up and take your turn also. You need rest as well.\" She looked up at him sternly, making sure he knew that she was serious. Then she settled down in the bed of hay, shifting this way and that until she found a comfortable position that would not hurt her leg. Sighing, the Kobold closed her eyes and let sleep take her. She trusted Björn completely to keep her safe.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn nodded his head to her thanks. He was happy to be of help. He saw through her resistance of fatigue... She was going to sleep whether she wanted to or not.\n\n\"Sleep.\" *He saw the stern look in his eyes and lowered his head a bit. In a serious, clear tone, he looked her dead in the eyes and spoke:* \"I swear to protect you with my life and blood, Ves.\" *He lingered on her name as he spoke, not breaking eye contact for a second. A fire lit behind his eyes... His oath was set.*\n\n*He watched her rest, taking the blanket from his head and gently layed it on her... As gently as a warrior could. He then slowly stood up, standing in the entrance of the old, creaking stable. He watched the first stars of night appear... His connection to his God was emboldened as he saw His moon... In his hands swirled a magic energy as he closed his eyes momentarily, thanking the Lord for Ves. He looked again at the moon and softly declared:*\n\n\"I swear it on my life.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves dreamed as she slept. They were nonsensical dreams, images of her past and present all blended together. First she was working alongside Björn in the mines, then they were running into a forest hand-in-hand. The winds blew snow into her eyes as she struggled her way up a mountain. It was so cold! The Orcs were chasing them. She could hear their battle cries on the wind. They had to keep moving. She had to help Björn get home. It was all that mattered. \n\nShe awoke on her own and insisted the Goliath take his turn to rest. She could keep watch on her own, even with her hurt leg. Everything seemed peaceful and she reflected absently on her dream. Was that her purpose? To return Björn to his home? Or was it just a dream?\n\nAs the sun rose over the city, Ves glanced back at her new companion. They would have a busy day ahead of them. First things first though: they needed to get cleaned up and find some new clothes. Ves knew of a bathhouse they could use, so long as no one was looking for them there. Why would they be? They probably assumed the escapee had fled the city by now.\n\nThe marketplace would have clothing in his size, or so she hoped. She *Thought* She had seen some before, but hadn't really been paying attention. It hadn't occurred to her that she would have a friend his size to take care of. She didn't mind. She wanted to take care of him. So she let him sleep a bit longer. While she waited for the sun to fully rise she nibbled on a small piece of jerky. \n\n||"
}
] | 262.5 | 2,176 |
382.428571 | 2024-01-02 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn remained in one spot all the time Ves slept. His eyes on the moon and stars. He would not forsake his post, he was a good warrior and now he will be a good Guardian. As she slept, he thought about being free. By now he would have been lashed and beaten and thrown into the ring against an opponent with some magical advantages. But he never had to be a slave again.\n\nHe hesitated to sleep but when Ves pestered and insisted for him to do so, be layed down on the bed of hay. It was scratchy, uncomfortable, warm. Eventually, Björn decided it was high time he sleep how he usually does and layed on the cold floor of the stable. He could feel the grooves of the flooring and smell the dryness of the wood around him. Somehow, he found himself falling asleep.\n\nIn his dreams, he had vivid experiences... A young boy who was always sick, crying when his family was took away. A red bird flying through frozen trees. His brand lit aflame with the fires of vengeance. Stolen glances at a girl. Ves fighting in the arena... His death at the hands of another as he defended Ves. His dreams were brutal and real, in truth... It scared him.\n\nAs Ves looked back at him, he was layed on the floor curled up in a ball. He had been muttering and shivering for a little bit of the Night but now he was less violent. He almost seemed... Peaceful. His face, usually scrunched up in a permanent scowl, was relaxed. His brows were not close to his eyes like she once believed, they were tall and stoic. His scraggly, dirty beard hid a pair of lips that never once smiled in his adult life, now layed neutral. He slept with kne hand tightly clasped in the other, as if he was holding on to something or someone.\n\nAs the sun fully rose on the horizon, Björn slowly begin to wake up. He didn't speak a word. He simply got up, walked to an open area and began doing pushups, a soft growl eminating from him as he worked out, seemingly stuck in a loop.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves did not fuss when Björn chose the floor over the pile of straw. She only wished she could provide her friend with better accommodations. A tavern bed would have been welcomed. Even she had yet to sleep in a proper bed since her escape. She had been too scared on her own to even approach an inn. Maybe with Björn's help she could finally do so. People might turn away a small helpless Kobold, but a Goliath? Perhaps he would have more sway.\n\nOccasionally Ves would glance back at Björn as he slept. What did he dream about, she wondered. Fighting? Freedom? Blood? Flowers? Puppies? Ves was curious, but she hesitated to ask. It seemed far too personal of a question and she didn't like to make people uncomfortable.\n\nHer long ears twitched at the sound of stirring and the sunrise reflected gold in her eyes as she turned back to look. Björn had risen quietly and immediately started to do push ups. It was an odd thing to do in Ves' mind, but everybody had their morning routines. Perhaps this was simply his. He might find comfort in the familiar now that everything was new to him. So who was she to judge?\n\nAfter a few minutes, however, she spoke up, her voice soft from the door frame where she leaned. \"Good morning Björn. I have some biscuits and jerky left. You should eat.\" \n\nShe hadn't exactly been idle during the night. She had found a piece of wood that was slightly shorter than she was and had begun to work on making herself a crude crutch. It would serve as a way to keep the weight off her leg without forcing Björn to carry her everywhere. She showed off her new crutch now as she limped away from the doorway and into the barn. It wasn't exactly comfortable, but it would do. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn looked up from his exercises and seemingly realised what he was doing, raising himself to a handstand before lowering back down again to stand semi-straight. He looked at her and gave a twitch of his dirty mouth - not a smile but it'll do.*\n\n\"Good morning... Ves. Did you sleep good?\" *His throat was less hoarse today, a full day without battle was probably what made him this way. He looked at where he was doing his exercises. He had to excuse himself from that. While it was true that he needed to do it to remain fit, therefore a better protector of Ves... He needed the routine of his exercises. Every day for the past however many years he acted in such a way. Come to think of it, he didn't even know how old he was, or how many years had been or even his own birthday!\n\nBjörn took some of the biscuits and jerky that was offered and sandwiched them together, it really made it taste better, much better than his hot gruel. Björn savoured the flavor, as he didn't know when his next meal would be.\n\nHe watched Ves show off her ingenuity with her crutch and made a huffing noise, he would have patted her shoulder if she wasn't so small. Instead, with his long arms, he patted her head instead. It wasn't ideal but it was all he could manage.*\n\n\"Today we will be brave. Today we will get what we need.\" *He spoke to her with a sense of absolution - he knew that today was the day he had to venture into the unknown. Thankfully, years of being paraded around in loincloth and beaten while being bare naked left him with little consciousness issues about venturing into a town in the little clothing he had. He particularly found the wind to be soothing on his chest.*\n\n\"When that crutch is too much, you tell me. I will carry you longer distances.\" *It was not a request, it was a statement of a man who had already made up his mind.* \"Today, we need clothes, food, water, better protection for you. I need an axe.\" *The latter of his sentence was said with a hint of enthusiasm - he felt\n\nIt important to specifically get one... At least he had personal preference on his side.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "\"I slept better than I have in ages,\" She replied with a smile. It was true. She never had anyone keep watch for her before. And she felt so safe with him. It had provided her with a good sleep despite her troubling dreams. \n\nShe admired his strength. She was so small and frail. She wasn't exactly unfit though. Working in the mines had made her strong - at least compared to other Kobold. Compared to any other race she was a pipsqueak. Easily bullied and easily beaten. She used her strength not to fight though - that was laughable. Instead she used it for stealth. That was something she could do and she did it well.\n\nShe blinked as he patted her head approvingly, the scales across her nose turning red again. Apparently he was impressed by her crutch. She hadn't thought much of it. It was a simple thing and she had done it so not to inconvenience him. It would also be easier to talk to merchants if she wasn't hobbling about and falling over.\n\n\"Right,\" She agreed with a nod. \"And we also need baths. We smell like rot and we look even worse. We'll draw attention to ourselves if we stink too much. So I think our first stop should be the bathhouse. We can clean up there and then go find some new clothes to change into. Does that sound good to you?\" She wasn't used to making decisions for anyone but herself. It was odd, discussing plans with someone. She rather liked it.\n\n\"I will change my bandage after bathing also. It should have stopped bleeding by now, so I'll be able to clean it and apply the salve. We might look for a healer as well, though they can be pretty expensive.\" Ves thought about the gems she had. She should have plenty for basic supplies, clothing, and a bath. But she wasn't sure she had enough for a healer. She needed to be careful with her spending. Her money wouldn't last forever and they still needed to get beyond the border. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He nodded his head to her rested mind. He was glad she was ready to face the day, they would need her skills. He also found having backup made sleeping easy. *\n\nIt woudk also make their next venture into the free world easy too due to her great stealth skills. He knew that when it comes to strength, it'd be he and he alone so why not have someone like her around too?*\n\n*He watched her scales turn red with a fascination. He knew that she was right... Getting a bath would help clean and reduce illness and prevent infection, but he was even more pleasant at the prospect of bathing for leather. \"If we can afford healing, it will help you. If not, we have nature and hot water.\" *They wound be the keys to their survival. He would let Ves handle the planning and finances, he would handle her safety.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "She finished her piece of jerky and got to work repacking the satchel with all her supplies. She folded the blanket and stuffed it carefully inside. Then Ves took a moment to count the amount of gems and coins she had left, nodding to herself. They probably didn't have enough for a healer, but that was alright. Björn was right. She would survive so long as she took care of the injury.\n\nShe carefully tossed her satchel over her back. \"Alright, I'm ready. Let's go,\" She said with a nod of her head as she slipped the bag of money into her pocket. \"I think it'll be easiest to get around the city with me riding piggyback and giving you directions - that is, if you don't mind.\"\n\nAssuming he was willing, Ves handed her crutch to Björn and climbed carefully onto his back. She wrapped her arms loosely around his neck. Then she began to give him directions just like the day before, avoiding the major streets and sticking to the alleyways. They once again got a few strange looks, but most people minded their own business.\n\n\"We're here,\" She said after some twisting and turning through the alleys. The medium sized building was unassuming and likely served as the bathhouse for the poorer side of the city. It meant they would draw less attention to themselves, or so Ves hoped. She carefully slid off of her companion's back and took the crutch back.\n\nLimping through the door, Ves looked around briefly. There was a man behind a counter and two doors that likely led to two separate baths. The proprietor glanced up as the door opened and immediately noticed the towering Goliath. He didn't seem to notice the tiny Kobold at all. He took in Björn's appearance and grunted. **\"It's two silver pieces,\"** He said gruffly. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He finished his stretches while she packed up and counted her money. Björn would be lying to himself if he wasn't absolutely excited to be heading off on his first adventure with Ves. He didn't know how to show it on his face however, as adrenaline had always leaned a fight. Because of this, Ursa had a very stern look on his face and was a bit jittery to the creaking of the stable.*\n\n*He nodded his head to the Kobold's statement, following it up with a upfront:* \"Of course.\" *Björn took the crutch from her, it looking more like a club or truncheon in his hand as he lowered down, allowing her to climb easier his body was once again cold as a rock.*\n\n*Walking through the city in close to the nude with a cloaked Kobold on his back made for some interesting sights. Ves made excellent work to avoid any trouble they might find along the way and the most they got was a few laughs or a single Orcish insult. Björn shook his head at such a term, not liking what he heard.*\n\n*He let her down gently as he looked at the building. This is where they stored the wash tubs? It looked more like a manor to him. He gave her the crutch back. Walking through the door, he managed to stand a little taller as he approached. It was his first real stranger since being free. What did he say, did he slam his fist against his arm? Did he bark or bite? Did he kneel?! Upon hearing his demand for the silver, he found himself silently nodding, he held his hand out to Ves without looking too inconspicuous for the money.*\n\n||"
}
] | 391 | 2,677 |
403 | 2024-01-04 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Once again, his lack of social graces was going to be his downfall. Once he inevitably realised this situation... Oh boy, one can imagine the embarrassing notion he would feel. Whatever you're currently thinking, make it tenfold and avoiding eye contact with Ves for at least a day or two.\n\nHe grunted as he payed the man for both their stays and turned to look at his companion. Ursa followed her through the doors, taking hold of it away from her while he stooped lower a bit. Björn had never seen such a room. Brassy armor at the walls filled to the brim with steamed essences. He was amazed! Was this how you cleaned your natural armor? He suppressed the excitement he felt, unsure of why a bath would make him feel this way.\n\nBjörn noticed the small men watching them for a moment, he motioned to bare his teeth, but then realised Ves' anxiety. No. He would not make threats here. Instead he placed a hand on her head as she passed him, trying to reassure her. After all, what was there to be scared of? It was a bath! Not a chamber!\n\nHe watched her turn to him after spilling the liquid into the tub, he glanced as steam rose from it, making his dry nose tickle. He took the soap and nodded his head. He sniffed it, confused at what it was. As she went to turn away, he looked at her confused.* \"Why do you walk? Do we not sit like the small men?\" *Björn was under the audacious impression that you bathed with people, not even realising the stupidity of his question when looking at the very real Kobold woman he had sworn to protect! His question was genuine in its intention after all... He had only seen two bearded men conversing in the same tub, and that was his first ever impression of this. Why wouldn't he ask? Oh the embarrassment he would eventually feel...* \"We can talk, like the men do.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves paused at Björn's words, hesitating. She knew her friend lacked social skills. Many slaves did. But this was awkward. How could she explain without embarrassing them both? Her scales began to burn red again as she considered her words carefully.\n\nThe two Dwarves glanced their way again. Could they recognize that she was female? Or were they just as blind as the owner? She didn't like how their eyes lingered. Were they eyeing her or Björn? She couldn't tell, but it made her want to shrink into herself.\n\nLooking up at Björn, she offered a warm smile. Despite her heated face, the little Kobold kept her composure - at least outwardly. \"We bathe in these tubs first, then we can go into the pool. They don't like it if you get the pool water dirty. It's more for relaxing than for bathing. So let's get cleaned up, then we can talk more in the pool.\"\n\nShe nodded encouragement as she turned away again, filling up her too-large tub with warm water. Now she was faced with a dilemma. She needed to strip and get into the bath without being noticed. She stealthily glanced this way and that, noting that the Dwarves were minding their own business yet again. Björn *Seemed* Preoccupied for the moment as well, so Ves quickly removed her cloak and armor and scrambled over the side of the tub and into the water with a small splash.\n\nShe breathed a sigh of relief once the water covered her body. The large tub blocked most of the tiny Kobold from view and the water was already getting dirty from all the muck she was covered in. This would have gone much smoother had she been placed on the right side of the bathhouse. Yet she knew Björn likely needed her help. He really didn't know what to do in this type of situation.\n\nVes began to scrub at her body to get rid of the extra grime that clung to her scales. She wished she had more soap, but was too shy to look over at Björn to see if he was done with it. She absently wiggled her toes. This was almost relaxing. She hadn't had a proper bath in what felt like ages. It would be nice to be clean again.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn watched her for a moment as she spoke. He noticed her face was heated again. It seemed to happen whenever they spoke about subjects he didn't understand. Was this a way of communication he didn't understand yet?* \"We clean, then go to the pool.\" *Björn noticed her starting to undress and something within him compelled him to avert his gaze. He felt his face become warm, then hot. He was confused. Regardless of this, he dropped his loincloth and stepped into the tub.\n\nIt was clear that these specific basins were made for races of an average size. He was definitely not that... His body towered over the average man and it was clear his tub left him with a bit of a size issue. Nethertheless, he sunk into the tub and covered as much as he could. It felt so good on his aching and tired body. He used the soap to wash his body as he sat up, leaving most of his torso on view. He covered himself in suds from beard to toe... He then realised that Ves gave him this and he should be returning it too.\n\nHe turned to look at her, he held the soap up and stood a bit to throw it to her.* \"Ves. Here this is for you.\" *He threw it over to her, it looked like a soapy yeti was throwing a pigskin. He slowly sat down again with his arms over the sides, he closed his eyes and leaned his head back. Without the grime on his face he seemed different from a distance. The water was getting dirty now too.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "While her tub was too big, Björn's tub proved to be too small. Hers did a good job of hiding her slender figure, but the Goliath's chest and abdomen were exposed. Ves glanced his way to make sure he was settled and immediately took note of this fact. They had been traveling with him practically naked already, but something about seeing him in the bath felt intimate. She glanced away again.\n\nShe looked up again when he spoke her name and her scales flushed red when he stood. What was he doing? He tossed something at her and she reached out to catch whatever it was. It turned out to be her soap and it was quite slippery. She fumbled and it landed outside the tub with a plop, sliding a little on the smooth stones.\n\nHer long ears twitched as she considered her options. She peeked out of the tub down at the bar of soap. Glancing back, she saw that the two Dwarves seemed to be deep in conversation and Björn was relaxing with his eyes closed. She risked it. She leaned out of the tub and reached as far as she could for the soap. It was *Just* Beyond her grasp. She leaned a little further... And her injured leg gave out. She cried out as she went tumbling from the tub and onto the floor.\n\nThe noise inevitably drew the attention of the Dwarves, who looked over to see what the commotion was about. One did a double-take and looked bemused. **\"Look there, lad,\"** He said to his companion. **\"Ain't that one of the females? What are ya doin' on this side of the bathhouse, girlie? Come for a gander?\"** He made a rude gesture and Ves' face burned with embarrassment as the Dwarves laughed.\n\n||"
}
] | 398.5 | 1,612 |
424.75 | 2024-01-05 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*The sound of Ves being injured immediately had his eyes open. A silent rage grew behind them hearing the Dwarves insult her. Björn didn't say a thing but simply stared them down. As they laughed Björn wanted to smash their small faces in. Crush their bones. Make them squeal. A hunger inside him told him to do so. But then he saw Ves' face...\n\nHe understood now. The red of her scales was embarrassment... When things were unexpected or direct or intimate. Björn took note of all the times so far he had made her embarrassed... Gods, he was an idiot! But he had to help her. His vow to protect Ves went beyond physical harm. Her mental, emotional and her modesty were too at risk. He saw her layed on the floor, injured and embarrassed to move.\n\nBjörn rose fully to his feet, he didn't hide himself, not his stature. He stepped out of the tub and walked towards Ves. In the most gentle way he had ever spoke or touched her, he scooped her up and held her against him, turning his back on the Dwarves so they could only see his rear.* \"Don't worry, I got you.\"\n\n*His voice was now as soft as butter in that moment. Something was sincere about his words, his actions, something human. He immediately put her down in her tub and handed her the soap. Then... He climbed in!!* \"Don't panic.\" *He had immediately closed his eyes tight, scrunching them so she could see his protection of her modesty. He simply used his torso size to allow her protection from the Dwarves, breathing into his back so it allowed for ample cover.* \"Do what you must Ves.\" *It was true he had already seen a majority, that didn't matter now. He was angered and ashamed that he let her be ridiculed so easily.* \"I... I am sorry.\" *He muttered quietly.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves tried to ignore the guffawing of the two Dwarves. The second one had joined in and stood to make another crude gesture that made the Kobold look away. She started to try and rise, but her injured leg and slippery floor made it difficult. Tears pricked at her eyes, but she refused to cry. That was the kind of response the Dwarves were surely hoping for.\n\nThe laughter grew quieter as Björn stood to his full height. Perhaps the pair could sense the Goliath's thoughts of violence, for they looked a little nervous now. The first one's pride made him more than a little foolish as he commented **\"Sorry lad, I didn't know she was yours.\"**\n\nVes looked up as a shadow fell over her. For a moment she feared the worst, but she calmed when she saw that it was Björn. He gently scooped her up and cradled her close to his chest. Ves was too stunned by the action to speak or protest. Her entire body was tense, but after a second or two she began to relax. She realized he was protecting her, holding her close and blocking her from the Dwarves' view.\n\nHe lowered her back into the tub and Ves whispered a soft \"Thank you\" As he handed her the soap. But she hadn't expected him to climb in after her! He immediately squeezed his eyes closed and once again Ves understood. He was still protecting her. Nodding, though he could not see the motion, she began to scrub at her body with the soap. His gentleness made her feel warm. She had never been treated so kindly before. It was a new experience.\n\nThe Dwarves were surely watching, but the laughter and comments had faded. The pair said something in their native language, then stood and moved to grab their belongings. They dressed quickly and headed for the door. Though they were brave enough to pick on a single Kobold, they seemed to draw the line at pissing off a Goliath. A moment later and the room was empty except for the odd pair currently sharing a tub.\n\nThrough the silence, Ves finally spoke. \"I... You have nothing to apologize for, Björn. You cannot control the actions of others. I've been bullied plenty of times before. It's not so unusual. I just... I've never been naked and mocked before. I should have been more careful.\" She looked up at him, studying him carefully. Then she moved forward and wrapped her arms around his waist, hugging him as tightly as she could manage. \"Thank you... For helping me.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn kept his eyes fused shut as he sat in the tub with her. He heard the Dwarves leave. They called Ves 'his'. They were stupid... Björn would never own Ves as a Slave. What could they mean if not that? He found it very humorous that they soon shut up and averted their gaze from Ves. That was his only goal.\n\nHe listened to the sound of water sploshing, and Ves' soft words of thanks. He remained with his eyes closed as she cleaned herself. Eventually, as she spoke, he began to listen.* \"They mocked you for your nudity... They are fools. Their small hairy bodies are not ideal anyway.\" *He shrugged.*\n\n\"Do not worry about being careful, you were trying your best. You are injured. In reality... It was my fault you fell when I messed up my throw.\" *He tilted his head down, ashamed in His failure. It was then he felt her arms around his waist. Was she grabbing something behind him?\n\nHe tried to move to allow her space but she tightened herself around his waist, he felt the pressure of her against him, she held him tight... Was this a type of combat move? He opened his eye to look at her. He saw her holding herself against him in a hug. He didn't know how to react... He felt the need to lean down and put his arms around her, bringing his head toward her as he did so. He kept a soft hold on her, worried to not hurt her small frame.* \"Y... You do not need to thank me. I hope I am doing this right.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves absently wondered what Björn's idea of an *Ideal* Body was. If the Dwarves' short and hairy bodies were not ideal, then what was? Muscular and strong, like his own? Lean and fit? Slender and curvy? It was just a wayward thought, however, and one that was dismissed almost immediately.\n\nShe sighed softly as he gently embraced her in return. It was an odd feeling, being held by someone. The Kobold wasn't used to affection of any kind. Her own mother and father had had little to do with her. She has been raised in a community that wasn't exactly filled with warmth. It had been every Kobold for themselves. \n\nShe had never really fit in among her countless brothers and sisters. They had all worked in the mines together, but they were never her companions. No one ever cared when someone was crushed during a cave-in or disappeared mysteriously. No one even cast a sideways glance as the slaves they worked alongside were whipped and beaten. Ves was different. She had actually cared about their plight. Her fellows had mocked her for being soft-hearted, but that didn't stop her from caring. It hadn't stopped her from doing something to try and help.\n\nBut she had never really had a friend before. The people she helped to free were often grateful and kind to her. She had been hugged once or twice. Yet this was different somehow. Björn's arms around her seemed to mean more than simple gratitude. There was a warmth there that was unfamiliar to her. Her scales grew warm, but with happiness this time instead of embarrassment.\n\n\"You're doing just fine,\" She said with a small chuckle. She drew back and peered up at him with a smile. \"I get the feeling you're not used to hugs either. Do you want to move to the pool now? I'm as clean as I'm going to get.\" And she felt much better for it as well. It was amazing what a bath and a hug could do.\n\n||"
}
] | 411.5 | 1,699 |
414.227273 | 2024-01-06 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn felt her sigh, and her scales warm up. He also felt that this was different. This wasn't a hug per se, this was an embrace between two people. In this fleeting moment, it was impossible not to recognise her shape and form. She was short, yes but she was also very lithe. His arms were wrapped around the natural curves of her body as be himself let out a quiet sigh that he didn't know he was holding.\n\nHis face felt warm, hot even. Why was that? His face wasn't near the water by any means. His eyes fell on her once more. His face felt hotter, just as her scales became that shade of red again, prompting him to immediately look at the ceiling. Was he holding her too tight? Did she not approve of this motion? His thoughts ran wild but for some reason it didn't make much headway in his mind. He somehow knew she wanted this, his arms around her. It wasn't a facade... He felt his lips and face muscles ache as they began to curve upwards instinctively... Why are they doing that?! He felt a small expression, a new one come into okay. Björn, his head nestled besides her's, was smiling... He just didn't know it.\n\nHe closed his eyes once more as he heard her soft chuckle and her words of appreciation. He squeezed her a slight bit. It would have been completely unnoticed if not for the fact he held her loosely until he brought to against his skin more his beard brushed against her neck. He felt her pull away, and he let go. Why did you let go?! The thought was silenced when she looked up at him with a smile. His eyes met her's and remained locked in her gaze. It was harder to do than before.*\n\n\"Yes. I am clean too. Do...\" *He lost his words for a second, looking away to clear his throat, he was shocked at himself, why wasn't he speaking?!* \"Do you need help getting to the pool?\" *He remembered her injured leg, the source of all her troubles. She never would have got it if she didn't rescue him. Therefore it was within his duty to assist her, if she wanted.\n\nHe felt amazing... L\n\nIberated by that hug... As if in his mind one of the many shackles chaining him to the arena was softly caressed and disappeared into dust. He agreed, she was just fine.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "His beard tickled her scales where he brushed her neck. She liked the feeling. And she liked his warmth against her. As she pulled away and he met her gaze, she noticed his smile. It was a stranger on his face and a welcomed one at that. Ves quickly decided that she liked his smile. Yes, she liked it a lot. It suited him, especially when it was aimed at her.\n\n\"Yes, please. If you don't mind, I mean,\" She replied. His hesitation did not go unnoticed. She had the feeling she had caught him off guard and now he wasn't sure how to behave. She would be lying if she claimed not to feel the same way. She had never been so close to someone before. It had been more than a hug. It was truly an embrace. They were both naked in that moment, physically and emotionally. It was a moment that Ves would never forget.\n\nVes curled up in his arms as Björn gently lifted her out of the tub. He was so much stronger than she was. She probably weighed nothing to him, feather-light in his arms. She had never felt so safe and protected. When Björn was with her, nothing could harm her. He was her protector and her friend. Was this what happiness felt like? It was foreign to her. She had felt joy before, whenever she was helping someone in need. But this feeling was new and different. Ves wondered what it could mean.\n\nThe water of the pool was pleasantly hot and lightly scented. It bubbled up from an underground spring and was crystal clear. In the middle it was quite deep, definitely deeper than Ves was tall, and the sides had outcroppings where one could sit. It was lined with smooth tiles and it was probably a good thing Ves didn't try and step into it with her injured leg. She likely would have slipped and fallen. Hopefully Björn's footing would be more secure. Otherwise they'd both be going for a bit of a swim! \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He listened to her request to be carried. Inside him he felt a flutter. He had always offered but now she had too. Did she like to be assisted? It was of no issue to him... Ves was genuinely like lifting nothing even with his starved body and many scars and bruises. He had totally forgot he was naked when he hugged her... Why did his face feel like he was burning...? He also would never forget this moment, he felt it would be one he would revisit. If he could tear a picture from his mind, it'd be here. This moment. With her. Was this what having a friend was?*\n\n*Björn got himself out of the tub first and held his arms to her as she came to him. He carried her in both arms, resting her against him as he walked. He would be lying if he didn't make the walk to the center of the room linger longer than needed. She noticed her expression of calm. Perhaps the bath really did help her. Perhaps he helped too... He looked at the pool of water, he was intruiged by it as he got closer, his large feet slapping against the floor as he walked.\n\nHe looked down at her, training his eye on her face as best he could, given her curled up form... She looked so fragile... He never noticed how her scales looked in the light before. What was he doing?! He's meant to carry her, help her, not oggle at her like some animal! He was so confused and dazed by his brain that he lost his footing on the unfamiliar submerged surfaces that clearly were not sized for his feet. He pulled her tight to his chest as he fell into the water, landing on his rear. His face was a corntorted picture of shock and pain. He winced as he stood up, taking a hand to rub his sore behind. He had managed to keep her pretty close to him so she didn't fall. He would never have forgiven himself if she did.\n\nBjörn found a nice, ample ledge to sit her down on and he did, trying to place her down in a safe enough position, his hand on her back and legs to keep her injured one secure. He let go of her and looked at Ves in the eyes\n\nOnce more. He needed to sit himself or this would be an awkward bath. He found himself lowering into the pool beside her, at a lower point so he had his body submerged from below his chest. He placed his arms spread out either side of him, resting on the slabs. He looked at her, now at her own height comparatively.* \"Is this better?\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "If Ves noticed that Björn was taking his time, she did not comment on it. Perhaps she was simply enjoying the sensation of being carried by someone she trusted. By someone she liked. Because it was true: she genuinely liked the Goliath. She found him charming and good company, even if he was socially awkward. And there was something about his tender touch that made her feel warm...\n\nNow where had that thought come from? It wasn't exactly intrusive, because it wasn't undesired. It was just unexpected. She could feel his eyes on her and looked up to meet his gaze. Her golden red eyes searched his and she looked like she might say something, when suddenly he slipped! She blinked in surprise as they went down, feeling him press her tightly to his chest. He was her protector, her friend, and she was immediately concerned by his expression of pain.\n\n\"Are you alright?\" She asked, alarmed as he gently set her down. She felt suddenly lost without his arms around her. Her tail swayed behind her in the water as she met his gaze. The way he had situated himself so that they were eye-to-eye was startling in a way. She was accustomed to always looking *Up* At people. It was a rather nice change of pace.\n\nAnd so was the pool. The fresh spring water felt good on her scales and the natural heat was a good excuse for the warmth she was still feeling. She nodded at his question. \"It is better. But are you sure you're alright?\" Fussing over him was natural to Ves, though she probably didn't need to worry. He had faced greater threats in the pits and won. A little tumble surely wouldn't cause him too much distress.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn cursed the slippy floorings that robbed him on whatever she was going to say. Why was he so hung up on what she was potentially going to say?! Was he that dependent on her soft... Quiet... Rambling voice? What?! He mentally slapped himself. Shut it Björn, you're losing your senses. A day and a half away from the pit has already softened him... Or so he thought. He noticed her expression of pain, the way she watched him place her down, the way she looked slightly downcast as he did so. Did he do something wrong?*\n\n\"I am fine. Do not fret.\" *He paused and looked down at himself as he closed his eyes. It looked like he was taking a breath until the quietest noise was heard by her sensitive ears.* \"Heheheh...\" *He chuckled. He was fucking laughing in spite of his busted hind. Why?!* \"I am sore but, I am glad you weren't hurt further.\" \n\n*He turned to look at her again, he watched her tail swish in the water.* \"You definitely seem better, the warmth suits you.\" *Ironic as it was him saying that however, his pale stone face was a bit warmer as well. You wouldn't notice at a passing glance but here, after Ves had seen his face alone for their time together, it was an obvious warmth. A rare moment of emotion.*\n\n*It was true that he didn't feel much pain, only discomfort. He adjusted his seated position to keep himself comfortable and not putting too much pressure on it, which ended up moving him closer to her. He looked out at the water for a moment and took a huge, heavy breath. On his side profile, one could see how deep the scars on his eye was, and how they trailed along to his neck and shoulder where the scars of a great beast's bite were ever present. The teeth were jagged and impossibly sharp, one could tell from just looking! Eventually he turned to her again, realising his distance from her.*\n\n\"I have this feeling. I do not know it, but you have brought comfort.\" *He placed a hand on her head again.* \"Do not worry over me. Let me worry over you. Such is my prom\n\nIse.\" *He slowly took his hand away to rest on the seated area, swishing around in the water like a large, stone coloured fish.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Her long ears twitched at the sound of his laughter and she felt her heart skip a beat. Why? Why did hearing him laugh make her feel so happy? She smiled in response, though her eyes still flickered with worry. She had the feeling he was more bruised than he was letting on. The way he adjusted himself revealed as much. Ves' eyes caught just about everything, especially now that she was paying more attention. \n\nAnd *Why* Was she paying more attention? She was always aware of her surroundings, but this was different. She was keenly in tune with Björn's movements. Without realizing it, she was even matching his breathing. \"I like the warmth,\" She agreed. \"The water is especially enjoyable. I haven't had a good bath in quite some time. It's nice to smell good again!\" She laughed softly.\n\nShe watched as he glanced aside, taking the moment to study his profile. His features were strong and rough, yet she knew there was a gentleness there as well. Without really thinking, Ves reached out to him. She gently touched his face, her fingertips brushing along the scar of his blinded eye. Then they drifted lower, to his beard, and she stroked his cheek softly. \"What... What happened? To your eye?\" She asked softly. \n\nHer hand lingered on his cheek and she felt her heart pounding in her ears. What was she doing?! This was definitely crossing the line! He surely didn't want her touching him like that! She jerked her hand back like she had been physically slapped, her ears lowering. \"S-Sorry! I didn't mean to... I mean, I don't mean to... Intrude. I don't know what's gotten into me today,\" She babbled, blushing fiercely.\n\nClearing her throat, she tried to move past her own awkwardness. The hand on her head only made her squirm, though it was the good kind of squirming. \"I'm glad I've brought you comfort, Björn. You've brought me... Comfort as well. But I will always worry about you. I... I care about you...\" She mumbled, her scales across her nose turning red. \"We're... Friends. Right?\""
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn nodded as she confirmed her enjoyment of the warmth. He took a deep breath once more, this time he did it facing her, smelling her aroma. He didn't know what it was, but he liked it. It smelt great, calming, he wanted more of it. He noticed the rise and fall of her - eyes up Björn!! He stopped himself before he could think further. He was paying attention to her, not like the attention he would give his prey - no. That was a primal instinct, fight or flight, do or die. This attention was him learning. He watched her mannerisms in detail before turning his head away. That's when he felt it.\n\nSomething brushed his eye! He tried to ignore it but it went down through his beard and into his cheek, it was Ves! Why was she touching him! Why was the hair on his neck standing up?! He felt a flash of fear - anxiety. In his mind's eye he saw the Shapeshifter, he saw Solaire's corpse... He flinched. His head snapped to her as she pulled away, for a second his face was obscured, fear and anger flushed him for but a moment, before he saw her face... Her golden red eyes... Her babbling voice. His features softened as he moved to sit next to her... And grabbed her hand.\n\nHe moved his hand down onto her wrist, holding it with a loose grip.* \"No. It is okay.\" *He took her hand and placed it over his scarred eye, allowing her to feel the groves of his skin - it looked like someone had took a pickaxe to a vein of ore, the way his skin cracked and jagged across. He let her hand go as. He closed his eye, allowing her to feel what she wished.*\n\n\"I... Knew someone once. Her name was Solaire. She was everything. The only innocent soul I had met. He laugh infectious. Her eyes a brilliant blue. Her long ears... She bore my child. We didn't mean for it to happen. But we had to escape. My instincts did not want her birthing a child into that wretched place. We tried... And failed.\" *His voice became soft, quiet. Mournful.* \"She couldn't handle the punishment. She died... Dropped into that mass g\n\nRave we went into... Her face haunts me.\n\nMy punishment was the pit's reigning champion... Hus name was Ursa Majora. A Shapeshifter - a Bear - a monster... If I killed him, my punishment was waived. He did this to me.\" *He took her hand once more to feel the teeth marks in his shoulder.* \"...And this too.\" *He showed the top of his arm, a jagged spiral tattoo.* \"Solaire did this to me. A mark of our... Bond. My people do not tattoo. We believe it changes our fate. Perhaps that is why she died.\" *A single tear rolled down his face as she explored the scars.*\n\n\"After I killed him, I was starved, lashed, beaten, mutilated for daring to escape and daring to breed the... The Master's favourite. That is how I became Born of Ursa. Solaire called me Björn... So it stuck...\" *He looked at her, his brilliant golden eye and his milky white locking with her's.*\n\n\"You remind me of her. Your smile lights up. You're small too. I do not know what a friend is... Ves... But I know this much. I care about you. I want you safe. You... Are all I have left.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves flinched, preparing herself for the strike that would surely come. She had crossed a line, she knew this. She deserved to be hit for doing so. She had invaded his privacy, had pushed too far, too quickly. It was understandable and she wouldn't be upset over the reaction.\n\nInstead the gentle giant reached for her hand and placed it upon the scar over his eye. Ves hesitated, uncertain, before she carefully began to trace the jagged line. Her ears twitched as she listened to Björn begin to speak. She became very still and very silent as her friend told his heartbreaking tale.\n\nIt was one of love and loss and the harsh realities of slavery. Ves felt her heart breaking for him as he moved her hand to his shoulder. Instinctively she reached out to gently catch the tear that fell from his eye. Her hand lingered on his cheek as she gazed up at him. Tears pricked at her own amber eyes. She wished she could somehow take away his pain. She wished she could turn back time and save them both. She wished there could have been a happy ending. \n\nWords were useless. She knew this. Nothing that was said could make it right. She couldn't even begin to understand his loss. She had never experienced such a thing before. What was it like, she wondered? To have someone that you loved be lost like that? She had never loved anyone in her life. And so she had never lost them either. Perhaps she was lucky in that regard. \n\nVes moved towards him, at a total loss for words, and simply hugged him once again. This time she wrapped her arms around his neck and drew him to her. She wasn't clinging to him, but pulling him into her embrace. Even as small as she was she found a way. And as she held him, she closed her eyes and took a shaky breath.\n\n\"I'm so sorry you had to go through that,\" She said genuinely, her voice cracking. \"I... I wish there was something I could do to soothe your heart, Björn. If there's anything I can do, name it.\" She desperately wanted to help, though she knew it was hopeless. What was done, was done. There was no way to change the past. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He saw the tears form in her eyes as she caught his own tear he didn't know he cried. As she placed her hand against his cheek, he leaned into it. His cheeks were flush warm. A stark comparison to his usual cold self. He liked the feeling of her touch, he felt like a spice addict, getting a rush from her hands, her gaze, her everything.*\n\n*He thought of Solaire. He saw traits of her in Ves. Her eyes were full of intelligence and wonder. Her smile was small and sweet, her hands were soft as her voice. He could tell she had never felt what he experienced and he was thankful. It broke his heart into shattered fragments, turning to stone.*\n\n*He was suprised to be pulled by the neck into the embrace. Her tenacity knew no bounds. He felt that rush, his heart bounced off the confines of its bony cage and he brought himself to her. Björn lifted her slightly and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her as close and as tight as possible without restricting her breath. He tucked himself into her warm embrace as he felt their breathing sync together.\n\nThey moved together in this moment, it was serene. It was needed. It was thrilling and terrifying. Adrenaline rushed and his smile slowly returned, cracking his lips upward. He thought of Ves.*\n\n*He soothed her with his touch as she began to crack in her voice. She felt he pain for him... He felt it too.* \"Hush now. Hush. All I ever ask of you... Ves...\" *Something about the way he spoke her name changed. It felt addicting.* \"...Is that you, please don't leave me. I know I cannot ask that. But I like you. I like your presence. Your words. Your gaze. You are fragile, delicate, small. It's nice. So if you would be so kind... Don't leave me alone.\" *He rested his head against her, his beard tickling her once more.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves held him close, closing her eyes. She imagined she could hear his heart beating in his chest. Or was that her own thudding heartbeat in her ears? She wasn't certain and it didn't seem to matter. All that mattered in that moment was Björn. She ached to remove the pain he felt. If only she could. If only it were possible.\n\nShe heard the change when he spoke her name and wondered over it. What did it mean? Did it mean anything at all? She wanted to believe it meant everything, but perhaps it was just wishful thinking. *Wishful?* About what exactly? What did she wish? Even Ves didn't know. Or did she? In her heart-of-hearts, did she know what she wanted?\n\n\"I won't leave you,\" She promised and meant it. She had no desire to abandon him. She had known him for a day or less and already she felt closer to him than anyone else in her life. He meant the world to her. Ves didn't know how to put her feelings into proper words. She wished she was more eloquent. \n\n\"I like you too, Björn,\" She whispered against him. His beard felt delightfully scratchy and he smelled faintly of soap. It was a pleasant sensation, the scent and feel of him. \"I won't leave you, but you don't leave me either, alright? I... I don't know if I could stand it. Being alone after meeting you. I think my heart would...\" She trailed off, hesitating. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"...Break?\" *He replied, finishing her sentence with what it sounded like she would say. Why did he say that?! Of all the terms it could be it wouldn't be that!! He wanted to slam his head into the tiles to forget this encounter. Wait... Why would he want to forget. Why forget her? Why forget this, why forget 'us'? Was he embarrassed? He didn't know!! He just listened to her breathing and her whispered words as she spoke. It sent a shiver down his lashed spine and her soapy smell was like a drug.*\n\n\"I made a promise to my God. I will not leave your side till my debt to you is payed. However, I think I would stay long after that debt is relayed. I will stay by your side, keep you safe.\"\n\n*He rubbed her back while they held each other. He leaned back a bit to look at her properly, her facial features and her eyes. He just observed her. Not a single scale was out of place. He watched her tail swish like it had a mind of his own. He then allowed her to pull him back in, if she so wished.*\n\n\"I do not want to spend another night in the dark. Alone. It is the most terrifying thing...\" *He didn't feel fear when her body was against his. He felt comfort in her touch. In the way her small hands wrapped around the back of his neck or the way she looked at him. What was this feeling...?!*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "\"Break,\" She agreed with a slight nod of her head. He knew what she was going to say. How? How had he known? Did he perhaps feel the same way? And what way was that? How *Did* She feel? Exactly like he said: like her heart would break if he left her. Ves was beginning to understand her feelings, but she was hesitant to admit them. Especially after his recounting of Solaire and what had happened to her. And besides. It couldn't be what she thought it was. It was far too soon for that... Right?\n\nBut when he gently rubbed her back, it sent a delightful shiver down Ves' spine. She became keenly aware in that moment of their close proximity to each other. His body was pressed close to hers and she could feel the warmth radiating off of him. It made her want to draw even closer to him, if such a thing were even possible. \n\nHe pulled back and seemed to study her for a moment. What did he see? A tiny helpless cowardly Kobold? Or something else? She searched his eyes for answers but found none. She gently touched his face again, cupping his cheek in her small palm. She wanted to... To... Do *Something.* Yet again she was at a loss as to what that *Something* Was.\n\n\"You don't have to be alone in the dark. I'm here now. I'll be with you. We'll be brave together, remember?\" She smiled at him then and leaned her head forward so that their foreheads were pressed together. What a strange pair they made, Kobold and Goliath, intimately entwined in each other's arms. She breathed in his scent deeply, becoming lost in it. She felt like she could remain like this forever. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn was at a loss for words. He didn't have the capacity to explain this. He wished he could. He wished he could say what the hell this was he wanted to know badly. Yet... He was scared. He was terrified of the notion. Anyone who got close to him was dead. He was cursed. Would be kill Ves too?*\n\n*He smiled a bit at her words.* \"Brave together... Yeah.\" *She leaned her forehead against his... He felt shock, panic, anxiety, acceptance... Affection? No! He can't feel that! And yet, as he watched her breathing him in, pushing herself closer and closer to him... Her arms wrapped around his neck... It was overwhelming. His heart was beating like a war drum.*\n\n*He wanted to do something too... But he didn't know if he should. He panicked and was about to pull away when he felt her writhe under his protective arms... What was he doing. Why was he doing this?!*\n\n*He was moving closer to her. Slowly. He moved his face so they were looking at one another head on. His eyes locked with hers... What was he doing? Slap him already! Push him away! Call an excuse or something Ves! It felt wrong... But it felt perfect too.*\n\n\"Be brave, be strong...\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "She *Could* Hear his heart thundering in his chest. As close as they were, her sensitive ears could make out the sound of his heartbeat. His breathing was a little irregular as well. What was going on inside his head? Was he going to pull away or draw closer? Ves was uncertain. It seemed that so was he. \n\nShe tightened her grip on him just a little, trying to prevent him from moving away. It seemed to work, or at least he started moving closer instead. Ves' breath caught at his words and she found herself repeating them.\n\n\"Be brave, be strong,\" She echoed and, swallowing her fear, took a chance. She leaned the rest of the way forward and lightly kissed him on the lips. It was what she had wanted to do. She realized this now that it had been done, but wondered suddenly if she had made a mistake. What if he didn't want this? What was she doing? After what he had just told her, was she moving too fast?!\n\nAll the scales of her face turned red as she pulled back. \"I... I...I'm sorry! I didn't mean... I mean, I *Did* Mean to, but I didn't mean to. Oh, gods, what am I trying to say?\" She moaned softly to herself. It had been her first kiss and now she was stumbling over herself to apologize for it. \n\nShyly she looked up at him, afraid that she had made a terrible mistake. Would he be angry? Would he forgive her? Worried tears pricked at her eyes again. Gods, when had she become such a crybaby? Her feelings for Björn had her tied in knots. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He didn't realise how tight her grip was on him until it was too late. Why did she echo his words? Björn soon found out why. She must have used them as a mantra to propel her into kissing him!! Björn's lips were dry and stiff, yet had a softness to them. He held her in that tender moment, kissing him as his heart began to pound louder and louder and faster and faster.*\n\n*Björn was at a loss for words! His eyes had widened to the point his brows were halfway up his face, his hands shook as his heart felt like it would burst. He was terrified, if he could have, he'd have screamed! Yet... Her lips felt soft on his - a stark contrast of his own. In that moment he slowly closed his eyes, leaning into the kiss for a moment. He was about to — she pulled away from him. He fell through the momentum and his head fell to the collarbone for a moment, shooting back up.*\n\n*His hearing was filled with a ringing as she babbled and panicked over her words. He saw flashes of Solaire in his mind. Her corpse, waiting with the maggots at the bottom of the corpse pit. Her neck was snapped and her body was mutilated beyond repair. Grey skin just like his own, but he's was mushy and broken. His mind flashed between these thoughts as well as Ves' kiss. He head Solaire speaking something in his ear, overlapped with Ves. He panicked and shut his eyes hard. \n\nHis face was a mixture of fear and excitement. His body couldn't contain itself.\nHe immediately spun himself to face away from her, composing himself. Deep, boundless breaths filled his lungs with a crackle as he tried to calm himself down. He stared at his fists and began to slowly move his fingers - fists to flowers he thought. Remove the anger and fear.*\n\n*Eventually, he turned back around and looked at her. His eye was bloodshot from something - be it tears or anxiety or rubbing it. He gave her a weak smile.* \"I forgive you. You are braver than I.\" *He debated for a moment and decided... He pulled her close and planted a kiss on her l\n\nIps this time. He didn't want her to feel that her affection was unnoticed. Fear wracked his body. He didn't know if he could go through with this. But he had to. For her. He couldn't hedge his bets on a corpse... Even if she held his heart.*\n\n*Björn held the kiss for a moment longer before pulling away, looking at her with an anxious expression.*\n\"...Ves?\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "The embrace was broken at last as Björn turned away from her. There were countless emotions playing across his features in that moment. She couldn't isolate just one before he turned his back to her. She could hear his ragged breathing. He was angry, she thought. Furious at her for her behavior.\n\nAnd Ves was horrified by her own actions. What had she done? Why had she done it? This was going all wrong. She hadn't been thinking. She had just acted. It was so unlike her! She usually thought everything through carefully. She did not normally act on impulse. What was it about Björn that made her forget herself like that? No, she couldn't place the blame on him. This was her fault. And now she would have to deal with the consequences.\n\nWhen he finally looked back at her he would see a sorry sight. Her long ears drooped sadly and her tail seemed heavy and lifeless. She was trembling a little and her eyes were wide and sorrowful. His own eye was bloodshot and there was a tension in his body that made her worry. \n\nSo much for everything. There was no way Björn would want to stay with her now. She had surely destroyed the bond they shared in one fell swoop. She opened her mouth to apologize once again, but before she could he was saying he forgave her. And that she was brave. \n\nShe began to shake her head, unwilling to let herself off the hook so easily when he closed the distance between them once again. Then he was leaning down and his lips found hers and Ves felt as though her heart would leap straight out of her chest. Her entire face and neck burned bright red and she was left breathless as he finally pulled away. It was certainly a moment Ves would remember for the rest of her life. Her first kiss was, without a doubt, a memorable one.\n\nVes' mouth was hanging open and she quickly closed it. She studied his expression, seeing the anxiety there, and reached out to take his hand. She gave it a gentle squeeze. \"I... I don't... Know what to say,\" She admitted. The warm water of the pool was up to her chest now and she bobbed a little as she stood there before him. \"I've never... That was my first kiss... I'm sorry if I bungled it all up.\"\n\nShould she change the subject? Pretend it never happened? Or savor the moment a bit longer? Had Björn kissed her back out of some kind of feeling of pity? Had he enjoyed it? Had he even wanted it? There were so many questions she wanted to ask, but all she could do was gaze up at him with confusion in her eyes. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn let her take his hand. The first words he said were simple:* \"You're nearly sinking.\" *He let out a low chuckle once more. The 2nd time he had ever made such a noise. He pushed her a head a bit, watching her bob up and down in the water. He snorted a bit.* \"I don't think you... Bung... Led it up.\"\n\n*He tried to figure her words out.* \"You were brave, you were strong. I was not prepared.\" *He looked at her, he saw her in a different light, looking at her made the grey in his cheeks become a softer, darker colour. Was that a blush?!* \"I didn't do it of pity. I know your worry.\" *His mind flew back to Solaire when she kissed him and he felt the very same way Ves did.*\n\n*He paused, watching her, scanning her with his eye. Her scales were red, bright red. She was embarrassed... Wss that good?* \"You look like you wish to say something. Do not hold your tongue on my account.\" *His gaze wandered around. He was thankful no one came in to see this. Very thankful. However, they were pushing their luck by lingering.* \"We should move on soon. We need clothes and protection. Then we need to go... Together.\" *He squeezed her hand.* \"I will carry you again, don't worry.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "He laughed, but it wasn't a cruel laugh. He wasn't laughing at her like the Dwarves had done. He was simply enjoying the moment. It made Ves smile and giggle a little as well. It *Was* Amusing. The water was almost too deep for her where she stood and she was buoyant. \n\nShe gazed up at him, filled with hope and dread in equal parts. She saw his cheeks darken and when he claimed he hadn't kissed her out of pity, she believed him. He was too honest to lie about such a thing. \"I just... I have too many thoughts to put into words right now,\" She explained, yet she continued. \"I just don't want to do anything you're not comfortable with. I feel bad for pushing you. Especially after what you told me. I feel it wasn't exactly good timing.\"\n\nVes followed his gaze and had the same thought. They should likely move on before they were interrupted. It was surprising the Dwarves hadn't told the proprietor about her presence. Or perhaps they had and the man simply did not care. Either way, it was time to get a move on. They still needed to visit the market and gather supplies. \n\nShe smiled at the idea of being carried by him. There was safety and comfort in his arms. Nodding her head, she began to move towards the shallow end of the pool. \"Let's go to the market. I can't wait to get some clean clothes.\" Wearing their dirty outfits after taking a nice bath was going to be miserable, but brief. She would manage.\n\nBut first... \"Will you carry me over to my satchel? I need to apply fresh bandages to my wound before I get dressed.\" She sensed he would comply, and so she waited for him to scoop her up into his protective embrace. She inhaled slowly as they were drawn close once again, half-closing her eyes. The events of the day had certainly taken a turn for the better. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He nodded to her, understanding her feelings completely. He did not know how to phrase how he felt. Maybe it was best to just let it happen in it's own time...?* \"I feel the same. Too much feeling to think or speak. It wasn't good timing... But maybe we let timing take its course?\"\n\n*He looked at her before feeling dread. He had a seriously bad feeling that they were going to be encroached upon. What if the Dwarves were rats?* \"You must help me get suitable clothes.\" *He looked at her, hiding his worry.\n\nHe listened to her and saw her sweetly waiting for him.* \"Of course.\" *He was more comfortable with the concept of her body against him. He lifted her into his arms, holding her at eye level as she carried her out of the bath and to her satchel and clothes.* \"Do you want me to dress it? Or shall I get decent?\" *He crouched down to her level.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves resisted the urge to curl up in his strong arms, and her entire body was completely relaxed. Despite her physical state, her mental being was troubled. Yes. It had been bad timing. But the feelings were there. She couldn't deny that. And she thought he felt the same, though without knowing his mind, how could she know for sure?\n\nAs he set her down and knelt before her, she smiled. \"I think I can manage,\" She replied. She wasn't *Entirely* Helpless, after all. She could treat her own wounds. The Kobold had done so many times before. She had always dealt with injuries by herself. There had never been anyone but herself in her life.\n\nWhile he got dressed, Ves began to treat her wound. She removed the old, wet bandage and studied the injury for a moment. It didn't appear to be getting infected, though it was quite deep and the flesh really needed to be mended together. Reaching into her satchel and pulling out her salve, she gave the wound a chance to dry. Then she smeared the ointment onto the wound and began to rewrap it tightly. Hopefully with enough pressure the edges of the injury would connect and heal well.\n\nOnce finished she rose and began to get dressed. Her old leather armor went directly against her scales, which wasn't ideal nor very comfortable, but necessary. She started to put on her cloak, but hesitated. Was there a reason to hide with Björn at her side, protecting her. *Yes,* She thought stubbornly to herself. There was no point in courting trouble. She slipped on her cloak with its cowl and stood.\n\n\"I'm ready if you are, Björn,\" She said as she gazed up, up, and up at him. Had he always been so tall? It was... Attractive. Ves' s scales flushed at the thought. Did that make the Kobold odd?\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn nodded his head at her as she wanted to bind her wounds. He rose to his feet before her and walked away to one side, to grab his lack of clothing. It took him. But a moment to get dressed. In his spare time he came to the door... His blood ran cold as he heard Orcs, asking about him...*\n\n*Björn immediately walked over to her as she pondered his attractive height. His body, now clean seemed different too. As if he was altered.*\n\n*He bobbed down before her and looked her in the eyes.* \"We need to leave now Ves. A back door. Orcs are asking about me... Those damn Dwarves...!\" *He growled and snarled in frustration.* \"We can slip out, grab some clothing and get out of here before they catch me. However it may need to be just you roaming the open streets.\" *He grabbed her crutch and scooped her up into his arms.* \"Find us an exit Ves.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "She was immediately alarmed by the realization that they were looking for Björn. *Of course,* She thought to herself. Of course the Dwarves had complained. After being humiliated, of course they would retaliate somehow. Ves nodded abruptly, all thoughts of his physique gone from her mind. Well, except the consideration of his size and the likelihood of escape.\n\n\"This way,\" She said, thinking on her feet. She shouldered her satchel and braced herself for the ride. \"There! There's a grate where we can hide!\" She whispered as she pointed. \"They won't think about looking directly under their feet. Quickly! Once they're gone we can escape,\" And take care of a certain proprietor if need be. \n\nShe quickly ducked down into the tunnel beneath the grate and scooted aside to let him down as well. It was a tight fit, but manageable with a little wiggling. The top of the grate was barely closed when the door opened and a trio of Orcs stomped inside. Ves sucked in a breath of air and held very still. She hoped Björn would do the same.\n\nThe Orcs grunted as they spread out. They each went to investigate the sides of the room, checking each and every tub. One even prodded a suspicious looking shadow with his spear to no avail. After what felt like forever, the trio marched back out again. A second later and the proprietor stuck his head inside to also look around. There were some confused voices, then the noises faded at last.\n\nVes exhaled. \"We're alright for now, but we need to sneak out quickly and quietly. Do you... Can you...?\" She asked him worriedly. Should she distract them and allow him time to escape? No, she'd be caught almost immediately due to her injured leg. No. Björn could do this. They hadn't gotten this far to be caught now!\n\n||"
}
] | 409.5 | 9,113 |
278.366667 | 2024-01-07 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn strode over the wet tiles with ease and dropped her carefully into the grate... He looked around to see if he could fit and with a tight squeeze, he did. As soon as the door was barged open, Björn covered Ves with his body and held his breath. He wasn't good at holding his breath but he had to try.*\n\n*As he covered Ves he justified his actions, her eyes could be reflective and would spell doom for them, he kept his head down too, just incase. He was hedging his luck on that his body would just look like a stone flooring.*\n\n*As the doors closed, he let out a muffled exhale as he caught his breath. He was not used to that at all... He looked to Ves and checked her body in case she was hurt, upon finding nothing he relaxed, listening to her words.* \"I can do it. Let me help you.\" *He rubbed her head and began to climb out. He would deal with whomever he had to. He's taken on worse odds before. His expression changed from Björn who had just been bathing to Ursa, back in his cage. He snarled as he climbed out of the grate and balled up his fists.*\n\n\"Stay.\" *The sound of Björn walking away from her left Ves in silence for a few minutes... Her sensitive ears could probably hear the sounds of something thumping into the floor multiple times. A minute after the noises ceased, Björn came back to her, his fists and... Claws covered in blood. When did he have claws? He reached down and pulled open the grate. He splashed his hands into the water of a nearby tub before reaching down to offer a hand.* \"We're safe... For now.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves gaped after Björn, wondering what he had in mind. She had only been wondering if he could sneak by quietly! She didn't expect him to do... Whatever he was planning on doing. She obediently stayed where he set her down and waited, her tail flicking about anxiously. \n\nVes was alarmed when he returned with his fists and claws covered in blood. Her eyes widened in surprise and then her brow furrowed in concern. \"Are you alright? You didn't get hurt, did you?\" She fussed as she took his hand.\n\n\"Let's get out of here. I know of a stall in the market that sells clothes of all sizes. I should be able to buy something there for both of us. I'll direct you to a nearby alley and go on alone to make the purchase so you can stay out of sight.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn nodded his head and hushed her.* \"I am fine, do not worry.\" *His claws dissipated.* \"It is just a form of help.\" *He helped her leave the room and past the broken Orc bodies stuffed into the corner of the main foyer.* \"It was them or us.\"\n\n*The Orcs were covered in bruises and some had arms broken. They had puncture wounds in their chest, as if their ribcages had been bent inwards. Their faces were a figure of pain.*\n\n*He carried her out and into the alley she directed as he crouched down against the wall.* \"Is here safe to wait?\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "She couldn't help but look at the damage Björn had done. And with his bare hands no less. It was a brutal scene. Their injuries almost did not seem possible, yet there the Orcs lay with faces contorted in horror. Her friend was not one to be crossed. He was capable of great and horrible things.\n\nVes blinked as he carried her outside into the sunlight, her eyes adjusting to the brightness. As he set her down, Ves nodded. \"Yes, this will do. The market is just around the corner over there,\" She said with a nod in the direction. Just in case anything went wrong they needed to know where the other was. \"I'll be back.\"\n\nUsing her crutch, Ves turned and began to limp towards the marketplace. She cast a glance backwards at the Goliath before disappearing around the bend. Making sure her cowl was pulled up to disguise her long ears, which was an oddity among Kobold, she ventured forward and to the clothing vendor.\n\nEventually she would return victorious, her satchel stuffed full with new clothes for them both. It was heavier than she was used to and, with her injured leg, she was panting softly upon her arrival into the alley. \"Björn?\" She said softly, because she didn't immediately see him. Had something happened? Or was he just hiding? \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn appeared from behind some debris with a large, slightly jagged battle axe leaning against him. It was a fitting size for an Orc but on a Goliath, it seemed almost perfect.*\n\n\"Im here, Ves. I wanted to make sure I had a weapon, just in case. So I can keep you protected.\" *He grabbed the bag from her, loosely hanging it in his index finger, the difference in strength apparent.*\n\n\"Is this the stuff?\" *He was excited to have his own clothes... Sure they belonged to Ves but he was technically her's too due to his oath of protection, so he didn't mind that at all.*\n\n\"Did you get any trouble on the way? Because I did.\" *He holds up a depiction portrait of a savage man with claws over one of his eyes, a brutishly wide nose and black sharp teeth. The parchment read DEAD OR ALIVE\n\nBorn of Ursa - The Goliath of the Bloodied Pits - A DANGEROUS slave with nothing but MALACE in his heart. Consider to be ARMED, DANGEROUS and CANNIBALISTIC.**\n\n*The prize was ripped off from the bottom. Probably from when he tore it off the wall.* \"I'm wanted.\" *He felt a cold anxiety, this would surely put Ves in danger. Should she even be seen near him...?*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Her amber eyes stole a glance at the weapon and she nodded at his explanation. It made sense to steal the enemy's weapon. They needed as much protection as they could get. She handed over her heavy satchel with a nod. \"Yes. I hope the clothes fit. I had to guess about your size.\"\n\nVes' eyes narrowed upon sight of the wanted poster. At least that's what she assumed it was. The picture wasn't very accurate and she could not read the bold lettering underneath. She was illiterate. Björn confirmed her suspicions a second later and Ves frowned deeply. \"Then we need to get out of the city sooner rather than later. Let's get dressed. Then I'll go get us some food and other supplies and we'll be off. It shouldn't take long.\"\n\nShe leaned the crutch against the nearby wall and took the satchel back, pulling out various clothes and handing them to Björn. She truly hoped they fit. The seller had insisted they would, but she didn't press her luck by questioning too deeply. That had been a good thing apparently, since her Goliath friend was wanted. \n\nAfter handing him his new clothes, she dug around for her own outfit. Glancing around to make sure they were alone, she stripped out of her cloak and armor. Then she dressed swiftly, or as swiftly as she could manage with a hurt leg. It felt wonderful to have fresh clean clothes against her scales. She had been pleased to find an outfit that was made for a tiny Kobold such as herself. It shouldn't have been so surprising. They were in Dasvaz, after all, and her kind were fairly common. It made sense that the market would sell clothes for her people.\n\nVes turned her attention back to Björn, catching him about midway through changing. Without conscious thought she studied him closely, admiring his lean figure and muscular arms. Then she remembered herself and glanced aside, giving him some privacy to finish dressing. Her tail twitched idly as she considered what else she needed to buy. Food, water, medical supplies... What else?"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn nodded in agreeance at her plan as he took his new clothes and began to strip and change himself. He had to remember how to wear clothes... He had been fighting on loins for as long as he can remember. The furs, the fabrics, they were not what he expected.*\n\n*The clothes surprisingly fit well against his skin, give or take with his broad wingspan. Ves had managed to catch him slipping the tunic over his torso, his lower half already dressed. He managed to spot her oogling at his physique, he made a small huff to himself - his figure was impressive but not something worthy of her stares. He finished by adjusting the shoulderpads and turned to Ves holding the belt in his hands.* \"Ves... How do I do this? Is this a sling?\"\n\n*Björn's lack of knowledge of modern adult clothing simply showed her how much he had yet to learn. Come to think of it, he had probably never heard music, seen a painting, saw the sea or anything of the sort! It was sad in a way, a man so devoid of humanity.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves glanced up again when he spoke her name. His innocent question didn't surprise her. Many of the slaves she had saved had similar issues. They did not know about simple things that seemed obvious to others. Ves herself was still learning as well. She was inexperienced but a fast learner. It had actually been easy for her.\n\n\"It's a belt,\" She explained without judgment. \"It goes around your waist. Like this, see?\" She explained, motioning to her own belt. She was tempted to help him, finding herself craving the closeness, but chose not to. Now was not the time. \n\n\"Alright. You stay here. I'll be back,\" She said with a nod. Grabbing her crutch, she limped away once more. As quickly as she could manage she moved out into the market. She kept a close eye out for any more wanted posters. How desperate were they to get Björn back? She had suspected they might search for him - it had been foolish to let her guard down. A Goliath was an obvious target. \n\nShaking aside her worry, Ves focused on the task at hand. First some travel rations. Then some fresh water from the well. Finally more bandages for her wound. Was there anything else she was missing? Björn already found the axe he had wanted. Well, perhaps it wasn't exactly what he had wanted, but it would do. Ves was tempted to look at the weapons a vendor was selling, but she was a bit clueless when it came to weapons. Her sickle and sling were all that she had and suited her needs well enough.\n\nFiguring they had enough supplies to last until the next town or village, she began to limp back. Her satchel was full again and slowed her down quite a bit. She spotted another parchment slapped on a wall with Björn's face on it. Yes, this was troubling. They needed to get out of the city and fast. Luckily she knew of various paths out and the guards couldn't watch every exit. She was confident they could make it.\n\nReturning to the shadows of the alley, Ves breathed a sigh of relief. \"I got our supplies. We should be good to go.\" \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn listened to her. She was clever. More so than him. He needed to learn. He was glad she went to find more things instead of helping him with a belt. He made a few attempts at wearing it... No that was not it... No, not like a shoelace... Like a loincloth? No no this was all wrong. By the time she came back, he had only just managed to successfully wear the belt. It was tight... So he adjusted it to his waist properly with a swift tug.*\n\n\"Good. I am ready to leave and never come back here. How do we escape the guard?\" *Björn glanced at her. She was small, frail, unassuming. He was far from it but it would have to do. Granted his face was all over town. It may spread to other villages soon enough. He was worried of that.*\n\n\"Want me to carry the bag?\" *He offered, crouching down to her height once more. He squatted so swiftly with the axe over his shoulder, being held with one hand. He looked to her and awaited her response, he knew she would need some assistance after all.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "\"Yes, if you don't mind. And I'll climb onto your back again and give you directions. There's an exit that the guards rarely cover. We can go there.\" Unfortunately it was on the opposite side of the city. And what if there were guards posted today? Ves would need a backup plan. She could think of it on the way.\n\nHanding Björn both her satchel and her crutch, she waited for him to lower himself down. She would have preferred to be in his arms, but this was better for giving directions. This way she would be right in his ear, whispering which way to turn. It would give her the best vantage point as well. It was all business right now. They had to escape.\n\nHolding on gently around his neck, Ves began to give directions. Through the back alleys they went, causing less of a scene this time than previously when Björn had been mostly naked. It was still an odd sight to see. They passed a group of Kobold who did a double take and whispered amongst themselves, but made no move otherwise. Still it made Ves uneasy to be spotted at all.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn lowered himself down to her level as she hopped on, gently holding on around the back of his neck. He wrapped the satchel around one arm and used the other to keep Ves stable on his back. It was strange, feeling the fabrics instead of her previous attire. He had no time to think. No time to linger on her whispered words.* \"Lead the way.\" *He muttered as he readied himself to run. His boots were getting some used to as well, making his steps heavier than before.*\n\n*He followed her directions to a Tee, swooping through busy streets and tight squeeze alleyways. Ducking through washing lines and pressing his face against walls to hide from guards.*\n\n\"You know, Ves. You are a perfect navigator. You would have made a good Goliath.\" *He remarked as he vaulted another fence line. It was true that Goliaths had strong hunters and navigators in their tribes. This he knew, one of the only memories he could retain was of his first Deer that he killed.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves smiled at the comment, trying to imagine herself as a tall and muscular Goliath. Her imagination came up short in that regard. She couldn't imagine herself as anything but small and frail. \"I just happen to know these streets well, that's all.\"\n\n\"Stop here,\" She instructed as they turned another corner. The gate was in sight, but a single guard stood watch. Ves glanced around, looking for any more, but it seemed the guard was on his own. Still, it would only take one guard to sound the alarm. They had to be careful.\n\nVes wished she could run. She could have acted as a distraction. Well perhaps she still could. If she could get the guard to pay attention to her, then maybe Björn could sneak past. \"Set me down. I'll go out there and speak with the guard and lure him away from the gate. That way you can escape. Then I'll leave the city and catch up to you.\" It sounded like a simple enough plan. Hopefully she could make it work.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"You know more than the streets Ves.\" *He remarked as he came to a stop. He listened to her plan while watching the guard and shook his head. He did not like the idea of sending her alone. She was injured and could easily be hurt more or worse... She was brave for even suggesting it!*\n\n\"I do not like it... But I will let you do it. However the minute I see that guard damage a scale on you, he's fresh meat.\" *He snarled slightly. It was clear Björn was trying to adapt to free life but he found it so hard to give up his primal, animalistic ways.*\n\n\"I shall wait outside of town. Once you are done distracting, come out. I'll find you.\" *Björn looked at her, his expression unreadable but inside he was concerned about her. What if this was the last time they saw each other? No. She was clever and crafty. The brains of the two. If she can't do this, no one can. He placed a hand on her head before looking at the guard.* \"Be brave. Be strong.\" *He took one last look at her before heading to a better position to escape from.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "It wasn't ideal, but it was the best plan she could think of in the moment. Björn thought she was clever, but Ves wouldn't agree. She was making it up as she went along. \"I don't think he'd hurt me,\" She comforted her friend. He was more likely to just threaten or bully her. It was what most people did to Kobold.\n\nTaking a deep breath, Ves repeated their mantra: \"Be brave. Be strong.\" Then she watched as the Goliath moved away. She turned and limped out towards the guard.\n\nFrom Björn's vantage point he could see the conversation but not hear it. He could watch as Ves made her way over and the guard immediately took notice. There was annoyance on the man's face as he looked the tiny Kobold up and down. Ves halted a few feet away and looked up at the guard. She opened her mouth and began to speak, though Björn couldn't make out her words.\n\nThere was a bit of a back and forth, with the guard looking more annoyed by the second. He made a motion with his hands, as though to shoo a fly away, but Ves continued to speak. He said something else and, with a roll of his eyes, began to follow her as she limped back into the city. The pair disappeared around the corner, leaving Björn the perfect opportunity to escape. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"Ves you brilliant, brilliant thing.\" *He was amazed at her people skills. Although, he was for some reason very put off by her disappearing with a guard... Why? She was nimble enough. No that's not it. It wracked his brain as he dropped down from his vantage and made a unassuming break for the gates, leaving the city unnoticed.*\n\n\"Good. I'm out... I'm actually free!\" *He said to himself aloud as he got a far distance away. He looked at the roads before him and found himself with a dilemma. The survivalist, pit fighter in him wanted to abandon Ves. She was clever but she would only slow him down anyway. What's the point in her?*\n\n*No! He couldn't do that. The real him began to rationalise with himself. She was clever and nimble and witty. She was going to teach him about the world. He cared for her, tended her wounds, made an oath to Lumnar and... Kissed her. His hair stood on end, Ves meant a lot to him. Ves meant the world right now. He repeated that in his head as he bobbed down behind a few large rocks, his stoney face peeking up from behind them. If she wasn't out soon, he'd run in there and raze the city for her.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Time seemed to stretch on forever. There was no sign of Ves. The guard eventually returned to his station and there was still no sign of Ves. Where was she? The minutes felt like hours as they passed by. Yet there was still nothing. Had something happened to her?\n\nThere came a soft call from somewhere to the left of Björn. Someone was calling his name. And there stood Ves, outside of the city walls, and looking around for him. She had not come out the same gate, but had apparently found another way to exit the city. She called out again, though softly, still not wanting to be overheard. \"Björn? Are you there?\"\n\nHer leg throbbed from the effort it took to walk. Even with the crutch it was painful. But never once did she doubt that Björn would wait for her. He had made a promise. He had sworn an oath. To Ves that meant everything and never once did she question it. Björn would keep his solemn word to her, just as she would keep her own promise not to abandon him.\n\nShe paused to lean against her crutch as she looked around. He had found a good hiding spot at least, for she had no idea where he was. Glancing around again, Ves took a few more hobbling steps before she had to pause and rest. Although it hadn't occurred to her, it would have been a disaster if he had left her. He had her satchel and everything in it. She would have been left with practically nothing. Did this cross her mind? No. She had no doubts that Björn was out there somewhere waiting for her. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn was beginning to worry as he waited... Even more so as the guard returned. Where the fuck was she?! What did this guard do to her? Did he rob her? Kill her? Worse?! He was going to rip off each nail, gouge out every tooth, break every bone until he had answers he was going to—!*\n\n*His head snapped towards the noise, a low growl coming from him. His rage was getting the better of him as he saw the Lizard. No... No that's Ves! He immediately began to run over to her as his shadow blocked the sun from behind her as she leaned against her crutch.* \"Ves! Ves!!\" *Each time he called her name he seemed more thankful, more greatful, more pleased to see she was okay. He didn't know how to react upon seeing her so he just snatched her up and hugged her tightly against himself.*\n\n\"Ves! I was waiting for you! The guard came back and I was just about to make his last few hours alive the worst recorded in history... What happened are you hurt?\" *He held her at arms length, his stern eye scanning her body for injuries or rips in the clothes. He swore if she was harmed...*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Björn suddenly burst from his hiding place and sprinted over to her, calling her name. She was smiling as he approached, looking pleased. She opened her mouth to say something when suddenly he scooped her up in a tight hug. It was a surprising embrace, but not unwelcome. She enjoyed the feeling of his arms around her, and understood that he had been worried about her.\n\n\"I'm okay, I'm okay!\" She said soothingly to the Goliath. \"I'm not hurt. I just had to find a different exit,\" She explained quickly. Everything seemed in order. \"I just had the guard show me where a healer was. If I had returned with him, it would have seemed suspicious. So I had to go out a different way.\" It had been difficult to convince the guard to take her rather than just point in the general direction, but she had somehow managed. \n\nShe was smiling up at Björn with glittering eyes. His concern for her well-being was touching, but they weren't out of danger just yet. It was time to go. \"Let's get far from here, Björn. We don't want to be spotted.\" Now they could continue their journey to the city they had found on the map. Or at least that was the plan. They would have to cross Dasvaz's border first, but that was an adventure for another time.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He eventually stopped fussing and just hugged her again before placing her down. He knew she wss clever by doing such a plan but he wished he knew that beforehand! He could've met her at the other exit or something similar! She was stubborn, kinda like him... Huh, she would make a good Goliath.*\n\n\"You brilliant... You, Ves.\" *He didn't have the vocabulary needed to express his opinion of her. She was amazing, awe-inspiring even! Her glittering eyes made him feel like a weight was on his heart, pulling it to his stomach. A slight darkness came to his cheeks but went away as fast as it came.*\n\n\"Far, far from here.\" *He agreed with her. They needed to make their journey and use what sunlight they had left.* \"Let me guess, your leg is sore still?\" *He looked at her and saw her leg looked pretty irritated.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves' scales reddened at the compliment. She hadn't really thought it all that brilliant. She had just used what was available to her and pestered the guard long enough to convince him. She had been more lucky than anything else. Grikta was with her. That often seemed to be the case. Ves quietly thanked the goddess of luck. She would have to say a proper prayer later, once they were out of danger.\n\nShe noticed the brief darkening of his cheeks and it made her smile wider. Then she nodded. \"It'll be much faster if you carry me,\" She said. \"If you don't mind,\" She added shyly. She wouldn't just assume he was willing. He might be getting tired of toting her around. She wasn't sure if she would ever get bored with it. She liked her independence, yes, and enjoyed being light on her feet, but she also loved being held tight against him. It made her feel warm.\n\n\"We should head that way,\" She said as she pointed. \"Get to the woods. It should be safer there, out of sight. Then we can decide our path.\" Should they stick to the roads? It would be faster, but more dangerous. In her previous escape from Dasvaz she had stayed away from the main thoroughfares. She would ask Björn's opinion on the matter once they made it to the relative safety of the trees.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Something about the way she smiled... It made the darkening worse. Gods, what is wrong with him?! He is never like this...* \"Of course.\" *He scooped her up into his arms and held her securely. He then began to take large, bounding strides towards the treeline. He could feel the heat from her reddening scales. Why was the heat and aroma so nice?*\n\n*The ground seem to shudder slightly to a creature as small as Ves as he made his way across the fields towards the treeline. The wind brushed past her scales, giving imitation to a cool breeze on the wind. Björn himself noticed it and enjoyed the sensation of his hair being manipulated by the gusts of air.*\n\n*They soon got to the treeline and Björn slowed to a walking pace and headed inside. Usually, he would have just put her down, but instead he held her firmly and looked around the area. Judging it as secure, he kept her elevated in his arms and turned to look at her... Wow her face was really close to his.* \"What is your plan?\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "She savored the feeling of being held close to Björn's chest. Her sensitive ears could hear his heart beat as he ran towards the treeline. It was speeding up, but surely not because of the light exercise. Then why? Ves could imagine why and she wondered if her dreaming had any root in the truth. Or was it just wishful thinking? No... She wasn't imagining the darkening of his cheeks or the way he held her. Nor had she imagined his kiss.\n\nHer own heart fluttered about and she had butterflies in her stomach. She felt happy and for many reasons. Most of all Ves was overjoyed that Björn was finally truly free. And she was beyond pleased to be held by him as he ran. The wind felt good and she looked up at him, still smiling wide. He seemed happy also.\n\nFinally they made it to the woods and Ves breathed a sigh of relief. She expected to be set down but instead the opposite happened. Her breath caught when he lifted her a little. They were inches apart now, with his lips oh-so-close close to hers. She felt a pull to kiss him again but resisted. Her cheeks glowed warmly as she grinned at him.\n\n\"Björn... You're free!\" She reminded him. He was free, though he might not be safe until he left Dasvaz. And even then there was no guarantee. But she wouldn't let that spoil this moment. \"You're free!\" She repeated, her happiness for him evident in her expression. Her plan could wait. They should celebrate, if only briefly. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He saw her grin at him as her cheeks glowed with colour... Did she lean a bit closer? Or was she always this close? His senses were bombarded. He could see, feel, hear and smell her - almost all his senses.*\n\n*A small smile came across his face as she reminded him. He hadn't put much thought to it but yes! He was free!* \"Yes! But it's because of you that I am.\" *He patted her head a little as he said that.* \"You seem very pleased Ves. Happiness suits you.\" *He smiled a bit more, his expression was genuine - he didn't know the concept of sarcasm.*\n\n*He hugged her again, his head resting against hers as he closed his eyes.* \"Thank you Ves... I am in your debt. One I shall repay. You have saved my life, literally.\" *He smiled and pulled away from the hug, still close to her.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "\"I only unlocked the cell. The rest we did together.\" She only smiled wider when he patted her head. It was an endearing developing habit of his and it made her feel safe. For anyone else it might have been condescending, but not with Björn. \"I *Am* Happy. I am happy for you! And I am pleased to have met you. To be in your arms. To be hugged by you. To have been...\" \n\nShe trailed off, her blush becoming more pronounced and her smile turning bashful. She leaned into the hug, wrapping her arms around him in return. She squeezed him tightly before letting go and looking into his eye. \n\n\"I'd argue, but I don't think you'd listen,\" She said. She still tried. \"You owe me nothing. Like I said, I only unlocked the door. We accomplished the rest as a team.\" Her eyes looked a little hazy as tears of happiness threatened to spill. She couldn't help it. She was a silly, emotional thing. She reached out to touch his face, hesitating at the last moment. Was she crossing a line again? Could she be rushing things? Ves didn't know. The moment had just seemed right to her. Yet she wasn't sure. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"You unlocked the cell, yes. I still owe you. Lumnar will see you repayed on my honor.\" *He spoke seriously as he patted her head. It was a juxtaposition to his actions. He listened to her talk of her happiness and watched her trail off.* \"You mean when we kissed...? Or am I getting the wrong idea.\" *He seemed confused and a bit embarrassed himself.*\n\n*He locked onto her eyes and saw the hazy, tear-filled gaze he gave her.* \"We may have been a team, but I was contempt with death before you saved me from that cell.\" *He was stubborn. Idiotically so, if honesty was key. He was a silly, stubborn thing after all. Stubborn by name and nature. He allowed her to touch his face, his cheeks darkened from it.* \"No, I do not mind. You like touching my face, don't you?\"\n\n*He exposed her without knowing it. His small, almost unnoticeable smile would be seen as unenthusiastic or patronising if it wasn't for her seeing his nature beforehand. At this distance, he wasn't anything like the caged monster that snarled at her from across a dirty shit-stained room.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "\"Yes. When we kissed,\" She bashfully. He was so brutally honest and seemed incapable of sarcasm. She liked that about him. He wouldn't roll his eyes at the tiny Kobold. \"It doesn't matter now. All that matters is you're free,\" She replied. He might think he owed her some great debt, but Ves didn't think any such thing. He owed her nothing.\n\nShe pressed her palm on his cheek, watching his skin darken in color again. *He's blushing,* She thought to herself. Just like she was doing. Out of pleasure or embarrassment, she wondered. \"I... I do. I don't know why. I just like the feel of your face... And your beard. It tickles. And it feels... If feels good.\" It felt more than just good, but she couldn't put the overwhelming feelings into proper words. So 'good' would have to suffice. \n\n\"But... I also like just about everything about you, Björn. Your honesty. Your affection. Your smile. Especially your smile. I could get lost in your smile... Gods. Listen to me ramble. I'm babbling again, I'm sorry,\" She chuckled nervously, squirming a little in his arms. There she went again, talking before she considered her words. Björn really had her in a state. She almost felt feverish.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"I thought so. In truth, I enjoyed it.\" *He spoke plainly. As she suspected, he didn't know a spot of sarcasm, just pure blunt honesty. He was sincere that way.* \"All that really matters is I am free... And you are here... And we are moving together.\" *He nodded. He didn't care if she thought it was silly, he owed a debt. A debt declared to the gods. He will repay her with his life or service.*\n\n*He leaned his head against her palm, closing his eyes... Was he feeling relaxed by it? The hair on his neck stood to attention at this motion. His blush was not of embarrassment. It was unclear whether he fully understood shame.* \"Feels good...\" *It was once more unclear if he was repeating her or saying what he felt.*\n\n*He listened to her talk about him, she could hear his heartbeat get faster as she spoke... Her voice was music to his ears. It scratched on a part of his brain somehow.* \"I shall try to smile more for you.\" *He gave her a small smile as he said that. His oral hygiene was that of a Slave's - unfortunate - but it didn't seem to make much difference, if she truly felt what she was saying.* \"You like things of me. You like being around me.\" *He gave a small nod of understanding. Before he mumbled, under his breath.* \"...I like your laugh.\" \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "She didn't think it was possible, but her heart began to beat even louder. Blood pounded in her ears as he leaned against her hand. She stroked his cheek gently and savored the feel of his beard. It was scratchy and rough and she especially liked it when it rubbed against her neck. Not that she would admit such a thing out loud. \n\nBjörn's teeth were no worse than her own sharp fangs. She was Kobold, not some princess, born to privilege and wealth. And when he smiled at her, she smiled back, unable to help herself. It was an involuntary reaction, just like her blushing. \"Yes. I like being with you,\" She agreed, her voice soft and silky. \n\nHis next words made her freeze. Her ears twitched as she gaped stupidly at him, then swallowed hard. Why had that been so unexpected? Why was it so strange to hear similar words echoed back at her? And when he said he liked her laugh, why did she immediately think that it was a ridiculous notion. How could *Anyone* Like something about her? Poor self-esteem was sadly one of her faults.\n\n\"Y-You... You do?\" She said doubtfully. Yet he would not, *Could* Not lie to her. He just didn't understand how. Ves noted that this would have to change sooner or later. Being able to lie was definitely a skill that needed to be learned. But right now she would enjoy the fact that he was completely honest. Her blush began to travel down her neck and she squirmed again. Gods, he was just making her want to kiss him even more! Life seemed terribly unfair, despite their recent escape.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn smiled as she admitted she enjoyed his company. It would make things easier if they both got along. And enjoyed each other. However they both secretly enjoyed each other a bit too much for it to be a friendly notion. Her soft, silly voice made him feel something he didn't understand - why was a voice what he obsessed over in his mind?*\n\n*Speaking of obsession, her silly little expressions made him laugh a bit. But not to insult her. He also realised that he felt lost when he was waiting for her return. Maybe she felt the same?* \"Yes. It is smooth, silky. You do this thing... You make a small click when you laugh, and you squint when you laugh too.\" *His honesty was intense, immense and a bit ironic. This became more so when he reached out and traced her blush down her neck with a finger.*\n\n\"Your scales don't just turn red on your face... Huh. Your body is interesting. I do not do that.\" *He watched it, confused and interested at the same time. He looked up at her and took his finger away.* \"Forgive me. It is... Interesting how you work. It's brilliant.\" *He made a small laugh himself, it was earthy and deep. It sounded like the inside of a hollow tree.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "He didn't seem to sense her lack of self-worth, much to Ves' relief. When he described her laugh, she couldn't help but to giggle a little despite herself. It was as he described and Ves' blush traveled a little further down. Soon it would drift to her clavicle... How far would it reach?\n\nBjörn seemed to notice, as he traced a curious finger down her neck. Ves' breath caught and she grew very still, as though afraid that any movement would spook him away. He seemed innocently interested in the color and not the meaning. Ves swallowed and exhaled slowly, trying to keep herself calm. \n\n\"You do... In a way. Your face darkens. It's a blush and we're both capable of it. I suppose mine is just more obvious.\" His grumbling laughter made her feel light-headed, like she would pass out. Surely he didn't know the effect he was having on her. He was far too innocent.\n\nWell she was innocent as well! It wasn't like she had had any real experience with anything. Her first kiss had been only hours ago. And the way he embraced her was unlike anything else she had felt before. But it was true she was more knowledgeable than he was, if not directly experienced. She had seen things, after all, and knew how it all worked. Björn had none of the secondary training, though he knew of some things firsthand. \n\n\"Interesting?\" She squeaked out. \"I don't think I'm that interesting. Only different than yourself. Do you... Do you like the feel of them? My scales, I mean. Are they... Okay?\" They had so many differences between them. Skin and scales. Hair and tails. Tall and short. How could he possibly find her attractive?"
}
] | 276.5 | 8,351 |
238.72 | 2024-01-08 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn placed a hand on his cheek. It was warm... Darkened, blushing. His eyebrows raised a bit, he was shocked at this new revelation. So when he felt warm in the baths... He was blushing? When he reached her collarbone, that's when he stopped.*\n\n\"So that's why you turn red. You blush when I touch you.\" *He seemed to realise it since he blushed when she touched him. This was confirmed by her statement.*\n\n*Björn noticed her sway a little bit in his arms, lightheaded and wobbly.* \"You are nauseated... Are you okay?\" *He put the back of his palm to her forehead, cheeks, her mouth and neck. Checking for temperature changes. His innocence gave way to a caring side of him.*\n\n*He wasn't used to caring, or giving a damn. He was only taught to care by Solaire... His vision of her haunted him still. Made him feel worry, he turned a bit pale as he looked away but when he saw Ves' glittering eyes once more, he realised he felt at ease. He sort of knew why too.*\n\n*He placed two large fingers on her cheek and traced her scales with them, down her face, her neck, her shoulder and clavicle. He recognised the bumps and shifts in direction...* \"I like your... Scales. They are bumpy and comforting, like you.\" *He seemed to realise their close proximity.* \"Oh, do you want me to put you down?\" *He asked plainly once more.*\n\n||§"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "His touch made her shiver. His fingers tracing down her cheek and neck were overwhelming. It gave Ves a feeling she had never experienced before. It was a pleasant sensation and one she wouldn't soon forget. When he asked her if she was okay, Ves nodded. \"I'm alright. I'm not nauseated. Just a little dizzy.\"\n\nAt his question, Ves smiled uncertainly. \"I'm content where I'm at,\" She said with a nervous chuckle. \"But if you want to put me down, you can.\" She liked being in his arms, perhaps a bit too much. It was addicting. She hoped he would still hold her close once her injury had healed.\n\nThe trees surrounding them gave Ves a feeling of tranquility. She felt safe, though of course the forest had its own dangers. She had been lucky during her first escape. She hadn't faced any wolves or mountain lions or bandits. She had made it across the border safely. Would they be so lucky this time? Ves could only hope. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He nodded his head as she spoke, he also noticed her shiver at his touch... But she was hot. Red hot even. Why was she shivering? Maybe it was a lizard thing? He didn't understand her. He wanted to understand her so badly.*\n\n\"No, I'll keep you up here. Snake might bite your leg.\" *It was a shitty excuse. One he had thought of on the fly. True, a snake could bite her but she was a reptile too! Of course, she would see right through that.* \"Or spider.\" *Nice save, Björn.*\n\n*He looked at the trees around him. They were green... Why? He slowly walked up to one and, while balancing Ves in one arm, he placed his free hand on the bark of the tree... He could hear a humming somewhere distant - no. It wasn't really there, he knew that.* \"I haven't seen a tree in so long...\" *He felt the branches, the bark with an unspoken affection. It mesmerised him, enthralled him.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Bitten by a snake, she wondered to herself. Or a spider. Ves smiled a little at the excuses. He didn't yet realize that he didn't need any sort of excuse with her. But either way, Björn seemed equally content to continue holding her. She was perfectly fine with that. It was exactly what she had wanted, after all.\n\nHe could easily balance her in one arm and did so now as he moved towards one of the trees. She watched him explore the bark and leaves and she smiled to herself. He seemed so innocent, so easily fascinated by the simplest things. It made him seem fragile. It made her want to hold him. She barely resisted the urge to wrap her arms around his neck and bury her face into his shoulder.\n\n\"There will be plenty more trees where we're going. We still have to decide on a route. Taking the roads will be the fastest way, but also the most dangerous for us. That's where they'll be looking for you. Sticking to the forests has its own dangers, but I've done it before and can do it again.\" She sounded far more confident than she felt.\n\nAbsently she reached out and brushed aside a stray strand of his hair. \"You should let me rebraid your hair,\" She commented without thinking. Then realizing she was being too bold again, she ducked her head shyly.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He was too distracted to pay attention to her almost cuddling into his neck. It was when she touched his hair that he turned to look at her. He made a deep humming sound as he looked at her. Was he considering something?*\n\n*He took his hand from the tree and used the curl of his finger to lift her chin to look him in the face... They were so close but he found it rude to not speak to her with eye contact. He then lowered her to the ground before she could utter a word as he joined her on the forest floor. He pulled at a piece of hold twine and his hair came loose.*\n\n*His hair was long and would have been matted if not for the bath before. It was, however, dark and murky. Bits of twigs from the branches at head-height were already stuck in it. His hair looks like the perfect length to be braided. Then again, his beard was full enough for it too.*\n\n\"I trust you to do well.\" *He said plainly, before looking at her over his shoulder with a soft, small curl of his lips. Björn lowered himself down further to give her ease of access to his head and then... He closed his eyes. Björn had let his guard down, it was a rare opportunity - one that showed his trust in her.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Gods, he had no idea what he was doing to her. As he lifted her chin to look her in the eyes, Ves' heart skipped a beat. Her scales turned red again. She had never blushed so much in her entire life! She almost protested when he set her down, but stopped when he sat down as well. He had taken her quite seriously, it seemed.\n\nThe Kobold admired the Goliath's long hair as he let it down. His smile made her melt and she exhaled softly to keep herself under control. Her tail flicked back and forth as she began to carefully pick out the twigs and leaves. She ran her fingers gently through the tresses, carefully getting rid of any tangles. She didn't have much experience with hair, but she knew how to braid a rope. Hair wasn't much different, right? She could manage.\n\nVes had nimble, quick fingers and she parted his hair in three ways. Yet she continued to stroke his hair, even after the tangles were gone. This was an intimate moment and she didn't want it to stop too soon. He trusted her and she savored the feeling. But she couldn't run her fingers through his hair forever. He was expecting a braid. So she'd give him one.\n\nIt took a couple of tries, but eventually Ves managed a decent braid. But even as she finished, she didn't want the moment to end. Her hands *Somehow* Found their way to his shoulders and she gently began to massage him through his new clothes. *What are you doing, Ves?* She asked herself. She just wanted to keep touching him. Was that so much to ask?\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn let her pick out the debris in his hair. As she did so, she would find, burned to his scalp some symbols. Being ilitterate, it was hard to discern what exactly. But it was big and crude, the skin around it was healed, meaning he was young when he had this.*\n\n*She noticed something as she stroked his hair, his hair on his neck began to stand up on end. He was enjoying the experience! Why was he liking a simple act? He always tied his hair! He didn't even snarl or growl when her attempts snagged the hair a bit. He tried his best to not let the pain spring him into a fighting mentality.*\n\n*The braid was finished, it was time to stand up... It was then he felt her small hands slide over his shoulders, pressing at the rocky surface below his clothes over his shoulders... What was she doing?*\n\n*It reminded him of when Solaire washed his wounds once... He felt Solaire's once vibrant eyes - now milky and rotted staring at him from behind. He could smell the rot, the viscera, hear the phantom cries of a newborn baby somewhere in the corner of his mind... A couple tears fell down his face, he hoped Ves couldn't see.*\n\n*He felt her rubbing his muscles with her small hands. A small gasp escaped him as she did so. He didn't protest, even as small splotches of tears landed on his tunic-covered chest.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves felt all the muscles in Björn's shoulders tense as she touched him. Ah, she had crossed a line again. Her massaging ceased almost immediately. She didn't want to push him too far, too fast. Well, she had already done that, hadn't she? It was too late to take it back now. His gasp made her focus sharply on his face, wondering what had caused it. Had she hurt him?\n\nThat's when she noticed the tears. Alarmed, Ves drew her hands back, not certain what to do. It was obvious something was wrong, but what? She couldn't read his mind, couldn't know the haunted memories he was currently reliving. She only knew that something was wrong and she seemed to have caused it.\n\n\"I'm sorry, Björn,\" She whispered softly. \"I didn't mean... I don't know what's gotten into me.\" That was a lie. She knew perfectly well what had gotten into her. She craved the intimacy and hadn't wanted it to end. It was selfish of her, she knew that. She should have been more considerate of him. \"Are you... Is there something I can do?\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn simply turned to her and with a soft voice, almost a whisper he asked:* \"Why did you stop?\" *His face was a blank slate save for the tears... Until something caught his eye behind her. In that moment, Ves saw the one emotion she wouldn't want to see: fear.*\n\n*He caught a glimpse of her black, blood-soaked dress. He whipped his head around to avert his gaze from her. He couldn't see her. She wasn't there... Oh but she was. She was there and he could feel her hatred.*\n\n\"Ves... You did nothing wrong.\" *Is all he said in response to her... She had not hurt him. He had hurt himself... He kept his eyes on the trees infront of him. He wanted to look at Ves. He wanted his friend but... She was making him scared to even move.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "She was so confused. Hadn't he wanted her to stop? Wasn't that the cause for his tears? He looked back at her and Ves felt herself begin to tremble a little. The sudden fear in his eyes made her tense and she looked over her shoulder. There was nothing there. Nothing that she could see anyways.\n\nHer amber eyes returned to Björn, but her friend had turned away again. Something was desperately wrong here. What was it that caused that look of fear in Björn's eyes? What was he seeing that she could not? She swallowed, not knowing what to do.\n\n\"Björn...\" She whispered, feeling as though her heart were breaking. She circled around in front of him and knelt, ignoring the pain in her leg. He was all that mattered. \"What can I do? I'll do anything. How can I help?\" Or had she done enough already? \n\nMaybe Björn was better off without her. Maybe she was just a pest who would slow him down. She remembered how he had pleaded with her not to leave him, but was that what was truly best for him? Ves wasn't certain. She wasn't certain of anything, except that she cared about him deeply. And in the end she wanted what was best for him.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn kept repeating their mantra in his head: be brave, be strong, be brave, be strong. It was helping... He heard her call his name softly as he looked up. She was in front of him, kneeling on her bad leg, all for him. He was a bad friend, a bad protector. She was hurting herself just to comfort him. He was a weakling.*\n\n\"Promise you'll never leave. Never hate me.\" *Is all he could mutter, he placed a hand on his shoulder, scratching the brand he had. He was definitely hurting. He kept his eyes on Ves, oh Ves. She was a beacon of safety. She was clever and smart and intelligent. She was nimble and crafty.*\n\n*She was his friend and he was her's. He instinctively reached out and touched the scales on her cheek. He wasn't certain way, but the bumps and ridges were comforting. Bumpy, yet smooth.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "As though he could read her thoughts he began to beg her not to leave. \"Shh... Shh... I won't leave you. I won't hate you. I'm here and I'll always be here,\" She whispered soothingly. What was going on? She had triggered some kind of response that was threatening to push him over the edge. She just wished she knew what to do!\n\nWhen he reached for her, she moved forward. She set her hand upon his briefly, then gently spread her arms and wrapped them around him. She pulled him close to her, embracing him like she had done before. She held him tightly against her, gently rubbing his back.\n\n\"Shh... There now... Take a deep breath. I've got you,\" She whispered into his ear. She wanted to protect him, to take away his pain and his fear. \"I'll take care of you. I won't let you go.\" Her heart ached. He was probably better off without her, but she couldn't just abandon him. She had made a promise and she wouldn't break it. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*The irony was apparent to no one as the two felt like failures. They had just escaped a painful death after a lifetime of servitude and yet here they were. Sat in the forests, one feeling weak, and the other feeling unwanted.*\n\n*Björn needed the hug. He pulled her tightly in too, allowing himself to be comforted. He heard a humming sound that he couldn't locate. As he began to hear it, the presence of her shrunk away... Leaving nothing but a sour taste in his mouth. As soon as the humming came, it left.*\n\n*He took her advice and breathed deeply, he continued to feel her scales as she comforted him. He remained in silence for some time before he finally looked up at her, his eyes dry and no longer so desponded. He leaned in really close to her large ears and said softly, yet still rumbly and deep.* \"...Thank you, Ves.\" *He emphasised her name before tilting his head and kissing her cheek. His beard scratched against her scales as he did so.*\n\n*He immediately pulled away and looked down at the ground.* \"...We should not ruin our clothes on the forest floor.\" *He tried to change the subject, his blush told a different story.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "She continued to hold him, gently rubbing his back, until at last he seemed to calm. He drew back and she searched his gaze for something, anything, that might clue her in to what had happened. She still didn't know how she had triggered such a reaction, but knew she would need to be more careful in the future.\n\nHe leaned close and whispered into her ear and his breath was warm and it tickled. She resisted the urge to squirm and was successful... Until he tilted his head and kissed her cheek. Her eyes widened and she tensed up all over as her blush reappeared and traveled down her neck. \n\nShe looked at him in shock, swallowing hard as she placed a hand on the spot he had kissed. He was blushing as well, even as he attempted to change the subject. Only she didn't *Want* The subject to change. She wanted to let the intimacy linger. She wanted to savor the moment a bit longer. She wanted more.\n\n\"No...\" She muttered. \"We don't want our new clothes getting dirty so soon,\" She agreed but made no move to stand. Was he going to be okay now? The fear was gone from his eyes. Whatever had frightened him so much had faded. He was left vulnerable and raw and as much as Ves wanted to, she was hesitant to do anything else. She didn't want to take advantage of him.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He watched her face and neck light up with red, her shocked expression made him feel excited and worried. What was she thinking? Was that a good move?! She placed a hand over the spot... He searched her expression for answers, and came up short.*\n\n*She agreed with him, yet why didn't she stand. Was she waiting for him? He was confused.* \"Yes. Sitting would just make it worse. We are losing daylight. Nighttime is too dangerous. Too dark.\" *He saw the concern in her eyes and put his hand over her's.* \"I am fine. I will be fine. You did nothing wrong. Whatever you did to my shoulders... Felt good.\" *He muttered quietly.* \"Your touch is needed.\" *He looked at her again.* \"Do you want to make a move?\" *The irony of his words. If only he knew.* \"We should at least find suitable area to camp.\"\n\n*Björn rose to his feet and grabbed her into his arms without asking. He assumed she would have asked if he hasn't. He held her up close once more and rested her against his chest. He would walk in a straight line unless advised not to or if danger arose from the shrubbery. He was confident in his abilities to keep her safe until nightfall.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "She nearly laughed. Did she want to make a move? Of course she did! She wanted to throw her arms around his neck and press her lips to his and feel the warmth of his embrace. She wanted to undo his braid and run her fingers through his hair. She wanted to feel their bodies pressed together. She wanted... Oh, gods, she wanted so much!\n\nHer cheeks heated up even more at these intrusive thoughts. He scooped her up before she had a chance to agree again and began walking. She sighed gently. At least she could be close to him this way. Camp. Yes. They needed to make camp. That was what was most important at the moment.\n\nShe leaned into him and pressed an ear against his chest. She listened to his heart, counting the beats quietly to herself. Only once did she redirect him to head in a different direction so they would be on the proper course. Then she went back to snuggling up comfortably in his arms. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn noticed her nestled against his chest as he walked. He didn't know what she was doing but she kept returning to that same spot. Maybe it was comfy? He doubted it. His pectorals were large and stern - like the rest of him - not exactly made for resting on.*\n\n*It felt like they had walked for a good while in the right direction. Björn was making small noises to himself to asking if she was in pain periodically but he kept quiet. His thoughts were on her however... Eventually they came to a opening in the forest. It was far enough away from the road to be secure. Björn looked up at the dying light in the sky, night would be upon them soon.*\n\n\"Ves. Here we can make camp. Sleep here tonight, it looks safe after all.\" *He looked around the area. It was pretty nice, secure.* \"Want me to help? I don't know what I'm doing but... You are so clever.\" *He paused and coughed loudly.* \"I meant you could teach me.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves glanced around the clearing, nodding her head. It looked like a suitable spot, far from the city and a good distance from the road. Hopefully they could rest there unbothered for the night. \n\n\"I'm really not all that clever,\" She replied shyly. He kept calling her that, but she was really just making it up as she went along. \"I don't have a tent unfortunately. We'll have to sleep on the ground. But it looks like a comfortable enough spot. We'll clear out the sticks and rocks and it'll just be the moss.\"\n\n\"I think it's safe enough to start a fire. It'll help keep the animals away.\" As for the bandits... Well she only hoped there weren't any around. They would be drawn to the fire like moths and would take everything she and Björn had to offer. Ves had been forced to hide more than once when her makeshift camp was overtaken by thieves. \n\n\"You can set me down here. I'll arrange our sleeping spots while you gather firewood. Then we can have something to eat.\" \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He placed her down listening to her words. No, she was clever.* \"Okay. Firewood. I'll go chop some trees. I'll scout a bit too in case there are any predators.\" *He patted her head.* \"Be brave, be strong. And for you, do clever things.\"\n\n*He pulled the axe from his back and spun it effortlessly as he walked off into the forest. Soon the sound of dull thumps against wood could be heard, their source? A nearby Goliath who was swinging a battle axe into a tree with the force of a bear.*\n\n*Some time would pass before he would return. Scouting the wilderness would take him some time and carrying logs would also be a tedious task too. Every once in a while, he would lean through the trees to check on her. Even though, he didn't have a watch, he was routine with his checks.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves watched as Björn spun the axe, admiring the way his muscles flexed beneath his shirt. She flushed at the thought and turned away, getting to work. She found a suitable spot where they could rest, one covered with soft moss and a bed of dry leaves. She began to pick out the small rocks and sticks that would make sleeping uncomfortable. Then she laid out her blanket on the ground. She wished she had thought to buy a bigger one that would have fit Björn better. Maybe at their next stop she would get him one.\n\nWhen he returned with the lumber, Ves busied herself stacking the wood carefully. Pulling out a fire starting kit, she created the sparks needed and added kindling until a small flame appeared. Breathing on it carefully, she encouraged the flame to grow. It leaped and danced as it caught on the dry firewood and soon they had a decently sized fire. Ves had purposefully kept it small, but not *Too* Small. It needed to be big enough to keep Björn warm.\n\nSmiling to herself, Ves put her hands out to the flames, warming them. It was already getting cold now that the sun had disappeared behind the hills. The sunset was gorgeous, a display of red and orange and violet, and Ves tilted her head back to admire it. She felt very happy at that moment. And why wouldn't she be? She was with Björn, whom she cared about deeply. They were free and away from the horrors of slavery and the pits. And they were on their way out of Dasvaz. Why wouldn't she be happy?\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn noticed her admiration of the sky and grabbed her from behind, lifting her up to stand on his shoulders. He held her ankles firmly in place. He had hoped this would give her a better vantage point to admire her view. As he admired his - trees and fire.*\n\n*Björn was very fascinated by how she made a fire like that. It was amazing to him. He was used to light from fire, hurt from fire but never warmth. It was comforting... It made him sleepy. Björn was happy and had every reason to be. He was free and had someone to protect. He had fire and clothes and an axe; as far as he was concerned, this was the best day of his life. He smiled as he felt this. Oh if only Ves could have seen the way he smiled.*\n\n*Eventually, as sunset gave way to night, Björn lowered her down to the floor once more and sat next to the fire, warming himself. Against the flames of the fire, Björn's skin took on an oddly human hue, the red flames making the pale of his skin brighten.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "She squeaked in surprise as she was suddenly picked up. What was he doing?! Oh! He set her upon his shoulder so she could be closer to the sunset. Ves' tail curled around his wrist as he held her ankles carefully. She glanced down at him. It felt strange to do so and she smiled at the novelty of it.\n\nHe seemed distracted by something and his yellow eye reflected the firelight, making it glow golden. As he set her back down upon the tiny blanket, she scooted closer to him. The wind was picking up a little. Perhaps she should buy a tent at the next village as well as a blanket for Björn. It would help protect them from the chill.\n\nShe let the silence settle, her ears twitching as the wind stirred up the fire, making it dance. She shivered a little and cleared her throat. \"Do you want me to take the first watch so you can rest?\" Her eyes lifted towards him, admiring the glow the fire cast upon him. Once again she reflected on their differences and once again she wondered what he could possibly see in her.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He looked down at her as she scooted over to him. He softly shook his head.* \"No. You can rest first. You need it more than me.\"\n\n*He pulled his tunic off and threw it over her.* \"Here, an extra bit of warmth.\" *He shrugged. He did not mind the cold for some reason. He liked it. But he preferred the warmth... Ves looked warm.*\n\n*He stood up and rested his axe against his side.* \"Sleep well. I will keep you safe till you wake.\" *He rubbed her head and stood up. He was going to keep watch just like before.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "She wasn't so sure about that. They both needed their rest equally after the long day. But Ves decided not to argue. She blinked when Björn took off his tunic, wondering what he was doing. Not that she minded the view. \n\nWhen he tossed the discarded clothes on top of her, she flushed then wrapped them around herself more firmly. They smelled of him, faintly of soap and sweat and mint. She liked the smell and inhaled slowly. Then she lay down on her blanket and rolled onto her side. The moss and leaves beneath her provided a suitably comfortable bed.\n\n\"We'll switch soon. Just give me a few hours,\" She mumbled as she gazed up at him. She felt safe and warm knowing that he was there, keeping watch and protecting her. The Kobold closed her eyes and breathed in and out slowly, drifting off to sleep.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn watched her smell his tunic and laughed a bit to himself. She was bizzare. It is what he liked about her. Her small frame, her quirks... She was a wonderful sight. An experience.*\n\n\"Goodnight, Ves.\" *He stood over her makeshift bed, watching her before moving to patrol the camp. He wanted her safe and would take no chances.*\n\n*He found himself sat tired eyed around the campfire, looking at her. In his tired voice, he looked to Ves and said.* \"You really are clever...\"\n\n||"
}
] | 227 | 5,968 |
549.75 | 2023-07-23 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Marcus Sammael | The Name Stealer",
"message": "Feeling the crowd burst forward around him, Marcus did his best to hold his crowd. With no interest in what was on stage, he took the opportunity of the orc and goliath slavers moving forward to move backward and out of the crowd of them. Now free of the stench that seemed to cover each Dasvazian around him, Marcus turned, ignoring the angered shouts of the crowd as he intended to make his leave. While the man was not disappointed, he was irritated that he'd have to continue his search elsewhere for a slave to call his own- one not so *Used*. Ezocar wasn't too terrible far away, but Marcus bit his tongue at the thought of staying overnight in Dasvaz just for being picky over the slave he wished to buy.\n\nMarcus began making his way back towards the hill he had come over when a voice stopped him in his tracks. Turning to peer through the slits in his mask at who had yelled such a thing, the aasimar's eyes widened when he heard the word *'human'*. Marcus had no interest in rarities when it came to items, merchandise or even slaves, but he'd be a liar if he didn't admit he was at least a *Bit* Intrigued by the proclamation. Turning around fully to settle his eyes on the rotund orc and his prize, Marcus's arms were soon crossed over his broad chest. Honing in on the human in question, the aasimar took a long and hard look over her, and was almost immediately interested to know and see more of her.\n\n_ _\nStepping back into the crowd, Marcus observed quietly, ignoring the murmurs and whispers around him. He was fully aware just how rare a human was, especially one that seemed as human as this one did. Likely one with elven blood, but a human nonetheless. The blood on what could barely be called clothing immediately caught Marcus's attention, but it was not uncommon at events such as these. Slaves were beaten as normalcy here, and by the fiery look in the human's eyes, it was clear she was a fighter. This was made clear by her angered and fearful shouting, and while Marcus didn't recognize the language, he did recognize the accent.\n\nBlinking as the orc who had caught her slammed her into the wooden platform, Marcus was now able to eye her more closely. He stood out like an obsidian marble in a sea of emeralds, orcs and goliaths both around him now begging for a chance to seize this rare prize. Bets and offers were made and were growing in price by the second. Money was no issue for Marcus. His family's estate may have burned down, but gold doesn't burn so easy. He still had a plethora of wealth to spend, and he intended to do so here and now.\n\n*Marcus had found what he wanted, and he'd have her one way or another.*\n\n\"1,000 gold pieces.\" Marcus raised a hand, the sound of his voice crashing against the rest around him. Not only did his appearance make him stand out, but his accent as well. The aasimar's accent was thick and his voice just as deep to match, leading many to turn and eye Marcus with strange and even angered looks. The mask upon his face made him unknown, which only caused those around him to become even more uneased. \"1,000 gold pieces for the human.\" Marcus was very aware of the economy in Dasvaz- the only man who had anywhere near 1,000 gold pieces on him was the chieftain of the nation, and as far as Marcus was aware he was not here, leaving the aasimar satisfied and sure the human would be his."
},
{
"author": "Lucia Portinari | The Stardust Slave",
"message": "The sweltering sunlight *Burned* Her eyes, a ray of yellow-white gloss blinding her vision even as the barren girl forced her eyelids shut. A ringing stung against her eardrums, the violent screaming only growing louder at the sight of a young slab of fresh meat. Rotten mouths spewed wagers, all explaining their curiosity for something so innocent, so pure. *Yet so violated and broken*. Lucia, who had all but forgotten her name or anything of significance about herself– suffered from the mutilation on her wings. Slits upon her shoulder blades were ripped open forcefully by hacking blades edges, flesh and muscle trailing from her insides, leaving the blotted, blooded yellow tissue exposed. \n\nLucia knew she was an aasimar, at least partly one. Her half human genetics cursed her with a mortal body too close to that of a normal human, but now, she felt as though she had become one fully... Without her wings that is. Tears stapled her sockets, blood still crusting around her lips and parts of her skin. The iron muzzle that forced her jaw shut was now chained to a collar around her throat, restricting any movement, and only causing her more pain. Lucia had lost so much blood from the clipping of her wings, that even without the heat of the Dasvaz desert, she grew dizzy and ill. \n\nShocked and bewildered, the girl had little idea what was going on. All she could recall in her last moments were waking up tied to a tree, her perpetrators face tattooed into her mind. *Oh the things he did... How they killed her.* She could still feel the snapping of her bones, the pain-splitting tear of her flesh- it was hell. Sniffling away the snot that ran down her nose, the halfling raised her eyes towards the crowd once more, catching the attention of the voice that silenced *Everyone* Indefinitely. \n_ _\n\nHe was tall– Terrifying. A cloaked figure with a build much like a statue. The way he stood out from the others was striking to say the least, and the mask he wore set off alarm bells in poor Lucia's head. Even in her disoriented state, she knew that she was being sold. She knew that a bet like that was final, and could only mean one thing..."
},
{
"author": "The Fable Keeper",
"message": "As the rally grew far more chaotic than anyone would have liked, Grimfang was busy playing the bidders. Scheming his way through bribes to earn far more than one was worth in his eyes. Stakes grew higher the more that customers were drawn in, and soon, every eye in the village was watching. Rok toyed with Lucia, if only for his own sick interest. He pulled the girl's hair back from her face to show her face fully, however, the grip of her silver tresses in his meaty grip only worsened as he lifted her up by the scalp, forcing her to cry. \"*Yep, she's a pretty one if i do say so me self.\"* \n\nRough-housing would surely ensue, buyers becoming agitated as he bets grew further out of their reach. All would abruptly stop as soon as a demanding tone showered over the rest. His words are simple, yet connote power and gravitas. Silence overthrew the crowd, heads all turning once more. Some who saw the masked figure buckled at the knees– creating space between oneself and the monstrous male. Grimfang jerked his attention towards the man, an intrigued yet somewhat disbelieved expression skewing on his face. \n\nThe giant stomped his way across the stage, meeting Marcus at the edge of it as his sweaty lips protruded into a snarl. \"*1,000 gold pieces?*\" Fang mocked, his head turning to the side to get a better look at the shadowed figure. \"And what makes me think *You* Can provide ***1,000*** Gold pieces?\" \n\nA heavy huff of air snorted from the orcs nostrils before he stood up straight, looking back at Lucia as she tensed in waiting. Grimfang had little interest in the slave, nevertheless, the money had to be honest before he could let something this profitable go. Some of the Dasvan citizens croaked up in response, their daring words of *Fighting* For the girl. As more people grew flustered about the idea, it would only be a matter of time before the crowd would disperse into a violent outbreak... \n|| Song: The Day I Let Go by Stone Sour |"
},
{
"author": "Marcus Sammael | The Name Stealer",
"message": "As the crowd parted and quieted down a bit, aside from the estranged shout of anger, Marcus stepped forward. His boots thumped against the wooden stairs leading up the platform, and in one swift motion the aasimar held out a large sack of coins for the orc slaver to take from him. The moment his hand was relieved of the weight, Marcus turned his attention to the human- to whom he was drawing closer and closer. With a mask upon his face, it was impossible to determine just where the man was looking. Now closer to the woman, she'd be able to see a faint glow beneath the slits in the mask, a bright bloody orange. Perhaps she'd recognize it as the eyes of an aasimar, but it'd be hard to tell with a mask in the way.\n\nNow only inches away from the slave, Marcus reached out for the chain dangling from the collar upon her neck. At first, he was gentle, his gloved hand slowly wrapped around the chain at a painstaking speed. Then suddenly, with one yank, the woman was tilted upwards toward him, higher onto her knees than before. Forced to look up at him, unable to pull away from his grip. Marcus all the while was looking over every inch of her, for imperfections, cuts and bruises. After a long moment, Marcus muttered out from beneath his mask as he leaned in closer for the woman to hear. \"*You'll do.\"*\n\n_ _\nLetting the chain go slack for the moment, it remained in Marcus's hand but gave the poor slave a chance to relax back on her legs. Swiveling his head toward the orc, Marcus gestured to the coin. \"My coin is good. Bite it, check it, do whatever you need to do, but do *Not* Waste my time. She is *Mine*.\" Marcus peered back to the woman before him, leaning down to get much closer than before. Reaching forward, Marcus grabbed the muzzle around her face and forced her to turn her head. Then, he reached for her hair. It was longer than any he had ever seen before in his life. Strange for the slaver not to cut it.\n\nMarcus remained eerily quiet as he suspected his new toy, even as the crowd behind him grew agitated. All the while, that mask remained pointed at the slave, as if the eyes behind it were digging into her very skin..."
}
] | 489 | 2,199 |
672 | 2023-01-19 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Ivory Althea Ridge",
"message": "It was a bright, sunny morning and the people in the market chittered around her, as though they were curious little birds. Sun filtered down upon the city in the sky, basking the series of produce stands in a warm light. The goddess Solaris surely shone down upon her. Perhaps, if Rory was lucky, she would bless her travel far from home, keeping her safe in such a time of turmoil. \n\nDespite being a far cry from her normal 'work' attire, Rory hadn't dressed in anything extravagant for her forced-social outing. Wrapped in a bare shawl and casual dress, she didn't stand out in the crowd. If anything, she seemed to blend perfectly in, well, as much as a foreigner could. Paranoid eyes scanned the crowd around her, both looking for her friend and attempting to prevent what seemed to be inevitable. \n\nIt was not the first time that the letters had arrived ridden with disease. The words hopped from one sentence to another, grabbing and shaking the blank paper left between them. They did not match any language Rory was accustomed to, only one sentence legible underneath all of the madness. \n\nDo not hesitate to run. \n\nThe simple phrase had managed to bury itself underneath Rory's skin, scratching and biting itself into foreign and uncomfortable places. *Do not hesitate to run*. But from what? What was she meant to run from? Her father? She had already done that, so what more could he want? There was little that forced Rory to hesitate in her actions, yet this seemed to have brought a halt to even more pressing matters. \n_ _\n\nWhen plagued by her father's persistent attempts at scaring her, Rory quite struggled with focusing on the present situation, something she was normally so adept at. He had seemingly taken over the control panel of her mind, unscrewing plugs and hooking up random wires. The result seemed to be something of a bards tale, a frazzled, young woman peering nervously around to stare at passersby, jumping every time someone brushed past. Perhaps next she would walk into a bar, accompanied by a talking donkey and a priest. \n\nFinally, regardless of her current fears, she spotted a familiar, yet loving face. Standing just ever so slightly taller than herself, Maliki made his way toward her through the crowd. The two of them had met during Rory's training. He had quickly asserted himself as a friend, rather than foe, and allowed Rory to observe him, following his lead as she grew accustomed to not only her new job but her new life. Though he knew little of her past, he treated her with respect regardless and had been stable when everything seemed to be changing. \n\nWhen Maliki had invited Rory to the market, she couldn't particularly refuse. Despite her previous failed attempts to become accustomed to normal life in Bartaya, she still felt as though she were a fish out of water. The city was known to be one of the most welcoming to foreigners in the sky kingdom, yet she still felt suspicious eyes trailing her when she passed. Unused to being so out of place, she wasn't quite sure what to do with herself. \n\n\"Maliki.\" She greeted, smiling briefly as she gathered her wrap around herself. If only she could disappear into it, a blissful fate."
},
{
"author": "Maliki Militello",
"message": "Maliki regarded Bartaya square with reserved fondness. It seemed almost a living entity at times, with the masses blending together into one big chattering being. Ebbing and flowing with activity and fervor, as fluctuating as any living creature. Despite this he made it a point to not be sucked into the crowd, while he was here for the same activities as them, he carried his duty close to his chest. Even his days off consisted of vigilance, set shoulders, and even breathing, sword strapped to his back.\n\nGuilt bubbled in his gut, an ugly coiled emotion. This was more for Ivorys sake than his own, he had justified the outing to himself in that way. A recent letter having set her off in some way, leaving her actions and words robotic and stiff these past few days. \n\nHe'd cursed himself for it, having been too preoccupied with the prince to catch the twins mail that day, leaving Ivory susceptible to her own demons. Of which had sunk their claws into her almost instantly. He huffs to himself, as much as he hates to admit it, self control is one thing he hadn't yet been able to teach the newer knight\n\nDespite this abandoning his post had never been an easy job for Maliki, especially now when he had a specific face to tie to his job. Migraine already forming behind his eyes at the mere thought of what he'll be walking into come tomorrow morning, despite his seemingly rational demeanor Lulani had proven himself a problem of his own caliber. Almost a second job ontop of Maliki's sworn duty to protect the people.\n\nHe wonders which staff member will be pounding on his door come morning with a misguided confession, penned for Maliki's own personal delivery. Lulani had an *Annoyingly* Good knack for making anyone feel as if they were special, despite knowing their face was just as forgettable as any other to someone so important.\n\nHe marches down the cracked cobble, well worn paths containing an overwhelming amount of memory. Swerving around children chased after mothers and merchants stepping out to display their wares, scanning the crowds for a specific face, visibly relaxing as he hears her call out from somewhere nearby. He has to bite his tongue to keep the impulse of reprimanding her from leaving him, momentarily forgetting they were not on duty and she should not have to be armed. \"You're early.\" He settles for, voice gentle with surprise. \"Thank you again, for coming with. I haven't had the time to restock in... Ages, it would be too much for me to carry.\" As he speaks he reaches into one of his pockets, unfurling a crumpled paper, ingredient list scrawled across it in a late night haze. \"With the route I have planned and the crowd conditions today we should be able to make it back to your house by noon, Aeden can wait to eat until then, correct?\""
},
{
"author": "Ivory Althea Ridge",
"message": "\"Aeden is at work, so he shouldn't even arrive home until around then.\" A constant thorn in her side, Aeden never failed to surprise her with what he was getting up to. With a sly grin and pale eyes, he was easily the identical twin of Rory, though the two could not be more different. Where she felt a deep, unnerving fear and sadness from her fathers threats, Aeden only felt anger. It was hard to argue with his rage, having watched him be torn from his bed in the dead of the night. \n\nThe fear that flooded his eyes when he learned what the commotion that night was about was a difficult nightmare to forget. The way that his entire body had seized with despair as their father shook him, as if to force the truth to fall out of his mouth. It, like many other things, followed Rory. \n\nShaking the memories from her head with a huff, her eyes rose to meet his. Craving control, a gentle hand reached out, asking for the list. \n\n\"You don't need to give me that look, Mal. I am okay.\" It's true, all things considered she was *Okay*. A little fright was nothing detrimental, and nothing to cause concern. \"I will tell you when my skin becomes porcelain, then you may worry.\" She teased, winking at him as she adjusted her hair, focusing back on the topic at hand. \n\n\"You should fold things neatly before you put them in your pockets. If they are crumpled up it is easier for them to slip out.\" She reprimanded, smiling as the messily written list registered before her. Familiarity seeped from the page, illuminating the sudden brightness of the market. \n\nWhy had she ever been so nervous? Gesturing towards the nearest stall, she led the two of them forward, avoiding Maliki's delicate tone. The two weaved themselves through the sea of people, riding the waves of traffic until they arrived at Ivory's planned destination. \n_ _\n\nThere was nothing that stood out about the stall necessary, a dozen identical ones surrounding it, instead the product of the stall itself drawing the curious Elf in. With a soft, dull colored lace trim and drawings of red-colored berries, it was easy to tell what the small stall was selling. Ivory flashed a smile, taking her time to glance over the display. \n\nFruit had always been a favorite of both her and Aedens. On the best, and worst days, the two of them seemed to always end up sitting with a bowl of freshly washed and dried produce. They never seemed to say much, but perhaps it was for the best. After all, it had given Ivory some of her most peaceful memories. \n\n\"How much for these?\" She questioned, gesturing to one of the more appealing sets. Even if Aeden insisted, once again, that he was not hungry, she knew that he would not be able to resist those. Gathering up her things and paying with haste, she turned back to Maliki. \n\n\"I know they weren't on your list, but I needed to get them for the two of us. Aeden and I, I mean. I'm afraid he won't indulge in a large meal. He's had a difficult time with...\" She trailed off, staring at the ripe berries, before forcing a brief smile and turning to look around the square. No use in rehashing something so frequently discussed between the two of them. Maliki dealt with enough of their dramatic despair; he had been put through enough of the burden. \n\n\"Where to next?\""
}
] | 677 | 2,016 |
228 | 2022-11-16 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Aminatou",
"message": "\"I dont quite know myself. I guess I find it calming?\"\n\n*She takes one of the rocks and chucks it an impressive distance, though it doesnt skip once. Not that it seemed to be her intention that it would. \nAfter another one pierces the waters surface, almost to the other side of the river, she gets up, and walks over to the stranger. \nShe's not intending to be threatening, but a 7 and a half foot woman, leaning on a glaive taller than her needing merely 2 steps, does have intimidating qualities to it. \n\nAminatou reaches out a hand, revealing 4 smooth, round pebbles. Most likely the best of those she found, and intended to keep*\n\n\"Would you like them?\"\n\n*Her features seem almost worried. As gadi would be someone accostumed to reading peoples posture and mood, she would guess the sun elf to be the one whos scared herself.*"
},
{
"author": "Gadi Toratiel",
"message": "The woman chuckled softly at the warriors explanation as she lifted the bucket out of the water before placing it on the ground, she supposed that it would indeed be calming to feel the smooth surfaces of the stones for someone with a nervous attitude. Her clan had called such things 'worry stones' , often given to younger children or those with a anxious disposition. She herself had them as a child, so it was in a way nostalgic to see someone using them for the same effect.\n\nWiping her hands on a particular skirt layer the heavily adorned woman looked up to the stranger with a soft smile, the sharpened teeth glinting for a moment as she tilted her head at the offer. She was not entirely sure why the woman seemed nervous of her given their physical advantages but she wasn't about to judge, she may have just been afraid of her own outlandish looks. After all she had deliberately taken on the look of a fortune teller to ward off the more superstitious, so she assumed that was the most likely cause.\n\nShaking her head she waved away the offer, she didn't want to take away another's calming ritual after all. \"Oh dearie its quite alright, you put the effort into collecting them after all so you should be the one to keep them\". \n\nPerhaps though there was a way she could help the poor girl, at least if she was indeed the superstitious kind.\n\n\"Tell you what though, can be powerful talismans and divination tools - if you would like I can try to read your fortune from them or engrave some protection runes on them for you?\""
},
{
"author": "Aminatou",
"message": "\"Hmm...\"\n\n*She ponders the offer for a second, before leaning forward, curious*\n\n\"Protection from what exactly? I dont think those are very usefull in my hands. If anything, you should be giving them to others...\"\n\n*If anything, aminatou appeared happy that the offer was refused, and stashed the already meticulously cleaned stones away into her pouch. \nOnly then, while glancing into the pouch that, according to the sound, already contains other trinkets of some kind, that she remembers her armor laying in the grass a few feet away.*\n\n\"One moment..\"\n\n*She mumbles, a little embarrased, before going to fetch it. \nAfter its thrown over, she rapidly returns, seemingly awaiting further instructions*\n\n\"Read my hands, eh?\" \n\n*She whispers, apparently to herself*"
},
{
"author": "Gadi Toratiel",
"message": "\"Nightmares, evil spirits, bad luck - there are different runes for almost every purpose you can think of my dear.\" She said with a slight shrug, her smile growing a little more at the obvious happiness that the other had in keeping their little collection. It certainly sounded like they were not the first and probably would not be the last items in their collection either, if the sounds of the pouch were anything to go by.\n\nShe watched as they retrieved their armor with the slightest hint of amusement, wondering how often this seeming forgetfulness occurred for the stranger. They were an interesting one for sure, almost the 'gentle giant' trope used in so many fictions - though she knew that often was only relegated to fantasy and not reality. Her sharp ears however did pick up the whisper and a small idea formed in her mind as she spoke again.\n\n\"Tell you what, if you help me lug this water back to my wagon I'll give you a free reading and meal if you like. My backs a bit stiff from being in the wagon all day and I would appreciate the help.\""
}
] | 207.5 | 912 |
311.375 | 2023-11-16 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Kaleb Lowe",
"message": "It's a quiet morning by the riverside town. The birds chirp excitedly, the flowers bloom, and the leaves blow by, carried by the wind in a refreshing breeze. The sunlight is gentle, and it encompasses all: those who share their hearty laughs at the street corner and at the taverns; as well as those who seek their comfort underneath the nice shade of a tall tree, to lie down with their hands behind their backs and their hats atop their faces.\n\nIn that quiet morning by the riverside town, there is calm. There is peace... And then there is the loud galloping of a horse.\n\nA man with fiery red hair rides in horseback, galloping through the streets in a beautiful white steed, leaving a cloud of dust behind at their passing. Tied down to the seat behind him is yet another man, older in looks, and lying unconscious as they rush through laid paths of cobblestone.\n\nWith a loud neigh, the horse kicks up its front legs and grinds to a sudden stop. The red-haired boy quickly leaps from his seat, jumping down onto the floor below and running without hesitation for the nearmost building.\n\nA set of loud and anxious knocks suddenly echo out in a hurry. Someone is at Eloise's doorstep."
},
{
"author": " -- eloise t. aikatherini.",
"message": "*After her encounter at Lerwick, she was rather shaken up. Eloise had been pacing about in her kitchen, unable to sit still. She had tried to bake earlier to calm her nerves.. But it was obviously not very successful. With a swift 'ding!' Eloise flinched, crouching down to open the stove. The smell of apple pie filled her senses, her shoulders dropping comfortably. **\"Much better.\"** Sliding her hands into mittens, she took out the pie and placed it on the counter.*\n\n*Everything was well, she was able to relax now. Just her and her apple pie. Along with loud knocking. Her body jerked upright, a loud clatter coming from her metal spoon hitting the porcelain plate. Eloise huffed, pushing herself out of her comfortable chair. 'Maybe it was one of the kids.' Her concern for others clouded her need for some self enjoyment. A healer had no time for themselves, their ability is meant for others after all.*\n\n*Putting on a brave face, Eloise walked up to the door. Opening it, she greeted the person with a gentle smile. **\"Hi, it's currently just me in this house. I'm Eloise.\"** She offered a polite hand, before quickly noticing the man's distressed state. She stepped out of the way for him. **\"Living room is on your left.\"***"
},
{
"author": "Kaleb Lowe",
"message": "Kaleb did indeed look distressed. The boy's breathing was heavy, his hair was ruffled and fell over his face, between a set of bright red eyes—like two rubies atop his orbits—widened and panicky as they locked with Eloise's own.\n\n**\"Not me,\"** The boy breathed out rather quickly, stepping back to reveal the man lying across the back of the horse.\n\nOn top of a silvery white and well-groomed horse, stationed about a dozen feet away, lied a man dressed in what seemed like hunting gear. Even from afar, Eloise could see the large gash across his back, tainting the navy blue of his clothes with blood. \n\n**\"You're a healer, aren't you?\"** His question seemed more like an affirmation than anything. **\"I'll untie him. Heal him... *Please*.\"** \n\nHe did as he said, quickly moving towards his steed and tying the injured man down from his place on top of it. He carried the man in his arms—with relative ease—and brought him into the living room.\n\n...For whatever reason, that boy really seemed to have really struggled to just say *'please'* Back there..."
},
{
"author": " -- eloise t. aikatherini",
"message": "*Eloise felt her body move on its own, blinded by sympathy as she followed him onto the living room. **\"I am, a good one at that.\"** She assured him, not sure of it herself, but he needed to hear it. She laid the man on his stomach as she lifted his armour, inspecting the wound. **\"You'll be okay, I'm here.\"** She spoke with a kindness, a smile on apparent in her voice as she carefully placed her hands above the gnash. Despite the fact the knight seeking help could barely manage a please, it was appreciated. And just for that, she had decided to ease the man. (Although she would've done it nonetheless.) Using a cheap trick, she hummed a childhood lullaby native to the Bromwich. It was a way for her to disguise her slow enchantment to calm the patient, it was a small easy to do spell. It wasn't necessary, but she had always done it to ensure comfort.*\n\n*Slowly, the gnash closed. It began from the inside. Its torn apart muscles slowly closing in on itself as the skin stitched itself back together in a steady rhythm. It was a rather hefty task, considering she hadn't even eaten her snack made it even harder. But luckily, she pulled through. Soon, the man was alright.*\n\n***\"I am done.\"** She spoke quietly, in case the man had fallen asleep. Her gentle azure eyes darted to meet his ambers, a stark contrast to his. A soft smile grew on her face. **\"If it's not too much, may I ask who you are?\"** She seemed unfamiliar with his crest, unable to recognise the striking red head that sat ever so impatiently. Her hand was still soaked in blood, so she pulled a handkerchief out to wipe herself.*"
},
{
"author": "Kaleb Lowe",
"message": "As she worked, Kaleb would resign himself to making sure his ride was properly tied up. He calmed himself down, taking deep breaths and slowly regaining his composure and his regal and insufferable-looking posture. \n\nBy the time he waltzed back into the living room, he was met with the sight of his seemingly healed friend, lying down peacefully, with only the tear in his clothes and the dried bloodstain against navy blue as the reminders of his injury. Whoever this lady was, she seemed to have finished, already.\n\n**\"I'd rather save the introductions until I can attest that my friend is alright.\"** Kaleb's voice echoed out in a commanding tone. He stared down at the woman in front of him with a sudden bout of contempt, glaring at her, like a cornered creature lashing out against its pursuer. Though his hair was somewhat tousled, and his dress shirt dirtied with subtle stains and small blades of grass stuck to its fabric, the fiery-haired boy still managed to look rather imposing.\n\n...The act fell quickly, however. Kaleb looked away, smacking his lips as he shook his head. **\"...My apologies. It's a bad habit.\"** Necessary, maybe, where he was from; but bad nonetheless.\n\n**\"My name is Kaleb,\"** He said. **\"Youngest-born of House Löwe, in the nation of Gantrick—not that it would be of any difference to *You*.\"**"
},
{
"author": " -- eloise t. aikatherini",
"message": "***\"It doesnt.\"** She affirmed, taking in the man. **\"I apologise, may I offer you a drink?\"** Despite the fact she was drained, she still had some hospitality in her. She walked to her kitchen, reaching up for the cupboards and filling it with the warm freshwater. **\"Feel free to take a slice.\"** The pie sat comfortably on the counter. The plate and fork that was once meant to be hers was offered to him.*\n\n***\"Kaleb, your friend here will need a few days here..\"** She seemed hesitant to tell him, her head adverted from his gaze. **\"..I promise you I'll take care of him. In the meantime, I have some spare clothes. I wouldn't want another patient and my couch might get further stained.\"** Eloise walked off, entering her fathers room and taking out some fresh clothes. Placing it on the sofa beside the man.*\n\n***\"If it doesn't pry, who is this man to you?\"** Eloise had figured he was important, however, why would he have gone to her? She wasnt the best choice, but she wasn't the worst either. Perhaps it was desperation. There was no way he was her first choice, it was simply unbelievable.*"
},
{
"author": "Kaleb Lowe",
"message": "Kaleb grunted a little as he moved, feeling his own chest tightening a little. The blows he'd taken would have taught pretty much anyone else to stay far away from hunting Big Game, but Kaleb Löwe was a creature born of and fueled by his endless stubbornness.\n\nAs he looked towards the woman and listened to all the things she'd offered, the boy found himself caught completely off-guard. Accustomed to the unruly company of the hateful Beastwalkers, and the generally rough surroundings back at his home nation, he never could've imagined that a stranger would display such... Kindness. Let alone to someone such as him. A part of him felt almost... Undeserving. \n\nHe shook his head and looked away. **\"I'll... Handle him, I suppose. But it's fine. Really. We were probably going to settle down somewhere around here, anyway...\"**\n\nKaleb looked back to her as she asked that last question. He'd normally cuss someone off for prying like that, but... She'd kind of saved that man's life just now. He held his tongue.\n\n**\"His name is Vaarus,\"** Began Kaleb. **\"Old friend of dad's. He heard I was heading down towards Bromwich and wanted to come along—thought we could maybe hunt something fun along the way.\"**\n\nKaleb let out a tired sigh before chuckling to himself. **\"You can guess how *That* Turned out.\"**"
},
{
"author": " -- eloise t. aikatherini",
"message": "*Her eyes darted towards him the moment a grunt escaped him. Deciding not to pry further, she politely chuckled to his small remark. **\"I insist on you two staying, it's going to take quite a while for you and him to recover.\"** If he wasn't going to admit he was hurt, she would just heal him when he was sleeping. Eloise figured he was the stubborn type. **\"I assure you, I won't charge.\"** The cheeky remark felt out of character for her, a small giggle escaping the elf.*\n\n*She began to explain her small abode, **\"I live here with my father, he's quite the gentle giant so I can assure you you'll be safe for the most part. We have a guest room which the two of you can fit comfortably in, I usually snack for breakfast in the morning with the berries I grow. So we usually have a big lunch.\"** Eloise seemed proud that her day seemed so active. **\"Ill be sleeping from across the two of you, so in case anything happens you can just drag him into my room.\"** Her eyes lit up, **\"Oh and, there's a bathroom inside of your bedroom. So do use that to your advantage.\"** She smiled warmly. **\"We have a library for an attic, you gotta lower the stairs though. So please don't be shy to use it.\"** Since, usually she had trouble adjusting into people's homes, she was trying to be considerate for him.*\n\n*Then, a knock came from the door. With a pep in her step, she skipped over. A bright smile on her face as the large man with pointed ears entered. \"Ellie!\" A booming voice stated, completely engulfing and crushing the ginger with his muscular grip. **\"Papa.\"** A infectious laugh breaking out, wriggling about as she couldn't move. **\"Please let me go- we have guests!\"** The man seemed like some big teddy bear, melting the more he held his daughter close. \"Guests?\" He seemed to let go of her, gently slinging an arm around her as he entered the living room.*"
}
] | 294.5 | 2,491 |
172.25 | 2023-11-21 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "yakolicious",
"message": "THIS RP SLIPPED MY MIND, GIVE ME A SEC"
},
{
"author": " -- eloise t. aikatherini",
"message": "*Concern flashed across her face, **\"Oh.. Oh dear. That's unfortunate.\"** There was an urgency to take care of him that had washed over her. Though she spared a glance to the dawning sky, her eyebrows furrowing slightly in discontent. **\"It's growing late.\"** An exhausted sigh escaped her usually curled up lips, finding it pitiful that he would be far from home for this long. **\"Do you mind if you carry your friend?..\"** Eloise awkwardly requested, because she really wouldn't want to risk her dropping the poor man. The ginger stood up from the comfortable sofa, heading towards his room.*\n\n*When they arrived, the best way to describe the room was comfortable. The walls were made of fresh dark pine, causing a fresh wood smell to come out of it. The bed was a cream white, embroidered with red stitches on its edges. The red stitches formed to make their family symbol, a poppy. For decoration, there were a lot of native plants. All potted and trimmed, luckily. You'd also notice a door opening to a personal bathroom for the guest. The low lightbulbs were tinted a nice shade of orange to pull it together.*\n\n***\"Make yourself comfortable. I'm sorry if it isn't like how it is back at.. Home.\"** She had slight issues recalling the name, but she settled for the word home. Eloise stepped out of his way for him way to enter. **\"I do hope you and your friend sleep well. Goodnight, Kaleb.\"** Eloise remarked before waving him off and closing the door.*"
},
{
"author": "Kaleb Lowe",
"message": "Kaleb didn't mind carrying the man at all, though he did so by slumping him over his shoulder like how one would carry a bag of rice, paying seemingly little mind for the injured man's comfort. He was unconscious, anyway. He'd be fine either way. The worst of it was over, thankfully.\n\nKaleb watched as the woman opened the door to the guest room, breathing in the unexpectedly soft smell of fresh pine. His bright red eyes slowly moved across the room, taking in yet another brand new view. He was much more accustomed to the grandeur of luxurious bedrooms, with marbled floors and vast wardrobes and impressive vistas, but this little guest room, dimly lit with orange lights and decorated only with a few potted plants; this bed, much, much, *Much* Smaller than any he'd ever slept in; this little room, in a stranger's cottage, at a foreign vilage by the river, felt to the boy more welcoming and warm than any place he'd ever been.\n\nKaleb looked towards Eloise as she spoke. His eyes hinted at confusion as he furrowed his eyebrows at her. The boy was just... *Stunned*. He just couldn't get over how openly *Kind* She was. He had looked like he'd been caught off-guard from the moment he'd stepped here, but *Now*? Looking at him, one would even think he felt... *Undeserving*.\n\n**\"...Ah—Eloise?\"** Kaleb called, before she left.\n\n**\"*...Thank you.*\"** \n\nThose words had come out much more easily, now."
},
{
"author": "yakolicious",
"message": "I know im gonna write later!/"
}
] | 173 | 689 |
410.3 | 2024-01-09 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn had noticed that the small reptile was shivering, and stopped picking his teeth to go over and check on her. She snapped awake and the look she gave him? He had seen it before in himself. He placed his axe against the stone and slowly crouched down to her level.*\n\n\"Breathe Ves.\" *He said quietly, the rumble of his throat catching him off guard. She seemed to slowly recall the past couple days. And recognised him fully. The look in her eyes told him that.*\n\n*Ves and Björn, while she had helped him escape, had given into temptation now and again. Ves came onto him a decent amount and she knew he knew - because he would reciprocate sometimes. Their stolen moments of quiet and intimate talks or touch were a highlight at the end of the day. Last night had proven an ideal example as Björn would find her leaning onto his lap before she went to bed.*\n\n*She was a wonder to him and he had made an oath to protect her. One he would never forsake. Once she had stretched, he slowly took his shirt from over her small body with a bit of resistance and slipped it back over himself. He didn't have to sniff it to catch Ves' aroma or warmth. He enjoyed that much.*\n\n\"Good morning, Ves.\" *He said in a half whisper, not to wake her fully up. She was cute when tired - more honest too.* \"Did you sleep well? I ate a couple hours ago but I could go for some food.\" *He checked her leg before he would allow her to get up, prodding the wound on her thigh... It was healing better now and hopefully she would be recovered soon. He tightened the bandage around her leg and offered his hand to help her stand up.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves smiled shyly as she recalled the night before. For someone made of lean, hard muscle, she found him oddly comfortable. She had enjoyed leaning against him as she fell asleep. She couldn't seem to get enough of the Goliath and her advances were becoming bolder. Though they had yet to kiss again. The timing just never seemed right.\n\n\"I slept very well, thank you,\" She replied as she always did. It was the truth, after all. She was sleeping better with Björn watching her back than she ever had before. She watched patiently as he checked her wound, as he did every morning, smiling at his concern. Then she took Björn's hand and climbed to her feet. \n\nVes reached for her satchel and drew out two portions of travel rations. Handing one to Björn, she began to nibble at the other. \"I can't wait for us to make it to a town. I need a nice hot meal and a decent bed to sleep in. Maybe a bath also,\" She added shyly, recalling the previous bath they had taken together. She doubted a small town would have a bathhouse, but they surely would have a tub. It would just be a shame to have to share.\n\nAs she chewed at her ration, Ves pulled out the map. She wished she could read what it said, but she had a general idea at least as to where they were. They had traveled south and she was almost certain they had crossed Dasvaz's border somewhere along the way. It was difficult to know for sure since they were avoiding the main roads.\n\nShe traced her finger along the map. There should have been a town near their current location. At least that's what she assumed the markings meant. The Kobold frowned at her own weakness. She really needed to learn how to read and write. It would likely prove to be a necessary skill.\n\nFinishing the last few bites, Ves got to work putting away all their meager supplies. She repacked her blanket into the satchel, as well as the map, and tied it shut. Then she limped towards the cave's entrance. The landscape looked different in the light of day. The sound of squawking seabirds was loud in the air and the ground was covered in soft, squishy sand. Though they were still some distance from the ocean, Ves could smell the salt in the air.\n\nHer tail flicked back and forth excitedly. She had never been to a proper beach before, nor had she ever seen the ocean. Today was going to be a day for new experiences. She looked up at Björn, wondering what her friend was thinking. Was he as excited as she was?\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn had noticed that she was incredibly comfortable around him, alarmingly so at times. He didn't mind though, he knew that she did - she who hid in the corner of his mind. He was trying to push past it but he had since had multiple instances where he couldn't breathe, where bus hands would shake and his eye would be filled with an unknowable fear.*\n\n\"Good. I am glad to see you well rested. It will do wonders for your wound.\" *He remarked, knowing how much difference sleep can do to a wound. It was a wonder what the mind does when the body rests. It opens up avenues of abilities not known to the conscious form, a unique healing factor of rest and recuperation. Muscles wound rebind, strengthened by their resolve. The body grew a few inches and wounds, like the one in her leg, would begin to close. He knew this because he had to fight with wounds open from the day before.*\n\n*Being a freed slave and pit fighter, Björn knew a lot about the body, what places to press to kill a man, how to gut a shapeshifter like a real Deer, how to endure anything... He had a resolve forged from years of torture that monks would not know in a lifetime of meditation. In a sense, his meditation was war, battle and blood.*\n\n*He gratefully took the ration and began to bite into it with one corner of his squared teeth, crushing the section he had chosen like flesh under a rock. He enjoyed the meagre rations, anything was better than cold gruel with no spoon. He found most times he had a ration, he would scarf it down in no time at all, an old habit from not knowing when you'll next be fed. It always gave him an upset stomach, which he believed Ves found secretly funny.*\n\n\"A town would be nice. One that's not got my face on walls.\" *He shrugged as he spoke, half chewing, half spitting the food as he did so. Some of the bits got caught in his beard. He was far from a gentleman, more like a bushwack survivor.* \"Another bath would work wonders. Might be just what your leg needs to heal fully.\"\n\n*There he went again - always putting her first. It was hard to know how far he would go to keep her safe but recently, he had found it best to focus on her recovery rather than snarling at every bug in her vicinity.*\n\n*Björn followed her to the mouth of the cave, his eye watching to make sure she didn't fall. He had to cover his vision with the back of his large, pale hand as he saw the morning sun blast across the landscape. Nature's beauties were different here... More pale and yellow. Almost like him. The smell of salt was unfamiliar and made him sneeze with a deep rumble from his voice as the cave echoed it.* \"...Pardon.\" *He had at least learnt that word. He liked using it, even if he didn't understand it. He looked down at her and saw her large, glittering eyes watching him. He have a small smile and rubbed his hand on her head, slightly brushing one of her tall ears.* \"Ready to face the day?\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "He rubbed the top of her head, which made her smile widen. As he brushed her ear, however, Ves felt her face heat up with a familiar blush. Her long ears were quite sensitive and the sensation of him touching one, even slightly, was enough to cause a reaction. It was frustrating, not being able to control her blushing around Björn.\n\nShe believed that he really had no idea how he affected her. How she dreamed about him while sleeping and thought about him nearly constantly while awake. It didn't help that her intentions weren't very clear, even to herself. She was acting on instinct most of the time and she was careless and clumsy about it. She had trouble putting into concise words how she felt about him. It was slowly consuming her and she was feeling more and more lost.\n\nClearing her throat, she tugged on her ear anxiously and shouldered her satchel. Then she stepped out of the cave and onto the sand, sinking a little. \"Let's go! I think I can smell fish from here. We must be near a fishing town. Maybe they'll have a fresh catch for sale. I'd love some cooked trout for supper.\" She babbled to make herself feel less awkward as she led the way across the sand.\n\nShe quickly became tired limping through the sandy terrain. She didn't exactly know where she was going, except to follow the scent of the sea. Hopefully they would come across something or someone sooner or later. Her tail swayed back and forth lazily as her eyes followed a white seagull as it flew overhead. It seemed to know where it was going at least. Maybe the birds would lead them to town.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn was truly clueless. He saw her happiness as an escape for her. So he provided. However there were moments, like when he kissed her cheek, when he felt something genuine. He had no idea that he occupied her every waking thought, or her primal and instinctual intentions with him. He was clueless in that regard, aimlessly existing beside her.*\n\n*However he knew he was happier around her. When they were separated even for a minute, he was anxious and worried about her safety. He chalked that up to his oath to protect her, sworn to the Gods... But maybe it was more. Maybe he was falling for her... What?! Why would he think that? She had no thoughts of him that way!*\n\n\"Small one, your nose is as clever as the rest of you.\" *Björn said, his stuffy nose making his voice a bit higher than usual.* \"And it is nice to hear you so talkative today.\" *He absolutely adored the sound of her babbling like an incoherent child at times. It helped occupy his mind to Internally laugh at her phrases like Supper and Trout... He liked that she made up words.*\n\n*He noticed her slowing down as he approached, his feet wobbly in the sand. He had originally felt his shoes were slowing him down so he took them off, his toes filling the gaps in the yellow sands. Without even a word from the both of them, he grabbed her up and threw her into his arms again. Besides, she would only hurt herself if she carried on... Definitely no other reason... Right?*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "She chuckled lightly at his comment and shook her head. His insistence that she was clever only made her laugh. She liked to laugh. She had had so little laughter in her life before meeting the Goliath. There had been little reason to celebrate anything. It had been all about survival. But now there was more. Now there was Björn.\n\nShe felt him descend upon her and a moment later she was being scooped up into his arms. Again she laughed, kicking her feet happily. Once settled, she absently brushed some crumbs from his bushy beard and smiled warmly at him. Her fingers lightly brushed against his lips. They were so close. They were always close. And Ves wouldn't have it any other way.\n\nHer long ears were blown back in the wind and her clothes whipped around her. Ves wondered if the heavy winds were normal for this environment. There didn't seem to be a storm approaching. At least she could not smell any rain in the air and the sun was still shining brightly. The wind was probably just a normal occurrence. Either that or they will be taken by surprise when the storm did arrive.\n\nAt this new and improved height, Ves could see what she thought was water. \"Look! I think I see the ocean!\" She exclaimed excitedly as she pointed. It sparkled like a mirage in the distance. Ves had never seen the sea before, so she wasn't entirely sure. How did one tell the ocean apart from a lake? Its size, perhaps? Wasn't the ocean supposed to be endless?\n\nVes didn't know, but she was willing to learn.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn was the same as her; still learning. He definitely didn't have much joy between slavery and the death of Solaire. Now he had Ves, a little crippled Kobold whom he provided for, cared for and watched over. She had given him a new life and he wouldn't waste it. Now, there was Ves.*\n\n*He laughed a little as she kicked her feet around, spraying a bit of sand in his mouth as he began to spit it back out. It didn't taste good. It tasted coarse and rough. He allowed her to act like the bird to a crocodile - a small personal cleaner. He felt her scaled fingers lightly brush his lips and immediately looked at her. She was very close to him, not just physically.*\n\n*He used his large arms to cover her from the wind as it blew at his tunic and furs. It was a sight to see, and to feel. He had never felt a gust of air so strong! His attention was soon back on the clever little package he was carrying when she got giddy over a body of water. He squinted to look himself before asking: \"Let me guess, you want me to take you there?\" *He took her hand in his and used it to point to the sparkling body of water.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Björn was her friend and her protector. He tried to block the winds from her using his large arms and clothing, but to no avail. The wind simply changed directions and blew from the other way. It seemed to have a mind of its own. His hair was being whipped all about and Ves knew she would have to comb through it again this evening. Maybe she'd even buy an actual comb if they ever found the town.\n\n\"Yes,\" Ves replied. \"Let's go discover the ocean. Maybe we'll find people there too.\" Hopefully they would be the friendly sort of people, and not the type to instantly misjudge a Kobold and her Goliath friend. Ves could only hope. She hadn't had a lot of luck in that regard. With the exception of a Dwarf that she had met in Lerwick, most everyone else she met beyond Dasvaz had proved to be unfriendly or indifferent.\n\nNot that Dasvaz was particularly welcoming either. \n \nShe wrapped her arms around his neck as he began to walk. It was for safety purposes, surely. Why else would she cling there specifically if not to keep herself balanced. There was surely no other reason for her actions. Nevermind that it drew her little body closer to his. Forget that he filled her senses when she was so close. She was obsessing, she knew this, yet couldn't seem to help herself.\n\nThe ocean proved to be further away than Ves thought. Eventually, however, they approached the shoreline. The wind died down a little right at the water's edge and Ves peered out at the surging waves. There were boats out there! And, yes, there were people down the beach as well. They appeared to be fishing, though it was difficult to know for sure from such a distance. \n\nVes wiggled a little in Björn's arms. \"Set me down? I want to feel the ocean. Oh, look! What's that?\" She asked excitedly, feeling like a curious child. Once he set her down, she knelt and picked up a small spiral shell. \"Look! It's so pretty!\" She exclaimed as she held it up for Björn to see. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn nodded to her and begun to take large bounding strides across the sands. As he did so, he felt her arms wrap around his neck, just like she had done before, just like when they kissed... He could smell her, and see her pretty clear. Her eyes were on him but not on his eye, she was looking lower... Maybe his lips?*\n\n\"I hope we do find people.\" *He said as he leapt over a small dune. He was good at this, traversing the world. Goliaths had hard soles of the feet and strong legs for this. But he in particular thrived on the sand, even Ves would be able to notice he could move faster than he could on dirt or stone. Years upon years of fighting on sand just like this had given him an edge, gliding over the sands and rocks like he was walking over water.*\n\n*As he crossed another of the dunes, he pulled her closer to him as he stumbled over a small rock he didn't see. Their faces brushed against one another and he didn't looked at her for the next five minutes out of embarrassment. They were touching - stone to scale - and he was speechless.*\n\n*As they arrived he could only smile at Ves. He had not seen a child before but she was sure acting like the idea of one. It was cute and giddy. Did he really just call Ves cute? He knelt down to see the shell better.* \"Wow... That is a beautiful sight.\" *He looked at Ves as he spoke before taking the shell from her and inspecting it. He ran his fingers over it. The grooves and bumps reminded him of Ves. He turned away from her for a minute before turning back around and placing his hands around her neck, tying something to it. He pulled away to reveal he had tied the spiral shell onto a piece of old cloth and make a small necklace for her.* \"It suits you. Makes you more pretty.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "As he stumbled, he pulled her close and their cheeks pressed together. Ves' heart skipped a beat, but Björn refused to look at her afterward. She wondered why. Was he only embarrassed or was there something else going on? She tried not to linger on the darker thoughts that threatened to claw at her mind.\n\nShe watched him with bright eyes as he took the shell and turned away. To her obvious delight, he revealed the makeshift jewelry by placing it around her neck. She gently touched the shell, feeling warm all over. She had never been given a gift before. Even if she had been the one to find the shell, he had created the necklace. And then he...\n\nWait. Had he... Had he just insinuated that she was pretty? *Makes you more pretty,* He said. *More.* Ves' silvery scales turned bright red as she shuffled her feet awkwardly in the sand. She scratched the back of her neck as she gazed up at him. Hoping for something, but what?\n\n\"Thank you, Björn,\" She whispered, her hands falling to her sides. She continued to look up at him, her expression quite intense. The waves of the ocean splashed against her bare feet, but she barely noticed. She seemed lost in the moment. \n\nBjörn probably didn't understand why the small gesture meant so much to her. But she had been called small and stupid and ugly enough times that she had started to believe it. She wasn't even sure she was attractive by Kobold standards. And here he was, calling her pretty. Or maybe she was thinking too much into it. Maybe he hadn't meant it like that at all. Oh why couldn't things just be straightforward!\n\n||"
}
] | 364.5 | 4,103 |
320.75 | 2024-01-10 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He nodded his head to her thanks.* \"You're welcome, Ves.\" *He was confused on why her expression was so intense. Was she trying to use mind magic? Was this a notion in her culture he didn't know? Granted he knew jack shit about Kobolds besides how they tasted and how they were easy to kill. He had never once called one pretty - or anything pretty. So why did she stare at him like he did something bad?*\n\n*His newfound confidence wavered a bit but instead of apologising, he knelt down to look at her head on. He was a bit away from the ocean but he could notice her lack of reaction to her predicament. She only looked at him. Just him. Not the birds, the sand, stones, water or shells. Just him. It made him feel kind of confused and intimidated. He didn't met this show though, a Goliath is never intimidated. They never back down.*\n\n*He rested his hand on one of his knees and softy spoke.* \"Ves...? Are you okay? Did I go too far?\" *He had to know. He just had to know if she was happy or angry or confused or what. He began to overthink, why was this complicated? His entire known life had been simple: Wake up, train, kill, eat, kill, sleep. It was that for years and years until he met Ves. Now if was filled with if, buts, and maybes. Her intense stare, the way she said his name, the way her scales felt when he carried her. It was never simple, never easy. But in a sense, he liked that.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves' eyes followed him as he knelt before her. She shook her head slowly. \"No. You've done nothing wrong. I'm okay. I'm just...\" She hesitated, trailing off. She swallowed her fear. *Be strong. Be brave.* \"I just... No one has ever given me a gift before. And no one has... Has called me pretty. I'm not pretty.\"\n\nThere. She said it. She should have felt relief, but her heart was thundering in her chest. She felt a little light-headed. She shifted her gaze at last, looking downward at the water rushing around her bare feet. Her eyes shifted towards Björn's feet as well. Even their feet were different. How could he possibly think she was pretty? She was so different from him. \n\nMaybe he meant it as though talking about a seashell. Or an animal. But even if that was the case, Ves wasn't a shiny gem or beautiful sunset. She was only a Kobold. A lizard. Ugly and small and stupid. Her tail flicked at her thoughts and her long ears drooped. Then she glanced up again with a look of determination. There was no sense in dwelling on what could not be changed.\n\n\"We should keep going. I see some huts down the beach and there are boats. We must be getting close to town.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"Not yet.\" *He said sternly and looked down at her, he used the side of his finger to keep her eyes on him.* \"You are pretty Ves. You are like a clean sword or a freshly lit torch... No... I mean, like a blood spatter on a wall! Wait... That doesn't sound right...\" *He thought and thought, his mind racing to try and compare her to something.*\n\n*All he could think of was the last few days they spend together, running from the law. They hid behind bushes, watched each other's backs and ate cheap rations, sleeping under a starry sky with no bed or blanket. It was hard to find anything to compare her to... Then he had an idea.*\n\n\"You are like a small campfire, shining bright... A cool gust of wind. You're like a travel ration: reliable and always there. You are like the Rain, you're refreshing. You... You are like the shell. You have lots of small details and always have a point...\" *He made an awkward chuckle as he looked away.* \"Heh... Get it, because you're smart? Smart people have a point. Shells have a point.\"\n\n*He looked at her again.* \"Look, my point is that I am not pretty to me, I have one working eye, covered in scars and cracks and I have a tattoo. I put blood on my face as paint and I leave food in my beard. Yet you still touch my face, feel my scars, clean my beard. You do all this because you want to. I gave you the shell and called you pretty because *I* Wanted to.\"\n\n*He paused... Thinking, he had just said a lot of words. Words he didn't fully know... Why did he say all that? He felt lighter for saying it, yet he felt as dumb as a rock. Maybe he shouldn't have said anything after all...*\n\n\"Forgive me Ves, I spoke out of turn.\n\nIt won't happen again.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves opened her mouth to object, but Björn spoke over her protests. Her ears flicked backwards as he tried to explain. Pretty like a blood splatter on the wall? What was that supposed to mean? \"Björn, please,\" She pleaded softly. There was no sense in trying to spare her feelings. She knew what she was.\n\nBut then... Then he began to collect his words. And as he spoke, Ves grew very still. She gazed up at him, searching his expression as he explained his meaning. At first she didn't know how to respond. She wasn't entirely sure if he was mocking her. But no. Björn was too honest for that. He wasn't cruel. He wouldn't laugh at her. Not like those Dwarves had laughed.\n\nTears began to swim in her eyes, blurring her vision. Was she really all of those things? The fire, the wind, the rain, the shell? Did he really see all of that when he looked at her? Ves felt very exposed at that moment. Nobody had ever been so kind to her before. She didn't know what to do or how to think. It all felt very overwhelming.\n\nThe tears trickled down her cheeks and she lowered her eyes. She choked back a sob as a tear fell onto the sand at her feet. Another followed. She was trembling slightly and looked unsteady, like the wind might blow her over at any moment. He was so kind to her. *Too* Kind. What had she ever done to deserve such kindness?\n\n\"I...\" She tried to speak through her tears, but it came out squeaky and raw. \"No... No, Björn. You didn't... I just...\" Another sob shook her tiny body and she covered her face with her hands. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Seeing such a change in her consume her, watching her shake with tears, her voice choking up... He didn't know how to react. Instead, he did what she did to him. He gently grabbed her shoulders and pulled her into the warmest embrace he could muster.*\n\n\"I am here.\" *He said, such sincerity coated his words, his voice. He was present, in that moment. He didn't want her to feel fear or sadness or pain. She deserved more.* \"I don't know why you are sad, but I am here.\" *He rubbed her back with his hand as he tried his best to comfort her.*\n\n*Being as emotionally stunted as he, comforting was not his strong suit, his strength was... Well, his strength. He was a brute, a goon, a meathead. He wasn't a poet or great thinker. He had his knowledge of the world as small as the grains of sand he knelt on.*\n\n*He rubbed her back before rubbing her head, trying all the different things he thought would bring her comfort.* \"Do not cry. You aren't alone. If there was something I could do to help, I would.\" *He solemly said, not knowing how best to treat her shaky, sobby disposition.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves closed her eyes tightly as she felt Björn's warm arms wrap around her. She leaned into the embrace, inhaling shakily. His scent flooded her senses and grounded her in the moment. She felt the sand beneath her clawed feet, heard Björn's beating heart, tasted the salt in the air. It was just her and Björn. The rest of the world faded away.\n\n*Be brave. Be strong.* Ves repeated the mantra to herself, but felt the exact opposite. She felt cowardly and weak. Her tears were pathetic. Why couldn't she be stronger? But no. Even Björn cried and he was the strongest person she had ever met. Crying didn't make her weak. Crying meant she was capable of more than just basic instincts. It meant she could think and feel. It meant she was capable of greater things.\n\nThe Kobold slowly began to regain control. Her sobbing grew quiet and her body stopped shaking. She was leaning quite heavily into Björn. Swallowing a few times, Ves mumbled against her friend, who was drenched with her tears. \"I'm sorry... I didn't mean to start crying. Your words... They weren't what I... Expected. You took me by surprise. Did you... Did you truly mean them?\" It was a dumb question. Björn wouldn't have said something he didn't mean. He wasn't really capable of lying.\n\nShe finally looked up into his eyes. When was the last time she had actually cried? Truly unabashedly cried? Had she *Ever* Really sobbed openly? She couldn't remember doing so, not even as a child. And here she was, bawling her eyes out over a compliment. Gods, she was a silly thing. Very silly and very lucky to have Björn by her side.\n\n\"Thank you, Björn,\" She said, but it was unclear what she was thanking him for.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"Why do you thank me? I have done nothing.\" *He was truthful in that. All he had done was comfort her till she stopped crying. He leaned forward and used his finger to wipe latent tears from her eyes. She needed him, and he knew it.*\n\n\"Every word I said, I meant. I did not mean to suprise you. In truth, I thought the Kobold who kissed me on the first day of knowing me would have expected this.\" *The hand he used to wipe her tears came to her cheek and rubbed it slightly. His hard was rough and coarse - the hands of a warrior.*\n\n*As he caressed her in that moment, he gave her a small nod and a smile.* \"You deserve happiness. You are one of the only good ones. Ves... You are great. Do not worry for tears, tears are strength. I think you are very strong. I will always say that. And I won't lie to you. You are pretty Ves, every scale.\" *He gave a small nod before taking his hand away.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "She tilted her cheek against his coarse hand, closing her eyes at his comforting touch. Ves sighed gently, her tail motionless for once. She lifted her gaze to meet his as he drew away. Already it felt cold and empty without his touch. So she stepped closer and reached for his hand as it drifted away. She intertwined their fingers and smiled up at him.\n\n\"I'm a silly creature, Björn. You think I am bold and clever, but I'm actually timid and frightened. The world is a big place and I've been all alone. Until now. Now I have you. And I can't even begin to explain how much that means to me. I can't describe how you make me feel. How the sound of your voice in the morning makes me smile. How the scent of you reminds me of our moments alone. How your rough touch brings me comfort. I...\"\n\n\"You mean so much to me. I'm thanking you because you're my friend... The dearest friend I've ever had.\" Was that all he was? Or was there more? Ves wasn't sure she was willing to admit more than that. Not yet. There was still too much unknown. Too much that still needed to be explored. Too many thoughts and feelings that Ves just didn't understand.\n\n||"
}
] | 314.5 | 2,566 |
249.5 | 2024-01-11 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn appeared a little suprised to see her reach for his hand, locking her small fingers with his. What was she doing? Whatever it was, he liked it. He had never felt someone's hand like that before. He listened to her speak about him, a blush covering his cheeks.*\n\n*He almost begun to seek excited for a moment as she spoke about his voice, his scent, his touch. He slightly squeezed her hand as she spoke. He nodded his head as she listed these things off. Why was she so intent on saying this? He didn't care. He had never cared, he just enjoyed her voice.*\n\n\"...You, I care about. You're not just my friend, you're the only thing I have. I have Ves.\" *He gave a small nod as he spoke.* \"Your voice, smell, touch, they all excite me.\" *He hesitated for a moment, as if he was about to do something... Yet he didn't. Some unseen emotion in his mind forbade it.* \"I am... Happy you find comfort in me. Happy you call me your friend.\""
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "*I have Ves,* He said and the Kobold felt herself blush. Yet something was troubling about his statement. She was all he had. Was that why he tolerated her? Because he had nothing and no one else? No. She couldn't let herself believe that. He would have cared about her even if he had hundreds of friends. Their relationship was important to both of them. She had to believe that.\n\nShe squeezed his hand tightly and looked up into his eyes. He was blushing as well, she noted. And there seemed to be something he wanted to say. What could be on his mind? Ves wished she could know. \"I am happy also,\" She replied. \"The happiest I've ever been.\"\n\nWiping her eyes dry, Ves glanced around. The rest of the world slowly came back into focus. They were still alone on the beach, but some of the fishermen closest to them were looking their way. What did they look like from afar? Short and tall? Ves doubted any of their features would be visible from where the fisherman stood. \n\n\"Should we keep going? I'm already getting hungry again and fresh fish sounds like the perfect lunch. We can ask one of the fishermen where the town is and what it's called. Maybe they can even point it out on the map.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn slowly smiled a bit wider than usual. Something about her being the happiest she had ever been made him feel so much better. She made him. Feel better... She was a joy. She was his joy.*\n\n*He came back to reality too, looking around to notice the fishermen watching them. They probably looked like a parent and child due to the height differences. He didn't care, Ves was tiny and it served a use... As well as making her cuter... Stop it Björn!*\n\n\"Indeed. I have never eaten... Fish. What is it?\" *He tilted his head like a lost puppy for a moment. Slowly, he stood to his full height, but never let go of her hand.* \"Shall we go ask, together?\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "What an odd pair they made. It wasn't the first time Ves had reflected on this fact and it wouldn't be the last. She walked hand-in-hand with Björn down the beach, the waves lapping over her clawed feet and her tail twitching back and forth. She felt lighter now, like she was floating. It was a pleasant sensation. It made her feel tall.\n\n\"Fish? Like the fish in the rivers and lakes and streams? The animals that swim there with scales and fins?\" She asked him. She was a little surprised he didn't know what they were. He was new to so many things! Even more so than she was. Well, Ves was more than happy to share with him what little she knew.\n\nShe peered out at the water as it splashed against shore. Catching a shining glint in the water, she pointed. \"See those?\" She asked. A small school of minnows were being washed in and out with the waves. They darted about rapidly, scales flashing in the sunlight. \"Those are a type of fish. They're too small to eat though. Fish come in all shapes and sizes and they all taste a little different... Though I don't have too much experience with that.\"\n\nShe paused as she nearly stepped on something jelly-like in the sand. Tilting her own head like a curious puppy, Ves studied the thing. It didn't appear to be moving and she wanted to touch it, but some instinct warned her not to. It wasn't always good to touch strange things. \"Hmm. Now *That*....I don't know what that is. How peculiar.\" \n\n||"
}
] | 249 | 998 |
253.357143 | 2024-01-12 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*As he looked out at the ocean, it felt natural holding her hand. Even if he had to lean his arm down slightly, the discomfort didn't bother him. Maybe that's why she felt tall. He looked to her with a confused expression.* \"You have scales... But no fins. You're not a fish. But it they have shiny scales like you, I'd imagine they're nice.\"\n\n*He followed her gaze, squinting slightly. He could only see the glimmer due to his blindness... What was it? He was confused, shiny water held fishes? What about other water...* \"Fish that are too small to eat... I don't think any of the fish are too small. Small is fast. Fast is strong.\"\n\n*He looked at the jelly before him... His body felt an unknown vibe. A warning sense that this meant danger. He slowly moved Ves away from it.* \"I don't like it. Unnatural. Very strange to me.\" *He continued to move across the shore with Ves, hoping a town would be upon them soon.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves allowed herself to be moved away from the jelly-thing. She glanced back at it as they walked further down the beach, still curious despite the ill feeling. The world was such a big place with all kinds of new things to discover. Sure, she knew about fish, but what about the jelly-things? She wanted to know more.\n\nHuts came into view as they crested a small sand dune, as well as a group of fishermen of different races. They all glanced up when the pair approached and Ves stopped feeling so tall. She felt small and intimidated. *Be strong. Be brave.* She wasn't alone here. Björn stood beside her.\n\n\"Hello!\" She greeted the group, searching them for a friendly expression. Most looked wary and uncertain. Some turned their eyes back towards the water and went back to business. One man, however, nodded his head in a hesitant greeting. Ves focused her attention on him.\n\n\"We are travelers and we were wondering where we happened to be,\" The Kobold explained plainly. It wasn't exactly a lie. They were traveling, after all. Nevermind that Björn was a wanted escapee and she was a known criminal - as though helping free slaves was a crime! Well hopefully here it wouldn't be. Ves waited patiently for an answer.\n\nThe man eyed the Kobold and her Goliath companion suspiciously. Then he shrugged. **\"This is Broughton Cove. Broughton proper is thataway,\"** He added as he pointed. He looked like he might say more, but he was interrupted by a woman tossing her fishing nets out into the water. **\"Don't tell it that! Don't you know Kobold carry diseases?\"** Ves frowned lightly and considered protesting, but only shrugged and looked back up at Björn. \"Want to head that way?\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn immediately gave a calm but simple reply:* \"She carries no diseases.\" *He turned to look at her with a concerned expression.* \"We can head that way immediately. Might be best.\"\n\n*Björn began to slowly walk the direction gestured. In his head he wanted to turn around and fight the sorry bitch for insulting his Ves... His Ves? No. Ves was not his, she is no slave and he is no master. He shook his head and continued to walk away.*\n\n\"Ves, I did not know your kind have lies and rumours. Is the same said about my lot? My people?\" *He assumed there was people like him, there had to be or else where did he come from? He wasn't a human. He was too tall, muscular and pale to be one. He couldn't grow body hair and his surface was smooth save for the jagged outcrops of muscle. Yes, he had to have come from someone. Or be some kind of born freak...*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "She followed alongside Björn, her tail flicking about anxiously. There were some mumbling behind them as the group of fishermen talked amongst themselves. The woman who had spoken spat on the ground, but no one moved to stop them. Ves tried to best to ignore the voices. They weren't important.\n\n\"There are lies and rumors about every race,\" Ves said with a shrug of her shoulders. \"Kobold are seen as cowardly and dirty by a lot of folks. Even where we're from, people look down on my kind.\" She didn't say Dasvaz out loud, not wanting to be overheard. People were suspicious enough.\n\n\"I don't know much about Goliaths. I've only seen one other in my lifetime. He was visiting with the Orcs near the mines. At least I *Think* He was visiting. He could have been there for a number of reasons, I guess. I never actually met him, just saw him from a distance. I tend to avoid Orcs whenever possible.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"I can't imagine why you'd be seen as dirty... I know first-hand you bathe well.\" *His attempt at humour combined with his dry tone made it sound more like an innuendo than he realised. Surprisingly, he didn't even recognise it. Instead, his eyesight followed her anxious tail. In response he gave her head a small rub.* \n\n\"Fret not. Insults are echoed for a reason - they're not strong if coming from one person.\" *There was some wisdom to his words, his mentality he earned from the pits really has granted him a fresh insight.*\n\n\"I see. So I'm not the only one,...Huh.\" *He seemed to rest on that information for a spell.* \"I agree about the Orcs. They are a scourge... I will never share my hearth with one. I prefer the company of... Smaller kinds.\" *He glanced down at her as he spoke. It was hard to see with his beard in the way, but he smiled a little bit.* \"Once we get to this town, we can find us some food and maybe room... They do have rooms outside of the cells right?\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "\"Well, it's not just me. It's how people see all Kobold,\" She replied. \"And I did get quite dirty while working in the mines. All my family did. But I used to always bathe whenever possible. The others... Not so much. They didn't see much of a point. But it's definitely not true for all of us.\"\n\nShe leaned into his comforting touch, but her tail did not cease its movements. She nodded at his wise words. Björn continued to surprise her. He was so naïve, yet he knew more than he let on. \"I'm not terribly worried about it. People will always blindly judge others. And they often dislike what they don't understand.\"\n\nShe wondered briefly about Orcs. She agreed with Björn. She avoided them at all costs. But did that mean she was as guilty as the fishermen? Was she judging an entire race? Surely there were some individuals that were good. It couldn't be that all Orcs were awful. Right?\n\nVes glanced up to see him smile and smiled in return. \"Well, finding company smaller than you must be pretty easy, considering how tall you are,\" She teased with a chuckle. \"And I'm sure they'll have a tavern or an inn where we can stay. It'll be nice to sleep in a bed.\" \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"If you got anywhere near as dirty as I did in the Pits... Then I'd assume so.\" *He huffed a bit as he spoke.* \"I like being clean... Clean is free.\"\n\n\"I would say the lies about your race do not apply to you. You're one of a kind... I think. I don't know any others.\" *He made a small laugh before quieting down.*\n\n*He rolled his eye at her tease, a small smile creeping in.* \"As long as they're scaled and small, I'll allow it.\" *He thought of the idea of a Tavern... The roaring fire, idle chatter, drinks, a warm bed with a real pillow...* \"I'm hoping and praying for a Tavern.\" BF:"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "\"I like being clean also. So I hope the tavern has a bath as well.\" They would find out soon enough. Ves' sensitive ears caught the familiar sounds of civilization before the town even came into view. Her keen nose caught the scent of frying fish and baked bread and her stomach grumbled hopefully.\n\nThe town of Broughton was bigger than Ves was expecting. As the sand gave way to cobblestone streets, the Kobold couldn't help but look around excitedly. There were all sorts of people here. They chattered and shouted in the streets, calling out to one another over this and that. Ves had to dart out of the way as a horse pulling a wagon passed by. A boy wandered along herding a small flock of geese with a long switch. \n\nVes marveled at it all. She had seen towns before, of course, but that didn't mean she couldn't find novelty in each of them. She was someone who could find joy at the simplest of things. \n\nPeople were looking at them. Ves noticed this as well. But it didn't seem particularly malicious. Most people just seemed curious. A young child pointed before her mother scooped her up and disappeared into the crowd. The Kobold marveled at that as well. What was it like to be held so close by one's mother? She honestly didn't know. Her mother had nearly been a stranger to her. She didn't feel sad about it. Only... Empty.\n\n\"Okay!\" She said cheerfully as she looked up at Björn. \"Time to find us a tavern. Can you read any of the signs? Otherwise we'll have to ask.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn slowly managed to see the town over a large dune. He didn't have time to even put his shoes back on before the town was upon them. His feet felt the familiar cold bumps of stone that he felt in the Pits... It made him uneasy to experience. Market stall criers rang their noise in his ears and the sounds of animals screeching like banshees grated against his soul... He soon learned those noises came from children, not tortured cats.*\n\n*Small whiffs of food could be smelt: fish, bread, cheese and other oddities. Barrels of apples and carts filled with carrots. Colours he didn't know existed like vermillion and mauve and vert blasted his working eye.*\n\n*His face was one of discomfort... Until he recognised the look in their eyes. They may have never seen such a beast as he, the townsfolk who did notice him had a latent expression of fear and anxiety. He didn't realise how much like a brute he must seem to them... Especially with a 'disease carrying Kobold'.*\n\n\"I can read some.\" *He said, quietly... Björn looked at some of the signs, seeing words he didn't understand: Bakery... Barbershop... Kiln... Tavern... Tavern! He had spotted it with a bit of effort.* \"Yes. I see it. T-a-vern.\" *He pointed to the sign and pronounced the syllables for Ves. He hoped by doing so, she would know it in future.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Since the pair appeared to be minding their own business and not going on a spree, the townspeople began to look away. Ves watched them out of the corner of her eye. No one seemed particularly threatening so she glanced at the sign Björn was studying. \n\n\"T-a-vern,\" She repeated carefully as her eyes traced the letters. She tried to commit it to memory. It would probably be useful to know. \"Sounds good! Let's go.\"\n\nVes began to walk in the direction the sign was pointing. She grinned a little as she spotted a group of children playing kickball in the street. One kick went wide and landed at her clawed feet. The young ones hesitated, eyeing her suspiciously, before one shouted at her to kick it back. She obliged. Her kick was decent and strong (for someone of her size anyways) and landed in the middle of the circle of children. They let out a small cheer and went back to playing, leaving Ves chuckling.\n\nHer tail flicked in long sweeping movements that seemed to indicate her relaxed state. She was feeling pretty good. So far no one was chasing them out of town with pitchforks and torches. Maybe Broughton wasn't so bad. And she hadn't noticed any Wanted signs either. Hopefully their pursuers would stay in Dasvaz. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He gave a small nod of approval and patted her head.* \"Good. Commit it to your memory Ves.\" *He started to follow her before staring at the small orb at her feet. She kicked it and Björn flinched ever so slightly. The small ones seemed to enioy it and made some strange screech of joy that chilled his bones.*\n\n\"The small ones are ravenous...\" *He muttered to himself as they walked. He was impressed with her kick at least, which showed she was nearly fully healed too. He had noticed her renewed state and seemed to slightly lower his guard.*\n\n*Björn soon had to swoop under some large stakes some men were carrying and was met with some strangely accented remarks about his freakish height in passing. Björn was soon beginning to believe that these towns were not for people like him.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves' ears twitched. Had Björn just said... No, if it couldn't be. She had misheard. There was just too much commotion going on to hear clearly. Shrugging, she continued along the path, looking out for any building that might be a tavern.\n\nShe was barely limping and didn't seem to notice her leg at all. She was just filled with too much excitement. Her eyes drifted upwards, wanting to share the moment with Björn, and hesitated. He didn't look thrilled or happy. He looked uncomfortable. How had she not noticed?\n\n\"Hey... Björn. Are you okay? What's wrong?\" Ves paused and reached out to place a concerned hand on his leg. Although she could recognize the look of discomfort in his expression, she didn't yet understand the reason behind it. She looked around, trying to locate the source of the trouble. Had he spotted something she had not? \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He felt her concerned hand on his leg and huffed, speaking plainly.* \"No, no. I am okay. Do not fret for me, Ves. I am just weary. Pardon.\" *He wished he could hold her hand... But that would not be suitable for this environment. He preferred her comfort, but only when he wasn't surrounded. The noise of the town, the vibrations in the floor, the roars of the crowed... It was just like the Pits, just like the Cells.*\n\n\"Let us get inside. I maybe it's quieter inside.\" *He seemed to pick up the pace as he moved towards the door, slowly bending his back with a bit of pain as he lowered to the door's height.*\n\n\"After you.\" *He gestured to the door as he took one last look at the hellish noise around him. Fleshy little beings surrounded the arena with small items in hand, or food, or clubs. There was no House Seat, no stands and no corpse pit, yet he could smell the societal bloodshed in the air. He felt... A bit uncomfortable with all these people around. Yet he didn't want to let that show.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves frowned deeply, her brow furrowing. Her tail twitched in agitation at his dismissal. Something was clearly wrong. Why wouldn't Björn tell her what it was? Her eyes darted about, searching for whatever it could be. Had he spotted a 'wanted' sign somewhere? No, there were none of those around. So what could it be?\n\nShe allowed herself to be ushered through the open door of the tavern, still looking worried. Luckily for Björn the inside of the tavern had a tall ceiling, though he still might have to duck on occasion. Ves took a moment to scan her surroundings, always on the lookout for potential danger, even while fretting over a friend. The tavern seemed fairly ordinary, with a bar counter and tables scattered about the room. There was a lit fireplace and a couple of comfy chairs placed around it. It wasn't terribly crowded either, not at this time of day.\n\n\"Björn...\" She mumbled as she looked back up at him. He seemed so determined to hide whatever bothered him. Was it kinder to press him or let the matter go? Ves bit down on her inner cheek as she considered. Then she led the way away from the door and towards the bar counter, where the barkeep leaned lazily. He was a Shapeshifter with the form of a humanoid mountain lion and he watched them both as they approached.\n\n\"Hello. Do you happen to have any rooms available?\" She asked as politely as she could. \n\n||"
}
] | 242 | 3,547 |
241.666667 | 2024-01-13 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"I will explain later, Small One.\" *He noticed her worry and did not wish to add to it. Once through the door, he straightened his back a little. Looking around, it seemed cosy enough: a man behind a small wooden wall, a few patrons, a firepit and the largest, most comfy seats Björn had ever seen, even more so than the Orc vip chairs!*\n\n\"This place seems... Nice.\" *The hustle and bustle of the town had faded away, replaced by the idle-volumed conversations in the taven, save for a few loud laughs here and there. He walked his way over to the fire and crouched before it, holding his hands towards it as he did so. The flames felt like heaven as the heat licked his hands and forearms.*\n\n\"Ves. Ask for a bath if they have one.\" *Björn wanted to feel the hot water against his sore body. He had been travelling for days and while used to the strains of combat, he was not used to the pains of travelling.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves glanced over as Björn moved away. She felt more exposed without her Goliath shadow. Yet still she straightened her back and looked the bartender in the eye. He stared back at her with icy blue eyes as she cleared her throat and asked again.\n\n\"Do you have any rooms available? Preferably one with a tub,\" She specified helpfully. The Shapeshifter continued to stare in silence and Ves' heart dropped. He was about to say he didn't serve their kind here, or something along those lines. They'd be forced to leave and possibly run out of town. The Kobold held her breath anxiously. \n\n**\"We have one left,\"** The barkeeper replied at last. Ves exhaled slowly. **\"With a tub. Bath costs extra though.\"**\n\n\"Oh! Umm, of course. We need that room, a bath, and a fresh meal please.\" Ves bounced a little in place, still anxious, but relieved. She looked back at Björn as the Shapeshifter shrugged and went to collect the room key. He returned and leaned over the counter to glare at the Kobold. **\"Payment up front.\"**\n\nSwallowing at the outrageous price given, Ves dug through her pouch and counted out the gold. It occurred to her to try and haggle, but she didn't want to draw any more attention. She then exchanged the money for the key. **\"Good,\"** The barkeep said as he bit down on a coin. **\"Room is on the second floor. We'll bring you the meals when they're ready. Come back down and enjoy a drink or three tonight.\"**"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn stood up and walked behind Ves, slipping the key from her fingers into the palm of his hand.* \"You heard the man. Let's go.\" *He looked down at her, then back to the Barkeep before giving a silent nod and beginning to walk upstairs.*\n\n*In the moment, he seemed calm, emotionless, but inside his head was spinning! How could he have been so careless?! He forgot to ask for TWO rooms!! It's not like it would have mattered anyway, considering the lack of rooms... Nor that they've slept under the stars for a considerate amount of time... But this would be a real room with a real bed... At least they'd have a tub.*\n\n*As he climbed the stairs, they made a creaking sound - clearly not used to a Goliath's stature or weight. He carefully made his way up them, worried they'd break under his pressure or weight while also making room for Ves to accompany him.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "She blinked as Björn took the key and turned to follow him. Her own steps were completely silent on the wooden steps. She either weighed too little or was too stealthy to make a noise. Either way, she didn't look too terribly alarmed to hear the stairs creak. She had no doubt that the building was strong enough to hold Björn's weight. Surely there were plenty of travelers passing through that could be as big as a Goliath. Surely.\n\nIt took a moment to find the right room and unlock the door. The space within was quite basic: a large bed, a tub, a wardrobe, and a cushioned chair filled the room and made it seem rather snug. There was even a painting on the wall above the bed of a small flock of colorful birds, which Ves felt was strangely disconcerting. Well, the ceiling was tall at least. \n\nVes looked around briefly, immediately taking note of the single bed. That was okay. She would sleep on the chair. It looked soft at least and she would easily fit. Moving into the room, Ves smiled back at Björn. \"Not bad, right? Though I'm sorry we have to share a room. I bet you'd like your privacy.\" That was a lie. She wasn't sorry at all. She was, however, concerned with what he desired. His happiness was more important than her own. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn approached the room with a curious feel to it. The room was pretty clean, cosy and more relaxed than he was expecting. He took note of the single bed, large enough to fit him, the exposed wash tub that would have him squatting at best, and the comfy chair. It looked so inviting.*\n\n*Björn lifted the pillows from the bed, inspecting them... They were made from feathers. Perhaps plucked from a shapeshifter? No. That was too Barbaric, surely.* \"This seems comfy. Don't apologise Ves. We have shared caves, forests, starlight. What harm is a bed?\" *He shrugged to himself as he placed the pillows back down.*\n\n*Looking at the painting on the wall, he was perplexed...* \"Ves... What is this? The birds are trapped in the wall. Is this normal?\" *He poked the painting, confused as to how they got in there, and how they're so still... Perhaps turned to stone? Maybe they're magic?*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves shut the door and locked it behind them. Then she wandered over to the wardrobe to peek inside. \"Well, we don't have to share the bed. I can fit in the chair. So you have more room.\" What was she saying? That was the last thing she wanted. There was nothing inside the wardrobe, or so it seemed. Ves began to expertly search for any hidden compartments.\n\nShe glanced back when Björn spoke her name. \"It's just a painting. Like... A drawing. A sketch on a wall. Only more detailed and vibrant. That's all.\" Going back to trailing her fingertips along the wooden frame, Ves finally found what she had been searching for. She opened the false bottom of the wardrobe and grinned a little. \"I knew it,\" She mumbled softly to herself.\n\n\"We can hide the satchel in here,\" She said, motioning Björn over. But why? What was Ves worried about? She was still not used to traveling with a companion and the small Kobold had just about everything to lose. She was still stuck in the mindset of a survivor. Tail flicking, Ves glanced at the tub. \"Do you want to bathe first?\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"Ah, I haven't thought about that. If you wish to sleep on a chair be my guest. It looks comfy enough after all.\" *He gave a small nod once more, realising how forward he sounded originally. Surely Ves would not be for something like that.*\n\n\"A painting... A vibrant sketch. I like it. I like it a lot.\" *He traced his fingers along the frame, before hearing a click from Ves' direction.* \"What have you found? Oh, that's clever. How did you know? I'm very impressed!\" *He peered over her, bumping his head on the wardrobe.* \"If you think that's worth doing, I trust your judgement.\"\n\n*He then turned his attention to the tub before shaking his head.* \"No. I'd rather you bathe first. I can leave the room if you'd like, or I can help... Wash your back?\" *He made the statement into a question, one he wasn't certain he should have asked. Why the hell did he ask?! Of course she didn't want that, that was creepy.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves regretted her suggestion, but what could she do about it now? Björn had already agreed. Besides, he probably wanted to sleep alone so he could stretch out. And it was only proper. *Proper.* What was proper anyhow?\n\n\"Oh, I don't really know how I knew. I just had a feeling.\" She thought about it for a moment, wrinkling her nose as she reflected. Then she shrugged it off. \n\nHer scales reddened at his words. He wanted to help her wash her back? *What?!* Ves did her best to avoid making eye contact, trying to think fast. She quickly barked out an awkward laugh and tugged nervously at her ear. \"You don't have to leave the room. We've... Seen each other naked before. And anyways, I trust you not to look.\"\n\nGods, *What* Was she doing? Why was she saying all these things? She was lying to herself and to him. Why couldn't she just be honest? And say what, exactly? *Please join me in the tub and then let's share a bed.* No, that sounded ridiculous.\n\nClearing her throat, she moved towards the tub. She knew Björn wanted to get clean, and so did she. So why wait? Maybe she could blame her red scales on the heat of the water. Assuming, of course, that this tavern in Broughton had hot water."
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"Another clever thing of your's.\" *He gave a small nod while he sat in the chair, his physique sinking into the confines of it. He felt relaxed and held securely, even if the chair creaked under his size.*\n\n*Björn immediately regretted asking such a thing. He felt so worried about her response... Her awkward laugh only made him panic more.* \"If you're sure. I won't look.\" *A hint of disappointment at his offer being ignored was held in his dry voice but he nodded his head with his eye closed.*\n\n\"I simply thought, with your injury still healing, you may need some assistance.\" *WHY WAS HE TALKING?!* \"And your scales are red again. You're embarrassed, right?\" *He really didn't know why he was still speaking. Just let her bathe.*\n\n*He kept his eyes closed as he promised. Part of his oath of protection was also about protecting her modesty and figure. He had already seen her naked, sure. But that was simply because he was protecting her... Was it? Was that it? No, surely there was more to it than that. He didn't want to, did he? That would be idiotic. Besides, he had already closed his eyes to let her bathe in peace.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "He brought up a good point. Her wound wasn't entirely healed yet - what if she fell and made it worse? She should accept his help. He was being gracious and sounded almost hurt by her refusal. Her scales turned even darker. \"I just... You took me by surprise is all. I... I suppose I could use your help. If you're still willing.\"\n\n*Yes.* Please be willing, she begged silently. Her inner monologue only made her blush spread further down her neck. She distracted herself by fussing with the tub. She turned on the spicket and, much like the tubs from the bathhouse, hot water began to flow. \n\nVes began getting undressed next. She stripped in silence, swallowing nervously as she placed her clothes on a small stool beside the tub. The tavern even provided scented soap and towels. *Fancy.* It needed to be for the price she had paid. She then carefully climbed into the tub, sinking down into the steaming water. A small sigh escaped her. It felt wonderful.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn almost leapt up but contained himself, slowly standing and giving a small nod.* \"Of course. It's my... My pleasure. Yeah that's the word.\" *He gave a good smile as he figured out the correct wording.*\n\n*He waited till he heard her in the tub to come over, making sure to not look at her too much. He slowly picked up a bar of soap and lathered his hands with it, before (as gently as he can) began to rub her back with the water and suds.*\n\n*Small, slow circles around her shoulders and spine were his first moves. He tried to keep them to a gentle sensation out of fear for damaging her further.* \"How is this? Tell me if there is something I can do better.\" *He said from his seated position, rubbing his friends back while she bathed.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "She nearly swooned at his words. His *Pleasure*. And as he approached her tail twitched in anticipation. She held very still, holding her breath as lathered up his hands and then...\n\nShe bit down on her tongue to keep herself from making a sound. She practically melted beneath his rough hands, her entire body shivering despite the heat. Her blush had traveled far below her clavicle. Gods, what was happening? What was going on? Was this really happening? Ves felt light headed in the best way possible.\n\n\"You can... You can rub a little harder. I'm tougher than I look,\" She said softly. Her scales were softer than they looked, surprisingly enough. She had sharp points, it was true, but the skin around her shoulders was almost smooth. And what else did she want him to do? Oh, so many things.\n\nThis wasn't strange, right? Friends washed each other's backs all the time. And bathed together. And kissed. It was a perfectly normal friendship. Ves didn't know who she was trying to lie to at this point. Herself? Or him?\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He noted her blush travelling much further down her, and noticed her stillness and silence. He thought nothing of it until she asked him to rub a little more. He gave a small nod and a quiet* \"My pleasure.\" *Before rubbing her back and shoulders a bit rougher.*\n\n*Björn made sure to get her nice and lathered up before washing her down and rubbing the shoulders more as he did so. He softly and surprisingly began to hum a small tune, in a minor key. It didn't sound like war music or like slavery songs from the Pits - no. This was much more. His deep voice made the hum rumble in his throat as he worked.*\n\n*He took the time to admire her scales, how they bumped and curved to her form. The sharp and dull points, the colour and pressure differences. Kobolds were a very strange breed but one he found himself fascinated with - fascinated with Ves.*\n\n\"I hope this is good for you. I don't want you hurting yourself by trying to wash your back.\" *Even though there was a back sponge in the room with them, he didn't think she would catch on to his excuse for doing so. True, he wanted her safe, protected and out of harms way but he also found a certain humble joy in caring for her... If this is what a friendship is like, he was confused by it.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Again with that phrase. Ves' heart beat rapidly in her ears. Her chest felt very hot and she was breathing a little faster. His touch felt beyond wonderful. And she yearned for more. \n\nHer ears twitched as he began to sing and slowly she began to relax. Her tense muscles became like silk beneath his hands. The softest of sounds escaped her - a little guttural noise of pleasure. Ves was embarrassed by it and hoped he hadn't heard. Or did she actually want him to hear? Oh, she didn't know!\n\n\"It's good,\" She reassured him breathlessly. \"It feels good. Really good. You're good at this.\" She practically tripped over her words. \"Could you maybe move... A bit lower?\" She dared to ask. Gods, what was she doing? If he drifted too low, he'd touch her tail. She might lose it then.\n\n\"That's a beautiful tune. What is it?\" She tried to distract herself with something else. Anything else. But why? Why not simply enjoy the back rub? Why did she have to look for meaning behind everything? Ves felt confused, but also clear headed. She was beginning to get an idea of what she wanted. It was just a matter of getting it. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He nodded his head silently and moved to massage the lower back muscles. He took his time kneading the soft muscles to get there first, making sure he didn't leave one left out...* \"I don't know what it is. I just remember it. Have done all my life. I used to hear it in my dreams when I was but a boy in the Pits. It's how I managed to sleep after the slaughter.\"\n\n*He kept moving lower into her back and accidentally brushed the base of her tail.* \"Shit, forgive me.\" *He quickly made a few inches of distance between his hands and her tail. He knew it was sensitive so it was best not to provoke it*\n\n\"I just happen to know the muscles of the body well. They share their secrets with me. When I fight or do an action, I use all the muscles I can so I can actively get better. In the process, I damaged a lot of muscles so I learned how to nurse them.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves listened to his explanation, her ears twitching back towards his comforting voice. She wondered how long he had been a slave, but did not ask. Now was not the time for such questions. She didn't want to alter the mood. Not when things were going so...\n\nWell! Ves gasped loudly when he touched the base of her tail. A visible shiver went up her spine. \"No, don't stop-\" She began to say as he moved his hand away. She hadn't realized she said it out loud for a good five seconds. Then her eyes widened and he might have sworn she was red from nose to tail tip. She ducked her head and coughed.\n\nShe knew what she wanted. She wanted him to touch her more, in more sensitive places, in ways that would make her squirm. She wanted him to know her body. She wanted his lips pressed to hers. She wanted to be *More* Than friends.\n\nVes looked over her shoulder at him, her eyes full of feeling and desire. \"S-Sorry. I just meant... That felt good. I liked it. A lot.\" That seemed obvious, but she still felt the need to explain. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He pulled his hands away, worried he hurt her before slowly returning them to her body.* \"No don't worry, I should have been more careful... If you want me to massage your tail I can try?\" *He offered in a stable tone. Inside he was shitting himself over Ves gasping and her words... Her words had him very confused. Her actions contradicted. She felt shock yet wanted more? Why?*\n\n\"Calm yourself, you are very flustered. That's okay.\" *He spoke calmly, trying to hide the fact he had a strong blush.* \"I'm glad you are explaining too.\"\n\n*With her permission, Björn slowly placed a hand on her tail and tried to massage it. It was hard to do so, tails being mostly bone and muscle after all, but he gave it his best shot. He didn't want to disappoint.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Oh, what was she doing? Asking him to touch her tail? She knew how sensitive it was. So why practically beg for him to massage there? He complied willingly enough and carefully grasped around the base. Her toes curled and she reached out to grip the sides of the tub tightly. Oh no. Oh no, oh no, oh no, this was going too far. She was asking too much. She should stop this before she got carried away... Even further.\n\n\"Would you... Just lightly touch where my tail meets my back?\" She asked, doing the exact opposite of what she was frantically thinking. She tried to control her breathing, tried to make herself relax. What was she doing, directing him? He was just going along with her because... Because...\n\nShe wasn't sure. Why was he complying so willingly? Did he actually want to touch her? To make her heart beat so hard that her ears were ringing? What was going on in his head? She wished she was a mind reader. Instead she studied his expression for some sort of hint. But it was hard to concentrate with his hands gently massaging her. And she was half-turned so awkwardly in the tub...\n\n\"Björn,\" She said his name quietly, gazing into his eye. \"Do you... Do you *Like* Touching me?\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn nodded as he changed to lightly touch where the tail and back met. He traced small circles around it with his fingers.* \"Like this?\" *He questioned. He was hoping he was doing it right. He wanted her relaxed...*\n\n*To answer her question, he paused... Before finally saying.* \"Yes.\" *And that is all he said before continuing with his work. He was so stupid! He should have said more, shown he meant it! But he couldn't go back now. He needed Ves to be happy. He liked that.*\n\n\"I like your reactions. They're... Cute.\" *He ran his finger along the spine of her tail for a moment.* \"Like that.\" *He gave a small laugh. He didn't know why seeing her jolt gave him joy but it sure did.*\n\n\"Do you... Like me touching you? Like this?\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "His response was music to her ears. Did he mean it? Of course he did! Björn wouldn't lie to her. She had already established that fact. So when he affirmed that yes, he did indeed enjoy touching her, she believed him. Perhaps too easily. Was it because that was what she *Wanted* To believe? \n\n\"Cute, huh?\" She echoed as another shiver ran up her spine. He wouldn't lie, but that didn't mean he understood. How could he not? He and Solaire had made a baby. Even Ves knew how such things were done. So how could Björn be so innocent? So naïve? \"It's not 'cute' for me. It's... Pleasurable.\" Would he understand that? Or did she have to get more specific? \n\n\"I enjoy your touch more than you know. But if you like to touch me... Would you like to touch me in other places? Like... My ears. They're sensitive too.\" She turned completely around in the tub so that she was facing him. The bubbles in the tub were all popped and she was hiding nothing. She swallowed hard. How far was she going to let this go? How far could Björn be pushed? If he was being pushed at all.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He slowly blushed as she not only mentioned her enjoyment but also her request for her to be touched more... She wanted more?! And she was turning around to face him...! Björn tried his hardest to maintain eye contact with Ves because Holy shit the bubbles were gone! One look would reveal everything. Why was it so damn hard to keep eye contact?*\n\n\"Pleasure... You want more?\" *He took a moment to establish they were on the same page before giving a small, uncertain smile as a bead of sweat rolled down the side of his face.* \"I'd... Be happy to.\" *He slowly reached out to the side of her face, resting his hand on her cheek before slowly moving to touch her long ears.*\n\n*He started off near the base and worked his way up. Tracing and stroking them with a semi soft touch - he kept in mind her pressure preferance from before.* \"How is this for you? Does it feel good?\" *He reached his other hand out and began to mirror the same movements.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Was she making him uncomfortable? Or excited? She couldn't tell. She noted his slight hesitation and his uncertain smile. Was his sweat from nerves or the heat of the water? She should have called it quits right then. \n\nBut then he reached out and touched her ear. She immediately melted. Her entire body shuddered with pleasure and she made a soft sound. It was a mix between a sigh and a moan and Ves didn't try to hide it this time. No one had ever touched in the ways Björn was touching her. It was beyond anything she had ever felt before.\n\n\"Y-Yes. That's good,\" She managed to say. Her breathing came out in soft little pants. She wanted more and more and more. And she somehow knew Björn would most likely be willing. So long as she gave him direction, he would comply. But what if he was given free reign? What would he do then?\n\n\"What about... How does it feel for you? Are you okay?\" Her eyes opened and she looked up at him. She could see how hard he was trying not to look down. She swallowed hard. \"You can look at me... If you want.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn smiled a bit at the sound of her and felt her shake beneath his hands on her ears... He liked it. More than he could say. He slightly tugged on her ears as he reached the tips of them, trying more and more things as he went.*\n\n*Her conformation of his effort being payed off made him relax more. He liked making her pant. It was interesting... No it was more than that but Björn was restraining himself.* \"It feels nice... The way the scales are so small here, the ridges, the edges... They're different from your shoulders or back or head. They're flimsy but stiff. I like touching them and I like the way you react.\" *He paused his speech as he continued his work, applying a light pressure.* \"Do not worry about me, I am okay...\"\n\n*He heard her allowance and slowly, to make himself not seem as ready to do so, looked down at her. He let his eye wander. As he did so, a hot flush came over him that was visible in this face and slowly reached his Adams apple.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "She felt light-headed and dizzy from his touch, but she didn't want him to stop. Each stroke sent a jolt down her spine. Her toes curled under the water and she struggled not to squirm. It felt so good. No. More than just *Good.* That didn't even begin to describe her feelings.\n\nVes watched quietly as Björn's eye began to wander down her lithe figure. She was a slender thing, perhaps a little underfed, but she had her own soft curves. She even had lean muscle from hard work in the mines. She watched his blush spread and couldn't help but wonder: did he like what he saw? She thought he might. Only one way to find out. \"Is it... Am I... Do you like me...?\" That wasn't exactly what she meant to say, but that's all she could manage.\n\nShe found herself slightly jealous. She wanted to look at him the way he was looking at her. Maybe she should... No. That was too bold. Ves almost laughed at herself. *Too* Bold? As though she wasn't crossing a hundred unspoken lines already! Nothing ventured, nothing gained. She might as well before her nerves won out. \"The water feels nice... Do you... Do you want to join me?\" Was the tub too small for that? Did she even care?\n\n||"
}
] | 239 | 5,800 |
354.111111 | 2024-01-14 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "*Time passes and we rejoin our intrepid adventurers some time later...*\n\nVes wasn't sure how she felt about his words. She didn't want him to forfeit his life for hers. But she sensed that there was no point in protesting. She leaned forward, pressing her forehead against his, and smiled despite her misgivings. His laughter made her tingle. She liked the sound of his joy. She wanted to hear more of it.\n\nThere was the sudden sound of knocking on the door and Ves jerked in alarm. She sat up in bed, looking towards the heavy wooden frame. Who was that? Were they expecting someone? Wait... Yes. They actually were. The barkeeper had said he would send up the meals once they were ready. How long had their love-making lasted? Time had seemed to blur as Ves had lost herself in his embrace. \n\nVes scooted her way off the bed and grabbed the nearby towel, wrapping it around her lithe frame. She padded across the room and approached the door quietly. She would have checked the peep hole had she been tall enough. Instead she pressed an ear against it and listened closely. It didn't sound like anyone was out there. Unlocking the door, she opened it very slightly and glanced outside. On the floor were two covered plates and a note. Ves picked up the food and the piece of paper and retreated back inside, locking the door behind her.\n\n\"Our food is here. And they left us a note also. Can you read it?\" She asked as she set the food down on the bed. She climbed back up and uncovered the first plate, revealing a large oven roasted fish, a heaping pile of potatoes, and carrots. Ves' stomach growled at the sight and she smiled brightly. The food looked wonderful.\n\nVes handed the note over to Björn. It was a simple hand-written invoice that had 'noise complaint' circled with a cost associated with it. Ves looked at the Goliath expectantly as she picked up a carrot and took a bite, innocently clueless.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn jolted up as he heard the door go, his hand landed on the handle of his stolen axe before seeing Ves towel herself and plop over to the door. He sighed and shook his head, giving him the time to make himself decent. Back in a dressed down version of his outfit, he stood up and looked to her.* \"What is it?\"\n\n*The smell... Gods the smell! What was that?! That was food?? Björn didn't even realise he was drooling! He stared at it, mouth slightly agape with shock at the sensations hitting his nose - it was borderline overstimulating! Sure, be had smelt food before, tasted travel rations too but not this. He had heard of this but only once; seasoning! It was some kind of alchemical thing that made food better. Magic crystals called Salt and powdered Drow skin called Pepper... He salivated as he opened up his plate, revealing the same dish.*\n\n*He didn't even manage to contain himself, he grabbed a fistful of potatoes and shoved them into his face hole with gusto, chewing openly loudly. He licked and sucked his fingers, savoring the buttery taste and fluffy interior. A tear rolled down his face.* \"This is... Beautiful!\" *He had never yelled with joy like that! His entire mood lifted like a crowd after a beheading.*\n\n*He noticed Ves and immediately stopped mid chew, he sorta just stared at her, then back to his messy hands and mouth and let out a small, food filled chuckle.* \"Forgive me.\" *He swallowed his current mouthful and wiped his hands on the sheets before grabbing the note.* \"Ah...\" *His face became a deep shade of purple.* \"That's... A fee for the noise complaints. From earlier.\" *He glanced out the window, how much time had passed?!*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves blinked as Björn began shoveling food with his bare hands. Potatoes disappeared off his plate and bits of it went everywhere. She chuckled lightly, her tail flicking back and forth. \"There's no shame in enjoying a meal as good as this one,\" She grinned. She was actually pleased by his reaction. Had he even shouted that loudly during their mating?\n\nShe didn't seem in any particular rush to get dressed. She even offered Björn her towel to wipe his fingers on, letting it fall away from her slender body. At the realization of what the note said, her scales turned dark red. She wiggled a little, feeling very embarrassed. A noise complaint? So how many people had heard them? How many people now knew about her pleasure?\n\n\"How much is it?\" She peered at the note blankly, not understanding money symbols either. When he told her, Ves shook her head a little. Despite her embarrassment she knew it was overpriced yet again. The barkeep was surely overcharging them because of her race. It wasn't fair, but what could be done? She didn't want to cause a scene.\n\nSitting cross-legged, Ves picked up her fork and knife and began to eat. She cut into the fish and took a bite, sighing in pleasure at the taste. Björn wasn't lying. It really *Was* Beautiful. Ves had never had a meal as good as this one. She was used to travel rations and whatever else she could manage to find. Maybe she was still basking in the afterglow, but everything in this moment felt perfect.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn seemed to snarl at the prospect of paying for the noise. Why should they - well, she - pay for the noise when other people make noise too? He was bombarded with sound when he arrived! It's stupid, society is stupid, that shapeshifter was stupid! Björn felt himself getting angry, he proceeded to breathe deeply and soon calmed down. He would not let his emotions get the better of him... Even if he wanted to rip that Barkeep's head off.*\n\n*At the same time, the food was worthy of the highest praise! He gratefully used Ves' towel to wipe his hands and even tried to dab his mouth with it! It was a sight to see to be sure. Björn grabbed the fish with both hands and proceeded to bite the head clean off, ripping at the scales with a silent yet hungry ferocity. It made him remember a fond memory from a time where he bit right through a Dragonborn's bicep and spat his own viscera in his face to blind him. The fish tasted much better than overgrown lizards did, that was not up for debate in the slightest... But he missed the gore secretly.*\n\n*As he chewed, he pulled a bone from his mouth and proceeded to use it as a toothpick to get some scale from between his teeth.* \"Thish isf breally hood!\" *He spoke through the chewing, really impressed with the quality of food. It sparked something within him. Something deep inside he had never felt before... A passion! He swallowed before stating to Ves how he felt.* \"This food... Someone made this. A man or woman or child cooked this fish, caught it, plated it... It tastes like nothing I've ever tasted before! If I was able to grant a wish, it would be to make food like this for people like us; the downtrodden, the framed and the escapees.\" *He spoke with a wonderful passion in his heart that showed there was some potential to the man before her. Potential beyond the Pits, even if it was a pipe dream... It was the first he had ever thought.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves smiled warmly as she watched Björn enjoy his meal. He was a messy eater, but Ves was used to it. She had grown up around a whole pack of messy Kobold. Very few of her kind seemed to have manners. Ves was probably quite unusual in that aspect. She ate calmly and quietly, chewing with her mouth closed, enjoying the food in her own private way.\n\nHer ears twitched at his words and her smile widened. She had never heard him so excited. \"We can try cooking sometime!\" She agreed. \"We could buy our own fish and spices and try our hand at it. And we could even catch our own fish if we bought the proper nets. I know a little about gathering wild edible plants as well. We wouldn't have to keep eating dried rations. We could become regular chefs!\"\n\nThe idea made her chuckle, but there was really no reason Björn's dream couldn't become a reality. Cooking wasn't too terribly hard, right? They just needed the proper supplies and a place to put them. And Ves supposed they also needed more money soon, especially if they were going to be charged with noise complaints every time they made love. How would they go about getting more? Thievery occurred to the Kobold, of course, but she was more interested in legitimate ways of collecting coin. Maybe with Björn's skills they could figure something out.\n\nFinishing the last bite of food, Ves set her fork and knife down and covered the plate once again. Her own eyes were drawn to the window and she noted the fading light. It was early evening and Ves felt a little restless. \"Do you want to go downstairs again? I think I want a drink and I suppose I need to settle our debts.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn listened to her ramble on about fish and spices and survival lessons. He found it absolutely adorable. Her ramblings were something he looked forward to. Maybe he just liked learning absently from it or maybe something else like the sound of her voice. Either way, he made sure to enjoy it all.*\n\n\"Chefs... Thats what they're called? It would be fun to try.\" *He said between large licks of his already empty plate. As a dog, you learn to appreciate every morsel of food; no matter how disgusting or malnourished it is. That tendency stuck with Björn as he literally polished his plate. He had already done way before she noticed and he sat patiently waiting for her.*\n\n\"Sounds like a plan. However I have never drank. Keep that in mind. I barely got water, let alone grog.\" *Grog was a funny word. It was what the Orcs used to call their bubbling, foul alcohol that they drank from barrels with their hands, mouths pressed to the spigot or crude cups. He would soon learn more than just this horrid example, and formulate his own opinion.* \"But first, you are getting dressed. You'd be the talk of the town going downstairs in less than a towel, I'd imagine.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves chuckled lightly and crossed over to the tub. She picked her clothes off the stool and began to get dressed again, stepping into her trousers carefully and adjusting her tail. She paused to reach into the tub and pulled the cork out, letting the dirty water pour down a drain in the floor. She then finished slipping on her clothes, adjusting her belt and pouch.\n\n\"That's okay. I don't drink very much either. Hopefully they have mead as well as ale,\" She replied. \"Mead is my favorite. I've only had it once before, but it's really good. Sweet and light. I bet you'll like ale though. That's what most people prefer.\" \n\nShe collected her money, figuring it was better to keep all the coin on them rather than leave it in the room. Just in case. She shut the wardrobe with its hidden compartment and returned to Björn's side. She motioned for him to draw near, then took the towel and carefully cleaned his greasy face and beard. \"There. I think we're ready to face the crowds downstairs. Ready?\"\n\nThe Kobold smiled warmly and took his hand in hers, then walked to the door. The tavern was far more crowded than before now that the sun had set. There was a dull murmur from below and the scent of fresh food wafted up the staircase. Ves squeezed his hand nervously as she headed down into the main room. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn turned away to button up his tunic and tighten his belt before throwing his furs over him. He gave them a sniff - still smells like mint! He then stood up and stretched, knowing this was the last time for a while he would be able to stand somewhat straight.*\n\n\"You're cute when you ramble, Ves. Do it more often.\" *He gave a low and small laugh before looking towards his axe... No he wouldn't need it. Not tonight. He had his own body as a weapon if he needed it.*\n\n*He leaned near, expecting a kiss and got a face full of towel.* \"Easy on the eyes!\" *He winced and scrunched his face as she assaulted him with cloth. He looked at her and squeezed her hand slightly.* \"I guess we will find out. Be brave, be strong, be together.\" *He added a bit on to his mantra, not sure how he felt about it.*\n\n*They began to walk down the stairs, hand in hand as the room grew to a hushed volume. A few patrons looked over at the odd pair. Björn's calm face glared down at them as he rubbed his thumb on her hand... After a moment, the patrons returned to their original volume and ruckus.*\n\n*He brought Ves to a table and sat her down.* \"I'll be back with drinks and the debt payed. Your coin.\" *He seemed to be requesting her purse as he held his hand out, taking it with a nod of thanks and walking to the bar to pay and order.*\n\n\"Here. For the noise.\" *He slid across the audacious amount.* \"And get me some mead. And an ale.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "People stared openly as they descended the stairs. Ves should have been used to it by now. Yet with the 'noise complaint' fresh on her mind, she wondered what the people were thinking. Did they think her to be some kind of deviant? How loud had she actually screamed? The thought made her scales across her nose turn red.\n\nBjörn's intimidating presence eventually made them turn away again and Ves breathed a sigh of relief. They moved to a table and Ves handed him her coin purse, watching as he moved towards the bar counter. Her amber eyes reflected the firelight as she studied Björn's back, deep in thought.\n\nThe sound of a soft strumming distracted her, pulling her from her musing. She was more than a little surprised to see another Kobold sitting there by the fire, lute in hand, eyeing her. He flashed her a toothy grin when he met her surprised gaze and began to play a cheerful sea shanty.\n\nThe Shapeshifter barkeep looked up as Björn approached. He wiped his nose as he took the coins and sneered. **\"No more of that, you understand? We don't need to know your 'business' with your Kobold. Her screams ran out a few of my regulars. Can't have that. So keep it quiet or you'll find yourselves sleeping on the street.\"** He turned his back to the Goliath and returned a moment later with two large mugs. Then he went back to cleaning the counter."
}
] | 353 | 3,187 |
274.78125 | 2024-01-15 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn, calm as ever, simply replied to him, not breaking eye contact.* \"Myself and my partner will try to keep the volume lower. Thanks for the drinks.\" *He took the mugs I one hand by the handles and walked back over to Ves at the table, carrying the coin purse in his spare hand.*\n\n\"Here we go. That one smells like piss so I'll assume that's the Ale. So here is your's.\" *He placed her large mug before her and sat down across from her. He hesitated with his own drink, eyeing her first to make sure she is okay and for her to try it first. Björn could lie all he wanted but he was a bad liar; he was anxious about the drink in front of him. He didn't want to drink it. Not just yet.*\n\n\"You okay Ves?\" *He leaned back in his chair and paused looking around the room, not spotting the Kobold bard on his blindside.* \"The owner says we need to keep it down or we will be on the street.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves listened to the Kobold play, her tail twitching along to the melody. Maybe this place wasn't so bad. If there was another of her kind here then surely some of the people would be accepting. Right? Maybe the unkindness and suspicion wasn't because she was a Kobold at all. Maybe it was just because she was a stranger.\n\nShe looked up as Björn returned carrying two mugs and the coin purse. She took the offered drink with a warm smile, wrapping her tiny hands around the large mug. Giving it a tentative sniff, she took a small sip. It was just as wonderful as she remembered and Ves took a moment to savor the flavor. Then she took another drink.\n\nHer ears twitched at Björn's warning and she nodded. \"I'm sorry I've caused us trouble. I shouldn't have been so loud. I just couldn't... Seem to help myself...\" She explained, her blush creeping back across her face. Was it normal to be so loud while making love? Or was she some kind freak?\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"I do not care what noise you make. As long as you are true to yourself, it is a good noise to me.\" *He gave a reassuring smile before sniffing the drink like she did. He took a light sip and his face scrunched up.* \"Good Gods, it tastes like piss!\" *He looked shocked for a moment, before taking another sip.*\n\n*Björn was somehow fitting well into the tavern aesthetic. His large frame seemed to keep most away while he peacefully and calmly chatted to Ves. Maybe they saw him as the freak. A larger than life Goliath with a small Kobold in tow. It sounded like a criminal or bounty Hunter and looked just the same. However, the way he held his mug seemed to showcase a different side to him. A quiet and contemplative side as he tried to analyse just what made the drink taste like swill. Nonetheless, it was better than the Grog he tried on his 18th.*\n\n\"You seem happy with your drink. I am glad. However, the mug is large for you. Will you be able to finish your drink?\" *He tilted his head like a puppy, confused and trying to understand her.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves chuckled at his comment. \"I don't like ale much either. Would you like to try some of my mead? I don't intend to finish all of it anyway. I'd be sick if I tried.\" She offered the mug to him with a warm smile. He seemed to be settling well. Whatever had caused him dismay earlier seemed to have passed.\n\nThe cheerful sea shanty came to an end and the nearby bard began to strum a softer, more mournful tune on his lute. Ves glanced his way, seeing the Kobold was still looking at her with a mischievous grin on his face. It made her uneasy. Why was he smiling like that? Did he know something? She tried to ignore him.\n\n\"How many days do you think we should stay in Broughton?\" She asked Björn to distract herself. \"I was thinking... Maybe we could try and earn some more coin somehow. Maybe someone around here needs some help. You're strong and capable and I'm small and nimble. We'd make a good team. That is if you wanted to stay for a few days. It might be better to keep moving. I'm not entirely certain.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He gave a small look at her mug and nodded his head. He paused for a moment, searching for a word to say... Give? No. Yoink? Nah that's not it... He gave up and took the mug from her in silence. He gave a cautious sniff and brought the mug to his lips... Ahh that was better. His face relaxed and his eyebrows raised a bit.* \"Mmh.\" *He lowered the mug, not realising his mustache had turned a foamy blonde.*\n\n\"That's sweeter... Its nice. Suits you.\" *He took one more sip before passing it over.* \"...Thanks.\" *He found the word he was looking for after all.*\n\n*Björn's ears pricked to the noise.* \"What is that twanging noise Ves? It feels... Sad. Why does noise feel sad?\" *He raised his brow, looking around, the source of the noise still in his blind spot. He noticed his beard was dripping and that soon distracted him, wiping it with the back of his large hand.*\n\n\"Ves you could have told me I was blonde!\" *A slight tinge of an annoying tease came from his as he smoothed his beard out. A small clump fell onto the table and his face dropped...* \"Pardon me.\" *He swiped the clump of hair and went to the toilets. He nearly walked into the ladies before he saw a woman come out... He made note that the sign was not a warrior's kilt and moved to the men's.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "\"Mead is better,\" She agreed with a smile. \"But you've got to be more careful. It's easier to drink, but it'll still get you drunk.\" She chuckled a little when she noticed the foam on his beard, but did not comment on the situation. She was getting used to his messy habits.\n\n\"That's music. He's just playing a sad song, that's all,\" She tried to explain. When he noticed his beard, he stood with a teasing comment and excused himself. Ves watched him go, blinking a little in surprise. When she turned back around, she was somehow unsurprised to see the Kobold standing there at the table.\n\nVes tensed all over, not entirely sure how this interaction was going to go. Of course he had waited until her Goliath guardian had stepped away to approach. He *Was* A cowardly Kobold, after all. Ves tried to shake the thought away. She didn't even know this person. She shouldn't be making snap judgments based on appearances or race.\n\n**\"Don't let ol' Maxwell get you down, lass,\"** He said without preamble, nodding at the barkeeper. **\"He's like that to all the newcomers in town. He was a regular ol' grump when we first met and now look. He even lets me play my lute in here.\"** Maxwell made a rude gesture, then turned away. The Kobold laughed and shook his head, his eyes dancing. **\"Besides. You weren't all that loud. Just sounded like you were having a good time up there.\"**\n\nVes' scales turned bright red and the Kobold laughed again, looking amused. **\"My name's Kip. Pleasure to meet you. What brings you through Broughton?\"** Without waiting for permission, Kip dragged a chair over and took a seat at the table. Ves was a little impressed by his boldness. At least he hadn't tried to take Björn's seat. Still, she felt and looked uncomfortable, glancing towards the toilets to see if Björn was coming back. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn walked into the toilets and began to lightly panic. His beard was falling off... Shit. He knew what he had to do. He went into his pocket and applied a white cream to the patch and fixed it back to his face. He did not need this getting worse than it was.*\n\n\"Damn fucking beard. If I see that Head Slaver I'll gut him like... Like a fish and I'll wear his entrails as jewelry.\" *He went to slam his fist into the porcelain sink but hesitated... The Master of the House would hear the commotion and Ves would get fined more money. They could lose the room if he was not careful... He held his amulet and said a small prayer under his breath.*\n\n*Back in the main hall, Ves would notice a familiar site outside one of the windows. A red sheen of a certain Corvid familiar. His eyes locked to her's before looking towards Kip... Somehow it's aura radiated annoyance.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "She tried to look everywhere besides at Kip, hoping he would get the hint and leave her alone. Still, Ves was too polite to be outwardly rude. She offered the other Kobold a nod. \"I am Ves,\" She said without thinking. She immediately regretted her words. She should have had a fake name ready! What if they were looking for her? She was still wanted for helping slaves escape. That's why she had been on the run in the first place. Yet Kip showed no recognition of the name, eagerly awaiting the rest of her reply.\n\n\"And we're just passing through. We're travelers,\" She explained. Luckily she didn't have to say more. Kip was definitely a talker and started up again. **\"Travelers! Ah, a wonderful profession. Though I did overhear you saying you were low on funds. Would you by chance be looking for jobs while you're here?\"** Ves shifted in her seat uncomfortably, her tail curling around her ankle. \"I don't know yet. We haven't made any certain plans.\"\n\nVes' eyes were wandering away again and she noticed the Corvid perched on the windowsill. It was Björn's familiar, wasn't it? Ves couldn't remember its name. And why did it seem so annoyed? She glanced in the direction Björn had disappeared and completely missed the next thing Kip said. It wasn't until he said her name that she turned back towards him.\n\n**\"I said, I might have a job you two would be interested in. If you are keen to stay for a few days at least. It pays well.\"**\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*The familiar pecked at the glass, looking around annoyed and confused. It's eye was pressed to the window, a translucent hue. When someone looked over to see what it was, it faded from view temporarily. It seemed to only want Ves to notice. It held it's wings up in the air for a moment and made a silent caw. It was definitely annoyed at something.*\n\n*Björn was sat in the bathroom, waiting for the beard to dry. He was worried and anxious, needing this to be hurried up. He didn't like waiting here so long and he had a feeling Ves needed him... He tapped his amulet a few times while he waited, in the exact same moment, The Familiar decided to peck aggressively at the window frame. It's red intricate patters pulsed like a heartbeat.*\n\n\"Hurry up damn beard... I swear to the Gods I will burn that Orc alive..\"\n*He paced up and down the toilet hall, glancing at the mirror every once in a while.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "\"Oh, ah, maybe...\" Ves said uncertainly to Kip. \"Give me a moment.\" She climbed down from the chair and moved to the window where the bird was perched, apparently trying to get her attention. Kip turned in his chair to watch her, his eyes lingering a bit too long on her tail, his smile never fading. \n\nVes opened the window for the familiar, tilting her head a little at it. What was wrong with it? It had never paid her much mind before. So why now? \"Are you alright?\" She asked the bird, concerned. A few of the other patrons were watching as well, perhaps wondering why the peculiar Kobold was now opening random windows.\n\nAnd where was Björn? He was taking an awfully long time. Was something wrong? Should she go check on him? Ves' tail flicked back and forth anxiously. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice Kip's approach. So when the other Kobold spoke behind her, she jumped half a foot. **\"What's that, Ves? A pet? Don't let Maxwell see you letting it inside. He's not fond of pets.\"**\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*The familiar hopped into her hands as a tall, dark shadow covered both Kobolds in its wake. A deep, coarse and gravely voice spoke with a hint of malace.* \"It's no pet.\" *Björn was stood directly over Kip. His eyes locked onto the back of his head. No, this wasn't Björn, this was the Björn from the Pits. His upper lip was slightly raised on the top corner as he spoke. His gaze was steely and unwavering.*\n\n*The familiar hopped onto his shoulder from Ves and made a silent caw once more, it's red eyes joining Björn in the stare at Kip.* \"And you are... Who exactly?\" *He huffed a little bit. He showed no signs of aggression - which was the troubling part. If Björn wanted to show rage, he would be dripping with aggression. But he wasn't. He was calm as anything. Only Ves would be able to see the deep-seated rage building behind his golden eye.*\n\n\"Ves. You should go back to the table, don't let your Mead get warm.\" *He slightly stepped aside to give her ample space to move around him.* \"Shrike will join you for the moment.\" *The Familiar, apparently called Shrike, hopped down onto Ves' head and peered down from above her brow, trying to distract her from her anxiety.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves lifted her eyes as a shadow fell upon her. She was relieved to see Björn standing there and smiled warmly in response. Kip didn't look nearly so pleased. He had whirled around to face the giant, clearly alarmed, and was smiling toothily, a nervous cringe on his face. He rested a hand on his chest as he caught his breath.\n\n**\"Easy there, I meant no harm,\"** Kip said. **\"I'm called Kip. I was just chatting with Ves about a potential job. I overheard her saying you might be in need of some coin and I thought I'd offer to help.\"** He held out his small hand for the Goliath to shake.\n\nVes could see Björn's rage building and gently touched his arm, trying to comfort him. Then she nodded to his words and began to walk back to the table, looking up at the bird on her head. \"Would you like to try some mead, Shrike? It's good.\" She cast a glance back at Kip and Björn, still fretting a little, but climbed back into her chair to wait. She took a long drink from her mug before offering it to Shrike. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Shrike made yet another silent caw and leaned his head towards the mead, he dipped his beak to it and made a clicking sound as he tried it. He then hopped down off her head and stumbled around before dramatically falling onto his back on the table. Clearly this was an attempt at entertaining her but it was sweet that he was trying.*\n\n*Björn on the other hand...* \"Hmmm...\" *With a small curl of his lips into a crude, closed-lips smile... He grabbed Kip's wrist, applying enough pressure to the small joint to give discomfort, yet it took no effort at all.* \"Ursa Majora.\" *He leaned in close, his Scot accent becoming a low growl.* \"And when you address, look at or breathe near her you do it with respect - I saw the way your eyes lingered on her Tail. She's off limits. Am. I. Clear?\" *His face was calm, emotionless besides the small smile that faded to a blank expression as he spoke. He let go of Kip's arm.* \"If you have need of our services, sit with us and speak.\"\n\n*He cleared his voice and looked down at him, his voice returning to normal.* \"You play your wooden block well.\" *He turned around to walk back to Ves, grabbing his chair and sitting down opposite her. One would think after an altercation like that, he would stick to her side. He would do no such thing. She was a brave and clever thing; if she needed him, she would move herself. Besides, he had faith his little 'chat' with Kip had made the tone clear. Björn made a grunt in an unknown language and Shrike immediately stood up and nodded its head a few times, before flying over to him, resting on his furs. Ves would be able to notice his beard no longer had a patch missing.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves was distracted from Björn and Kip by the corvid's antics, grinning a little as Shrike stumbled about and fell over. She giggled into her drink as she took another sip. She hadn't really had much interaction with the familiar before now and found him quite interesting.\n\nKip's green eyes widened slightly as the Goliath took his wrist. The man's strength was clearly overwhelming to the male Kobold. **\"Of course, of course! We all heard her screams, Majora. She's off limits. Got it,\"** Kip said quickly. He rubbed his wrist once Björn had let go and cleared his throat. \n\nVes looked up as Björn returned to the table, taking note of his beard. Yet she couldn't say anything with Kip hovering about, who trotted after Björn as well, still smiling his toothy smile as he climbed back into his seat. **\"Thank you. The lute is a passion of mine. But I'm actually a captain as well. I own a decently sized vessel that I use for fishing. My crew have decided to take a break for a bit and I'm having some difficulty making up for their absence.\"**\n\n**\"A man of your size and strength would prove helpful in hauling in the nets. And Ves, I know how nimble our Kobold fingers are.\"** Was he being suggestive? Surely not after Björn's warning. **\"You could help mend the nets. There is plenty of work to be done, but only if you're interested.\"**\n\nVes listened to Kip's proposal quietly, her tail flicking back and forth. It was honest work and they did need the coin. Ves was more worried about their money situation than she revealed to Björn. The money she *Did* Have was from stolen gems as well. Making some honest coin might ease her troubled conscience.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*If looks could kill, Shrike would have murdered Kip tenfold by now. He glared at him from the fur perch of Björn's shoulder, not moving but simply staring. Björn made a different grunt this time and Shrike bobbed up and down in response, flitting over to Ves once more. He looked at Kip with a look of indifference.*\n\n\"Lute... So that's what it is called. You catch the fish, huh? Like the fish we ate here today?...\" *A plan was forming inside of his brain.* \"What would the pay be for such a job?\"\n\n*He sipped his ale, hiding the fact of how he felt about the taste behind his mug. He didn't exactly like this guy, but he knew fear and obedience when he saw it; he lived it after all. When he gave him that warning, he was sure Kip believed his death was upon him. The fact he still offered them a job meant he needed muscle, or he was desperate, or both... Either way working for gold would be useful and honest work could help him hide from the Orcs since they can't take slaves from employed men. Perhaps... He hoped Ves would catch onto his thinking and play along when he proposed the next question.* \"What about payment in gold, and a portion of the fish I catch, you're in need of muscle and as far as I see here, you're not going to find better. I'd wager I have the strength to pull more nets than your entire crew.\"\n\n*Meanwhile Shrike was busy hopping around Ves' mug.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves held out her mug for Shrike to investigate. It was actually more empty than it probably should have been and it wasn't just because she was sharing. Ves wasn't taking her own advice and was drinking a little too much, a little too quickly. It just had not hit her yet.\n\nBjörn's words made her ears perk up a little. What was on his mind? Did he have some kind of plan? Ves would have been lying if she denied interest as well. She had never been on a boat before and the idea of being out over the ocean was fascinating to her. She just didn't want her curiosity getting the better of her. Yet if Björn was interested as well...\n\n\"That's true,\" She said casually. \"You won't get better help anywhere else.\" Kip leaned back in his chair and chuckled. **\"You're right about that. The folks 'round here are lazy and slow.\"** A few people glanced their way and sneered at the comment. **\"So yeah. Gold and fish as payment. You're thinkin' like a fisherman already, Majora. It's perfect.\"**\n\nVes nodded a little, looking away from Shrike to meet Björn's gaze. \"What do you think? It sounds like a fair price for what we offer.\" Kip certainly seemed a little desperate, but then again it was unlikely anyone else would hire them. Were they all getting lucky? Getting what they needed at the moment? It made Ves a little uneasy. She thanked Grikta solemnly and looked at Björn expectantly. She wanted it to ultimately be his choice. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Shrike hopped around the Mug and tilted his head. Flitting onto the handle and peering inside, making silent squawks at her in protest, flapping his arms about.*\n\n*Björn nodded his head, thinking to himself...* \"You have a deal.\" *He offered his hand to shake and... Björn looked to the door, he felt a strange feeling of Deja Vu... Like someone should have come in. He looked across the room and saw a vaguely familiar Half-Elf drinking with friends at the bar. Why did he know him? The feeling was gone as fast as it came and he turned back to Kip.*\n\n\"Guessing we start tomorrow?\" *He sat back in his chair, taking a sip.* \"How early do you sail? What do we need to bring?\" *Björn was silently curious, before turning to Ves.* \"You're okay with this right? Want another drink?\" *He looked to her and Shrike before making a strange grunt. Shrike turned around and began squawking at him silently too. He rolled his eye at the small familiar.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Kip reached forward to take Majora's hand, giving a firm handshake - for a Kobold anyway. The captain looked quite pleased with himself. He reached for his nearby lute and lightly strummed a tune. **\"We need to set off a good few hours before dawn. All you need to bring are yourselves and maybe a lunch, assuming you don't like raw fish.\"**\n\n\"Yes,\" Ves agreed with a slow smile. \"Another drink, please.\" Was she slurring just a little? Her eyes were unfocused as she finished off the rest of the mead in her cup. **\"Do you mind if I join you two for a drink? No ale though. I'll bring the good stuff. You two stay here. My treat.\"**\n\nKip hopped down and walked across the room to where Maxwell leaned, talking quietly to the taller Shapeshifter. Ves watched the other Kobold for a moment before looking up at Björn. \"Is this a good idea? We're awfully close to the border still. Perhaps we should keep moving?\" \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn watched him strum a tune before turning to Ves.* \"Sure. Don't go anywhere.\" *It was then that Kip decided to offer free drinks for them. Björn slowly sat down and looked to Ves, putting his hand on her's.* \"You okay? Shrike filled me in... I gave him a talking to at least, if he is any trouble while we work, take this.\"\n\n*Björn took his amulet off and Shrike lay on the table and faded away. He placed it around her neck and tightened it to fit her smaller neck.* \"This is the last thing I have from my family... The one before the Pits. Touch it and Shrike will be with you wherever you go. If he starts anything and I mean *Anything*, tap it and he will come get me. I'll make him double the pay or get a fist to the teeth.\" *He smiled a bit, placing his fist softly against her jaw.*\n\n\"And I'll be sure to keep an eye on you. You'll be safe with me.\" *He opened his fist to be a palm and rubbed her cheed with his finger, at this distance even with the blur of her vision, she would be able to see more scars that cover his knuckles and arms.*\n\n\"We can work here, get some money. The Orcs won't suspect a fishing boat out at sea when they arrive by land, if they get past the border that is. Let me handle that worry, okay Ves?\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "\"I'm okay, why do you- oh. Well. I don't think Kip means any harm. He's just bolder than what I'm used to. He comes on rather strong, doesn't he? Thank you for talking to him.\" What had that talk been about, she wondered. Kip hadn't seemed particularly cowed afterward, at least not that Ves could see. He was still grinning his nervous grin.\n\nVes could not help but admire the amulet as Björn removed it from around his neck. The lizard part of her brain had perked up around the *Shiny.* Ves was still very much a Kobold, after all. She allowed him to place it around her own slender neck, but protested softly. \"You shouldn't give me this, Björn. It's yours. It belongs to you. What if I lose it somehow? Or break it?\"\n\nShe met his eye and smiled, leaning into his touch. She wanted more of it and reached out to take his hand, preventing him from pulling away. She wanted to fuss some more, but for some reason she was feeling *Really* Relaxed. She knew he was right. He would keep her safe. This was the best plan and the best course of action. No one would suspect that the Goliath had suddenly decided to become a fisherman.\n\nVes was lost in Björn's gaze, her eyes glittering again, when Kip reappeared with a glass bottle filled halfway with an amber liquid. He looked between the pair and raised his eyes, grinning widely. **\"Did I interrupt something? Should I excuse myself?\"** Ves instantly began to blush, but she didn't immediately pull back away from Björn. Instead she smiled shyly and lowered her eyes. \n\nDeciding not to be discouraged, Kip set out three glasses on the table and poured each of them a small shot. Well. Small by Majora's standards. Large for Ves and himself. **\"Come on. Let's drink!\"**\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He slowly drew his hand away and looked at the drink before them. Using his thumb and index finger, he lifted the \"Small\" Glass, inspecting it. He squinted before grabbing Ves' and swapping their drinks, doing the same with her's.*\n\n\"I'll take this one.\" *He placed it down. And looked to Ves and Kip.* \"If you want to drink, we drink. But Ves. You won't break or lose it. You're clever. Trust in yourself, okay?\" *Björn was reassuring her as best he could.*\n\n*Under the table, his hand had balled into a white-knuckled fist. He placed his fist against his knee and with his other foot, he applied a large amount of pressure to it. Pain released some endorphins to him. He was conditioned for combat - groomed for pain to not be an issue. Sometimes he needed a bit himself just to take away the rage. Sometimes... He needed to let the beast from it's cage.*\n\n*He lifted his glass up after sorting his anger in secret and held it high enough that the Kobolds could still reach.* \"Skaal.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves and Kip watched as Björn swapped the drinks around. Shrugging a little, the male Kobold took his drink in hand and raised it high. **\"To new partnerships! Cheers!\"** Ves smiled at Björn's encouragement, feeling a little better. He believed in her. Perhaps she should have had more faith in herself. She took her glass and lifted it as well, clearly copying them both. \n\n**\"It goes better if done quickly,\"** Kip encouraged before downing his own shot. Ves followed his example and *Immediately* Regretted it. The alcohol burned like fire and she coughed and gasped, wheezing a little. Kip chuckled at her reaction and for a moment it looked as though he might reach out to pat her on the back. The Kobold changed his mind and refilled all of their cups instead. \n\nVes shook her head and pushed her glass away. \"No more for me,\" She wheezed. The room was already starting to spin and she was beginning to wonder if she had made a mistake. Kip made a pouty face, but shrugged and looked to Björn. **\"How about you? Are you done as well?\"** Was that a challenge in his eyes? Kip took Ves' glass and downed it without hesitation. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He swigged the shot as it went down his gullet like cough syrup... It burned like a hot poker against freshly opened wounds... The flavour was intense, making his eyes want to water... The feeling made him feel like he was being waterboarded... He fucking loved every second of the torture that followed that shot. Björn bit his lip and laughed.* \"Now that is torture.\"\n\n*He turned to Ves and rubbed her head.* \"It's okay Ves, don't worry.\" *Björn then looked to Kip... He was challenging him. A silent rage bubbled.* \"My priority lies with Ves. If she is okay, I'll have another.\"\n\n*He held her face in his hands to stop her spinning in her mind.* \"Breathe in and out. Remember the mantra. You are good. It's like inhaling toxic fumes; the more you panic, the more it burns.\" *He grabbed her waterskin and opened it, putting it to her lips.* \"Drink.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "**\"Of course, of course,\"** Kip chuckled as he leaned back in his chair. Ves looked up at Björn with watery eyes and took a deep breath. *Be brave. Be strong.* She took a long drink from the waterskin and swallowed hard. Slowly the burn began to subside. \"I'm okay, I'm okay,\" She said with a shaky smile. \"Thank you Björn... But I'm okay. I just wasn't expecting such a burn! I think I'll stick to mead.\"\n\nKip was watching the pair out of the corner of his eye, swirling his glass lazily. He idly picked a piece of lint from his shirt and flicked it onto the floor. **\"If you want to take her to bed, I'll understand. You can just meet me down at the docks two hours before dawn.\"** He met Majora's eye and grinned his toothy grin.\n\n\"No, no!\" Ves objected. \"I don't wanna ruin your evening. Just drink! I'll watch. It'll be fun,\" She insisted. \"I mean, if that's what you want to do.\" Ves hiccuped loudly and giggled, her scales turning red. Kip shrugged and looked at Björn expectantly. **\"Your choice, Majora.\"**\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"Okay Ves, you can watch.\" *And so the games begin. Björn grabbed his second shot and swigged it back. God he loved the feeling of that pain. The taste was better than ale, worse than mead. He would deal with it.*\n\n\"However this is not a competition this is simply a few drinks. I won't engage in games.\" *He shook his head and he slid his glass over to Kip once more, his mind was more focused on Ves but... He felt so warm. Seriously, seriously warm. Did he need a piss? No it was a trick of the mind.*\n\n\"What even is this stuff? Some kind of... Sap or syrup?\" *He blinked a few times, forcing himself to focus.* \"It's very different to normal drinks.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves wondered what the two males liked about the fiery drink. She hated every swallow of it. Mead was much better in her opinion. Right now, however, she sipped at her waterskin and tried to control her own buzz. Her toes were tingling and the edges of her vision blurred. She felt silly and happy and all she really wanted to do was climb her way into Björn's lap. \n\n**\"Who said anything about playing games?\"** Kip asked with a twitch of his tail. He downed another shot and refilled their glasses yet again. **\"It's just another kind of alcohol, rarer and harder to make and much stronger. You might want to take it slower, Majora, if you're not used to drinking.\"**\n\nVes leaned forward, gazing across the table at Björn with hazy eyes. She brushed her leg against his, as though afraid he would forget she was there if she didn't remind him. Why was he so far away? Would anybody notice if she climbed under the table? No one was paying them any mind anymore. Who would even know?\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"The look in your eye tells me it may be a game.\" *He gave a small huff before taking another shot.* \"I used to drink the Grog back where I'm from. Used to sneak it into my c-...Room.\"\n\n*Björn felt her brush his leg and returned in kind, he knew she was there and placed a hand on her's for a moment before getting a refill. He cared about her so much, he felt great... Like wow. Why is she not hugging him? Did he do wrong? No surely not, he's Björn after all! He's a Firebrand.*\n\n*He downed another shot and winced, before biting his lip again.* \"It's seriously good shit! Burns good too.\" *His vision slightly blurred but he brought himself back to reality once more.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Kip grinned as he threw back another shot and poured another. **\"Life's a game, my friend,\"** He shrugged. His own scales were darkening and he was slurring his words a bit. He looked between Ves and Björn and quirked an eyebrow. **\"What's your story anyway? How'd the two of you meet? What led to all the screaming?\"**\n\n\"Well first came the bath,\" Ves blurted out without thinking. She turned scarlet as Kip barked out a laugh, clearly taken aback by her abruptness. Ves, meanwhile, took the opportunity to reach across the table and take Björn's free hand in her own. She used his giant fingers to cover her face, which was hot to the touch. She felt hot all over.\n\n\"Björn...\" She whispered, looking up at him from between his fingers. Unable to take the distance anymore, she shakily began to climb across the table to him. Kip blinked in surprise and moved the almost-empty bottle safely out of the way. He tried hard not to stare as Ves crawled by, but it was difficult to ignore the slender female Kobold. He only hoped Majora was too drunk or too preoccupied to notice. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn shook his head.* \"Life is a trial. A battle. One I win by staying in it as long as possible.\" *He knocked it back as his purple blush slowly creeper in.* \"What Ves meant to say is we met across the border. She got injured and I helped her heal after she got me out of a bad situation. We fell for each other on the travel here and I confessed to her earlier... Isn't that right Ve-\"\n\n*He turned purple as she mentioned the bath. Why did she mention the bath?! Great now he's laughing at them... Oh well. Ves was his anyway, so why bother.* \"Yes, we had a bath. Bath went to the bed.\" *He shrugged as she grabbed his hand and pressed it to her face. It was hot... She was hot. So damn hot.*\n\n\"Yes Ves? What is it-oh oh!\" *He looked suprised and laughed before glaring at Kip.* \"Your eyes leave mine for a second and I'm giving you a real Sailor's peg leg.\" *Inside he was laughing. The fuck was a peg leg?! He opened his arms and sat her down on his lap.* \"It's okay small one, I'm here.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Kip raised his hands and lifted his eyes to the ceiling. **\"I see nothing! Nothing at all!\"** And the Kobold cackled in amusement.\n\nVes settled herself into Björn's lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. She buried her face into his shoulder, giggling. \"Bath led to the bed,\" She repeated. \"The bed was even better than the bath. I like what happened in the bed. I like it a lot.\" Who was she talking to? Her voice was muffled in Björn's clothing, but Kip could surely still hear her rambling.\n\nKip finished pouring out the last two drinks of the bottle and lifted his glass to Björn. **\"To comfortable beds and beautiful women,\"** He said before throwing his back. **\"Last drink of the night, I'm afraid. Guess I'll be seeing you in the morning.\"** The Kobold stood on shaky legs and grabbed his coat off the back of his chair. With lute in hand, he bowed low and made his exit, nearly running into a table as he did so.\n\nVes didn't lift her face. Instead she bared her teeth and took a nibble out of Björn's shoulder. Her tail was snaking its way down his leg, wrapping around his thigh. She mumbled something incoherent and nuzzled against his neck. Had she forgotten where they were?\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He gave a small wave as he left before finishing his last slowly... He stroked her head and stood up, the floor seemed closer than before... He hated having to crouch. He stood up and bumped his head on the ceiling. Shit. His height.*\n\n*He gave a look of quiet apology for Ves' outburst to the Master of the House and proceeded to carry her upstairs. Once he got to the room, he immediately locked it and put her on the bed.* \"Alright Ves, just... Just relax. *Hic*.\" *Björn grabbed a few extra blankets from the wardrobe and came back over.* \"Let's get you ready fur... Fur on my shoulder. No! Really ready for bed. You're sleepy.\" *He lost his footing a bit before gaining his balance and walking over.*\n\n*He started to undress her before lifting her up and placing her under the covers. He licked his fingers and snuffed the candles with them before undressing himself, he fell once however and jabbed his funny bone... Björn did not find it funny at all. Eventually he crawled into bed next to Ves and put his arms around her.* \"My sl... Leepy baby.\" *He laughed to himself and kissed her head, starting to drift off.* \"I love you...\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Maxwell rolled his eyes as Björn carried Ves upstairs. He might have had more to say, but it was a busy night and he was working hard at the bar. So the Shapeshifter simply shook his head and went back to business.\n\n\"I'm not tired,\" She argued as he set her down and began to undress her. Still, he let him maneuver her beneath the blankets with only the smallest of protests. And those quickly faded when he joined her beneath the covers. She giggled and curled her body close to his, setting her head on his chest. She liked to feel the rise and fall of each breath.\n\n\"I want to stay awake,\" She sighed. \"I want to enjoy the bed again.\" But he was already falling asleep next to her. And *What* Did he just say?! Ves felt her heart skip a beat. Had she heard him correctly? Or were her ears playing tricks on her? Was she just sleep-deprived and drunk? She wanted to ask, but she was afraid to.\n\nVes stayed awake wrapped in Björn's arms for what felt like forever before eventually sleep did take her. She felt safe and warm in his embrace and would have slept well except for her troubled mind. \n\n||"
}
] | 256 | 8,793 |
224 | 2024-01-16 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn stayed sound asleep the rest of the night, his face was warm and flushed. He kept a steady hold on Ves for most of the night. However, he turned away one time for 5 minutes or so. He eventually turned back around and pulled her in closer. However, just before sunrise, Björn woke up hearing something in the room with him.*\n\n*He looked around dazed before he spotted __her__ in the corner. Her dress was black and bloodied, torn in multiple places. Her skin was rotting and her hair, once beautiful and brown was in lumps and clumps on her head. Maggots crawled under her skin and the smell was repugnant. Björn immediately threw his head under the covers and began to pray silently... He heard her moving closer, her feet making wet slaps on the floor. He heard her wheezing breath... Getting close to the bed.*\n\n*Björn peered up, ready to grab his axe... And she was gone. Her ominous glow and veiled face was nowhere to be seen... Björn didn't sleep after that. He went out of bed and exercised in silence until Ves would awake.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "The night passed uneventfully for Ves. She did not dream, but she did wake frequently to wonder about Björn's drunken words. It was a peaceful night otherwise. The bed was soft and comfortable and unlike anything Ves had slept on before. The pillows were like clouds beneath her head and the blankets were warm and cozy. She decided that she rather liked beds. \n\nShe awoke a few hours before dawn and rolled over, reaching for Björn. Finding the bed empty, she slowly opened her eyes, spotting him working out across the room. The Kobold simply studied him for a few minutes, admiring him. Then she sat up with a yawn and smiled. \"Good morning, Björn.\"\n\nDespite the night spent drinking, Ves' head was surprisingly clear. No hangover haunted her. It was probably due to all the water she had drank. She wondered if Björn was feeling alright. He drank way more than she had. \"How are you feeling?\" She asked him as she scooted out of bed and placed her bare feet on the floor.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He looked to her as she sat up, pausing his workout. After half a minute of recognising her, he gave a small nod as he lifted into a handstand and sat cross legged.* \"Good morning Ves. How did you sleep?\"\n\n*He offered a small smile and tried to seem fine. In truth, he had been exercising to distract from the pain and fear. He prayed he didn't have another night like that. He grasped at his chest for his amulet, remembering Ves had it for now.*\n\n\"I am fine. I have had time to wake up. It is you who caused a fun scene last night after all. You crawled across the table to grab me and sit on my lap. The Master of the House wasn't pleased. Kip was a bit creepy about it.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Her scales flashed red as Björn recounted the night before. \"I... I *What?*\" She gaped at him. She searched her memories for what had happened and found that yes, she had indeed crawled over the table and climbed onto Björn's lap. She couldn't remember anyone else's reaction though. She had been far too focused on him and him alone.\n\nShe saw as he reached for his amulet and mirrored his movements instinctively. The amulet was cool against her throat and she felt guilty for wearing it. It belonged to him. He shouldn't have given it to her. Her ears drooped slightly at her intrusive thoughts.\n\nIt reminded her of his words before he fell asleep. Should she ask about it? He probably wouldn't remember. He had been drunk on that burning liquor Kip had offered. Was that why he had said anything at all? Because he was drunk?\n\nVes shook her head to clear her mind and looked around for her clothes. She began getting dressed, her tail flicking back and forth. \"How do you mean Kip was being creepy? Should we still be working with him?\" Ves wasn't sure what she thought of Kip. He seemed friendly enough, but there was something *Off* About him. \n\n||"
}
] | 234.5 | 896 |
245.8125 | 2024-01-17 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"Don't be embarrassed, it was cute... Kip wouldn't take his eyes off your tail. Tail is close to ass so I assumed he was being creepy. He sure acted like it when I confronted him.\" *He looked at her feeling the amulet, a small vibration came from it as Shrike appeared on her shoulder, giving an ethereal caw.* \"He likes you, you know?\" *He gave a small smile as he touched his beard.*\n\n\"I'm not sure whether we should truly be working with Kip... But it's honest pay. It's why I gave you my amulet. The second he tries anything Shrike will tell me or take his finger off himself. Genius really.\" *He gave her a smug teasing look as he flexed his genius to her.*\n\n*Björn stood up and rubbed his head. He missed having the ability to stand tall, he was developing a slouch.* \"I need food and I need to stretch my legs. What say you?\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "\"Well we weren't kicked out, so I guess I wasn't *That* Bad,\" Ves said with a sigh. She didn't know how she felt about Kip ogling her. She had never had anyone pay attention to her before Björn. She didn't want anyone else except the Goliath looking at her either. Still. Björn was right. It was honest work and she had Shrike to help protect her.\n\nVes reached out to the familiar and scratched its head through the feathers. \"I like him too,\" She smiled at the bird before her eyes returned to her lover. \"It is genius,\" She agreed. \"Thank you. For protecting me. Both of you,\" She added, looking at Shrike once again.\n\n\"Do you think they're serving food this early?\" Ves asked as she fastened her belt around her hips. \"Well, only one way to find out.\" She considered a moment. It was probably wisest to bring the satchel with them rather than leave it behind. She went to the wardrobe and opened the hidden compartment, taking out the bag. \"Okay. Let's go,\" She nodded and headed for the door.\n\nThe tavern was quieter now and only dimly lit. The fire was dying and there was a half-elf sleeping in one of the plush chairs. Ves looked around for the barkeep, but Maxwell wasn't in his usual spot behind the bar. Shrugging, she looked up at Björn. \"Guess it's travel rations this morning. We can eat on the way to the docks.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"Exactly. It's a tavern. People get drunk all the time.\" *He shrugged, he assumed that's what they have been made for anyway.* \"Don't worry, you still hold my attention Ves.\"\n\n*Shrike seemed to enjoy the fussing for once and made another ethereal caw, seeming to wave his wing up almost like a salute. He was clever for a bird-brain.* \"Exactly. He is your extra set of eyes. Do not thank me, it is my job and duty. I do my jobs well.\" *He flexed his bicep in jest.*\n\n*Shrike bobbed up and down in response to the thanks, before returning to preen his feathers. He shuffled them around with a red ominous pulse.* \"Either way, I'm starved.\" *He waited for her to sort her gear before they headed out and down the stairs.*\n\n*Björn looked around confused as it was much quieter... Perhaps it was a night establishment?* \"It's strange seeing it so... Empty. Almost relaxing but strange.\" *He nodded his head to her decision as they headed outside.*\n\n*The sun shone bright and made Björn cover his eye... Shrike took the immediate ruling that he was able to fly and shot up into the air, a few feathers floating down from him; dissolving before they hit the floor. Eventually, Shrike himself faded into the skyline.*\n\n\"He'll be back, just use the amulet when you want him around.\" *He looked up at the sky and smiled a bit.* \"He missed being able to fly. That's what he told me once.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "\"Oh? Are you able to talk to him then?\" She asked as she looked around, trying to figure out where to go. It was brighter than she had expected it to be. Were they running late? Kip had said *Before* Dawn and dawn was upon them, judging by the sunlight. Hopefully Kip wouldn't be angry. However it was a poor first impression for his new hires to be late and Ves fretted to herself.\n\nShe wished she could read the sign posts! It would have made navigation much easier. As it was, Ves made her best guess and began heading back down towards the water. Surely the docks would be somewhere nearby. \"If you see a sign to the docks, let me know,\" She said with a twitch of her tail.\n\nAs they walked she pulled out two rations and handed one to Björn. She took her own dried biscuit and began to eat. Her limp was far less pronounced now and soon her gait would once again be smooth. Her leg was very nearly healed. Ves was both relieved and disappointed by this fact. She *Liked* Being carried around by Björn and was going to lose her excuse. Still, it would be good to return to her usual stealth.\n\nThey eventually found the docks. Boats of every shape and size were moored there and Ves looked around with curious eyes. Now all they needed to do was find Kip. This turned out to be easier than Ves expected. There came a shout from down the pier and Ves spotted Kip climbing down from the mast of one of the ships. He moved with practiced ease as he landed on the ship's deck and waved at them to approach.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"Gods, no! I'm no druid. He just dances around or replies with pecks. Let me figure out where to go...\" *Björn walked with her through the streets, less stares came their way than yesterday so it was better for them both really. Björn didn't want to be caught outside however so was a tad paranoid.*\n\n*He was however, thankful he could take long strides and stand to his full height. He missed that the most. He could peer over the houses if he found some higher ground. Soon enough though, the Docks were in sight.* \"Remember, if he asks about the amulet it's a gift from me.\" *He kissed his hand and placed it on her head before walking to Kip.*\n\n\"Morning Kip. Pardon for being late, we drank a bit much last night.\" *He looked down at the Kobold with a calm, yet tired look.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Kip's smile was as bright as ever as he bowed a greeting. **\"No worries at all, my friends! I also had a difficult time crawling out of my bunk this morning. Please. Come aboard. I was preparing the sails. We'll set off as soon as you're settled. Set your satchel anywhere.\"** With that the nimble Kobold climbed back up the mast.\n\nVes didn't waste any time. She was actually quite eager for this new adventure. She had never been on a ship before! The little Kobold eyed the space between the ship and the dock and decided it was best to find the gangplank. It was a bit too far to jump with her leg and she didn't want to fall in. \n\nWith careful steps she moved onto the vessel. It felt strange with the water moving below them! It made the decently-sized boat bob up and down and side-to-side. Still, it wasn't *Too* Difficult to keep her balance. Her tail swayed a little as she set her satchel down among some ropes and turned to look at the rest of the ship.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn ran his hand across the back of the ship, feeling absently as he did so. A boat... This was a boat. It was made of wood and cloth. Why was it made of flimsy materials? What sorcery kept it afloat? He didn't trust it.*\n\n*He walked up the gang plank after Ves and felt the weight shift, falling flat on his arse.* \"Woah!\" *He wasn't used to that.* \"Can you make it... Not do that?\" *He asked raising a brow to Kip who probably had that shit eating grin on his face.*\n\n*He slowly stood up and tried to find his footing, succeeding after a while. He kept hold of a wooden beam and looked at Ves.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "\"Oh! Are you okay, Björn?\" Ves asked, sounding alarmed. She moved quickly over to him, ready to steady him. Kip was indeed looking down and grinning his toothy grin, but made no comment, going back to his business. A moment later the sail dropped into place and the male Kobold swung down to the main deck.\n\n**\"Alright! Ves, see those ropes there? Go ahead and untie us from the docks. Majora... Try and get your footing. The wind is on our side, so hang on.\"** He grabbed the gangplank and hauled it onboard, then moved swiftly to the helm. Ves began to untie the ropes with nimble fingers. Her tail acted as a balance, making it easier for her to stay on her feet. She glanced to Björn every so often to make sure he was doing okay as she worked. \n\nThe wind suddenly shifted and the sail billowed and the ship jerked into motion. Even Ves nearly lost her footing at the sudden motion! She had to grab ahold of the side to prevent herself from toppling over. She untied the last rope just in time as the boat drifted away from the docks. **\"Good job Ves!\"** Kip barked cheerfully as he steered the vessel.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"I'm fine Ves, fret not.\" *He nodded his head as he steadied himself. He would have to fight his own balance at this rate...* \"This will be interesting.\" *The boat jerked and Björn nearly fell again!*\n\n*He was trying hard to keep up... Then he had an idea.* \"Nature of the Waves, grant me a boon.\" *He closed his eyes and spoke those words as he made a gesture as if he was pouring a liquid onto him from his hands. As he did so his hands became webbed and slick, small scars opened on his neck too. He then squatted down and held himself a bit better on the wavy water.*\n\n*He eventually stood back to his full height and took his shoes off, his feet also being webbed. He walked to the side of the boat, his feet slapping against the wood as he peered over the edge.* \"It's a miracle this thing can float on water for its size.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves was close enough to Björn to see his magic in action. She watched with widening eyes as his fingers became webbed, like some kind of frog! She gaped at her lover. \"I didn't know you could do that!\" She exclaimed in awe. She was fascinated by magic, especially since she had none of her own. \n\nIt occurred to her that she didn't know a lot about Björn. She was learning something new everyday. How was it that they had become so close so quickly? She watched as he moved about the boat, his feet making wet slapping sounds as they stuck to the wood. She peered over the edge as well, watching the water pass beneath them, shimmering and blue. \n\nKip steered the vessel with ease, looking towards his two passengers with a grin. **\"Enjoying yourselves? We'll drop the anchor over there and set out the nets. I'll show you how, no worries. I'm sure you'll get the hang of it quickly, Majora.\"** Ves looked towards the other Kobold, who seemed so at-home on the water, and asked \"How long have you been sailing, Kip?\"\n\nKip grinned and counted on his clawed fingers. Ves couldn't help but admire the way his green and yellow scales glinted in the sunlight. **\"10 years now, I think. I've actually lost count.\"** Ves nodded and turned her gaze out to sea, enjoying the ride. She wondered what had driven the other Kobold to seek a life at sea. It seemed a very odd choice.\n\nAnother wave rocked the boat and Ves' tail swayed wildly as she struggled to keep her balance. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He laughed at her reaction as he reflexively moved his new gills.* \"There is a lot you don't know about me it seems. I can do a small bit with Transmutation. I was told most of my kind learn it to survive.\" *He smiled a bit smugly.* \"I didn't naturally know magic. Only one form of magic comes to me naturally.\" *He pointed to the heavens.* \"The stars.\"\n\n*His body looked bizzare with its amphibian additions. Muscles had adapted to be better suited for swimming and balance.* \"I could probably learn how to use it more. So far just this and claws.\"\n\n*The wave rocked the boat as Björn stumbled but quickly regained his shoddy balance.* \"The waves are taking some getting used to...!\" *He looked at the horizon and seemed suprised at the sunlight and wind.* \"This is quite... Liberating.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "\"That's amazing, Björn!\" Ves said with such genuine admiration that it sounded childish. She studied his gills and the way his muscular structure had changed. She absently reached out to touch his arm, lightly running her fingertips along his forearm. When the wave hit, she stumbled into him, clinging to him to keep herself from falling.\n\n\"Oh! Sorry!\" She laughed, straightening up again. \"This really is a lot of fun,\" She agreed. \"Though your hair is going to be quite tangled!\" The wind was whipping through his mane and beard and Ves smiled at the sight. She thought he looked quite handsome, wind-swept and tall.\n\nThe boat began to slow and Ves looked up, wondering why. Kip was moving around the vessel, tying up the sails and doing other things Ves didn't quite understand. Eventually the boat came to a standstill, right where the Kobold had said they would stop. **\"Right! Majora, grab the anchor and toss it over. We'll fish here. Ves, come here, I'll show you the nets that need mending.\"**\n\nVes knew they had been hired to do a job, but she would have preferred to stay at Björn's side. Still, she moved over to the other Kobold and knelt beside him as he began to instruct her on how to fix the nets.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"Thank you! I hope to one day learn more magic. Magic isn't allowed for slaves. So if I know magic, I am more free.\" *He smiled as he rubbed his wrists, feeling the grooves of his shackles as if they were still there.*\n\n*He caught her in his arms and laughed too over the waves. His laugh was sounding more genuine being outside of the pits for a week.* \"Nearly had you overboard!\" *He looked at the horizon as she admired him, he didn't mind her oogling.*\n\n\"Aye right, on it.\" *He kissed her head as he moved away from her. As he approached the anchor he punched his head a few times, getting angry as he used a bit of his rage to lift the anchor in his arms and with a spinning throw, sent it overboard.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Tending to the nets was relatively easy work. Perhaps a little too easy. It gave Ves' hands something to do, but not her mind. She sat cross-legged among the ropes and watched as Kip walked over to Björn.\n\n**\"Good job. Now that we're settled, let me show you how to cast a net and pull it back in,\"** Kip said to the towering Goliath. He got to work, explaining in detail what to do, demonstrating as he went along. Ves listened and learned as well, watching the pair with bright eyes. Being a fisherman didn't seem all that bad. Ves could see why having a good team would be crucial however.\n\nWhat happened to Kip's crew? The question hadn't occurred to Ves until then. Kip was a little eccentric, but didn't seem like a terrible person or anything. So why didn't he have a team to share the workload? Ves' mind wandered a little as she considered. Her eyes continued to watch Björn's figure, admiring the way his muscles flexed as he sent a net spinning out into the ocean.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn grunted like a wild animal as he cast a net out into the water, spinning it with a bit too much enthusiasm.* \"Like that?\" *He asked, his head tilted. He couldn't admit it, but this being his first job and trade to learn as a free man, he wanted to do well. He wanted to earn his gold without bloodshed. While fishing had some, it was minimal. You had to catch the fish to kill.*\n\n*Björn watched the net sink into the water, he wanted to know how it worked. How did it grab the fish? It was just rope and weights after all.* \"How long do we wait until we pull it up? What do we do then? Do we hit the fish in the net?\"\n\n*As he spoke, it was clear that while a meatheaded man, he had the capacity and want to learn. It made him seem less intimidating at times like this.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Kip chuckled at Björn's enthusiasm and began to explain the mechanics and how fishing worked. He demonstrated how to pull the net back in, revealing a dozen silver fish that flopped about gasping for air. He showed the Goliath how to free the fish and which barrels to toss them into. He threw a few smaller ones back into the ocean as well, explaining the entire process as he went along.\n\nVes was proud of Björn. He was eager to learn and despite what he might think of himself, she knew he was smart. Her tail flicked back and forth as she watched, absorbing the information as well. Who knew when it might prove useful? Before she knew it she had finished with one net and moved on to the next. \n\nThe wind blew over the water and Ves lifted her eyes to look over the horizon. Broughton was a speck in the distance and she could see other bits of land as well. Which way was Dasvaz? Could it be seen from where they were anchored? And what were those other land masses she could see? Islands? She wanted to pull out her map and see, but she had work to do. It would have to wait.\n\n||"
}
] | 233 | 3,933 |
241.181818 | 2024-01-18 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn listened intently, his eye not leaving his objective... He needed to learn this with all his might. It coukd be useful. After a few tries himself, Björn was throwing nets like a pro and easily pulled nets in at double the pace thanks to his strength. Goliaths were good for manual labor; they're easy students, strong and hardworking. He'd make a great fisherman if he tried... Or anything if he put his mind to it.*\n\n*Björn didn't really look back at Ves. He trusted her to let him know of any issues. Besides, she has Shrike with her anyway! He wouldn't let harm come to her. Besides, if harm was coming he'd see it miles away on the open waters, even with one eye!*\n\n*He hummed to himself as he brought in another haul, already used to the smell. He started to empty them into barrels when he eventually looked back at Ves. She was working hard on the nets, Björn could see that much. She was crafty, nimble, good with her hands. She could probably do anything if she tried.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "She worked steadily, putting her nimble fingers to work. Without thinking Ves began to hum a soft tune, her tail twitching behind her. She had a beautiful singing voice, something that very few people would know.\n\nShe looked up in surprise when she heard the sound of a lute joining her humming. Kip stood nearby, his fingers strumming his instrument, and he was smiling at her. Ves' ears twitched and her scales turned red. She stopped humming and Kip sighed dramatically. **\"Don't stop, Ves. You have a lovely voice.\"** His own playing did not cease and he shifted seamlessly into another melody.\n\n\"You are quite multi-talented,\" Ves commented. \"Both a fisherman and a bard... It's impressive. I wish I had such talents.\" Kip's smile shifted into his mischievous grin as he stopped playing, walking over to her. **\"It's easy. Here,\"** He handed over the lute. Ves took it with a blink, then shifted it in her arms to copy how Kip had been holding it. **\"Right... Now place your fingers there... Good...\"** Ves followed the other Kobold's instructions and experimentally began to strum, switching her fingers about to produce the different notes. Kip clapped his hands and grinned. **\"See? Not so hard, is it?\"** \n\n\"I suppose not!\" Ves agreed with a little laugh. She looked towards Björn and met his eye, smiling warmly. The warmth of her smile was reserved only for him, but it was clear she was delighted by the music. \n\nKip left Ves to her strumming and went to go check the barrels. Despite starting late, they were catching plenty of fish. **\"Excellent job, Majora. Let's take a break. It's getting a bit late.\"**\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*A small tinge of anger struck him, seeing Ves and Kip so close together. The red of her scales... It should be reserved for him... Was this what jealousy felt like? He wanted to punch Kip's jagged smile out his mouth and kiss Ves all at once. He didn't like his mischievous grin... Not... One... Damn... Bit. And how dare he hear her sing before him?!*\n\n*He hid his rage as Ves smiled at him so warmly... Her smile could silence his anger sometimes. The red in her scales told him countless words. The red meant three little words to him. Words he never heard said but would feel in her look at him. Maybe he would buy her an instrument when he saved enough money... A present for her, a real one. Not just some shell on a string. Kip could provide much more than he. Why was he so stuck on him?!*\n\n*A flicker of anger crossed his eyes as Kip approached. He coukd kill him right now... No. His anger was getting the best of him. He pressed his thumb into a pressure point on his shoulder to suppress the anger and stood up fully, casting an ample shadow.* \"Sure. I could carry on though. It's light work.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "If Kip noticed anything amiss, he gave no sign. Ves, however, recognized the hidden anger in Björn's eye. She worried for him. What had caused it? Kip's proximity to her? Her fingers slowed and she set the lute down. Maybe Björn didn't want her to play. She didn't want to make him upset, despite her own desire to continue tinkering with the instrument.\n\n**\"I'm sure it's easy work for you!\"** He laughed cheerfully. **\"But rest,\"** Kip said again. **\"Have some supper. I'll be back.\"** He disappeared below deck.\n\nAs soon as he was out of sight, Ves looked back to her lover. \"Are you okay?\" She asked softly. \"You're doing a wonderful job.\" She climbed to her feet and stretched her stiff muscles, moving over to the Goliath. She reached for his hand and intertwined their fingers together, gazing up at him wordlessly. Then she gently tugged him down towards her, standing on her tiptoes as she pressed her lips to his.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He watched Kip head below deck with a silent snarl on his face, he jammed a finger into his gill slightly and began to cough hard for a moment. It was then he saw Ves approaching, worried.*\n\n\"Ves, don't fret. I am fine.\" *He squeezed softly her fingers connected to his and kissed her back.* \"I ever tell you, you're a great kisser? Let me check again to be sure.\" *He grabbed her and kissed her again with some passion before letting go.* \"Yeah, you're good. That's fit sure.\" *He laughed for a moment, spotting a dark outline on the water and immediately facing the opposite direction of it. A bead of sweat ran down his face.*\n\n \"I just... I don't like how he looks at you. He looks at you like you're a plaything... Like he's testing me. Testing us.\" *He snarled.* \"Besides, he heard you humming before me...\" *He seemed a bit wounded for some reason.* \"You play nicely at least.\" *He gave a sad smile for a moment... Before taking his shirt off.* \"I'm off.\" *He looked towards the water, his hands on the railing.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves chuckled softly. \"Me? I'm only just now learning *How* To kiss. How could I be good at it?\" Still, her scales glowed red at the compliment. She practically melted into his entrance, half-closing her eyes. She could have kissed him forever. \n\nShe grew quiet as Björn began to explain his feelings and worry. She has hurt him somehow. She could hear it in his tone. Her ears drooped. She hadn't been humming for Kip. She hadn't even realized she had been doing so until Kip drew attention to it. \n\n\"He's full of himself,\" Ves said softly, stepping up to stand beside Björn. \"Males... They don't normally pay attention to me.\" Her eyes looked out across the water. It didn't make any sense to her. Back at the mines, no one had paid her any mind at all. In fact they actively ignored her. So why was Kip giving her so much of his focus?\n\n\"Maybe he is testing us... I don't know how to explain his behavior. It doesn't make any sense to me. But Björn... I'm yours, remember? I'm yours and yours alone.\" \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He nodded as she spoke. He knew she was right. After all he was full of himself. A real shit-blower... He didn't understand him.* \"Just wish he'd leave what isn't allowed alone.\" *He grumbled a bit before listening to her further.*\n\n\"Well before, they didn't see how amazing you are. Your happiness brings joy to me. Your looks bring excitement and your touch? That's something else entirely.\" *He stroked her cheek with his hand.*\n\n\"Well if he is testing us... He won't break us... Thank you, Ves. But you're not mine. I don't own you.\" *And with that he leapt off the railing and into the water with a yell and a splash! Immediately, his body knew what to do, beginning to breathe through his gills as his eyes adjusted to the salty sea. After a few minutes of enjoying the cold rush, he swam up to the surface and looked at Ves as his eye readjusted.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "\"It's-\" She began to say when he jumped off the ship! Ves' eyes widened in alarm before she realized he could swim with ease in his morphed body. A smile spread across her face and she laughed gleefully as she leaned over the railing and looked down at him.\n\nShe was going to say that it was different. Björn didn't own her, she knew this. He did not control her. She was no slave. When she said she was *His* It meant something else. There was a different meaning behind the words. She was his Ves. \n\nShe wished they were alone. She wanted to strip and join him in the water. She wasn't a great swimmer, but she trusted Björn to keep her safe. But Kip was somewhere on board and she didn't want to be naked around him. Her clothes, though, would just weigh her down. \"How's the water?\" She called down to Björn, still smiling wide.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He smiled back at her and yelled.* \"It's absolutely freezing! I love it!\" *He dove back under the water and began to swim around, looking at the nets, the fish, the anchor... Everything down here was so peaceful and free. He wished he could be like this forever, one with the fish in the sea.*\n\n*He resurfaced and floated on his back.* \"I bet you wish you could do this!\" *He laughed a bit heartier than usual. He was developing slowly. Björn swam around and kept his head above the water to keep an eye on Ves.*\n\n\"Want me to come back up? I don't know how much longer I've got with this spell.\" *He floated upside down below the waves and exhaled, feeling his lungs empty below the water was euphoric to him. The pressure, the freedom, the cold shock, it was perfect. He swam back up to the surface after a minute, not wanting to worry Ves.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves watched her lover swim about, her smile growing. He seemed so free in that moment. Ves loved it. She wanted him to be happy, there was nothing she wanted more. She leaned dangerously out over the railing, her tail swaying to keep her balanced. \"No, no. Keep swimming. Enjoy yourself! You've been working hard.\"\n \nShe was envious of his magic and his ability to move about beneath the waves. What was it like, she wondered, to be able to breathe underwater? To be able to move like a fish? Ves leaned back and settled her elbows on the railing, gazing down at him. She felt peace. No one could find them this far at sea. They were safe.\n\n**\"Where's the big guy?\"** Came Kip's voice behind her. Ves glanced over her shoulder and then nodded towards the water. Kip chuckled as he moved to the edge of the boat and peered down at Björn. **\"Come up whenever you're ready. I have some of that drink you like. And some fresh bread and fruit for us to share.\"**\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn shot out of the water with slight speed as he grabbed the side of the boat and climbed back aboard. His body was dripping wet, but already drying in the direct sunlight. He felt his neck slightly as the transformation ended and his body seemlessly returned to its normal manner.*\n\n\"I shall not be partaking in drink. Just water will do me fine.\" *Björn shook his head to the sketchy Kobold. He didn't want to be drinking, not this far out at sea.* \"Maybe when we return to port we can, but not now.\" *He seemed very adamant about it, as if he wasn't going to let that motive slip. He was not drinking come hell or high water - probably high water at this rate.*\n\n\"Ves, I do wish you could experience it. The feeling down there is liberating! I never felt so free and open. It's been a long time since I've felt that free from the life of a traveller.\" *He gave her a look of knowing and smiled.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves stepped backwards to give Björn room to return to the boat. She watched as the magic wore off and the gills disappeared. His enthusiasm was contagious and she smiled warmly, her tail flicking. \"I wish I could too,\" She said wistfully. \"You're lucky.\"\n\nKip shrugged. **\"More drink for me,\"** He said with a light chuckle. **\"But do help yourself to the bread and fruit. Do you like pears?\"** Ves' ears perked. It had been a long time since she had had fresh fruit. Seeing her interest, Kip tossed a pear at Ves, who caught it easily. She turned the fruit in her hands a moment before taking a big bite. Juice dribbled down her chin and she laughed, wiping it away. \"Delicious! Björn, you have to have one!\"\n\nKip turned his eyes towards the sun, which was beginning to set. His tail flicked as he exhaled. **\"Hmm. I'm afraid we may be a little too late to head back to the docks. It's dangerous to sail when it gets dark and the wind isn't likely to be on our side anyway. We may be stuck out here overnight. Do you two mind sleeping under the stars? I imagine you're used to it, being travelers.\"**\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He looked at the fruit. It bothered him how it was filled with juice but no meat... He hadn't seen a fruit before.* \"What is it...?\" *He looked confused at the greenish item.*\n\n*Björn turned to Kip.* \"No. It is best for us to return to shore now then. I'd much prefer to be back in the Tavern.\" *Something was spooking Björn, something primal at the back of his mind. Surrounded by nothing but ocean for miles in either direction, himself and Ves stuck with Kip all night, his perverted smile made him feel sick.*\n\n\"Surely we can make it back in time. I don't want to be out here at night. Not one bit.\" *He shook his head and was concrete in his demands.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "\"It's called a pear. It's very sweet and juicy. Really good. Try it, Björn,\" Ves insisted with a smile. She took another bite and sighed happily. It had been quite some time since she had had any fresh fruit. Where had Kip managed to find some? Maybe Broughton had an orchard somewhere.\n\nKip tilted his head a bit. **\"Sorry Majora, I don't control the wind. There isn't a breeze strong enough to move the ship right now. And I'm not going to risk my only means of survival because you want a comfortable bed to sleep in. Perhaps if we had gotten an earlier start, we would have been done sooner. Yet here we are.\"**\n\nVes looked between the two males, her tail twitching in agitation. She didn't like the disagreement and she didn't understand it. Yes, Kip wasn't good company, and yes, she would have preferred the safety of the tavern. But it was also kind of exciting to sleep beneath the stars on a boat. Ves looked up at Björn with worry in her eyes.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*His face became cold as he stared down Kip. The tension was so thick an Orc would be seen as clever by its standards... A low grumble came from his chest and neck, the veins in his hands pulsed. Both telltale sighs to Ves that Björn was about to explode.* \"Perhaps if you hadn't decided to drink us into a ditch yesterday, we wouldn't be in this situation now would we?\" *He spat at the Kobold before taking a deep breath... And biting down hard on his hand, leaving a sore indentation... Gods, he loved that feeling.*\n\n\"...Infact, this is not anyone's fault. It's fine. However I won't sleep. I'll let you both rest and I'll keep watch... Just in case.\" *His voice and demeanour switched after his attempt at self-cannibalism. He seemed to relax himself as he spoke, trying not to focus on every inch of the Kobold that made him angry just looking at.*\n\n*He looked to Ves and gave a calm smile.* \"I'll make sure you rest up and when we get back to the shore, maybe I can teach you to swim! I'm just learning as I go but I'm sure you'd be better.\" *He gave a reassuring smile and rubbed her head a little, taking her green pear and biting into it... He didn't know what to make of the taste and just sat with the chunk he bit just resting in his mouth as he handed it back to Ves.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves was getting more nervous by the second. The tension was thick and she could tell that Björn was about to lose his temper. There was rage in the Goliath's eyes. His patience with Kip was running thin and Ves feared the worst.\n\nKip, for his part, glared up at Björn with a fierceness in his gaze. **\"No one forced you to drink,\"** He snarled in response. Then he shrugged. **\"Keep watch then. Though for what exactly, I guess I'll never know. Now if you'll excuse me,\"** He growled as he picked up his lute and returned below deck.\n\nVes exhaled slowly, relieved that nobody had gotten hurt in the exchange. She peered up at Björn with a curious look. \"I'd like that... But Björn? What are you worried about?\" She lowered her voice to a whisper. \"There aren't any Orcs out here and you can handle Kip easily. I think it's safe... It's safe, right?\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He looked at his hands shaking and felt his rage bubbling inside of him. He had to stop himself from growling as Ves approached.* \"I'm... Fine... No I'm not fine. I need to let lose, he is getting on my dick!\" *He threw his arms up in anger for a moment before sitting down crosslegged.* \"That slimy little shit is trying to get a rise from me. And I don't exactly want to add murderer to the list of crimes.\" *He shook his head and sighed.*\n\n*His hand looked sore from where he bit it yet he still felt rage. He needed to calm down somehow yet knew no way.*\" I know there aren't Ves... I just have a bad feeling. Like Lunam is telling me I need to be alert. I feel... Like something will happen.\" *He looked to Ves and carried on.*\n\n\"I think we need to make our money and maybe cut ties from Kip. He can't be trusted. I do not know how but the way he looks at you, the way he tries to be macho and get a rise from me, he is trying something. Maybe he wants you to fear me, maybe he wants to separate us, maybe he wants to kill us!...Ves can I... Can I have a hug?\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves wrapped her arms around Björn and pulled him to her, hugging him tightly. \"Listen to your instincts. If you say something isn't right then I believe you. I'll stay awake also, just in case. We'll cut ties with Kip as soon as we're back ashore. We'll take what money he owes us and keep moving. There's no real reason to stay in Broughton.\"\n\nShe kissed his forehead and rubbed his back comfortingly. \"But do you think this feeling of needing to 'let loose' is something that will need to be dealt with? You were in the pits for so long... Do you need some kind of outlet? What can we do about it?\"\n\nShe wanted to help him, but didn't know how. Violence wasn't her solution to problems. He was no longer a pit fighter, but he still had some trouble controlling his rage. He was actually doing a damn good job of it, considering Kip's attitude. But it was wearing on him. He was struggling and Ves didn't like it. She wanted to help.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He solemnly leaned into the hug and let her hold him close. He closed his eyes.* \"I... All I know is war Ves. I don't know how to get rid of the rage. It comes each day. It comes and if I can't let it out it grows and bubbles and fucking gets everywhere... The pain is the only release I have.\" *He looked at the bruising on his hand.*\n\n\"I never want you to see what happens when it takes hold. Promise me that if that ever happens, you take my amulet and you run... Put the whole damn world between us. I will not let myself lose you too. I won't...\" *He wrapped his arms around her.* \"I need to hear you promise me that much. You can't see what I become. What I was.\" *He shuddered at the thought. He knew Solaire was nearing the front of his mind. He needed to suppress it.*\n\n\"But yes, I think we need to leave before something bad happens... Gods all the sun and work is draining. Lack of food doesn't help either... I think we need to find out what Kip keeps below deck tonight.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "She took his bruised hand in her hand, holding it gently. She gazed at him, clearly worried and at a loss of how to help. \"I promise I'll run,\" She said solemnly. She meant it. She would run, but she didn't know how far or for how long. She wouldn't just abandon him. Not when he might need her the most.\n\n\"We'll figure out some kind of outlet for you, to keep the rage at bay. I don't know what yet, but we'll find something.\" She drew back a little, brushing his tangled wet hair behind his ear tenderly. \"You should eat some food and drink some water. You're probably a little dehydrated, which doesn't help with clarity of thought.\"\n\nIt was with some hesitation that she pulled away and went to collect the food. The fresh fruit and bread that Kip had left was tempting, but she ignored it and instead dug some travel rations from her satchel. She returned to his side and offered the food and her waterskin. \"Here. Eat and drink. You'll feel better.\" \n\nShe sat down beside him, her tail gently flicking behind her. \"Do you think that's a good idea? What if he catches us?\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"Thanks... I needed these.\" *He took a large mouthful of ration once more and washed it down with water.* \"I really needed that...\" *He smiled a bit as she sat beside him.* \"I think if he catches us, we are simply exploring the ship we are stuck on thanks to captain numbnuts. If he has nothing to hide, he won't be defensive. That's what I get on.\"\n\n*He broke a bit of his ration off, hesitating before holding it in front of Ves.* \"Eat up small one.\" *He wafted it around.* \"Mmm, tasty travel ration~\" *He teased her, his low rumbling laugh making a brief return.*\n\n\"I am glad of one thing right now. We are not separated. You came to rescue me and you stayed with me. I stayed with you.\" *He held her hand and kissed it softly.* \"I appreciate you.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "\"Mmm... Travel ration. My favorite,\" She joked in return. \"So much better than oven roasted fish and potatoes.\" His laughter made her smile. She was glad he could still smile despite everything. She nibbled on her own dried biscuit. Maybe they could get one more tasty tavern meal before they left Broughton behind.\n\nShe remembered when they first met and how he had snarled at her like a caged animal. She remembered how he could not, or would not, smile. Look at how far he had come! He was smiling and laughing despite everything that had happened. It was truly something to be admired. \n\nVes blushed as he kissed her hand, gazing at him with warmth. \"We stayed together,\" She murmured. \"I'm so glad we did. I can't imagine my life without you, Björn. I don't ever want to be apart from you.\"\n\nThe sun was setting and the first stars were making their appearance. Despite not doing much physical activity during the day, Ves found herself rather sleepy suddenly. She leaned against Björn and covered a yawn with her hand. \n\n||"
}
] | 232.5 | 5,306 |
239.5 | 2024-01-19 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"That we did Ves, that we did.\" *He looked at the stars and immediately felt a rush of calm, he exhaled and his muscles stopped tensing. He found respite for another day. He looked down and watched her lean against him.*\n\n\"I'll take first watch. Close your eyes and rest.\" *He slowly lifted her head from his side and lowered her to rest on his lap.* \"Don't worry. I'll make sure you wake. And remember, you're not alone ever.\"\n\n*He watched the stars reveal themselves as he felt the love of his Lord upon him. He felt the stars sing to him and the light of the slow revealing moon was heavenly to him.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "She sighed gently as she lay her head in Björn's lap. \"Don't stay up all night. Wake me at midnight. If anything happens, I have Shrike to help me and I know he'll wake you,\" She murmured. Closing her eyes, Ves found herself drifting off to sleep rather quickly. \n\nThe moon rose on the horizon, a bare sliver in the night sky. The stars were brilliant out at sea, reflecting their light in the still water. All seemed peaceful and right.\n\nBjörn had no need to wake her at midnight, as Ves' own dreams made her stir awake around that time. It took her a moment to remember where she was as she sat up slowly. \"Björn?\" She said quietly. \"Is everything still okay?\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn was enjoying the bliss and peace surrounding him with thanks to the stars he so adores. Each breath felt purifying and relaxing... He needed this. It was true that Björn enjoyed pain, he needed pain to function - even if it was just the throb of overworked muscles or a sore hand, he needed it. It made him feel alive. The spill of blood was a thrill to him, pain was a gateway drug.*\n\n*Björn watched her wake up and rubbed her head reassuringly, his yellow-gold eye reflecting in the dark.* \"I'm here Ves. All quiet here. Kip hasn't come out of his lower deck all night. Not a peep from anything actually now I mention it. And I'm sure I have both ears.\" *He made a small joke at his own expense.*\n\n\"The night out here Ves... Its so peaceful. It reminds me of something... But I can't remember it. Just the smell of the Night air and pure silence. Something in that was comforting.\" *It was true. He could see tall dark trees in his mind with a large moon, starry yet cloudless skies... And the cold chill of the wind. It almost made him forget he was surrounded in darkness. He hated the dark... It was just like a cage around his soul.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves stretched a little, flexing her toes. \"Well... That's good, right? Maybe he's just sleeping. Should we... Should we go and investigate below deck? See what he might be hiding?\" Now that she was rested, Ves was in the mood for a little snooping. Maybe they could find out what Kip was up to.\n\nShe slowly climbed to her feet, tail swishing behind her. \"It is quiet. Peaceful. And really dark. There are no lights out here... Only the stars and the moon. It's really beautiful.\" Her eyes scanned the sky above and sought out familiar constellations. It really was a gorgeous night. Turning her gaze back to Björn, she considered him for a moment.\n\n\"Do you think you can be sneaky?\" She asked him with a tilt of her head. \"If Kip is sleeping, we don't want to wake him.\" It was an honest question. She knew about his great strength, but about his stealth? Would he be able to keep up with her? Or at least be quiet enough not to disturb Kip? There was no judgment or expectation in her tone, merely curiosity. She was still learning about her lover, after all. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"I'd love to find out. He must have something in there. Anything to tell us more of him.\" *He paused and followed her gaze to the heavens. He adored the sky. It was breathtaking. He needed the light of the moon on his skin, it made him feel at one with the world and at peace.*\n\n\"The only issue with here is the isolation and the lack of light.\" *He admitted, trying not to spoil her moment.* \"I need to trust in this more. I'm just happy I share it with you.\" *He considered her question as he rose to his feet. He was loud, tall, large and slow in tight spaces. There was zero doubt in his mind that he lacked the ability to be stealthy. He did wish he could, but he would have to sacrifice his strength which was not an option.*\n\n\"I don't think I can Ves. Pardon me. It may be best if I stay behind, keep myself hidden and if you wish to snoop, have Shrike come back to me if anything happens, or let him defend you if needs be... I know you're strong enough.\" *He looked down on her, the moonlight adding highlights to his hair and made his skin even more pale and pure.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "She nodded her understanding. It was okay. They each had their strengths and weaknesses. Ves was small, stealthy, and weak. Björn was large, slow, and strong. They were pieces of the small puzzle and meant to fit together. Together they created a picture of balance.\n\n\"Alright. So long as you're sure you'll be okay...\" She hated to leave him alone in the dark, but they needed to check on Kip. What could he be hiding? \"I'll be quick,\" She promised as she squeezed his hand reassuringly. Then she quickly and quietly disappeared down below deck.\n\nThe silence of the sea around Björn was occasionally spoiled by the sound of splashing... Fish perhaps? Time stretched on with Ves out of sight. The splashing was strangely getting louder. More time passed... Ves was nowhere to be seen. Where was she?\n\nThe wind whispered around Björn. Then the sound of claws on wood could be heard from all around. Shadowy figures came into view, stealthily climbing over the railing of the ship. A low cackle echoed as the moon shone down and revealed a gang of Kobold. Daggers and claws and sharp fanged teeth flashed in the moonlight. \n\n\"Björn!!\" Came a cry from behind Björn as Kip shoved Ves forward. She tripped and stumbled, stopped by a sharp tug from Kip as he grabbed her arm roughly. **\"Don't move, big guy. I know you're tough, but there's too many of us and we have her already.\"** He jerked her towards him, placing a dagger at Ves' throat. **\"Don't. Move.\"**\n\n||"
}
] | 256 | 1,437 |
304.210526 | 2024-01-20 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"Be brave, be strong. I have faith in you.\" *He sat and waited, his eye on her exit. He didn't like being alone in the dark. He needed to be secure in the light... Darkness was a cage over the soul and mind. He didn't like cages - or the dark for that matter, regardless. He was loyal to her and would wait, even if he was scared inside.*\n\n*The splashes caught him off guard. He knew from the day they've had that fish made noise. Even so, why was he surrounded by a sinking feeling? He felt outmatched in the dark, his vision already impaired. He needed to be secure in himself.*\n\n*Where was she...? He stood up and began to pace a little. She would have been out by now... Maybe she is hiding? She would have sent Shrike... Did something happen? It was then, just as he was about to head down there, he heard the sound of scraping claws. Before he even knew it, he was surrounded by small Kobold lizards... Their small, crude daggers and sharpened fangs seemed more like needles to him, but with so many around him... It would be a hard fight. He was about to ask them to state their business and fuck off when he heard Ves.*\n\n*He spun around, thankful to hear her when he noticed Kip. The anger began to bubble once more, like a kettle over a fire... Slowly building. Björn stared silently at Kip, his one good eye beginning to glaze over.* \"Manhandle my Ves again, and you won't receive any mercy from the Gods.\" *He stated. There was no malice in his voice, simply a stated fact. Slowly, he could feel a rush of energy. A fight was brewing and if it was between Ves and his own life, he'd choose Ves every time.* \"So, let's pretend you have the upper hand... Kip.\" *He spat his name.* \"What now? How do you possibly plan to use your rag-tag crew to keep not only myself at bay, but Ves? Do you take her small stature for weakness? I pity you, I really do.\" *A smile began to creep across his face. A smile Ves nor Kip had seen before. It was a salivating grimace that spoke only one word into the heart\n\nS of those around him: Hunger.*\n\n*Björn looked around him, counting the amount of Kobold... The odds were even, but Kobolds had weak bones, softer scales and were cowardly.* \"Please enlighten me.\" *He said through his wicked grin.* \"What is your next move?\" *Even though Björn carried no weapon, no armor, and was surrounded, something radiated danger. And the feeling only grew as Ves would notice the flame of anger in his eyes getting brighter and brighter.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "The Kobold formed a loose circle around Björn, grinning like Kip so often did. A few looked past the Goliath towards Ves and there was a hunger in their eyes as well. They spoke in Draconic and Ves' eyes widened in panic. Her ears folded all the way back against her skull at their words. \n\n\"Get off me!\" Ves growled as she struggled in Kip's tightening grip. She felt the blade press hard to her neck and a few droplets of blood ran down the blade. Freezing, Ves took a few deep breaths. *Be strong. Be brave.* She repeated the mantra quietly and tried to meet Björn's eye. Trying to communicate something to him with her eyes.\n\n**\"You'll just excuse yourself off my boat,\"** Kip replied simply. **\"Or you'll see your precious Ves die. It's really as easy as that. After all, the reward for her is offered whether alive or dead. So do me a favor and kindly jump overboard. Maybe with a little luck you'll drow—ah!\"**\n\nKip blinked in surprise as Ves jerked suddenly, one foot stomping down as hard as she could onto his toe. Her hand flew up at the same time, touching the amulet around her neck, silently calling for Shrike. **\"You bitch!\"** He snarled, grabbing her by her horn and pressing the knife back to her throat. Ves couldn't help but whimper when she felt the dagger cutting through the soft scales of her neck.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*The temperament of Björn broke when he saw the hunger in their eyes towards Ves. He didn't speak their tongue, but it made Ves terrified, fearful for her life, enough to struggle. It shattered more as her blood ran down his blade. Her... Red... Blood...*\n\n*In that moment, Björn saw a one-to-one recreation of Solaire's torture and death. How he was made to watch, shackled and beaten to the edge of consciousness. How she screamed, begged for mercy, begged for forgiveness, for death. He would not see Ves suffer as she did. He couldn't take another minute of it.*\n\n*'Clever girl' Björn thought with a grin as she stomped on his foot, summoning Shrike. It was in this moment, Björn said one thing:* \"Gajeel, guide my strikes.\" *He began to shake, holding his head as he was granted his strength to fight, horns growing from his head and starlight swirling around his fists like gauntlets made from stardust. Shrike already knew what to do and immediately dove for Kip's eye with all his might!*\n\n*Björn's eye whited out as his rage came to the surface, roaring with animalistic fury. He wished for Ves' forgiveness as he felt his body and mind lose connection. Ursa grabbed the first terrified Kobold by the neck and immediately pummeled him into the hardwood deck, his skull bending around his fist. The other Kobold immediately pounced onto him with hisses and cries. Fang, claw and blade sank into him - the rush was heavenly to him. They realised their folly as he began to laugh maniacally, throwing Kobolds from his back and breaking bones. Throats were ripped out between his large, crushing teeth. His Celestial fists collided with their bodies and blades with loud blasts of sound as his own bones broke and reformed under the pressure of his rage.*\n\n*One would take a clawed strike to his chest, drawing blood. Björn began to rip at the wound, high from the rush of pain he felt. He covered his face in his own blood and continued his assault while Shrike aimed to take the eye of the shame\n\nFul and dirty Kobold Kip with an ear-splitting screech.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Kip yelled as the familiar swooped in his face, letting Ves' horn go to try and shoo the bird away. He swiped uselessly at the too-fast Shrike, barely managing to dodge the dangerously sharp beak. But Shrike's onslaught was a constant threat and, with a frustrated snarl, Kip threw Ves to the ground and began to swing at Shrike with his dagger. \n\nKip didn't see what was happening, but Ves did. Her wide eyes watched as Björn transformed, horns sprouting from his head and the stars collecting around his fists. Before she could fully process what was happening, blood from a nearby Kobold splashed across her face. He was being ripped apart, shredded like meat, and fell to the ground before her. She saw the light leave his eyes as he gurgled for air.\n\nThey were all dying. Björn was tearing through them all, fueled by rage and hatred and Ves didn't know what else. She tried to scramble to her feet, but the deck was slick with blood and she couldn't get any traction. She scooted backwards, towards the side of the ship and away from Kip. \n\nAnother Kobold spotted her and broke away from the pack attacking Björn. He ran at her, grabbing her by her shirt and lifting her into the air. Startled, Ves immediately began to kick and struggle, aiming a few good kicks at the Kobold's gut. He grunted in pain and Ves felt him drop her - right off the side of the ship! She hit the icy water with a gasp and went under.\n\nThose Kobold remaining made a break for it. They launched themselves off Kip's boat and onto their own small rowboats. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn chased them off the sides of the boat, ripping flesh and muscle as he did so. One Kobold was scrambling away as Björn grabbed his leg and bit down hard... Severing flesh and scale. It was in this state that he saw one familiar grey Kobold in the water. It was Ves!*\n\n*Björn didn't have time for his rage to end. He didn't even have a second to breathe. He gave a loud grunt to Shrike who responded with a shrill shriek; they both understood the task at hand. As Shrike began to speed up, getting more and more aggressive with wing flap, pecks and talon scrapes, Björn dove into the water after her.*\n\n*The water was dark... Too dark. Even an enraged Björn was capable of fear. The darkness surrounded him - practically engulfed him - save for the light from his Celestial gauntlets. That's how he saw her. Scrambling against cold shock and the rage's demand for oxygen, Björn acted fast and used all his strength to propel himself through the water. He reached out a large, gauntleted hand and grasped her shirt, pulling her up behind him. He prayed she was alive. He would not cope if she wasn't. He would snap forever.*\n\n*As the boats fled, Björn scaled the ship as best he coukd with her body in his arms. He threw her over the top before he made it up himself. If Shrike was still living at this point, Kip would be distracted and ready for all the rage the Goliath had to spare. He was wild eyed and animalistic, snarling on all fours like a caged beast - like a pit dog.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves kicked desperately under the water. Kobold weren't really made for swimming. Her wet clothing immediately threatened to drag her under as she struggled. It was hard to know which way was up. *Be brave. Be strong.* She resisted the panic that rose to overwhelm her and tried not to inhale water. \n\nShe felt something grab her and for a moment feared for the worst. She felt herself pulled through the water and gasped as she broke the surface. Coughing, she realized she was being carried by Björn, who threw her back aboard Kip's ship. She coughed up some seawater as she rolled onto her side.\n\nKip had seen his fellows disengage and knew he was in trouble. Batting Shrike aside at last with a cruel blow, he cursed and made a snap decision. Choosing to abandon his boat rather than his life, he ran to the railing and leaped off onto one of the fleeing rowboats. **\"Row you fools!\"** He snapped at the three other Kobold in the boat with him. They began to row for their lives, but panic made them slow.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn's head immediately snapped in the direction of the* **COWARDS** *And immediately leap off the boat once more, into the freezing embrace of pain. He relished it, he loved it, he* **NEEDED** *It! His body craved the feeling of pain. He lived and would die by it! But not before making them p-* **BLEED** *Ay.*\n\n*Swimming with the skill of a child but the strength of a mountain, Björn began to make his approach. With destroyed vocal chords, he screamed as he did so, screeching:* \"COME BACK YOU COWARDS! I'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN! YOUR SCREAMS WILL BE MY PLEASURE!\" *He grabbed the side of the rowboat and began to drag himself onto it, threatening to capsize the vessel... Which it did.*\n\n*In the cold embrace of the water, Björn began to hunt. His horned, bloody, twisted face scanned the murky waves for Kip. He wanted* **THAT FREAK** *Screaming. He wanted him dead. He wanted him so* **FUCKING** *Dead.*\n\n*Spotting him, all troubles and physical limitations went away. He began to scramble through the water with malicious intent, his hands scraping and clawing at the water as if he could already grab him. He needed to get him, he needed to kill him in that instant moment or else nothing mattered.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves heard Björn's screams of rage and struggled to climb to her feet. Blood and seawater mixed on the deck of the ship and she stared at the dead bodies surrounding her. She had seen plenty of death before, but nothing quite like this. It turned her stomach and threatened to make her sick. She somehow managed not to vomit as she stumbled to the side of the ship.\n\nHolding herself up by the railing, Ves struggled to see what was happening. It was dark, but she could make out Björn's pale form swimming towards the retreating rowboat. He flipped the entire boat over and Ves lost them in the chaos of splashing and shadows. \"Björn!\" She shouted, her hands gripping the railing tightly. Where was he?! \n\nKip shouted in alarm as Björn started crawling onto the boat, successfully capsizing them. The male Kobold hit the water and went under. Unlike Ves, Kip knew how to swim and immediately got his bearings. He swam towards the surface... But wasn't fast enough. He felt Björn's hands wrap around his leg and pull him back down. Grimacing, Kip attempted to claw at Björn's face, aiming for his good eye. But his movements were slowed by the water. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Kip's attack on Björn wouldn't have been wise. He grasped his wrist and with a squeeze and a bend and snapped it with zero effort. His face was a sickening image, taking immense pleasure in his work. He lived for* **THE THRILL** *Of the hunt.*\n\n*Björn then began to try and beat him in the water, his arms moving towards him even if slightly slowed by the water. He roared in his face, dangerously lowering his remaining air. He didn't give a* **SHIT** *Because all that mattered in his life was* **GLORY AND BLOOD** *. He would slowly move his hands to Kip's neck, attempting to strangle him.*\n\n*Shrike was badly hurt from the attack from Kip, but he heard his Owner's call for Björn and knew what to do to help. He slowly flitted up and began to fly in bursts towards the capsized boat. He then made a caw and dove into the water, emitting a final glowing red light as he gave himself to get Björn's attention. Making him stop and look towards Ves.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Kip was easily overpowered by the Goliath. Björn's hands wrapped around his neck and bubbles escaped from his nose. He began to struggle, kicking and clawing violently at Björn, trying to break free. There was true panic in his eyes as he knew he was about to die. He opened his mouth to scream soundlessly.\n\nVes watched as Shrike flew out across the water. Glowing red, the bird folded his wings and dove into the sea. As he did so, Ves spotted Björn with Kip in his grasp. \"Björn!\" She shouted again and reached out for him as though they could touch. \"Come back to me... Please!\" She begged, \"Come back.\"\n\nShe didn't care about the traitorous Kip. Let the bastard drown. But Björn... He was hurt and bleeding and had been under the water's surface for too long. If he didn't emerge and breathe air soon, he'd be lost to her. She didn't have the physical capability to pull him out from a watery grave. \n\nKip had stopped struggling. His lifeless body twitched in Björn's hands. His eyes were dull and stared blankly ahead at nothing. There was no sign of the other Kobold who went down with the capsized rowboat. The water was still.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn hesitated, he wanted to find them all and* **RIP THEM TO SHREDS!** *But he felt a call to Ves. He couldn't explain it. He knew that Shrike had given himself in a last ditch attempt. Why couldn't he* **JUST KILLED EVERYONE** *? He simply wanted to* **END EVERYONE'S LIFE** *And wasn't able to... Still gripping Kip by the shoulder, Björn began to swim back to the boat*\n\n*He couldn't explain it, but the way she reached out her hand, he felt something touch his soul. Past the rage, past the hatred and past the magic... Something touched deep inside him. He needed to fulfill his oath to Ves. He swore it then and deep in his enraged mind, he swore it now.*\n\n*Climbing up the ship, he threw the unconscious Kip onto the boat's deck before pulling himself up. His gauntlets were flickering and his horns were cracked like broken stone. Björn was truly getting exhausted. He stared at Ves with an unknown savagery, growling like he once did to her when she first approached his cell. His teeth were covered in flesh and blood and scales of varying hues. He bore them at her with intent as he seemed to not even recognise her. He didn't, who was* **THIS BITCH** *And why was she* **IN MY WAY** *? He watched her, waiting for her move.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves exhaled as Björn surfaced and began to swim back to the boat, dragging Kip along. She took a few shaky steps back to give him the space to climb back on board. Kip's limp body landed near her and Ves looked at it with her own flash of rage. She clenched a tiny fist and bit down on the inside of her cheek.\n\nA snarl brought her focus back to Björn. He stood towering over her, his teeth bared and bloody. He looked monstrous, covered in various wounds that were bleeding freely. Her ears flicked backwards as she took a step forward, then paused. Instinct was telling her to run. Her heart was telling her to approach, to *Trust* In Björn. He wouldn't hurt her. \n\nSwallowing her fear, Ves took another step forward. She held out her hands like she had when they first met, signaling that she meant no harm. \"Easy... Easy, Björn, it's me... It's your Ves,\" She said soothingly. It was like approaching a wild rabid animal. She knew she had to be careful.\n\n\"You know me. Remember? We escaped the pits together. We ran from the Orcs and crossed the border together. We bathed together. We... We made love. You know me. I'm your Ves. Just take a deep breath. Be brave. Be strong. Please... I can't lose you. I... I love you...\" Her voice cracked and tears appeared in her eyes as she gazed at him desperately. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn looked down at her with unbridled rage. This insignificant* **LIZARD** *Was in his way and he needed to remove her* **LIMBS** *From the ship. Instead of being a coward like the rest of* **HER KIND** *, she approached him.*\n\n*She spoke, in that soothing, shaky,* **WEAK** *Voice she spoke. His audio was muffled as if is, but he could make out some of it. She slowly got closer... Why did she persist?* **DID SHE WANT TO DIE** *? No, this wasn't a Kobold. This was...* \"Ves...\" *He said, in the rage still, but beginning to hesitate. His memory began to reboot as he remembered all they had shared and been through.*\n\n*How they escaped, travelled, slept together and been lovers. He knew her. She was Ves. She was his lover. She was... Crying? Her scales felt warm on his frozen body, it was soothing. He heard her clearly say her last sentence as his eye began to return to normal, the horns crumbled into stone from his head and the gauntlets began to flicker and dissipate. Slowly, the anger faded back into his mind as he looked at her, recognising her truly.* \"Ves...\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Was she getting through to him? He wasn't launching into an attack and so she continued moving forward. Slowly she reached out to him, to take his hand in hers. She intertwined their fingers like she loved to do. Slowly the rage faded from his eyes and recognition took its place. Ves breathed a sigh of relief when he spoke her name.\n\n\"Björn...\" She smiled. She closed the distance between them, throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace. \"Thank the gods... I was so worried...\" She murmured into him. Then she withdrew, gazing up at him, still retaining physical contact. She felt that if she let go, he might be lost to her again. \"You're hurt. And you're freezing. We need to get you warmed up.\" She didn't even notice that her own teeth were chattering.\n\nShe tried not to look around at all the bodies. Bodies they would have to take care of eventually. As for Kip... He coughed suddenly and choked as water came up from his lungs. He inhaled sharply and opened his eyes, sitting up slowly. Spotting the Goliath only feet away, he began to retreat again, looking like he was ready to jump back in the water and make a swim for shore. **\"Let's...\"** He coughed. **\"Let's just discuss this like rational folk. No harm done, right?\"**\n\nVes' eyes flashed in anger and she scowled fiercely at the other Kobold. \"No *Harm done?!* Björn is hurt! Shrike is... Gods... Shrike...\" Another tear rolled down her cheek. \"Plenty of harm has been done!\" She still gripped Björn's hand, squeezing it tightly. Nevermind that her neck was sliced deeply or that she was near-freezing herself after being in the water. The only one who mattered was Björn.\n\n**\"Yes, and most of my crew is dead! Let's just... Call it even, shall we? I'll take you back to shore and we'll never see each other ever again.\"**\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn was... Exhausted. He had made mincemeat of his paltry crew. He was absolutely drained as the last of his horns crumbled to the floor in chunks of a rocky chalk. He could hardly stand as he held her hand and felt her arms around him... Did she say she loved him?! Was he hallucinating? He didn't know, all he knew was the pain he was in was so so so needed.*\n\n*His voice was hoarse, broken like when they first met - providing some much needed context to his condition.* \"Don't... Look at the corpses... I fix.\" *He said with the most drowsy tone. He was concerned with Ves and reached to the floor where in the struggle, his furs fell from him. He placed them around her and began to pat her dry.* \"I... Got you.\"\n\n*Seeing Kip come back to consciousness made the anger flash back. He was tired but he wasn't done. He snarled, baring teeth with bits of his crews flesh stuck to them. His beard was a coppery colour with blood.* \"You... You hurt Ves and think you get away?\" *He laughed, spitting some blood out. He moved past Ves and grabbed him by the neck, not strangling but enough to keep him from escaping. He held him up effortlessly as a sickening grin covered his face.*\n\n*He heard the stands, chanting his name over and over: Ursa! Ursa! Ursa! He heard the drums, he knew it was time to execute his foe in glory for his Masters... But then he wasn't there anymore. He was Björn, not Ursa. Ursa died in that body pit. He looked to Ves with an expression struggling to remain calm.* \"He hurt you. You choose.\" *He said this because if it was up to him, he wouldn't grant mercy. He needed her rational mind... Well more so than his own.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves stood shivering as Björn grabbed Kip, lifting him off the ground. The other Kobold kicked and struggled, raking his claws down Björn's arms. Ves began to turn away, not wanting to see the killing blow, when Björn turned to her. *You choose,* He said and Ves blinked in surprise.\n\nShe had never been in charge of a man's fate before. What should she do? Let Björn kill him? He certainly deserved it. Ves remembered what his crew had said and the hunger in their eyes. They had been prepared to do the worst to her. They were going to turn her in and she would have surely been killed... Or enslaved. The thought made a shiver of terror run up her spine. Kip should die. Let him pay for his crimes.\n\nBut no. Ves was no killer. Her mind whirled. She didn't want Kip to get off without punishment. So how? Then it occurred to her and a devious smile spread across her face. \"Toss him overboard,\" She said with determination in her voice. \"We're taking his boat and everything on it.\"\n\nKip's eyes widened at the verdict and he shouted **\"You can't!\"** But Ves only smiled. She gave a nod to Björn. \"If he tries to climb back on board, kill him.\" Kip would have no choice but to swim for his very life. If he was lucky, he'd make it to shore. If not... Well, a watery grave was what he deserved. And she and Björn? They had a boat, a place to stay and a way to travel... So long as they could figure out how to sail. But that would come later. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"Then it's settled.\" *Björn took aim at the water before but before he could, he decided to leave him with a parting gift he grabbed one of Kip's clawed fingers and with some resistance, forced it into his own eye! He wasn't sure if he would be blinded but it would hurt. He pulled him close, intimately close and stated to him in a calm manner.* \"If I ever see you again, and I hope I don't... I will render you limb from limb and leave you taped to a tree covered in honey. Am I clear?!\" *He then grabbed him, punched his head one last time and threw him overboard.*\n\n*As he heard the splash of Kip hitting the water below, Björn dropped to one of his knees as his rage left him. He wheezed and looked at his hands... They were covered in blood. His face was covered too, his teeth, his skin... He was exhausted beyond belief.* \"Ves... Water. Please.\" *It was the first time he ever said please to her. Even as he was coming out of a blind rage, he was learning.*\n\n*Björn pressed himself against one of the sides of the ship and looked at his wounds. Most would heal with time, he had worse in the Pits... He looked at Ves with worry in his eye, he didn't know if she was scared of him or not.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves nodded her head. It seemed like a fitting end for Kip. When Björn dropped to his knee, Ves leaped into action. She grabbed the furs he was using as towels and went quickly to his side. She offered him her trusty waterskin as she began to tug his wet clothes off of him, her movements gentle despite the urgency. \"We've got to get you warm,\" She murmured. Her own soaked clothing could wait. Björn was in desperate need.\n\n\"Finish undressing and get under those furs. I saw some blankets below deck. I'll go get them.\" And she was off, darting as quickly as her little bruised and bloody body would let her. She disappeared from sight but this time it didn't take her long at all to return. She carried a few thick blankets in her arms and began covering Björn in them.\n\n\"We've got to care for your wounds... You're hurt,\" She stated the obvious. \"I'm so sorry, Björn. This is all my fault. I'm the one they were after and you got hurt because of me...\" Tears filled her eyes again, but she didn't let them spill. She had to take care of Björn before anything else. He needed her.\n\nMoving to her satchel, she pulled out a few rolls of bandages. There weren't nearly enough for all his injuries. She would have to shred a blanket, unless Kip had more medical supplies somewhere on board. Well, at least the seawater had washed Björn's wounds for her. She got to work wrapping the more severe injuries first, all the way mentally berating herself for what had happened. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"Ves... Don't blame yourself.\" *He said as she prepared her medical supplies. The blankets were good, needed and cosy. He tried to reach out to her but his arms were heavy, damaged muscle cramped him, forcing him to stay down.*\n\n\"They tried to hurt you, I would gladly do what I did and what I felt again to keep you safe.\" *He gave a weak smile to her.* \"You were so brave... Good Ves.\" *He closed his eyes as he took a pained inhale. Feeling his ribs he could tell that he had broken at least one.*\n\n*It was remarkable, the abilities of a Barbarian or Bezerker... Their tolerance and gluttony for pain, savage natures and their ability to keep going, pushing their bodies past the limit of normal men. Each bout of rage could force their heart to give out, a bone could pierce a vital organ, they could choke on their own blood and adrenaline. Some say their powers as a boon... It was Infact a curse. Björn felt that he wasn't an angry child... Just wanted a home.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "She barked a bitter little laugh as she worked on tending to his wounds. The tears began to fall in earnest then, making the work more difficult. She wiped at her eyes, angry at herself for crying. \"I was so scared...\" She whispered as she secured a bandage and moved on to the next wound. She didn't specify *What* Exactly had scared her. \n\nShe was shivering violently by then and had to pause. Her fingers were so frozen that she couldn't really move them. She blew on her hands to warm them, then began to get undressed as well. Blood trickled down her neck and she could feel her own bruises forming. Still, it was nothing when compared to her lover. Her heart ached to see him in such a state.\n\nFinding a blanket for herself, she wrapped it around her shoulders and continued trying to warm her hands. She needed to get back to work. \"You were so brave, Björn,\" She said as she lifted her eyes to meet his gaze. \"Thank you for saving me. Without you I would have been lost.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn paused and looked at her with a silent concern. He forced himself to sit up and look at her properly.* \"You are the bravest girl I know... Even if you're the only girl I know. You did amazing... I have to ask though Ves, what did they do to you? What did they say to scare you?\" *He reached out, rubbing her hand with his own heavily bruised one.*\n\n*He used the momentum to pull her towards him, sharing his body warmth with her - regardless of how little there was. A memory stirred of a man telling him to stay close in a burst of white small dots... It confused him, he had never seen the white flurry before.* \"Come. Stay warm. I would do all I did tonight and more if it meant you'd be safe. And now... We have a boat. How nice is that?\" *He gave a small, hoarse laugh to try and cheer her up.*\n\n\"You should thank Shrike. He was the one to show me you were in danger. He pulled me back... I should explain to you what that was. I have a connection with the stars, the constellations that form in the sky. Sure I can use my anger to push my body like I did then but that magic around my hands, the horns... That's my connection to the stars. To the Constellation of the Minotaur. I heard they are mighty horned beasts who roam in tunnels and ruins. Beasts of legend... Beasts who live surrounded by stone.\"\n\n*He paused to shiver and clear his throat.*\" It pushes my body just like my rage does... But it has drawbacks.\" *He looked up at the sky towards the horned visage of the Minotaur, shining brighter than usual.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves cuddled closer to Björn, glad for the extra warmth. It was a good idea. They could share body heat and hopefully defeat the chill together. Her tail curled around her ankle. \"They threatened to...\" She began, her ears folding backwards against her skull. \"They said they would have some *Fun* With me before turning me over to the Orcs. They said I would be beaten and enslaved and...\" \n\nVes shook her head, trembling slightly and not just from the cold. \"We do. We have a boat and we can use it to explore further. It'll be safer too. No one will think to look out to sea.\" Assuming they could figure out how to sail. Surely it wasn't that difficult. If Kip could do it, she could too. It was just a matter of learning how. Ves clenched her jaw in determination.\n\nShe listened intently as he explained his abilities, at a loss for words. She barely even understood what he was talking about. Magic was fascinating... And scary. Her ears lowered at the mention of Shrike. He had given his life to help them. Her crying began again. \"I'm so sorry, Björn. Shrike... He... He's gone...\" There was such sorrow in her voice. She barely knew the familiar, but his loss affected her deeply.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn listened silently to her... He was angry at those freakish things for even entertaining the idea. He put his arms around her - loose enough that if she wanted to, she could easily move away if she felt the need to.* \"Ves, I promise you.\" *He took her hand in his and pressed it to his chest.* \"As long as that still beats, I will never let that happen to you. Not to someone as clever and kind as you.\" *He let her hand go.*\n\n*Björn gave her a reassuring smile.* \"Yeah, the boat could be a good idea... Maybe that shitstain left a handbook or log downstairs. We could use that to our advantage if so. I can read common so as long as it is in that, I can direct us.\"\n\n*He hugged her as she began to cry.* \"I know, I know... But what is gone doesn't stay that way for long...\" *He reached out to her neck rubbed the amulet in between his fingers. A soft thrum was felt as the amulet had a faint red shimmer within it.* \"Shrike will be back... It just will take some time. I can see you care for him. I have no issue with you being his handler.\" *He wiped her tears away.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves moved closer to Björn, seeking the comfort of his embrace. She nestled her head against his shoulder. When he touched the amulet, Ves was surprised to feel the thrum of life. Her eyes widened at Björn's words, her ears perking up. \"Truly?\" She asked with wonder in her voice. \"Is that something that familiars do?\" She really had no idea.\n\nShe touched the amulet and closed her eyes for a moment. \"Thank you, Shrike. We couldn't have done this without you.\" If the bird hadn't grabbed Björn's attention, would he have drowned? Ves didn't want to think about such a possibility. It pained her to imagine a life without the Goliath. Would she even survive? How could she continue on?\n\nVes shook the thought aside. That was not her reality. Her reality was one where Björn had survived and now held her close. With her hands warmed back up, she began to tend to his wounds again. Running out of bandages, she tore a blanket into long strips and began to use those instead. He had so many injuries! How was he still conscious? If she had been hurt that badly, she would have been dead. \n\n\"Are you sure? About me being Shrike's handler? It's your amulet. I don't want to take it from you.\""
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn gave a small, weak laugh.* *Truly, and yes... I do not mind at all. Besides, Shrike belongs to me somehow. Remember at the tavern, when I called him to me? He listens to me and if I need him, he is there. Letting you be his handler won't change that.\" *He smiled once more, he liked being able to explain things. It made him feel like he wasn't a numbskull.*\n\n*He winced as she wrapped some of the deeper wounds, before biting the inside of his lip slightly.* \"Careful, some of them sting a little. I didn't know the sea was salty.\" *He watched her quietly tending to his wounds. He knew fully that he would recover in a matter of days, but how would Ves fair? In her mind she was nearly assaulted, enslaved, lost Shrike and could have lost himself.*\n\n\"Ves, I need you to know that I am here for you. Whatever they said was them talking big words, nothing else. If someone wanted to do something, they'd do it. That's how cruel the world is. But with you in it... My world is a little less cruel.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "\"Well, so long as I don't take him from you, then I'll be Shrike's handler. Though what does that even mean? What will I need to do?\" Ves tilted her head at Björn in curiosity. Was there something special she needed to know? She was eager to learn whatever it might be. \n\n\"Sorry!\" She apologized as she pulled one bandage a bit too tight. She wanted the edges of the wounds to be as close as possible so they could heal well. Still, she knew it was painful. \"I wish we could find a healer somewhere,\" She said wistfully. \n\nWhen he spoke, she lifted her eyes to study him. She reached for his hand and intertwined their fingers. \"I know. I know how cruel the world can be. I've seen it. I just...\" She shuddered involuntarily. \"I'm so glad to have met you, Björn. I'm so lucky to have you in my life. With you, I feel safe.\" Ves lifted his hand to her lips and gently kissed his bloody and bruised knuckles. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"Nothing really, just spend time with him. Bond with him. He likes looking at seeds if that helps.\" *He laughed, holding his side as he did so. He wished that they never met Kip or took him up on his offer. Especially after how he acted...*\n\n\"It's okay! Don't worry. You're trying your best and doing great.\" *He gave some encouragement as best he could. Already he could feel his body tending to itself, his muscles twitched reflexively as they worked on healing naturally.* \"I'm glad to have met you too Ves. You probably would have left me behind if I didn't try to show my want to be saved... You freed me. I am forever grateful till the day I die for that. No matter what happens along the way.\"\n\n*He let her kiss his knuckles... They were very damaged but already seemed to be starting it's recovery process. The area around where his horns were and around his eyes was cracked like someone took a pickaxe to a stone - creating jagged and imperfectly unique cuts into his skin. They would heal over time, he needed to focus on recovery.* \"In honesty, I was worried you would fear me for what I did. I mean... I have eaten chunks of flesh and done so much more. I feel I have grown weaker since leaving the Pits however...\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "As he reminded her of what he had done, Ves glanced away. Her eyes traveled across the deck of the boat, at the shredded remains of the Kobold crew. The blood was everywhere and likely to stain the wooden deck red. There were entrails strewn about and some of them even twitched. She could smell the coppery scent in the air. Ves felt sick and so she turned back to Björn.\n\n\"You *Were* Scary,\" She admitted quietly. \"But... You are Björn. I knew you were killing, but I also knew you weren't going to kill me. Maybe that's just foolish of me, but I wasn't truly afraid. Not of you.\" She gently pressed her hand to his heart and smiled up at him. She placed her opposite hand against his cheek. \n\nThe night was beginning to fade as dusk fell upon them. Ves was grateful for the light. She felt safer during the day and she knew that Björn would feel better as well. It also meant the start of work and Ves appreciated keeping busy. It kept her mind occupied.\n\nIt was beginning to occur to her what words she had spoken in her attempt to coax Björn back to her. *I love you.* That's what she had said. Had Björn heard her? Surely he had. So was he just avoiding bringing it up? Did he want to avoid the subject? Why? So many intrusive thoughts clawed at Ves' mind and she chewed anxiously on the inside of her cheek.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn tool a deep inhale. It was hard to deny that he was addicted to the smell of blood in the air. It's all he ever knew. In the Pits, it would give him a rush of high.* \"I will handle the bodies. Kip said fish are attracted to 'chum'. That's how I will dispose of them. Maybe bring more fish in while you figure out how to sail?\" *It was a clever idea; using the body disposal to turn a profit.*\n\n*He felt a bit disheartened as she spoke. He knew she was meaning well but...* \"I could've hurt you. Seriously hurt you. What if one day you get hurt by me in the crossfire? What if I mistake you for prey? What if I...\" *He shuddered. If he ever killed her...* \"No. I can't think like that. We will figure it out, together right?\" *He held her hand on his cheek and closed his eyes. The bags under his eyes was evident... It was then it dawned on him (as the sun began to) that he hadn't slept a wink.*\n\n*Björn had heard her words. He just didn't know what they meant. So he avoided bringing it up. He didn't want to be seen as dumb to someone as clever as her. He would instead learn what it meant first... So he could better understand the Kobold he felt so strongly for.* \"Ves, words don't manage to show just what you mean to me.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "It *Was* A clever idea, but Ves' stomach churned at the thought. She didn't want to think about how to dispose of bodies. She noticed his fretting and nodded her agreement. \"We will figure it out together. I will run and hide if I need to, Björn. But I think I can trust my instincts.\" *Think?* She didn't sound terribly confident. \n\nHer smile warmed at his words and her scales flashed a light shade of red. She ducked her head shyly, tail curling around her feet. Still the doubt nagged at her. It had felt good to say it. It had felt right. But now... What if he didn't feel the same way? He had said it once already, but it was mumbled drunkenly. Had he meant it? Or was he talking to shadows again?\n \nThe sunrise turned the sky red and violet and Ves breathed a sigh of relief. A new day was beginning. And as the light fell across Björn's face, she noted the exhaustion behind his eye. *First things first.* \"You need rest before anything else. Are you warm enough? Stay beneath the blankets. Lay down and take a nap. I can keep watch.\" \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"...*Think*?\" *He questioned.* *Forgive me, I just don't want you getting hurt. Ever.\" *He paused and smiled at her.* \"Something is on your mind Ves. Talk to me, please?\" *He asked so softly, wanting her to feel safe and secure.*\n\n*The sun warmed his face which felt like heaven.* \"Finally, no more darkness...\" *He shook his head as Ves spoke.* \"No, no. I can't rest. I have to get rid of the bodies.\" *...But his body had other plans. He needed rest whether he liked it or not. His eyes began to droop as he yawned.*\n\n\"Okay... Maybe just... One nap? Five minutes.\" *He looked to Ves.* \"Five minutes only, okay?\" *He reached forward and pulled her into a warm embrace.* \"I... Care about you. A lot, okay?\" *He blushed as the said those words, that's all he could muster. His hold on her relaxed as he slowly closed his eyes and dropped from her arms to lay down flat on the floor. The pain in his face slowly melting away.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "\"Five minutes,\" She agreed, gently stroking his hair as they embraced. She held him close, smiling as she felt him slowly relax. Yes. It was right. It was good. She loved this Goliath. As unusual as it may be, she did. She loved Björn. \n\nMaybe one day she'd gather the courage to say it out loud again. \n\nVes stood as soon as she was certain he was asleep. Her eyes scanned the horizon, keeping her gaze from focusing in on the bodies surrounding her. The waves lapped peacefully against the ship - *Their* Ship - and seabirds cawed in the distance. There was the shore to Broughton behind them. Everything was normal now. Nevermind the blood in the surrounding waters. \n\nEventually, however, her eyes were drawn to the carnage and she lost herself in her thoughts. Not necessarily memories, but of Kobold kind in general. They were cowardly and traitorous people, everyone knew that. Dirty. Diseased. No wonder people didn't like them. Her ears lowered at the thought. And then another occurred to her: *Why am I different?*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn slept silently. He didn't snore, didn't dream, didn't move. One would think he was a corpse if not for the occasional rise and fall of his chest. This was the slumber of recovery, one he needed to survive.*\n\n*The seabirds cried over the distant horizon as the waves did their fair share of lapping. It was serene, save for the Kobold corpses. Deep down, Björn wondered if Kip made it to shore. He doubted it in his mind.*\n\n*Five minutes passed... And then some more. He remained asleep and motionless, his body working overtime to recover properly. He would definitely need a large meal after this. The first time Björn raged out, his trainer - an old, battered Orc that they kept in the cells - told him to sleep and remain still. Then immediately after, try to consume protein. His body needed the extra fuel to repair the muscles and the recovery sleep would help reduce the fatigue of fights. Even as a free man, he followed his teachings to the letter; letting himself sleep as long as he needed.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Time passed. Ves eventually found herself wandering the decks, nimbly avoiding stepping on any bodies. She counted the steps from one end to the other. She paced back and forth, deep in thought, though she kept her eyes on the water. She didn't want anyone sneaking up on them. \n\nShe wouldn't wake Björn. He needed his rest. She had no one to teach her, but she knew sleep helped heal wounds. She had learned as much with her own recent leg injury. \n\nVes heard her stomach rumble and sighed, moving back to her satchel. She dug through it, pulling out the dried traveling ration. It wasn't satisfying but it would do. Leaning against the railing she ate her fill, taking a deep breath. It smelled like seawater and fish and blood. Well. She had smelled worse."
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*After some time, Björn shot up, eyes wide open. He looked around in shock before settling back into his usual demeanor. He stood up and walked over to the barrel of fish he caught the other day and grabbed one from the icy cold container and began to eat it raw. He knew how he must have looked to Ves, nibbling on her rations... But he needed this badly.*\n\n*He threw the bones into an empty barrel as he sucked the juice from his fingers and looked at Ves.* \"Good morning.\" *He smiled. Björn walked over to the side and grabbed a broom. Holding it firm in his grasp, he began to sweep the deck, pushing all the guts, bones and corpses towards one section of the deck near an empty barrel.* \"I'm going to be doing what I need to over here. If you want something to do - argh -...Maybe loot through the lower deck? It'll smell nicer down there I'm sure. Maybe you can find a manual to sail this thing. I have faith in you, beautiful.\"\n\n*His face went deep purple. WHYYYY DID HE SAYYYY THATTTT?! It just slipped out! Shit, he was more embarrassed than anything and simply decided the best way to avoid the situation he threw himself into was to throw himself headfirst into a barrel.* \"Dropped something!\" *Echoed from the barrel.* \"Oh! Also! Try the amulet! I have a good feeling you'll cheer up!\" *Came the Scottish voice from within the large barrel*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves jumped a little when Björn suddenly jerked awake, blinking as she watched him stand and walk over to the barrel of fish. Oh. *Oh.* It seemed he was hungry. Well, eating raw fish wasn't *Too* Unusual. She had seen some Kobold do the same thing back home. Still, it grossed her out a little so she glanced away.\n\n\"That's a good idea. I'll head below deck,\" She replied quickly as though she had not heard the word at all. In actuality *Beautiful* Was ringing in her ears. She hurried along, barely catching the last words he spoke. Amulet? Could he possibly mean...?\n\nSetting foot below deck, Ves waited for her eyes to adjust to the dim lighting. While she hesitated, she considered what Björn had said. Beautiful. He had called her beautiful. It had slipped off his tongue so casually, like it was an obvious thing everyone knew. Why? Her scales reddened. \n\nThe heat in her cheeks made her remember what else Björn had said. Curious, she pressed her fingers against the amulet around her neck.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*The sound of chopping and the wet slaps of meat were muffled from the relative safety of the lower deck. Beneath that noise, an even more muffled Björn was berating himself:* \"Ursa you idiot! Why did you hide?! She probably thinks you're an idiot, damn it!\" *He took his embarrassed anger out on the flesh before him, chopping it crudely and scooping it into buckets to prepare to fish. If Kip was good for one thing, it was teaching Björn how to fish.*\n\n*As Ves pressed the amulet, the sound of an ethereal and famillair screech could be heard as the translucent glowing Corvid flew from the amulet with a puff of energy and flew around the room a few times, landing on a barrel at Ves' height.*\n\n*Shrike tilted his head and hopped from side to side. She looked different somehow. Her red scales were throwing him off, that was obvious from how he began to look at his own red markings. He made a cawing sound as he got used to being alive again.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "\"Shrike!\" She exclaimed gleefully, clapping her hands together in delight. She would have hugged him if she could. Instead she reached up to scratch the familiar's neck, petting the bird affectionately. It occurred to her a moment later that Shrike might not *Want* To be petted, so she pulled away.\n\n\"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to... I mean, can I...? Do you mind? Pet you?\" She took a deep breath, her tail twitching in frustration at her rambling. \"I'm just really glad to see you!\"\n\nShe was confused. She had confessed her love for him and he gave no indication. And then a few hours later called her beautiful? It didn't make sense. Maybe he hadn't even heard her. Should she repeat herself? But if he *Had* Heard her then she'd look like a complete idiot. \n\nAnxiously tugging on an ear, Ves turned to begin to search the lower deck. It seemed to consist of one large room with two doors at one end. There were crates and barrels full of supplies and hammocks hanging from the large hooks. It would take some time to go through everything.\n\nWalking to the end of the large room, she opened the door on the right. Peeking inside she recognized a bedroom of some sort - probably Kip's personal quarters. She'd have to raid that later. A Kobold as greedy as Kip would surely have some good treasure. It wasn't what she was looking for however. She then opened the door on the left which appeared to be an office. \"Ah! Perfect. Maybe there will be something to help us sail away from here.\"\n\n||"
}
] | 285 | 11,560 |
268.8 | 2024-01-21 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Shrike hopped around and allowed her to pet him before she pulled alway. He began to clean himself with a silent focus. As she asked and rambled and stuttered, Shrike began to twist his head at her like a confused dog... His eyes somehow portrayed a feeling of 'why are you so anxious?'*\n\n*Shrike flitted to her shoulder and perched himself there, looking at her still. He looked like he would speak, but didn't. Instead, he stayed sat on her shoulder and accompanied her into the lower deck.*\n\n*He flew from her shoulder to land in a hammock, rummaging around before peeking up with a coin in his beak, feeling pretty pleased with his find. He flicked it down towards Ves before hopping around on the floor.*\n\n*Shrike kept his eyes out for dangers, but found nothing of note to be concerned with. Instead he flew into the office and began to peck the desk with vigorous intent.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves began rummaging through the tiny office. It consisted of a basic wooden desk and a couple of shelves. Ves searched the shelves first. There were three books on the shelf as well as various trinkets and knick-knacks. A lot of it seemed personal, as though it had meant something to Kip. She collected the books however to bring them above deck. Maybe one would prove useful.\n\nShe moved to the desk next, opening a drawer for Shrike. She found nothing of note and frowned, disappointed. No. Something didn't feel right. She began her search again, digging her fingers along the bottom of the drawers. She pressed down and heard a distinct *Click* As she opened the hidden compartment. \n\n\"Ah! Here!\" She said with a satisfied smirk. Then she reached into the compartment and pulled out a small rectangular box. It was locked, of course, and the key was likely somewhere on Kip. No matter. She was an excellent lockpick. After searching the rest of the office, she headed back above deck. \n\n\"Björn? I found a few books. And look! I bet Kip hid something good in here!\" She gave the box a little shake as she approached her lover. \"There are a ton of supplies down there as well. If we can learn to sail this ship, we'll be set for a while.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Shrike hopped up and down on the desk, trying to get her attention. When she finally opened it the first time he got annoyed and started pecking the drawer... Finally, she understood him! He hopped around in a little joyous dance.*\n\n*He flew to her shoulder and stayed there as she ascended the stairs... Björn was toiling away in the morning sun as he let out a loud grunt of effort, hauling a netfull of fish aboard the ship. He had gotten good, learned fast and was hauling in food, money and also removing the evidence. Besides the black-red sheen the ship had, it was cleaned and tidy. A few of the bandages Björn had were bleeding through but he was doing well. He turned around saw her coming.*\n\n\"Ves! You clever woman. I told you I had faith in you.\" *He knelt down to her height and kissed her cheek, taking the box and shaking it himself... He had no clue what he was doing and handed it back.* \"Well if there are a lot of supplies, I'm glad to hear it. I think it would do us good to make sure this ship ports somewhere that doesn't know Kip. The less questions the better.\" *Shrike cawed in agreeance... Or annoyance. It was hard to tell with him sometimes.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "\"Björn! You should be resting! What are you doing?\" She asked, alarmed by his actions. Then his kiss made her forget herself. She blushed a deep red, setting a hand on her cheek where his lips had been. First beautiful and now affectionate kisses. It was enough to make Ves melt. Her heart fluttered in her chest.\n\nShe exchanged the box for the books, hoping one happened to be an instruction manual. Wouldn't that be lucky? The box would wait however. She set it beside the satchel and moved up beside Björn to prevent him from any more work. \"You sit. You're bleeding through your bandages. See if you can make any sense of any of these books. I'm going to climb up there,\" She pointed to the mast, \"And see if I can lower the sails. I saw Kip do something with the ropes up there.\"\n\nIt occurred to her that she was still naked. She had set out their clothes on the railing while Björn slept. She now moved to check if they were dry yet. Finding them warm and comfortable, she quickly got dressed again. Then the Kobold moved to climb up the mast. She kept her pace steady, placing her feet carefully, digging in her claws for extra traction. She didn't want to fall.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"Okay I'll sit, but you be safe okay?\" *He shook his head as she realised her lack of modesty.* \"Thanks for the view at least!\" *He laughed to himself and sat down, watching her get changed and climbing up. It occurred to him he needed to wear more layers and started doing so.*\n\n*He flicked through the pages of books... Botany, whatever the fuck that was. A book about a lustful Dragonborn maid that Björn would keep for later... A book on sheets of lines with dots on them. He tried tapping them, sniffing them and licking them. Nothing worked! He then hummed to himself as he tried to figure it out - that's when he realised they were markings of pitch for music! He would suprise Ves with this later... She'd love it! The Goliath watched his lover climbing up the mast and sighed, he felt some strong emotions he didn't know the name of whenever he looked at her... Moreso after everything that has happened.*\n\n*Finally he came across a book labelled \"Seafaring for Dummies\" That seemed to detail how a ship worked. He peered up and yelled to Ves.* \"HEY! I got a book with instructions!\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "The view? Oh! He meant her naked form. Ves blushed, silver scales turning red and traveling down her neck. Then she did something that surprised even herself. She swished her tail at him, moving her hips provocatively, trying to draw his eyes to her waist. Then she scurried up the mast, burning an even brighter red at her boldness. But had he even noticed?\n\nReaching the top, Ves secured herself and began to study the rope. It seemed to be tied in deliberate ways and her keen eyes followed each loop. Finally she reached for a particular twist and pulled down. The sail immediately began to unfurl. Ves grinned with delight until a gust of wind caught the partially open sail. The boat jerked into sudden movement and Ves yelped, clinging to the mast tightly to keep herself from falling. \n\nThe ship moved a few yards before the anchor yanked them backwards. Ves felt herself lose her grip and begin to fall. She scrambled to cling to something, managing to grab ahold of a rope at the last minute. It slowed her fall drastically, but she still fell. Ves landed on her back, the air knocked out of her lungs, and her hand burned badly from the rope.\n\nPerhaps she should have studied the book first before pulling on random loops of rope."
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Oh Björn noticed. Björn noticed very well and he was pleased with her confidence. It made him smile more and it showed her want for his eyes on her, his attention. He wanted to call something up to her but if she got flustered, she'd likely fall.*\n\n*Björn flicked through the instruction manual as he noticed a crude drawing of what Ves was doing.* \"Wait! Wait Ves-!\" *Aaaand she had fell. The Goliath got up fast, too fast and ended up cramping as he raced over to her. He knelt over her with a concerned expression, but also slightly humoured.* \"Ves?! Are you okay?\"\n\n*He got to work on scanning her body for pain or injury; any visual damage. He checked her hand and winced at the red burned scales on her hand... It was immense and very sensitive. He had then tried to slowly sit her up so she can get more air.* \"Breathe.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves struggled to inhale, to make her lungs work again. Her eyes slowly opened and she looked up at Björn. She coughed and then choked, inhaling too sharply. Slowly she sat up. \"Ow...\" She mumbled, looking down at her rope-burned hand. She tried to move her fingers and instantly regretted it, hissing in pain. \"I'm okay,\" She wheezed, trying to convince herself of that fact.\n\nThe ship continued to strain in the wind. Ves frowned, looking up at the sails. Well, she had figured out how to make the boat move. Not that they were going anywhere with the anchor weighing them down. \"We should... Pull up the anchor and maybe get away from this particular spot? Just in case anyone happens by and sees something they shouldn't.\"\n\nVery shakily she rose to her feet. The fall had scared her more than anything, though her hand throbbed. Ves had very low tolerance to pain. \"I'll try and steer... Though maybe you should take over once you pull the anchor up. We can follow the coastline. Avoid going back to Broughton. Maybe we can find another dock further along.\" And maybe by then they would have figured out *How* To dock. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"By the Gods Ves! You should be more carful. You don't look okay!\" *He looked at her and shook his head.* \"You should have really been more careful. What if you broke your neck and died? I would *Not* Be feeding you to the fish!\" *He wasn't angry, but he was protective over her.*\n\n*As she stood, Björn scooped her back into his arms and shook his head once more.* \"No walking for you.\" *He walked with her in his large safe arms up to the helm of the boat and sat her down.* \"You stay here, I'll handle the anchor. I will read you the book as you sail. We can make this work together, okay?\" *He put his hand on her shoulder and nodded his head, determined to help.* \"Oh! And one more thing.\" *He leaned in and smirked, whispering into her ear.* \"The next time you shake your rear at me like that, I will smack it.\" *He kissed her cheek and walked down to the anchor's chain.*\n\n*The Goliath eyed the chain up, his brow furrowed. This would have been easier if he wasn't injured. He would probably rip a few bandages or maybe open one or two wounds... If that's what needed to happen for the Anchor to come up, that's what he must endure.* \"I'm going to pull!\" *He grasped the large, metallic chain and began to heave.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves squeaked as she was scooped up into Björn's arms. She forgot her pain momentarily as he moved to the helm and set her down. Ves eyed the wheel, which seemed large by her standards. Yet Kip had managed it. Surely she could as well. It couldn't be *That* Hard to turn a wheel and steer the boat.\n\nShe froze at Björn's words. Her entire face turned red and she felt hot suddenly. A little droplet of sweat trickled down her back. And his kiss only made the blush travel further down her neck! She hated when he moved away and resisted the urge to reach out and stop him. Instead she watched him stroll over to the anchor, taking the time to admire him in return.\n\nAt Björn's call, Ves gripped the wheel tightly and prepared herself. Her hand felt like it was on fire, but she did her best to ignore the pain. \"Okay! I'm ready!\" She called back to her lover. She worried about his wounds and wished she hadn't lowered the sails without thinking. It had been foolish of her. She was normally more cautious, but her curiosity had gotten the better of her. \n\nAs the anchor left the bottom of the sea, the boat jerked into motion once more. The winds were really intense and caused Ves to squint a little. She was surprised by how strong it was! She felt every shift and change through the wheel, which she held tightly and directed carefully. She didn't want any sudden turns to capsize them. Soon a smile spread across her face. Look at them! They were doing it! They were sailing!\n\n||"
}
] | 270 | 2,688 |
312.25 | 2024-01-24 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn heaved the anchor up as the ship flew into motion! It was somewhat shaky to begin with but it seemed to smooth out... Guees Ves was faring well as the helmswoman.* \"Seems good down here!\" *He yelled up to her as he tightened a bandage over his bicep.*\n\n*The sun shone bright in the sky, illuminating all that there was to see on a peerlessly clear and sunny day. The sound of Gulls could be heard overhead as they circled the mast. Björn admired them when he noticed the turn of the ship make the sails lose wind... A puzzling issue. Björn stuck his finger in his mouth before holding it out in the air. The wind didn't follow the ship... The sails need to turn with the wind!* \"Stay on course Ves! I have an idea!\"\n\n*Björn knew the wind. It was a constant companion and a friend in this free new world. He began to unloop the rope around one of the ties holding the sails straight. The wind blew hard and threatened to drag Björn off the ship with how hard it struck the side of the sail! Thankfully, Björn steadied his footing on the boat and began to pull the rope with some effort, making the ship's sails turn with it, ensuring they stayed filled. He tied it back down and looked to Ves with a thumbs up. He felt very clever.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves smiled into the wind, thoroughly enjoying the feeling of sailing. The sea splashed against the bow of the ship and mist hit her face, making her laugh. She noticed when the sails no longer filled with wind and frowned as they slowed. What happened? \n\nBjörn seemed to notice as well and got to work with the rope. Ves held steady on her end, eyes widening in alarm when he was almost swept off the deck! She almost let go of the wheel, but fortunately held tight. The wind caught the sail again with Björn's help and the ship jerked into motion.\n\n\"Good job, Björn!\" She said with a cheerful grin. \"How far do you think we should go? I'm just following the coastline...\" She explained. Soon the town of Broughton had faded into the distance behind them and Ves breathed a little easier. She wondered absently if Kip had managed to make it safely to shore. Yet she didn't dwell on the thought. It didn't really matter. Kip didn't really matter. \n\nShe considered the helm, running her fingers lightly over the polished wood. She liked the way it felt in her hands. Her tail swayed back and forth as she considered before looking back up at Björn. \"Could you bring me the map? Maybe we can figure out where we're at and see if there are any other towns along the coast.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn called back to her, cupping his hand around his mouth.* \"I have no clue! Is there anything on the coastline? I don't know what could be here!\" *He tightened the sail after adjusting to her traversal. As he did so, he pondered Kip's fate. He wished he had killed him, tied all loose ends... That choice could come back to bite them both later...*\n\n*Björn looked over the coastline with a satisfied smile as he tried to suppress the thought. Even the sun was blessing him with warm rays on his skin. The salty air and spray was also refreshing for him too. The Goliath was well suited to working on not just boats. Goliaths like Björn were masters of craft and labor with arguably unparalleled endurances. He was not to be seen as a slacker in any way shape or form. He hoped that the fish would bring good profits. Even if he removed the owner, he wanted to do his job well.*\n\n\"Coming up!\" *He called as he grabbed the map from her satchel and held it in his tight grasp, ensuring it didn't fly away in the wind. He ascended the wooden staircase and approached the Helm. It was a nice view from there, for a couple who have never been on a boat before at least. It mattered not that it was a smaller fishing vessel, to them it was their home for the time being. Maybe they could sell the boat too if seafaring became too hard to live on.* \"Here.\" *He held the map out for her, laying it against his torso so she can see all the contents.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "\"Okay!\" Ves said cheerfully as she unraveled the map across Björn's chest. \"So... I *Think* These markings here are Broughton. You'll have to read the letters and tell me for sure. So I guess that means we're somewhere out here.\" She traced the invisible line with her finger. \"So that is Dasvaz and we're traveling this way, along the opposite coast. There's the big city we were originally heading towards. It's a bit inland though. Hmm. I don't know what to do really, or where to go. I wish I could read! It would have made this a lot easier.\"\n\nVes was a little frustrated by her inability to make more sense of the map. All she could do was point and describe what she saw. She was jealous of Björn's reading skill. An idea occurred to her then. \"Björn... Could you maybe teach me to read? Like you did with the word 'tavern.' I want to learn.\" She gazed up at him with big pleading eyes.\n\nFeeling embarrassed to be begging, Ves cleared her throat and rolled up the map. \"In any case... We should figure out how to put the sails up. I think we're far enough away from Broughton that we can lower the anchor again. I really want to do some more in-depth snooping, especially in Kip's room. And the box! I still need to open that box I found. I wonder what's inside.\"\n\n||"
}
] | 308 | 1,249 |
326.333333 | 2024-01-26 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He turned to look at her, tightening his bandages.* \"Very good! I think you have made a good start.\" *He patted her head as he praised her. Before crouching to her level in a heels-down squat.* \"That is a V. You have two types of letters: V... Owls and... Let me think.\" *The Goliath's face went blank as he thought of what the word was. It was on his tongue... Began with a c...*\n\n\"Cowls. Yeah, that's it. Vowls and Cowls. Vowls are Ay, Eeh, Eye, Oh, and You. Cowls are the other 15...I think?\" *Björn was slow and didn't fully grasp languages. He could speak as good as any other especially with the language he picked up in the Pits but when it came to teaching literacy... He was a knuckleheadded man.*\n\n\"I can try and teach more later. We have to tie those sails up. I can try but...\" *He looked at the bandages that were bound tight against his bicep and shoulder. Crimson blood was leaking through them. He dabbed his finger in wound slightly and bit his lip momentarily. He got lost in the moment and smeared his bloody finger across his cheeks and the bridge of his nose, making a red streak of paint across him. He came back to his senses and looked to her.* \"Shrike would be better help.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "\"Vowls and cowls,\" Ves repeated solemnly. She felt proud of herself for learning. Maybe one day she would be as fluent as Björn. Her tail twitched about excitedly as she studied her name again. If that was a V, then the other letters were the 'es.' She wondered what they were called.\n\nThere would be time for that later. First they needed to deal with the sails. Ves flexed her rope-burned hand and flinched, but nodded to Björn. \"I'll get it done. Just tell me how,\" She said as she moved to the mast. She took a moment to wrap a bandage tightly around her hand, then began to climb. \n\nShe was even more worried about Björn's wounds. \"When I get done, we'll rewrap your injuries. It's not good that you're bleeding through the bandages.\" She was silently kicking herself for having him handle the anchor. They should have rested rather than set sail. If only she hadn't been so careless.\n\nWith Björn shouting instructions up at her, Ves managed to figure out how to tie the sails up. It wasn't perfect, but together they got the job done. Ves noted that she would have to work on her knots as she double-checked the ropes before carefully climbing down. At least now the ship wasn't straining against the anchor. The boat still bobbed in the waves, but it felt rather peaceful. \n\nSetting her clawed feet onto the deck, Ves smiled brightly up at Björn. \"Let's go below deck. I want to see if Kip had any more food onboard. I'm hungry.\" She also wanted to see what other supplies the other Kobold had been hiding. Hopefully there would be something to help them in their travels. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn nodded his head silently, as he always did. It was a subtle nod of understanding, agreeance and much more - an unspoken language bespoke to the Goliath himself. Along with his grunts, snarls and huffs, he almost had a comprehensive language with only two who knew it, those two being himself and Shrike.*\n\n*Björn would read the book as best he could, calling up things she must do with his loud and grumbling voice. Shrike accompanied Ves up in the rigging and when she looked confused, he would squawk and hop around, directing her with his small ethereal claws and ghostly pecks at certain hooks and sheets.*\n\n*As the boat began to settle, and Ves made her way down (with Björn directly under her until she was within a safe distance... Just incase she fell). He stepped back as she stepped down from her climb and listened to her proposition.* \"You did good Ves. Very well. Let us explore together.\"\n\n*The Brutish Goliath then looked to his Familiar and lifted his upper lip slightly to bear his teeth and made another distinctive huff. The Bird, clearly understanding the primitive notion, bobbed his body up and down in what seemed to be a sign of understanding. Shrike then perched himself above the doorway to the lower decks and nestled comfortably, his large red eyes narrowing as if he was focusing.*\n\n||"
}
] | 310 | 979 |
286.375 | 2024-01-27 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves found herself envious of Björn's special connection with Shrike. They shared a bond she did not fully understand, even though she was the familiar's handler. It was evident in the Goliath's gruff communications and the bird's responses. The tip of her tail flicked absently and she reached up to pet Shrike before descending below deck.\n\n\"Be careful,\" She warned Björn. \"The ceilings are low. Well. Low for you. Tall for me,\" She babbled happily. She was in a cheery mood. Things were certainly looking up. They had a boat, a way to travel safely. The Orcs wouldn't look for them out at sea. They had supplies. They had each other. Yes, Ves had plenty of reasons to feel overjoyed.\n\nVes took advantage as Björn bent to avoid knocking his head on the ceiling. She moved to his side and stood on her tiptoes. Even so she couldn't reach! So she took his arm and pulled him down and into a kiss. Ves boldly pressed her lips to his, her tail wrapping around her ankle. She made a soft little moan as she closed her eyes.\n\nThen she suddenly pulled away, her scales turning crimson as she looked down. \"S-Sorry! I shouldn't have done that. I mean, I wanted to, but I should have asked first. I'm sorry. I'm babbling again. Sorry! I mean... Tch...\" She scolded herself, looking guilty. She couldn't help it. She was craving his touch. With everything that had happened, their shared night at the inn seemed like a distant memory. She wanted to remember more vividly how it had felt. \n\nStill blushing fiercely, Ves turned away. She cleared her throat. \"Oh! Look! Food!\" She quickly walked over to a section of crates. Fresh pears and other fruits lay nestled against a bed of straw. There were other crates clearly marked with the foodstuff within, which varied from travel rations to fresh bread. Ves busied herself with picking up an apple and looking it over for blemishes. How could she have been so bold? It was embarrassing. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*Björn made his way below deck with Ves. Her warning rang true as he bonked his head against a wooden beam. Rubbing his sore forehead, the Goliath began to stoop lower and lower down to fit poroperly. He eneded up bending in such a way that his shoulder blades were close to the roof, his head tucked between his arms slightly.*\n\n*That was when Ves made her bold advance. Grabbing his arm and dragging him down to her level connecting their lips in a lingering moment of bliss and perhaps more. He noticed her tail wrap around her leg and began to lean into the kiss as he pulled away. He looked at her with a glance of suprise, pent up emotion and disappointment in her backing down. Björn was a warrior, he liked when someone gave his own energy back.*\n\n*He was about to speak when she began to babble and ramble in her anxiety and fear. Her frail frame gave him the shivers, her anxious and easily toppled demeanor was interesting to him, especially with how she moaned into the kiss. Björn hadn't heard many noises like that in his life, but he knew enough to recognise the sound of perverted desire.*\n\n*As she turned away, Björn decided in that moment that he would get his own back on her... Under the creaks of the ship and Ves' own mental entrapment, Björn slowly made his way behind her. With a little effort from his aching arm, he raised his arm behind her and brought his hand to collide with her rear with a firm but safe smack. Beneath a low chuckle the Goliath said, not moving his hand from it's landing place:* \"I told you what would happen if you became a tease. Don't hot and cold me.\" *A small smirk was hidden by his beard.*\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Gods, she was dumb. Why was she being so stupid? First the sails and now this? She needed to *Think* First. Why was her brain so muddled? What was wrong with her? Was something wrong with her? Was that why she kept making mistakes? \n\nYes, Ves was deep in her own thoughts and did not notice when Björn crept closer. She did not see his carefully aimed motions. Her head was lowered as she mumbled about food. And then -*Then*- the sudden feeling of Björn's palm against her rear. Ves squeaked as her eyes flew open wide, her mind whirling as she processed what had just happened. His words made her ears twitch and she shivered. \n\n\"I wasn't! I mean, I guess I was, but I wasn't trying to!\" She objected in a higher pitched voice than usual. Then she cleared her throat and turned her head to look back at him. \"So you didn't mind it?\" She asked hopefully. \"I just... I'm new to all this. I don't know what's okay and what isn't.\" \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "\"Don't lie, girl.\" *He huffed, his piercing yellow eye staring into her's.* \"I know your intent. The way you wrap your tail around your leg, I see it even if you didn't mean to.\" *He smiled a little.* \"Don't worry. You did nothing wrong. Who is here to tell you not to? I find bold moves attractive.\"\n\n*He paused for a moment before a ingenious grin swept across his face.* \"Let me give you an example.\" *He placed his hand against the wall behind her with a gentle thud and used the momentum to move in and bring his lips to her's in a moment of passion. As the Goliath kissed Ves, one hand pushed her towards him by her rear and the other lifted her leg into his grasp to lean her lower in the kiss.*\n\n*As sudden as it happened, he pulled away, letting her catch her own footing. His method was straightforward and was clear he was a fan of the physical. Not a master of intimacy, but the primal feeling of attraction was one he knew very well, as with all base emotions that belonged to a lower vessel or animal. Attraction, rage, lust, desire, glory, pain, pleasure. Those were the forms he recognised in an interlinked web. Without breaking eye contact with her, Björn wiped the latent saliava from his lips against his sleeve.* \"Like that.\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves was flooded with relief. He liked it. But he also called her out. Had she been lying? Yes, to herself and then to him. She had an idea of the effect she had on Björn. She knew how a kiss made him feel. She had witnessed it firsthand and she had felt it herself. And she understood suddenly why it might be hurtful when she pulled away so quickly. She wasn't doing anything wrong or bad by kissing him, but her behavior afterward was troubling. \n\nShe was lost in her own thoughts again and so failed to notice Björn moving. His hand thudding softly on the wall next to her made her jump. And then his lips were on hers and every intrusive thought left her. She moaned as she closed her eyes, leaning into the kiss, deepening it. She began to wrap her arms around him as he drew her close...\n\nThen he pulled back, leaving her breathless and hot. Her tail was wrapped tightly around her ankle and her entire body shuddered. She whimpered in protest and gazed hungrily up at him. \"Oh. I think I understand,\" She replied. Then she pulled herself close to him, wrapping her arms around his neck, pressing her lips back to his. She ached for this and wanted *More.*\n\nThe kiss felt like it lasted forever. Ves found herself pulling Björn down on top of her. How had she gotten on the floor to begin with? It didn't matter. All that mattered was Björn's lips on hers. \n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*It seems his example worked a bit too good as she reverted to her base instincts once more. He saw a primal and deep-seated hunger in her eyes as she pounced into a kiss with him. He lifted her up into his arms as he pushed her against the wall as they kissed.*\n\n*A low growl came from Björn as he himself enjoyed the sensation. With little regard for her total safety, Björn bit her lip mid-kiss and pushed her onto the wooden floor. He enjoyed the feeling of their bodies against one another. He wanted to do this since they met Kip. Just show her who is boss out of the two of them. If Ves somehow overpowered him, he would be impressed and pleased.*\n\n*Björn pulled away mid kiss as a thin trail of saliva left their mouths as he looked at her and gave her his pleased, yet still dumb grin.* \"You happy now?\"\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Ves",
"message": "Ves' tail snaked around Björn's thigh and she squeezed tightly. Her heart thundered in her ears as they pressed their bodies together. Although Björn loomed over her, she did not feel fear. All she felt was hot desire and... Something else. Something that was driving her forward, encouraging her to take risks. Ves knew what that *Something* Was and shied away from it.\n\nVes exhaled slowly as Björn pulled away. Her tail loosened, but did not unravel as she laid back and gazed up at him in a daze. Her smile was a reflection of his own: stupored and pleased. \"I am happy. *Very* Happy.\"\n\nShe reached up to touch his face, mere inches away from her own. Her amber eyes were filled with emotion. \"Björn... I...\" She began, but hesitated. She knew what she wanted to say, but fear got the better of her. \"I want you,\" She continued. It was certainly true. She wanted him and so much more.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "Bjorn Ursa",
"message": "*He looked at the Kobold with a suprised look before readjusting to a pleased gaze of approval. Emotions filled his one working eye.* \"I want you too.\" *He replied as he rested his head against her's for a moment. He lowered his hand to his own thigh and Björn traced the tail that was coiled around this thigh with two of his fingers.*\n\n*The Goliath slowly leaned into her neck and began to softly kiss it.* \"That means you want this?\" *He gently grasped her tail.* \"Or me kissing you like this?\" *He softly bit her neck a little as be teased her.*\n\n*The Goliath pulled away with a parting kiss and leaned back onto his hunches. He knew she wanted more, but if he stayed like this, she would be unable to pull his face back to her. He looked down past his large tunic and into her eyes and simply smiled.*\n\n||"
}
] | 261.5 | 2,291 |
768 | 2022-07-26 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "The Destroyer, Sesshomaru [Sha Sheng Wan ]",
"message": "It was a beautiful night out tonight. The wind was gentle and calm, moving through the area at a steady pace. The moon was perched high in the sky, much too high for any creatures below to touch. The stars twinkled and danced along the horizon in a graceful pattern, shedding light on the world below. There seemed to be nothing that could ruin a night like this and that would be true for anyone who wasn't human. Even now, the few people left were running for their lives. Fighting. Hiding. Dying. That was the life of a human in the current era. There was no peace and there was no time to enjoy the scenery. \n\nWhile humans suffered, some creatures were having an incredible time. These people drank and sang and even beat the hell out of each other. These people were in a tavern and among them was a man who dedicated his time to the eradication of everyone. This mans name was Sesshōmaru. Considered nothing more than a fairy tale by some and the Destroyer by others. For a less fortunate group, he was the angel of death that sent them to the afterlife. Regardless of what people thought about him, nobody had actually seen him. With that said, he was always hiding in plain sight. \n\nSesshōmaru is a tall, muscular young man standing at six feet tall and weighing over two hundred pounds. His body is very lean and muscular, giving him a very notable physique. Sesshōmaru is described as very handsome by most honest people who meet him. His features are very sharp and masculine, especially his jaw. He has wide black eyes with thin double eyelids and thick eyebrows. His hair is uneven, the longest strands going down to his shoulders. His hair is gray in color and he has slightly tanned skin, a sharp nose ridge, and a strong jawline. \n\nSesshōmaru is usually seen wearing a very serious expression. He shows little to no emotion on his face at all times and his eyes are noted to be very fierce and intimidating, as if he planned to kill\n\nThe first person he deems a threat without hesitation. His appearance is also noted to be very majestic and dignified from his speech to the way he carries himself. His body is covered in scars from the countless battles he's participated in. \n\nSesshōmaru is a man whose preference for dress varies by the day. While he does wear formal attire he can also be seen dressing casually. He can also be seen wearing suits and trench coats and an array of casual attire. \n\nSesshōmaru's current outfit consists of a long tan trench coat, a smooth tight jet black turtleneck sweater, and black pants with a black belt and black shoes. \n\nBefore making his way to civilization, he tortured a witch and forced her to cast an illusion spell that made him appear like a vampire to other people. He killed her afterward. Creatures with heightened senses would detect a vampire instead of something they've never seen before and to further the illusion, he wore a daylight ring. \n\nSesshōmaru sat at the front of the tavern, drinking milk instead of alcohol. He always did like milk and he was pleased that they had some fresh milk to offer him. The reason he had come here was simple. He was gathering allies. He planned to find someone he could use in his plans here and once he did he'd just kill everyone else. Not for any particular reason just for sport."
},
{
"author": "groovy08861",
"message": "Kia grunted as the Tieflings' punch landed near the corner of her mouth. She took a couple of steps back, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. \n\nMoments before, they had been laughing, stumbling along the pavement as if they'd just finished more drinks than they could actually process. And seeing as she'd wanted a few herself, she figured the were the best to ask, especially because she hadn't run into anyone else yet. But then they just turned, obviously using the ruse as a ploy.\n\n\"I was asking if you knew where the tavern was, and now you're robbing me? Goddesses above, are any manners really that difficult to find?\" She huffed, sidestepping as they ran at her again, before kicking the back of their knees, causing them to tumble. Before they could take another go at her, she promptly began to walk the way she'd come. \n\nAfter a week's worth of constant traveling, the Vesani was ready for a drink and a place to find a decent bed. She'd been taking a small break from jobs, and tried to go see the beauty their world had to offer. But instead, any turn she made, there was a thief. Any beautiful town, there was someone either killing or being killed. Kia had done her best, but even then that wasn't enough.\n\nBut her final destination was Alynthi, known for its natural beauty, quite literally. And supposedly quite safe, but that claim had not held thus far.\n\nThe night sky was beautiful though, and she thanked Yevina for allowing her the opportunity to be able to see the world as it was, and not as some wanted to picture it. Even though war had not plagued anyone in sometime, evil still lurked about. And unfortunately, no one could eradicate this kind of evil. \n\nSomewhere nearby, the clamoring of drunken stupor caught her attention. If that wasn't a tavern, then she didn't know what was. Following the sounds, she appeared before a rather full place, the sign reading 'The Drunken Sailor'. Pushing open the doors, a rather rowdy inside greeted her. From their smell alone, she'd guess most were sailors, as the sign had said. Probably celebrating a chance for 'wine and women'. She pulled her scarf over her ears, just so no one there tried to assume something about her nature. \n\nMaking her way towards the bar, the only free seat was on either side of, presumably a man, and she sat at his left. As the bartender walked back towards them, she ordered herself two meads. After they were placed in front of her, she chugged one, setting the stein back onto the wooden surface. She then began to sip at the other. Peering at the man beside her, he was a vampire. It looked like a ring on his hand, if any it'd be a daylight ring. Which would make him someone of importance. 'Interesting', she thought.\n\n\"Milk is an... Odd choice of drink, eh? Probably tastes better than the mead, anyhow.\" She said simply, taking a lengthy sip from her stein again. Her stomach grumbled, which made her internally worry just a tad. She was starting to get more exhausted as the days went. Most Succubi became bards or artists, and became loved that way. But Kia lacked the voice of an angel, much less the creativity of one.\n\nThankfully Yevina had blessed her with the want to help others, and so far that was enough."
},
{
"author": "The Destroyer, Sesshomaru [Sha Sheng Wan ]",
"message": "As Sesshōmaru drank, he allowed his senses to wander, picking up on the sounds around him. Naturally he heard through the noise, allowing him to pick up on traces of conversation and other sounds nearby. From what he could hear, no one worth anything was present at the tavern. He began wondering if he'd have to kill everyone there without ever finding anyone to aid him. He had traversed the lands for years now, fighting alone as he looked for other humans. Never in that time had he ever considered using other people to further his plans. It wasn't until he had killed countless people and burned down countless villages and even parts of cities that he realized maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to gather a few tools. \n\nWhenever he finally did decide to start using people, he first began searching for leads of remaining humans. Most of the people who's trust he gained claimed to have never seen any and the slave traders he spoke to could only dream of catching a human. The last batch of people he had under his thumb found him out so he was forced to kill them. He was in need of replacements and this time he aimed to use them for a different purpose. \n\nRight before he was about to get up to start dropping bodies, he heard as another person entered the tavern. He decided to wait and see if this was someone worth keeping alive or not. From her presence alone he could tell she was female and he was well aware that the only seats in the tavern were right next to him. As she sat down, he could clearly feel her eyes on him and judging from the slight sounds her stomach made before it even growled, he could tell she was hungry. Judging from the fact that she ordered drinks instead of food he was sure she had little money. \n\nSeeing nothing special about the woman, he opted to finish his drink. After that he was considering killing everyone and then burning the place to the ground or killing everyone by burning the place to the\n\nGround. He wasn't sure yet. As he was between sips, the woman spoke to him. He remained silent at first, uninterested in conversation. After some consideration however he decided to give her another chance. He did not look at her as he spoke.\n\n\"For some... Milk is a delicacy.\"\n\nSesshōmaru spoke in a calm, quiet tone yet there was something about his voice that was overwhelmingly intimidating. Despite his voice having no malice in it, it seemed to display his lack of hesitation to commit violence at any moment. It was as if he'd kill anyone for any reason without mercy. This strange tone coupled with his fierce and emotionless eyes made him come off as very intimidating to most people. Despite this odd touch, his words were very well formed and majestic, his speech flowing together. He seemed to be extremely professional and formal and that made him come off as very old or even ancient, furthering the illusion despite it merely being his personality. \n\nHis words may have seemed very random and even strange to most people considering milk was a very common drink. For a human on the run who lived in the wilderness most of his life however, those words made perfect sense. Even clean water was a delicacy for him and his family. Before becoming a genocidal adult he had only ever had milk twice, both times nearly dying to obtain it. \n\nAfter he spoke, he heard the woman's stomach grumble which didn't surprise him since he saw it coming. It was no secret that he was a master of disguises and fabrications. In order to gain allies he was constantly faking emotions, intentions, and feelings. With that said, despite not caring if she starved and dropped dead right next to him, he ordered a plate of warm food and once it came, slid it to the woman next to him without saying a word or looking in her direction. He figured he may have been too hasty to kill everyone before so he decided to slow down a bit and get to know the woman a\n\nLittle. If she could be useful to him he'd certainly figure it out and maybe the lives of the people in the tavern could be saved."
}
] | 735 | 2,304 |
484 | 2023-02-09 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Damir Walch",
"message": "*\"The tavern isn't particularly crowded tonight,\" Damir thought to himself as he entered the old establishment. The hum of the surprisingly docile crowd hung low over the room, with the slight smell of salt and fish pervading throughout the establishment. It was quiet now, but if this tavern lived up to its reputation it could change any minute. Not his ideal location for a clandestine meeting, but it was sufficient for his needs.*\n\n*He sat down in a corner near the rear of the room, a place where he shouldn't be overheard. What he planned to discuss would be among the first major steps he had taken in centuries. It was calculated, but it did have risks. This Captain, while blessed with Vampirism, had a reputation for... Instability. But if he ever needed to distract a kingdom from his plans, this pirate would be good to have on call.*\n\n*He pulled his cloak around closer, and pulled his hood down. He didn't think anyone would recognize him, but he wanted to ensure that would not happen in the future, even with the Captain, lest betrayal rear it's ugly head. No, better to remain little known then risk it all unraveling before it even began. He leaned back in his chair as he waited for Captain Morley, \"The Mad\"*"
},
{
"author": "Morley The Mad",
"message": "The Drunken Sailor was a well-liked establishment by most. Though that's not to say the clientele were well liked by the Drunken Sailor's owner. Said owner had changed over the centuries. Most of the time the new one was just the son or daughter of the last, but even the ones who'd gone years running the business without ever meeting one of its more... Eccentric, customers, knew what to do when the time came. As the bar tend cleaned off the bar with an old rag, the sound oddly loud compared to normal, usually there was jostling and jeering and shouting to drown it out, the door swung open with a creak\n\nThe door creaked most times. It wasn't an out of the ordinary occurrence. But this time, a distinct silence fell over the already calm bar. Silhouetted in the moon, a shadow stretched across the bar, dominating the tavern as the moonlight spilled in through the entrance. A man, tall and large, almost encompassing the door frame. A large coat of some kind was draped about him, and the clear shadow of a Captain's hat, with two feathers sticking out at an upwards angle, was visible. A ring of what looked like large ribs, four of them, two on each shoulder, created an even more imposing visage. As the barkeep looked up from the countertop, a deep voice, sickly sweet, yet ragged and worn, high class yet riddled with filth, rang out in the distinct inflection and accent of a seafarer \n\n\"May I come in?\"\n\nThe sentence hung in the air for a few moments, then a few more. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, the bartender responded \n\n\"Yes. You may\"\n_ _\n\nWith a toothy grin and a prize winning swagger, Morley the Mad stepped inside. Shutting the door behind him, he looked around, arms held up at his side, claw-like, blackened nails on full display, as if he was presenting some sort of event. Now fully in the light, his true face was revealed. Pale, haggard, almost purplish flesh, stained with salt water and the musk of rot and blood. His first steps into the establishment, one with the squeak of a wet old boot, one with the thunk of a wooden leg against the floorboards, displayed his flamboyant ceremonial admirals garb, lined in gold lapels and intricacies, and coloured a deep scarlet, paired with a large black Captain's hat, affixed with a solid gold symbol and bearing two feathers aloft. His striped blue and yellow pantaloons only covered half of one leg, only fully covering the other, for one of them was severed at just above the knee. A peg-leg, adorned with a skull made of solid gold at its top, protruded from his left leg. Finally, With that same voice, giggly and aloof yet laced with malice, he gave his response to the barkeep\n\n\"Good, good\"\n\nWith a piercing high pitched cackle of sorts, which was cut short by a violent coughing fit, heralded the return to normalcy as the customers returned to normal discussion. Morley scanned the tavern, squinting about until his wild, red eyes met a hooded figure in the corner. His face, gaunt and almost animalistic, lacking any nose, lit up into a smile as he began hobbling over, walking slightly lopsidedly due to his leg, a discordant series of squelches, then clunks, then squelches, then clunks, sounded out as he came closer \n_ _\n\nMaking his way to the table, he found a seat, throwing out his moth bitten coat tails before sitting down, almost breaking the chair in the process, then laughing to himself about it. Now, up close, that grin still fully displaying his teeth, his exposed fangs were revealed, and the dried in blood both staining his teeth and caked into two distinct dribbles down his face was visible. Less than ideal indeed, but still useful\n\n\"So. What is it you wanted, exactly?\""
},
{
"author": "Damir Walch",
"message": "*Damir looked up at the newcomer. The Captain certainly lacked subtlety, and he was glad this was a slower day for the tavern, less likely anyone would actually care. Damir's face was shrouded with illusion beneath his hood, the better to make it unrecognizable, lest discovery thwart his plan.* \n\n\"Captain Morley, I presume. You certainly don't make any effort to conceal yourself in public, but I suppose most common folk are to scared of your reputation to do much.\" *He spoke slowly, calmly, and deliberately.* \"I am pleasantly surprised you decided to hear me out on my offer, although I must emphasize that due to the fragile nature of what we will be discussing I would like to keep our conversation... Somewhat discret.\"\n\n*He leaned forward slightly, hands clasped in front of him.* \"I might as well get straight to the point. We are gathering a certain... Organization of individuals to forward ourselves in the world. We will work together to shape world events to our advantage. As of yet we are still small, but we wanted to offer you a potential hand in that vision. A share in the world, so to speak.\" \n\n*After explaining the basics of what he was planning, he leaned back expecting the captain's response. He never intended on him being a major part of his organization, but him being a member would be a great boon. Someone who could drive events at sea to Damir's advantage. And when it was said and done, he didn't expect it would take much more than a fancy title and free reign over the oceans to compensate this gentleman for his efforts.*"
}
] | 334 | 1,452 |
179.666667 | 2022-01-22 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Arnvald Pihll",
"message": "*It was clear to Arnvald upon this first interaction that this dwarf was in fact his contact. As the dwarf was practically falling apart in front of him, Arnvald would recognize the toll that this loss actually had on the dwarf, and the interior of his hut only strengthened that. Placing the paper back in his pouch, he would give the dwarf a respectful nod.*\n\n\"Correct. Would it be alright if I came in?\" \n*Whether or not the Ranger was invited in, he would quickly follow up with his first question.* \"Your apprentice, how long ago has it been since you've seen him.\""
},
{
"author": "The Weaver of Stories",
"message": "\"Ah, yes! Of course. I apologize for the mess.\" Stepping back, Otto allowed the elven man to come into his home before sighing a bit at Arnvald's question. \"Its been nearly a week's time. As I'm sure you've noticed, Broughton is right on the edge of the border to Dasvaz.\" If Arnvald knew anything of Dasvaz, he'd know the place was filled with war-loving orcs and dragonborn, especially dangerous for outsiders with no knowledge of the nation. \"I sent him out to the cove, but I haven't seen him since. I went looking for him but after two days of searching I knew I needed some sort of help, someone who had experience with this type of situation.\" Otto sighed, his expression filled with worry. \"My theory, if it at all matters, is perhaps a band of cutthroats or mercenaries grabbed him and hauled him to Dasvaz. Slavery is outlawed in Alynthi but.. Not there.\""
},
{
"author": "Arnvald Pihll",
"message": "*As Arnvald entered the hut he would take another look at the mess this dwarf had created. It only affirmed his suspicions before about the apprentice's importance. Looking ahead, he knew Dasvaz was not a place to be causing trouble. From what he's heard and seen the land is on the smaller size, the but the nation is well defended. Crimes committed against their people typically result in them becoming enslaved and forced to work. If he had to travel to Dasvaz, he would need to be careful and precise about his movements. After listening to tbhe Dwarf, more questions would continue to flood his mind.*\n\n\"If you don't mind I'm going to rattle a few questions off at you. To start, what was your apprentice sent off to retrieve? As well, if I could get a description of them that would be helpful. Finally, what do you know about the slave traders near the border. Any locations they occupy or territory they lay claim to?\""
}
] | 198 | 539 |
137.75 | 2022-01-24 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Arnvald Pihll",
"message": "*Arnvald would listen as the dwarf spoke, mentally taking note of the information he was being provided. In essence a lost and found has turned into a human trafficking situation, just without the human. He'd take note of the name, physical description, and the necklace he was wearing. Most likely that would be the key to this puzzle.*\n\n\"Is there anything else you can tell me about Folkert. Any scars or physcial deformatities he has. Anything extra aside from the necklace that I may be able to use to seperate him from the group?\""
},
{
"author": "The Weaver of Stories",
"message": "\"Not really, sir. He's a pretty standard looking boy though his ears aren't as pointed as most half-elves, they're rather odd. They bend outward a bit rather than straight back and have less of a point. Nearly like a human's I'd say.\" Otto looked up at Arnvald apologetically, as there was no more information he could give to help the ranger search for his lost apprentice. Shaking his head at himself, Otto looked down in despair. \"I have no clue what to tell his mother. She doesn't even know yet, as she's been on a trip to Findara to visit family. She'll be back in a few days most likely and I'm terrified the worst has happened to Folkhert.\""
},
{
"author": "Arnvald Pihll",
"message": "\"It is only right you inform his mother on her return if I have not returned yet. Please reassure her though that you have someone on it to find him. This information you provided will give me a strong start, so thank you. I will return with him, one way or another.\"\n\n*As he spoke he would make his way to the door, keeping his eyes on the dwarf. Arnvald tried to keep his jobs seperate from his emotions, but he always found a way to pick the emotional invested ones. Keeping his composure as he exited the hut approaching Blinder and untying the horse's lead.*\n\n\"Otto, could you please direct me to the Captain of the Guard here at Broughton. I believe they will be my next step in learning about the traders in this area.\""
},
{
"author": "The Weaver of Stories",
"message": "The dwarf followed after Arnvald, his expression remaining worried. Though the elf's words were reassuring, there was still that pang of worrying about the worst outcome within Otto. Calling after Arnvald, \"The guards tower would be the best place to look. You can't miss it, its the tallest building in town. Simply ask for information on any Dasvaz slavers in the area, I'm sure they'll help you as best they can!\" As Arnvald rode off, Otto made his way back inside his hut, anxiously awaiting and hoping for his apprentice's return."
}
] | 137 | 551 |
245.2 | 2024-02-09 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Dulcinea",
"message": "*Dulcinea had made it to a new town once again. This time they least were not arriving so late in the day. There was no rush to run off and find an inn to stay in before the sun set though that was still something they would need to handle later. Dulcinea would look around the town as they made their way into the place. Checking out the town square as it looked nice. Something they weren't expecting to just see a well in the middle of the town. They didn't see that as often in towns as they had been traveling. Though the whole place just felt more alive and welcoming to a traveling by the look.\n\nDulcinea would head over to the well and sit down by it, they were tired and needed a break. This also was a way to make it so others couldn't easily sneak up on them, sure they could lean over the well but it wouldn't be so easy to get behind them to and do something. They would just watch the crows jumping around on the ground for a bit, wondering why they were so close to the center of the town. Maybe someone was giving them food.\n\nThough would eventually stop watching them and take out their little bag of coins. How much did they have left to make it to were they wanted to go? They hadn't found a good magic teacher yet or even a friend so they just kept on moving farther away to find someone. Most were wanting a lot of money or didn't want them to be a student because of their small amount of magic. They didn't blame those ones, they would probably only be able to learn very little and it wouldn't really be worth it in the end for a teacher. Least not for a good teacher that is. Dulcinea would look up to the sky to see the clouds, they made sure their face was always hidden as it would usually scare others. How many times had they wrote down their questions to others asking for help or if their was a teacher around? They were sure they probably needed a new book soon to write in again as there was not many pages left. But for now they were okay with just resting here*"
},
{
"author": "Andren Rykker - Older",
"message": "*Andren had been in Broughton for about half a week or so. It had been a decent town, far better than the glorified trading caravan he had been from. Around here there were inns and actual commodities around.*\n\n*He exited the inn, paying whatever the due was for the night. Before giving a keeper a wave as he exited. He might head somewhere else today, not that he had a reason to travel at all anymore. However, even if he was minor nobility, that did not spare him from the dangers that came with being nobility. He had a crest on the shoulders of his shirt. A white saltire on a blue background containing two Warhammer upon the Saltire.*\n\n*He took a swig from his canteen before spitting it out. Making sure to miss anyone nearby.*\n\n\"Bleh... Tastes like metal...\"\n\n*He sighed walking over to the well in the center of the city. It was clear his water remained stagnant too long. Where he noticed Dulcinea, a Scathis? He gawked at her for a second before blinking a couple seconds.*\n\n\"I apologize, that was incredibly rude of me.\"\n\n*He started to raised the well up, dumping his canteen and refilling it once more.*"
},
{
"author": "someonealright",
"message": "I'm good with being pinged./"
},
{
"author": "Dulcinea",
"message": "*Dulcinea would look at the strange, they seemed kind of busy but with noticing her they had stopped. What were they seeing that anyone else wasn't? It wasn't like others could just notice what she was. She would grab her book and write in it before holding it out for him to read.* \"You noticing new person in town.\" *There skill of writing was not good but they didn't like the thought of just speaking in a person's mind as it could scare someone. They had done it in the past and didn't line how the person reacted.\n\nMaking sure to be out of the man's way, she would observe him a bit. At least he was not rude as some liked to act. Just because they wore a hood to hide doesn't mean they were completely invisible to others. That type of thing made traveling annoying because some just simply didn't care about others. Some towns even seemed to hate a newcomer and wanted you gone as soon as you took one step into the town.\n\nThough this wasn't the case for this town which was nice. The people didn't seem to just hate or want to make fun of a newcomer. Though Dulcinea also chose to hide the fact of what they were usually out of fear for their life. They didn't want someone to decide to attack just because of their body looking like a void. It wasn't a choice look, but one they had none the less. There was a lot of mystery to their own body they didn't quite understand still. What all could be learned very few got the chance to discover.*"
},
{
"author": "Andren Rykker - Older",
"message": "\"Yeah, yeah, something like that. I come here quite often since there's plenty of caravans around. This town has had the same faces everytime I've came and visited. I stop by here plenty during my travels. Typically there isn't any new faces around here outside of people coming in on caravans. So I stared at you, which I apologize for, that was quite rude.\"\n\n*He took a sip of water. It tasted quite nice, he gave a small smile before afixing it to his belt.* \"So that does raise the question if you don't mind. What are you doing in Broughton? Looking for trade or are you a visitor?\"\n\n*Broughton was always a good palce to stick closeby as it was typically a rest stop for most caravans. Although the capital was always a good place to go to if needed, but for the most part it was around the same area in Alynthi that he traveled.*"
}
] | 260 | 1,226 |
301 | 2024-02-10 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Dulcinea",
"message": "*Dulcinea would take their book and write in it again before showing it to the man* \"Apology excepted. Traveling, looking for teacher. This late stop?\" *They hoped their message was enough to read, though being a bit broken could make it hard to understand for sure. It been something Dulcinea had been working on but it wasn't very good yet. Learning a bit of each language took time and without someone telling if it was right or wrong proved any improvement to be slow in their progress. It was always easier to just speech telepathically as words became clear for both sides so was easy to talk than. \n\nDulcinea would set their book down as they tilted their head. Wondering what the story of this man was. They seemed to be a familiar face here yet also not. Were they looking for something as well or running away from a past? It was always hard to tell when just meeting someone. Though it was obvious they were part human. A rare type like them, just not as rare though.\n\nThey would pick up their book again and write once more before showing it again.* \"Go to capital for teacher. Slow traveling.\" *Giving him a moment to read it before turning it back to write in it again than show it.* \"You travel to capital? Home here? Can I speak in head? Don't like my voice. Scary to others.\" *They hoped that it was enough to understand, sometimes they had to speak outloud in order to get permission but they rather not if it was avoidable.*"
},
{
"author": "Andren Rykker - Older",
"message": "*He took a look at the book, it seemed that the person was mute and common also seemed to be a second language. Which was a shame, upon reading the message he gave a small nod.* \"Thank you, but if you're looking for a teacher. I could teach you of the blade. However, that may not be what you want.\" *Andren hadn't really had a good experience with being teached, but he had never tried teaching himself.* \"If need be, I could teach you a bit of common as well.\"\n\n*The reality of the situation was Andren had snapped under pressure. Finally making his escape from his house. By law, he'd still inherit his tiny little fief, but he didn't care. He'd go back when it was time to do that.*\n\n*He gave a small nod when he heard they were going to the capital. It was the place to go for teachers. Not the best in the world, but probably the Kingdom.*\n\n*Once she spoke in his head he jumped a bit, but steadied himself and nodded.* \"No, my home isn't here. If you're going to the capital I suppose I could accompany you if you wish.\""
},
{
"author": "Dulcinea",
"message": "\"You would teach me how to use a blade? But you just met me, why would you want to do that for a stranger. Even for teaching me common. It's not like you know even who I am or what I'm fully wanting to do. I could be wanting to learn for bad reasons.\" *Though they seemed nice, Dulcinea didn't know if it was good to trust someone so easily. They wanted to find a teacher but had never though of learning how to use a blade only learn some magic to be of help to others later on.*\n\n\"I'm sorry if I startled you, I don't mean to. I just can't speak any other way but by writing and it's more slow and broken like since I don't know common well. I can communicate better like this as its kind of makes it so you can understand what I'm wanting to say better. My homes far away too. You would accompany me to the capital? I can't pay a lot, I have very little money left. I been traveling for a long time by now so I don't know if I even have enough to pay a teacher at this point. Ah, I'm sorry I am simply rambling, you don't need to listen to my problems.\"\n\n*Dulcinea would rub their forehead as when they thought about it all it became overwhelming and almost a lost cause. Why they had gone so far to find a teacher was beyond them at this point. Maybe going back home with a failure was better than going back later with no money at all. They really didn't know what they were going to do in the end.*"
},
{
"author": "Andren Rykker - Older",
"message": "*He chuckled a little bit,* \"I'm a trained knight, if you tried to sleight me it probably wouldn't work. Besides, being on the road has given me a sort of sense... It sounds a little odd and it could just be that but I think it'll be alright.\" *He held out his hand with a smile. It might be foolish but in reality, he wants some company upon his travels, even if just for a bit.*\n\n\"No, no, you're okay. It was just unexpected.\" *He gave a small chuckle.* \"If you can do that then I have nothing to teach you of magic. I learned barely anything before I stopped going to my lessons.\" *He gave a small little shrug.* \"I have more than enough in a small sort of fund that my mother gives me every once in awhile. She knew I was going to be travelling awhile so that's her way of supporting me. I never used it though... Mostly from... Pride, but... No need to pay. I got plenty but I will have to provision before we head out. However, yes I can both teach you and accompany you there.\"\n\n*Due to Andren even being very minor nobility, money wasn't too much issue for him. He could probably head to some bank with an IOU and get a decent amount of cash caused.*"
},
{
"author": "Dulcinea",
"message": "\"I don't look for a fight, I rather be away from one than go towards it. It's not really my style and I just don't want to end up going down a path that will cause problems for me. It seems at least you are happy with your travels at least. It is a learning experience when traveling, but it's more of a scare for me I suppose.\" *Dulcinea looked at his hand for a moment before taking it, he seemed like a nice enough person for the moment. They didn't plan on revealing they were a Scathis but it didn't mean they couldn't get along.*\n\n\"Having some company would be nice, I haven't had much besides a guide some with places. I been traveling alone otherwise. I'm glad that this way of talking isn't something you been upset with. It usually makes others think I'm going to try and do something wrong. It's okay you can't teach me magic, I doubt I will learn much anyways. Just don't got a lot of energy for it. I suppose that's why I'm just looking to learn anything I can no matter how small for it.\"\n\n\"It's nice you have some funds, mine is pretty low since I been traveling for a long time. Though maybe once I settle down I will get more of a chance to earn some funds. I just couldn't because of the travels. I want to go to the capital since I heard they had pretty good teachers there. But I have asked others along the way.\" *Dulcinea probably would have given a small smile if possible. The learning of emotions was still a hard subject to learn and still misread a lot of instances but they were still trying for the sake of getting to learn magic later on.*"
},
{
"author": "Andren Rykker - Older",
"message": "\"Oh, no need to worry about that. When I look for a fight it's typically a duel, but if someone wants to come along and try and mug us then that'll be an issue for them. My travels are okay. I don't like the reason I'm on them but it's... Calming for the most part.\" *The both of them seemed to have secrets that they didn't want to show. He most certainly wasn't going to try and pry into them either. He could respect secrets.*\n\n\"Oh, you've done some guide work? I've mostly only lived in one area for most of my life, so I could probably guide people around there, but it's a backwater. It really wouldn't be all that interesting to check out.\"\n\n*He gave a small little shrug.* \"It's... Scary but I suppose it's not the strangest thing and if you did want to hurt me. I'll be honest, magic isn't my strong suit so the fact you haven't gives me some comfort. However, a blade I can teach you with.\"\n\n*He nodded.* \"To the capital it is then. Luckily we're starting our journey from here, a trade hub so this will be a good place to provision for the items that we need.*"
},
{
"author": "Dulcinea",
"message": "\"I think traveling has been fun but I feel like I'm just losing what I came out here for. I can't find any teacher yet to help me so I just been wondering from one place to the next. The capital is really my last attempt and I don't know if that will even work. I'm kind of dence when it comes to a lot of things so it's a work to see what will happen.\" *Dulcinea would look at them, tilting their head at the comments of not liking why. Maybe there was more to it but it wasn't their job to ask questions on it. If he wanted to share he would.* \n\n\"It is calming to travel usually. I didn't do the guide work, that was with someone else guiding me through areas. I'm usually the one needing a guide since I don't know how to always read a map that I get. Backwater? What wouldn't it be interesting to check out? You never know what could be interesting to another.\"\n\n\"I wouldn't mind learning how to use a weapon I suppose. I just have a walking stick right now. So uh knowing how to defend myself more would not be a bad thing. I would be probably lose all my money if someone tried to mug me now. I'm not much of a fighter at all.\" *Dulcinea would get up and dust off their cloak before looking back at him* \"Well it is getting late, we can't travel yet. Not unless we want to be stuck in the forest at night.\""
}
] | 314 | 2,107 |
188.333333 | 2024-02-12 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Andren Rykker - Older",
"message": "\"I can't really forget why I travel. However, that's in the past and I still have my reason for pushing on. There's no reason the bring that back up at all. However, I do have an inn that I come from. When nightfall hits I can buy you the room next to mine or actually this could be quicker.\" *He handed her a gold piece to buy a room for the night wherever she wanted.* \"Here, whatever inn and place you feel good about going around here that'll buy your room for all of them.\"\n\n\"Travelling can be calm I suppose, but with people trying to mug you when you're alone. You're always a bit paranoid.\" *He gave a small nod, he understood now.* \"Oh, I see, I understand that. It was a bit perilous to get around whenever I first came here. However, I got used to it before too long and eventually didn't need a guide.\"\n\n\"Well, it's always good to know how to use a weapon. I've heard it was always best to mix it with magic, but that's coming from my family, who have all tended to be trained in martial abilities of some kind.\" *He took a look at the sky, they would barely cover 5 miles by the time night came. Not worth it.* \"Well, you have your gold if you wanna buy a room.\""
},
{
"author": "someonealright",
"message": "Sorry about the wait./"
},
{
"author": "Dulcinea",
"message": "*Dulcinea would quickly hold up her hands* \"No no, I couldn't take that. I will be okay getting a room by myself. I don't waste a lot of money since I don't ea... Uh nevermind, it doesn't matter why. I still have enough for a cheap place. I don't want to take your money. It's still yours.\" \n\n*Dulcinea would look around a bit to make sure they weren't causing too much of a scene.* \"Yes, I'm sure you could after being around this area enough. I'm though still new to here. I just don't want to lose the money I have because I don't think I would find work easily. Finding a place that allows me to stay cloaked wouldn't be easy.\"\n\n\"I never heard of that before, I mean I probably could have if I was thinking of both but since I only thought of magic before I really didn't think about how it could help with a weapon. You really don't have to give me your gold coin. I can find a cheap room somewhere. I haven't really gone looking though yet for a place to stay... I suppose I will need to soon with the sky getting darker.\" *Dulcinea would look at the sky, wondering a bit on what type of constellations would be out this night.*"
}
] | 276 | 565 |
363.8 | 2020-08-02 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "luckyjack4862",
"message": "A hulking figure stepped into the doorway. Thudding footsteps sounded out in the mostly empty tavern. The few patrons in the place were either too drunk to care, or rather intimidated by the face that was just barely illuminated by the dim interior. A long trunk with a scar winding from the beginning of his cheek was the most immediately defining feature. The second was the tunic covering the man's chest, with the symbol of Anthron embroidered into it. On his back rested an ornate maul, about twice the size of the average human's head. At his hip, a war axe of solid steel. To those with knowledge of this world's pantheon, it was not hard to tell the Loxodon was a war cleric.\n\nHe took a step up to the counter, and didn't bother sitting on the stools. He'd broken enough of them on his visits to kingdoms outside of Khisfire to know that not every place was accommodating to the mass of his kin. He looked across at the tavern keep and requested a large mug of ale. Travel always left him thirsty, and even a man of the cloth liked to indulge once and a while.\n\nObrun's eyes then turned to the tavern around him. A life in Khisfire had taught him to be very wary of his surroundings. Thieves often thought that his size made him clumsy or imperceptive, and this was usually the moment where they found themselves surprised. Though much to the Loxodn's joy, there was nobody in his coin purse this time around. He removed a few silver from the pouch at his side and offered them up in response to the delivery of his drink. Perhaps deciding to travel to the docks first was too poor of a decision after all."
},
{
"author": "Essme Faydel",
"message": "Though the tavern of seemingly crooks and thieves filled the room, what one wouldn't expect to come through those doors was a godly force. The sound of faint wings beating the air to a heavy stop could almost be heard before the doors of the Broken Barrel opened. And there stood what appeared to be an angel of sorts, standing right in center for all to see.\n\n\"Pim!- Pim..?\"\n\n*Esmee, an aasimar of light. She had been chasing her friend around all morning in the sky's after their daily patrol over the Findara capital. However, known to be a goody-two-shoes; Essme was not fond of taverns. Nor the people within it. \n\nThe light armored woman haunted to a stop when she realized the mistake she made wondering into the wrong building. But she could have swore she saw a little white tail hurtle it's way between the doors. Her soft grey eyes widened at the life around her, causing the angel to flash a nervous grin as she wedged her way between tables to look for furry companion.*\n\n\"Pim I swear to Ygdramen If you don't-\"\n\n*Essme muttered quietly, keeping her large wings tucked in behind her. The dimness of the tavern was hard enough to see fairly anything let alone a small pegabun; but when Essme reached the front counter her eyes lifted to find Pim sneaking their way over to a large figure that stood observing the crowd with his back now turned to the drink he ordered.\n\nWith little to no time to reacted, Essme gave scolding looks to Pim and waved her hands in a panicked motion at the creature; trying to get them to scurry off before anyone saw the thieving bun. Nevertheless, Pim had a mind of her own, and unlike her owner, she was always up for thrilling adventures.\n\nThe small winged bunny crept its way along the taverns counter. Picking up crumbs and left over tidbits of food as she went. Once reaching an idle glass of something, Pim perched up on her hind legs and sniffed the aromas of the liquid, her whiskers jittering. With a twitch of her ears Pim started to crawl up the side of the glass and was about to stick her nose in, but was quickly stopped by a force of light magic in the size of a small ball.\n\nEssme flickered her magic as if it were dust towards Prim. Not enough to harm the little bun but definitely enough to move her off the tall glass. With expert speed the angel swooped over and slyly plucked Pim from the counter, shoving her into a pouch that was holstered on the woman's hip.\n\nThough now, Essme was doomed with talking to the big guy she nearly bumped into. And my oh my was she in for a treat."
},
{
"author": "luckyjack4862",
"message": "Obrun's eyes had followed the magic to the little creature that had made its way onto his mug, and then traced it to the winged figure that now stood well below him. One could forgive his sudden look of distrust, as a bait tactic similar to this was common of the thieves he knew. He moved his hand an an obvious and slow arc to rest on his war axe. A not-so-subtle message of his initial distrust. When he spoke his voice was calm. Depending on the person, this would either be comforting, or unnerving.\n\n\"Hello there, stranger. You wouldn't happen to have put your hands in pockets they don't belong in, have you?\"\n\nHe questioned, cocking his head. His free hand lightly groped his coin pouch in reference to his question. He was good at teetering the border of threatening and friendly when he needed to. Though if this woman was genuinely searching for a lost pet, she would have little to truly fear. Obrun was not quick to anger or retaliate, and the patient look that washed over him as he awaited the newcomer's response conveyed this to an extent."
},
{
"author": "Essme Faydel",
"message": "Essme kept her calm for the most part, her wings holding together so tight she thought her feathers would fall off. As she took a rather large- respectable step back from the man, her eyes fell up upon him as a whole. Taking in everything there was to physically know about him.\n\nThe smaller woman offered a smile that could easily show the anxiousness in the way her lips fell and twitched, she spoke with a soft tone however. Holding her own as she continued to hold Pim in her pocket.\n\n\"I- me? No no, you've gotten me wrong sir. I'm just passing through to collect my Pegabun. She seems to have an eye for disobeying-\"\n\nAs the angel spoke she nodded down to her side where Pim's tail could be seen swishing around out of Essme's pouch. Roll her eyes, the woman went on. Still smiling bright enough to light the whole room.\n\n\"Apologies for the disturbance, I can order you something on the house if you'd like?\"\n\nHaving much more of a heart than she needed, Essme usually spoke without thinking. She hadn't been in a tavern long enough to know the language of how these people got along, what they liked, or if buying something for someone else was even something people did. But the battle maiden was kind through and through, even in the worst of situations.\n\nWithout an answer from the stranger, Essme poked her head to the side and called over for the bartender; ordering a plethora of food. Even some for herself and Pim. As they awaited their hot meals, the drink Pim so rudely tried to take was now replaced with a much more expensive one. All paid under the angels care of course."
},
{
"author": "luckyjack4862",
"message": "Obrun watched in almost dumbstruck disbelief at what had just been done. His coin pouch hadn't felt much lighter than before. Even if she *Had* Stolen from him, there was no way she would have taken enough coin to then turn around and pay for expensive drinks and food and still expect to turn a profit. He couldn't stifle the urge that had come over him to laugh. It was certainly a more extreme response than he expected, but not in any bad way. His hand fell from its ready position on his war axe, and he turned his head and picked up the new drink that had been given to him with his trunk. He inspected the cup thoroughly. Diving magic sparked off of his eyes for a moment as he inspected the glass, and then he took a drink. Letting a relieved sigh leave his lips. When he next spoke, his tone was far more friendly in tone.\n\n\"Well. The gesture is appreciated, but you didn't need to go to such lengths to apologize for something you hadn't done.\"\n\nHe transitioned the cup from his trunk to his hand in a fluid motion, and took another sip. This was certainly a far sight stronger than the ale he ordered, so he would have to moderate a bit more.\n\n\"Since you've shown me such a courtesy, I suppose I should introduce myself. I am Obrun Bontuzh. Cleric of Anthron. You are...?\""
}
] | 353 | 1,819 |
823 | 2022-07-15 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Kameros Szerabon",
"message": "Kameros's friendly demeanor began to diminish more quickly with each passing second the elven man drew closer to Essme. The moment the aasimar's eyes left his own, Kameros gently pressed past the handful of women surrounding him and swooning over him. Disappearing from sight completely as if going invisible, it took only a few seconds for the tiefling to reappear, though this time he was behind the elven man pestering Essme. When Kam did reappear, Essme would very easily notice the way his eyes now began to glow a full gold, his pupils completely gone. Leaning onto the drunken fool, Kameros tilted his head inward so the elf could see his face clearly. While the sorcerer never once looked at Essme, it was obvious in the deepened tone Kameros spoke with that he was not at all in a playful mood.\n\nEyeing the elf, a slight grin grew across Kameros's face before he finally spoke. \"I don't believe the lady is in need of your company anymore.\" Finishing his words, Kam's golden eyes began to glow even more, though their color darkened ever so slightly. Still, his eyes never slid to Essme. Instead, the remained glued to the elf's. Call him a knight in shining armor or nothing more than a nuisance, it didn't take a genius to see that Essme didn't wish to be pestered by some drunken ass. There was nothing Kameros hated more than when women fell at his feet for him, but he couldn't imagine it the other way around. It was why he practiced humility so much, and refused to act as this elven man did for and in front of women. Not to mention, Essme was a knight, a paladin. She deserved more respect than this fool was giving her.\n \n\"Apologize to the lady and take your leave.\" Squeezing the elf's shoulder, Kamors's golden eyes finally slid back to Essme, but only for a mere second. When they met her own, they returned to their normal shape and colors, only to fill back out with dark gold once more as he slid them back to the drunk. While he had yet to make any sudden moves or make\n\nAny rude comments, it was obvious not much would cause Kameros to make the elf leave. At the very least he had managed to catch Essme enjoying his song, and he'd not let this stranger ruin the evening in hopes of getting into Essme's pants. Kameros only hoped Essme wouldn't get angry at him for standing up for her.\n\n_ _\n*Some women simply prefer to do that for themselves.*\n\nBut there was a sense that overcame Kameros, to protect Essme and her honor as a lady. She was a valiant knight with vows and virtues to uphold. No drunken man or woman would be allowed to take that from her, not if Kameros had any say in the matter. The elven man turned toward Kameros, his blood drunk eyes sliding to meet the tieflings. *\"The fuck did you say to me, bullhead?\"* For a moment, a smile appeared upon Kameros's face, his toothy grin making it seem as though he had taken the highly offensive slur as a joke rather than racist comment. But as another moment passed, Kameros reared his fist back and slammed it into the elven man's jaw, causing him to slouch over the bar with a loud *Ooof!* Reaching up to check if his jaw or nose were bleeding, the drunk swung his arm backwards in an attempt to hit Kameros, only to miss.\n\nAs the arm was swung his way, Kameros did nothing more than step out of the way before using the elven's momentum against him; pushing a hand against his back, Kam forced the elven man to fall onto his face on the wooden floor of the tavern before taking a step his way and crouching down beside him. \"Well, that didn't seem to work out for you, now did it?\" Reaching down, Kameros ran a hand under the elven man's chin, forcing him to look up at Essme. \"Now, about that apology.\" Kameros spoke, his voice serious and irritated."
},
{
"author": "Essme Faydel",
"message": "Stale, hot breath began to slither its way onto Essme's skin as she continued to pull herself away from the inebriated stranger who didn't seem to take no for an answer. The drink he had so hatefully demanded finally arrived, and within seconds that old man had his sticky fingers wrapped around the glass. Taking a messy swig of his own, Essme was disgusted when he tried to get her to take some. While of course, the aasimar was a knight in training, she found herself far more helpless than ever under the peer pressure. This man's eyes seemed to devour her with a hunger completely unknown to her, constantly pushing and pushing at the constant presses of *No's*. Faydel had her anxious gaze flickering towards the people around her for help, though by the looks of it- everyone was too busy with their own conversations to realize the situation around them. \n\nIt was in that moment that Essme remembered Kameros was nearby, jerking her head over to hopefully spot him in the sea of bodies near the stage. However, when the sorcerer caught nothing but angry glares of femimine eyes beaming directly at her, with no sign of the tiefling in sight- Em grew more perplexed by the minute. *Where was he?* Just before the angel could call out his name, there was a shift in the atmosphere between her and the elven man. Heavy scents of mahogany wood and mint, along with the bittersweet hints of wine seemingly overpowered the rancid stench of the drunken fool before her as Kameros emerged before her very eyes. Startled by his presence, Essme looked up at him wide eyed. There was a spike of fear in her shaken up gray hues as she took in the unusual glow of her friends eyes. Em had only ever seen Kamero's angry once, and even then... It was never as stiff or deadly as it was now. \n_ _\n\nThe stone expression sitting on Kam's face had sent a chill down the middle of Faydel's back, causing her to snap up straight when he clamped his hand down on the stranger's shoulder. A furrowed uppush from the young woman's brows painted a worried, and downright timid look on Essme's face when Kameros flicked his eyes for her, if only for a moment. Even if he allowed himself to appear normal to her in those seconds, the rage that took hold of his pupils again unsettled her to the core. Em wasn't upset by any means that the tiefling was helping her, no. That much was a blessing. What caused her so much panic was the silent yet strong power that boiled within Szerabon. She felt as though she was going to be wedged into the middle of something... *Something bad.* \"I...\" Essme started, choking on her words. \"It's okay Kam- i..\"\n\nHolding the stiff air in her throat, Essme felt frozen when the eleven man spat out profanities. A few stragglers here and there would begin to turn their heads towards the direction of the three, causing Essme's pointed ears to fall flatter than before. However, as the angel set her sights back on the tiefling, she was dumbfounded to see him smiling. In those seconds of silence, the tension grew thicker. Essme had started to stand up from her chair in hopes to pull Kameros away from the bastard before– \n\n**__CRACK__**\n_ _\n\nA loud clap struck the air with high speeds, sending a thunderous shuffle as Kamero's fist collided with the strangers face- rocking him into the side of the table. Essme let out a shrill gasp, pulling her hands abruptly up to her mouth in shock and horror. \"Kameros!!\" She exclaimed, her eyes darting all over him along with the old man who soon tried to retaliate. Taking a good few steps back, the aasimar watched helplessly while the two went at it. Though, it wasn't much of a fight for the tiefling as he proved far more victorious. Just as quick as it began, the fight ended with Kamero's swift movements collapsing onto the elven man with nothing more than one arm. When he brought his masculine fist up to coil his fingers around the bleeding jaw of the elf, Essme's face burned a bright red as Kameros forced him to look at her. She still kept her hands glued to her mouth, those eyes still wide and anxious. But after seeing all that her companion could do? There was a small part of her that was blown away. \n||"
},
{
"author": "Kameros Szerabon",
"message": "With a cough and sputter, the elven man almost looked as though her were about to spit on Essme's boots, but before he could Kameros pushed down hard on the top of his head. This caused the poor drunk to bite down on his own tongue rather harshly, and more blood began to pool from his mouth. It was obvious the elf was testing Kam's patience. With a few clicks from his tongue and shake of his head, Kameros spoke once more. \"I don't believe that was what I asked for. Apologize, lest you wish to *Lose* Your ability to do so.\" The elven man let out a groan of pain as his bit his own tongue, but it was clear he had enough of being humiliated. Raising his bloodshot eyes, the man nodded his head as best he could, barely managing to speak through the blood and pain in his mouth. *\"I am.. Sorry, m'lady.\"*\n\nKameros released the elf, but not before a few smacks on his cheek. \"Good man.\" Using the elf's head as a means to stand, Kameros stood up straight before dusting off his shirt. Glancing over to the various women that had once surrounded him like a horny mob, Kameros offered them nothing more than a wink. He noticed the glares they shot Essme's way, but chose to ignore it. None of them compared to the angel that stood before him, in more than just looks to boot. The crowd that had begun surrounding the bar brawl merely cheered Kameros on, as they saw it as nothing more than a bard saving his lady love. Rolling his eyes a bit, Kameros wanted nothing more than to take his leave of this place, especially given the angry drunk he stood over likely had friends somwhere nearby. The last thing he needed was to be arrested, Essme would never hear the end of it from Winrae.\n\n_ _\nStepping over the drunken fool sprawled across the floor, Kameros bowed slightly to Essme and extended his hand. \"I do believe this is where we take our leave, love.\" Once Essme took his hand, he'd guide her gently around the elf before leading her to the door, the small crowd moving to give the 'couple' room. As the two emerged from the tavern, Kameros turned to face Essme. His hands were hot but not sweaty, and his purple skin around his cheeks were slightly darker, a clear sign he was slightly flustered or perhaps upset. Eventually, his pupils began to reappear from the sea of gold within his eyes, but with a disappointed look, he sighed. \"I am sorry that happened, Essme. I probably-\" Pulling his hand away, the tiefling ran it up behind his head. \"-I probably just upset you more, this evening.\"\n\nPerhaps he was flustered from the bar fight, or maybe embarrassed, but it was clear it bothered him that Essme had to see such an exchange. The last thing we wanted was to upset her further."
}
] | 877 | 2,469 |
913 | 2022-07-16 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Essme Faydel",
"message": "Essme's mind was boggled with endless thoughts as she stared almost petrified at Kamero's and the man before her. When the stranger tried to spit at her feet, Em jumped back further- her feathers ruffling with uneasiness. Part of her was torn between if it were right or wrong for Kamero's to be beating into the man, his cold hard glare now burned into her memory. Though, the elven mad *Did* Try to hurt him... So was it really that bad of him to retaliate? Essme was a lawful girl, at least she tried to be. It was all she ever knew growing up under the pressure of her sister's wings. Claiming that nobility was the only life for a successful aasimar. But the more Em learned about the world, the more she seemed to realize its faults. The more she seemed to realize her own.\n\nFear lingered in the sorcerer's eyes when the tiefling bashed the man's head into the ground once more, causing more blood to spill from his nose and mouth than poor Essme had ever seen. Her heart was racing from the full impact of adrinalle, however her body remained a frozen pillar. Eyes glued to the twitching and almost unrecognizable face of someone she didn't even know. All the woman could do was nod skittishly in acknowledgement, words failing to come into fruition. Truth be told, the aasimar should have been used to things like this. Sure, she was a sorcerer and master of her magic blade, but when it came down to the fact Em had never experienced such violence between someone she knew- let alone a stranger coming onto her... It was all just so overwhelming. Faydel felt as though without her armor she was nothing but a frightened girl. And tonight, that statement proved to be true.\n_ _\n\nBeing in a trance of pure shock for so long, Essme didn't even notice Kameros anymore after he walked around the beaten fool and extended his hand to her. With the roar of a cheering crowd, it almost jerked her alive- causing the angel to blink profusely before Kams voice registered in her ears. And even though she heard him... Essme couldn't bring herself to look him in the eyes. The tiefling would have to physically pull his angel away and out of the tavern, allowing the fresh cool air to hit her face like a breath of desperately needed oxygen. Feeling the gentle but yet firm hold Kamero's had on the aasimars hand made Em ever so slowly hug her fingers tighter around him if only for a moment before she realized what she was doing. Keeping her head down while Kam stopped the two, tears had started to swell in Essme's eyes silently. After all this time the young girl was finally processing what had happened, unable to hold the weight of the situation any longer. \n\n\"No.. I- Im not upset..\" Faydel started to say, clearly holding back the lump in her shaking voice. \"Thats just ne-never happened and i didn't know what to do- and you.. Well you helped me and I'm thankful i just-\" The hot tears that now blinded Essme's face began to tumble down her cheeks as she tried to hide her face in the curve of her sleeve. That poor girl's chest heaving quietly all the while. \"It just scared me...\" \n\nEmbarrassed by her crying, Essme pushed her feet forwards in a surprising change of heart- plummeting face first into the man's chest as if to hide away from the world. \"Can you please just take me anywhere else that isn't my home... *Please*.. I don't want to be alone tonight after all of this.\" Folding herself further into Kameros, the aasimar's wings fell limp just as they did when he had found her. It was clear that there was no anger nor resentment for the tiefling, yet clearly just shaken up. Perhaps Szerabon finding her tonight of all nights was no accident..."
},
{
"author": "Kameros Szerabon",
"message": "*And it was then his worry was realized.*\n\nFeeling his heart sink down into his stomach, Kameros felt as though he had done nothing but worsened Essme's night even more than when it began. The golden hues within his eyes dulled ever so slightly, he let out a gentle sigh when he saw tears began to form within Essme's eyes. Her explanation and words of reassurance that he had not upset her helped none, as the damage Kameros dealt was done in his mind. He'd figure out a way to make it up to her, one way or another. There was a feeling that rose in the tieflings chest, one of guilt and shame for making a lady cry. It was not at all his goal, and perhaps in his own way he believed she might even praise him for it. Definitely not the route to go ever again in a situation like that, it seemed. Kameros was a bit surprised by her reaction however, what with being a knight and all...\n\nBut all those thoughts soon disappeared as Essme pushed her way into the tiefling's arms. Feeling her face in his chest, Kameros looked down in pure surprise. He had honestly felt as though they'd part ways after that, perhaps for the last time even. Maybe him hitting and berating that elven man would only make Essme see Kameros how Winrae did; a demon, a fiend even. Though it seemed his assumptions were wrong, causing his chest to fill with more guilt for thinking even remotely poor of Essme. After a few seconds, Kameros wrapped his arms around her, though he was careful not to squeeze or ruffle her wings; *Frankly he wasn't entirely sure how to hug an angel.*\n\n_ _\n\"I'm sorry, I-\" Hesitating, Kameros rest his chin atop Essme's head, the tiefling let out a sigh. It was one of both relief and stress all at once. His mind raced to where he could take her before he finally settled on a place that might just be perfect for the two to get some peace and quiet. \"Okay. Come on, love.\" Pulling away from the hug, Kameros slid his hand down into Essme's, his heart climbing up from where it sat in his stomach and back into his chest. It swelled slightly, especially when he intertwined his fingers with the angels. It was a feeling that was truly unknown to the tiefling, but it felt warm and welcoming; reminiscent of being with his father and sister when he was a mere boy. That feeling was one he never wanted to rid himself of, and there was a large hope that it'd never leave him.\n\nPulling gently on her hand, Kameros began to guide her down the empty and quiet street away from the tavern. The sorcerer made sure to walk slow enough not to stress Essme any more than he already had. Pulling her around corners, down a handful of streets and alleyways, it almost seemed as though her were lost but that was far from the case. As they walked, Kameros kept Essme close to him. No man or shadow would dare touch her this evening if he had any say in the matter. As he held her so close beside him, Kameros finally broke the silence once more,\n\n\"I truly am sorry Essme. I have no excuse for my actions, and if I were in your shoes I'd have arrested me then and there.\" Swallowing the slight lump of nerves in his throat, Kameros slid his golden eyes over to meet Essme's. \"After the night you've had, that was the last thing you deserved to witness.\""
},
{
"author": "Essme Faydel",
"message": "The warmth radiating off of the teifling's body gave way into Essme's skin like a gentle, melting kiss. Brave as she were however, the timidness would soon catch up to her once she felt Kameros's strong arms embrace her. She could feel all five of his fingers lock around her sides, hot like a blanket of fire that trickled through her clothes. Never had Faydel felt such a sensation when being so close to anyone, nor could she wrap her thoughts around why her heart seemingly skipped a beat whenever the bounty hunter was near. With her head laid cradled under the sharp jaw of her companion, Essme's ear was pressed flat against his chest. Listening to his heart pump loudly as her own sped up so fast she felt as though she were to faint. Kam's alluring scent danced all around her- sweetly suffocating her with the musk of mens cologne and hints of that wine that whisked her mind elsewhere. Never had the aasimar been held like this, not by him. Not by her parents. And certainly not by Winrae. But then again, Em had never exposed her vulnerability before...\n_ _\n\nWanting to linger in his touch forever, Essme bravely wrapped her arms around Kamero's back in return. Her tears finally resting. Though, their hug didn't last as long as the two would have liked- when Kam had pulled away and tangled his fingers into hers, Essme's face burned a deep red against her pale ashen face. She stared down at his masculine hand, at how protective his grip felt. The way her fingers seemed to fold so effortlessly into his like a key into its lock- It was almost too perfect. Em still couldn't find the strength to meet Kameros's gaze just yet, even as she fell into step with him. Her sheepish nature had taken hold of her and she wasn't all too sure how to snap out of it. At times she'd ask herself why. *Why was she so nervous?* Boys never really had an effect on her, let alone that of a tiefling- Mainly due to her older sisters demands of staying away from boys and '*Bullheads*'- as Winrae would call them. Yet, here she was being strung along like a lovesick fool. \n\n*Lovesick.. Was that really what this feeling was? No. Certainly not... It couldn't be.*\n\nMillions of thoughts raced in the aasimars head of just what to call this odd feeling swooning in her chest. But soon, all of those voices colliding against the walls of her mind would soon subside when Essme noticed just how dark each alleyway the pair turned into became. Unknowingly, Em pushed herself closer into Kam's arm as they walked, looking around at every opening that beckoned them with the darkness. \"Say.. Where *Are* We going?\" Murmured the angel, her fingers anxiously reeling on tighter to the mans in a gentle squeeze. \n_ _\n\nWhen the tiefling voiced his apologies for a third time, the sorcerer simply shook her head as a means to cut him off. \"Please, don't be. If you wouldn't have been there to stop him..\" Essmes eyes lingered down dimly to the cobble ground as she got lost in each pebble, her voice growing more quiet. \"I don't really know what would have happened. That was the first time anyone has ever really done something like that to me... Aside from the occasional blaspheme on my name. Not everyone thinks I'm as beautiful as an angel, you know.\" Giving a lighthearted chuckle to her solemn words, Em carried on. \"You know.. There's something else I never really told you either.\"\n\n\"I'm not *Really* Much of a knight. At least, not as great as you think.\" The guard shuffled her leather boot along a pile of dirt or rock here and there as the two walked along the backstreet paths Kameros was leading her on. And with Essme's head focused to the ground, strands of her wavy brunette hair could be seen curling around her horns, getting draped over her delicate face. \"You see, I'm a royal 'knight to be' according to the Findara captain. They saw alot of potential in me only because I'm related to the golden stag. And.. Truth be told- we aren't even blood related... I spent *Years* Trying to live up to her expectations. Trying to be as perfect as she is, so much so that I couldn't say no when she wanted me to give my life to being a knight.\"\n\n\"When I went into the training, I thought it could be something I could get accustomed to. But, recently in this year alone i'm starting to wonder if its something **I** Truly want to do.. Or if it's just something I'm doing to please my sister.\" Sighing, Essme shook her head once more before giving out an airy laugh of embarrassment. \"I don't even know why I'm telling you this haha- I guess, it's just rather silly of me to be afraid of violence when I'm supposed to be used to it...\" \n_ _\n\nSlowly, the angel brought her head up to finally face Kameros. Terrified of what kind of expression she would see on his face- like that at the tavern- However, when her eyes met his in a soft and gentle hold, Essme's lips raised slightly. \"What you did for me though was obviously terrifying.. But I'm just glad you're okay.\" \n||"
}
] | 829 | 2,739 |
666 | 2023-02-22 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Minnah Yeltoris",
"message": "Minnah nodded, still smiling somewhat. It did indeed sound like their parents were complete opposites in that regard. She couldn't help but wonder, in what other ways were they different from each other? It would be pretty funny if hers and Idalia's parents just happened to be polar opposites in every way, even if that was unlikely. She was tempted to ask to find out more, but she really didn't want to ruin her mood by talking about her father too much. It always brought with it some amount of sadness.\n\nUnfortunately for her, Idalia didn't know about the memories associated with the man, the pain and the guilt that she felt when she thought of him. Her smile faded somewhat at the question the Genasi asked, and Minnah didn't answer for a little while, turning her gaze towards her lap as she thought of how to best answer it. She didn't want to lie and say he was fine, but the truth... It hurt. Then again, hadn't Idalia done enough for her to deserve the truth by now?\n\nHesitantly, she raised her hand, and wrote, much more slowly than usually; *He died protecting me. It was my fault.* Minnah could feel tears forming in her eyes and quickly blinked them away, she really didn't want to burst into tears again. Still holding the quill, she brushed the back of her hand against her own left cheek, feeling the leathery texture of the scars that covered it. Hopefully Idalia would understand with that motion that her father passed in the same incident that had left her so scarred, because Minnah really didn't want to explain the events of that night.\n\nMore than that, though, she hoped that Idalia wouldn't say that it wasn't her fault, because it was her fault. Minnah was the one that had started the fire, and her father was dead because of it. She knew that it was her fault, her mother had reminded her plenty of times of that fact. Without her, her dad would still be alive to this day, and he might be cooking her meals still even, or at least have taught her how to cook.\n\n_ _\nShe really was struggling to hold back her tears now as Idalia continued talking. She thought that? Minnah was very much used to people calling her anything but pretty - frankly, since her injury, she hadn't been called anything close to it. She felt like an idiot for getting so emotional over it, and yet, she felt that Idalia wouldn't mind - the Genasi was, from what she'd seen, more than kind enough not to tease her about it.\n\nWiping at her eyes with the back of her hand, Minnah shook her head at the apology. *It's okay*, she wrote, trying to pull her face into a smile, but failing. *I'm sorry for freaking out so much. And thank you for everything. I mean it.* Once more, she wiped at her eyes, still trying her hardest not to cry. *You're being so great to me. Thank you.*"
},
{
"author": "Idalia Del Sol",
"message": "_For a time the woman only watched the woman from the corner of her gaze, her breath held as she waited for what she presumed to be some kind of rejection, whether it be of her unintentional advance or her curiosity about the girl's family. Only turning to face her and her writing more properly when it became apparent that said expectation was not going to happen just yet, instead the woman had explained about her father and her use of the past tense when talking about him._\n\n_Well that was, really quite sad for the poor girl, the woman letting out the breath she had unintentionally been holding in a sad sigh as she looked down at the woman properly. It seemed the worst case scenario was indeed what had happened, though it was unexpected that Minnah had been the cause. Had she been in some danger with bandits? Or a wild beast? Or... _\n\n_Hold on a moment... The way she had... The scars... The fear of fire.._\n\n_Finally the puzzle pieces seemed to click in the Genasi's mind, her eyes widening in realization as things finally started to make sense. Fire, the burns, he had been saving her from a fire and hadn't made it out. A fire she had started by the sounds of it, perhaps from a cooking fire? No that likely wasn't it, magic made the most sense - though she had not seen the woman use any besides the quill yet. Granted that certainly didn't mean she couldn't use it, many elves were mages of some kind in her experience. Most likely it had been a spell or something gone wrong, and her father had paid the price._\n\n** **\n_Her heart went out to the poor girl, she all too well knew how easily magic could get out of control and how dangerous it could be to those around her. All too many times her own father had to rescue her when her own power had spiraled out of control, so many times they had been so very close to disaster when he had managed to save things before they had turned to the Dwarves for assistance. She was lucky though, and it was very apparent Minnah had not been._\n\n_However she needed to actually pay proper attention to the girl's writing, the Genasi blinking a few times as she brought herself back to the present. She could see Minnah was doing her best to put on a smile for her, she was also failing quite badly but she couldn't blame her for that. After all the wee Elf was doing her best to hold back her tears, presumably related to her father and his death._\n\n\"Hey, there's no need ta thank me lass - anyone woulda done the same, and if they didn't well... I donnae think they'd be worth knowing between you an me.\" _She said softly as she smiled, shifting her body as she gently tried to reposition the Elf in her lap into another hug. It was apparent from earlier that she seemed to feel safest crying into her shoulder, so that's what she would try to allow her to do._ \"It's alright ta cry ya know? Whether it was yer fault or not I doubt mattered tae him - he did what he did because he loved ya and was trying to protect ya. Thats a damn hero if I ever 'erd of one, but it was still 'is choice ta make and I bet wherever he is he would make the same choice every time. Cause tha's what parents do ya know? They look out for their little 'uns.\""
},
{
"author": "Minnah Yeltoris",
"message": "It didn't take much for Minnah to break down once more. Why did Idalia have to be so damn nice and sweet? She couldn't even try to hold back her tears this time, they just started flowing without permission, once more turning her cheeks wet. Luckily, the Genasi already seemed to understand her quite well, apparently aware that Minnah preferred to hide her face when she was crying, judging from the way she embraced her.\n\nMinnah gladly buried her face in Idalia's shoulder once more, left arm still wrapped loosely around the other's shoulders, while she pulled the right closer to her own chest, still carefully holding the quill. Part of her felt bad that she was no doubt ruining the Genasi's clothes, but another part of her was just happy that she was here, right now, with her, helping her deal with all of this. Usually, she didn't really have anyone to hold her when she was feeling this way, and she would just have to find a way to cheer herself up. Unsurprisingly, having someone to support her, helped a lot.\n\nWhat Idalia said next made Minnah break down fully. She had been trying somewhat to keep her composure, and then those words hit her. About how her father had made the choice to sacrifice himself because he loved her, and how he would have made the same choice every time. Once again, she found herself beginning to sob, her left arm clinging to Idalia almost desperately. Of course, she knew it already, those were the things parents did, or were supposed to do, for their children, but it still hit her right in the feelings to have someone say it out loud like that.\n_ _\n\nAs if awakened by Minnah's emotions, Azeria's eyes blinked open, and the fox perked up her head from her position on the bed, wondering what was going on. She stood up, stretched, then hopped off the bed, away from her comfortable spot. She didn't want to, of course, yet she and Minnah took care of each other, that was how it had been ever since they'd known each other. So, Azeria walked over to the two women, tail swaying slowly from left to right as she did so. She didn't waste any time, climbing onto Minnah's lap and nudging her stomach gently with her nose. Actually, this spot was far from bad either, with the warmth coming from three sides - the stones to her left, Minnah in front of her, and the Genasi to her right.\n\nFeeling the sudden weight on her lap, Minnah didn't even have to look to know who it was. She lowered her hand to gently stroke her behind the ears, finding the feeling of the soft fur to be really comforting. She still held the quill, carefully making sure not to poke her fox with it, as the tip was decently sharp.\n\nBeing held like that and now with the fluffy creature on her lap, Minnah was already beginning to calm down - much more quickly than she usually did. It helped that she wasn't crying because she was feeling bad, per se, just very emotional right now."
}
] | 652 | 1,998 |
301.833333 | 2023-04-08 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Damon Divinorum",
"message": "*The incessant scratching of a pencil on paper broke Damon's already feeble state of relaxation. He took a drag from his cigarette, exhaling a long billow of smoke that unnaturally swirled through the mildew tinged air before taking the shape of a fairy. It fluttered around for a moment before dissipating. He rose from his seat and removed his hood, unveiling the forest of unkempt, filthy knots that made up his thick, brownish head of hair.* \n\n*He took another puff while he ambled over to the bar, his eight-foot-tall figure casting a menacing silhouette over the tavernkeep who dared not meet his gaze as he spoke.* \"Give me a full cup of the strongest, cat-piss-liquor you have in this place.\" *He tossed over a silver piece with his free hand.* \"Please.\" \n\n*Sitting down, he turned his bovine, groggy stare to the source of the scratching. She was an exceedingly strange looking creature, bug-like eyes glinting in the dim light as steam rose steadily from the mug she held in a second set of hands. The tavernkeep slid him a drink. He caught it, his concentration still unwaveringly fixed on the moth woman.* \"What are you working on,\" *He inquired, grimacing as he sipped his alcohol.*"
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "The mothfolk was more than content to work in quiet, lifting her tea back up to her mouthparts to take a sip. She didn't really have lips like a human did, rather her mouthparts looked more like something a beetle or other insect would possess. It was unclear what she was designed to eat, but she didn't seem to have any issue sipping on her beverage. The mothfolk settled the mug on the table, now using her lower set of hands to hold her sketchbook open. It seemed that this was a newer book, and had yet to lay flat on its own.\n\nShe'd made a point to ignore the newcomer, given that his rather rough appearance gave her quite the pause. She didn't like to judge, but this person didn't seem to be in any good mood. Her back slowly gained a hunch, shielding herself. Those wings of hers had half-opened somewhat protectively.\n\nHer head snapped up as she was addressed, her elbows instinctively dropping in front of her sketchbook. He wasn't all too close to her, and given that, she was quite certain he wouldn't be able to read a card if it was presented. That being said, she could first at least attempt to speak to him in Ivathi on the off chance he understood.\n\n\"Some work. I am a seamstress.\"\n\nIt was more than likely that he wouldn't recognize this statement as words at all, given that if he didn't understand Ivathi, it would sound like nothing more than a serious of hums and clicks. It was clear that she was addressing him, however, given that she'd lifted her head in his direction and flicked her antennae in his direction."
},
{
"author": "Damon Divinorum",
"message": "*Her fey, chirpy response, although unintelligible to Damon, made him smile.* \"I don't understand that tongue,\" *He said as he stamped out his cigarette on the bar. It let out a final wheeze of smoke and flickering embers as it died down, leaving a charred black dot in its wake. Damon flicked the butt into a nearby drip bin. It landed with a small, metallic 'clink.'*\n\n*He took a swig of his drink and stood up, swaying on feet slightly.* \"This stuff really is... *Strong,*\" *He slurred, stumbling over to the moth girl's table. He loomed over her for a moment, looking at the page she sketched on and taking a much lengthier swash of his beverage. With a drunken hiccup, he spoke.* \"That's a *Real* Pretty dress you're drawin' there.\" *He slumped down on an empty chair across the table, gripping tightly to his cup.* \"I'm Damon,\" *He garbled.* \"But my- *Hic*- friends call me D.\" *He extended his mangled right hand, short of a pinky finger, and continued to drink with his left.*"
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "She hadn't thought that he'd understand Ivathi, but she thought it was at least worth making an attempt. Her lower set of hands reached down toward her bag, searching for her cards and book. The woman was watching him somewhat intently, though this was somewhat hard to tell where she was looking, given her lack of pupils. Though her face was as unexpressive as could be, given that it was insect-like, she was deeply unsettled.\n\n\"I can tell.\"\n\nNow that she knew he couldn't understand her, Vhun felt that she was free to make as much commentary as she wished. He was drunk anyway, and drunk people weren't known for having the best memories. The mothfolk turned her head back toward Damon as he loomed over her. She didn't want him to spill his drink on either of her books or her cards.\n\nShe nodded once in acknowledgement of his compliment, her hands slowly reaching toward the pouch of cards she'd previously produced from her bag. Her hands shuffled through them, presenting one to Damon.\n\n*My name is Vhun.*\n\nSlowly, she reached out her four-finger right upper hand to take his. Her lower hands shuffled the cards once more.\n\n*Nice to meet you.*"
},
{
"author": "Damon Divinorum",
"message": "\"Well, *Vhun*,\" *He said, leaning in and slamming his mostly empty cup on the table.* \"How bout' a story!\" *He plucked another cigarette from within his pocket. It caught fire in the same uncanny way. He promptly puffed out a canopy of smoke which vaguely formed the shape of a severed finger drifting through the air.*\n\n\"When I was younger, twenty-four as I recall, I met a traveling old crone. She was an elven witch, vastly wiser than me, offering up a full bag's worth of gold and jewels to the first person to beat her in a game of cards! Me... Being the young, stupid lunatic that I was... I- *Hic*- decided to challenge her. She wasn't deceitful, after all, and reminded me that if I were to lose, I'd have to surrender something valuable of *Mine*.\"\n\n\"You know what I bet, Vhun,\" *He bitterly asked, not really anticipating a response.* \"You know what I bet in my blind arrogance and greed? I bet a *Finger* Off of my right hand!\" *He wiggled around the remaining stump of his pinkey, dashed with a jagged, white scar that glinted in the light.* \"I lost that game of cards, Vhun. I lost it.\" *He chuckled at this revelation.* \"You're lucky,\" *He aimlessly continued.* \"I'm not much of a people person... *Normally*... But you know,\" He nodded towards his cup. \"I'm a *Different* Person when I'm *Tipsay!*\" *Unprompted, he slid from his seat and crashed onto the floor, a still burning cigarette dangling in his mouth. What little occupants remained in the bar turned to face the commotion.* \"Lightweight,\" *Someone murmured.*"
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "Given that she had no opportunity to answer, Vhun simply sat rigidly, staring silently at Damon. He was very drunk, and ther ewas something very strange going on. Her gaze was following the smoke. Smoke wasn't supposed to be shaped like a finger, was it? That seemed like to much to be a coincidence.\n\nThe moth didn't move as he continued to speak, all four arms moving to fold across her chest. Why was he telling her this story? Probably because he was drunk. Drunkenness made for overfriendliness. It still was strange that he had latched on to her though. She wasn't exactly the most friendly looking person. She looked like something that someone would see as rather frightening. Maybe he'd spent time around mothfolk? No. Definitely not. If he had, he probably would have understood at least a little Ivathi.\n\nSlowly, the woman nodded once more, politely leaning forward lightly to examine his scar. Yes. That certainly was a scar. She wasn't sure what she was meant to do in response. Why was she lucky? To be bothered by him? This was all very strange. As he suddenly fell, the mothfolk quickly leapt up to her feet, crossing to kneel beside the man. She was taller than she seemed sitting down, standing at 5'9 with her spine straight. She crouched down beside her, her hands slowly extending down to help him up."
}
] | 286.5 | 1,811 |
324.333333 | 2024-04-24 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Remi Hemlock",
"message": "\"Hyburn is doing alright, business there has been booming and lizardfolks have been managed. I've been funding an Orphanage program there to give children an opportunity to discover and grow talents. Although I've primarily been working with the Orphanage I was adopted from I do plan to expand,\" Remi was rather fond of her program, wearing a genuinely proud smile over her lips as she mentioned it. There wasn't a moment she didn't forget her roots and the program was a testament to it. \n\nRemi listened to his proposal in taking in a mentor. It was a thought that crossed her mind many times, taking in a disciple and teach them all that she's mastered with biomancy but it wasn't as simple as she felt. Between her coven and her duty, she felt she sat in an odd position, one which she knew would force her to choose between one or the other. For now, perhaps it was a good segue to ask him for support? \n\n\"Biomancy is an art of healing that could help so many people and it's certainly one I intend to spread and teach but right now I don't think I'm in much of a position to take in a student right now. You may have more experience and insight than I do but,\" Remi pauses, a little frown curling her lips down as it sat as a concern in her chest.\n\n\"I'm not from a prominent family, I'm not even nobility by blood, I fear my background could make it difficult for some to take me seriously, no?\" She exhaled, \"Truthfully and apologetically, I partially feared you might as well. It's a sentiment I have received from high society.\""
},
{
"author": "Lord-Commander Halmorn Baughn",
"message": "\"I'm glad to hear it's prospering.\" *He nodded as she spoke.* \"Helping orphans is a noble task, I hope you succeed in helping it grow and prosper. Do you plan on aiding orphans in other cities as well, or just focus on Hyburn for now?\"\n\n*He understood her concerns about her family. It was indeed something that people cared deeply about, but it wasn't something he was concerned much with, especially with his own parent's station. His father was technically a noble, but of such low station, it meant nothing more than flowery language in public events. His mother had been a commoner herself, yet he had proven his skill and ability and stood among the greatest of Findara. If he could work past his low station, he saw no reason Remi would not be able to as well.*\n\n\"Any extra wisdom I have compared to you is only the result of my age. And yes, the nobility here can be pretentious at times, but they've come to respect my skill, so I'm sure if the Princess judged you worthy of the title of Grandmistress, you'll earn their respect in time as well. And I can guarantee there are some, including myself, who don't give a heck what family your from. If you're competent you're worthy of respect. Either way, I'm sure you've already got plans. My business is fairly single minded, I've Personality got not much knowledge on the tasks of a Grandmistress other than occasionally providing mages to help the guard against magical threats.\""
},
{
"author": "Remi Hemlock",
"message": "A tinge of bleakness tainted her otherwise darling smile while listening to the Commander share his perception. Remi understood and knew what he meant when he spoke of earning respect in time, and certainly she planned to but a key point to his words was *In time.* Time was framed differently for both, her own life felt like a flicker of a candle compared to his much longer span. Her eyes shifted away from him, her mind exploring her own guilty confidence and it's sunken repose that squandered in her. A deep exhale marooned in her chest, holding back before slowly releasing.\n\n\"I'd like to preface this with the fact that regardless of outcome, adversity, and tribulations, I do intend to bequeath my every effort into my work. My job is to protect, guard, and fortify against magical threats, but also to advance and monitor magical development under the morality of law. And lastly, to build something to pass on for the future, preferably for the better,\" Remi pauses for a moment, her smile faded with deeper thoughts now reflecting her perspicacious irises. \n\nRemi smiles a little more warmly, \"I do feel like I am going to be competing against your greater lifespan, it's the conundrum of time after all. How to make the most of it for the amelioration of this Kingdom? A question I often ponder. Makes me wonder too, what is a hundred years to you, Lord Commander?\""
}
] | 320 | 973 |
581 | 2023-02-11 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Io Grimbuster",
"message": "It was a fairly average day for the mothfolk. A little on the cold side, with it being winter and all, but nothing they couldn't handle. The market was in full swing, vendors standing around in their stalls everywhere, advertising whatever they were selling. It was a great time for people who enjoyed shopping to snatch up some deals, but there was also the opportunity to just meet up and wander around, enjoying the snacks that some places were selling. Io, however, didn't fit into any of those categories.\n\nThe moth was pretending to be one of the regular people, sure, wandering around, browsing some goods, even picking up an item here and there to inspect it, but they weren't buying a thing. No, Io was more focused on the things other travellers carried on themselves, from coin purses to jewellery they'd put into their pockets for whatever reason - anything vaguely shiny was quick to disappear from them.\n\nIo was dressed in a manner very unlike them; a tunic with sleeves that covered their arms and a pair of pants, looking almost like a regular person, if it weren't for their head and the fact that they had four arms instead of two. A cloak covered their wings, leaving their head as the center of attention. The mothfolk wore no boots, though, those were still too uncomfortable right now.\n\nIt was not a dumb strategy, really. Most people had never seen one of the mothfolk before, and many tended to stare at their head, with the yellow color, large eyes and antennae grabbing a lot of attention. The rest of their body, covered in clothes and by their cloak, didn't draw as much attention, and so while people stared at Io's head, they didn't notice that their belongings were swiftly stolen off them, stored in a bag that Io carried on their back, also hidden beneath the cloak.\n_ _\n\nWas it a smart idea to go around, robbing everyone blind? Most definitely not. Io had come here to avoid being persecuted for that very thing - and yet, here they were, committing the exact crime that nearly had them executed. Then again, in a place with so many people, so many shiny things, how could they resist? The rush of adrenaline they felt the moment their hand slipped from someone's pocket, the soft rattling of a coin purse as it landed in their bag, the feeling of a smooth ring in their hand, there was nothing that made Io feel more alive. Even the wildest parties couldn't compare to that feeling.\n\nSo, they wandered around, eyes searching for new targets. That woman over there, she could stand to lose a few coins. Or that man, he wouldn't mind losing a few rings, he had plenty of them. The market was busy, Io's bag was slowly filling up, and overall, the moth was having a truly wonderful day."
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "Though the day had not been particularly exciting for Vhun, it had been somewhat productive. In an ideal situation, she would have set up a stand herself, but she had not. There weren't really many garments she sold that weren't made to fit a specific person. Really the only things she made that people were likely to buy on a whim were knitted scarves, shawls and hats. However, the season for purchasing such things had passed. It wouldn't be worth the trouble to make and then store the excess until the next winter season. \n\nAs such, instead of selling, Vhun had elected to shop. Azai had sent her with a list of food the pair needed, and Vhun herself was determined to find some good quality thread and fabric. That, or at the very least some wool of reasonable quality. She could spin it herself. She was quite certain of that. The mothfolk had already set to browsing with her goal in mind, moving at a somewhat leisurely pace, head turning slowly from side to side.\n\nTo most individuals, Vhun would have certainly appeared to be quite the strange being. She was mothfolk, and her presence here was certainly out of the ordinary. She was a tall, lanky being, standing five foot nine at the top of her head, with her antennae adding nearly another foot to this height. Her skin was a dark, dusty gray, one that was nearly black, though not as black as her ink colored eyes. This was contrasted by the shock of short white fur-hair that striped down her face from the top of her head to her chin. \n\nToday, Vhun's outfit was plainer than her typical, though it was far from plain by any standard. Her torso was covered by a white sleeveless high-necked shirt, this being tucked into a brown skirt that stopped halfway down the woman's shins. The remained of her legs were covered by a pair of rather sturdy looking brown boots. The most striking piece of this outfit was, however, the cape-shawl that draped all four of her shoulders. This garment was red-brown and embroidered with a pattern of leaves falling from a vine. The shoulders of the garment had some level of structure to them, and were embroidered with golden brown twining vines. Below and throughout the rest of the garment, darker, orange-brown crumpled leaves were scattered. The colors were all quite similar to one another, and if one wasn't closely, the pattern was easy to miss.\n\nThe shawl itself was very long, covering a large triangular portion of the mothfolk's wings. This was intentional, given that Vhun didn't want her wings to be touched. These wings were also quite striking, being black crossed with lines of white. She quite closely resembled a harnessed tiger moth.\n\nAt the moment, the woman had settled to investigate a stand full of various dyed yarns and fibers. She appeared to be somewhat in her own world, humming softly to herself as she examined a skein of orange dyed thread."
},
{
"author": "Io Grimbuster",
"message": "Were these people dumb or just really dumb? It was almost trivially easy to steal from them, Io found it difficult to believe. Although, to be fair, their techniques had been honed in the thieves' capital of the world, so it did make some amount of sense that people from other cities were easier to steal from. It made it almost boring, frankly. Where was the thrill of the chase? Almost getting caught, only to make it out by a hair's breadth. Well, whatever, after the fiasco of a couple of days ago, some easy prey didn't hurt. Plus, returning home with a pack full of loot, that was going to make the Commander see Io in a better light, hopefully.\n\nAbsently, Io wandered up to a random stall. Maybe it was getting enough for today. Their bag was getting awfully heavy, and the heavier it was, the harder it would be to escape if someone ended up catching them. Well... One or two more, perhaps? What was the worst that could happen?\n\nIo, of course, knew that 'one or two more' would turn into three, and then four, and so on, and so forth. But in a crowd like this, how could they possibly resist? To them, it was like being put in front of a buffet after not having a bite to eat for three days and then being told they weren't allowed to take a single bite. It just didn't make sense. Was Io mentally justifying the stealing? Maybe. Were they in any position to care? No, not really.\n\nYet another successful heist. Io tucked the shiny ring into their bag, casually sauntering over to another stall. Something to do with fabrics? Well, they didn't really care about what it had or didn't have. What they cared more about, was the customers. They looked around while picking up a spool of black thread, pretending to examine it. It was nigh impossible for outsiders to tell where Io was looking due to the lack of eye movement - something they abused greatly on many occasions, including this one.\n_ _\n\nAnd then, they saw it. Or, well, her. Another mothfolk? Io turned their head, surprised at the sight. Yeah, there, only a few feet away from them, was another of their species. Io's antennae perked up, the right one tilting to the side slightly. It was pretty rare to see one of them out here, wasn't it? What was this person doing here? It was almost tempting to strike up a conversation, but then Io noticed how fancy the other one looked. Such a pretty cloak, Io's simple black one felt rather inadequate. Maybe not, then. The other mothfolk looked like she was some kind of royalty, perhaps, and if there was anything Io didn't want to deal with, it was that.\n\nSo, they turned back to the spool of thread, holding the thing in their upper right hand while fiddling with the thread with both left hands. A large scar sat on the palm of their upper left hand, going from the base of their thumb until their pinkie, but judging by how faded it looked, it was fairly old. Io had been planning to move on, but they might actually need some of this thread, there were a few tears in the bottom of their cloak that needed fixing. So, they decided to wait until the shopkeeper approached them, deciding it might also be good to make a legitimate purchase or two."
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "Vhun's attention could only be held by a thing like yarn for so long. It wasn't particularly interesting thing, and once she could establish that the products were of any quality, she could move on. She was going to buy this thread though. It was pretty and it wasn't all that expensive. That was reason enough. She already had purchased the few food items she'd been sent for anyway, and she did need supplies for her business. The mothfolk was halfway through paying for three skeins of yarn when out of the corner of her eye she spotted the other mothfolk.\n\nExcitement buzzed through the creature, her wings even going as far as to give a little twitch as she straightened her spine. It wasn't often that she saw other mothfolk besides Azai, and she was perhaps a bit too excited as such a prospect of conversation. The other was quite beautiful, she thought, their coloration was a lot brighter than Vhun herself, enough so that she was jealous for a brief moment. It didn't matter though. She wondered if this creature was by any chance looking for clothing. They'd look quite lovely in quite a few colors...\n\nThat didn't matter though, she had to go say hello. Once her purchases were acquired, Vhun gave a silent nod to the vendor and then turned to stride toward Io. It had been too long since she'd had a chance to speak Ivathi with anyone except her sister, and she was eager to do so.\n\n\"Hello!\"\n\nVhun's voice was somewhat low pitched, with a distinct warm tone to it. Her lower set of hands still held three skeins of thread, while her upper hands had excitedly clasped together. \n\n\"I am Vhun. Who are you?\"\n\nMaybe she was being a bit too friendly, but she didn't care. She was far too excited about the prospect of meeting another mothfolk dweller of Findara."
}
] | 605 | 2,324 |
440.8 | 2023-02-12 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Io Grimbuster",
"message": "It was Io's turn next to buy their own thread, and the moth did so using the money from a pocket, not anything they'd stolen. The exchange was done in Common, which they were quite good at, especially for a creature not designed to speak the language. While handing over the coin, Io did notice that the other mothfolk was approaching them, but there wasn't much they could do about that now. Running away was probably suspicious, and any excess movement was definitely going to make the stolen items make a ruckus.\n\nPocketing the thread, Io turned to the other, offering a wave with both right hands. They had to admit, part of them wanted to have this conversation - after all, it had been years since Io talked to another mothfolk, and they were a little curious about what was going on up there in Kara-Tur.\n\n\"Hello,\" They greeted back in Common, only to realize that was the wrong language. \"I mean, hello,\" Io said sheepishly, this time in Ivathi, the ends of their antennae twitching slightly. It had been so long since they'd actively spoken the language, they were a little rusty. Their voice sat right between masculine and feminine, making it difficult to determine the moth's gender. They sounded friendly enough, though, far from cold.\n\nVhun, eh? That was a nice name. Io tilted their head slightly, curiously examining the other moth. Although the two of them were the same species, the differences between them looked to be pretty significant, especially their color schemes. Io seemed to have much brighter colors than Vhun overall, though that didn't mean the other wasn't pretty - far from it, in fact. Their clothing styles were like night and day too, where Io just threw on the same things they'd worn for the past decade or so, Vhun seemed to put a lot more care into her appearance.\n_ _\n\nUsually, Io would try to hide their damaged wing, but it had been a busy day, and the moth simply forgot. Sure, it was hidden beneath their cloak if one looked at them from the side or from behind, yet that wasn't the case here. Io's front side was facing Vhun, making the disability fairly obvious, with almost half of the lower half of the wing missing, the edges frayed where it had been torn off.\n\n\"My name's Io,\" The moth replied, placing their lower hands on their hips, while interlocking the fingers of their upper hands behind their head. Curiously, the way they said 'Io' was not at all like how one would pronounce it in Ivathi, it sounded more like Common instead. \"What brings you here?\" They asked curiously. It was the obvious question to ask, after all, few mothfolk ever came around these parts."
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "As Io spoke, another twinge of jealousy passed through Vhun. She never had been able to physically speak common. Her family had always assumed that she possessed some sort of deformity, or perhaps she just wasn't able to pick up on it. It was something that had always bothered her, and though she was able to make due with her cards and writing, it was deeply inconvenient. Her gaze scanned the other mothfolk. She couldn't tell the sex of the individual. Their voice was inbetween, as was their body. Her gaze lifted to their antennae. That gave nothing helpful either. Maybe they were just in between.\n\nVhun herself was clearly female, at least to a mothfolk observer. If she hadn't been wearing a skirt, she would have been almost completely androgynous. Her antennae were fairly thin, lacking the long feathery hairs that one would expect from a male. There were still small hairs there, but they were nothing like one would expect from a male. The woman gave a quiet little hum.\n\n\"I understand common just fine. I simply cannot speak it.\"\n\nThere was an odd rhythm to her speech, as if she hadn't spoken in a while. Or rather, hadn't spoken to anyone unfamiliar in a while. Her cards eliminated the need to think much of specific words, given that every phrase was written quite formally. She didn't know this person, but they were both mothfolk. It was hard to pick a level of formality.\n\n\"A pleasure to meet you Io. That is a lovely name.\"\n\nHer wings gave a little flutter as she thought.\n\n\"I live here in Findara. What brings you here?\""
},
{
"author": "Io Grimbuster",
"message": "Io tilted their head slightly, antennae flopping to the side. Vhun couldn't speak Common? Was that normal for mothfolk? It wasn't an issue Io had heard of before - though their interactions with other mothfolk were too limited for them to know if it was a common issue or not. Ah well, luckily, the two of them had a language in common.\n\n\"Nah, it's alright, I'm just a bit rusty,\" Io said, not bothering with formality. \" 'S good to be speaking the language again, y'know? Get some practise.\" Unlike Vhun's formal tone, Io preferred to speak as casually as physically possible, finding the alternative to be both boring and useless - and also, after so long of not speaking the language, they wouldn't know how to do so in the first place.\n\nDue to that, Io didn't really notice the odd rhythm in Vhun's speech either, as their own wasn't exactly normal either, with them having to pause occasionally to think about what the word they wanted to say was again. It wasn't a perfect conversation by all means, but they managed fine-ish enough.\n\n\"Hm, ya think? My pa gave it to me when I first got here in this land.\" Io was tempted to give their last name, but then remembered that oh yeah, they were still running from the law. Maybe try to stay a little bit anonymous. Just a little. \"I like your name too, though. Very pretty. It suits you.\" As per usual, Io found they were talking a lot, though it was out of excitement this time. Their antennae once more stood up straight, though their wings remained oddly still.\n\n\"I'm just visiting, buying some supplies, y'know the deal.\" Io waved their lower right hand dismissively, hoping to drop the subject quickly. They really shouldn't talk about their true reason for coming here. \"Whaddya mean, you live here? Can't say I've ever heard of mothfolk living on the surface. Well, except for me, I guess.\""
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "Vhun didn't know if she suffered from an atypical issue, but she didn't care. All that mattered was that the problem existed, as such, she needed to work through it. It wasn't that much of an issue these days anyway. The woman slowly straightened her spine once more, lower set of hands moving to fidget with a small pouch at her hip. Within it sat a deck of written cards, cards containing phrases. She didn't need them now, but the instinct to pick them up remained.\n\n\"I can write in Common if that is easier for you to interpret, or if you would prefer to reply in Common, I understand it perfectly.\"\n\nThe mothfolk slowed her rate of speech, a distinct effort to enunciate taking over her tone. It was a subtle change, one that came at the cost of the somewhat musical quality of her voice. The mothfolk inclined her head once more in a nod. Adopted, perhaps? It wasn't her business, and she wasn't going to pry into it.\n\n\"Why thank you, my mother gave it to me.\"\n\nHer wings gave another little flutter, Vhun's upper hands reaching back to smooth her cloak in response. It appeared to be a reflexive shiver of some kind, presumably brought about by an irritation. This cloak was new, recently completed by Vhun herself. There was hanging thread on the inside, she suspected. She could feel tickling the joint of her wing. It was deeply vexing.\n\n\"As am I. Do you sew?\"\n\nVhun gestured to the table before them with a jerk of her chin.\n\n\"Yes, I live here with my sister. It is uncommon, I know. You are the first of my kind I have seen in a long time.\""
},
{
"author": "Io Grimbuster",
"message": "Io shook their head quickly. \"Nah, 's all good. I understand the language, just... Gotta practise speaking a little. S'pose it can't hurt, can it? Practising, I mean.\" If they were ever planning to return home to check on their siblings, well, they would have to know the language.\n\nCuriously, they glanced at the pouch Vhun was fiddling with, right antenna perking up. What was in there? Was it something shiny? A ring, perhaps, maybe some coins, or even a necklace? Gods, how tempting it was to just take a little peek, just check what was hiding there. Io lowered their upper hands, unlacing them from behind their head, and moved them to behind their back instead, squeezing one hand into a tight fist and tracing over their backpack with the other, trying to remind themself that they didn't need to take anything else, that they had plenty of stuff. As if that ever worked.\n\nRight, distractions, one of those might work. Just focus on the conversation, not on the potentially shiny things. Perhaps Vhun might notice some subtle signs of Io's distress, ones that non-mothfolk tended to miss. The way their antennae stood up straight, the way they stiffened their wings, even their voice sounded a little strained, whereas it had been loose and almost playful before.\n\n\"Sewing? Oh, from the...\" Io gestured at the stall with their lower right hand, shaking their head. \"Not a lot. Well, I got some basic sewing skills, but nothin' fancy. Just had to fix my cloak.\" They lightly kicked at their cloak, the tears at the bottom becoming obvious. \"What about you? You've been buying all them threads, you gotta know how to sew all fancily, right?\" There was genuine curiosity in their questions, even if they sounded somewhat strained.\n_ _\n\nThey took in the information, head tilting to the side once more. \"There's two of y'all around here? Huh... Never woulda guessed. Thought I was the only one around these here parts.\" Io chuckled lightly, a sound that sounded more like something one of the surface races would make than a mothfolk. \"Is your sister on this market too or nah?\" They hadn't seen any other mothfolk wandering around, but who knew, maybe they just hadn't run into each other yet."
}
] | 427 | 2,204 |
395 | 2023-02-13 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "\"I don't think it can. It's not a hard language, at least not for creatures like us.\"\n\nHer hands moved to settle at her sides, no longer moving. She could see that they were watching her, and as such she wanted to be a bit less interesting. Her pouch contained nothing valuable, but rather her communication aids. She'd be very sorry to lose them, though making more would be more annoying than anything else. Her gaze drifted to Io. Were they all right? There was tension in their body, and their antennae were no longer moving. Best not to question it.\n\n\"Oh. Yes I do! I am a seamstress. This cloak is one of my most recent.\"\n\nThe mothfolk turned in a small circle, showing off the pattern once more. She was proud of it, and she thought it was a perfect example of her 'fancy sewing'. Her upper hands lifted to gently brush the fabric back into place as she stopped her little turn. She seemed quite pleased with herself, wings giving a little buzz.\n\n\"I do know how to sew fancy things. Did you need something?\n\nShe tittered lightly, mostly to herself. She found this phrasing to be somewhat funny. At least funny enough to warrant a reaction. Her next response came with a slight delay. \n\n\"No, no. Azai is not here. We do look very similar though. It is possible you've seen her before, maybe?\"\n\nThe mothfolk paused.\n\n\"Have you been in this area long? Or before?\""
},
{
"author": "Io Grimbuster",
"message": "Had their staring at Vhun's pouch been noticed? Either way, Io noticed that she moved her hands away from them. Damn it. She'd looked like she was just about to open it, too, answering the burning question sitting in Io's mind. Well, there was only one way to find out what it was - one way that wouldn't get them arrested, at least. \"What's in there?\" Io blurted out, pointing at the thing with their lower left hand. Their antennae relaxed somewhat upon asking the question, finding that doing so helped a little.\n\nIo leaned in slightly to examine the cloak as Vhun spun around. Yeah, they had to admit, it looked gorgeous. \"Man, I wish I could sew like that,\" Io mused. What would they use such a talent for? Not much, probably, but it would be nice to be good at it. \"It looks real good. Didya make that all by yourself?\" Wait, were the rest of her clothes handmade too? Sure, they weren't as fancy as the cloak, but still much fancier than what Io was wearing. Very impressive either way.\n\n\"I don't think I need anything? Was just curious. Then again...\" Lowering their head, Io gazed at their own cloak, the tears in the bottom part of the thing. \"I mean, I know that if I try to fix this thing, it'll probably end up looking like shit. Can't sew a straight line to save my life, y'know?\" That was a bit of an exaggeration, Io would probably be fine at it, but it would look nowhere near as good as having a professional do it. If Vhun offered it, Io might take her up on it - of course they would pay for it as well, they weren't about to ask someone to do something like that for free.\n\nLetting out a hum, Io considered that for a moment. \"I don't think I've seen any other mothfolk here? Though, I haven't been here for long either. Just kinda came here to get away from it all, y'know?\" Technically that wasn't a lie, although Io kept the details of what 'it all' was vague. Vhun didn't have to know about the whole fiasco that had landed them here."
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "So she had been right. The other mothfolk had been looking at her pouch. This was no issue, really. Vhun thought it was best to simply explain rather than refuse to answer. Was it a little embarrassing? Yes. Was it still a fact of her life? Yes. Perhaps this individual would judge, or perhaps not. If they did, she'd simply walk away. The stakes were low.\n\n\"Cards. I have phrases I use a lot on them, and then a charcoal stick and a few pieces of parchment to write anything else that comes up.\"\n\nVhun seemed to inflate with pride at the compliment, lifting all four of her shoulders to scrunch up. Both sets of her arms moved to tuck behind her back, clasping there lightly. She gave a happy nod, listening along as they continued to speak, then slowly leaning forward to look at their cloak. It wasn't a necessary gesture, given that she could see just fine, but rather one born out of interactions with humanoids. Due to the nature of her eyes, it was often difficult for them to determine where exactly she was looking. To account for this, she made an effort to turn her head and body as much as she could.\n\n\"I would be happy to fix that for you, if you would like. I don't think it would take very long at all.\"\n\nShe'd have to ask, but Vhun thought if she could get her hands on the garment for a day or two, she could put something of beauty over the sewn seam. It would be difficult to match the color of the thread exactly, and she thought that hiding the mending with a little decoration would be wise. Or she could just fix it.\n\n\"I understand. Azai isn't the sociable type anyway. She has a problem like me, kind of. Her voice just sounds weird.\"\n\nVhun paused.\n\n\"I do not mean that it's a bad thing, it's just what she tells me.\"\n\nThe woman paused once more, thinking.\n\n\"How long will you stay?\""
},
{
"author": "Io Grimbuster",
"message": "They seemed to relax at what Vhun told them, nodding a couple of times. Just some cards then? That wasn't anything worth stealing. Io seemed a lot calmer suddenly, once more interlocking the fingers of their upper hands behind their head in a stance that was much more casual. \"That's pretty clever of you. Wish I had some of those when I first got here. There were some... Growing pains.\" Coming to a new land without understanding the language at all, it had not been a pleasant few months.\n\nIo let out a light chuckle upon seeing Vhun's proud reaction, though it wasn't out of malice. They were glad that their words had made her feel that way. \"That'd be great, if you wanna do that. I already got some of the matching thread.\" Io grabbed the spool out of their pocket, holding it out. A trained eye would probably see that there was a slight color difference between this thread and their cloak, with their cloak being a slightly lighter shade, but Io hadn't noticed. \" 'Course I'll pay you for the trouble, I don't wanna be no thief.\" Ironic, considering their profession.\n\n\"But how long's not long? I'm only planning to stay here for a couple days. Gotta take care of my pa, y'know? Can't leave that old fool along for too long, or he'll start eating the wood for the fireplace.\" Io chuckled once more at that. They didn't say the statement in a mean way, there was a clear joking undertone in their voice. It was the way that family members teased each other, there wasn't anything malicious behind it.\n\n\"Weird how?\" They questioned curiously. Of course Io wondered what such a statement meant, though if Vhun didn't want to talk about it, that was fair enough. Was a weird voice really a reason not to be sociable? Io knew plenty of people with weird voices, and all of them were great. Maybe this one was some special flavor of weird? Although that thought only made them even more curious."
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "\"I can imagine. I began to learn to understand the language when I was very young, but it is very different hearing a mothfolk speak Common compared to someone with a tongue and teeth like a humanoid.\"\n\nThis was the best way Vhun could think of to describe this, returning to wringing her hands between each other. This gesture was somewhat distracting, given that her hands were slightly out of sync with one another. This fidgeting gesture lasted for only a moment or two, her hands once more moving to fold behind her body.\n\n\"I would be happy to. It shouldn't take me very long at all.\"\n\nOnce more, she leaned forward to examine the thread and cloak. The damage didn't look to severe, but the thread didn't match all that well. Her lower right hand lifted to hold both pieces together, head lightly tilting. She didn't think that this person noticed now, but they certainly would once they were combined.\n\n\"These colors are not the same. Is that fine with you? I can embroider something over the seam if you would like, so that it looks like a decoration. Otherwise, I don't think anyone would notice it from a distance. It is just about preference.\"\n\nShe waved her hand at the mention of payment.\n\n\"It would cost you really nothing, as I am using your thread.\"\n\nShe thought for a minute as Io asked their next question, head gaining a very light tilt as she did. This again was an intentional gesture, the mothfolk wanting it to be clear that she wasn't dead-eyed staring.\n\n\"Azai is not good at spacing out words. She is a little too self conscious about it, I think.\""
}
] | 418 | 1,975 |
398.25 | 2023-02-15 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Io Grimbuster",
"message": "\"It was difficult to learn, that's for sure. And Dwarvish? Even harder. Still can't say a lotta them words properly to this day. But I can make myself understandable and that's what counts, ain't it?\" To be living down here but unable to speak the language, that sounded like a massive pain in the ass. Io really was glad their father had taught them well. It was a shame they'd never been able to teach him Ivathi.\n\nWhen Vhun mentioned the thread's color looked different, Io's right antenna perked up in surprise as the moth took a closer look at it and the cloak. \"Ah shit, you're right,\" They said, although the swear was in Common, as Io had never learned Ivathi swear words - if they even existed at all. \"Eh, whatever, it's no biggie. Doesn't have to be nothing fancy, I just want this hole to be fixed.\"\n\nThe thought of not giving her payment in return, though, that didn't feel entirely right. \"Are you sure? I got plenty of money, I can afford it. It's cool, really. Don't wanna be in debt to you and all that.\" Well, if she kept insisting, Io probably would have to accept. It did feel a little odd for a thief to be so insistent about not getting something for free, but Io wasn't going to question that right now.\n\nQuietly waiting for Vhun to respond to the question, Io turned their head to gaze around the market, instinctively noting people that looked like easy targets. That lady over there, holding her bag so far away from her body, it would be so easy to take from her. The moth absently questioned how there were people that could see something like that and not immediately want to take advantage of it.\n\nLuckily, before Io had a chance to get too lost in those thoughts, Vhun spoke up again, telling them of her sister. \"Is that all?\" They said, head tilted to the right, antennae flopping to that side. \"Is it really something to be self conscious about?\" Io paused, then quickly added; \"No offense, of course.\""
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "\"I don't know any Dwarvish. I think I'd just have to never understand anything again if that was the only language. I just understand Aarakrockian. I understand that and I can speak a little of it. It's... A pain. I think our mouths are not meant to make those sounds.\"\n\nOh good. She was glad that she hadn't made them change their mind on the fix. Some people got all embarrassed if they brought her the wrong thing. That was why she discouraged it. It was good that this moth wasn't so worried about it. She wished she could be as calm as that. Vhun herself had quite the stockpile of slightly incorrectly colored thread in her home, much of it being the brown by-products of the creation of her current cloak.\n\n\"If you really want to pay me you are more than welcome, but this will take me only a few minutes. If you would like to pay me in company while I find somewhere to sit and work, you are more than welcome to do so.\"\n\nConversation, much like the offer to pay by wearing her clothing to a party full of people who might purchase in the future, was not a currency Vhun was often interested in. However, she really did want a friend. As she spoke, the woman began to slowly drift out from the main street, toward where she knew there would be a bench. The movement was very slow, but not so slow that it wasn't noticeable. \n\n\"I think I explained it poorly. It is hard to explain though. She just sounds very strange. Can't quite figure out how to not talk like she's speaking Ivathi when she's speaking Common.\""
},
{
"author": "Io Grimbuster",
"message": "Io chuckled lightly, their wings fluttering slightly with the sound, kicking up the bottom of their cloak, which in turn kicked up some sand and other dust from the ground. \"Don't think I woulda been able to speak other languages if my pa hadn't taught me so well.\" Aarakocran, huh? That one was probably pretty useful, up there in the sky. So it made sense that Io never learned it.\n\n\"Only a few minutes? Huh, you're really good at this then, aren't ya? Woulda taken me an hour at least to fix it.\" Io was glad to hear it, though. It meant they wouldn't have to be without the thing for very long, and they did like wearing it, currently to hide their bag, but also to hide their damaged wing. Actually... Would Vhun judge them for it, if she saw it? There was only one way to find out, they supposed.\n\nThey absently put a hand in their pocket, pulling out a few coins. That oughta be more than enough, probably. Io held out their hand, presenting the money. \"Just take it. I got enough anyhow, and I'm sure you can use it to make some more fancy clothing.\" At least then the money would go to a worthy cause, instead of being pocketed by the Thieves' Guild's Master - not like Io would ever say that out loud, of course. There were always ears listening.\n\nAs Vhun started leaving, Io followed her, sauntering casually, upper hands still folded behind their head. It seemed they were supposed to follow her, so that's what they did, hoping they hadn't guessed wrong.\n_ _\n\n\"Hmm, I see,\" They replied, thinking that over momentarily. \"That sounds pretty hard to deal with.\" After years of doing so with little to no issue, Io couldn't imagine what it was like to be unable to speak Common. \"I guess there's other ways to communicate when necessary. Like your cards and writing and whatnot.\" Was it really that rare to speak Common amongst the mothfolk? Maybe Io should have been a translator instead of a thief. Oh well, they were too late to get out now. Besides, being a translator sounded like a lotta work, and if there was anything Io hated, it was that."
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "Vhun's own wings fluttered lightly as she watched Io. She didn't know what else to say, instead she gave a very small nod. She supposed it was simply the result of their environments. Perhaps she was a lot more capable than she thought, at least in terms of ability to speak the language. She'd always considered herself to be physiologically incapable, but maybe that wasn't the case. Or maybe it was. Such variation within individuals wasn't unheard of, especially given that she and all her siblings had the same troubles.\n\n\"I like to think that I am!\"\n\nShe straightened slightly at this, hands moving to tuck back behind her back. She couldn't help but wonder how it would take an hour to fix such a small hole. She didn't think that she'd have any issue doing it within ten or fifteen minutes. Well, so long as she didn't get sidetracked. Somehow, she didn't think that would be an issue.\n\nThe mothfolk did give a strange half-headshake, half-nod as Io held out the money. The end gesture was something that resembled a strange roll of the head. However, she did take the money, tucking it into her lower left hand.\n\n\"I... Certainly can. Thank you.\"\n\nAnother gesture of the head followed, this one being a clear-cut nod.\n\n\"We make do. It isn't hard. Now, shall we sit?\"\n\nVhun gestured to the bench she'd led the two to. She wanted to get to work, and she didn't want Io looming."
}
] | 397.5 | 1,593 |
441.666667 | 2023-02-16 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Io Grimbuster",
"message": "\"I mean, if you sewed your outfit yourself, you gotta be good at it.\" Io bent down somewhat to study some of the details on Vhun's cloak. How had she even managed to do that? It was very impressive. \"Just look at that. I ain't never seen anything like it. I guess a mate of mine can kinda sew good, but not to that extent, y'know?\" Argh, they were rambling again. \"What I'm tryna say is that I think you're great at it.\" There, that was the point.\n\nPerhaps, if the moth was able to show facial expressions, they might've grinned in response. Part of them felt like they weren't supposed to be born as a mothfolk at all, but one of the surface dweller races. Maybe one of the gods had messed up somehow, swapped out their soul with someone else's... Or maybe that was just dumb.\n\nEither way, with a lack of that, Io had to convey emotions through tone of voice and body language instead. \"Not a problem!\" They said cheerfully, giving Vhun a thumbs up with both hands. \"Always happy to sponsor a fellow mothfolk's future endeavors.\"\n\nNodding, Io made their way to the bench, not sitting down immediately. First, they took off their cloak, and then the backpack, handing the cloak to Vhun as they sat down, while placing the bag on their lap, wrapping two left arms around it protectively. The thing was brown, simple, nothing remarkable about it except the soft tinkling sound that came from inside.\n\nWithout their cloak covering it, their torn right wing was very obvious, and Io didn't make any effort to hide it right now either - mostly because they forgot to. \"Good luck, I guess,\" They commented, gaze on Vhun. \"Is it cool if I watch or nah? I know some of you craftsman types don't like it when people watch 'em work.\""
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "\"I like to think I am!\"\n\nVhun made another quiet, thrumming noise of happiness, then tilting her head forward to give a little nod. She supposed she should show interest in their 'mate's' sewing. She wondered what their threshold for \"Good\" Was. She would certainly have to sew something for them at some point, something that wasn't just a simple mend.\n\n\"Thank you. Maybe some day when I have more time I can help you to learn.\"\n\nShe was certain she could teach them at least a little. It wasn't like it was complex anyway. It had taken her only a few years to pick up on this skill. Maybe she was talented, or maybe it was easy. She'd go with the latter for now. It made everything just a bit easier, especially in terms of helping Io.\n\nHer wings once more gave a little tremble as she thought, inclining her head in another little nod.\n\n\"I too am always happy to help another mothfolk. I won't be long at all fixing it.\"\n\nVhun briefly opened her wings as she settled down. She seemed to prefer to sit at a slight angle, then folding her wings halfway as a means of keeping herself from sitting on them. She didn't want to crush them. Her lower hands moved to rummage in her bag, pulling free a smaller purse containing her sewing supplies. At the same time, her upper hands lifted forward to take the cloak.\n\n\"Certainly, so long as you don't advise.\"\n\nShe gave a little laugh, showing that she was joking. She'd noted their torn wings, but had elected not to comment. Such words were rude."
},
{
"author": "Io Grimbuster",
"message": "\"Help me learn? Hmm, that does sound like a good plan, methinks. Some day. Probably not today. Man, I can't wait to see the look on Jeanne's face when I finally learn to sew better than her. She's always flexing, y'know? Cause she can do it so good. No better than you, but much better than me. It's not fair.\"\n\nIo leaned back on the bench, sitting atop their wings with no worry - the things were nigh useless anyway, so who cared? Sure, it wasn't exactly comfortable, but it wasn't uncomfortable either, so it was fine.\n\n\"Lemme know if you need any help. Won't guarantee I can help much, but my fingers are very nimble, I've been told.\" The moth tilted their head to the side to watch her work, curiously. It was always fun to watch other people do something they were good at. Some people liked to make conversation, some might explain what exactly they were doing, others would get completely lost in their work, and others still had an entirely different way of working. Io was curious how Vhun would go about it.\n\nAs they leaned back, Io wrapped all four arms around their bag, hugging it to their chest. It wasn't comfortable to hold it, with all the hard objects inside, but it was Io's property, and they intended to protect it. Well, it wasn't their property, not really. If they could, they probably would have given it all back, but they'd already forgotten most of the people they'd stolen from. So, the next best option was to hold on to it tight and make sure nobody else stole it.\n\n\"Advise? Wouldn't dare even think of it. I'll keep my mouth fully shut.\" Io paused, then added, chuckling softly; \"Actually, I won't do that. But I won't advise. Y'know, my pa always says I talk too much when I'm nervous.\" A pause as they watched her pick up the sewing supplies, left antenna perking up in curiosity. What else was in that bag? \"S'pose I'm nervous then. Dunno why, just... I guess I am.\""
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "\"Good. Not today, of course, because I do need to get home soon. Well, sort of soon.\"\n\nShe'd spread the cloak across her lap by now, setting to work threading her needle. It wouldn't be too difficult to simply stitch this up, she thought. Though it was boring, she was happy to have the conversation. She really did miss speaking to other mothfolk, even if this one wasn't from her homeland.\n\n\"Who is Jeanne? I'd be happy to help you show off to her. I think it's satisfying to be secretly good at something. You said she's a friend of yours, yes?\"\n\nVhun had set to sewing at this point, using her upper set of hands. Her lower set of hands were used to hold the fabric in place. She was quite skilled at this, it seemed, hands moving quickly. Her head had gained a very strange tilt, angled half downward. She was attempting to both pay attention to the task at hand and make it clear to Io that they were not being ignored.\n\n\"I don't think I'll need help.\"\n\nShe let this statement hang for a second. If they wanted to help, she thought she probably would let them. However, the were paying her for the convenience of the cloak being fixed without their own interference. Despite this, she had the feeling that it was weird to just let them sit in silence.\n\n\"If the thread gets tangled, I'll let you know so you can help. I'm very bad at getting knots out of string.\"\n\nThe woman gave another little laugh and a shake of her head.\n\n\"I appreciate it. Some people just can't pay and shut up. I don't mind talking, but I think that if you are paying someone else for a job you should let them do that job.\"\n\nHer head tilted, a soft clicking in her throat the only sound for a moment. This was an intentional noise, one meant to take the place of the facial expressions she could not make. It was her way of indicating that her thought was not yet complete.\n\n\"Why are you so nervous? Am I making you nervous?\""
},
{
"author": "Io Grimbuster",
"message": "\"How soon is sort of soon?\" Io questioned. It was a shame that Vhun had to go, they were enjoying the conversation more than they thought they would. Oh well, perhaps they'd meet again in the future? Perhaps not, though. Vhun didn't seem to be the kind of person to be hanging around Khisfire.\n\nThey let out a soft hum, kicking their feet absently, making dirt fly and land back down a little bit away. The people walking by didn't seem to appreciate it very much, but Io didn't notice or care. \"Jeanne is... Hmm... I guess she's a friend now, yeah. We were enemies in the past, and then she was my girlfriend for a little while, and then not anymore. It's complicated. Surface people are complicated. But I like that about 'em.\" Another hum as they tilted their head, antennae flopping to the side. \"Are people up there complicated too? Haven't seen many of 'em.\" Hopefully Vhun would understand that they meant the people from Kara-Tur.\n\nIo watched her work, gaze focused on her hands. She really was good at this, huh? Of course, they'd already seen that from her cloak, but it was something else to see her in action. \"I'm real good at untangling thread,\" Io commented at her suggestion. It was actually something they were great at for some reason. Maybe it just came with how much time they spent training their hands to be quick and nimble, that seemed like a reasonable enough explanation. \"Lemme know if you need any help with it.\" Judging from how well she seemed to work, they didn't think that she would tangle the thread, but it was nice of her to say it anyway.\n\n\"I agree, I hate it when people pay me to do a thing and then don't let me do the thing. If they're so good at it, they should just do it themselves, don'tcha think?\" It was weird finding common ground like this, despite Io's and Vhun's line of work being so very different. Hmm, judging from how quickly she worked, she might make a good thief. Io wasn't about to suggest that, though.\n_ _\n\nAt her question, Io was silent, looking away to stare at the blue sky for a few moments. \"I dunno... S'pose I just haven't seen another mothfolk in... Ten? Fifteen years? Long time, either way. I dunno how I'm supposed to act and all that. You're being all fancy and pretty n'such, and I'm just... Not. Does that make sense? I hope that makes sense.\" Io turned their head back to look at Vhun, hugging their bag a little tighter."
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "\"A few hours. Two maybe. Not enough time for a proper lesson.\"\n\nThe woman's head bobbed along as she continued to sew, still listening. It was good, she thought, that they liked to talk like this. If they didn't, she would have been much delayed. It seemed like a complex relationship either way, one that she was far too wise to continue questioning.\n\n\"I like that about them too.\"\n\nShe paused. Vhun hadn't been to Kara-Tur since she was very small. She was only three years mature now, and had been in Findara since she was four. Though she wrote to her family often, it didn't make up for the distance. Though she very much did see herself as a citizen of Kara-Tur, she really wasn't anymore. She wondered if she'd still be able to map the streets still, or if she'd find herself lost in a land she'd thought was familiar.\n\n\"Haven't seen any in a long time. But think they are.\"\n\nHer antennae twitched, the mothfolk lost in thought. If Io looked closely, they could see that her right antennae was just about a half-inch shorter than her right, coming to a blunt edge rather than a natural point.\n\n\"Yes, yes, I agree.\"\n\nShe paused.\n\n\"Remind me, what do you do for work?\"\n\nVhun's antennae twitched once more, she was still thinking. Wow. They were a lot older than she'd thought.\n\n\"I haven't seen many except my sisters in nine years. I think it's hard to know how to interact.\"\n\nShe gave her head a rather vigorous shake at his comment. Fancy and pretty? That was a weird way to say it.\n\n\"I see, but I hope you don't find me any kind of intimidating. I am not. Does that makes sense? I just dress like this because it's good advertisement. Well, that and so people aren't scared of me. I think if I dressed scruffy they might think that I'm going to get them? If that makes sense. Not that you're scruffy. People just get nervous around mothfolk sometimes.\""
}
] | 434.5 | 2,650 |
545.25 | 2023-02-17 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Io Grimbuster",
"message": "\"Hmm, that's a shame,\" Io mused. \"Guess I'll just have to learn by observing you.\" Not like that was helping a lot, Vhun was moving way faster than Io could keep up with. It was still pretty cool, though, watching her work on repairing the cloak.\n\nLuckily, Vhun didn't question Io's relationship with the woman in question any more - they would've been fine with explaining it, but it might have taken a while, as it was a long story. Perhaps it was best for both of their sanity that Io didn't get into that whole rant.\n\n\"Oh, I thought you might've known. You don't visit the place, then?\" They asked curiously, right antenna perking up. Vhun did give off the vibe that she'd been living here for a while, but Io thought she might've gone there somewhat recently. Apparently not? That was unexpected.\n\nIo had noticed the way one of Vhun's antennae was shorter than the other, though they refrained from mentioning it. If she didn't mention their wing, they didn't want to mention her antenna. That didn't mean they weren't curious, they just didn't want to scare off the first mothfolk they'd spoken to in years. Maybe if she asked about their damaged wing, they would ask about her antenna in return - it only seemed like a fair trade.\n\nWhat did they do for work...? Well, that was... A difficult question to answer. Io hummed, thinking it over for a moment. They didn't want to lie completely, but telling the truth was a shit idea. Maybe...\n\n\"I help collectors procure rare and valuable items,\" Io said cheerfully. In a way, that was what they did, wasn't it? Only the people they took said items from weren't always consenting to them doing so. And the collectors in question were just their guildmates and master. Still, they found it close enough to the truth to be acceptable.\n_ _\n\nThey once more looked away as Vhun shook her head, leaning forward and resting their head on their backpack, which made a soft noise as they did, the sound of several pieces of metal hitting against each other.\n\n\"You're not intimidating, I guess? I'm not great at explaining... Uh, I get what you mean, though, people act weird around me a lot.\" They paused, raising a hand to scratch the back of their head, refusing to look at Vhun.\n\n\"I guess the reason why I'm nervous is, um... Well, y'know how most mothfolk can, like... Fly, n'shit?\" Io became very aware of the feeling of their right wing as they spoke, especially the sensitive parts where it had been torn. \"And I kinda... Can't. And a lotta flying people I've met tend to get real judgy about all that. And, like, there's a couple people that tried to, um, fix me? But, like, I don't need fixing... Y'know? I guess I'm kinda, uh... Scared of being judged.\" They made an indistinct noise, covering their head with their upper arms, looking almost ashamed. \"I dunno... It's probably stupid...\""
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "Vhun was just about halfway done with her repair by now, given that the hole really wasn't all that severe and that there wasn't a meaningful amount of fabric missing. At least this individual appeared reasonably adept at preventing the damage from getting worse. Some would have simply let their clothing fall to shreds in the name of not needing to address the issue. The mothfolk gave a soft hum, mostly to herself, and then lifted her head to look at Io once more.\n\n\"Not really. I write home, but I am very happy here. What of you? Have you been back lately?\"\n\nEven if Io hadn't noticed, Vhun had rather intentionally avoided asking further about this woman in their life. Though she had certainly packed away the question for the future, she didn't want to seem nosy now. No, there was no point in that. Her antennae gave another little twitch, the woman's head slowly turning back toward Io. Her hands had stilled for the moment, taking note of the pause that came before the answer.\n\n\"That's a very interesting career. What brought you to it?\"\n\nThat was incredibly vague, and sounded somewhat sketchy. If Vhun's eyes had been capable of narrowing, they would have. Instead, she was blessed with her own relatively non-expressive eyes. Her head continued to nod slowly as Io continued to speak. She wasn't intimidating? Good. Sort of. Vhun liked to think she could be intimidating if she wanted to be, but she didn't want to be. She wanted friends.\n\n\"Yes, I am aware of that.\"\n\nHer gaze dropped back to Io's wings. She'd tried not to stare at their torn wing out of politeness, but now it was somewhat hard to avoid as a subject.\n\n\"Well. I am not judging you. It isn't your fault.\"\n\nShe couldn't help but wonder why they hadn't sought out help for this. Surely there was someone capable of healing magic that would repair such a thing? If it caused such concern for them, and it was an injury, why would they not try to fix it? She didn't understand.\n\n\"It isn't stupid.\"\n\nIt was hard not to be slightly judgmental, or at least a little curious, but Vhun pushed that away. It wasn't worth offending. Her voice remained unchanged.\n\n\"Nobody has the right to harass you for that.\""
},
{
"author": "Io Grimbuster",
"message": "They shook their head, sighing softly. \"Nah... Haven't really felt the need to go back home. My ma's probably dead by now, and my siblings... I doubt they remember me at all. It's better not to return. Don't wanna hurt 'em more than I did when I... Departed.\" There was an undertone of sadness in their voice as Io said that, or maybe it was regret. Regret for leaving? Well, that didn't make sense, they hadn't had a choice in the matter. Regret for nor going back, though? That was a possibility.\n\nUpon second consideration, maybe what Io claimed was their job had been a little suspicious. Then again, there was no backing out now, right? That'd be even more suspicious. \"Well, my pa did the same thing. Is real good at it too. The best there is. Or was, I guess. Until I, uh...\" They trailed off awkwardly, realizing just a moment too late that they might've said too much. Hopefully Vhun would just drop it if they moved on quickly enough? Probably not, but it was worth a shot.\n\n\"That's good. That you're not judging, I mean. A lotta people do.\" Io paused, lowering a right hand to softly trace over the frayed edge where their wing had been torn all those years ago. Oddly enough, despite the event having had such an effect on their life, they could barely remember what exactly had happened. Memories were weird, they supposed.\n\nEventually, they continued. \"But yeah, you're right. They really shouldn't be harassing me for that. It's weird. People are weird.\" Once more, Io sat up straight for a moment and crossed their legs, then placed their bag on the bench, once more bending over to hug the thing with all four arms.\n_ _\n\n\"Say, I'm curious,\" Io said, turning to look at Vhun again. \"If you were in my situation, and got your wing all fucked up, would you go try to fix it? Y'know, find some biomancer, have them take care of it somehow?\" They didn't mean anything malicious with the question, it was just genuine curiosity. A second opinion, perhaps.\n\nMost people, if they were in this situation, seemed to be desperately looking for a cure, some way to fix what had been broken, and yet, Io had never been particularly interested in doing that. Sure, it did cause them some amount of distress, and their life would be much easier if it was fixed, yet... They didn't. In the late hours of the night, when others were asleep, Io had thought about this question often, and had never been able to come to a proper conclusion as to why they thought this way."
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "\"I am sorry for your loss.\"\n\nVhun spoke after a long moment, inclining her head as she did. She didn't know what to say about this, about this apparent loss. There was clearly a story here, but not one that she was entitled to know. She'd met this person less than an hour ago, after all. Certainly she'd ask if they met again in the future, but it was downright inappropriate to do so now. A soft click indicated that Vhun was clearing her throat.\n\n\"I do hope you can find peace.\"\n\nMaybe that was an unnecessary additional statement, but it was out of her mouth now and there was nothing she could do about it. Her head slowly moved back toward her work. She was almost done now, and part of her really wanted to sink into the ground and disappear. Had she made this awkward? More than anything, she wanted to get away from this subject.\n\n\"Yes... People are weird.\"\n\nShe took another long pause to consider their question. What was the best way to answer this? Surely there had to be one. Ah well, maybe honesty was the best strategy here. Or maybe it wasn't. Either way, this was the strategy that Vhun was going to employ. She knew her input probably wouldn't do much, but she thought she may as well give an answer.\n\n\"I... Think I would.\"\n\nAnother pause. She needed to figure out how to formulate her thoughts, how to best phrase this. She didn't want to sound judgmental, but she did want to be articulate.\n\n\"Life is sort of short, and we are gifted with wings. I would say that getting it fixed would be an act that at best would give you the opportunity to fly, and at worst would change nothing.\"\n\nShe sat up straighter, her own wings lightly fanning as she thought.\n\n\"I mean to say is this: I suppose the worst that could happen is that your wings are fixed, you discover you don't like to fly much and then go back to the way you were before. It's not a bad thing to have an injury, but there is also nothing wrong with wishing that you could fix something that inconveniences you, if it does.\""
}
] | 531.5 | 2,181 |
393 | 2023-02-18 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Io Grimbuster",
"message": "Maybe Io was talking about themself too much. Yeah, they really had to learn to ramble less one of these days. And just dumping all of one's baggage on a random stranger was, well... Not ideal, to say the least.\n\n\"Hey, you're almost done with that,\" Io commented, pointing at the cloak. Maybe it was best to try and change the topic in a more comfortable direction. \"Looks like I'm not gonna be able to see it was even broken in the first place. And you're so fast too.\" There was an amazed tone to their voice, and their antennae were curving forward slightly, showing off their interest.\n\n\"I'm curious,\" They started, eyes remaining focused on Vhun's work, \"What made you wanna be a seamstress?\" Hopefully that topic would be a bit more cheerful than what they discussed previously. \"And how long have you been doing this?\" Io was tempted to ask how old she was, but that was usually considered to be a fairly rude subject. If they'd spent more time around mothfolk, they might have had a better shot at guessing.\n\nFor a minute or so, Io was quiet at that answer, thinking it over carefully. They were still watching her work, though they didn't really focus on it, lost in thought. She did have an interesting point, actually.\n\n\"That makes sense,\" Io spoke up eventually, humming softly. \"I'll... Have to think about that some more, later. Oh, and, uh, thanks for the honesty. Means a lot. Don't worry, I'm not gonna be mad or anything - would be pretty stupid if I got mad at the answer to a question I asked, eh?\" They chuckled, voice taking on a much more cheerful tone.\n_ _\n\n\"But yeah, thanks, for real.\" Another moment of silence before Io sat up suddenly, a thought popping into their mind. \"Hey, if you got some time, wanna grab something to eat or drink in a bit? 'S cool if not, but I figure you might know some nice places around this town cause I ain't never been here before.\" Io felt they owed her that much after going into that whole rant previously. Yeah, they were a little embarrassed, it wasn't their proudest moment. \"Oh yeah, I'll pay if you don't wanna, no problemo.\""
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "The mothfolk slowly nodded. She was almost done, and she was happy that this had been noticed. More than that, she was happy that the awkward topic had been abandoned. Slowly, Vhun shifted the garment toward Io, allowing them to view the repair. She was still sewing as she did. The woman's back straightened as she did, wings giving another little pleased hum.\n\n\"I am almost done, and thank you. I try to be as quick as possible.\"\n\nShe did. It was something she was rather proud of, in all truth. It served her well to be quick, given that her time was her way of making money. Certainly some tasks required quite a lot of time, but for the ones that didn't, there was no point in wasting her own time. That being said, she had no intention of doing a bad job.\n\n\"Well, since I hit maturity I've been doing this for work. So... Three years. I spend a lot of time learning when I was young though. I've always just liked it. What of you? How long have you been doing your job?\"\n\nVhun had quite the idea that Io was much older than she, but she didn't know just how old. It felt rude to ask.\n\n\"I'm happy the honesty was appreciated.\"\n\nIf Vhun had been capable of smiling, she would have. Instead, she allowing her antennae to flick and another hum to rumble in her throat.\n\n\"Of course. And... Yes, I would love to. I am more than happy to pay for myself though.\"\n\nThe invite was a little odd, but Vhun didn't object. She wanted to make a friend, and this individual seemed like a prime candidate."
},
{
"author": "Io Grimbuster",
"message": "\"So impressive...\" The moth mused softly, leaning in just a little closer to study the cloak. Sure, looking at it up close, they could see where the thing had been fixed, but from afar, they were sure they wouldn't be able to see it at all. \"Yup, it's been decided. You're officially much better at this than anyone else I know.\"\n\nWith that, Io sat back once more, not wanting to be all up in Vhun's personal space. They tilted their head at her statement, trying and failing to do some quick mental math. Ever since reaching maturity... What age was that again? Io hadn't lived long enough in Kara-Tur to learn that.\n\n\"It sure looks like you've been doing it all your life, maybe even longer. I dunno how long your life is. Point is, a long time.\" Was it a way to indirectly ask for Vhun's age? Maybe.\n\n\"As for my job, er...\" Io hesitated, counting the years on the fingers of their left hand. Ugh, maths. \"I would say ten years...? Fifteen...? No, it's not that long... I think...\" Their antennae drooped more and more as they spoke, with some amount of embarrassment, perhaps. \"Somewhere between those two, I guess? I'm no good with numbers, ehehe...\" They chuckled sheepishly, scratching the back of their head with a hand.\n\nAs Vhun accepted their invitation, Io cheered up quickly, antennae perking up once more. \"Awesome! D'you know a place where you wanna go?\" They looked around, trying to spot such a place, but there were too many people around for Io to get a good look at their surroundings - not like they would've been able to know if what they saw was good or not. \"Unless you don't really have food around here often, which would be fair. In that case, wanna just pick a random place? I can talk to the staff at least, so you don't gotta do the whole writing thing. Unless you wanna, o'course, I don't mind.\""
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "\"Thank you.\"\n\nThere was distinct pride in her voice, Vhun rolling all four of her shoulders back. Her hands lightly moved to turn the garment over in her hands. She was tying off her thread now, head having once more bent down. She didn't want to screw up this part, given that she had a feeling this individual was potentially one who would accidentally tear out an ill-placed knot. She didn't want this repair to be for nothing.\n\n\"Thirteen years.\"\n\nShe had quite the feeling that Io was asking her age, and she saw no issue with giving it. It appeared that this individual was far far older than she, just as she'd expected. They'd been in their profession longer than Vhun herself had been alive. Perhaps, given that they didn't know exactly how long they'd been in their line of work, it was an exact equivalency.\n\n\"Wow. You must be incredibly skilled in your profession. I'm not good with them either, that's why I'm a seamstress.\"\n\nVhun gave a tittering laugh, her head bobbing once more as she did. Her eyes scanned over her work once more, confirming it was solid, then moved to hand it back over to Io.\n\n\"I'm not picky, and I can't say that I eat in any place often. It can be awkward when I can't speak. What sorts of things do you like to eat?\""
}
] | 397.5 | 1,572 |
382.25 | 2023-02-20 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Io Grimbuster",
"message": "Io tilted their head somewhat at Vhun's hesitation. Was her age a problem, then? She seemed more than capable enough in their eyes at least. But, to be fair, people did tend to look down upon younger ones. Even if Io wasn't terribly young, they still had to deal with that sometimes, and it was always a pain - until they proved themself, of course.\n\n\"I do know my wings developed before I started doing that work. Maybe I was just early, I dunno. They never really worked properly, though. Before I had a chance to use them, y'know.\" Io gestured vaguely at their wings with their lower right hand, then shrugged with all shoulders. \"I guess I never knew what it's like to fly, huh,\" They said, as if that realization hit them just now. That... Was a little sad - but it did help explain why they didn't really feel the need to get their wings fixed. After all, never having known the joy of flying, how could they miss it?\n\nThey thought about her question for a little bit, scratching the side of their head. \"I think it was this really old painting this one lady had? Took me weeks to convince her to sell it to my client. I don't see the value in it, though my client was willing to drop a small fortune for it.\" Of course, in reality, the painting had been stolen as part of a heist that had taken weeks to plan, but Io preferred to change up that little small detail.\n\n\"O'course I'm pleased with it!\" Io exclaimed cheerfully. \"It looks so good... Oh, don't worry, Imma make sure to be careful. Don't wanna ruin this, after all.\" It wasn't like their clothes broke often, Io made sure to take care of them very well - perhaps Vhun might even see that, as despite their clothing being simple and old, they looked remarkably clean.\n_ _\n\nBeing told to decide what place they'd eat at, Io hopped onto the bench for a moment to get a better look at the area. \"Well, we could head to one of them taverns, or maybe we could get some street food? Some of the food they sell here on the market, I mean. Any preference?\""
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "\"I see.\"\n\nVhun's gaze dropped down to Io's wings once more. She really did want to know what had happened to their wings, but it felt like she was overstepping. She'd just have to wonder. That was the polite option, after all. Vhun once more moved to brush at her clothing. She didn't like this skirt, she decided. At least not for everyday wear. It was too heavy. She'd just have to stick to her slacks.\n\n\"I don't want to sound at all like I'm... Trying to make you jealous, but I must say that there truly is no other experience like flight.\"\n\nShe slowly nodded once more, somewhat distracted in her attempts to spot somewhere with food. Her head turned back to Io, thinking as to what to say next. A painting, really? Vhun never had been much for the appreciation or creation of art, despite her best efforts. Perhaps she just didn't have an eye for it. \n\n\"A painting? Was the artist well known or something?\"\n\nThe mothfolk gave another sharp nod. Good. They were happy with it, and they weren't going to screw it up. Or well, at least not intentionally. Then again, few did actually intentionally screw up their clothing. Oh well.\n\n\"Hmm... A tavern could be good. So could market food. There's a good place that sells pastries and other things, but I... Don't quite recall where it was. Have you eaten anything in this area lately?\"\n\nPerhaps, she thought, it was good that this was the biggest source of conflict the two had encountered. Two indecisive beings struggling to make a choice."
},
{
"author": "Io Grimbuster",
"message": "Io shrugged in response. \"It's fine, I don't really need to fly, I think. I'm scared of heights anyhow.\" They felt it was fine to admit that, now that the two of them had been talking for a little while. It wasn't a big secret, but still not a good thing for a potential enemy to know - although Vhun was far from an enemy, it seemed, so Io was fine with telling her. Who knew, maybe admitting something like that would make her become more friendly towards them.\n\nThey didn't quite know why, but Io really wanted to befriend Vhun. Perhaps it was just because she was the only mothfolk they'd encountered in years, or maybe because she was being all nice and friendly, or perhaps because she had somehow not been scared off yet by their rambling. Either way, they were happy spending time with her, and hoped they'd be able to do so again in the future.\n\n\"I dunno? I think it was just really old, that's why it was worth so much.\" They shrugged once again, turning their attention back to looking for a place to eat, still standing atop the bench. \"I don't get art. It's just paint. I mean, I guess it can look pretty, but this one didn't even look all that good. It was kinda small, really. Not worth the price at all. But,\" They continued after a short pause, \"We do what the client asks of us, no questions asked, eh?\"\n\nIo nimbly hopped down from the bench, thinking for a moment. \"I've been here for maybe a few hours, I think? Not long enough to have picked a good place to eat.\" Vhun wasn't going to make a decision, was she? It seemed like Io would have to cut through the proverbial knot, then. \"Wanna just grab some street meat and wander around the market some more? Well, doesn't have to be meat, but some food we can carry along and eat while walking. Y'know. Street meat.\" Was that a common expression around these parts? Hopefully, otherwise Vhun might end up very confused."
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "\"Really?\"\n\nVhun couldn't hide the interest in her voice as they spoke, head gaining quite the tilt. Her antennae gave a severe twitch, swiveling toward them as she stared. She really did like this person, and to some level had already gained respect for them, but she genuinely couldn't fathom a fear of heights. Then again, she did have functioning wings. Still. It was quite odd, she thought.\n\n\"Forgive me. That was rude.\"\n\nShe bowed her head lightly, a gesture meant to indicate some feeling of guilt. She didn't mean to offend, but she truly couldn't help herself. Vhun turned her head, thinking for a moment before she looked back at Io. The attempt at something like a regal posture had returned, her lower hands folding behind her back, her upper in front.\n\n\"That is... Odd. I wouldn't think that being very old alone would make it that valuable... Unless someone just likes very old things.\"\n\nShe shrugged with both sets of shoulders.\n\n\"Yes. That is fine by me. I'd love to wander.\"\n\nShe'd given a long pause before she spoke, given that it was a somewhat strange phrase, she thought.\n\n\"I'll follow you. I think people new to an area know what to look for in interesting things anyway.\""
}
] | 395 | 1,529 |
354 | 2023-02-21 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Io Grimbuster",
"message": "\"Yup, really. Weird, innit? Mothfolk with a fear of heights, that's like... A moth afraid of lamps. Or something like that. You know what I mean.\" Io waved a right hand dismissively, not seeming too bothered by the topic. There were a lot worse things they could be discussing.\n\nThey tilted their head at Vhun at her apology, curiously. \"Why's that rude? I brought it up. It's all good, man.\" They reached out a hand to pat her on the back, but stopped just before touching her, eventually pulling their hand back. Io wasn't sure if Vhun was okay with being touched randomly, so it was better to stick to the safe side and not do that.\n\nUnlike Vhun's more regal posture, Io's stance was a lot more carefree, upper hands once more folded behind their head, the lower pair hanging loosely. \"Yeah, I dunno what gives stuff value sometimes. Even I get it wrong a lotta the time with things like paintings and whatnot. 'Tis not a perfect science.\" Io wasn't a fan of stealing paintings anyway, they tended to be heavy and very obnoxious to move and hide.\n\n\"Alright then, let's wander.\" Io looked around, picked a random direction, and started walking, occasionally checking if Vhun was still following them. They let their sense of smell guide them, picking whatever smelled most delicious and walking in that direction.\n\n\"Oh, by the way, you got any, like, allergies? Or foods you can't eat for whatever reason?\" Io asked suddenly, turning to look at Vhun. That was probably important to ask before they went out and looked for food, actually. \"It's all good if there is, just wanna keep it in mind.\""
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "\"Well... I guess that makes sense. If you haven't spent much time in the air it's easy to be nervous about it. Not that... Not that it's a bad thing at all, of course. To each their own. And... Rude because I don't want to make you feel bad about yourself. Or make you feel like you're missing something. I don't know. Hard to explain.\"\n\nVhun noticed the hand out of her peripheral, though she made no move to stop it. She had no qualms with physical contact, in fact she found it to be rather reassuring. Most people didn't physically reach out unless they had strong feelings one way or another. That was enough to prove to her that she wasn't being all that annoying.\n\n\"Few things are perfect sciences, to be fair. Probably why there are still things we don't know.\"\n\nShe shrugged. That was a terrible explanation of her thoughts, but she thought she'd better say something. She wasn't going to just stare at them. No, that was a terrible way to hold a conversation. It was so rare that she actually was able to talk to someone without difficulty. She wasn't going to squander that now.\n\n\"Mmm... No. Do you? Personally I'm not very picky at all, given that my sister does most of the cooking. I sort of just eat whatever. Are you in a similar situation?\""
},
{
"author": "Io Grimbuster",
"message": "Well, maybe it was best not to get into their whole history again, Io felt that might make the situation more than a little awkward. \"Yeah, I'm just not very comfortable all up in the air and whatnot. I prefer to have both feet on the ground, or maybe my arms when I'm doing a handstand. Point is, I don't like being up higher than a couple feet.\" They didn't have to go into the reason why they were afraid of heights, it wasn't necessary.\n\n\"That's true. Science is weird,\" Io commented absently. \"So many things we don't know yet... Say, d'you ever wonder what's up there?\" They pointed at the sky with their upper right hand, looking at the blue with a few little clouds drifting by. \"Like... Y'know how at night, we get stars n'shit?\" Once more, the swear was said in Common, earning Io a few strange looks from a couple of people around them. \"What are they?\" They continued in Ivathi. \"Like... Are they little lamps?\" It was a bit of a random topic, but who knew, maybe Vhun held some answers to the secrets of the universe.\n\nIo kept staring at the sky for a few moments, though they eventually tore their gaze away from it, looking back to Vhun. So both of them were in a similar situation, eh? Enjoying all of the foods and whatnot, well, that made the choice as for where to go an easy enough one. To the most delicious-smelling food!\n\nThey started walking, making their way through the crowd, but walking slowly enough so that Vhun still had a chance to keep up - they didn't know her average walking speed, after all. \"In my case, my pa does most of the cooking, but he's always called me a walking trashcan cause I'll kinda eat anything.\" Io chuckled at the thought, finding it a rather funny - and accurate - way to be described. \"So I ain't got a preference, really. I'm just heading to the thing that smells good right now.\" It smelled like savory pies, which Io was always a fan of."
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "\"Makes sense. Can't blame you for that.\"\n\nShe had little to say further on this topic, given that they'd already made their point and she understood it. Really, all it had done was make her realize that it had been far too long since she'd simply gone out to fly. She didn't want to lose the skill she had, after all. Perhaps it was just a childhood fear, given that her Me'ret had always claimed her wings would shrivel and atrophy if she didn't use them. Though thinking about, Vhun thought there was a good chance her sister had just been trying to get her out of the house for a time...\n\n\"I don't really think about things like that.\"\n\nShe figured it was better to let smarter people ponder those sorts of things. It wasn't that Vhun thought herself to be stupid, but rather that she thought that her skillset was quite specialized. Not everyone could be good at everything, and she knew what she was good at. That wasn't a bad thing.\n\n\"Oh. That's nice. Sort of. A walking trashcan? That feels a little rude. But I suppose everyone has their own ways of showing affection.\"\n\nVhun wasn't certain where they were headed, but she could smell food. She had to agree that it smelled rather good, even though Vhun herself preferred sweet food.\n\n\"Lead on, then. I trust your judgement.\"\n\nHer antennae twitched.\n\n\"It does smell good.\""
}
] | 338 | 1,416 |
302.25 | 2023-02-26 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Io Grimbuster",
"message": "\"True, thinking about stuff that doesn't have an answer can be a massive pain. Makes my brain hurt sometimes, y'know?\" Their gaze was still focused on the pies, trying to pick out the biggest one from a group of nearly identical ones. Io had a lot of random things they were very good at, and this was one of them.\n\nEventually, they settled on one that was somewhat in the back and they pointed to it, making the exchange in Common with the stall's owner. The man didn't seem too pleased with their choice being one in the back, as those tended to be more freshly made, but the customer was king, so he handed it to them after they handed over the money.\n\n\"How d'you wanna divvy it up?\" They asked, holding the thing carefully in their two lower hands, as if it were a very expensive item. Why couldn't they just start eating already... \"I got some daggers but I'd probably have to clean 'em first. They're a bit oily right now. Y'know, to prevent them from rusting.\"\n\nIo paused then, thinking over Vhun's question. That was a good one. They'd already done what they were supposed to do today, which was escaping from the law, so... Now what?\n\n\"I dunno, probably wander around, explore the city a bit. Don't have a lotta plans, to be honest. I think I'll be spending a couple days in this town before heading back home? Issa nice place, bit of a waste to come here and immediately leave again, ain't it?\" Wait, they were rambling again. \"Point is, I don't really got any plans.\""
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "\"Definitely.\"\n\nThe woman gave another small hum, this seeming to be her equivalent of a smile. She listened quietly as Io spoke to the shop owner. Perhaps it was a benefit to have a companion that spoke this language so well. Perhaps she'd have to make more of an effort to enunciate the words correctly. Maybe her ten years of effort simply had been wrong. She wasn't willing to admit that she perhaps was fully incapable. \n\nThere was something funny about watching them pick their pie of choice. Clearly, they had developed a system to make certain they picked the one with the most amount of filling.\n\n\"I don't mind. Go ahead. Feel free to just tear it.\"\n\nShe wasn't going to eat much other than the vegetable broth and soft bits that were there. She'd never been much for trying to eat what she wasn't meant to, and she was somewhat impressed with Io's own preference toward the food of this area. They really were an interesting one, like a mothfolk that was trying to turn into a human.\n\n\"Oh. That is nice. I don't have many plans either, though I do need to be getting home sooner rather than later..\"\n\nShe was holding all four of her hands in front of her body now, twisting her hands between each other."
},
{
"author": "Io Grimbuster",
"message": "Nodding, the moth tore the thing in half with all four hands, trying their very best to make it as equal as possible - which they did a pretty good job at, actually. It wasn't perfect, but an untrained eye might find that both halves were almost perfectly equal.\n\nThey handed one half to Vhun at random, not wanting to try to pick the larger or the smaller half. No matter which one they picked, it would be unfair somehow, so it was better to just choose randomly.\n\nAnd with that, Io breathed in some of the warm, delicious-smelling steam coming from their half, and then chewed down, beginning to munch happily. Being a mothfolk, their bites weren't particularly big due to their anatomy, but they were a fast eater. \"Mmh. Sho good,\" They mumbled, sounding quite satisfied. It really was great, even if it was a bit difficult to eat, as were most things in this world.\n\nThey made sure their mouth was empty before responding to Vhun, nodding as she spoke. \"Yeah, that makes sense. Can't keep your sis waiting, I guess. Say, d'you wanna meet up again some day? Dunno about you, but I like having another of my species to talk to. Gives me an excuse to practise the language too, which is pretty cool methinks.\"\n\nIo was eating all the bits of the pie without regard as to if it was good for them or not. Sure, they might feel a little ill tomorrow, but it was so worth the taste. They quickly continued eating, and would probably finish their half in a couple of minutes if they kept going at this pace."
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "\"Perfect.\"\n\nVhun gave a little hum, accepting her half without complaint. She was watching Io eat with great interest. How were they taking such enormous bites? She was deeply impressed, in the way that anyone was impressed with witnessing the mildly disgusting. Vhun took far small bites, picking around anything that wasn't easy to bite into.\n\n\"It is, isn't it?\"\n\nIt took everything within her to avoid outright laughing at the mispronunciation brought on by a full mouth. They really were a creature of many strong emotions. She respected that immensely, especially given her own somewhat reserved nature. Or at least, reserved by the standards of the more humanoid folk.\n\n\"I would absolutely love to. I seldom see those of our kind, and you are quite a superb conversationalist.\"\n\nShe hoped they wouldn't interpret her compliment as nothing more than a superficial attempt at flattery. It was genuine, though spoken with a bit too much formality. Vhun's wings gave another little twitch as the loose thread once more touched the joint at the apex of them. She really did need to fix this cloak. It was bothering her immensely.\n\n\"When do you think you'll return here? Or... Do have solid plans to visit other cities or kingdoms?\""
}
] | 303.5 | 1,209 |
360.5 | 2023-02-27 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Io Grimbuster",
"message": "Io couldn't help but glance at Vhun as she ate, glad their eyes made it difficult to see where they were looking at. So fancy and refined... So that was how mothfolk were supposed to eat. Huh. They made a mental note of it, then discarded that mental note because, like, who cared about eating fancily when the food was this good?\n\n\"D'you like it? I love it,\" Io commented, raising their head momentarily. The bottom half of their face was covered in crumbs, and they quickly used a hand to brush some away, chuckling sheepishly. To be fair, they had warned Vhun that they were a walking trashcan, so she couldn't be too surprised, right?\n\nSuperb conversationalist, eh? Now that was something Io didn't get called very often. Loud, annoying, oh my god please shut up I'm trying to think, those were more common. It was an odd feeling to be complimented, but it was very much welcome. If they could've, Io would have grinned. Instead, their wings gave a cheerful little flutter and their antennae bounced up happily. \"Why, thank you. I think you're great at talking too.\" Their voice sounded as cheerful as their demeanor looked.\n\nIo hummed at her question. \"Well, I'm probably gonna stick 'round this place for a couple more days, and then I guess it's time to return home, tell my pa I'm not, like, dead or anything. After that... Don't think I have any plans, really. My job lets me fill in my time pretty freely 's long as I bring in the big bucks often enough, so...\" They trailed off, shrugging absently. \"Why? You got anything planned that you wanna invite me to?\""
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "Vhun didn't think she ate fancily, but rather she thought that she ate in a way that kept her face and clothing clean. She liked her clothing, and she liked her face. She would certainly never admit it, but the flash of white fur across her face was truly a bit gray and cut with speckles of charcoal. The purchase of a porcelain-white cosmetic was one of her more shameful ones, but it had done well to even out the color. Maybe it was vanity, but she didn't want to accidentally catch some of that powder with her hand mess up her own work.\n\n\"Yes. Yes it is very good.\"\n\nA little bit too salty, Vhun though, but it was good nonetheless. It was difficult to avoid laughing, truly. They really had lived up to their apparent reputation when it came to food. Vhun took a final bite of hers, and then tilted the food out toward Io. She wasn't going to finish all of this anyway.\n\n\"Did you want the rest of mine?\"\n\nIt was good, Vhun thought, that they hadn't picked up any malice from her comment on their ability to talk. They really did like to talk, and they were good at it. The compliment had truly been genuine, but she couldn't help but wonder how others truly felt about this one. It remained to be seen.\n\n\"Oh. And well, neither do I. 'cept going home, which I should do soon.\"\n\nShe gave another tittering laugh, shaking her head\n\n\"Afraid I don't.\""
},
{
"author": "Io Grimbuster",
"message": "Io nodded in agreement, having already almost finished their half. It was only now that they realized they hadn't eaten anything yet today in their haste to run away, and Io had gotten incredibly hungry.\n\nIt was because of that that they gladly accepted Vhun's offer without bothering to refuse politely, only for her to insist and them to accept, feigning reluctance. No, Io wanted that other half too, and they didn't care that Vhun had already eaten from it a little.\n\n\"Not hungry?\" They questioned, after finishing their own part and making a half-hearted attempt at wiping their face clean. With that, they gladly accepted her offer and dug into it, happily munching away. There were few better things in this world than a good meal, and this was an extremely good meal.\n\nThey paused, finding themself a little said when Vhun mentioned she had to go. \"Yeah, I should let you go, probably,\" Io said with a chuckle. \"Don't wanna keep you around for too long. Besides, I think the people 'round here are starting to wonder what we're talking about.\" One or two people did occasionally glance at the curious pair, but most had their own things to take care of, so Io didn't actually feel that many eyes on them.\n\n\"Well, if you wanna, I'd love to hang out again some day. It's fun talking to you, what can I say?\" Io's voice was cheerful and lighthearted, their enjoyment of the conversation obvious for all to see. \"Also, it's good to have a seamstress friend for if I break my clothes.\" They gave a short laugh, shaking their head. \"Nah, I'm kidding, I'm not gonna ask you to do that for free, that would be rude.\" They didn't want it to seem like they were being friends with Vhun just for that reason, because that simply wasn't the case. Io wanted to be friends because they found her fun to hang out with, and that was all there was to it."
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "The food was passed over to Io without any complaint, Vhun then folding her hands in front of her body once more. Part of her was quite pleased that they hadn't attempted to refuse out of politeness. She didn't like to argue, and she never could tell when people such as this genuinely didn't wish to take what was offered. She wasn't sure if they'd object to already-bitten food, but this fear quickly faded. They... Really were a garbage can for food. It was impressive.\n\n\"Not very, no. I've eaten today already.\"\n\nShe was still watching them eat with morbid curiosity, though she kept her head facing forward. Even with her inexplicable interest, she was determined to at least seem polite. That was very important. Vhun waved a hand as they spoke again. Though she did think she needed to get going, she certainly was in no huge hurry to do so.\n\n\"Ha! Of course they are. Clearly two mothfolk speaking a language besides Common is suspicious and terrifying.\"\n\nVhun was half tempted to turn to one of those that glanced their way and do something unsettling, but quickly quieted this urge. There was no point. It would only make her look foolish. The woman gave an encouraging nod to Io as they spoke again. Yes. She did want to see them again.\n\n\"Oh absolutely I'd love to spend more time with you.\"\n\nShe paused.\n\n\"And I am more than happy to fix small things for free. What is the purpose of being good at something if I can't use it to help a friend?\"\n\nTo make money, she knew, but she didn't want to charge someone that she liked. She gave a final nod, waiting for them to first make a move to step away."
},
{
"author": "Io Grimbuster",
"message": "Io nodded once more. Well, if she'd eaten already, it was fine, right? There was the issue that she'd already paid for half and now Io was eating most of her half as well, but frankly, they couldn't be arsed thinking about that right now. If they really were going to meet up again, Io was certain that they'd find some way to repay the favor. Some day. Probably not today, though.\n\n\"Ooo, so spooky and terrifying,\" Io said, imitating a ghost, as well as that went in Ivathi. If they could have, they probably would have stuck their tongue out at one of the people passing by. \"Eh, people are weird. I try to ignore 'em.\" They shrugged with all four shoulders, not really caring about it. They had been around for a while, after all, and gotten very used to the stares.\n\nThey finished the pie then, patting their stomach with a satisfied sigh. \"Ah, I needed that,\" Io sighed to no one in particular, then stretched, all four arms high above their head. The best thing to do after a satisfying meal was to go take a nap, and they were more than tempted to go do that right now. Maybe they could find a nice place somewhere.\n\n\"But I guess our next meeting's gonna be later, ain't it?\" Yeah, it was becoming time to leave, even if they would have loved to spend a lot more time hanging out with Vhun. \"S'pose we'll have to meet again some day.\"\n\nIo turned to Vhun, extending a hand - a clean one that they hadn't used to eat the pie just now. \"I guess this is goodbye then, ain't it?\" A little sad, but hopefully they would meet again soon - and if not, it had been a fun enough meeting, one that Io would remember fondly."
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "Vhun saw absolutely no issue with giving her half back to Io. She'd had as much as she'd wanted anyway, and as such she was more than happy to have paid for half of the meat pie. She wouldn't have eaten the rest of her half anyway, and she thought there was no point in simply wasting food if Io was happy to eat it.\n\n\"Oh certainly. I think it'd be funny to give them a little scare..\"\n\nShe gave her head a little shake, her shoulders half-lifting in a copying shrug. This was a fairly unconscious gesture, the woman giving another little hum of laughter as Io patted their stomach. They really did seem to live for food. She was almost envious of the amount of joy they seemed to get from such a simple thing.\n\n\"Good. Glad that you enjoyed it.\"\n\nReally, there was little else to say. Vhun inclined her head once more. Their next meeting would have to be another day, though she hoped it would be sooner rather than later. Her wings twitched once again. First order of business when she was alone would be fixing that damned thread.\n\n\"I hope we do.\"\n\nShe extended her lower right hand to catch theirs, antennae flicking forward as she looked at them. It was her way of making certain they knew she was actually paying attention to them.\n\n\"It is. Goodbye. Be well, Io.\"\n\nWith that, she released their hand and took a step back, giving a little wave."
}
] | 364.5 | 2,163 |
547.666667 | 2023-03-31 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Ventum",
"message": "Waiting for the stall's owner to come up and talk to them so they could make the exchange, buy the piece of fabric, and then leave, Ventum took a piece of parchment from their pocket and examined it absently, delicate paper held carefully in metal fingers - even if they already knew the contents by heart, it couldn't hurt to look it over once more. It was a schedule for the day, written in a neat handwriting without much intricacies to it, really. The letters were as simple as they could be, but that made them easy to read for just about anyone that understood Common.\n\nJudging from their internal clock, which had always been strangely accurate, it seemed they had a little over half an hour left until they had to return home. With this being the final stop, well, what should they do in that time? Ventum considered that thought as they carefully folded the parchment and put it back into their pocket, exhaling a soft sigh, and turning their attention back to the soft fabric, holding on to it with their right hand so that no one else might get the idea to take it.\n\nAnd then, a sudden movement from the person standing next to them. Ventum hadn't really been paying attention to the other people at the stall, finding it to generally be a waste of their time. However, even they found it difficult to ignore when someone was directly staring at them and waving. Well, they supposed there was some time left over anyway, might as well fill it this way.\n_ _\n\nStraightening their back, Ventum turned their head to look at the stranger, examining her for a moment. It was far from difficult to point down her species. Mothfolk, eh? A rare species to come across for sure - Ventum had never met one, at least. Remaining quiet for a moment, they considered what they knew about them, anything to keep in mind. It had happened so many times that they'd accidentally said the wrong thing or did the wrong thing and managed to offend and entire species that they'd taken up the habit of looking up some basics about the most common ones one could come across to aid them in conversation. Unfortunately, they hadn't managed to find such a resource about the Mothfolk, so this was going to be... Difficult.\n\nAs their multicolored eyes examined the person in front of them, Ventum did notice that she seemed to be rather well-dressed, with clothes that fit her form well and colors that objectively looked good together, though they weren't sure how common this was for the Mothfolk - it might just be a cultural thing. Then again, judging from how she was at this stall, examining fabrics in the same way they were doing, she might be one to sew clothing herself. There was no way to know for sure until they asked - but did she even speak Common at all?\n\nAfter a few seconds, their gaze landed back on her eyes, remembering that it was considered polite to make eye contact. Right hand still holding on to the fabric, Ventum gave a wave with their left, expression unchanging. \"Hello,\" They said simply, hoping it to be a neutral greeting that wouldn't be misinterpreted in any way."
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "She'd been noticed. Excellent. As Vhun noticed the person start turning toward her, her lower set of hands started to reach into her satchel, searching for her cards. The woman's gaze didn't leave Ventum's face as she pulled free her first card, holding it in her left hand with the rest of the stack in her right. She debated speaking as she displayed the card, wondering if there was even a fraction of a chance that this person understood Ivathi. Probably not. Her throat was a little hoarse anyway, so Vhun supposed that there wasn't anything wrong with just using the cards.\n\n*Hello.*\n\nThe card was held at Ventum's eye level in a steady, four-fingered hand. As this was held up to her, Vhun passed her stack of cards back to her upper set of hands, searching for her next card. She didn't know what she wanted to ask quite yet, but she was sure that she could find *Some* Suitable conversation-starting phrase. Her gaze slowly skated back toward the fabric. There that was something that she could talk about. It was really pretty. And green. Green was a color Vhun herself almost never wore, given that she didn't think it looked very nice with the orange on her wings.\n\n*I like that.*\n\nCard number 17 was one of the cards Vhun thought was most useful. It was a very general statement, but it could be made more specific with a hand gesture. That gesture, in this case, was simply using a free hand to point at the fabric. The person before her still hadn't spoke at all. Was that a bad sign? Was she bothering them? She would give it another moment, she decided, and then if the person didn't reply, she'd simply cut her losses and shuffle away. It was awkward, yes, but it was better than continuing to talk at someone who didn't want to communicate.\n\nInternally, Vhun heaved a sigh of relief as the person spoke back. Good. Good. A conversation was happening. The cards shuffled once more.\n\n*Nice to meet you.*\n\nIt wasn't the best, but it would do.\n\n*My name is Vhun.*\n\nIt wasn't organic. She really needed a card that said 'How are you?'. Why didn't she have such a card?\n\n*What's your name?*"
},
{
"author": "Ventum",
"message": "Having done their duty and offered her a greeting, Ventum waited for the stranger to take the initiative of the conversation - she was the one that had started it, after all, so she must have a reason for it, right? Was there something she needed from them? Perhaps she was curious about something? Likely, it was going to be the arm, people were always curious about that - not like Ventum minded, it was something they would gladly talk about.\n\nHowever, curiously enough, the person in front of them didn't actually speak up, instead picking up what seemed to be a stack of cards and showing the first one. How very interesting. Was she mute, or deaf, perhaps? The first one seemed somewhat more likely, as she had responded to their verbal communication just now - although perhaps she was just very good at reading lips, that was a possibility. It didn't really matter, they supposed. As long as the two of them could converse properly, who really cared? After a moment, Ventum decided to just talk to her as if they were talking to anyone else, and if that didn't work, well, the two of them could surely figure out a solution.\n\nThey looked to where she was pointing, the dark green fabric they had been meaning to buy. Ventum gave a simple nod in response and said nothing for a moment - until they remembered a tip they'd received recently, on how to be a more interesting conversation partner. Don't just acknowledge what the other says and leave it at that, but give them more information, things they can ask questions about. \"So do I. I was considering making it into a pair of pants.\" Their voice was fairly monotone and a little on the softer side, showing just as little emotion as their expression and body language.\n_ _\n\nAbsently folding their hands behind their back, Ventum watched as the Mothfolk shuffled the cards, seemingly finding the one she was looking for with ease. Were they ordered in a certain way? It reminded them somewhat of how they could find things in their toolkit without having to look at it, just from muscle memory alone - quite convenient, usually, unless someone put something back incorrectly, then it just became a whole mess.\n\nThey gave another nod at her next statement, even if its placement was a bit odd. Didn't that one usually come after introductions? It didn't matter, though, as said introduction came a moment later. \"My name is Ventum,\" They spoke, quite glad that she hadn't extended a hand in greeting. \"It is nice to meet you too, Vhun.\" The 'u' sound in 'Ventum' was pronounced kind of like the 'oo' in 'good', perhaps a bit of an odd pronunciation, but then again, the woman who had given them the name was far from normal herself.\n\n\"May I ask, did you have a particular reason for approaching me?\" Ventum asked, straightforward as always. \"Or were you simply hoping to strike up a conversation?\" Hopefully the questions wouldn't be taken as an insult, they were simply asked out of curiosity, with nothing behind them other than that."
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "Vhun had started to regret this. Maybe this was a weird way to start a social interaction. She still was getting the hang of making friends. Though Vhun was an adult, she had only lived for thirteen years, with three of those years being spent in independence. That was not all too much time to get good at talking to people. Slowly, she straightened her spine and drew her wings in more tightly. This would be fine. She wanted to make a friend.\n\nAt the mention of the pants, Vhun began to nod. It was a strange color for pants, she thought, but she wasn't going to judge. Her eyes scanned the table of fabric, hands then settling on a gray fabric. She picked up the roll, pulled a little of the fabric out, and held it up to Ventum's torso. She wasn't sure if they would understand what she was saying, but she hoped they would. This was a color that would look nice as a shirt coupled with these pants, Or as stripes. Or as a half-leg sort of design...\n\nMaybe she'd need to make some green pants of her own...\n\n*Nice to meet you.*\n\nThe card was shown again. She'd already made it awkward, but she hadn't had any better greeting to offer the first time. She'd need to get another card that had a greeting, she thought. Had she already made this so awkward it couldn't be salvaged? No. Certainly not. It was fine. If Vhun had been capable of blushing, she would have out of the sheer embarrassment.\n\nHer cards shuffled once more, Vhun searching for the one she was looking for. It was a new one, one that she'd made the day before. It was the new number twenty-four. \n\n*I am a seamstress.*\n\nShe hoped that would explain her approach, and her attempt to help pick fabric. She shouldn't have tried to be helpful, she thought. She should just cut her losses and leave.\n\n*Yes.*\n\nThat was her answer to the second part of the question, the mothfolk ducking her head with something like awkward shame."
},
{
"author": "Ventum",
"message": "It did seem like Vhun was able to hear them, which made conversation a lot easier - though, then again, Ventum did have some experience conversing with people that couldn't hear. Or, well, person, singular. That didn't matter so much right now, however, so they tried to put the thought out of their mind, and focus on the conversation instead.\n\nThey watched her with the slightest tilt of the head as she picked up the grey fabric and held it up to them, considering whatever it was that she could mean by that. Was she just examining it? No, she wouldn't have to hold it up to them for that. With the talk of what they were planning to make, perhaps she was offering the fabric as an alternative? Green was an unusual color for pants, Ventum knew that much, but with them, it wasn't so much about the color as it was about the texture of the fabric, the way it felt against their skin. If it were comfortable, they would gladly wear the most ridiculous colors out there.\n\nHowever, this shade of grey... It might be one of the few colors that could override that. Absently, they took a hold of the fabric, holding it with their left as they brushed over it with their right. Ventum was quiet for a moment, lost in thought. It wasn't the most comfortable to them, but it wouldn't be entirely unusable. Perhaps... \"Were you planning to purchase this?\" They asked, looking back to Vhun. \"I think I'd like to make this into a cloak, I really do like the color. Although, if you want it, please feel free to take it. You saw it first, it's only fair.\" Letting go of the fabric, they stepped back, hands once more folded behind their back.\n_ _\n\nIf they were feeling awkward at all, Ventum certainly wasn't showing it - frankly, they didn't even realize that Vhun was feeling that way. Out of the conversations they'd had this day, so far, this one was definitely one of the better ones, although perhaps it was because the Mothfolk only seemed to be able to communicate using her cards, and thus couldn't ask any questions they'd rather not answer. There weren't that many of those questions anyway, yet people somehow always managed to ask them, it was quite impressive, in a way.\n\n\"A seamstress?\" Ventum echoed, considering that thought for a moment. \"That makes sense. I suppose that's why you're at this stall, then?\" They absently gestured at the many fabrics displayed with their mechanical hand, which hummed softly as the gears and other parts hidden inside moved. \n\nIt was a curious thing, how she seemed to lower her head, a gesture that usually indicated something like shame. Was there anything to be ashamed of? Or... \"Did I do something wrong?\" They questioned, voice just a little softer than before. \"I apologize if I did. I have never been particularly good at social interactions. If I did anything to offend, it was not my intention.\" Maybe this conversation hadn't been going as well as they thought. That would be unfortunate, but not entirely unexpected."
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "Vhun turned her head to Ventum as they continued to speak, wanting it to be abundantly clear that she was paying attention to them. She didn't need to turn to fully face the person to look at them, but she'd learned that interacting with someone without facing them tended to make them nervous. Who knew? Not her. At least not initially. The mothfolk's antennae twitched, swiveling to lean over Vhun's head, pointed toward Ventum. It was the best she could do in the absence of visibly movable pupils.\n\nThe mothfolk shook her head at the question, instead gesturing at Ventum. She had hoped that her initial gesture with the fabric would have been interpreted as a suggestion, but it was clear that the attempt had fallen flat. She waved her hands, then pointed at Ventum. The fabric was meant for them. Didn't they understand? However, as they started talking about a cloak, she began to nod. That was almost what she was thinking. The fabric was pretty thin, and she thought that it would be better suited to a shirt, but if Ventum disagreed, that was their prerogative. They were, after all, the one buying the fabric and making the garment. \n\nAnother affirmative nod as Ventum read the 'seamstress' card. That was accurate. \n\n*Yes.*\n\nThe card was displayed. This social interaction was certainly not her finest work.\n\n*Wait.*\n\nThis card was a card she frequently used, it was a means of allowing herself to take a minute to get her book out and write. She settled the cards back in their little pouch, pulled out her notebook and began to scrawl as quickly as she possibly could. Her handwriting wouldn't be as good as it typically was, but it would certainly still be legible.\n\n*No, not at all. I am sorry. I do not have enough cards for a lot of conversations. You did not offend me.*"
}
] | 567 | 3,286 |
383.25 | 2023-04-01 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Ventum",
"message": "It was quite interesting how Vhun was behaving, somehow seeming intent on making sure they knew that she was looking at them. They could understand why, though. She didn't seem to have access to the facial expressions of most species, and Ventum knew that a lot of people could get very bothered if they couldn't read someone's expression - their own face was fairly neutral most of the time, and they had been told off for it many times in the past. It had bothered them once, but they'd grown past it by now.\n\nThey watched the Mothfolk closely as she gestured at them, uncertain as to what she was trying to communicate. However, soon enough, she began to nod along, so perhaps they were on the right path. Did she agree with their intentions? It didn't really matter, they supposed. It was clear enough that Vhun was letting them take the fabric, and she didn't seem to be disagreeing with their idea to make it into a cloak. Sure, the fabric was a little on the thin side, but it could be a cloak made to be worn in summer, to help protect them from the sun. And it definitely would look better as a shirt, but Ventum could already tell that they wouldn't find the texture comfortable to wear, and it was a waste to make it only to have it hanging in some closet for the rest of eternity.\n\nBeing told to wait, Ventum nodded and did just that, saying nothing until Vhun indicated that they could stop waiting. They watched, silently, as she put the cards back and took out what appeared to be a notebook of some kind. Just a notebook to write in? That seemed like a waste of parchment. It didn't even look to be reusable in any way. But, then again, if that was the way she preferred to communicate, who were they to judge?\n_ _\n\nVentum read over the words as they were presented to them, giving another nod. \"I understand,\" They spoke, paused for a second, then added, with the slightest tilt of their head; \"May I ask, are you unable to speak?\" Wait, was that considered a rude question to ask? They couldn't quite recall, but... Well, hopefully it wasn't."
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "The mothfolk didn't move from her rigid posture, staring down at Ventum. Was this unsettling? She didn't know. A shiver ran down her body, starting at the tips of her antennae, then traveling down her head, shoulders and then down her wings. It seemed to be an involuntary gesture, like some kind of irritant she was instinctively trying to shake off. Her wings half-opened for a second, and then slowly refolded at her back.\n\nVhun had pulled her hands away from the fabric by now, having decided against buying anything here. There wasn't anything thick enough for a jacket like she wanted to make. However, she wasn't opposed to talking to Ventum now. She could perhaps provide them some help in their decision-making. Her hands quickly returned to the fabric as she watched Ventum's eyes move away from them. Perhaps it was the color? Or the texture? The texture was a lot different than the pants...\n\n*I'm not able to speak, but I can understand Common, as you can tell.*\n\nShe had a card for this, but she'd already put the cards away. It was a waste of parchment, but that didn't matter. She didn't have a better way. She did know how to make her own parchment, but it did often come out looking a bit strange from time to time, given that it had been written on.\n\n*Do you have a certain issue with this fabric? Or just only looking to get one thing?*\n\nThis was her next question, Vhun seeming to be unbothered by this question. She had, after all, answered it many times. It was the most common conversation she had. She was more concerned with the matter at hand: fabric."
},
{
"author": "Ventum",
"message": "Ventum wasn't bothered by Vhun's appearance, not really. Sure, she looked unusual, especially compared to most people they'd encountered in their life, but that was no reason to judge her. She seemed friendly enough, and the way she seemed more interested in the topic of fabrics than the more judgemental questions people usually asked them did help increase their opinion of her by a lot.\n\nThe shiver rolling down her body was noticed by them, but ignored, as they felt it was nothing to be concerned about. Ventum instead decided to focus on her writing, watching her do so with some interest - not that the writing process itself was particularly interesting, but her four arms were fascinating. Most of the time, Ventum was only able to use one arm, so they were naturally a little curious about what it was like to live with four.\n\nAnother nod. That made sense. \"I understand,\" Ventum spoke, happy to drop the topic at that. That was all the information they needed to know to communicate effectively with her. If there was anything else that was important for her, they were certain she would just mention it.\n\nAt her question, Ventum hesitated for a moment, reaching out their right hand to feel the fabric once more, thinking on what to say and how to say it. \"I... Don't like the way it feels very much. It's difficult to explain. Something about it just feels... Wrong.\" Would she be able to understand? It was very unlikely. \"But,\" They continued, once more looking her in the eyes, hand lowering, \"I do really like the color. So, if I were to make it into a cloak, I could appreciate the color without having to wear it in a way where it actively comes into contact with my skin.\" It was sound enough reasoning in their mind."
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "Vhun kept rigidly staring, wishing for a brief moment that she had the ability to blink. It wasn't anything that she gave all that much thought to on a regular basis, but today she felt extra self conscious. She felt like she was freaking this person out. Was her appearance as off-putting as she thought? She didn't know, but she did think that she needed to get out of her own head today. There was no reason that this person would be any more afraid of her than the average person was. Most people weren't afraid of her. It was fine.\n\nThis person was watching her with some scrutiny. Was she being watched as she wrote? She didn't like that. Writing wasn't anything she'd been self conscious about, up until this very moment, at least. Slowly, Vhun's head, which had been tilted down to her book, lifted up to stare at Ventum. She held their gaze for a moment. It was potentially something that could be seen as hostile, but Vhun didn't think so. She just wanted it to be clear that she was aware they were watching her.\n\n*That makes sense. Some things do just feel wrong.*\n\nShe didn't quite understand the feeling, but she did have some fabrics she didn't like all that much. As Ventum spoke once more, Vhun's free hands moved back to the table.\n\n*What fabric feel do you like? There are more fabrics of that color here.*\n\nA pause.\n\n*I will buy that if you do not.*\n\nAnother pause.\n\n*That is not meant to put pressure on you to do one thing or the other.*"
}
] | 366.5 | 1,533 |
306.75 | 2023-04-02 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Ventum",
"message": "Well, even if Vhun didn't understand it entirely, she had accepted their explanation, and that was good enough for them. Some things just felt so very wrong to wear, even if they had no idea why that was the case. It seemed to be one of those things that just was the case, with no proper reason behind it.\n\nHer next question was a reasonable one. Did she want to help them out? That was surprisingly kind of a complete stranger. Ventum gestured once more towards the green fabric they'd been holding at the beginning of this meeting. \"I quite like the feeling of this one,\" They spoke, reaching out to lightly touch it, \"The softness makes it rather pleasant to the touch. Furthermore, I believe it to be quite sturdy, which is something I need as well, as my work requires a decent amount of manual labor.\"\n\nA pause as their gaze drifted to their current outfit, right hand absently feeling the fabric of the short sleeve of their left arm. \"Although this fabric isn't as soft, I do like how flexible it is. I don't like rigid fabrics very much.\" Hopefully that would be enough for her to work with. \"Oh, please don't try to touch my clothing,\" Ventum added quickly, just in case she was planning to do so. \"I don't like to be touched, or to have people get that close to me.\" It wasn't something that was specific to Vhun, it was just something they'd never liked, with very few exceptions.\n_ _\n\nThey pondered what she wrote next for a few moments, nodding eventually. \"I am planning to buy it unless I find something of a similar color with a better texture.\" Ventum allowed their gaze to drift, then, looking over the other fabrics offered in an attempt to find something that fit their criteria - however, something else caught their eye. Not too far off was a light, summery fabric that was colored a warm shade of yellow. Definitely not something Ventum would wear, but that wasn't why it caught their attention. \"Say, may I request your advice on something?\" They asked, looking back to Vhun. \"Something related to sewing a piece of clothing, of course.\""
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "Vhun was quite aware that her attempts to help were perhaps a bit strange, but she was still determined to make a friend. She didn't have all that many local friends, even if she did spend a lot of time out of the house. There just weren't that many people that either spoke Ivathi or were willing to take the time to figure out a means of communicating with her in the long-term. Long distance people were probably better for that reason. She could be very articulate in letters.\n\n*I agree. Seems sturdy.*\n\nThere was little else to say on this topic. It was a good piece of fabric, though Vhun wasn't sure there was anything else like it on the table. Or, rather, anything that was like it and matched. Vhun's eyes flicked to the merchant. They hadn't seemed to notice her meddling with this other customer. The mothfolk's antennae twitched as she thought, only nodding along as Ventum explained what they were looking. She hadn't intended to touch them, given that this was a stranger. She wasn't going to touch a stranger.\n\n*Of course. I could give you advice on sewing, if you'd like.*\n\nShe was, of course, more than capable of giving advice, given that this was her profession. She didn't know what this person would want, but she didn't think that it would be anything too complex or specific. They still didn't know each other that well, and this person didn't know just how skilled she was."
},
{
"author": "Ventum",
"message": "Of course, Ventum hadn't expected Vhun to reach out and touch them - the way she hadn't even attempted a handshake made them think that she might not be a fan of touching others herself - but it was always better to be safe, some people were just too forward. It had happened too many times in the past already.\n\nSo she did want to give advice. That was good. \"That is what I am looking for, yes. One moment, please.\" Turning away from Vhun, Ventum carefully pulled out the fabric they'd been looking at, finding that it was quite smooth, almost silk-like in texture. Definitely something meant to be worn in summer. They laid it down on the table, unrolling the roll slightly so that the both of them could get a better look.\n\n\"Perhaps it is a silly thing to do, but this is a color that I know my girlfriend would love, and I'm considering making her... Something. A piece of clothing, most likely.\" While speaking, Ventum absently placed their right hand on their chest, noting a slight increase in their heartrate. That wasn't entirely surprising, it always did that when discussing her. \"Only, she prefers wide and loose clothing, which I have... No experience in making. Do you have any ideas? I was considering making a shirt, although with her wings, I am not certain how that would work either.\" Hmm, maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all. \"Oh, she's an Aarakocra.\" Probably an important titbit of information to mention too."
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "Vhun leaned forward, now more aware of where her body was in space. If this person didn't like to be touched, it wasn't too much of a stretch to assume that they liked their space. That was fair, and nothing Vhun couldn't relate to. She herself really didn't like being jostled around, and though she wasn't bothered by a simple touch, she didn't like it coming from strangers.\n\nThe mothfolk leaned closer, examining the fabric. It looked nice, Definitely something that could be made into a blouse. She nodded along as Ventum continued to speak, slowly reaching her free upper hand out to feel the fabric. She hoped that this wouldn't be seen as a crossing of boundaries. She just wanted to feel it, to see how delicate it was. It didn't seem all too deceptively thin, or like it would unravel.\n\n*What about a sleeveless blouse? Open in the back with buttons so she can button it under her wings but still have a space for them to be out. Does that make sense?*\n\nShe tapped her charcoal stick against the paper, thinking. She could draw it, she thought. Her sentence had been a bit jumbled, she knew. A bit of a run-on, but that was how her thoughts had come out, and she didn't have any way to erase. The mothfolk turned the book to Ventum, head tilting as she presented her idea."
},
{
"author": "Ventum",
"message": "Instinctively, Ventum took a slight step back when Vhun leaned in closer, only realizing they'd done so a second too late. It wasn't even a conscious choice, it was just something that happened. Hopefully she wouldn't take it the wrong way.\n\nThey tried to just focus on the matter at hand, reading what the Mothfolk had written before once more looking at the fabric. Ventum lifted their head then, looking at nothing in particular, remaining quiet for a long moment as they tried to imagine what that would look like, and how to make it. All in all... It seemed doable. They just had to find thread of the same color, and of course some buttons... Or perhaps they could craft those instead? It didn't seem like a difficult task.\n\nRealizing they'd been quiet for a bit too long, Ventum quickly looked back to Vhun, nodding. \"That is a very good idea, yes,\" They told her, and paused, having to focus to fully pull themself back to reality. \"Thank you very much for it. Is there anything I can do to repay you? Any questions I may answer, perhaps?\" There was no doubt that Vhun had plenty of things to ask by now, and Ventum felt like she'd more than earned the right to do so by now. She'd helped them out plenty, after all."
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "Vhun immediately took a step back as Ventum did, not wanting to crowd this person. Maybe she was right, and touching this fabric was seen as an invasion of their space. Good to know. She'd have to make an effort to stay a few feet back, just so that she didn't freak out this stranger. They did seem really nice. Maybe they wouldn't be long-term friends, but this conversation had at least felt fulfilling.\n\nThe person, however, didn't seem all that impressed with the idea, she thought. Or maybe they were just thinking. She wasn't sure. Instead of further commenting, Vhun simply awkwardly stood there, waiting for them to reply. Her spine was rigid, and her hands had clasped tightly in front of her body. This posture relaxed as Ventum began to nod. They'd liked it. Good.\n\n*I am so glad. And no, there is nothing you need to do. It was a friendly suggestion.*\n\nShe couldn't think of anything she needed from them, and truly couldn't think of anything she actually needed from this stall. Vhun turned her head, looking out into the square. Maybe she'd need to get going soon. She did, after all, have some work to attend to. She didn't need more fabric. She had quite a lot at home anyway.\n\n*I think I need to be going soon, unless you have more questions?*"
},
{
"author": "Ventum",
"message": "They cringed internally as Vhun stepped back, mentally cursing themself for, well, being like that. Not much to be done about that now, though. Despite that, Ventum felt it had been a pleasant enough conversation, and who knew, perhaps it could become a friendship of some kind? It sounded quite nice to them, though, apparently, the day for that wasn't today, as it seemed that she had to go.\n\n\"Either way, thank you for the suggestion, I'm certain it will come in handy.\" Despite the sincerity of the statement, Ventum's tone and expression resumed to be the same, unchanging. \"And no, I don't have any more questions right now.\" It had been what, fifteen, twenty minutes? It was indeed time to start packing up and head back home, lest they arrive home too late.\n\nTurning to the fabrics, the green and the yellow one, Ventum folded them carefully, looking around until they'd found the shopkeeper. They still had to pay, of course. But first, it was time to say goodbye to the Mothfolk. So, they looked back to her, offering her a wave with their left hand, the mechanics inside giving a soft buzzing sound. \"It has been lovely meeting you, Vhun. I do hope we meet again some day in the future.\""
},
{
"author": "maddyishere",
"message": "Vhun was still watching Ventum, even though her head had tilted away from staring at her straight-on. She had the vague filling that this straight-on staring might be making them uncomfortable. She could pretend that she was looking at the fabric, and still watch Ventum out of her peripheral.\n\n*Of course.*\n\nShe was certain that she'd written this recently, but she didn't want to flip back through to find the last time she wrote it and circle it. Some people found that to be rude, even if it wasn't meant to be.\n\n*Very lovely to meet you too.*\n\nSlowly, the woman took a step back, her wings slowly half-opening as she did. This gesture was meant to create some space between her and the rest of the crowd so that she could more comfortably move. It was automatic, it seemed, especially given the speed with which they opened. There was not hesitation. The mothfolk turned back to look at Ventum, and then made a quiet sound in her throat.\n\n\"Be well.\""
}
] | 293 | 2,454 |
311 | 2022-02-15 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Lord Olwyn Duke Vessalius IV",
"message": "While Olwyn didn't visit the raceway all too often, his parents were hounding him to leave his study and workshop. The way his mother and father put it, it genuinely sounded as though they wanted grandkids by the time he got home, but he listened nevertheless. While there were of course special sections for nobility to find their seats, Olwyn much preferred to rest where the majority of everyone else did. The race for today sounded like quite a good one, as some of the best racers from across the world were coming here to compete. Taking a seat in one of the many stands on either side, Olwyn was alone for the time being. Other viewers and fans had come and taken their seat, but the crowd had not yet become aloud with shouts and cheers. Relaxing back, the young lord placed his arm up behind him and rest a leg over the other.\n\nLooking over the various individuals that had sat themselves already, more and more sits had begun to fill. There were plenty open next to the young lord, and as he waited for the races to begin his eyes scanned for any young ladies his age. After all, his parents wanting nothing than Olwyn to find a wife, and while he had yet to inform them of his idea, he did in fact have his sights set on Khisfire, and Princess Nala. His main goal was to reform the kingdom and woo the princess, a rather political move indeed. Of course, Olwyn was a romantic at heart, and no amount of pushing from his parents would change that. If there was no spark between he and Princess Samir, he'd drop his pursuit."
},
{
"author": "Dandelonius E. L. von Ratte",
"message": "Dandy had decided to take a stop in the illustrious Findaran Capital city, and the first thing the chipper, bright-yellow Dragonborn had decided to do was stop by the famed race tracks, and catch the spectacle that was to come from competition. Dressed in his usual suit and hat, the butler seemed a bit out of place among the common folk in the stands, but that was of no concern. He scouted the stands for an opening in the quickly filling seats, and spotted an opening next to a kindly looking blonde gentleman. So, with a few strides of his slender frame, he made his way to the chair, and politely removed his hat, resting it against his chest to speak to the fellow.\n \n\"Greetings good sir. Apologies if I'm intruding...\" He stated humbly as he took a seat next to the man. Placing his hat firmly back on his skull. \"...But I've never been to a horse race before, and you seemed a lovely fellow to chat up during the experience, if you don't mind the company.\"\n\nHe only offered a brief look over to the man before resting his eyes back on the track. The size of the crowd was what had him the most captivated. The only horse races he'd seen were spectated by a dozen folk at best, but this was a fair bit more than that."
},
{
"author": "Lord Olwyn Duke Vessalius IV",
"message": "\"Good afternoon.\" Olwyn replied when a voice resonated in his ear. Peering over, he was surprised to see a dragonborn taking a seat alongside him. While the race didn't bother the young lord, the surprised look was more of simply never having met one before. They were quite a legendary group of individuals all things considered, having been created by dragons themselves oh so long ago. \"Ah, never been? They're quite the spectacle. Some of the best riders across Lucidien are here today. I, of course, am routing for the master herself Lady Phinara Heilen, rider of one of the fastest beasts across the world, Song of Songs. I hear there's actually a dragonborn rider present as well, however.\"\n\nTaking in the dragonborn's outfit and way he carried himself, Olwyn knew he just had to be a lord or noble of some kind. Curious, Olwyn turned his head to look at the dragonborn, offering a kind look as he did so. \"What house do you hail from? I'm Lord Olwyn Duke Vessalius IV of House Vessalius here in the capital.\"\n\nWhile it would of course turn out Olwyn would be wrong about the dragonborn being a noble, there was plenty reason for the young lord to think so. While dragonborn were everywhere, they were also treated rather poorly for their past. Many people choose to forget the dragonborn were created to fight against Lucidien for the dragons, but not of their own volition. Its why many rose up against the dragons, something Olwyn always respected about them. The seats around the race track filled up soon enough, and the cacophony of conversation grew as all waited for the race to begin. They wouldn't need to raise their voices just yet, but it'd get loud soon enough."
},
{
"author": "Dandelonius E. L. von Ratte",
"message": "Dandy cocked his head out toward the track. Scanning for the horses and riders. \"A Dragonborn, you say? I certainly hope they perform well then.\" Upon closer look, the beasts they rode seemed very well maintained. Indeed, this was a competition of some import he was going to be privy to. However, his eyes were drawn from the track when he was asked what house he hailed from. Chuckling slightly as he looked the man straight on with a smile.\n\n\"Well, I certainly appreciate such a compliment, sir! Allow me to say I'm humbled to be in your presence, Lord Olwyn; but I'm afraid I'm nothing more than commonfolk these days. My name is Dendelonius Erin Ludwig Von Ratte, and I used to be a butler and bodyguard for the Ratte family in my home kingdom of Alynthi, in the capital. Pleasure to make your acquaintance.\"\n\nThe swelling excitement of the crowd around him was most definitely a new experience. He had not really spent much time in his life bearing witness to sports of any kind, and so such environments were always exciting to hear witness to. The sheer energy of the folk around him seemed more entertaining than the show itself so far."
}
] | 306.5 | 1,244 |
604 | 2022-07-16 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "sublimity6976",
"message": "Rumors of the Valiant Wyvern's return had been spreading in Findara. That in the shadow of Hyburn Peak a camp was amassing that housed mercenaries of an elite ilk. The white and green flag with green and yellow lined chevrons hung above the camp. It was the flag of the infamous Corpse Brigade mercenaries, an elite band of traveling knight-errants who sold their swords to not only those with the deepest pockets, but with something more, their leader was reputed to strictly screen who they worked for. Whenever the Corpse Brigade began to congregate it was likely due to their being some sort of small scale war about to break out, or something more nefarious altogether. \n\nIn this particular case their arrival coincided with the Thunder Festival, a celebration with an opulent ball filled with nobility and rabble rousing. It would be impossible to track who exactly the leader of the band would be meeting with as there would be so many nobles in one city, his appearance, if it garnered any attention at all, would be masked by the sheer amount of people attending the festival. Rumors further spread, with the uncertainty of whom exactly he was meeting with coupled with the congregation of his motley crew of knights was enough to cause talking in the shadowy corners of inns across the country. \n\n—\n\nThe sounds of the crowd of the festival filled the street, there would be no place that one could escape the gaiety and raucous nature of the Thunder. Between the market, the travelers attending, and those looking to take advantage of said traveler's it was likely that this would be the busiest Findara would be all year, and this year's Thunder Festival seemed particularly busy. \n\nAredhel walked with purpose, his scale armor clinking in step with the sound of his sabatons on the cobbled streets of Findara. The wings of his armor flowing silently alongside him, attached to his hips the two armored 'wings' added to his silhouette in a way that added to his inhuman presence on the battlefield. The half armor, half flowing fabric decorations fastened to his hips served little value aside from adding to his aesthetic. Fastened to his back was his spear the Gae Bolg, one of the most iconic pieces of equipment in his arsenal, perhaps only second to his helmet. Clutched in his gauntleted hand was a rolled parchment with a wax seal peeking out from between his thumb and index finger. \n\nAs he walked towards the main gate he made eye contact with a pair of experienced looking knights, a drogon male and a half elf female, both of them wearing green and white mantles trimmed with the paired Corpse Brigade chevrons. The male was sitting on a barrel with one of his feet resting on the lid, his thick tail swaying back and forth. The woman had her arms crossed leaning against the wall. As he approached the pair she pushed off the wall and stepped towards him as if they had been waiting for him.\n\n—\n\"Boss,\" The woman spoke as the drogon picked at his nails with a hunting knife, \"Do we have a deal?\" \n\n\"We have struck an accord,\" Aredhel spoke, his stoic voice commanding the drogon's attention, \"Take this, return to the camp at once and inform the captains. I am being pursued.\" He handed her the scroll which she tucked under her cloak, revealing the pommel of her longsword, battered and well worn. She looked behind him as he approached, he shook his head for her to not be conspicuous. \"Since I left the meeting someone has been following me. Make haste, I'll handle this.\" \n\nReaching to his back he unfastened the spear so that it would be at the ready. The drogon leaped down from the box and the two knights pulled the hoods of their mantles up and made for the main gate. He parted ways with the two knights, heading down the dark alleyway, his pursuer would surely follow. Taking cover around a corner near the entrance he loosened the spear and prepared the ambush, ready to strike out at whoever was following him."
},
{
"author": "unacceptable1",
"message": "Thistle, curiously following the strange man in the even stranger attire, stopped and hovered just across the street, hiding in a thin space between two shops bustling with activity drawn in from the festival. Not really being seen due to the crowd of larger individuals, the fae impatiently waited for Aredhel to continue. Exchanging glances between the trio, the fairy eyed the letter that had been passed to the two mercenaries before watching them take their leave. \"Odd, that lizard fella. Don't think I've seen one'a dem before.\" He chattered to himself before looking back to Aredhel, noticing as they turned into the alley. \"Super secret alley deals? How could I miss that!\" Cheering a bit too loud, he drew in some questionable glances from the gathered folks, before deciding to make his leave.\n\nHe chose to wait a bit before furthering his 'investigation', though in reality the tiny fae was just *Really* Bored. If he tried to dance he'd be stepped on, and the fireworks wouldn't happen till later in the night. After a few moments of tapping his foot on the opposite side-walk, he took flight and hopped over to the entrance of the alley, peeking around. \"Aww, where'd da little snicker go? I wanna watch his deeaaalll.\" Whined Thistle as he shuffled down the dark lane. \"Watch a gang pop out 'n jump me.\" He giggled to himself, thinking of all the terrible things that could happen in this alley. \"Maaaaybe this wasn't such a good idea.\" Stopping in their tracks, the magical bug-man was only a few feet away from the corner that Aredhel was hiding behind.\n\n\"Funny. I thought he woulda seen me little bright green body by now.\" Thinking for a moment as he tapped his chin. \"Well, he hasn't found me yet so- I suppose it's safe. Right?\" Shrugging, he clearly lacked that sense that tells you 'this is a horrible idea, what do you think you're doing'! Too late. Skipping along a couple more strides though, he unknowingly fell into the ambush. In his search for the man, he didn't notice."
},
{
"author": "sublimity6976",
"message": "It wasn't long before his trap was sprung. Skipping around the corner came a small fairy. Instinctively he thrust his spear towards the pursuer before stopping it just short of piercing the tiny creature's head. Standing at about two feet tall and clad in nothing of note other than shoddy hand crafted scraps. This thing was none too impressive, chattering as he followed into the alley. \n\nIt was an odd presence, he was able to sense that he was being followed but it was unlikely that something this small would have triggered any sort of alert mechanism for him. The corner of his mouth twisted into a grimace as he slowly lowered the spear down to his side. \"You should be cautious of where you wander sprite.\" As the spear was lowered it glinted in the light from a nearby candlelit windowsill. \"Where are you off to?\" Despite most of his concerns seemingly nothing he was still going to be cautious around anything fae like, he had heard too many stories. His blue eyes met the golden glow of the fairy's, he lowered his brows, towering nearly five feet taller than the pursuer. \n\nA thought passed through his mind, if this fairy is the only thing that was following him does that mean that the presence he felt could be following his knights? He had hoped his lieutenants were prepared for anything, if they were in the camp at all. They were currently dealing with some scraps of infighting, the Corpse Brigade by concept would be difficult to manage, a group of knights from various places and races wouldn't be able to be as cohesive as say, a group of knights all from Findara. This thought wouldn't escape his mind, and so he asked, \"Who else was following me?\" It was a simple question, delivered with his intimidating voice, the spear still in his hand, hopefully it would help to coerce this fairy to tell the truth."
},
{
"author": "unacceptable1",
"message": "Slowly turning his head to stare directly at the point of the spear, his eyes went wide as his pointed ears fell back in fear. As his jaw hung slightly a-gap, the fairy couldn't help but ramble in a confusing manner. Thistle, Petrified, just stood there for a while, blinking. Eyes glancing up at the staggering figure, his head slowly followed. \"Tchthatuphtcha... GaaaAah..\" Were the only things to come out of his mouth. Slapping himself, he jumped into the air as he hovered at eye-level. \"I-I. Uhh. Gimme a sec to just- rethink the entirety of my life, yeah?\" Staring at him for a few more seconds, he finally spoke up on the matter.\n\nGulping down the rest of his fear, Thistle scratched his cheek, answering the first question. \"I was bored, so I decided to follow the funkiest lookin' fella. That was you.\" Shuffling around in his satchel, the fae drew a handful of candies and stuffed his face in. \"I was gonna dance-\" He drew the back of his hand to his lips, chewing before continuing. \"But I knew I'd just be ignored and stepped on. Hence why I followed you. Weird folks always do the most interesting things.\" Dashing down the lane a bit, he turned to face the back of the alley. Running his hands through his hair he flew back over as he whistled, Luminos now gliding down from the roof tops and perching on a clothes-line.\n\n\"As far as *I* Know, there wasn't anyone else following *You*. Granted there are a lot of people walking around so I wouldn't really know. Hey that letter didn't happen to be important or anything right? Would suck if some kinda shady deal got yoinked from your guards back there. Also what was that Lizard guy? I haven't seen one of them before. Just normal lizards. And big li- you get the point, no humanoid lizards. Well now I'm off-topic, which is a usual but this seems like an important whole-\" He threw his palms in a circle, judging up the situation. \"Interaction soooo- I assume you wanna go check on your green guys? And girl but y'know- I could help!\"\n\n-\nDashing back towards the entrance of the alley, he motioned the man along. \"I doubt they've gotten far. Unless they have horses... But they're in green clothing in a blue-kinda-gal city soooooo it shouldn't be too hard rightyo?\" Peeking around the streets, he pointed in the direction the duo walked off towards. \"I'm sure you know this but they went that-a-way. Me and Luminos can fly around and look but you're kinda stuck.\" The fairy was clearly getting ahead of themselves, and obviously thought this would be a fun adventure full of cool stuff! Probably not but, hey. A tiny fairy fella that can watch from above *And* Has a pet fae dragon could probably be of some use in a search. Besides, you get the feeling they know how to not be seen.\n\n\"On the other hand this could just be you having a real bad case of paranoia and assume everything is trying to follow your little group. In which case, you wanna check out the festival?\" He pranced back to the duder, awaiting some form of answer."
}
] | 589 | 2,416 |
719.8 | 2022-08-23 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Faelyth Duskryn",
"message": "*Finally, something for the Sisterhood.*\n\nIt had been quite a long while since Faelyth last took up a contract for the Sisterhood of Salvation, though it was less of a contract and more of a- *Expression of assurance.* The Mother had requested Faelyth specifically, funnily enough, leaving the dark elf more than ready to prove herself to her gracious leader. At The Sinful Rose, an aasimar woman with no wings had managed to stir up a bit of a disturbance at the brothel, requesting services with little to no discrepancy for those simply there for pleasure. Some knew not the ulterior services offered at The Sinful Rose, services of drugs or even murder if you knew a way in to request them. This, *Jerala Amiel* Seemed to be a bit naive to how things worked in the underworld of Lazaroth and the Sisterhood. Though, getting in with such dark matters was hard enough as it is, and now a message was needed to be sent.\n\nThe sun had just nestled down over the horizon, allowing darkness to fill the sky and city Faelyth now found herself in. Findara, a place the dark elf hadn't visited in quite some time. Luckily, she made it a mission to know exactly where to go ahead of time, which was a lot easier when your target was of noble blood. Jerala's home was exquisite, a large manor of lavish design. Standing high above the ground on the roof of an adjacent building, Faelyth watched quietly and patiently for movement. She had camped out the aasimar's home for the past two days, allowing herself to get acquainted with the times that guards would change out for others. It was like watching a clock tick by, one second after the other, each vital to the success of Faelyth infiltrating the Amiel families manor. *Tick, tick, tick, tick-...\"*\n\n*Now.*\n\n_ _\nTwo guards posted outside of the manor's gates were soon approached by two others, and small talk soon followed. This would transpire for at the very least two minutes, which would be more than enough time to slip in via rooftop. Sliding down the shingles of the adjacent building Faelyth had been watching from, the momentum from her slide would allow her to leap across to a small balcony attached to the manor. Silently landing into a roll on the balcony, Faelyth quickly stood and pressed herself against the wall before peeking back down at the guards to see if her presence had been discovered. The guards continued to chat, and a smirk arose on the dark elf's face beneath her mouth and nose covering. Peeking around the wall into the room attached to the balcony, the darkness within made it quite inviting for an assassin to sneak through. Allowing her eyes a moment to adjust, Faelyth saw no movement within, and this stepped through the threshold from the balcony into the room.\n\nA fireplace lay quiet and dark against the far wall, parallel to a large and lavish bed. This very likely could have been Jerala's room, but with no sign of the aasimar Faelyth simply had to keep looking. Dressed in all black with a mouth and nose covering and a hood over her head, her intentions would not be hidden should she be spotted. It was obvious she was either a thief or an assassin, but for now she seemed to be safe to move through the manor, in search of her target Jerala Amiel."
},
{
"author": "cbaxter",
"message": "*It had been a few weeks since Jerala had made a show of herself at the Sinful Rose, the plan had been simple, pretending to be a naive noble looking for help with services that lurked within the shadows while not having the slightest clue of how to go about it. In her opinion she had performed her act well in no small part thanks to the fact that it wasn't all an act, she of course knew very little about the Sisterhood. Her spies had told her all they knew about the mysterious organization but despite her influence she was a noble from Findara and her reach and information in a different kingdom left her wanting. She couldn't complain of course, that was a key reason as to why Lazaroth was chosen, she could walk the streets without raising as many eyebrows as she would in her home kingdom and she could risk being seen dabbling in the world of the shadows knowing that by the time information of it reached home it would metamorphosed into half truths and misremembered stories.\n\nThe second part of the plan had not gone as smoothly as she had hoped, she had assumed a member of the sisterhood would have tracked her back to her resting place but they didn't... Not that she'd noticed at least and as such she made her way home after a few days, deciding to let them come to here there. It was a risk putting her family in danger like this and one her mother would certainly have admonished her for but Jerala was nothing if not ambitious. She meticulously placed sensors around the manor, waiting for the day a member of the sisterhood would come and it seemed today as the moon hung high in the sky and the traces of a coming storm painted the clouds, they had finally come.*\n\n*Jerala waited in her room, sitting comfortably in the grasp of a couch pressed against the far wall of her quarters. When anyone looked upon it, they would of course not see the woman but simply the furniture she sat upon and nothing more. An invisibility illusion was one of the first spells her mother had taught her and it remained her favorite for as a child she used it to prank the servants by jumping out of shadows and scaring them and as an adult she could watch her enemies plot while unseen.\n\nWhen the sister landed in the room Jerala could not help but be impressed, she barely made a sound as she moved, covered in all black like the incarnation of death itself. How unfortunate then that today there shall be no souls claimed. She watched as the sister gazed around the room, it was immaculate for certain but not wasteful of space. Jerala's love for efficiency showed even here with the small library of books she kept organized firstly based on genre then on the dates of publication.\n\nIt seemed as if the individual had decided that she was not present in the room, despite that being her intention, she could not let the woman explore the rest of the manor, though she doubted they would be seen, the risk of that happening and as a result senseless death ensuing upon either party was not a worthy risk. She had to be stopped now. Jerala pulled in a breath called upon Alixx, the golden serpent which lay dormant within her necklace, it didn't matter how many times she did it, summoning the beast always left her uneasy, it was an unfeeling, uncaring and selfish creature and yet she held it close to her at all times within her necklace, a reminder of what she hoped not to become yet could possibly already be.*\n\n*At her mind's touch, the familiar pushed against this plain of existence as if reality were an elastic material, space bending and folding to give it form. First she saw the cylindrical shape of the snake, fully transparent and nearly invisible at first but as the seconds went by it became more opaque as hues of gold fell upon its scale. Soon, Alixx was curled along her arm like living rope, waiting for an order with an inhuman hunger that made her skin crawl. All this was hidden to the woman within the room with her of course, she had been careful to ensure the familiar was invisible to all but her. \n\nAs far as orders went, this would be a simple one to give the snake. All Alixx had to do was slither along the floor and towards the woman, enlarging itself then wrapping around her and constricting her movement. Jerala simply had to ensure that she didn't lose control over the cruel beast while it did this which could lead to a series of events that would lead to the death of a potentially useful person and as such she gave it its orders and Alixx began to follow them.*"
},
{
"author": "Faelyth Duskryn",
"message": "Stopping dead in her tracks when the flicker of magic appeared in the corner of her eyes, Faelyth's entire body seemed to tense. Shooting her eyes over to the source, they quickly widened when a snake headed her way. Thankfully, Faelyth's own pet snake had been left at home, lest this golden beast wished to make both of them a snack. Gasping as the chromancer's eyes began to flare with blue and yellow elemental magic, she raised her hands quickly, ice forming in one and lightning in the other. \"Da-..!\" Before the magic could leave her hands the snake curled its way around her, growing in size and strength. Wriggling and fighting against it, Faelyth's eyes seemed wide with terror, glowing through the darkness to find a way out if she could. Fighting as best she could, it all seemed for naught. She was caught, like a fly in a web, accept the spider was a snake in this instance, a giant one that could change size at that.\n\nEven through all the chaos, Faelyth seemed to finally recognize a faint shadow or silhouette in the darkness. While she couldn't scream or shout, she could at the very least grunt and groan to hopefully call for some sort of help, but she had a sinking feeling this giant golden beast was some sort of defense mechanism. \"Nn..-!\" With gloves on her hands, Faelyth simply couldn't rake her nails against the scales of the snake. With her mask over her mouth, she couldn't bite down either. It was hard enough to utilize her magic in such a dark place, as a chromancer needed to see the very colors of their own eyes to cast. She could very well pull color from the snake if she had managed to wiggle a hand free, but that wasn't possible in her predicament. \n\n\"St... Stah- stop..-!\" Was all Faelyth could manage. If the snake had some sort of sentience, perhaps it would listen. This was likely a pipe dream however."
},
{
"author": "cbaxter",
"message": "*Alixx was a thing of the supernatural, its scales like panels of rubber upon an elastic surface that seemed only to constrict tighter as the woman fought back against the push, pressing flesh against muscle and muscle against bone. When she screamed for it to stop, Alixx only squeezed harder, it loved the sight of pain and misery and it loved causing it even more. It was only It's master's voice that restrained the beast from turning the woman's inside into a fractured puzzle.*\n\n\"You heard her.\" *Jerala said through the space in between light and darkness that she hid and the familiar ceased squeezing albeit reluctantly. Now that the woman was restricted, Jerala saw no threat to her or her family's safety but just to be sure she made one last move to gaze upon the full extent of the room, once satisfied she melted the illusion. Jerala's form was revealed as the facade melted like an ice sculpture under the mercy of an inferno. The now visible noble sat upon the couch, elegant black dress along her frame like curtains complementing the magnificent decor that was her features, she had hair so white, it seemed to permanently hold a piece of winter within it and eyes of gold that mirrored great aasmir within the stories of old. Her face, even while curled into an expression likened to a predator facing down prey, seemed to hold an irremovable allure to it. No one would refute the claim that Jerala Amiel was a work of art of an assmir, at the very least no one would not for the striking lack of wings upon her back, it was an absence that carried a presence, like a fish without a fin.*\n\n*Jerala got to her feet and eyed the woman, walking up to her slowly, cautiously, one did not make it this far in Findaran politics without being cautious so despite knowing she had all the power in this situation, Jerala maintained a safe distance from the woman, a shark even while out of water could kill a man if they got too close. A chronomancer, she always admired their heterochromia not only for their aesthetic beauty but their practicality, even with oytyx the overseer at her side, there was still a chance that this little encounter would have gone along terribly if she had decided to break in by day. Like gears clicking into place Jerala could paint a perfect picture of the sister at her side in her mind's eye. She could use this individual *\n\n\"I can't help but say, i'm impressed,\" *She smiled and despite her flawless white teeth on display, her demeanor gave them the impression of the grin of a lion. Her voice flowed in unison with the air, having an unmissable tune to it, a trait that may seem flawless and natural but was in fact enforced by her tutors during her formative years* \"Not one of my guards spotted you and you barely made a noise, if circumstances were different i would applaud you... But... They aren't.\" *She eyed the woman as if she'd suddenly had the unfortunate pleasure of stepping upon a lump of dung*. \"And, as things stand, you have broken into the home of the Amiel family with clearly sinister intent... What did your little sisterhood think? That the nobles of Findara gorge themselves to exhaustion like pigs and pass out on the floor or are the leaders of the accursed wolve's den that incompetent compared to us?\" *The disgust in her voice as she mentioned the kingdom of Lazaroth hung in the air like a cloud of poison.*\n\n*With a gesture from its master the snake released its grip upon the assassin ever so slightly, just enough for it not to hurt and for her to be able to speak. Alixx in its hunger hissed and ran its blood red forked tongue against the assassin's cheek. To the snake, it was a cruelty that Jerala put it so close to prey yet not give it the pleasure of causing it misery.* \"You have a very brief window to speak before i make you Allixx's play thing.\""
},
{
"author": "Faelyth Duskryn",
"message": "With the slight release of her muscles and bones no longer being squeezed, Faelyth let out a wheeze like gasp. The voice that crawled its way into her ears was alluring and calm, but the circumstances caused Faelyth to not relax in the slightest. Darting her now bloodshot blue and yellow eyes around the room, she finally watched as a magical illusion gave way and a woman emerged from behind it. The two stared for a long moment, Faelyth all but stopping her wiggling and struggling to dance her iris's within the aasimar's. Before she could speak, the lady stood, her frame like a deadly sculpture, ready to kill. In any other circumstance, Faelyth might have viewed the woman as attractive, perhaps even bought her a drink if given the chance. But now, with her life on the line, all she could see was danger sauntering her way.\n\nFaelyth's heart seemed to sink further into her stomach the closer Jerala neared, and it was obvious this was her target after all. Exactly how her Sisters head described her; elegant, beautiful, and with no wings. While Faelyth hadn't seen many aasimar in her day, all she had seen still had their wings upon their back. It was strange, and part of the dark elf wished to know why they had been removed. Perhaps it was a cruel punishment or maybe Jerala herself did the deed. Nevertheless, the alluring voice of the noble woman caused Faelyth to tense, her muscles aching even more under the pressure the snake was applying to her body in addition to her stress.\n\n_ _\nThe smile was more than unnerving, and while Faelyth's ego did take each compliment even under such duress, the moment Jerala's smile faded was the moment Fae felt her heart nearly burst with fear. Now, Jerala not only spoke poorly of Faelyth's home, but the very Sisterhood that saved her and raised her, protected and loved her. A fury began to build within Faelyth's eyes, forcing its way through the fear like a dam bursting from too much pressure. Even through such rage, Faelyth soon felt the constriction Jerala's beast had around her slightly lessen, and with a gasp she inhaled all the oxygen she possibly could. After but a moment of gathering herself and allowing her muscles to calm once more, the dark elf's glare seemed to continue, but soon a smirk appeared even through the look in Faelyth's eyes.\n\n*A playful deviant, even in the face of her end.*\n\n\"You're a smart woman, that much is obvious.\" The snake's tongue caused a shiver to run down Faelyth's spine. It was one hell of a way to go if this was how died. Steeling herself, Faelyth continued, \"You wanted the Sisterhood, well here I am. You would have killed me already if you didn't want me for something. Who do you want killed, hm? A lover who wronged you? Was he who took your wings? I swear I've heard this story before...\" Faelyth wasn't playing with fire, she was dancing within an inferno. It was a thrill, but if she was to die, she'd die with a smile on her face, and a scowl on her enemy's."
}
] | 717 | 3,599 |
535.666667 | 2022-11-26 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Faelyth Duskryn",
"message": "Finally, the dark she-elf stirred within the unfamiliar made familiar bed she had shared with Jerala, a stranger turned acquaintance within the span of a day. Faelyth's two eyes opened, though reluctantly as the light of day shone in on her face, causing her skin to lighten and seem a bit more blueish than dark grey. Running one hand up through her messy white hair, Fae used the other to feel around in the massive bed she had made her own, soon realizing the person she had shared it with in more ways than one was already up and gone. It was quite an unusual feeling, as it was usually Faelyth that slipped away before her partners awoke. It felt.. Empty, almost. Though, the realization that Jerala couldn't have gone far given this *Was* Her home and room did wash away that empty feeling quite quickly.\n\nTurning her head to the side, the dark elf noticed that Jerala was in fact still there, but already up and working on- well, whatever it was that the noble had to work on. Raising her brows, Faelyth rolled over onto her stomach and situated herself so that her body was pointing toward the noble woman, her chin now resting on both her hands as her elbows held her up on the mattress. \"Not one to sleep in, hm? What time is it anyways?\" Before Faelyth had asked such questions, she did take note of the slight grin on Jerala's face, though decided not to poke or prod at such an expression. The dark elf's own was rather sleepy, though with each passing minute she did wake up a bit more.\n\nRealizations did soon wash over Faelyth, however. She now worked for Jerala, she now *Lived* Here for the time being, and at the end of all of this, she very well could be the reason a war begins. With all these thoughts, Faelyth nearly forgot she had stopped breathing in inhaled a gentle gasp of air, the expression on her face changing to barely detectable shock."
},
{
"author": "cbaxter",
"message": "*The moment their eyes met, all trace of Jerala's grin was washed away like footprints in a sand to the tides of night. She regarded Faelyth with a nod as if to acknowledge her presence in the room and watched her as she adjusted herself on the bed, her bed, it was odd seeing someone else in it, like a friend wearing a treasured shirt or her favourite horse beckoning to the call of another, because of that she tended to enjoy her guests in her private quarters but last night was evidently a breakage of that habit.\n\nAt the woman's question, Jerala frowned incredulously as if she expected her expression to bring forth the answer from Faelyth's lips and when it was evident that it would not she sighed and leaned back in her chair. \"We are at the eighth hour of the day, can you not tell from the way the shadow casts onto the floorboard?\" Her mother had drilled that technique into the back of her mind ever since she was a child and she found herself envying those who had been spared such an upbringing but with most things that boiled within the mind of the noble lady they only truly came forth as a form of mild annoyance at the closest person to her.*\n\n\"If you're going to be working for me, I expect you to be up quicker than this, I already made you a schedule, it includes a diet and dedicated hours for training so as to keep you fit and healthy, you shall have tutors to teach you certain languages that may be of use to wherever we may be travelling and of course ones to teach you how to act around nobility, I shall not have my guard scratching their nose next to guests, it would be unseemly.\" *The way she spoke made it seem as if the woman cared not for her opinions and much less her suggestions.*\n\n\"You will have several aspects of your wages allocated to you, a wage to keep up appearances, this would be so you can buy attires that let you appear as if you belong, one as a reward for your services, to aid you in espionage, this would be enough to buy weapons, safehouses and information when you so desire. Your account should be ready in the bank by this afternoon, all in all you would have the equivalent of eleven months of a working man's salary already within it.\" *Her eyes turned a bit more stern now, like a teacher to a student.* \"It is a lot of money but it is certainly not to fool around with, I expect an account of how it is spent by the end of each week delivered to my secretary do you understand?\"\n\n*A little research and it would not be hard to deduce how the Amiel family were able to craft such a loved reputation despite the inherent megalomania that is inherent between all that had their formative years forged within the household up in their household and it is that all those who are tied to them, whether it be through business, blood, legal matters or history are all treated well by the family and Jerala Amiel was no different, she understood that loyalty was something that was earned and fear could only move a pawn so far before causing it to spiral out of control.*"
},
{
"author": "Faelyth Duskryn",
"message": "Faelyth began to sit up as Jerala began to speak, though the faint smile on her face slowly faded the more the noble did so. Rapid fire did Jerala's words shoot from her mouth, all of which Faelyth barely grasped as they entered her ears. Once full sat up the dark elf realized she was still unclothed. Without much grace or respect for the other individual in the room, Faelyth stood from the bed and began gathering her clothes that had been strewn about the room, all the while taking in all Jerala had to say. \"What the hell did I get myself into, hm?\" Faelyth spoke to herself, though she didn't try to hide her words from the noble woman. All this talk of appearances, wages, her own room, lessons in language and manners? Perhaps the assassin bit off more than she could chew...\n\nSlowly but surely Faelyth began to dress herself, the leather tunic she words when 'infiltrating' the Amiel manor fitting tightly to her slim form. Buckling the straps over her thighs, waist and chest Faelyth then turned to walk over near Jerala, but rather than addressing her the she-elf began fixing her hair in the noble's mirror. Rolling her eyes, the drow finally turned and seemed as though she were finally paying attention to Jerala. Walking over, Faelyth stood before her new employer with her hands crossed over her chest. All this talk, but not a single mention of their night spent together. It wasn't as if Faelyth felt anything either way, but it was strange nonetheless. The urge to see just how far she could push her new boss was becoming harder and harder to fight however.\n\n_ _\nLeaning over the noble woman's shoulder Faelyth eyed the paperwork on the desk, though she wasn't really reading anything upon it, as she simply didn't care. Though as she leaned over Jerala's shoulder, Fae did grow a playful smirk on her face. The amount of money she'd be given was quite a high one, but one perhaps someone such as Faelyth wouldn't be able to resist spending frivolously; *On occasion of course.* \"What happens if-.. Let's say I spend my money in a way you wouldn't approve of?\" Sliding her hands behind her back, the dark elf tried to put on as innocent as a face as she possible could, though it was more than obvious she was playing around. Nevertheless, the question still stood. What *Would* Happen if Faelyth did something wrong under Jerala's thumb?"
}
] | 536 | 1,607 |
805 | 2023-05-27 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Morley 'The Mad' Hot Hotchkiss",
"message": "\"My, oh my! Would you look at that!\"\n\nThe *Rotten Shark Tooth*, a vessel feared and famed (mostly feared) across all Lucidien, prowled across the Sea of Plenty. A favoured hunting ground of Morley's, due to the abundance of vessels, particularly civilian ones. And whilst fishermen were more a constant than wealthy traders, they provided a useful source of the life-giving blood the mad captain so desperately needed\n\n\"A Gantrickan warship in a Findaran port, hahaha! Far too good a mystery to miss... Fuck, nothing works there. Alas, far too good I say! Set a course at once!\"\n\nAs the similarly excitable and eccentric crew members of Morley's vessel crowded at the side of his ship, the great, putrid beast of a ship creaked and heaved, turning at a rapid pace for a vessel of its size. It was a truly monstrous thing, massive compared to all but the greatest warships of the world, and adorned in macabre affectations, the skeletal remains of man and creature alike tacked or roped onto the boat in every conceivable way, rotting strips of flesh and sinew clinging to the yellowed bones as they rattled in tandem with the movement of the ship\n\nBefore long, they reached dock, accompanied by a wretched stench of death. The crew of the *Rotten Shark Tooth* Were as raggedy and haphazard as their captain, and despite their exploits remaining successful for almost a millennia, the ship was not, per se, 'pretty'. Fish heads in various stages of decay lay strewn about the ship, what remained of their filleted flesh and scales from the men's uncouth eating habits caking the deck, not to mention the rats and birds and whatever else lying dead and nailed in various locations upon the vessel for the fun of it, as well as the larger, older, corpses, hanged prisoners still swaying off the mast and whole sharks, their desiccated bodies skewered upon the bowsprit \n_ _\n\nWith a few asymmetric footsteps, alternating between the squeaking and squelching of his waterlogged boot and the hard impact of his peg-leg upon the planks below, Captain Hotchkiss disembarked, followed by a gang of tittering, disease ridden cronies, twitching and scratching and biting at scabs and scars upon their flesh like addicts and lunatics, spinning daggers in their hands incessantly as they grouped up in a gaggle behind him. A man approached, average in all areas it seemed, an official of the dock, armed with a quill and paper. He hardly looked up from it as he approached, murmuring to himself about prices and ships \n\n\"Good evening sir, that'll be... That... I...\"\n\nMidway through his request for payment and welcome to the dock, the man looked up, for a moment scrunching his fave in disgust at the smell, then going wide eyed, and near as pale as the vampire before him when he saw Morley. Even if he didn't know who he was, which he did, it would've been a sorry sight\n\nAt 6'3, he towered over the poor man, looking down t him through vibrant, wild eyes. His face was haunt and stretched into a horrid grin, which itself was split, a cleft in the left side of his upper left exposing one of his fangs almost entirely. Said cleft was part of a larger scar, which continued diagonally across almost his entire face. It was an ugly thing, large and noticeable, the still exposed scar tissue looking distinctly off upon a vampire's pale flesh. His nose was gone entirely, presumably lost in the same incident as the aforementioned giant scar\n_ _\n\nHis outfit reflected his personality exactly, a large tattered overcoat, grand and illustrious, once rich with colour, no tattered, full of holes, and dulled with age. His hat was similarly larger-than-life yet horrible decayed, and he was laden with countless solid gold rings and earrings and broaches and pins, gemstones thick with grime yet glistening all the same. His peg leg, tipped with a rusted metal skull at the knee, gave him an unnatural jaunt as he took a few steps closer to the man, looking almost directly down at him\n\n\"Ooohohoho, hello, hello, hello!\"\n\nHis voice was low, almost crooning, but rife with underlying tension, like a taut rope ready to snap. Morley crouched down slightly, coming to eye level with the man \n\n\"I was only coming in for sightseeing but, now you show up, and, well-\"\n\nHe leaned in, up against the man's cheek and neck, raking his tongue across the flesh for the barest moment, pulling back and licking his vicious fangs with glee \n\n\"-I might just have myself *Teensy* Snack before I check out that beauty over there\"\n\nGlancing back towards the Gantrickan ship, only a few boardwalks over in the gloom of the shipyard's evening, Morley stabbed at his lower lip with his extended need fangs, looking up in thought for a moment, before roughly grasping the stunned-to-silence man by the shoulder and chucking him to the side, leaving him scrabbling on the floor, before continuing the march towards the vessel, his men cackling at the terrified, but largely unharmed, man, who tried to regain his composure as Morley called back to him whilst walking away\n\n\"No, I'll check this out first, but don't you go getting ideas! I'll be back any minute, haha!\""
},
{
"author": "Magnus Styrmir",
"message": "*The sound of hammers and the shouts of workers echoed throughout the harbor. There were many ships in the harbor, from the smallest sloop to the mightiest galleon. Of all those ships the one that was the most out of place was a large Frigate currently occupying the largest drydock. \n\nThe dock was drained, and workers swarmed the ship, dockyard workers worked feverishly to replace several battle-damaged timbers of the ship's hull, while the ship's crew scraped barnacles and replaced the copper plating that helped prevent further sea life from attaching itself to the hull. From the side of the dockyard, the true scale of the ship was seen in all of its glory. While not as physically large as the \"Rotten Shark Tooth\", the \"Wolf's Glory\" Was nevertheless a mighty ship. Its design, a new development in naval technology, was perfect for the pirate's needs, being swift as ships several times smaller than it, and as well armed and crewed as the greatest of warships. She was a beauty that any pirate would be jealous of. Proper warships were naturally rare for pirates to own, but this one had indeed found its way from the shipyards of Gantrick to here.*\n\n*Overseeing the repair work was the ship's captain. Being as tall as Captain Morley, and with the build to match, he was easy to distinguish from the rest of the crew. He caught a slight stench on the breeze, and turned to look at the incoming ship as it pulled into a pier a short way down the coast. He was able to deduce its owner rather quickly. He had never met Morley the Mad before, but had heard the tales, an undead terror who had been terrorizing the seas longer than Magnus had been alive. Seeing the ship itself, Magnus was not impressed. A ship of such size may look impressive, but he doubted it was much more maneuverable than a brick, and probably was only about as fast. Nothing that he hadn't seen before.*\n\n*What did concern him however was Morley's infamous uncaring additude, and his instability. Magnus knew that while the pirate could probably go prancing about most other ports and not be bothered, he knew the Royal Guard would not let that slide, at least not here in the Capital. And while he hadn't done any acts of Piracy against Findara, he was still a pirate, and he hated the trouble a guard crackdown could cause with his ship still a day or two away from finished. Magnus shook his head, annoyed.*"
},
{
"author": "Morley 'The Mad' Hot Hotchkiss",
"message": "It was lucky that the daylight was waning, erring into the darkness of night slowly, for it meant the city guard for the vast Capital would be alerted somewhat slower. Any sane man wouldn't have docked at all, not in a populated city, especially not in a nation's capital city, but Morley the Mad was neither sane nor man, not anymore. He strutted across the boards towards the dry dock, no concern for anybody or anything in his way, simply walking through any objects in his path, sending many less astute dockworkers flying to the ground upon their collision, not so much as breaking his stride as their tools scattered wildly and their torrent of expletives was cut short by the realisation of *Who* Had just walked directly into them\n\nAs a growing trail of kicked over workbenches, upended satchels, and bruised workers spread across the shipyard, more and more attention turned to the approaching captain. His expression as he strolled through was of distant humour, disconnected from the world, loosely aware of what he was doing but primarily focused on the ship, and then upon its clear owner, occasionally chuckling to himself about some unknown joke within his mind. Before long, he arrived, scanning the vessel as its' workers, unsure, slowed, and eventually stopped in their work, at least momentarily \n\n\"Mhm, mhm, mhm. Now that is a real beauty. Not to my taste, of course... Haha, taste! Taste! Oh, they never tell you about all the new jokes you get to tell when you're a Vampire, do they? Always negative, so, so, negative\"\n_ _\n\nMorley's amicable yet distinctly unnerving spiel was received by mostly silence, only the distant bustle of the city persisting, as the prior noise of work and chats between the workers had shrivelled and died. Many actively recoiled at the captain, for his appearance was, frankly, disgusting, as mentioned. Most saw vampires as threats, yes, but as subtler, manipulative threats, lurking in the shadows, often beautiful. Not brazen wanted fugitives, parading about in the capital, with a ravaged and sundered face, split by an ancient blade millenium ago \n\n\"So, what's your story then big man?\"\n\nMorley moved closer, punctuated by the click of his peg-leg and the squelch of his boot, again biting deep into his lip despite his fangs, giggling rhythmically as he did so. Closer now, more details could be made out, the wretched intricacies of that massive scar, the scabs and marks across his lips from that biting. Before Magnus could actually answer, Morley spoke again \n\n\"Gantrick, Hm? Nice place, real nice. Cold, but everything is, has been for the better part of 12 centuries, teehee! Y'know, you wouldn't think it, but they got nice whore houses down there. Real secluded like, and they aren't workers like most places, no no no, slaves. Much easier to get them to look the other way when the blood *Really* Starts pumping, get it? You get it? Hahahahaha! Hahaha! Ha!\"\n\nThat 'really' was accompanied by an almost comical wink, as if Morley (who didn't even know this mans name) and Magnus were old friends, reminiscing on adventures long last and sharing inside jokes"
}
] | 712 | 2,415 |
299.222222 | 2023-12-16 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Vhun",
"message": "Vhun's days, as of late, had fallen into a pattern of her own work, errands, and various tasks around the home she shared with her sister. She wasn't opposed to this by any means, even if it wasn't the most exciting thing. At the very least, being cooped up in her work space had given her time to work on her own projects in little pieces. At least that was what she could tell herself. There was something rather annoying about not having any large swathes of free time. At least she'd been able to finish a new set of clothing for herself, even if it had taken months.\n\nEven if it was a little frivolous to own the sort clothing of she did, perhaps there was something to be said for showing off what she could do. She enjoyed working to make clothing for those besides humans, especially those who were more difficult to fit, but those folks were rare to come across. Oh well. She was still good at making clothing meant to fit her own wings.\n\nToday, Vhun was settled outside at a small stand, one that she'd taken to paying another vendor —one she was fairly certain sold some sort of cosmetic, based on the smell— for the use of for a few days every week. It wasn't a terribly profitable endeavor, at least in terms of the products sold, but it did allow for her to meet new customers. She did most of her work out of her home, after all, and people could only buy so many shawls and knitted things.\n\nThe mothfolk was less focused on the street today, and more focused on unraveling what seemed to be a shawl gone awry. She was hunched over on her stool, two of her hands holding the thing while two tugged on the yarn. It seemed the use of so many hands was less a necessity and more an act of frustration. Her antennae —the left of which was ever so slightly longer than her right — twitched furiously, her dark eyes, though they weren't all too readable, apparently focused on the item in her lap.\n\nIn terms of appearance, Vhun was an odd looking thing. Standing, she was just about five foot nine, and entirely androgynous, at least to human standards, in appearance. Her skin was a dark gray-black, the only contrast in terms of a darker color being her eyes, which were bulbous and quite insect-like. A shock of white hair cut across her face, spanning from just above her mouth —which was mandibulate— to the crest of her head between her antennae. The antennae themselves were a dark color, thin and almost threadlike. The rest of her frame was largely covered by clothing, a black long-sleeved shirt and a pair of black wide-legged pants that were near indiscernible from a skirt when she sat. The waist of these trousers were red-orange, the color gradient rather uneven.\n\nHer wings, however, were the part of Vhun most likely to catch anyone's eye. They were folded behind her at the moment, stretching out like a strange banner. Only her longer forewings could be seen at the moment, these being black cut with thick lines of white separating her wings into block-like segments. These wings twitched lightly as she worked, the moth appearing rather irritated."
},
{
"author": "Aewerin",
"message": "Sauntering slyly between stalls, the slowly encroaching sorceress tries to keep herself hidden beneath a too-large hood. The sight of a mage might, maddeningly, invite far too much chaos. Stalls selling fake magical errata suddenly clearing, chased away, or worse- a tide of those that would want Aewerin to inspect their goods and wares. It was work she'd attend to, at times, but she needed the barest moment for herself each day for personal tasks.\n\nAnd now, that was trying to find someone to help with a triad of tears in a pair of her robes, which she carried folded over her left arm, all hidden under the cloak that billowed as she crept between the crowds. Her back ached from the pace, but she'd force herself through it with a peaceable passivity for now. If she so much as made too strong a face, it'd attract the buzzards flocking about the bazaar here, dragging her into far, far too many attempted trades and tricks.\n\nBut, under the hood, the Elf's teal eyes shone especially bright, like a marble reflecting the sea at noon. At times, a pair of ears brushing the back of the hood twitched and stirred at different sounds, all while the woman hurried herself along. The appearance she had was oddly-... Muddy. Runs of brownish stain and patches of dirt or sand seemed to decorate all of her dress, from hem to heel. Besides that, a black cat of curiously dark color followed along at her heels, never seeming to bump into anything despite not adjusting its path.\n\nAnd of all the things to catch Aewerin's attention here, a moth that looked just as frustrated as she would studying found Aewerin's gaze leveled at them, locked-on in approach. With a small smirk eventually settling on her lips from a mix of unspoken little snarks and thoughts, Aewerin leans in as Vhun worked, to whisper:\n\n\"Is it the project, or the day? I think I was interested in your work as soon as I saw how tense it was making you.\" *She snickers, teasing.*"
},
{
"author": "Vhun",
"message": "Vhun had caught Aewerin in her peripheral vision several seconds prior to the woman stopping before her, but hadn't offered any indication of this. There were perks to having a near unreadable face, and only a fool wouldn't take advantage of such perks. She'd largely unraveled the shawl by the time the elf was upon her, one hand holding the thing, two unraveling and one wrapping yarn back into something resembling a ball.\n\nShe gave no indication that she'd even heard the elf until just about ten seconds after she'd spoken, after she'd finished fully unraveling her product. Vhun had time for a lot of things, and rude custmers were not among them. Slowly, the mothfolk lifted her head, all four of her hands settling in her lap, wrapped around the ball of yarn. Given that Vhun didn't have eyelids, she stared, unblinking, at the mage, mandibles briefly moving as she thought about what to say.\n\nWith what could almost certainly be identified as deliberate sluggishness, one of the mothfolk's hands reached down to a leather pouch at her waist. From this pouch, a set of parchment cards were produced, the moth shuffling through them. Her head did not lower in the least as she did this, instead, to all appearances, she was maintaining this unsettling eye contact with Aewerin.\n\nAfter what felt like ages, a card was produced and shown to the elf before her. It was nothing special, just a rectangle of cut parchment missing its upper right corner. This appeared to be deliberate. There was one word upon it.\n\n*Hello*.\n\nThe handwriting was neat, if not a little bit spindly. The mothfolk offered no other input than a soft click made in the back of her throat."
},
{
"author": "Aewerin",
"message": "Approaching closer and closer, now looming over the stall- somewhat. Perhaps out of interest to observe and see just how skilled Vhun was. Aewerin knew some of her kind, but not nearly enough to satisfy her curiosities. Blinking once or twice, she realized after a time that she wasn't going to get an answer for her snark.\n\nAs Vhun turned to look at Aewerin, the mage pursed her lips in an errant track of thoughts, looking at those big, unsettling eyes. Even if she'd seen such before, they still put her on her heel for a moment. That little stab in the back from seeing a sudden bug was amplified many times over, layered with an uncertain uncanny from the size. But, she found her mind after a moment, and redoubled her smirk.\n\nAewerin watched the withdrawing of the card with a curious little smile, and then a widening pair of eyes as she briefly glances around herself. From the ground, Aewerin grabs a stone that fit her palm nicely, from a loose cobble. Setting it on the stall's surface, after a brief brush-off with her palm, Aewerin traced a finger over the surface, with a small sound of scratching following shortly after.\n\nOn the surface of the stone, the words 'You too.' appeared, a surface level little etching appearing and then fading with a wave of her palm over the stone again."
},
{
"author": "Murmur",
"message": "The cat hopped itself up in the corner- whichever one was most shaded, as it seemed to stare as strangely as the mothfolk- at least to the sensibilities of any more typical passerby. But, it swayed its tail once, and then twice, avoiding sitting on anything resembling Vhun's work, as if it recognized such."
},
{
"author": "Aewerin",
"message": "The mage's finger traces again, the words 'Fix tears?' appearing, and after a minute again, fading with a wave of her hand, on her little stone to join in on Vhun's way of speaking."
},
{
"author": "Vhun",
"message": "Vhun remained seated, staring up at the elf. She was still as could be, save for her wings, which had very slightly opened. The inside of her forewing was just as vibrant as the exterior. However, the inside of her smaller hindwings, which now were partly visible, seemed rather drab. They were an off-white, and very slightly ragged at the edges. Perhaps, if Aewerin was particularly astute, she would be able to infer that Vhun had been an adult for a few years.\n\nAs Aewerin produced a stone, the moth's head gained a rather severe tilt. That was odd. Did she think she couldn't hear? She supposed that if this one was particularly naive, it wouldn't be too far off for her to assume that Vhun's delayed reaction to her presence hadn't been purposeful. Oh well. There were worse assumptions. She gave a little incline of her head at the first phrase, and then a more obvious nod at the second. She held up a three-fingered hand, indicating for her to wait, then returned to shuffling through her cards.\n\nThree were drawn, being displayed in quick succession. \n\n*Yes.*\n\nA card with its missing upper right corner.\n\n*Show me.*\n\nA card missing its lower left corner.\n\nThen, after a beat of hesitation, the third.\n\n*I understand your language.*\n\nThis was missing its upper left corner.\n\nThe moth paused, then produced a fourth card, also missing its upper left corner. Perhaps an organizational strategy?\"\n\n*I can't speak your language.*"
},
{
"author": "Murmur",
"message": "\"That's alright. Sometimes she pretends I can't understand her, too.\" *The cat-... Speaks? Snorts out, even, before it went to the dutiful task of licking its paw and massaging its own ears. The voice was an oddly quiet, spectral thing. In an implacable way, Vhun might sense that the sound only seemed to come from the shadow around her, not from the cat directly.\n\nBut, Murmur returned to flicking their tail, curiously watching the cards afterwards, and not speaking again. Familiars, damnable things."
},
{
"author": "Aewerin",
"message": "She tilts her head, here and there, at times with the subtle flick-flick of an ear under her hood jostling the fabric. A small hum comes as she reads the stones, peeking at times at the Mothfolk. She wasn't familiar enough to speak on their ages or maturity, save for some intuition that Vhun looked-... Worn? Aewerin chose to not comment on it, following along with the cards.\n\nAs she read a few of them, she shrugged, palms coming up in much the same snarky way as her earlier words. Though now when she spoke, it was far more sincere and gentle.\n\n\"I thought perhaps it'd be fun. You must only be spoken to often, here. I can speak - I didn't think you were deaf.\" *She snickers, and nods once more before pulling the robes free and laying them neatly wherever directed by Vhun. They were a deep green, with filigree of oranges, ambers, and rich browns that told well of her station as a mage by the influences of arcane script, or fragments of it, in some of the patterns along the hems. There were complicated pathways of fabric that kept it together, and it was hefty enough to be implicitly armored by some form of padding or hidden support.\n\nAewerin traces a finger along two gaping tears in the torso, and one in the shoulder, which each passed through much of the fabric and left loosened what wasn't cut. A simple cantrip wouldn't have matched the artistry of work that went into this, and it was clear Aewerin was looking for quality work."
}
] | 323 | 2,693 |
209.6 | 2023-12-18 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Murmur",
"message": "The cat's tail flicked here and there, as it continued to stare at Vhun and all of her crafts around the stall. A plaintive 'Tk-tk.' came from the shadows again, before it spoke once more, in that spectrally displaced echo.\n\n\"You know, master. This one hasn't said a thing and they're far more friendly than you. You should consider trying to talk less, too.\""
},
{
"author": "Aewerin",
"message": "She waves a hand towards the familiar, batting it lightly in the chest as she gives a little snort at the dig. Otherwise, looking at Vhun, Aewerin wasn't well aware of the Mothfolk's gender or nature. But, she looked concernedly, and then curiously, at her own damaged robes, trying to ascertain Vhun's perspective from their alien features.\n\nAewerin bent, a few small pops coming from her back that noisily accompanied the charcoal writing as an off-beat percussion. But, after a breath to recompose herself, Aewerin whispers back towards Vhun once she read the question.\n\n\"I'd like-... Hmm.\" She tap-tap-taps her chin, rolling her eyes a moment as she searches the clouds inside her head for answers. Eventually coming to it, the mage nodded again.\n\n\"Embroidered over. The earth's more beautiful for its breaks, revealing all the gems underneath. I'd like this the same way. A break into something beautiful.\" She gives a little grin, more eager at the prospect after saying it.\n\n\"I think I'm confident in you- very much so. I'm not sure why - intuition. How much would you like for this?\""
},
{
"author": "Vhun",
"message": "Vhun's large eyes remained blankly trained on Aewerin at least they appeared to. She'd tilted her head back up to the elf before her, though truly her gaze was still set on the garment below. It was rude, she knew, to not lift her head when she was talking to someone. Granted, the direction her head was facing wasn't necessarily the best indication as to where she was looking, but this elf clearly didn't know that.\n\nAs the mage finally spoke, Vhun visibly perked up. The fingers on her lower set of hands tapped the table, upper set rather quickly retrieving the parchment. Finally! Someone who was interested in doing something a little bit interesting. She was quite certain that given a little bit of creative freedom she could make this look nice, and without the concern of invisibility, the mend had just become quite a lot easier. Well. Sort of. It was difficult in a different way now.\n\n*That depends on what you'd like over it. I could copy the filigree. Or do something else. Complexity and time. More if you'd like it done on a rush.*\n\nThe writing wasn't as neat this time, this perhaps being the best sign of enthusiasm on the part of the mothfolk. Her wings had slowly spread further, her posture seeming to improve as she stared at the elf before her. Rather suddenly, all four of her hands darted away from their previous positions, scrambling back to shuffle through her deck of cards. The book was left for Aewerin. It seemed she'd forgotten something she had a card for.\n\n*What's your name?*\n\nThis one was missing its lower right corner. If Aewerin was paying attention to the deck, it seemed they were organized by missing corner, though the deck was a bit out of order."
},
{
"author": "Aewerin",
"message": "The Mage had crossed her arms, cupping her own elbows now as her interest plucked her mind free of more alluring anxieties. Something she could focus on and enjoy, she thought, was before her. So, she smiled just a bit brighter as she watched the writing and waited again.\n\nTilting her head in consideration, Aewerin returned to that thoughtful tapping, a ruminating rapping, rapping at her chin's floor. After a while, and with a flowering flourish of her finger into a pose pointing firmly at the firmament, she responded with an almost sing-song cadence.\n\n\"I think-... I'd like to trust you to what you think would look best. I came here because you were fettering so, and I thought that someone so focused on something small would care more than someone selling.\" She chuckles, quite sincere in her words. That had drawn her, more than the Mothfolk's curious look.\n\nAt the next card, Aewerin traced a finger over her stone again, as she spoke, so that Vhun would have both speak and spell to learn.\n\n\"Aewerin.\" She said, just the same as the rock wrote, in Common and Elvish. In the latter, almost seeming like vines interlaced into art.\n\n\"What is your name? I'd like to keep it, even if we part after today.\""
},
{
"author": "Murmur",
"message": "The cat, perched and sat on the table's mat, tilted his head at his master's growing enthusiasm. Perhaps his words had stricken more true than he thought. So, the shadow remained quiet, as he let Aewerin enjoy something she found."
}
] | 254 | 1,048 |
268.375 | 2023-12-20 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Vhun",
"message": "The mothfolk's antennae and wings stopped their little movements as Aewerin finally spoke once more. Ah. One of these. She was always wary of people who were *Too* Flexible with their ideas. They tended to be the sort that had secret grand ideas they actually wanted executed, but lacked the descriptive skills—and the budget—to pull them off successfully.\n\nShe could make something nice anyway, nice and unobjectionable. She said faults and fissures? Well, she could work with that. Vhun thought for a moment, debating as to what to say. There had to be a good question to lead her in a direction as to what she wanted. Either way, she didn't anticipate this actually taking her that long. Hours, not days, at the very least. Slowly, her hands stretched forth, picking up her book once more.\n\n*What color would you like?*\n\nThis was written and presented, Vhun then answering Aewerin's question with a gesture. She lifted a hand, wavering it. So-so. Wasn't unrecognizable, and she'd respond to it. She paused. Might as well show the right way. She had a feeling she'd ask anyway.\n\n\"Vhun.\"\n\nAewerin had been right, the first two syllables were a pronounced as a humming buzz, and the 'u' was largely not spoken. The last letter was more of a stop than anything else, though it did certainly notably pitch down. The mothfolk's voice did, unfortunately, provide absolutely no insight as to her sex, though it wasn't a particularly loud voice."
},
{
"author": "Aewerin",
"message": "After a moment of pouring over ponderings spilling and making a mess of her mind, Aewerin took the stone she was mucking about with earlier, and mushed it flat. What an odd thing, as if it was putty and not solid stone - though the slow flow of magic around it explained how, wordlessly. After it was flattened, Aewerin's hands floated above the surface, brushing and baking into it fissures and faults as the robes had, as she stares at it.\n\nThen, with another hand dripping bits of metal scrap within, she molded it into lines of gold, like veins of ore, that made each break into a line like a bold, bright bolt of lightning, or a lantern-lit vein of gold deep in the depths of a mine.\n\n\"Does this help? I've got no talent for fabrics.\"\n\nThough, the Elf tilts her head aside at the pronunciation. An ear flicked once, then again, as if tasting it, before she repeated it back with about as much closeness as her voice possibly could, before snickering.\n\n\"Vhunderful.\"\n\nShe sounded far too proud of that, as her familiar's forlorn stare aside at her seemed to curse her very soul to the depths of deepest hell for using a pun in its proximity.\n\n\"How long do you think that would take? I'll pay now- in full.\" She says, an odd way to proclaim quite a bit of trust rather than waiting for the result. However it came to be, Aewerin was apparently trusting of Vhun's workmanship."
},
{
"author": "Vhun",
"message": "Vhun leaned closer, eyes setting on the stone. It was quite the clever tool, really. A helpful one too. She had a feeling that the elf —Aewerin— didn't have much of a way with words. That wasn't any true fault though, few people did have any such talent. Vhun herself certainly didn't.\n\nA color. That was good. And something that wouldn't take too much kind. One color, and a color she'd made recently. Though she didn't have any that was actual gold, it really did look nice. She wasn't willing to buy thread like that unless she already had a project paid at least half in full. It was an investment that would scare off most people. However, the use of her own dyed thread did made this significantly cheaper.\n\nThe mothfolk bobbed her head in response to the question, one hand lowering to pick up her pencil, apparently sketching the shape of what Aewerin had drawn. She didn't doubt her memory, but she did want the extra assurance that she was doing the right thing. Her hand lowered to her book, writing out her next statement in a careful, neat script.\n\n*I could do this by the end of the day for twenty silver pieces. Less for longer.*\n\nIt was potentially a steep price, but Vhun expected her to haggle. It was the typical anyway. Besides, if this one was more wealthy than she looked, she probably wouldn't bat an eye at that for that price as a rush job.\n\nShe didn't acknowledge the pun, save for slowly tilting her head up to stare at Aewerin. This, she thought, would dissuade her from further mocking her name. That wasn't even the right way to say her name."
},
{
"author": "Aewerin",
"message": "The loss of the pun to a surly stare put the Elf's eyes to the back of her skull, rolled there out of an acquiescence to the Mothfolk's-... Abasement, apathy, animosity? Who knew. Aewerin certainly didn't. Though, she was beginning to suspect that humor was going to sail like a shredded sheet with this one.\n\nDropping it and rolling her shoulders back, she winces slightly at a low rumble from her lower back, crack-cracking back into place with a run of painful pops along the track of scar tissue hidden away under cloth and cloak. She might try to invest in a harness - but she feared reliance on it.\n\nAs Vhun took from the design and sketched the sample of the pattern Aewerin had prepared with her little tricks, Aewerin herself cleaned off the table with a slow wave of her hand, every speck of the dust and stone collecting itself and disappearing from the table, leaving a spotless lack of mess for the craftsperson. Aewerin otherwise blew upwards from her lips, bangs shot away from her eyes in a gesture that seemed all too well-practiced.\n\nThe price sounded about right - and so Aewerin fiddled with a pouch she kept well-hidden under her cloak, a decidedly quick set of clicks and clinks coming before a stack of twenty silver coins were offered.\n\n\"Don't suppose you care to chat much while you work? It'll keep my eyes from wandering overly much on other stalls with things I don't need.\""
},
{
"author": "Murmur",
"message": "The shadowy thing tilts its head, tut-tuting from the shadows around as ever in that strange resonance of its unfamiliar presence. \n\n\"Or, you can banish her far and away. It might be for the best— you've gotten mercy from her tongue only because you can't banter back.\" The unblinking thing nodded to itself, sharing a side-eye with Aewerin that implied well a mutual bit of disdain for the other's mischief."
},
{
"author": "Vhun",
"message": "Now that a deal had been set in place, Vhun slowly reached out to pull the robe into her lap. She needed to get a better look at those tears, just to make sure there wasn't anything there that she couldn't comfortably repair. There didn't seem to be all too much risk of that, unless there was metal involved. Vhun drew the line at working with metal.\n\nThere didn't seem to be anything, at least, and so the moth began to root around behind her booth. She did have her thread here, at least some, including her yellow-gold thread. However, there was something to be said for the illusion of choice. She picked up a total of five colors, the yellow-gold, a brighter yellow, a bronze-brown, an orange, and a red-orange. All five skeins were settled in front of Aewerin, the mothfolk gesturing to with her lower set of hands to the threads before her. Her upper left once more picked up the charcoal stick.\n\n*Which do you prefer?*\n\nShe waved her hands at the woman's words, a quiet noise like a laugh leaving her. It was a strange thing, a chittering, clicking hiss of a laugh. Once more, the moth picked up the pencil.\n\n*I do quite like to chat when I work, however, I do think that you'd have trouble understanding me. I am not very good at pronouncing common words, and I don't think you speak Ivathi.*"
},
{
"author": "Aewerin",
"message": "Among the colors, Aewerin seemed to be awash in choices- too many that she liked. Scrunching her brow and nose both for a moment, with a 'tk-tk-tk' pacing her thoughts through shut lips, she eventually leans and places her hands on her knees, looking at them level with the table's surface.\n\nAfter a short while, she eventually glances those teal eyes up at Vhun, searching for a moment for pupils she had to remember wouldn't be there.\n\n\"Oh- the bronze one. It's a lovely shade.\" Standing up more straight, she breathes out some relief as her back relaxes once more. Though, the odd and all-at-once off-putting 'laugh' made Aewerin blink, before she realized what, precisely, it was. She brushes a fingertip under her nostrils, before drawing out a bound tome from her side.\n\nSitting nearby, she cranks it open on her lap, balancing on the edge of the table. With a hum of a curious little song, Aewerin glances at the writing as it was completed before looking back at the tome. Over and over her finger traced on a pace, as she mouths something to herself repeatedly. After a while - she whispers the words aloud, the air around her open mouth quivering with the echo of sorcery.\n\nThen, she looks up, smiling at Vhun with a bit of snark still. \"That should be better - I can understand it now - though only the literal meaning. Metaphors are doing to buzz past me.\" She says again, daring to prod with another pun."
},
{
"author": "Murmur",
"message": "Laying down more fully, the cat seemed to especially take interest in the process of sewing, watching Vhun soundlessly. Laying down seemed, still, to make no noise, save for a soft 'phf-' from the shadows around him. At times, it was like the cat was simply a projection of a familiar shape by something else."
}
] | 321 | 2,147 |
240.25 | 2023-12-21 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Vhun",
"message": "That was a surprise, Vhun thought. The bronze wasn't all that pretty to her eyes. She'd always thought it was too close to brown to be pretty, but it did have its worth in terms of providing contrast. Here, it could certainly be useful, provided Aewerin found it pretty. Vhun gave another little nod of understanding. One of Vhun's hands swept up the rejected colors, depositing them back into her bag with no particular reverence.\n\nOnce more, the mothfolk perked up to watch Aewerin. She was doing something, though Vhun couldn't quite say what. Something, she thought, that more than likely involved magic. Two of Vhun's hands remained on the task at hand, this being threading a needle, while the other two ran over the tears. Her head had tilted up, watching the elf with clear interest. \n\nSo she'd had this option the whole time? And she'd chosen to make it difficult? Rude.\n\n\"And yet you continue to play with words.\"\n\nPerhaps now that Aewerin was properly hearing the language as words rather than sounds, the distinctive qualities of Vhun's voice were clear. It sat neatly in a middle-range, erring toward being rather low, and though she did seem to speak rather softly, there was a distinct warmth to her tone."
},
{
"author": "Aewerin",
"message": "The Elf seemed, by all indications of her currently worn dress, let alone the robes in disrepair, to have an affection for earthen tones. Strange, for how her eyes reflected a blue, bright sky and her fair skin would make most strangers think otherwise. Still, there's be no question as to Aewerin's certainty of her choice.\n\n\"Maybe I wanted to see how you'd play the great game of misunderstandings.\" She snickers. Tilting her head back and forth, almost in parallel to Vhun's way of turning and staring, though only for a moment of the Elf's apparent teasing.\n\nThe Elf's ears swiveled to unheard sounds, as echoes of softly spoken translations seemed to buzz about her brain in the barest and briefest reverberation, while her ritual worked. So, there was a small delay as she processed the meaning from the literal words.\n\n\"As I was saying - I see so many sellers who aren't obsessed over the small details. You seemed to be, so I thought you'd be the one to trust. - How'd you come into this trade, anyway?\""
},
{
"author": "Vhun",
"message": "\"It's a game I play all the time, I suppose. I wonder how you'll understand what I say. Do you hear what I say as your tongue, or as mine?\"\n\nIt was a fair question, she thought, given that there was most clearly some magic at play. The mothfolk's wings buzzed a moment as she thought, then slowly spread out in what was best described as a stretch. Her head cocked, then lowered to look at the garment before her. She'd successfully threaded the needle, and now had little to do other than get started.\n\nHer head lifted up once more as the elf spoke once more, head slowly gaining a tilt. She was just a bit irritated, and was attempting to mask it as a patient confusion.\n\n\"Small does not mean insignificant, you know. Sewing is all small stitches, but if they're wrong or bad they're ugly or fall apart. On a knitted garment like that one, a few small wrong stitches ruin the entire project.\"\n\nShe paused, antennae giving an irritated little twitch.\n\n\"But I do suppose diligence is a good thing anyway.\"\n\nBetter not to be rude. Or at least not all that rude. Another pause.\n\n\"Oh. I suppose it's just something I was good at. Four hands make sewing quite a bit easier.\"\n\nIt was unclear if she was joking or otherwise being lighthearted. Little of her emotional state was evident in her voice, at least, more than likely not to one who wasn't used to hearing her."
},
{
"author": "Aewerin",
"message": "She chuckles at Vhun's talk about misunderstandings, but nods to the question, responding in kind after the same strange shift in the air around her head- just barely visible as if the wind itself quivered.\n\n\"It is spoken first in yours, in a way I can't understand - then, the nearest words in a language I do know come to match it. There's a small delay as I work out details of-... Nuance in the diction and phrasing.\"\n\nAewerin leaned back in her spot, keeping her back straight and crossing her arms seemingly in service of this. Widening her legs into a not-so-dainty pose, her poise at least was sturdy, a small number of cracks coming from Aewerin's robes, muffled by the layers.\n\n\"Small doesn't mean insignificant - on the contrary, there's nothing more significant - so in lieu of being misunderstood again-... Thank you, truly, for loving what you do.\" Aewerin hums, a rare bout of genuine, earnest words, as she gives a softer smile to the Mothfolk to clear the air. Every word Vhun had said about her practice appeased to Aewerin, to all the time spent obsessing over perfection of spells.\n\n\"I can only imagine! I would be able to do so many more things with another pair of arms.\" She cackles, enjoying the company."
},
{
"author": "Vhun",
"message": "\"Strange. I am speaking very simply now. You mentioned that you wouldn't be able to understand anything that was figurative. Sort of hard to monitor my language, really.\"\n\nVhun gave another humming laugh, though this one seemed to lack any actual amusement. It was really just a noise. The woman was sewing as she spoke, gaze tilted down to pay attention to her work. It seemed she was first closing the tear in the fabric, having started with one of the tears in the torso of the garment, then expanding the pattern outward so that it had some element of beauty to it.\n\n\"You are welcome, in that case.\"\n\nWhat else was she meant to say? Truly, the mothfolk didn't know, especially given that she'd now made it just a little bit awkward. Perhaps she'd been a bit too harsh in judging her, or perhaps she'd been just the right amount of harsh. She hadn't forgotten the way in which this woman had approached.\n\nShe tilted her head down once more, settling back to her embroidery work.\n\n\"I often wonder what having only one pair is like.\""
},
{
"author": "Murmur",
"message": "The fat cat sat and batted a tail back-to-back from either limit of its reach like a pendulum. Watching unblinkingly, it seemed engrossed by the process, but in an unnatural way - almost as if one were to be watching a spider weave web. Not that it was easy to tell- for as alien as Vhun and Aewerin's features were to another, the familiar was distant from both with those never-shut eyes and that pale shadow."
},
{
"author": "Aewerin",
"message": "\"Well - I find anything referring to games, or playing, comes out just a bit differently between tongues. But- so far this hasn't been too difficult. There are far harder things to try to translate.\" She hums to herself, keeping her statuesque stature just to preserve her already strained back from further aches.\n\nAs Aewerin herself watched the process, more curious as to the work of hands and the way of small details, she spoke again, leaving the matter of thanking and welcoming well alone for now.\n\n\"One pair of arms? Well - I suppose I could try. It's the annoyance of carrying your life's work when your nose itches. It's the warmth of an embrace, knowing you are holding with everything you can. Hmm- It's the worry and trust when you lock one hand with another.\" She shrugs, departing with a list of swift little metaphors, all about the sensation of lacking or fulfillment with only having two manipulators to spare, and the worry that comes when you only have one left.\n\n\"—Though, I suppose I am wondering. I can't tell with your kind. You are a-... Woman?\" She guesses, in all honesty, only the gut instinct guiding her."
},
{
"author": "Vhun",
"message": "\"I suppose so. Always something more difficult. Nothing we're talking about is probably too difficult... I suppose I should know, given I speak both. Never really thought about it in terms of difficulty before.\"\n\nThe mothfolk's attention shifted to Murmur for a moment, then back to Aewerin. She didn't much like this feeling. There was too much pressure to not to anything weird. Did she usually do weird things when she worked? Vhun hadn't any idea, but supposed she was going to find out.\n\n\"..Perhaps I simply could try to use only one set.\"\n\nMaybe that answer was a little rude compared to the rather emotional answer given by Aewerin. However, Vhun's comment had come from a purely utilitarian standpoint. She supposed that Aewerin's answer was sort of the same. She was looking too hard for something to annoy her.\n\nThe moment to worry about that passed. Vhun gave another tittering laugh, hands lowering and head lifting. She really couldn't tell? That was funny.\n\n\"What makes you say that?\"\n\nHer tone was utterly flat. She was going to milk this for the entertainment. Was it a guess? Or had she managed to judge it based on her clothing?"
}
] | 250 | 1,922 |
250.333333 | 2023-12-22 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Aewerin",
"message": "\"Well, maybe you can use the other two as a second set for me.\" She snickers to herself- making a ridicilous joke out of a more ridiculous idea, but she was fairly clearly not serious about it. Still watching, it was as if Aewerin was simply curious. She wasn't familiar with the details of this process, and perhaps wished to leave with something for her mind, as well as her repaired robes.\n\nIn response to Vhun's return question, about the matter of her sex, Aewerin hummed, wondering at the answer herself. Squinting, she reaches up, gripping two imaginary antennae.\n\n\"I am not completely sure myself. But- I like your antennae, and they seemed so full. It was a guess off of that.\" She admits, nodding and returning her arms to cross her chest.\n\n\"What happened to the shorter one?\" The mage ponders, always finding a particular hair to pull in her line of questioning. Unabashed and unashamed of asking, she tilted her head, the little yaw of it in await of answers, if they'd come."
},
{
"author": "Vhun",
"message": "Vhun didn't reply to her joke, instead, Aewerin was treated to another long moment of her characteristic unblinking stare. Once again, she'd been presented with a strange over-friendly statement that she didn't know how to reply to. She didn't even think she quite knew what that meant. It didn't matter. She wasn't even going to pretend to laugh at that though.\n\nThe attempt at guessing her sex, however, did earn a laugh. Vhun lifted a hand to catch her antennae, bending one down to examine it. It still was quite thin and certainly not as feathery as one could expect from some males. This time, when she laughed, it was a genuine noise, Vhun dropping her head to her chest as she chuckled.\n\n\"Quite the opposite, I'd say. It isn't always the case, but I'd expect a male to have fuller antennae. Like feathers.\"\n\nAnother clicking giggle left Vhun, the woman waving a hand. How funny, but at least it hadn't just been a shot in the dark. The laugh died out as she asked her question, two of the woman's hands half-darting up toward her antennae, then dropping once more. Was it really that obvious? Oh well.\n\n\"When I was younger and had just emerged from my cocoon, I wasn't very careful with my antennae. I was being stupid with my older sister and shut it in a door.\""
},
{
"author": "Aewerin",
"message": "She reaches up and, as a humored sign of acquiescence to her bad guess, gave a small 'bap!' to her forehead with her palm, as if striking free the wrong thought before she chuckled to herself. Nodding along then at Vhun's clarification, she thought it made sense that the male would peacock, now that she thought about it. She didn't want to consider the implications of her words, but assumed it'd just fall in the litter of little misunderstandings.\n\n\"The males of my kind just act foolishly as a whole. Nothing so spectacular as great feathers to tell them apart.\" She snickers, thinking well of her brother - though his hair was white and feathery, so perhaps it was closer than she imagined.\n\nAewerin then, at mention of the injury, nods along, tilting her head in cautious curiosity, not wanting to set off her conversation companion for the time ahead.\n\n\"Does it still work as it's supposed to? I have quite the terrible scar - it makes it hard to walk.\" She hums."
}
] | 229 | 751 |
322.333333 | 2023-12-27 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Aewerin",
"message": "It seemed, perhaps, to just be a difference in perspective of the scars. Aewerin had not a single shade of doubt in her questioning of the antennae, even though she certainly noticed the intentional wording of Vhun's response. Still humming a bit to herself, the Elf tilts her head here and there again.\n\n\"No, I don't suppose it's that noticeable. Just my curiosity. It's not hidden from sight, after all. - You've probably already noticed that the back of the robes there are more fortified than the front.\" She chuckles.\n\n\"If I move too fast, or twist too quickly, it's like fire up and down my spine.\" She rolls her shoulders, in that melancholy malaise over the whole thing. It is as it was, and there was no changing it, so she spoke of it as simply as if she'd describe the weather.\n\n\"That I understand-... Your kind don't have true bones, yes?\" She tilts her head, a more studious sort of curiosity. \"I suppose the best analogy would be if you felt on fire every time you flapped a wing.\" She shrugs - close enough on the body, and she imagined the freqency of that would denote the relative-... Unpleasantness of the injury. But, Aewerin seemed still to just be making small talk over it; Vhun would likely suffer more of this, unless she brought her own topic."
},
{
"author": "Vhun",
"message": "\"I suppose it isn't. I've debated, but I do think a cover-up would draw more eyes than just the broken antennae.\"\n\nOne hand lifted to thoughtfully brush the shortened appendage, the other still rigidly held up in the air. It drooped down after a moment, Vhun releasing the other antennae. Perhaps this was intentional, given that when the two weren't perfectly straight, they didn't seem quite as uneven.\n\n\"Yes. I had noticed.\"\n\nThe set of hands that was not stitching slid under the garment, feeling the fabric. So it was. She hadn't noticed the extent of this, but had assumed that these robes, just based on the layering, had to serve some protective purpose. The stitching hands had largely finished repairing the tears in the torso, replacing the gashes with tendrils of bronze. She'd made a distinct effort, it seemed, to prevent these new patterns from morphing together.\n\n\"I am sorry to hear that. It sounds deeply... Unpleasant.\"\n\nPersonal information revealed without any warning was deeply strange, she thought. She wasn't going to be rude. This one was still paying her.\n\n\"Not really, no. The outsides are closer to that.\"\n\nHer wings gave a twitch.\n\n\"I see. That would make me not want to fly. I can't imagine not being able to move that way.\"\n\nHer mind was moving now, the woman trying to find something else to talk about. Ah. There was one thing.\n\n\"If I may ask, what happened to these robes of yours?\""
},
{
"author": "Aewerin",
"message": "She gives a little grin at Vhun's mention of unpleasantry. Well, she was absolutely right about that. Reaching into a small pouch at her waist, Aewerin withdrew and snuck in a leaf between her back teeth, chewing quietly as her pupils dilate ever-so-little and she seems to breathe with-... Far more ample energy and looseness in her poise, as if much of the grind and grit of her back was released.\n\n\"Well - it's my apology for my awful guesses as to your antennae, and for being so questioning about them in the first place. Thank you for humoring my questions.\" She says, a bit more of a low hum, empathic and appreciably less snarky than before.\n\n\"It's painful to walk, now. But, I enjoy moving regardless.\" She shrugs, and continues with the little whimsy of thought she had in brief moments of quiet, in the discussion about the pain.\n\nBut- when Vhun asked about the robes, Aewerin nods and reaches up to scratch the back of her neck, a laugh escaping from her as if she was caught in the midst of trouble.\n\n\"Ah- well! Well. A beast came upon me, and leap from some distance onto me. It was only thanks to a spell that I survived, but the robes hadn't. Thankfully, it ran off when it tried to bite stone and neither of us had to die for something as guiltless as a hunt for food.\" She ho-hums again, nodding.\n\n\"The spell's name is Stoneskin; it's pretty easy to figure at what it does.\" She snickers, nodding along to her own matter-of-fact, obvious given of a spell's name."
}
] | 313 | 967 |
224 | 2022-11-19 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "The Tale Weaver",
"message": "The capital's square was relatively quiet considering the time of day. Usually, it was bustling with people out about their business, regardless of the cold that surrounded them. Gantrickans were a hearty people, so a little snow and ice would never stop them from going about their day. It was eerily still, only a handful of people passing back occasionally, but the sudden sound of clammer near the capital's tavern caused most to stop and look that way. The doors to the Last Drop burst open from a man being thrown from within by unseen individuals. The man slammed into the dirt-soaked ice and snow, his clothing now wet with slush from the muddy street. A voice screamed out from within the tavern and soon a small figure ran out after the man.\n\nIt was obvious this small individual was a young girl, and as she fell to her knees next to the man two more figures emerged after her; both large men with animalistic faces. One stood much taller than the other, his animal form being that of a white bear, though this was common in Gantrick. The other shapeshifter however was considerably smaller, his form a stag with a sizeable rack upon his head. One thing was for certain however- both dawned Gantrick armor, the symbol of the kingdom emblazoned upon their breastplates. *\"You think you can steal from the king, half-breed?!\"* The bear shouted, and soon a massive white paw was gripping onto the small girl.\n\nKicking and screaming, the little girl cried out for her father, but before he could get up to stop them, the stag stomped a boot upon the man's chest. *\"We'll take her for payment, then. If you can't pay your taxes, then you can't pay to feed a second hungry mouth, can you?\"* The scene was clear, but not a single person stopped to help the situation. Most people continued on about their day, others simply standing and staring at the scene. *\"Humans have no place here, half-breed!\"* The stag chimed in, and then offered a swift kick to the man's side."
},
{
"author": "Odessa Duskguard",
"message": "*Odessa was shocked, she would've thought these were slavers. Not guards bearing the Gantrick crest, while her father had made a few off comments about corruption she had no idea- she had to do something.*\n\n*She checked to make sure she had her sword and shield with her, which were strapped securely on her back. She didn't grab them though, that'd be a stupid idea.*\n\n*She approached the situation, sure that the guards recognized her due to the crest upon her cloak.* \"May I ask what's going on here? From the outside looking in, it seems rather... How do I put this... Cruel.\" *She spoke with the distinctness of nobility, mainly because she was raised by such even though she had her titles snatched away from her.*"
},
{
"author": "The Tale Weaver",
"message": "Another swift kick was dealt to the half-human man in the dirt by the stag, but the approach of Odessa caused both shapeshifters to noticeably stiffen. *\"Who's this, eh?\"* The bear spoke, his grip on the young girl only stiffening. Both men looked at the crest on the woman's cloak, their expressions turning from sick joy to disgust. *\"What's going on here doesn't concern you, Duskguard.\"* The stag spat, his boot still firmly on the half-human man beneath him. *\"Daddy!\"* The young girl yelled, her voice filled with terror as tears rolled down her cheeks. With a swift slap from the bear's free paw, she quieted down, a red welt left where tears once fell.\n\n*\"If you really must know, this man is now wanted for evading paying his taxes to the crown. We're simply... Collecting payment.\"* The stag sneered toward Odessa, his hand now resting on the hilt of his sword. The tension was more than obvious between the three guards, the stillness in the cold Gantrick air heavy and thick. A long moment of silence began building between all of the individuals in front of the tavern, but finally the bear broke it with a growl-like laugh. *\"Shame old Famir isn't here, huh?\"* The stag nodded, looking to his partner in crime, *\"Yeah, old man Duskguard just **Loved** This sort of thing.\"*"
},
{
"author": "Odessa Duskguard",
"message": "*She had glared at the guards as she saw how they handled the situation. This was unacceptable. As they slapped the girl she couldn't believe the cruelty.*\n\n\"Collecting payment? Really?\" *She looked to her coin purse, she managed to get away with a fair bit from her estate. Surely this man couldn't owe that much? She looked up though as they mentioned her father.* \"Keep my fathers name out of your mouths. Now...\" *She paused before saying.* \"How much did this man exactly owe?\" *Her intent to pay it off for him was quite clear.*"
},
{
"author": "The Tale Weaver",
"message": "*\"More than you can afford after mommy threw you out.\"* The bear laughed, the stag joining in with him as well. *\"Get lost, half-breed. His welp will make up for his failures. She'll catch a pretty penny, though who knows-\"* The bear glared downward toward the little girl, his snout dripped as his sharp yellow teeth barred towards her. *\"-maybe I'll keep this one for myself.\"* The little girl tried her best to tug away, but to no avail. She simply wasn't strong enough to best a beast as big as her captive. *\"Listen Duskguard. You may wear your father's crest, but your immunity ended with his dying breath.\"* The stag snorted, his hand now firmly around the hilt of his sword.\n\n*\"Last warning.\"*"
},
{
"author": "Odessa Duskguard",
"message": "*She didn't want to fight them, she really knew it was a bad idea. But she wouldn't stand for this!*\n\n\"A warning, for me? How kind of you.\" *She said sarcastically before moving her hands a bit, it might look like she moved them since she's nervous but in fact she was casting a spell. She enhanced one of her physical attributes, strength and grabbed her shield with one hand, though didn't grab her sword as she didn't wish to outright kill them.*\n\n*With her strength she went after the bear shapeshifter holding the girl, and she went to kick him in the groin. While she held her shield up, ready to block the elk if they tried anything.*"
}
] | 166 | 1,344 |
302.666667 | 2024-03-17 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Captain Dagon Breezeblown",
"message": "It was late at night, yet for a dwarf of short Height (yet tall for one of his kind), it had only just begun. A twilight chill had crept into the air, and the streets were quiet as befitted the time.\n\n\n Except for one loud, booming voice that was 'singing' \n\"HEY O HEY O HEY O HEYYYY, THE WHORES GOT TITS BIGGER THAN MY FAAAAACE. HEY O HEY O HEYYY, I PAID HER WELL TO GET MYSELF A TAAAAASSTE!\" His spittle flew with each word and his breath stank of liquor. Those few still left on the streets steered well clear of him, and it was clear even the local guards were becoming quickly Impatient with this public nuisance. \n\n\nHe wasn't completely clueless though, and quickly shut himself up and continued walking, or stumbling more like. He had a bottle of brandy in hand, but it was little more then decoration for it was the bottles in a back alley that had brought him to this stage. He had gone to a gambling den he frequented when in the capital, where after a particularly profitable session of dice, he decided to spend it all on whisky. Lots of it. \n\nNow he roamed the streets looking for more entertainment to fill his night. He couldn't bare being alone as he was. He needed to get drunker. Drunk enough so his thoughts were mute. And so he stumbled onward, clearly headed for wherever drinks would flow."
},
{
"author": "Ashby Ayah",
"message": "*Ashby didn't know why he was out in the capital this late, he didn't know if he should even be out as it still wasn't very safe for him to be around alone. He'd run a hand through his hair as he signed. His skin still felt dry and worn but he was making progress. He wasn't so skinny now and least the worms were gone after... More than one long day of dealing with them. It had been painful and horrible but he felt better at least.\n\nNow he was having to try learning how to not be a slave and it wasn't easy. He wasn't ready to go back to the sea even though he should, maybe he was more scared than he thought of returning home. He didn't know why though. Though at hearing some strange song being belowed in the streets he couldn't help but stop and look to see what was going on.\n\nA stumbling dwarf was what he saw after a bit. Clearly they were drunk and he probably should avoid them. Best maybe to just head back before he was noticed? Though he would look up at the street lights as he thought about all that had happened to him in the last few weeks. His life was changed upside down in the matter of a day. But it was better than what he used to be in, which really was good since he'd probably be dead if he had still been in his slave life.*"
},
{
"author": "Captain Dagon Breezeblown",
"message": "Each step was matched with a grumble from the dwarf. He raised his bottle for a swig and as his head tilted up he noticed... A Tri- no. Surely not. The liquor was more potent than he thought. He began laughing at his own idiocy, blaming his partially blind right eye and state of inebriation for this trick of his eyes. \n\nHe figured it was some genasi, and realised he was staring. He adjusted his tricorn to look more presentable and called out \"Sorry for the stare matey, eyes playing tricks with the light!\" He felt guilty for staring though and so the ever sociable dwarf approached this water genasi and took a final swig of the brandy. \n\nHe threw the bottle to the side, and wiped his hands on his jacket. Despite being a bit stained and stinking of alcohol from his night debauchery, it was still in the latest Lazaroth fashion, and the rings in the man's beard braids and the braids coming out from his head presented a golden glint that suggested this was more than just a short drunk.\n\nHe stuck his hand out for a handshake and introduced himself, and as he did so, his jacket would slip back to reveal shackles tattooed on to his tanned skin. \"Captain Dagon Breezeblown of the Lady Corsair. Yourself lad... Uh lass? Whatever you call yourself.\" He smiled as he said this, evidently unaware of any offence he may have caused, or of his crude manners."
}
] | 311 | 908 |
354.333333 | 2024-03-18 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Ashby Ayah",
"message": "*Ashby probably should have left once seeing the dwarf coming closer, he wasn't quite ready to interact and be part of the rest of the world still. Yet he was caught without an excuse to leave either so he simply stood under the street light as they approached him.* \n\n*Clearing his throat he'd try giving a small smile, he been called worse than a lass so he didn't really mind. He supposedly his long and wavey hair could give off the look of that when he was still in clothes that didn't quite fit him.* \"It's no problem... Staring is a least of a worry around here at night. Uh Ashby, just Ashby.\" *He'd take their hand to shake, though he had a few questions running through his head at what he was all seeing with this dwarf but best not to get on a drunks bad side.*\n\n\"That's quite a title there... I'm guessing you just here for unloading or reloading your ship? Don't most stay with their crew?\" *He just was speculating from the time he'd worked close to the docks but he could be wrong. He would be fine admitting such things if he was.*"
},
{
"author": "Captain Dagon Breezeblown",
"message": "The light would add a shine to the gold, but it also revealed scuff and dirt marks that showed these items weren't exactly well cared for. When Ashby introduced himself Dagon nodded firmly and shook the man's hand. It wasn't exactly as watery as he expected it to be, and now that he was closer, he noticed something.\n\n\n Even with his bad right eye, and a belly full of liquor, he'd recognise a Triton when he seen one. He'd been plundering them for a few years now after all. His drunkenness meant he couldn't put too much in terms of thought together, but he still knew a Triton didn't exactly belong on the streets of Lazaroth at night. He was likely a slave, and it was this simple fact that spurred Dagon into action.\n\n\nEnemies, politics, kingdoms, this meant nothing to slaves. They were just victims of circumstance, and in times such as these, slaves needed all the help they could get. As these cogs clicked in Dagon's brain, he began to notice the clothing and state of the Triton. He doubted he'd last too long in Lazaroth, j less he had a plan of some sort.\n\n\nThe questions were a welcome distraction. Dagon loved talking, and what better to talk about than himself? Ashby wasn't exactly wrong, but he wasn't a typical captain, and he said as much, \"Ah me crew's a bunch of miserable Drow. Good fellas mind ya, but ya see Ashby a fella like me needs time to enjoy himself, eh?\" He laughed and clapped Ashby on the back as if expecting him to relate. \n\nEven drunk, he wasn't stupid enough to fully divulge his occupation as a privateer and pirate, and just agreed, \"Aye though ya are right lad. Just offloading goods.\" His smile began to fade as he said this, but he quickly perked up, and still with his short arm around the Triton, led him further down the road towards more buildings and shops. \n.\n\n\"What're ye doing here yaself though lad?\" He asked amiably. His tone made it clear it wasn't a weighted question and he didn't need a full answer unless it was volunteered. It was purely a social formality"
},
{
"author": "Ashby Ayah",
"message": "*Ashby tried to still keep a friendly smile but it was hard to do, he'd not had many things that made him wish to smile in a long time so smiling felt almost foreign to him. Though he would still act kindly since that much he knew how to be. Something you don't very well forget when a slave, keep your head down and just go along with orders. \n\nBut he was trying to change that a little, he had actually made his way out of the doctors place on his own. Granted probably not the best time of day to do it but he still did it. Ashby would stuff his hands back into his pockets once being friendly enough. Though couldn't help but flinch at the Dwarf clapped him on the back. He doubted he's ever get used to a friendly touch of another but tried hiding that it bothered him.\n\n\"I suppose anyone needs time alone when stuck on a ship with a crew for long periods. Would make I suppose anyone need to that time to themselves for a while. Probably why most crews go out to do whatever they do.\" *Ashby didn't want to sound like he didn't know anything but in honesty he didn't know a lot, it had always been survival for years. His body showed as much but he tried not to dwell on it. He needed to learn how to survive now in a normal way.* \"So meaning you will be heading off to your next place..\" \n\n*Ashby would be a bit startled as he got let more towards the buildings and shops, though he wouldn't fight going that way as he just kind of followed.* \"I... Just came out to see the night life?\" *Ashby didn't really know himself why he was out this late.*"
}
] | 353 | 1,063 |
302.666667 | 2024-03-21 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Ashby Ayah",
"message": "*Ashby wouldn't dig into the affairs of the captain, it seemed they didn't have a lot they went after for cargo but that wad okay. He just let it be as he didn't know, some were honest in their cargo and some weren't but he couldn't say which was who.\n\nAs they got close to the tavern he would look at it more, he'd never been in one so it was a bit of a new setting for him. One that didn't seem to bad with the music and only some customers that were left in the place. The food he did hope was good, but anything usually was better than what he'd lived on over the last 14 years. \n\nHe was a bit amazed by all the types of bottled there were, some even had different colors which he hadn't seem much of before. The bartender didn't seeme to be a bad looking fellow and didn't seemed to note anything wrong with having a Triton in the bar. \n\nAshby stopped as he'd hear a question being asked at him. Looking down at the dwarf that he'd come in with. He'd never had a drink before so he was lost on what was even good. He tried to remember anything the doctors might have had but didn't know. He didn't want to sound like he didn't know a drink.* \"I will have the same\" *He probably regret it later but how was he supposed to know and he didn't want to address his lack of either, not to a stranger.\n\nAshby would sit down beside the dwarf, he quite liked the more sombre mellow of the music.* \"The music is not that bad if you have company... Can still be lively without music being the same.\" *Why was he trying to help make the dwarf not scowl? This was just becoming a stranger night.*"
},
{
"author": "Captain Dagon Breezeblown",
"message": "Brandy. I mean, it wasn't a bad choice for a drink. But Dagon was a dwarf. The bartender produced three bottles of brandy. Just for Dagon. Dwarven tolerance was a thing to behold. And as he'd asked for the same, the bartender followed suit. \n\nAshby complimenting the music only made the Cragjaw scratch his beard and think. Company. The Triton was good company, in his own weird sense. He followed along in Dagon's misadventures, and that alone made him high in the dwarf's esteem. Besides that, he seemed pensive, intelligent. Quiet, sure, but also a listener. \n\n\nDagon had lived quite a social life since he got free, and even as a slave he met folks of all walks of life. This Triton just got more and more interesting. \"Well Ash, in the spirit of livening things up!\" Dagon grinned, grabbing a bottle of brandy and popping the Cork, \"Bottoms up!\" He tilted his head back and lifted the bottle to his lips, taking a massive swig.\n\nAnd then another.\n\nAnd then another.\n\nHe never even put the bottle down. He just kept gulping. After about eight seconds and many gulps he put the bottle down and it made a hollow ding. Clearly empty. A few rivulets of red streamed through his beard, cutting streaks of Crimson into his sea of dark tangled hairs, coupled with rings. He wiped his mouth with his hand and grinned at Ashby. His scowl was long gone and now he looked to his partner to keep up with the \"Liveliness.\""
},
{
"author": "Ashby Ayah",
"message": "*Ashby didn't know if it was a good idea to be doing this but he was going to see. He didn't know about drinking out of the bottle like Dagon was doing but he didn't want to seem off either so he would take the bottle in his hands. Moving it a bit as he studied the liquid inside. \n\nHe was glad though that it seemed like the dwarf was more in lively spirits and not scowling anymore. Trying to follow suit he would tip the bottle back and take a swig before coughing a bit at the new liquid going down his throat. He didn't mind the flavor but still was new to him.\n\n\"I think you will best me in drinking, I'm a bit inexperienced in drinking like this.\" *Ashby would give a bit of a sheepish smile as he coughed a bit still. Hopefully he wouldn't ruin the mood for his company because he was a bit inexperienced with this walk of life.*"
}
] | 339 | 908 |
514.8 | 2022-08-23 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Prince Hannibal Samir",
"message": "One a cold and clear night one of the oddest figures walked through the streets of Lazaroth. None other than the sun elf prince of Khisfire. He wore a face mask of sorts that hid nose to his neck by a black vale. His outfit was much more akin to his father nothing like the extravagant robes he wore in Alynthi and Findara. Mainly due to the offer the records visit to the kingdom by him. Hannibal was careful slightly fearing the kingdom due to the reputation that dark elves and vampires have built for this *Queendom*. \n\nEventually the prince had to stop and ask for directions to such a sinful place. With a slight air of embarrassment as he asked and got the directions. The prince then marched on keeping his eye out for anyone approaching him, fearful of the vampiric presents in the capital. Eventually the Prince reached the building standing out front for a moment and shaking his head that he is going to be in such a place for a man of his status. But this is where he was told to meet in the letters. \n\nThe sun elf passed the man outside after a short conversation full of convincing. Once inside the building he stood in the lobby seeing the odd worker and the many degenerates queuing or lounging around being served drinks. He looked up seeing the balcony and the two sets of stairs heading to the second floor. Hannibal admired the architecture as it has nothing to do with the main disgrace and disease spreading in the cesspool of a place. Though being fair to the place the thought that some of his parties may having some similarities to this filthy place.\n\nYet the Prince lined up to the main desk, waiting his turn to speak to the one that is running the night. Prepared to state his business and probably not for the reason they'd expect."
},
{
"author": "Mervah Sherurish",
"message": "*The slightly-bright darkened elf, Mervah, was leaning on the rails of the erotic place that she called her home with her hands crossed like strings holding a bridge as she looked at the door with a glare akin to a tiger stalking its prey since she was rather excited to see a high noble guest that would soon appear in this place that otherwise would be ignored, mainly due because the brothels or whores the royals and noble had were far more better and had higher value than the many here. Though that wasn't all that excited her, what did was that she had the opportunity to meet a royal member personally which from what she hears, royals are truly an exotic bunch.*\n\n*Remaining to stare at the entrance in her invisible red robes, with black swirling lingerie covering her body or more so the parts that are merchandise in this establishment except for right black thigh highs that she wore due to her controversial mark that stays there, besides that, she had noticed the high like noble clothing seen on individual busting through the doors and heading to the counter, she slowly stopped leaning on the short planted rails and made her way down in a calm and relaxed manner akin to a spider resting on its web since she had little reasons to be stressed or anxious. The lady behind the wooden boards was preparing to tell the man about whatever he wanted before a sudden snap of fingers were heard, where Mervah in her exotic looking clothing approached,* \"This one's a special case dear. Leave him to me.\"\n\n*The elegant victorian british dark elf looked at her before swinging her face at him like a hawk, keeping a smirk on her face as she rested her right forearm against the smoothed out oak with her left hand resting behind her back, giving off a lustful pose that would've made this noble think that he was here for fun rather than business in mind. Which Mervah thought opposite before having to reinforce herself like metal being repaired in hot forge that the reason this noble was here was for business reasons. So she gave off a reluctant sigh and stood straight with her right hand resting. Her smirking smile stayed like a mask while her eyebrows obviously showed her hidden disappointment.* \"Save your words dear, I know very well why you're here, to be frank I think you should've worn something differently and something low esteem but none the less your in luck. Now if you'd so kindly follow me.\" \n\n\n*She obviously preferred to be discrete on this business matter than he probably didn't see any necessisty to do so, still Mervah being a good little lap dog for this guild and company that she has no bother of acting like one and so had taken him up from the bottom floor of the brothel to the second, which then and eventually followed third level of the building and as they passed certain noises were coming through the door before eventually it was quiet and a specially made door was infront that looked different from others which was the goal, she turned over and stared at him,* \"Dare do anything touchy and I'll promise you I'll be the one doing the touching, not even your titles will hold me back. Now, may I present to you the Mother.\" *Knocking and opening the door she held the door open and awaited for him to walk through. Which once he did she too went in and closed the door. Acting like a personal guard to the Mother in presence of someone.*\n\n*Turns out, that the mother wasn't here as she expected the mistress to be. Confused as to why she wasn't here to indulge into the new guest, she looked at him and approached,* \"Well, I guess your just gonna have to wait for the Mistress to come here, but don't worry. I'll be able to satisfy your loniliness and satisfy you just as well as she could.\" *Mervah went to the chair and had her legs crossed over each other, her legs extended a little as she lifted it up, her back resting on the chair rather comfortably with her right elbow being held by her left hand as her right hand dragged near to her mouth, she was feeling erotic at the moment with them being alone,* \"So, seeing your in the presence of a goddess... Me... I say we talk openly and freely, so Prince. What do you think of our brothel? Is it... Much better than you royals have?\""
},
{
"author": "Prince Hannibal Samir",
"message": "The prince stepped up prepared to speak before his attention was taken away by the snap of a dark elf's fingers and her calling out. Hearing the special case words he could only think about that this wench wanted an extra payday from a noble. Being fair her pose did not help her argument for not being some empty pocket whore. The only thing Hannibal saw going for the elf was her voice, it was regal of sorts yet had an air to it that was seductive. Luckily the vale on his face kept any obvious signs of flustering hidden. Then he decided to speak as he was on a mission sent by himself.\n\n\"Actu-\"\n\nOnly to be cut off so rudely by the elf. Seeing the drastic change in posture Hannibal knew that this is the person he has to follow to get what he has come for. But he couldn't help un-focus from her face. From the continued smirk that he knows all to well contrasting to what he could only assume were her eyebrows showing a form of disappointment. Then the thought of empty pocket wench popped back into mind. As the prince stepped off and followed the woman. His eyes judging each and every degenerate as he walked to the stairs then up. Then admiring the figure of the elf while walking up the stairs, no one could blame the man. Only to be dragged away by the noises he started to hear.\n\nThe noises almost made the prince hurl. Their unpleasant noises echoing into the hallway, something like this would never be heard at any of his great parties. When his eyes set onto a door standing out at the end of a hallway, and then appreciated the silence that followed when reaching this door. When he went to walk through he entered the office of the mother only to find that the elf that brought him up here didn't even know where the mother was. Never the less Hannibal walked into the room and went to take a seat. \n\n\"I am not here for anything a brothel worker can provide. Apologies.\"\n\n.\nHe watched the elf's hand drag near to their mouth. Then heard the question so he spoke up. \"We royals don't have brothels of any kind. Their is a reputation to uphold for us. And I do not plan on getting any service so I can not rate this establishment.\" Hannibal made sure to be to the point, as he does have a reputation of being above these type of places.\n\n\"If I may ask for your name? So I can converse easier.\""
},
{
"author": "Mervah Sherurish",
"message": "*Mervah spoken in a relaxed tone that wasn't raised to cause a thundering storm in the room but just quiet enough to be heard like wind to him which might've showed she wasn't exactly a common whore, she remained to spoil herself in the chair as she switched her legs position as she stared at him, remaining to be in the position that she was when they first met, a very seductive one which was just her personality it seems if this Prince wasn't exactly looking for satisifaction. Though him calling her a brothel worker in a rude manner turned her relaxation to a more angry one which she quickly snapped back like lightning zapping the ground.*\n\n*She then spoke in the before mentioned relaxed manner of her voice with a tone that was just quiet,* \"Mervah's the name, and don't worry. I know exactly why your here but! Just because you have a reputation to uphold doesn't mean that should restrict you from having a good ol'time between a women's legs from time to time rather than having a nugging wife that won't let you satisfy your urges in life because she's too tired. Thats the benefit of brothels, we don't tire or make a ruckus or even express how much men we've fucked. All honestly, we keep that confridential really. Usually brothels have a code of keeping a customers privacy to the fullest. Either way, if your preferences aren't whores then mind if I ask what is? Ignoring the reputation and the petty title of Prince, what exactly does your heart look for?\" \n.\n\n*Her tone stayed consistant throughout her speech as she continued to rest onto the chair with her elbow now pushing against the chair with her hand holding her leaning head like a lever, her other hand stayed on her lap as she continued to await his answer, rather curious and even more so highly wanting to know about King's, Queen's, Prince's and Princesses preferences and their mindset. Usually to develop a new torture method or just lustful for knowledge on the royality to perhaps exploit whenever needed to. Seeing she was in the sisterhood that was all about murdering.*"
},
{
"author": "Prince Hannibal Samir",
"message": "Hannibal noted down the composure of the believed whore. Now he shifted his focus looking round the room. Mainly ignoring the elf until he heard her speak. Slightly disappointed that she was still quiet and well spoken. Hearing the Mervah's name was went over in his head a few times before replying. Then hearing the offer he had to decline, sadly the prince was not here for more than a business deal. But when asked a questions he thought of the answers he could give for only a moment. Before deciding to enlighten Mervah on his opinion. \n\n\"I do not limit myself in any way. I'd prefer to keep my preferences to myself I do not see a purpose to discussing it especially in this type of place.\" The prince took a pause before answering why he has to hold his title and won't tarnish any reputation. \"There are two reasons I will not be do anything sinful in this establishment or any like it. As someone of great importance slander to my name can be spread, I do not trust anyone here to keep secrets about my name. And also it is a matter of principle and to keep my mind clear. I... A prince can not delve into such a degenerate cesspool and act in the activities.\" \n\nThe Prince removed the black vale covering his face as he further relaxed. Along with adjusting the cuffs of his coat, revealing a glimpse of his lapis coloured winged tattoo which contrasts with his olive skin. Only for the tattoo to be quickly covered. \n\nHaving a hunch that this wench was high up in someway, either tied with the sisterhood or an organiser for this establishment, so Hannibal decided to ask.\n\n\"Are you considered a person of status in this... Er- let's say establishment? Because it seems pointless to ask what your job is.\""
}
] | 439 | 2,574 |
369.25 | 2022-08-24 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Sindr Kelvyra | The Mother",
"message": "Weary steps carried Sindr down the halls of the Rose, the silence of the topmost floor broken by her sigh. Her slender fingers raked through her hair, tying it back. As the long burgundy waves were pulled away her blood spattered neck was revealed. She rubbed absentmindedly at the dried smears, desperate for a long bath. Her figure was clad in black and from her hips swung matching blades. Anyone familiar with her would know she was likely returning from a job. The time away from the Rose seemed to leave her feeling particularly drained, eager to feed on the lust that lurked beneath her feet. The brothel floor was busy tonight, as it always was. Sindr would have to make an appearance, soak in the hungry looks and lewd thoughts of her patrons. As she neared her office door voices carried down the hall. Her pace slowed and with a cocked head she listened for one that was familiar. \n\n*Mervah.*\n\nSindr continued along her path, catching the word *Prince*, which piqued her interest. It was followed by mentions of a degenerate cesspool however, which lit a fire of indignation. She remained composed, however, stepping through the entrance to her office with a serene expression. Her mesmerizing gaze sought out the stranger first, who she recognized the moment their eyes met.\n\n\"Prince Samir.\" Her voice was smooth as velvet when she spoke his name, accented by an alluring smile. She dipped her head in greeting before shifting her attention to Mervah.\n\n\"A guest of yours?\" She questioned, closing the distance between herself and her desk. She dragged her fingers along the smooth wood while circling around to the opposite side. Her weapons were carefully discarded, her coat shed before she sunk into her seat. Sindr was rather irritated by the unexpected intrusion, but no such emotion pierced the perfect mask she wore. \n\n\"What can I do for you, your highness?\""
},
{
"author": "Mervah Sherurish",
"message": "*Mervah spinned around remaining to have a smirk on her face as she glanced behind her and instantly being familiar to the footsteps that she heard many times throughout the building, it was of course the head of the Sisterhood, Sindr. Though her smirk slowly dropped to her right lip lifted and her left lip to act neutral, she felt a little ashamed as to her tone of voice that clearly she recongised.*\n\n*Wanting to make up excuse she knew well that it wasn't wise so she allowed herself to be silenced. Though her face dropped to a more serious one with her eyebrows lifted and her lips motioned to act neutral as she stood up and walked, she-despite knowing it wasn't wise to bark back like a dog she looked at her,* \"Well, I was just entertaining our guest-\" *She smirked with her right lip raised and her hand once again being against her lips with her elbow being supported staring at the prince.*\n\n\"And I was rather curious as to how the royalty lives and so on, its so rare to have such exotic breeds of society to arrive into our den~if you shall Mother I will wait by the door if your fine here. I'm sure this bee will be gentle on the flower...\" *She continued to smirk at the prince and her confidence grew as a cub to a lion when she exited the door and allowed them to speak.*"
},
{
"author": "Prince Hannibal Samir",
"message": "Hannibal spun after speaking to face the door as it opened. Knowing it could only be one person to open this door. The prince was slightly taken back by the presents of the *Mother*. He made eye contact with the woman then was greeted by his name. He'd guess as much from the head of assassins, not shaken at all. Though the thought that his appearance and name was known well by someone that kills things for a live is somewhat unsettling. Seeing the *Mother* Give a question to Mervah getting the assumption the dark elf was not allowed to bring people into this room. The eyes of the prince were glued to the *Mother* As she sat down not due to anything in relation to allure but being in the presents of a world class killer kept him on edge. Especially that he would not be surprised if his name was on a list somewhere with a pretty penny on his head.\n\nThe confirmation that this elf was also an assassin was made, due to the way this dark elf acted around the supposed *Mother.* His head turned to the elf as she spoke about the *Guest*, brushing off the attempt at getting his attention before turning it back to the *Mother.* But what did get a chuckle from the man was treating him like an animal at the circus. The prince then put all his attention to the mother before asking his question.\n\n\"Well as you can see I have made a request to meet with you and it looks like I am here. And now that I am here... I would like to hire an assassin in a long term contract for personal protection. I know, I know it may be odd. But I can not have a man in full suited armour follow me around, someone that can dress formal and extravagant like me and blend into a crowd to protect me. As walking around with said man in a suit of armour is overly intimidating.\""
},
{
"author": "Sindr Kelvyra | The Mother",
"message": "\"I see.\" A fleeting look of disapproval passed over her fine features, directed toward the door Mervah had just left through. There were firmly established rules, precautions that kept them safe and their dealings discreet, and it seemed none had been followed. Her inner sanctum had been opened freely to a stranger. Royal or not, Sindr chose who was permitted to enter, and who was allowed to leave. The prince was in no danger however, slaying a royal would only bring suspicion and struggle.\n\nThere was no point in making the prince jump through the usual hoops, it was apparent he had already been fed crucial information. So instead Sindr skipped to the core of their exchange.\n\n\"While I understand your logic you must realize that many choose this line of work for the freedom it allows. There is ample time between jobs to pursue their own interests. To be assigned to a royal such as yourself... Well, it would require payment great enough to convince someone to surrender their independence.\" She allowed him a moment to ponder this before continuing, \"I can certainly provide someone who fits your requirements, no one would question a bejeweled beauty in the courts of Khisfire.\" She flashed a disarming smile before retrieving something from the drawer of her desk.\n\nA leather-bound book was set out before her and a fanciful quill pen plucked from its spot atop the table. The large peacock feather danced as she scribbled notes, it's vibrant colors matching the tattoo that adorned her décolletage. The ink vanished the moment it met the pages, a precaution to ensure no one read her thoughts poured out upon paper.\n_ _\n\nHer gaze lifted to meet his once again, \"Is there someone you know and may prefer?\" Sindr's eyes darted to the door once more, indicating Mervah, before returning to the prince, \"Or perhaps I could arrange for you to meet a few options, to find the perfect fit?\" She leaned back in her chair, dragging the feather along her jawline as she considered her choices and awaited his answer."
}
] | 389 | 1,477 |
12 | 2024-05-07 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "captaincatnip",
"message": "Lurking on me and Zek? This was from ages ago."
},
{
"author": "adopted_dolphin",
"message": "Just setting up a thread here\n\nIF THATS OK WITH U 😠"
},
{
"author": "captaincatnip",
"message": "Did you submit a request?"
}
] | 15 | 36 |
440.6875 | 2023-03-07 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Grey",
"message": "It had not been a particularly interesting day, all things considered. Grey had expected to arrive in the city around noon, which they did, and then... Well, who knew what would happen in the thieves' capital of the world? Not much, apparently. Well, Grey supposed they'd just gotten lucky, this time around. Last time they were here, a few decades back, they'd been robbed blind in an instant, without even noticing. Whoever did it must have been quite impressive, and Grey hadn't even been all that mad, finding it more amusing than anything. They'd learned from the experience, though, now travelling here with a proper disguise, and barely anything that could be considered valuable on their person.\n\nLuckily, Grey had found a place to stay relatively easily - their reputation as an Idol certainly helped with that. Who wouldn't want to have one of the more famous bards from the Noteworthy Brotherhood spend the night in their tavern? After all, a little music, and especially good music, was a wonderful way to make people stay longer, and, more importantly, spend more money. It was a lucrative deal for both parties, as the tavern's owner got to rake in the cash, and Grey got a place to stay and to feed off the adoration of the people in the tavern.\n\nGrey was playing a cheerful song that matched the tavern's happy atmosphere, an old folk song that many of the people in the area knew, so a lot of people were singing along, most of them drunk. They'd made quite a performance of it, choosing to walk between the masses as they played, dancing along, even a few floating instruments dancing around the air. The music was audible in every part of the main room, and even the grumpiest of customers seemed to be listening along with some amount of enjoyment. All in all, most were having a great time, and Grey was probably enjoying themself most of all. All eyes were on them - as it should be.\n_ _\n\nHowever, Grey didn't look very much like themself. They were cloaked in several layers of illusions, looking more like a brown-skinned elven lad than the succubus they truly were. The lad looked masculine, appearing to be in his early twenties. His hair was silver, long, and danced on his shoulders with every movement he made. Of course he was incredibly attractive - which self-respecting illusionist wouldn't make themself as hot as physically possible - and his golden eyes had a bright spark in them, one of a young man simply loving life.\n\nAnyone somewhat versed in recognizing magic might be able to spot the illusions, how the floating instruments weren't there at all, how the light that seemed to shine on the young lad was nothing but magic, perhaps even that the elf wasn't an elf at all. However, it took someone with a lot more magical power than that to look through the illusions, spot the one that was located beneath. Grey really was hoping that there wasn't anyone here tonight that could see her true form - and if that person was there, that they would have the decency to keep it quiet. Who would want to ruin such a fun evening?"
},
{
"author": "Vierna Argith, Enchantress",
"message": "The tavern itself hosted all manner of good company. From the loud and social drinkers to the moody sorts, all seemed to be enjoying themselves in their own little ways. The entertaining Elf bard seemed to catch all, though perhaps slightly less from a lone figure entrenched in inspection of a rather old map.\n\n Their seating remained near the corner place, a more valued table reserved by a higher pouch of coin. Upon closer inspection, the figure would appear as a woman, Elven eared and of darker complexion. Not dark by Khisfire standards, but of a shadowy gray. The tones possibly of a Succubi? A Tiefling, rarely, or more commonly a Drow. Far from home, it seemed. Her hair seemed fairly similar to the silver of the Elven bard, though perhaps brighter. Upon even closer inspection, she seemed of fair complexion. A well rounded form that practically preached an easy upbringing. Her clothing, expensive aswell as foreign to the Khisfire standards. To her mystery though, she herself was on her own little adventure. \n\nHours before the rumbling laughter in this Tavern, she had arrived after a swift departure from other travelling company. Intent on visiting sights she had long been restricted from seeing save for the stray painting or so found in her house of Nobility. Her map practically preached a view of the area around, a subtle marking of Alynthi noted in the north as she pondered on. Soon, the map would be folded as she clasped a hand on her chosen drink: a local brand found only in Khisfire. The attentions of the Drow seemed to move to the entertainment around, sharp stares soon narrowed upon the dancing Bard. The movements were by and large satisfying to witness, though every flutter of movement seemed to spy some magical sensation. Unclear, yet it only seemed to spur her interest."
},
{
"author": "Grey",
"message": "Now, this was the difficult part. Unbeknownst to most patrons, Grey had been scouting the room to find a table that was right in the middle, but not too full, and one that could support their weight. The joyful song was coming to its climax, and while Grey usually would have finished on stage, the one in this tavern simply just didn't feel right. It was too far away from the center of the room, and a lot of the patrons wouldn't be able to see the best part, the one that Grey had been practising for decades now to get it perfect.\n\nStill singing and playing, the illusionist danced onto the table, careful not to knock over anything that was placed there. Some concern was expressed by a few people, but most still continued to enjoy the performance, singing along if they could. As the final chorus approached, more instruments spawned in the air, playing along cheerfully as Grey sung and danced, their moves complex yet pleasant to look at, clearly having had a lot of practise. Even the lute in Grey's hands started flying on its own, continuing to play as it did.\n\nThis allowed Grey to focus only on the dancing and singing, twirling around with a beautiful smile, one that left many of the patrons momentarily stunned. The dance was one that took many elements from Khisfire's dances, but combined them with some parts from other places, some that travellers might even recognize. Either way, it was a beautiful, joyful dance, executed perfectly, and it was over too soon, much too soon.\n_ _\n\nAs the song finished, the other instruments poofed from existence while the lute descended into the lad's hands once more, and he bowed, one leg crossed over the other, his arms spread open. This was the best part of the evening. All those people clapping for him, cheering for him, *Loving* Him, Grey couldn't get enough of it. There was nothing that felt better in this world, and he spent several moments just soaking up the praise, warmth spreading throughout his body. He was panting somewhat, but the expression on his face was unmistakably one of pure happiness, euphoria even. What an incredible high."
},
{
"author": "Vierna Argith, Enchantress",
"message": "One of the more distant patrons for the bard, the Drow watched in the relative safety of the corner table. A sure symbol of privacy, ever so stereotyped within the cold nature of a Drow. Even that seemed to crack however as the hidden Succubi made his daring move, set upon a patrons center table as he performed his heart out for those around. Vierna could see the effect of his words and dancing, that which she eventually found herself victim to. A daring move, a gasp would ring out as her attention soon focused solely upon him. \n\nIt was strange. For a Drow so closeted behind study and forced traditions, such a risk only heightened her excitement. The thrill of danger spurring her own eagerness at the very show that the bard delivered. A faint smile appeared from Vierna, seeming to clap along and ponder at the uttered words of the Bard's tune. The illusions of instruments flying high above was a wonderful sight only enhanced by the flurry of the bard's twirls and soothing voice. Attention grabbing, it was. Lazaroth had all kinds of entertainment similar, a land famed for its acceptance of keen partying and different delights. Better yet, an acceptance for those like Tiefling, and Succubi.. \n\nA thought only faintly flashed in her mind for a moment. Upon the climax of the performance, Vierna would join in the clapping and cheering though quietened by that ponder. How he reacted, how the magic shimmered from him. It all seemed familiar, yet not..? The thought would be a struggle for her, left to consider it as the cheering slowly settled down and the Drow relaxed herself once more. Still, her place looked more reserved than anything. Night Elves were a particular race with an infamy, afterall."
},
{
"author": "Grey",
"message": "If he could, Grey would have stayed in this moment forever, riding that high for the rest of eternity. Yet, all things had to come to an end, and he had to come back down, so he did, breathing a satisfied sigh. His eyes opened once more and he straightened his back, looking down at the crowds below him, smiling still. He could hear their shouting for an encore, but frankly, that was a stupid idea right now. Already somewhat tired from all his traveling of the day, he had to take a moment to rest now, lest he collapse.\n\n\"Thank you, everybody!\" He shouted at the crowd, in a voice that was masculine but young, sounding like someone who hadn't yet seen the ugly parts of the world. \"I couldn't have asked for a better audience!\" He didn't care about the people in the audience. They were complete strangers, why would he give even the slightest semblance of a shit about them? But, Grey knew that he had to pretend to like them, because what was a performer without their audience?\n\nWith that, he climbed off the table, aided by a few people reaching their hands out to him, helping him step down gracefully. He disappeared into the crowd for a little while, then, as many of the patrons were taller than he was, but managed to break free after a few minutes, his pockets stuffed with coins and a glass of locally brewed wine in a hand, his trusty lute in the other. The tavern calmed down somewhat as people found their way back to their seats, and Grey tried to spot one that was free, as most of the tables were occupied.\n\nAh, there, in the back, what looked to be a lone traveller, sitting alone at a table. Surely they wouldn't mind him joining them. A smile on his face, Grey walked over to where she sat, bowing slightly when he arrived at the table. A woman, it seemed, one of a species he couldn't pin down immediately. Drow, perhaps, or maybe a fellow Succubus? Only one way to find out for sure, was there? \"May I sit down, darling?\" Grey asked, gesturing at one of the chairs."
},
{
"author": "Vierna Argith, Enchantress",
"message": "As the tavern settled down so too did the Drow, a casual glance returning back to her map and drink. Vierna seemed a curious creature, an attentive glance around at the styles and design Khisfire could offer for her. In particular, a subtle array of silk rested in the travelling pouch beside her; a purchase it seemed. \n\nIt wouldn't be long before she caught sight of the wandering Bard, the closer he got the more curious the Drow would get. At his rather direct approach, the supposedly mysteriously figure finally perked her head up to offer a look of both intrigue and disinterest. It was clear now, by the very mannerisms and tone of her face she was a Drow. A Lazaroth native, now close enough the bard could get a good look at the more intricate detail from the stranger. A light flutter of pseudo freckles appeared white and sparse along her face, a bright white which complimenting her skin offered the very image of a supposed night sky. Well formed, the look of someone daring looked back at the Bard that she ever so blatantly inspected now that he was close enough.\n\nVierna couldn't help but show her admiration at the look of the man, be it more the subtle inspections of a Noble than a swooning Damsel, however. For this one's adoration, it perhaps seemed a daring challenge. A soft hand faintly gestured to the seat, her words soon coming after in light tease. \n\n\"Better than you standing on the table.\" - One would expect a smirk to follow those words, but only faint amusement rang out from the Drow's expression. Her voice was particularly foreign, distinctly soft yet in some ways commanding? There would be something particularly trained about the tone in the voice, reflecting her currently hidden knowledge as an Enchantress."
},
{
"author": "Grey",
"message": "Grey had been examining the woman as they approached, noting that she indeed seemed to be Drow, and not a Succubus, as they'd thought. How disappointing. Still, there was something curious about her skin, the little white specks that seemed to be dotted here and there. It looked pretty, yet unusual - Grey had to say, he was a fan.\n\nOf course, there was no way he didn't notice the admiration, subtle as it may be. Grey knew how attractive he was currently, not a single blemish on his borrowed skin. Even behind him, he still noticed a few people whispering amongst themselves, watching his every movement. Of course, every time he did move, he did so gracefully, still putting on a show even though the show was technically over. Grey was a performer at heart, and almost everything he did was a performance.\n\nHe gave a chuckle at the woman's comment, a light sound sounding almost like it was designed to make peoples' hearts flutter. There was something odd about the woman's voice, something Grey couldn't quite place. It didn't sound entirely authentic, if they had to put it simply, like it was carefully crafted to give off a certain image. Her entire image, from her clothing, to her voice, to her mannerisms, all gave off the idea that she was a noble, perhaps, maybe even a princess.\n\n\"How else would I have made sure everyone was able to enjoy the performance?\" Grey questioned, the left eyebrow giving a little bounce as she smiled. Still, she sat down, carefully placing her lyre against the table so that it wouldn't fall over and get damaged. Grey crossed one leg over the other and leaned forward, golden eyes focused on the woman in front of them. \"What might your name be, then?\" He questioned, and took a sip from his drink, watching her every little movement. What a curious woman indeed."
},
{
"author": "Vierna Argith, Enchantress",
"message": "The Drow in question made a tempting look downwards to her map, perhaps in tease to challenge the adoring looks that all gave the bard. There was a theme with this one, a drive to appear different than the crowd. Still, she couldn't help but look back at times to the new entrant to her table. The subtle performance in every step seemed to intrigue her, in secret a light flutter as to why she was graced by his presence. \n\nGrey's cheeky question in reply would earn an amused shake of her head, seeming to be brought more and more into the influence of the Bard's mannerisms and words. A hand crept carefully against her glass, one long nail tapping in light fidget while she allowed the Bard to offer his words in her relative silence for now. \n\nThe observant Bard may have caught a light twitch of her decorated left ear at the question, light and pale blue eyes gazing over at the Bard in even more curiousity. Lips parting then pausing a moment, she considered her reply with a curiously taunting smirk. It was quite hard to deny him a name, in truth. \n\n\"Mmh.. Vierna. Do I need to ask yours, or will your adoring fans tell me all I need to know..?\" A light glance gestured to the whispering groups in a daring fashion, seeming to encourage the conversation as she gently leaned to accommodate herself. The light dangle of her necklace would be made apparent, a Lazarothian symbol hanging at the end."
},
{
"author": "Grey",
"message": "Of course, the Succubus had noticed the map laying close to the Drow, but they found it far less interesting than the woman in front of them. It was just a map, Grey had seen billions of the things in their lifetime. The only thing they did wonder about was why she was so intent on studying it instead of looking at what must be a much more interesting sight sitting in front of her.\n\nHer jewellery gave off the same impression as the rest of her, that she was either a noble or very good at pretending to be one. Or, less likely, just someone who enjoyed dressing up all fancily. Either way, Grey had to admit, she looked quite beautiful, clearly with an eye for style. They could appreciate that in people.\n\n\"Vierna?\" Grey questioned, wondering for a moment why that sounded so familiar. \"My, that's quite a gorgeous name. It fits you quite well, if I may say so.\" Were they flirting or was this how they always acted? It was hard to tell. \"My name is Grey. Not quite as fancy, I'm afraid.\" Perhaps, in her travels, she had heard that name before. Grey was decently famous, after all, and their name was often spoken in taverns all across Lucidien. Then again, it was a fairly generic name, so one wouldn't be blamed for not recognizing it.\n\nShe sipped her drink once more, absently moving the glass so that the liquid spun around, smile still ever-present on her face. \"So, Vierna, what brings someone dressed as nicely as yourself dressed to a place like this? Came just to watch me perform?\" Grey added in a joking tone of voice, even though it could very well be true. His fans got kind of strange sometimes."
},
{
"author": "Vierna Argith, Enchantress",
"message": "The map was her item for adventure, a tool for looking ahead at the next journey in her travels. A constant need to know what may come next, yet by the company of this Bard she grew more and more disinterested in its value. Focusing on the now, and the very entertainer that seemed to keep her interest. Noticeable by a slight adjustment of her posture, her stares now kept solely on the one infront, a passive glance to any intricate detail.\n\nA telling smile was kept on her face as Grey remarked in that performative fashion, every compliment and remark showcasing a subtle approval of one who had faced many such compliments in her time. The familiar nature of a Noble. The words of this bard seemed more overpowering than any cruddy young Noble however, a charm that she struggled to resist. For a moment she seemed speechless, her wit tested to the furthest of reaches before mustering some kind of remark. \n\nYet, the mention of their name seemed to cause her to ponder. It did sound familiar, truly, yet perhaps in gossip or that sort? She had not been in the mainland for long, but Lazaroth was known for hosting many a kind of entertainer. It would interest her even more, further straying from plans of adventure while she let Grey move the discussion forward. \"Quite the name..\" Was all Vierna could muster before the sip of that drink from the bard, faltering for her wit in that moment. \n\nShe typically was more astute than that to fall to the role of the flustered Damsel, slowly gathering her senses. The hand that formerly held her glass soon lowered, flat on the table. Aside from the light splotches of white that appeared sparingly yet noticeable along her arms and down her body, would be the appearance of a tattoo marked on the back of her settled hand. A symbol to the Goddess Shara, its design toned in similar colour to her white spots. A nail casually tapped against the wooden table before mustering her words while locked in gaze. \n\n>\n\n\"Would it dissapoint you if that wasn't the case, heh? I'm.. Here to visit. Always wanted to see Khisfire.. Maybe not the weather.\" The Drow finally mustered her words, a faint ponder as she let her other hand gently feel up her more fur-filled Lazarothian garments nested to her side. It seemed due to the weather and place, her clothing was reliably more loose and compatible for the weather. Still, carrying that Lazarothian flair."
},
{
"author": "Grey",
"message": "Of course, the illusionist noticed how their words were rendering Vierna somewhat speechless, which wasn't wholly unexpected. They tended to have that effect on a lot of people - frankly, this reaction was the most common one of all. Not that they minded at all, it was rather nice to be appreciated, although Grey always wondered if people would act the same to their true form. Better not try to find out.\n\nHe chuckled lightly at her remark about his name. \"Yes, it's rather plain, isn't it? But, I don't mind it. It's easy to remember.\" Most people, after encountering the Succubus, would find it difficult to forget that name, and some might even begin to associate the color with them. That was fairly rare, though.\n\nDespite its plainness, the name was actually kind of perfect for them. After all, many aspects of Grey tended to sit between black and white, in the grey line that separated them both. From their home, their gender, the way they expressed themself, none of it was one thing or the other, it was, like them, grey. Even their skin had that same color, although it wasn't visible currently.\n\nThat symbol on her hand, though... Where was that from? That was some god or another, wasn't it? Bah, who cared about the gods. Grey had less than no interest in them. After all, he'd never been helped out by one, so why should he worship them? Waste of his time. So, he turned his attention back to Vierna's eyes, locking her gaze with his as he rested his chin on his hand, elbow on the table.\n_ _\n\n\"Hmm, the weather is quite dreadful, isn't it? This blasted heat, it makes it *Impossible* To function.\" Grey waved his free hand absently, a flick of the wrist that didn't mean much aside from emphasizing his words. \"Allow me to take a guess... You're from...\" He hummed, his gaze drifting over her outfit and the clothing that lay beside her, smile ever-present. Judging from those furs, the most likely locations were Lazaroth or Gantrick, although, the style was more Lazarotian. Plus, with her being a Drow... \"It's Lazaroth, isn't it?\" With that, Grey looked back up into her eyes, offering her a wink. It would be really embarrassing if they were wrong.\n\nHer own clothes were fairly plain, not really revealing anything about where Grey came from. A white short-sleeved tunic with a low neck that left the chest somewhat exposed, a simple pair of pants and equally simple shoes, together with a belt that tied everything together nicely, Grey looked far from fancy. However, their clothes were well taken care of and clean, which was very unlike a common peasant. It was hard to pin down his country of origin, which was just the way Grey liked it."
},
{
"author": "Vierna Argith, Enchantress",
"message": "The Noble Drow was never usually this tongue-tied, a fluster of thought almost blocked by the engaging stares of the eager Bard. It was truly a whole different challenge for her, one usually so vocal now having to consider her every word. She knew it was noticeable, perhaps expecting it to stroke an ego that she expected a famed bard may develop. - Not like she particularly hated the situation. \n\n\"A plain name, hm? I wouldn't say that fits you, heh.\" The Drow couldn't help but remark, a moment of her wit as she recalled a familiar phrase from the Bard not long ago. A casual glance followed the brief inspection of her hand markings, something she only simply ignored as a curiousity that any other may seek to look upon. \n\nReally, it would be the sudden sizing up of her origins that seemed to amuse her the most. While he made his inspections, Vierna offered a surprised smirk, then a gasp at the answer of the man. Oh, you could practically feel the playful sarcasm from her tone. \n\n\"Oh, no way.. A sweet talker and a genius. Lazaroth, yes.. That whole Dark Elf Kingdom, heh..\" Spoken in jest, Vierna earned some more wit back by playing at the charming tones of the Bard. A careful glance inspected the relatively simple garbs of Grey almost shamelessly and perhaps expecting to be allowed after the Bard's own inspections of herself.\n\nThe Drow couldn't help but chuckle casually while taking another sip of her glass, soon offering a playful but inquisitive point as she started to regain control from that piercing gaze. \"Now now, I get to question you. Your illusions. Where did you learn..?\" Vierna questioned with a more inquisitive narrow of her eyes. It was less an interrogation however, than a playful turn of questioning. One would have to expect it from a Drow with alcohol."
},
{
"author": "Grey",
"message": "Another light chuckle. Ah, turning her own words back against her, now that was a technique Grey was all too familiar with - only it was usually them who was using it. Still, it did make her seem rather clever, which they could appreciate in a conversation partner. Indeed, it was obvious that this woman was far from foolish, which made her fun to talk to, but it could be quite dangerous as well. Grey would have to be careful.\n\n\"Why, thank you, darling,\" They purred in a low voice, one as sweet as honey that had made many people swoon. It wasn't particularly their intention to make that happen, but if it did, hey, Grey wasn't complaining. \"I'll take that as a compliment.\" It was a compliment, simple as that. Being called plain would be an insult, being called weird or otherwise unusual was a compliment, and this seemed to tend towards the latter.\n\nLeft hand resting on her lap, Grey picked up her glass with the right and emptied it, as there hadn't been much left in it. He set it back down, and, continuing to smile, leaned back in his chair somewhat, one leg still crossed over the other.\n\n\"Hmm, I'm not that smart, I've just been around,\" Grey mused in response to her statement. Thank god they'd been right - although, Grey would have been able to laugh it off if they were wrong as well. \"The Wolves' Den, eh? I can't say I've ever been there, unfortunately. It sounds like a lovely country, although far less lovely now that you're not there\" Another wink. If Vierna was going to get her wit back, Grey had to step it up.\n\nHer question, though, was an interesting one. Grey wasn't surprised she'd noticed the illusions - after all, what else could explain the instruments that had floated around the room earlier? However, it was a dangerous question, and he had to make sure he answered carefully, while looking like he was saying the first thing that came to mind. Luckily, Grey was an expert at those things.\n_ _\n\n\"I had this teacher when I was younger. A wonderful man, really, although he died not too long ago. He taught me most of what I knew, including my illusions. Why, are you interested in learning?\" None of what she said was the truth. There had been no teacher, nothing like it, but if there was anything that Grey was an expert in, it was lying. Especially when aided by the illusions that Vierna questioned just now, it was nigh impossible to figure out the lie. Of course, they had to immediately ask a question back, turn the focus of the conversation to her to discourage her from asking more questions. A simple technique, yet oftentimes a surprisingly effective one."
},
{
"author": "Vierna Argith, Enchantress",
"message": "This Drow certainly was no fool. A certain charisma held up her own words, alwhile lacking in much knowledge of the world at large. This charming bard would prove a challenge, as she would potentially prove to him. \n\nThat soothing purr seemed to trigger some way of reaction. No sudden swooning however, but an almost understandable look back into that piercing gaze of his. A foolish move from her, perhaps, losing herself again in that moment as she uttered some way for response. \n\n\"Please do. I've never liked plain.\" Her remark was clear, perhaps motivated further by the Bard's charming words before. Vierna would casually relax herself, the one who spoke to seeming to calm any troubled thoughts. A keen distraction. \n\n\"Ugh, I've always hated that name. The Wolves Den, tch. How scary we are..\" A quiet ponder to herself would then be distracted by the tease from Grey, the wink only adding to that attack on her thoughts. Of course, she couldn't help but smirk. It was a fatal blow, indeed. \"Tst.. That.. Was a good one, I admit. Are you trying to add me to your little fanclub..?\" Vierna spoke perhaps in jest, then in curiousity. Clearly, his words were having some effect. \n\nBut the question she pondered on before would then be answered, the discussion of illusions! Truthfully she wasn't entirely suspicious of the Man, not suspecting some secret nature behind him just yet. The explanation seemed simple, yet the prodding question after seemed to muddle her reply. \n\n\"Interesting... Well, no..\"\n\nThe Drow answered simply, Grey gaining his wish as she went quiet on the Illusion questioning."
},
{
"author": "Grey",
"message": "Even if the two of them were challenging to each other, Grey did have one advantage - the ability to simply disappear, turn invisible, get a new identity and vanish forever if things went south too horribly. Of course, they doubted that would be necessary, this woman didn't seem like much of a threat, but it would always be an option.\n\n\"I can see that,\" Grey commented with some amount of amusement, gaze once more drifting over Vierna. Indeed, the woman was quite the opposite of plain - between the two of them, her appearance was by far the fancier one - unless they were counting true forms, of course, in which case Grey wasn't quite sure who would win. Perhaps it would be a tie. \"I must say, I adore your style, darling,\" He said, eyes finding their way back to hers. \"It really does look lovely on you.\" An actual, genuine compliment from Grey? Were the heavens falling from the skies?\n\nAnother soft hum at her comment on the nickname of her country. \"It is a rather cruel name, is it not? Although I suppose we rarely get to make up our own nicknames.\" Perhaps, if the two of them decided to linger on that comment, the conversation might turn much darker, but Grey had no intention of doing so. This evening was supposed to be fun and casual, not dark and depressing.\n\n\"Only if you wish to join it, darling.\" Grey gave a sly smile, wishing she still had a drink to take a sip from. That word, darling, it seemed to be a favorite of theirs, popping up quite often. Some found it charming, others found it annoying, plenty of people had other opinions on it, and Grey didn't care about any of them. They did and said what they wanted to, and if other people didn't like that, well, that wasn't Grey's problem, was it?\n_ _\n\nLuckily, Vierna decided not to question the illusions too much. Grey might have added another comment if they weren't intent on dropping the subject right then and there, really not wanting to discuss it more than absolutely necessary. If the people of this tavern found out about their true nature as a Succubus... Well, Grey knew that whatever happened next, it would not be pleasant. It never was."
},
{
"author": "Vierna Argith, Enchantress",
"message": "The Bard's remark and subsequent inspections earned some flavour of a pose or two, a mock act of modelling to show off the very outfit Grey remarked on positively. It was hard to discount her sense of fashion, that much was true. The Noble would giggle as she flaunted, a clearly different image of how a Drow usually was portrayed. Truthfully, her cold nature throughout the night seemed fairly rare on her. Perhaps it was just the presence of the handsome bard, or something else entirely. Grey's remark did seem to have an effect on her though. \"Heh, thank you. Clearly, you chose the right table to sit at.\" A playful arrogance rested at her lips, perhaps her way of coping with the flurry of complements sent her way. \n\nOn the remark of Lazaroth, she seemed to have alot to say. The nickname remark especially intrigued her. \"Heh, I guess you're right. I mean, we do dress our guard with Wolven helmets.. And we do allow Tieflings, Succubi and the like to live there freely..\" Vierna seemed to shrug at the thought, tapping at the table as she casually continued. - \"Tsst. They're hardly a threat, regardless.\"\n\n\"I might.. Depends on what I could get from such a membership. A constant swooning isn't always that healthy.\" Vierna smirked in regards to the fanclub remark. Silently, she noted the darling remark but found it rather nice to the ears.\n\nHer casual remarks regarding Lazaroth were uttered in a harmless tone, one not assuming the worst or accusing the Bard in any way. Truthfully, it seemed like she was just venting her own frustrations with the very land she chose to depart from. Perhaps in that way, Grey would see the growing trust she found in this figure that flirted and teased at the poor Drow. Victim to a hidden Incubi, one that seemed to desire no harm to her."
}
] | 395.5 | 7,051 |
576 | 2023-03-08 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Grey",
"message": "The Succubus clapped lightly at her posing, as if she really was a model showing off some outfit or another. It wasn't malicious or sarcastic, just him having a little bit of fun, which the evening's lighthearted atmosphere seemed to call for. Frankly, Grey was enjoying it quite a bit, and was hoping that things wouldn't start getting too serious suddenly, which tended to happen occasionally.\n\n\"Clearly I did,\" Grey mused with a smile. \"Your company has proven itself to be quite lovely. A true bright spot in an otherwise so dark evening, I most definitely made the right decision with approaching you.\" Man, how he wished he still had a drink. Not because he was thirsty or anything, more to give him something to do with his hands. Sure, he could ask one of the workers for another glass, but he wasn't particularly feeling like involving another person in the conversation right now. Oh well.\n\nA soft hum as he pondered what she said for a moment. Right, that kingdom was a place where Tieflings and Succubi were allowed to live freely, unlike most places. \"Perhaps it's not as dark and depressing as the stories may make one think.\" Somewhere where he wouldn't have to cloak himself in illusions to get the adoration he needed, eh? Now that sounded far from bad. \"I personally never understood why people dislike those species so.\" He shrugged somewhat, looking like he was dismissing the topic. \"Say, why did you leave that place, if I may ask?\"\n_ _\n\nHe let out another chuckle, leaning forward and resting his chin on his hand, elbow on the table. \"Indeed, it's not healthy to always be swooning, but can you blame them?\" Clearly, Grey knew just how attractive he was, and he was far from the most modest person out there. \"But I won't force you to always be swooning. The required amount is two hours a day at least.\" He let out a short laugh to show that he was joking. There was no fan club - none that he was aware of, at least - and certainly not one that had such a ridiculous requirement."
},
{
"author": "Vierna Argith, Enchantress",
"message": "Clearly, Vierna found no malice with the light clapping in reply to those poses, understanding well of the playful and harmless nature of their meet. The Drow clearly had no pressing matters to force her attention, no distractions now that the map was neatly folded away. It seemed to do her some good, a drink at hand and good company meant alot for one who valued escapism from her own subtle family issues. Attention kept as the Bard remarked on the Drow's good company, she could do little at first but smile and show her amusement. Soon, words nonetheless came in reply before taking a keen sip of her almost empty glass. A shameless chuckle was clear.\n\n\"Oh no.. The Dark Elf is your brightest spot this evening? Must have been a real bad day, tst.\" Vierna teased casually, working with that play of words yet not in a manner where she dug for some depressing moment in the day. \"For a supposed land of Thieves, I've been quite lucky to meet more friendlier company. Or.. Maybe it's like a nickname? Rarely ever picked ourselves.\" Vierna added. Clearly, she was quite an observant one with her constant callbacks. \n\nIn regards to the talk of Lazaroth, Vierna seemed to playfully shrug at the mention of her homeland not being as bad as muttered, the remark of the species seeming to get her attention quite clear as she spoke up quicker than usual. - \"Right..? They're harmless, when you're not prodding spears at them in fear of their supposed true nature. Ugh. I knew alot of Tieflings back home. Considered them more friendlier than most the company of Drow Nobles.\" Almost unintentionally she let slip perhaps her Noble leanings, even if not already evident by her more intelligent and affluent look. That quiet ponder would then return to focus on the Bard again, clearly intending to remark on him as she chuckled. \"Of all people that should be worried about them, it should be you.. Oh, the places you can visit in Lazaroth. True entertainers, those ones. Real competition.\"\n\nThe truth hung so close to the Drow in that moment, simply unintentionally, yet she could never pass that cliff edge while distracted on the Bard's later remark. A clear question, one that definitely sparked a pause in thought from the Noblewoman. Perhaps a touchy subject? Vierna wouldn't make that clear regardless, as she commented simply and almost rehearsed. \n\n\"I've.. Been there so long. My whole life I've practically been forced to remain in Lazaroth. Whether it was arranged meets or other things.. I guess, my family isn't the biggest fan of the rest of Lucidien..\" Vierna seemed to add with a scoff at the end, clearly not one to support such an ideal. Truly, for a Drow she was a far more open individual that valued the exploration of other worlds. That, of course, bearing the ignorance of the horrors that she may find lurking. \n\nQuickly though, the topic of the fanclub would distract that more serious matter. A smile would return from her previous scoff as she leaned in amusement to the Bard's remark. Her legs subtly crossed from under the table, smirking along as she did. There would be a mock look of interest, a quiet pondering as she spoke in a more serious, noble tone that was clearly put on as a joke. \n\n\"I'll.. See if I can put that in my.. Oh so busy schedule, heh.\" The Drow tried to keep her composure, before a shameless smirk returned."
},
{
"author": "Grey",
"message": "The Elven man shifted his position somewhat, uncrossing his legs only to cross them again in the opposite direction. He didn't want to sit still too long, after all, lest his his legs might start to cramp. Usually, around this hour, he would find it difficult to maintain the illusions, but luckily he did just do his whole performance, so he had plenty of energy left from the adoration his fans had given him - and even now, he could still sense some of them adoring him, albeit to a lesser extent than when the show was going on.\n\n\"All things considered, the day wasn't all that bad,\" Grey replied, thinking back on the events of earlier that day. \"A bit boring, certainly, but much better than I expected of it. Although this heat has certainly taken its toll on me, I must admit.\" At least the evening was somewhat cooler, making it much more bearable to simply exist. Sure, the air in the tavern could be a little fresher, although with how much time Grey had spent in places such as these, they hardly noticed.\n\n\"Even if it wasn't picked by the city, I can confirm it's an accurate one in this case. At least, in my experience. The last time I was here, I got robbed blind when I was sleeping in another inn.\" While it was true that all of her things had been stolen, the location was a complete lie. In reality, Grey had been wandering outside during broad daylight when it happened. It wasn't even necessary to lie about that, and frankly, she wasn't quite sure why she did it. Lying was something that came as naturally as breathing to her, and perhaps that was simply all there was to it.\n_ _\n\nHe watched her closely as she went into her little rant about the mistreatment of the Succubi and Tieflings, arching an eyebrow up with some amount of curiosity. It was a rare opinion for people to have, yet not one Grey disliked hearing. Being a Succubus (or Incubus, whatever one preferred to call them) themself, they were always happy to hear people say nice things about their species, a rare treat indeed. Despite that, she didn't comment on the matter any further, not finding the risk to be worth it.\n\n\"You're a noble, then?\" He questioned, not sounding particularly surprised by the fact. \"My, it seems there's a lot more to you than I thought, darling.\" From her next words, it seemed that she was actually in a situation not too dissimilar from theirs, running away from a restrictive and oppressive family life to go live in freedom instead - although with her fancy appearance, she looked a lot less detached from that life than Grey did.\n\nGrey couldn't help it, he laughed when Vierna mentioned that he should be worried about the other entertainers. \"I assure you, darling, they're no threat to me.\" His voice had once more dipped down to that low purr, a sound that caused goosebumps in many of the people he talked to. \"You have no idea what sort of things I can do.\" Did his golden eyes just glow for a second? It was hard to see if it actually happened or just an odd reflection from one of the tavern's lights. There was definitely something sinister about his smile, though, shifting into an almost hungry one.\n\nLuckily, there was the more lighthearted comment about his fanclub to cheer up the conversation somewhat. \"Why, what sort of things could one such as yourself be busy with?\" He questioned, his smile returning back to its relaxed state. \"Business relations with the nobles here, perhaps?\" He hoped that wasn't it, because there was nothing more boring than business."
},
{
"author": "Vierna Argith, Enchantress",
"message": "While the more swooning crowd around naturally offered much energy for the hidden Succubi, there seemed to be a tinge from the Drow herself. Of course, she couldn't help it. Unknown to her that her very company sustained the Bard, the Noble simply enjoyed the company and casual playfulness. It was something refreshing, familiar to her days hanging around friends less affluent than the Noble circles. \n\nVierna listened well to the remarks of his day, a notable amusement as he mentioned of the Blazing hot weather that troubled her travels, too. She was very well prepared to begin ranting on the climate, yet felt herself interrupted by the movement of the conversation. The Drow showed some surprise by his tale of robbery, a faint hand moving to her mouth instinctively before replying. Her concern seemed clear.\n\n\"While you were sleeping..? Gods.\" Perhaps unintentionally, it would worry her. A brave face would be kept however, Vierna always seeming to have the look of one with clear confidence despite her own inexperience. Driven, she was. \n\nThe Bard sussing her out as a Noble caused a mock pout from her, a look of genuine surprise then clear realisation of how she presented herself. It would seem she'd quiet down just in that moment, a brief glance leaving the Bard's gaze to look upon the idle table between them. Then, a faint smile as she returned her stares. \n\n\"I'm not the best at hiding it, am I? Then again, I'm not sure if my goal is to hide it. I mean, it's not like I'm trying to run away. It's like.. A protest, you know? I don't know..\" The Drow seemed puzzled at the thought, one who seemed to believe in driving some change from some supposed ill her family had done yet didn't seem to want to rebel fully. Perhaps she valued her wealth, her status, or perhaps she was too scared of what she would be without it. \n\nThe serious tones seemed quick to change as the Bard humoured her remark of competition, thankfully a keen distraction from Family talk. >\n\nGrey's tone seemed especially daring, that familiar low purr causing a flutter of intrigue from the Drow Noble. She tried best to hide that interest, yet the Succubi would have felt his energy renew more and more from the curious Elf. \"Oh..?\" Lost in his eyes again, the faint glow seemed visible for but a moment. He was good at getting in her head, and for every moment that she struggled to find composure would she miss the subtle details of magic and illusion that bound his hidden form. \n\nBut of course, like most of the interaction, Grey would distract and move the topic along for another thing to focus on. The glow seemed a distant thought as she struggled to collect her senses while in reply. \n\n\"I... Well, seeing the sights. Browsing the shops? Why would I waste time on some Nobles? I'm a traveller here. I'd rather waste time on curious Bards.\" Her wit regained for that final remark."
},
{
"author": "Grey",
"message": "The energy they received from the Drow woman was unsurprising, but pleasant nonetheless. It wasn't a whole lot - really, a casual conversation like this rarely gave them a usable amount, yet it helped keep them interested, more interested than someone that didn't care for them, perhaps even someone that found them off-putting - a rare kind of person, but they existed. Those kinds of people, however, Grey rarely spent more than a few minutes conversing with.\n\n\"I'm just saying, it's called the Thieves' Capital for a reason. Not all nicknames are illogical.\" Grey waved a hand dismissively, clearly not too bothered by the event. \"Keep your belongings close, is my advice. And don't trust anyone. Not even the most charming of bards.\" She gave a wink, then a short laugh. \"I jest, this tavern is one of the few safe places in this country.\" They nodded at one of the tavern's guards, who'd been watching over the establishment for most of the evening, together with a few others. \"Those make sure that it's safe here for regular people such as me and yourself.\" Another wink, Grey was clearly joking. Neither of them fit that definition of regular people at all.\n\nLooking back to her, Grey couldn't help but smirk somewhat at her mock pouting. She seemed surprised that they'd noticed... Was she really that oblivious? It was tempting to poke fun at her somewhat, yet they refrained, not sure if she would get mad at them for it. Nobles could be weirdly sensitive sometimes, and Grey didn't particularly want to end what had been a pleasant conversation that way.\n_ _\n\n\"I understand,\" Grey replied, voice a little softer, a little more gentle. He probably understood better than most people in this tavern. \"It's difficult to let go, isn't it?\" He traced a finger over the rim of his glass, around and around in circles, making the glass make a soft humming sound. \"I suppose you're used to a certain lifestyle, and to just give that up... It's not easy.\" His gaze was lowered, focused on the table between them, and now Grey was the one lost in thought for a few moments - although her next comment made them perk up again.\n\nHis smile returned, devilish and charming, the white of his teeth a stark contrast against the dark brown of his skin. \"You have no idea what sorts of performances I can give, darling,\" He told her with a low chuckle. \"But I didn't want to use up all of my tricks on the first day I got here. That would be an awful waste, would it not?\" It was always entertaining to watch people struggle to keep their composure around him, be they the highest noble or the lowest commoner. Grey would never get tired of that.\n\nLuckily for her sake, she did seem to regain her wit a little there at the very end. \"Am I only curious?\" He questioned, lifting an eyebrow. \"My, you wound me, darling.\" Her reason for being here wasn't nearly as interesting as he'd hoped, but oh well. He wasn't about to discard her just because of that."
},
{
"author": "Vierna Argith, Enchantress",
"message": "The Drow Noble watched the Bard's explanation keenly, smirking along as he acted a pseudo tour guide for Vierna. It seemed sweet, something she clearly appreciated as she played along and offered a smile to the guard if he were attentive enough. \n\n\"Okay, okay. I get it, now. Don't get robbed like the Bard. Understood.\" Winking back casually, laughter seemed evident as she probed a careful hand on her practically emptied drink. Perhaps the alcohol did have some effect on her afterall, though only partially.\n\nShe would make no reply to the calm and careful words regarding her Nobility, simply a nod offered as she was kept to ponder. Clearly, she found some trust in the Hidden Incubi. Truthfully, there was some doubt whether she'd be any different after discovering his true nature. Perhaps an accusation or two for deceiving her, but nonetheless. \n\nThe Drow definitely enjoyed the playful tunes the most, the casual nature of it only encouraging the Noble to partake herself. A chuckle would leave her at the daring words of performance, a playful mockery followed by a lean. Her hands carefully rested against her chin, helping to support her while she kept her stares on him.\n\n\"I don't doubt it. Still, a shame I might not get to witness it. Seems you have all these 'regular people' to shower you with coin, regardless.\" Perhaps there was some dissapointment in her tone, or more a prod to see if she could get more from this mysteriously charming bard. \n\n\"Heh, shush. I could make you a list if it pleases me.\" A final cheeky remark for the Bard to hear. A hand casually flicked at a stray strand of her hair, those silvery white locks currently loose and long. Practically to the length of her back."
},
{
"author": "Grey",
"message": "\"Exactly. Just take whatever I did, and do the exact opposite. It's great life advice in general, to be honest.\" He chuckled softly, to show that he was joking - although it wasn't entirely a joke, to be frank. Her life had been one of many disasters, and it was not terrible advice to just not do whatever Grey did.\n\nSo Vierna didn't want to talk about her nobility anymore, then? That was a shame, Grey was kind of interested in it. Oh well, he'd learned to drop a topic when the other seemed uncomfortable with discussing it, and he didn't want to ruin the mood. There were plenty of topics he didn't wish to discuss either, and he would hate it if someone pressured him into it. Plus, he could understand it somewhat, having formerly been a noble himself. He'd hinted at that fact somewhat, but perhaps she hadn't noticed, or didn't care. Oh well.\n\nThe Succubus hummed softly, fingers drumming on the table for a moment as she thought that over. \"Perhaps tomorrow, I'll have a more exciting performance. Or, with enough coin, you could always ask for a private show. What do you like? Music? Dance? Theatre? Or something else entirely? I'm certain I can live up to your expectations.\" If there was one thing Grey had in abundance, it was confidence, which was visible in every movement, every word, everything they did and said. To be fair, they were incredibly good at it, so some amount of confidence was allowed, wasn't it? Although this amount tended to be a bit much for certain people.\n\n\"Nothing but nice things, I hope?\" He watched her as she flicked her hair, the silver an odd contrast with her dark skin. It looked nice, though, and Grey felt some temptation to mimic some aspects of what she looked like - although not now, not here. They would keep her appearance in mind for the future, though, she was very pretty."
},
{
"author": "Vierna Argith, Enchantress",
"message": "After a soft chuckle as the Bard followed her joke along with his own clever wit, the Drow mused quietly as the discussion of her Nobility melted away. It didn't seem too touchy of a subject, perhaps more the harsh ranting that may occur if she got too deep into her own issues with her Family. Bottled up in a way, Vierna allowed the discussion to lessen and lessen to the more fun topics of conversation. Perhaps losing the subtle hint of Grey's own former Nobility too by the clever gaze of the Incubus, she truly wasn't at her best. Still, she clearly had a story to tell if one delved ever deeper into the mind of this social creature. \n\nSoon, those pale blue eyes hovered down to the light tap of the Bard's fingers. An ear of hers twitched ever so casually, intently listening to every rhythm and mannerism that showed as the Bard offered his services. It did intrigue her, no clever wit could stop that. A light finger trailed up to tap at her own lip, clearly considering what she'd say. It did seem quite forward, but that was expected from a Bard selling his services. \n\nThe confidence of Grey was telling, truly carving the story of an expert. Vierna, when she's not bombarded by the charm of an Incubi/Succubi, particularly held to that standard too. Though, she wasn't truly the expert on these matters unlike the Bard here.\n\n\"You've... Spoken a big game, Grey. Talking of your performances I couldn't even process. Maybe I'd like to see that, perhaps.\" At first it was clear she was considering her words, but seemed to find some rhythm. That light domineering tone from the smaller woman seemed playful, challenging perhaps. Grey did indeed talk of these performances far greater than she could imagine. If he intended to propose some way of a private show, she wouldn't waste the opportunity. Or perhaps, it was an easy way to fetch into her gold purse. \"..I'd hope you'd not be so cruel with your pricing. Afterall, a regular woman like I that you supposedly love the company of deserves some way of a.. Reduction, hm?\"\n\nA charm of her own, it seemed, as she remarked ever so cheekily with a clear smirk. Clearly her interest in more entertainment was plain enough, but it seemed like Grey's company alone was satisfying enough. There was something familiar about the mannerisms and relaxing nature of the Man that bewildered her. It did feel similar to a tale or two back in Lazaroth, but she couldn't quite pin it together at the moment. For now, he was little more than a charming, handsome Bard that caught the ire of the Noble. \n\n\"Heh, you'd hope.\" Finally in answer to the question at the end."
}
] | 603 | 4,608 |
476.166667 | 2023-03-12 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Grey",
"message": "Ah, the Waltz, a true classic among nobles. Twirling around with a partner, spinning in endless circles, Grey had done it many times. Of course, it was far from his favorite, and these days, he would even consider it boring, but it had been fun back in those days. He smiled as he recalled the memory of performing it with his boyfriend at the time, alone in that large and empty hall, just the two of them with no regard as to what the rest of the world thought of them. Things were simple, back then, and part of him wished he could go back.\n\nOf course, with that came the memory of what happened to the boyfriend in question, and Grey's smile soured quickly as she recalled the events of that night, a memory that had a nasty habit of popping up when she least wanted it to. He shuddered lightly, and quickly shrugged off the thought. Best not to dwell on the past, then.\n\n\"I'm familiar with the dance you mean, yes,\" Grey spoke, quietly hoping that Vierna hadn't noticed their shudder - an idle hope, they felt, she appeared to be quite observant. With some effort, he managed to get his smile to return, as calm and carefree as ever. \"The Waltz, is it? Not the most interesting dance in my opinion, but I know it decently well.\" Gods, how long had it been since she'd performed it? It must be over a hundred years at least by this point. As it practically required a partner, Grey hadn't danced that way in a really long time. It was too close, too intimate, and there wasn't anyone in the world that they'd allowed to get that close to them ever since... Yeah.\n_ _\n\nAdapting that one into what she wanted it to was going to be... Interesting, at the very least. Grey let out a low hum, pondering that for a moment. \"Would you like to have it performed with one or two people?\" She questioned, fingers of her right hand tapping the table in the slow rhythm of the dance that Vierna had described, trying really hard to stay focused on the here and now. \"Fair warning, I don't usually make up dances that require more than one person. Why would I let someone else take my place in the spotlight, after all?\" They winked at her, hoping the statement might discourage her from asking for a dance meant for two. The thought alone was making Grey fairly uncomfortable right now."
},
{
"author": "Vierna Argith, Enchantress",
"message": "All that eagerness from her words allowed her the courage to stray from faltering any longer. A drive to make a memory of this dance seemed a clear thought, as she showed her eagerness with a smile. All that composure however left her the freedom to observe those intricate details often missed when forced by a charming glowing stare. One, clearly, noted as she witnessed the light shudder while the Bard remained lost in thought.\n\nReminded of something else? The topic remained on the Waltz, judging by Grey's reply, so what could it have meant? The faint twitch and altering of her smile alerted perhaps some concern rising from the Drow, this time hidden behind the still eager looks of the one who requested the service. The return of that smile from Grey seemed ever more fake to her, now. A particular intrigue noted from her. \n\n\"Gods, yes, the Waltz. It's nothing special, I know, but you were asking what I know..\" Vierna offered a particularly calming smile, seeming to be focused more on Grey than the matter of her dance. There was something particular that caught the ever curious nature of the Drow. The cracks of a supposedly perfect man before her, subtly showing by the topics mentioned. As the Bard continued with a question that practically begged for a specific answer by the shift in lack of comfort by the topic. It caused Vierna to stop and pause. \n\nIt seemed somewhat evident that she could see how Grey was feeling, the very topic something that troubled him. The nature of asking for a solo dance didn't offend her, so much as highlight perhaps the glaring reasoning behind those shivers and lack of comfort. The Drow was good at understanding these things; when she isn't being bombarded by charm, that is.\n\nA tempting thought came to mind, a consideration that related to her very existence on the mainland. To help people, to understand them by way of her own talents. One talent in particular that she hid very well.\n\n\"Hey..\" Vierna uttered suddenly, seeming to want to shift from the topic rather suddenly. A simple hand calmly planted against the table, inching close and carefree. Something seemed to shift in the way Vierna presented herself, that quick to falter smirky sort now offering the flutter of calmness in her form. It seemed reassuring, simply by the shift of her sways and manner in which her head would tilt seemed to offer a calming presence. That, too, the most noticeable of the change. \n\nA glint in her eye offered a brighter glow than usual, her gaze upon Grey seeming to shower the very Bard with that feeling of calm. Intoxicating calmness, almost. How Grey had formally locked his gaze with hers, it seemed she had a manner of doing it herself. This time, simply in a way that created the very room of trust. \n\n**\"Relax, Grey. I don't seek to rattle your troubled thoughts..\"** Her words, by the Gods, would ring out in one ear like a soothing and tempered orchestra of calm. The flutter in her eyes only brightened further, the influence of a particularly Expert Enchantress on display. Perhaps Grey would note her magical potential now, though she imagined it would be a hard feeling to simply resist. It wouldn't demand, but simply suggest. A forceful suggestion to simply relax. And that was what Vierna expected from him.\n\nAnd just like that, the calm would ease gently. The glint of magic in the Drow's mysterious eyes slowly shimmered away as she smiled and offered that ever so familiar tone. Back to the topic, after moments of pure and unexpected relaxation suddenly thrown at the hidden Incubi.\n\n\"Heh, well I know other dances. Fun ones. I mentioned those Tiefling, right? They always teased me about a dance I could never get right. Solo work. Quick turns and pure expression. Lots of use with your hands, I remember. Salsa, I believe they called it..? You want to offer me a good service, help guide me through that.\"\n\nHer tone returned to its usual state, a hand calmly rested on her chin as she watched the Bard simply. She was perhaps waiting to see some reaction to it all, but did so casually."
},
{
"author": "Grey",
"message": "Well, there was no doubt about it, the woman had noticed their discomfort, judging by the slight change in her demeanor. Or perhaps that was just a figment of their imagination? She didn't seem to want to acknowledge it, yet they couldn't shake the feeling that something was going on with her.\n\nFor now, Grey decided not to acknowledge it, preferring to just stick to the conversation instead. Perhaps Vierna would notice the not-so-subtle hint that this really wasn't something he wished to discuss, and just ignore it. If she didn't, well, Grey could always just tell her to back off. After all, the two of them were practically strangers, so it would be a reasonable enough request, they felt.\n\n\"Hmm, I suppose you are correct in that. Is that the only kind of dance you know?\" That... Was going to be difficult. Grey could imagine her graceful figure twirling around in an endless Waltz, but anything else... Not so much. She simply didn't look like the type to be dancing in their preferred way - though, to be fair, appearances could be deceiving. Either way, it was still hard to imagine it.\n\nUnfortunately, their attempts to simply move past the momentary falter in their confident persona had not worked at all. Grey watched Vierna with some amount of suspicion, although he kept it hidden beneath his usual charming smile. What was she doing? Golden eyes focused on hers, Grey internally prepared to run, suspicion growing by the second. Yet, despite that... There was something oddly calming about her demeanor. He didn't understand what was going on, and although a small part of him was screaming about danger and whatnot, he instinctively squashed that part down.\n_ _\n\nAnd then, she spoke up, her voice like the most beautiful music Grey had ever heard. Now it was her turn to be stuck staring into the other's eyes, and Grey found herself nodding, breathing in and out, perfectly calm. How did that even work? Grey found it difficult to care. All he knew was that he felt calm in this moment in time, and that was all that mattered.\n\nIt faded away soon enough, and Grey gave her a curious look. He recognized it as enchantment magic, having seen it plenty of times before, but few people were this good at it. \"Now what was that all about?\" They questioned, leaning forward, chin in their hand. \"Are you secretly a powerful mage?\" Resorting to cheap tricks to charm people, eh? That was a little bit sad.\n\nThe illusionist nodded upon her describing the other dance that she would like to learn. \"I'm familiar, yes. I assume you're interested in learning that, then?\" Why couldn't Vierna just give simple instructions. So bothersome. \"Are there any changes you would like made, or not?\" Hm, perhaps it was time to show a little magic trick of their own.\n\nStill smiling, Grey placed both hands on the table in front of him, cupped as if he were hiding something behind them. For a moment, nothing, and then they opened their hands, revealing a little figure. No, not just any figure. It was Vierna, but small enough to fit in the palm of one's hand, dancing the salsa she'd described. There was no music accompanying the dance, but it was obvious enough what she was doing."
},
{
"author": "Vierna Argith, Enchantress",
"message": "Given her words formerly she would make no attempt to answer the question of additional dances, far too busy reacting to the work of her Enchantment. A curious tilt watched as he reacted similarly to her own falters before with those tense gazes. It was a quiet observation, almost like some forced experiment that she just had to perform. \n\nMost importantly would be the reaction after, curiousity clear on the expression of the Bard. The Drow casually tapped at her chin, looking upon Grey and gauging his reaction closely. An air of guilt, perhaps, at first in her expression. \n\n\"I'm... Sorry about that. I thought it would help to put your mind at ease.\" A light, ironic chuckle as she looked away. \"Looks like it's only raised more questions. I.. Shouldn't have done that.\" \n\nClearly she seemed guilty, perhaps realising of the private space she prodded by getting in his head like that. Of course, her actions didn't seem malicious. Her tone seemed to imply an actual want to help in some way. To remedy this, she seemed to spill some honesty about herself. \"My family are well known Enchanters back in Lazaroth. So, it runs in my blood too. I'm.. Here mainly to put it to some good use. Sorry, again..\" Vierna wouldn't share in offering that lean, for a moment appearing distant and worried. The Drow wasn't sure if she ruined a good talk or not, perhaps losing the friendly bard that she just met.\n\nThe Salsa topic seemed to bring her back to some composure, a faint smile offered as she nodded along in a clearly more quietened tone. \"No, no. I just want to learn that.. I'm not sure what change-\" A slow in her words as she spotted the cupped hands, curiousity would cause her to slightly lean before such an illusion was revealed. The sight surprised her, an amused look upon the illusion. \"That is... Really weird to look at, heh. She's a better dancer than me, that's for sure..\""
},
{
"author": "Grey",
"message": "Grey was quiet to what Vierna said, choosing to wait with responding until she'd given an explanation. The apology was appreciated, it indeed wasn't a very appropriate thing to do, even if it had helped somewhat. The least she could have done was ask beforehand. Then again, it hadn't really done any harm, and it seemed like it was an innocent mistake to make by someone that seemed inexperienced in dealing with the common folk.\n\n\"I see,\" They replied to her explanation, pausing to think it over carefully. So then, both of them had enchantment magic running through their blood? Grey almost chuckled at the thought of that. It was a little funny, one had to admit that. \"I suppose I'll let you off with a warning, this time.\" A charming smile danced around her lips, showing that she wasn't truly upset. \"Although, perhaps you should keep in mind that most people would appreciate at least being asked for consent beforehand.\"\n\nA thought crossed his mind then, and Grey furrowed his brow somewhat, a little concerned. \"Say... You're not able to look in my mind, are you? Because I might have to get a little mad if you do that.\" His tone was far from serious still, he wasn't actually planning to get mad at her. \"It's not that I have much to hide, it would just be incredibly rude.\"\n\nIf there was one thing Grey was glad about, at least, it was that the topic of Waltzing seemed to have been dropped entirely. His thoughts on that matter were his and his alone, and he didn't particularly want to share them with basically a complete stranger. Instead, they seemed to have moved over to a much more cheerful type of dance, which she was glad about.\n\nNoting Vierna's curiosity at the dancing figure, Grey couldn't help but smile, watching her watch the little thing. \"Don't sell yourself short, darling,\" He purred, feeling like he'd earned a little tease after what she just did. \"I'm sure you'll be gorgeous at it, if your gracefulness is anything to go off.\""
},
{
"author": "Vierna Argith, Enchantress",
"message": "The Worried Drow seemed relieved to hear that pondering response turn playful once more, a clear smile returning as she nodded along. - \"I can handle a warning. And yes, that does make sense..\" A mental note would be made of this little encounter. Of course, perhaps it was a simple hint to ask for ones consent but she was a Drow of Lazaroth. Her family history of Enchantment, not uttered in detail, had been one of pure domination. Forcing those against their will to face torture, and questioning years back when the Dragons reigned fire over their enemies. To control, was the theme of Enchantment. By her explanation, she intended to use it elsewhere for good. \n\nVierna perked a particular brow at the specific question of the mind, trying best to reassure him with a giggle and shake of her head. \"While I imagine you have plenty of interesting stories in there, I can't just look so simply. That needs acceptance, a willingness from you. Don't you worry.\" Speaking to the Bard as if he were a layperson, truly she was entirely unaware of their similarity of magical potential. Her words seemed reassuring, offering a keen nod.\n\nTruly, she seemed to move past the Waltz topic just the same. Her little calming attempt was a way to try and stray away from that area, to then discuss the talk of Salsa. The Drow's curious gaze remained on the mini Drow, dancing away enthusiastically and almost how Vierna wanted to be. The illusion seemed lively, outgoing to a world she longed to join. An amused narrow of her eyes looked over at Grey's teasing, longing for that interaction after that otherwise awkward enchantment. \n\n\"Perhaps I'll impress you, heh? So... Where do we go? How do we start?\" Vierna commented, a quick glance moving over to the Inn as a whole. Truthfully, she had no clue where this private show would be based. A room the Bard rented out, or some such. There was hope that Grey would reassure her."
},
{
"author": "Grey",
"message": "The illusionist was content to drop it right then and there, if that was how it happened to be. It seemed like it was an honest mistake, really, and she didn't want to get all mad about it when there was no reason to do so. Of course, she didn't know about the history behind those abilities, as there was no way for her to have found out. Well, maybe Grey might have happened to study that, but she didn't care enough about history to have done so. Why would anyone care about what was cold, dead, and long forgotten, after all? Grey preferred to live in the here and now.\n\n\"Hmm, alright, I'll trust you on your word, then.\" That wasn't all there was to it, Grey simply hadn't heard of any magic that could truly read someone's mind, and after over 150 years of living, what were the odds that one would stumble across someone like that in a random tavern in a random city? Almost negligible. Plus, she just didn't seem like the type to lie about such a thing, and Grey felt they were a pretty good judge of character.\n\nReaching out a hand to the dancing figure, Grey covered the little thing momentarily, and when she pulled her hand away again, it was gone. \"Always clean up behind yourself,\" He commented with a smile. Of course, he didn't have to actually do that, it was just an illusion, he could have dispelled it with a mere thought, but Grey had always had a flair for the dramatic, and this was the more dramatic way of doing it.\n\n\"Well, there's my room in this tavern that we could use to practise, if you're comfortable with that.\" There was always the chance that Vierna wasn't comfortable with that, and Grey would understand. \"I wouldn't suggest staying here to do so, there will probably be many people watching us. I know I wouldn't want anyone to see my first attempt at a dance,\" They said, chuckling. \"But it's up to you, darling. You're the client, after all, and the client is king. Or queen, I suppose.\" They winked at her, smiling."
},
{
"author": "Vierna Argith, Enchantress",
"message": "And it would be the here and now that they both seemed to enjoy, a moment like this in a Tavern often offered that escapism and luxury one would most value. The serving of drinks, good company and of course entertainment! The discussion of Enchantment now becoming simply the past, Vierna found herself back to the usual mingle and eagerness offered from the interested Drow. A clear appreciation noted the Bard's words, a supposed trust being uttered and that was all she really needed to hear. \n\nShe wasn't ignorant to the very threat she just showed as being capable of, the trickery and very control of others being a terrifying magic in consideration. The talk of reading ones mind was certainly exaggerated by her. She of course couldn't do such a thing so simply, more influence areas such as dreams or nightmares. Nevertheless, the matter had eased. Her concern now was upon the matter of this dance, a light shift of her body in anticipation of some movement finally. They had been talking for some time, now, it seemed.\n\nA playful clap was made apparent as Grey vanished the illusion of the small Vierna, perhaps playing into the role of the amused patron too well. \"Of course, of course.\" Nodding along as if disappearing your miniaturised illusions of a dancing self was a given, the Drow chuckled and allowed the topic to move. \n\nOn the topic of a private place, the answer of the Bard was a curious one. She really hadn't thought of that, a room of his own to use. Of course, there was a quiet ponder. How large was the room? What gossip would be made from the eager spectators who couldn't help but flutter their eyes at Gray's every movement? It seemed exciting, to say the least. Throwing oneself into learning a dance, something she never truly had the time for given her harsh duties and minor taboos of sticking around commoners for so long.\n\n\"Oh? I mean, if it's big enough for us. Would be better than all these people eyeing us down..\" A quiet glance made out to the Inn once more, Vierna would nod eventually. \"Works fine with me. As the 'Queenly client', I approve. Tst.\" Final words uttered in jest."
},
{
"author": "Grey",
"message": "Rising to his feet, the Elven man took a moment to stretch, remembering that he should have done so after his dance just now. Always spend some time warming up and cooling down, lest one's muscles atrophy, his teacher had told him decades ago. Oh well, it seemed like he was going to end up dancing soon anyway, only this time as an instructor, not a performer. A curious feeling indeed.\n\n\"The room should be big enough to practise in. I myself used it for that same purpose when I arrived earlier today.\" They had explicitly asked for a room that would fit that purpose, even having received some help with moving the bed out of the way. Of course, Grey had paid back that little extra effort by a lot now, and they were certain that the tavern's owner wasn't complaining about them any more.\n\nHe could practically feel the jealous stares from behind him as he extended his right hand to Vierna, picking up the lute with his left. \"Well then, darling, shall we go?\" Usually, Grey kept the shape of his body the same when he was in a different form, just in case he accidentally - or purposefully - touched someone. It was because of this that if she were to take his hand, the illusion wouldn't shimmer or falter in any way. Perhaps she might notice that his body temperature was slightly above average, but that could easily be explained due to the heat of the tavern, the land, or his exercise from just now.\n\nGrey wondered how she'd go about teaching Vierna the dance. Perhaps an examination was in order first, figuring out if she had the necessary physique to perform it. That was, if they ended up dancing together at all, there was always a chance things would go... Off the rails somewhat. Either way, it was bound to be an entertaining evening."
},
{
"author": "Vierna Argith, Enchantress",
"message": "The Drow fluttered an amused smile at the quick spring up and stretches of the Entertainer. It would seem she enjoyed his personality, enthusiasm bound for a dance that she herself desired. An instructor you could trust, or perhaps ever so foolishly follow. Truly, Vierna couldn't help but inspect the Bard again while in his stood up state, amusement upon the jealous crowd that spectated quietly and the attention she was given. Spoiled, it felt like.\n\n\"Sounds perfect.\" Vierna hummed in delight, feeling like this day just flowed naturally. Briefly looking upon the offered hand, the Noble would take it eagerly and allow herself up thanks to his support. As she stood, a light movement of her legs would be made apparent after having sat down for so long. The Drow notably stood shorter than the Bard, having to ever so casually look up at her height of around 5'9. Short, for an Elf. There was no complication in the Bard's illusion, nothing that Vierna could spot. Simply put, the Bard felt real. Of course, he wasn't fake aside from the tanned skin, longer hair and Elven features. Still, a person remained from within.\n\n\"I think we shall.\" Vierna uttered calmly, hand still clutched by the Bard yet unknowing if he would choose to lead her with it or simply have her follow. The heat from his hand wasn't entirely suspicious, that being an energetic entertainer who just made a masterful performance not long ago. Of course, after a moment of collecting herself would she fetch a hand for her items. Bundling it up with one arm, she would cling to her items though perhaps more carefree than anything. The environment, the tavern, the company. All made this place feel safer."
},
{
"author": "Grey",
"message": "Hand in hers, Grey simply stood there for a few moments, gaze focused on Vierna. He hadn't seen her from this angle before, after all, and to put it simply, found her to be quite pleasant to look at. \"Hmm, that confirms it,\" He mused with his usual confident smile, \"You're gorgeous from every direction, darling.\" Giving her hand a light squeeze, the bard looked around the room to orientate himself, finding the location of the stairs easily enough - not too far away from them.\n\n\"We're lucky it's so busy here, nobody will hear what we're doing, no matter what we choose to do.\" He gave her a wink, letting the unspoken suggestion hang in the air, free for her to interpret however she wished.\n\nWith that, Grey guided her to the narrow stairway, ignoring the other patrons completely. The background noise from the place got noticeably softer as they reached the second floor, although it would likely be there to some extent for the next few hours at the very least. Grey didn't mind, he was more than used to the sound - in fact, he preferred it over silence. It was one of the reasons that while the Noteworthy Brotherhood did have private rooms for all its idols, he often spent his nights in taverns and inns, just to be closer to people, not to be alone with his thoughts.\n\n\"I hope you won't mind the noise?\" He questioned, somewhat curiously. Of course, even if he liked it, he knew some people weren't a fan of it. It seemed unlikely, as he didn't expect Vierna to actually be in this place if she disliked the noise of the place. But, who knew, nobles were an odd sort, and despite formerly being one himself, Grey felt he would still never quite understand them."
},
{
"author": "Vierna Argith, Enchantress",
"message": "\"Oh, Stop it..\" Vierna spoke out in flustered fashion. Vierna couldn't help but smile at the barrage of flattery offered by Grey, the soft squeeze of her delicate and dark hand adding to the fluster of the Drow. Truly, she could do little but blush at the feeling around her. It was unlike Noble courtship, an experience only shared by her Days and Nights rebelliously hanging out with the more common people back in Lazaroth. Only now, she wouldn't be sternly talked down on by a harsh matron thanks to the mainland. She felt free, an exciting journey of dance and suggestion fluttering her thoughts as the Bard led her along. \n\nThe wink and remark that Gray offered her would only further that intrigue. She seemed speechless in that moment, almost like that was the intention. She could have interpreted it in many ways, yet there was clearly one favoured by all the flirty and teasing remarks. Whatever the case, it seemed this would be one keen adventure with the Bard. To Gray, Vierna certainly wasn't scared off by the remark.\n\nFollowing upwards through the stairs, the growing background noise that was formerly more present seemed to catch an interesting atmosphere. People living their lives, the general stir of adventurers, travelers and locals alike. Vierna seemed to like it, starting to grow use to it as she clung tight to the Bard's grip and nodded along. - \"Heh.. I don't mind. I.. Kinda like it.\" A shrug came in kind, a brief adjustment of her things that were folded between her arm and side."
}
] | 430.5 | 5,714 |
563.2 | 2023-03-13 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Vierna Argith, Enchantress",
"message": "Perhaps with the absence of so many spectators, Vierna ever so casually thought back to the mini illusion of herself. The way she danced, the movements that felt so familiar yet inexperienced to her. Salsa was an expressive form, she remembered, quick and daring. Perhaps she chose it as a rejection of the standards of Nobility, despite carrying the fabric and wealth that privileged her all those years.\n\nNevertheless, the ever observant drow offered a faint tap of her boot against floorboard, soft and not intending to create much noise. It seemed she ever so casually tried to rehearse what she remembed from that illusion, obviously offering a slight fumble and awkward chuckle along the way. Of course, her hand remained clung to Grey's, easy to be guided along after what she assumed was a search for the room in question. An eagerness had sparked in Vierna, an energy only matched by that of a curious adventurer. Soon, she would offer some words of her own. \n\n\"Ha.. Have you ever taught another before, Grey? Not meaning to judge the quality of your skill. Just.. Curious, mhm.\" Vierna spoke with as mentioned, a clear curiousity. She genuinely seemed intrigued, a smile upon the Man as if she expected another teasing remark. If so, she would hope to be prepared this time."
},
{
"author": "Grey",
"message": "\"Are you certain you want me to stop, darling?\" Grey didn't believe Vierna actually wanted her to stop, she seemed to enjoy it a decent amount. He enjoyed it too, it was kind of fun to poke and prod at her walls, make them break down, make her flustered. Plus, her blush and smile were kind of cute, he had to admit that. It was a shame that he likely wouldn't be seeing her again after tonight - though that made it so that Grey should take all the opportunity to have as much fun as possible, no?\n\nA hum, one of interest, agreement, perhaps. \"It's quite nice, isn't it? I've always preferred the sounds of the city over the quiet of large mansions.\" A hint at his own past, or maybe she would interpret it as Grey spending the night in the houses of nobles for work, his performances. It wouldn't even be a lie if he mentioned that. There were more than enough celebrations that left him exhausted enough to ask for a room to spend the night in - although he rarely did so alone.\n\nIf there was one thing Grey disliked, it was to be alone. It often lead him to think on all sorts of subjects he would rather put out of his mind forever. Other people, even if they were just background noise from a busy tavern a floor lower, helped prevent that, so Grey preferred to spend his time in places such as these.\n\nOf course, he wasn't about to tell Vierna all of that - Grey felt that that would be a terrible idea. Instead, they opened one of the hallway's doors - third one on the left, and guided her inside, finally letting go of her hand, albeit a bit reluctantly. The room was simple, with a one person bed, a desk, a chair in front of the desk, and that was about it. There was a simple bag on the desk, meant to be worn on one's back that Vierna might assume carried Grey's belongings, though with it being closed, there was no way to know. Notably, there was also a carpet in the open space of the room, perfect for a beginner to dance on.\n_ _\n\nThey gently laid the lute down on the desk - despite the thing looking to be fairly worthless, it was hard to miss that Grey treasured it a lot, and turned to face her. \"Hmm, I haven't really taught before, to be frank.\" Gesturing at the bed, Grey continued talking. \"You may put your things down there, if you'd like. Or elsewhere. I would advise placing them somewhere off the ground so that there's less chance they'll be stepped on. You don't want to know how many perfectly good clothes I ruined that way.\"\n\nOnce more, he examined her, crossing his arms over his chest. There wasn't anything malicious behind it, Grey just wanted to make sure that her clothes were fit for dancing. \"You might want to take off those boots as well,\" He commented. \"Even if they're not that tall, any kind of heel is a death sentence for your ankles if you're not experienced with dancing while wearing them. Trust me, I speak from experience.\" He smiled, even though he internally froze up. He was supposed to be a man right now, and he couldn't quite recall if wearing heels was okay for those in this part of the country. Well, hopefully Vierna wouldn't notice or mind."
},
{
"author": "Vierna Argith, Enchantress",
"message": "In a rather telling fashion, the Drow made no reply. Grey wouldn't be lost for an answer however, judging by the subtle fluster and reddening of those darkened cheeks of hers after his words came. The gaze upon him felt ever more lost before finding her composure. It seemed the Succubi knew just how to leave her faltering, as befit the very best of an entertainer - or hidden Succubi. \n\n\"It is nice.. Though the Mansions I've had the.. 'pleasure' of being in rarely ever remain quiet.\" It seemed she didn't particularly want to budge about the Noble backstory of the Bard, though it was quite clear she caught onto the hint by the curious perk of her brow. Of course, much of that discussion would be passed anyways as the door was opened and she found herself led rather keenly inside.\n\nAn intrigued spark looked over the Khisfire room, the architecture and personal changes that Grey himself added. A careful spy spotted the closed bag, the moved bed and of course the suitable carpet in the open space. An idle glance followed the possessive grasp of the Lute, a gentle movement from the Bard before her until his words soon came. A quiet nod seemed noticeable, shuffling herself over to the soft fabrics of the single bed and setting her stuff down with a notable caution to avoid squashing Grey's lute. For a moment, she would eye down at the intricate detail of Khisfire culture - the patterns along the bed sheets and so on before awkwardly shuffling back. Hands freed, she would set them against eachother and return her attentions to Grey. \n\n\"Oh, you haven't? So.. It'll be a learning experience for us both, then?\" Vierna casually commented with a smile, perhaps suggestive or not as she slow paced about the room as if she was sizing up just how big and capable it was. It was certainly an interesting feeling, to be in his room so casually. Clearly, some trust from the Drow. \"The bed will do, I'm sure.\"\n\nSoon she would find herself at the center of the room, boots against carpet perhaps rudely before her attention would be brought back to Grey. Vierna seemed a little intrigued by his remark, but it was hardly wrong. Of course, an entertainer like he must know all about style and fashion and whatnot! It was not an entirely strange thing for him to utter. Atleast, that's what seemed clear by Vierna's reaction of a nod and smile. \"That.. Makes sense!\" Slipping the heeled apparel off fairly quickly, she would shuffle them off to the side and now remained in a soft pair of socks instead.\n\nUpon Grey's examination, her outfit seemed fairly loose fitting and adventurous. Loose strands of fabric hung down her top, the sparing patches of skin made for an eccentric look aswell as a free one. Her fur no longer adorned her thanks to her travels before, while her lower half seemed a tighter pair of leggings. Of course, she had a spare few outfits of her own in her pack - certain garments she may have fetched too from the Khisfire shops. Really, she had no idea how far Grey would wish for her to change to suit the dance."
},
{
"author": "Grey",
"message": "How very tempting it was to continue teasing her. Grey might have done so, perhaps, if he weren't about to teach her the art of dancing, and would like to keep her attention on that. Something he wasn't planning on doing was injuring a noblewoman and deal with all the repercussions that came with that. Then again... Well, he would have to see how she responded during the dance to decide on his next moves.\n\n\"Hmm, that's quite lucky, isn't it?\" He mused absently. Mixing the comfort of a mansion with the background noise of a tavern, now that would be the perfect place for Grey to spend the night. She wondered why Vierna sounded like she didn't really enjoy that, but decided against questioning it for now. There were more important things to focus on, after all.\n\nThey watched as she examined the room, content to let her spend a few moments to take in the scenery. It really wasn't anything too fancy, but it was comfortable enough, and surprisingly cool, despite the heat from earlier in the day. That was one thing Grey did like about the city; with it always being so hot outside, most buildings were built for that and were pretty decent at keeping heat outside and cool air inside. There were still many, many downsides, but hey, always look on the bright side of life, eh?\n\n\"Indeed, I rarely offer my teaching services to anyone. You're the first one in a long, long time, darling.\" Well, that wasn't entirely true. Grey had taught people before, but they'd taught theater and singing, not dance. It was close enough to the truth to not matter in their eyes.\n_ _\n\nInternally, the bard sighed in relief, glad that she hadn't questioned his little slipup. Well, it would be easy enough to explain, mention that he might have played a female character once or twice when there weren't enough women around for that, or perhaps he simply needed to elevate his height for some reason or another. Either way, Grey could have explained it away somehow, but he still preferred to not have to do so in the first place.\n\nHer outfit seemed fine enough for dancing at least, that was a relief. \"Now, I know you would like to start immediately, but you have to stretch beforehand. Really, this is the best advice I can probably give you.\" Grey stepped away from the desk and began doing so, and Vierna might notice how incredibly flexible the man was, able to practically fold himself in half. \"Warms up the muscles so you don't risk hurting yourself.\" Of course, he made sure to maintain a respectful distance from her, but she was allowed to approach, if she liked."
},
{
"author": "Vierna Argith, Enchantress",
"message": "Perhaps fortunate or not, his lucky remark seemed to reward him with a more playful scoff from Vierna. Clearly, to her it wasn't lucky, yet her reasoning why was ever vague and silent as the topic of dance became a clear focus of hers. The hidden truth was that by noise, it wasnt the calming banter of others found in this Tavern. No, something more personal, the arguments and trials of a Noble Family constantly butting heads. A strict discipline, the traditions of past all culminating in that fanciful manor back in the cold realm of Lazaroth.\n\nIt mattered little now though, the Drow was with trusted company, left to their privacy save for the quietened background noise of other people living their lives. Content, to see just what the Bard had in store for her. \n\nVierna quite enjoyed the simplicity of the room, still offering space yet it felt all the more cozy with that combination. The cool air was a keen and refreshing feeling from the vicious heat that made the Drow suffer, her one clear dislike of Khisfire after having been here in that little time. A smile would return to Grey upon the teaching remark, finding little to doubt him. \"..Oh? Then I should be honoured.\" A quiet ponder soon came to attention after those words, standing at the center of the room with her eyes upon the Bard. It seemed she was eager to follow his guidance, for Grey to act the instructor as she so wanted. \n\nThe slipup simply made a non-issue by the Drow, she seemed far more focused on the words ahead. Vierna could spot the inspections of her attire, of her physique, almost going quiet in thought of what he possibly thought of her. There would be no objections by the tone of Grey, thankfully, atleast from what she saw.\n\n\"Aha?.. Stretching, yes..\" Vierna accepted the suggestion as logical, her words seeming to slow as she watched how easy and flexible the Bard truly was. An appeasing sight, one that amazed her at first. \"..What can't you do, Grey..?\" Vierna teased with a surprised smirk. After some quiet watching of his technique, the Drow slowly grew comfortable to the motions. Of course she would plan to try and mirror him in her own elegant manner, but seemed to make a slight approach in order to get a better look. \n\nStraightening herself out, her arms would aim like a point raised up then moving down to bend her form. Of course, it wasnt as experienced as one like Grey, but Vierna was still young and graced by a Noble elegance to her movements. She would stretch and follow much of Grey's movements, for what time she had to look upon the man she would spend focused on the movements of her own body. It certainly had its toll, the lengthy stretches offering that much needed preparation. \n\nWhatever the case, it seemed she'd want to stop only when Grey gave the word. Fully prepared, she was, to run the course with the ever playful Bard."
}
] | 617 | 2,816 |
554.666667 | 2023-03-14 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Grey",
"message": "The enchantress didn't wish to continue discussing the matter, then? Fine by them. It wasn't something Grey wasn't particularly interested in talking about anyway, especially when there was a much more interesting topic coming up.\n\nThinking for a moment, Grey ran the dance over in his head, going over the steps and considering what the best starting point would be. No better place to start than the beginning, eh? The basics, boring as they may be, were fairly important to get right, and only then could one start getting into the more advanced things. Plus, it would give him a good idea of what her level was at.\n\n\"There are few things I can't do, darling,\" Grey replied, looking at her from his upside down position with a smile. Of course, realistically speaking, there were probably more things that he couldn't do than things that he could, but he wasn't about to admit that. \"Like what you see?\" He added teasingly, winking at her. What was not to like? The Elven man was objectively attractive, with the muscular and toned body of a dancer, and simple clothes that seemed to be specifically made to accentuate that.\n\nA minute or so, and Grey figured they were about done, standing up straight and absently rolling his shoulders. \"If at any time, you notice any pain or discomfort, please don't try to fight through it, just let me know, alright?\" Was that concern in his voice? It was hard to tell. In the past, when he wasn't even an adult yet, he himself had made that mistake and gotten injured - quite an embarrassing thing to explain, when he wasn't even supposed to be dancing at all. The next few days... Actually, upon second consideration, he didn't want to be taking this trip down memory lane at all. Better focus on the present.\n_ _\n\n\"Your form is good,\" They commented. Indeed, it seemed she would at least be flexible enough to execute the dance moves - plus, admittedly, Vierna wasn't exactly unpleasant to look at either. Left arm crossed over his chest, he held up his right hand, snapping his fingers with a smile that carried some amount of mischief.\n\nAnd suddenly, there was music, seemingly playing from all around them. It wasn't anything too fancy, but it was cheerful, the typical music one would imagine when thinking of the Salsa. Due to the power of illusions, only the two of them could hear it, as it was played directly in their heads, even if it sounded like it came from everywhere around them. \"Now, I want you to focus on the beat,\" Grey said, waving his finger in accordance with it, as a conductor for a choir might. One, two, three, four, one, two, three, four. \"Do you feel it?\"\n\nOn the beat, he began stepping his feet, left, right, left, a pause, and then right, left, right and another pause. Most notably were his hips as he did so, swaying along in the direction of whichever foot he rested his weight on. Gods, how hard it was to resist the urge to break out into dance, but he had to, to make sure that Vierna could keep up."
},
{
"author": "Vierna Argith, Enchantress",
"message": "The Drow noted the winks and teasing while she slowly finished her stretches, her head slightly raising to catch those clever words from the Bard. \"Always a show with you..\" Vierna spoke in an amused fluster, the very position being a vulnerable one so she was just as glad to watch the Bard finish and stand upright.\n\n Following suit with a light twist of herself, the Drow hummed a subtle nod at the talk of safety. \"I.. I will. You're the expert.\" Spoken to try and reassure him, there would be perhaps a more unintentional lie in her words. Truly, she did want to push herself here. An injury, or stumble, perhaps may be her end result but she was determined to see this through. \n\n\"Oh?..\" An especially cheery smile showed at the compliment of her form, perhaps finding it unexpected at first. Whatever it did, she seemed more and more relaxed under Grey's instruction. A hand casually guided itself to her hip, a curious tilt of her head at the snap of those fingers.\n\nAt first silent, then sprouted the sudden music all around. It took her a moment to compose herself with that surprised smirk, a glance about to try and gauge this impressive illusion magic but finding little except for the very sounds all around. The mood, that was what she liked. As Grey spoke again, she would take note of his request. Parted lips soon closed, clearly her focus going to the music around her. \n\nAt first, clearly she struggled. The wave of Grey's finger seemed to help, chuckling along before.. She seemed to find it. One, two, three, four.. There it was! Trying her hardest to cling to that beat, she would watch how Grey started to move. There was the steps, simply, but the very sway that matched the weight of his steps seemed most important.\n\n\"Ahh..\" A quiet hum that may have been drowned out by the music, Vierna began to follow the pattern herself. Left foot, right, left again, then the pause..! Though at first, it felt like she was just following instruction. The beat had been forgotten perhaps unintentionally due to the many considerations. She could feel that it wasn't quite right. A gentle frustration showed itself for some time, Vierna wanting to fumble a curse or two but finding reassurance in Grey's presence. \n\nA calm breath in once more, as she watched Grey again. The steps would be repeated, but a gradual focus on the beat of the music would be mirrored. It only helped that she started a sway of her more elegant form to the dance, hips leaning against the focused weight of her steps. Vierna was starting to get it, that much clear by the lessening of her frustrations. \n\nIn truth, she had tried something like this before. Back in Lazaroth, with those Tiefling friends of hers. There was something intriguing about dancing infront of the Bard, showing herself off. It was a dance, right? That's what it entailed, of course. She couldn't help but imagine the coming teases however."
},
{
"author": "Grey",
"message": "\"Of course! What is life if not but an endless series of performances, after all?\" Perhaps it was becoming clear by now that everything Grey did and said, it was all a show, one he greatly enjoyed performing, but a show nonetheless. It might make one wonder what he acted like when he was alone, when there was no one around to watch his performance. Would he still be as dramatic? Or would he be more easy-going, quieter, less intense? Perhaps he might even drop his disguises, albeit for a moment. There was no real way to know for sure.\n\nAlthough Grey didn't believe Vierna entirely when she mentioned that she would make sure to tell him if she was in pain, he didn't find it his place to care. He did his part in warning her, and if she wanted to endanger herself, well, that was her mistake, then. Grey didn't want her to get hurt, of course, but if she decided to be stubborn about it, what could he do about it?\n\nHe watched her struggle, more focused on her dance than his own - after all, it was almost like second nature to him. Sometimes, he found it more difficult not to dance than to dance. What else was one to do when there was a good song playing? Not dance? Insane.\n\n\"Follow the beat,\" He said encouragingly, clapping his hands in accordance with it until she seemed to have figured it out on her own. \"There you go. See, I knew you had rhythm.\" Once again, Grey clapped his hands, this time more to praise her. It wasn't a particularly difficult move, of course, but getting into the rhythm of things was rather difficult for some people, and it was worth some praise.\n_ _\n\nActually... There was something that could use correcting. Grey stepped closer to her, placing his hands on her hips from the front. \"Keep going, keep going,\" He instructed her, \"Try not to get distracted by my presence.\" The smirk on his face was undeniable, he knew exactly what he was doing. Here and there, he pushed lightly, adjusting her form somewhat to be moving more fluidly. Would she even be able to focus with him being so close to her, though? Grey couldn't help it, he had to know how she would react. So close together... It almost made him blush. Emphasis on almost. \"Your hips are really important, you have to use them correctly.\""
},
{
"author": "Vierna Argith, Enchantress",
"message": "It particularly intrigued her with that remark of performance, a silent consideration of her own of the Man behind all that wit and drama. Of course, she had little time to focus on it thanks to the very dance she practiced. \n\nIt would be those encouraging words of his that helped her movements, figuring the beat with a look of surprise. The more she got into the dance, the more excited she was. Look, Tieflings, at the Noble Drow now! A dance so different to the elegant twirling of the Waltz, one of expression and pure enjoyment. \"Heh, all the rhythm..\" Perhaps uttered more smugly, she felt like she earned it atleast given the work she was putting in. It didn't seem malicious, more playful. \n\nThanks to her words, her gaze had been set upon the Bard that encouraged her. As a result, there was no doubt about the movements of the disguised Succubi. A moment of confusion rang in the form of the Drow, unclear of the actions of Grey before she felt those hands against her. Closer than she'd ever been to the Man, Vierna could do little but flutter her lashes and keep up her movements.\n\n\"I..\" It was a struggle to find her words, the gradual guidance found from the Bard allowing her movements to flow far better than she had done on her own. Hands on a Noble like this, it would have been quite the taboo! Yet, the Drow wouldn't ease him back.\n\n\"I'm.. Trying..\" Vierna managed to muster, that much needed gaze down at herself with the Bard's closeness seemed like the two were dancing together.\n\n Eventually she'd muster that courage, eyes raising up to look upon the Bard. She seemed to falter with his presence, yet her movements seemed to do better. Like he recommended, her hips would be better utilised; a keener sway from her dark figure. Guided along, she grew more and more use to the hold and the pattern of her steps. The rhythm in her ear. That awkwardness soon faded, as she simply held a gaze against his. With that, soon a faint smirk. \"I think.. Your distracting presence is helping me, actually..\" Vierna remarked rather suddenly, closeness clear."
},
{
"author": "Grey",
"message": "The noblewoman really was doing wonderfully. This likely wasn't her first time doing this, as most nobles he knew got some kind of dance education when they were younger, even if it was just the basics. Of course, despite that, many were still absolutely terrible at it, so the ease at which she was picking this up was something worth complimenting. He might have done so, actually, if he wasn't busy being distracted himself.\n\nGrey swayed along with her somewhat, mirroring her dance, his own hips swaying along with hers. Without him intending to do so, it seemed this had turned into a dance for two, although he was surprised with how little he minded. It seemed an attractive woman like her helped ease the discomfort he usually felt in these situations, just a little. All in all, he was enjoying himself more than he thought he would.\n\nHe chuckled as Vierna struggled for words, a soft and low sound that wasn't mocking in any way, just an expression of his amusement. \"What, don't tell me that I'm bothering you, darling?\" There was that purr again. His voice was significantly softer than before, and wouldn't be audible if he wasn't standing so close to her.\n\nHands still placed firmly on her hips, Grey wasn't pushing at her any more, just letting Vierna dance on her own. \"You truly are a natural,\" Grey said, and raised his eyes, looking into her light blue ones. They were a truly beautiful color, he noticed. It reminded him of the blue sky, of a beautiful ocean, of the tiny little flowers that someone he used to know many years ago was so fond of. For a moment, he found himself at a loss for words, a true rarity indeed. The rest of her skin was a true miracle to behold too, reminding him of the night's sky he spent so many hours staring at when he was lost and needed someone to guide him. Of course, that person never appeared, but the stars were always there for him...\n_ _\n\nGrey felt his heart make a funny little jump in his chest. It was now his turn to try and find something to say, and his mind came up empty. Well... Words were overrated anyway. He'd stopped dancing by now, although the music was still playing, not much more than a vague background noise in his mind.\n\nAnd then, he leaned forward suddenly, and pressed his lips against Vierna's. His own were soft and as warm as the rest of his body, despite the coolness of the room. Of course, she was welcome to push him away, if she so desired, and Grey would accept that - he'd been rejected enough times to know how to take it. Some part of him felt like she wouldn't do that, though - frankly, he was really hoping that she wouldn't. He liked her, and wished to be with her, and all he could do was hope that she felt the same way about him."
},
{
"author": "Vierna Argith, Enchantress",
"message": "The Enchantress couldn't help but feel the shifting of tides, a connected sway of their movements only furthering this image of a duo in dancing. Of course, the Drow could remember the lack of comfort in the topic of the Waltz, and the discussion before of avoiding a duo dance in the first place. What changed, she wondered, though the Drow learnt well not to dwell on it. Afterall, she had quite the handsome and charming Bard before her, teasing her with a firm grip and witty remarks. As the flow of that dance continued, she couldn't help but adjust by laying her formerly idle hands against Grey's shoulders. For support, and perhaps understanding that the Bard wouldn't be letting go so simply. \n\n\"Bothering? I-I doubt I could call it that.\" Uttered the Drow, lost with her stares upwards to the Man. That quietened tone was not one she had heard from him before. It felt personal, reserved only for her in what seemed to be quite the intimate moment. \n\nA blush-filled smile shined through after the further compliments, a haze of interest flooding her thoughts. To her own inspections, she saw a tanned Elf. Likely Khisfire born, toned and the sort. Handsome, athletic, talented. Above all, free. It was a wonder to learn from this one, one that offered her a service with little price. He wasn't there for her purse, there seemed a genuine intrigue in the Drow. Her, not just her status in the social hierarchy.\n\nThose moments seemed to last for awhile, the Bard suddenly speechless seemed a delight to witness. Lost in eachother's eyes, no cheeky smirk to show the need to create drama from the situation. It seemed real. \n\nIt was why when the Bard made his sudden attempt, that she wouldn't fight it. It was as if she herself seemed to accept, lips planted against eachother. Her pale blue gaze fluttered, soon closing as she held onto Grey and his embrace. There was a softness to her own features, a delicate touch from an otherwise sociable creature. By how she relaxed in his grip, perhaps it was clear what she felt of the situation as a whole."
}
] | 556.5 | 3,328 |
429 | 2023-03-20 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Grey",
"message": "Although the Succubus had struggled to wake up earlier, he looked more present now, his clothes simple but neat, hair tied neatly behind his back, and his expression was his usual smile. Of course, he was wearing his disguise once more, the dark-skinned Elven lad that looked like he could be from this area, but he could be from another area as well, it was hard to tell.\n\nUnlike the woman in front of him, Grey hadn't bothered with anything resembling breakfast. If she didn't know about his true nature, he might have had some for the sake of appearances, but with Vierna, he didn't bother. It was wholly unnecessary for him - and frankly, after having gone so long without consuming anything, he found the feeling of doing so to be fairly unpleasant. No, he would much rather feast off others' adoration instead.\n\nThat was why he held his lute in his hands, absently playing a melody. He sat on his chair leaned backwards somewhat, right foot resting on his left knee, the lute supported on his right leg. He was humming softly as he played, a melody that was quite pleasant to listen to. It wasn't anything in particular, just a relaxed tune that matched the early morning atmosphere of the tavern. Although it wasn't much, there was some adoration coming his way from other customers that seemed to appreciate the background music in the early morning.\n\n\"So,\" Grey began, his fingers continuing to play without him needing to consciously think about it. \"Was there anything in particular you wanted to do today?\" His gaze, which had been drifting around the room, turned to Vierna, looking at her with his smile widening slightly. \"Hmm, I have to say, darling, when I told you that you would look gorgeous in those clothes, I was absolutely right.\" Complimenting her while also stroking his own ego a little, a true Grey special."
},
{
"author": "Vierna Argith, Enchantress",
"message": "Even the simple notion of not being a breakfast person held a subtle clue in Grey's personal wants. Of course, there would be no need to make that detective work. The relaxing aura of the Bard was telling, for many a secret had been spilled. Surprising, perhaps, was the fact that they still remained close. \n\nDigging into the last of that Khisfire breakfast, Vierna ate with a mix of dignified standards yet also the growing itch to just do whatever she wanted. She had been in Lazaroth for a century, following Noble procedures and engaging in habits engraved in her memory. It was hard to get away from that, yet by her gradual prodding into this culture would she find the courage. \n\nA relatively clean plate would be left, a settling down of her cutlery as she hummed in thought with a brief wipe of her mouth. Would she be a critic? A playful ponder came by a trace of her finger against chin, smirking along at the melody played by Grey just infront of her. It would lead to her attention straying from the food in question, more now to the gaze that followed back and the words that the Bard spoke. \n\nThat question by Grey was quite the important one. What was there to do in the famed City of Thieves? She had heard of some landmarks, some locations of interest.. Really, the Drow desired to just go with the flow. Her answer would be cut short by the clever remarks from Grey, his special technique ever noted as she snickered at the playfulness. \"Tsst, how clever you are, Grey.\" Vierna teased back. Indeed, on the topic of her attire it was certainly a different blend to her Lazarothian wear. Khisfire themed, soothing silk travelled sparingly from her arms down to her legs, the showing of skin a clear focus as it suited the heat-filled land that was Khisfire. Especially noted in the midriff area, leaving the view of her dark skin adorned by those white dapples that mirrored the night sky. \n\n.\n\nThe Drow eventually continued however on the topic of locations. \"Well.. I know of some places we could visit. That large market in the Capital, perhaps? I don't know, Grey. I just want to see new things. And hopefully.. Not get robbed doing it.\""
},
{
"author": "Grey",
"message": "It was somewhat amusing to watch Vierna eat in such a dignified way in a place like this, but Grey decided not to tease her about the subject. It was hard dropping old habits, he knew, especially when one had been nobility for so many years. It had taken him years to give up on his old habits, and he hadn't even been committed to the act all that much in the first place. Frankly, she was doing a pretty good job at it, all things considered.\n\nPart of him did wonder what it tasted like - or, rather, how she experienced the taste. The cuisine of this land must be very different from what she was used to, Grey assumed. He kept his eyes on her, watched her reaction, noted her hum as she wiped her mouth, and then her smile. Was it good, or was that smile directed at him? Part of him quietly hoped it was the latter.\n\nUnable to figure out what she thought from her reactions alone, Grey decided to just ask directly. \"Did it taste good?\" He questioned, nodding his head at the empty plate. He figured that the chance that it did was decently large, judging from how she'd emptied the plate, but there was the chance that she'd just done so for politeness' sake, or because she didn't want to waste the money spent to buy the meal, or hurt the tavern owner's feelings. He didn't figure it would be any of those things, yet still, there was a chance.\n\nHe gave a light chuckle at her tease, continuing to strum the little tune, although it had changed, morphed into something a little more cheerful, a carefree melody that spoke of freedom, one clearly based on songs from this land. \"Why, thank you,\" He replied, \"Always a pleasure to know my wits are appreciated.\" His gaze lingered on her, appreciating her clothing - and yes, the skin she was showing, it was one of her most beautiful aspects, in his eyes.\n_ _\n\n\"The market is a lovely place to visit indeed,\" He mused, \"But the risk of being robbed is a very real one. Especially if one stands out as much as yourself.\" Grey offered a soft smile to hopefully show that he wasn't trying to insult her, just stating a fact. \"Although the risk may be lowered if there's two of us. Either way, it's a lovely suggestion, darling. I would love to join you.\""
},
{
"author": "Vierna Argith, Enchantress",
"message": "That soft smile of hers seemed to be intended for both, of course still the mystery as Vierna never answered the fluttering thoughts within Grey. The question would bring the topic back to mind however, perhaps realising that the Incubus may have seen that dignified manner in which she ate. Gods, did she imagine the teasing, thankfully spared as she nodded back while in some reply. \"Mmh, it was..! No Cat hairs, too, fortunately.\" A snicker in her tone, a passing glance to the array of Cats that wandered this Tavern. \n\nThough as the thoughts of the wandering Felines passed, the Drow caught on to the chuckles of the Bard. Casually she rested an elbow against the table, hand against chin as she witnessed the wandering gaze of the Incubus upon her and her newly adorned Khisfire attire. A smile would show, despite the words so blatantly stroking Grey's ego. Of course, behind it she could see the hidden affections to her and the look she wanted to offer on this Khisfire adventure. \"Oh, you know they are appreciated. Your wits. That's why I'm keeping you around, of course.\" Another little teasing remark, enjoying the back and forth. \n\nOf course, she naturally continued on to the talk of markets, a clear ponder and understanding found even when considered insulting. Of course, it wasn't insulting at all. She was a Drow, of course she'd stray from the norm. It would help with her further mocking remarks. \"Well, if you believe two together could stray away those Thieves. Though, who'd try and steal from a Drow? What manner of evil magic could they conjure in vengeance, hm..?\" Playing into the stereotypes, Vierna snickered then moved to a more serious tone. Of course, her stares favoured watching Grey closely as she spoke. \"We'll be careful. I know we will, mhm..\""
},
{
"author": "Grey",
"message": "The bard followed her gaze, glancing at some of the animals wandering around. Luckily, they didn't seem to be approaching the two of them very often, he'd never really been a big fan of animals. He didn't hate them, but he didn't particularly like them either - and of course, for that reason, they tended to adore him. It was a bit of a pain, he much preferred it when people adored him.\n\n\"I am glad to hear that.\" He smiled as he looked back at Vierna. \"A good breakfast makes for a great way to end a lovely night, does it not? At least, I think so.\" From the way he continued playing his music and the glances some of the other patrons cast in his direction, it seemed he was enjoying breakfast too, in his own way.\n\nIf he weren't busy with that, Grey would gladly have imitated her gesture, lean forward to look deeper into those sky blue eyes of hers. Oh well, he was content to just exchange banter, a relaxing morning after such an intense evening. \"Well, I'm sure there must be other reasons to keep me around. Judging from those noises you were making yesterday, I'm certain there was at least one other thing I'm good at.\" Smirking, his eyebrows went up once or twice, suggestively. It was a strange thing to be chatting so casually with her, but Grey was enjoying himself greatly. He hoped Vierna felt the same way.\n_ _\n\nGrey gave a light chuckle at that. They were accusations he was all too familiar with, although perhaps he was told them less, with his usual disguises hiding his identity. \"Well, there's always the fools that don't listen to the warnings, or the clever ones that know they're untrue.\" Even if a large part of the people wouldn't dare touch a Drow, there were always outliers. \"But I believe our respective magic power is enough to stop anyone from daring to touch us.\" There was something sinister in his smile for just a moment, almost as if Grey wanted someone to try and take from him, so that he could show the true terrifying extent of his powers. It was gone as soon as it had appeared, though."
},
{
"author": "Vierna Argith, Enchantress",
"message": "The Drow herself didn't seem to mind those furry creatures, an amused glance upon the stray animals that seemed to both demand attention aswell as neglect it. A complex creature, one that brought most to heel by their cuteness. As Grey made no really fuss of them, Vierna seemed slightly intrigued. A passing thought came to mind, then silence as she focused elsewhere. \n\n\"How could I even disagree with that, Grey?\" Vierna spoke in amusement, a finger tapping at her lips before continuing. - \"It does make for a great start to the day, too. I assume you're having your fill already..?\" Quietly she nodded to the very lute Grey played, more in reference to the growing enjoyers of that cheerful tune that she imagined allowed the Incubi to feed. \n\nThough that next remark particularly left her tongue tied, for once underestimating the sheer audacity of the Bard's remarks. It left her to snicker, a playful shake of her head as she tried best to think of some witty counter - instead, a showcase of some defeat by the nod of her head. \"Tsst.. Okay, fine. One other thing..\" Allowing Grey the theoretical victory with her own tinge of playfulness, Vierna would eventually lean back.\n\nA casual adjustment of her attire would be made as a perked brow followed the words of Grey. It intrigued her, by the way of his words and the smile that offered that more sinister tone. Whatever it was, it seemed exciting. A faint smile lingered as she offered words in curiousity. - \"Oh..? Finding other ways to impress me, hm?\""
}
] | 429.5 | 2,574 |
323.857143 | 2023-03-21 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Grey",
"message": "The Succubus' smile soured at her mention of his own sustenance. Although he kept playing, there was a notable pause in the music, lasting for one or two seconds. Saying nothing, he took a moment to glance around the tavern, making sure that nobody was listening. \"Please refrain from talking about *That* In public,\" He told her, his voice suddenly much softer and very serious. With the way he emphasized the word 'that', he was hoping to get across the message that he was referring to his true nature. Perhaps he was being a little paranoid, but after having spent so much time carefully crafting and protecting his identity, Grey was going to make sure that it wasn't going to be ruined by someone else's passing comment.\n\nAnd just like that, the serious moment was dropped. Grey's smile turned into a wide grin at the defeated nod of Vierna's head, and he couldn't help but chuckle. While it was tempting to prod her more about it, it probably wasn't a great idea to actually do so right now, so he decided to leave it at that, only offering her a wink in response. It was good to know he could still make her somewhat flustered, at least.\n\nGrey's grin turned back to a normal smile at her remark, the curious tone noted. \"Hmm, let's just say, party tricks aren't the only thing my illusions can be used for,\" He mused, being annoyingly vague on purpose. It would be a shame to just tell her, wouldn't it? That would take away all the excitement and surprise of a big reveal that came when the stakes were much higher than just the two of them, relaxing in a tavern."
},
{
"author": "Vierna Argith, Enchantress",
"message": "Perhaps it hadn't hit her how scary a thought it would be to get exposed in a place like this, her Lazarothian enlightenment in clear view. This was of course Khisfire, a place that despite its freedoms was awfully dangerous to the kind that Grey secretly was. A moment of realisation hit her as the stum of that lute quietened down, the serious tone of Grey clear. Oh, she could feel the tone change ever so suddenly, the caution lingering in the Bard's tone. \n\nThe Drow couldn't help but go quiet in that moment, a slight guilt in her look as she nodded back. A habit she'd have to ease away from, it seemed. \n\nThankfully enough Grey would ease that tension with a smile, still struggling through her words as she eased back. Vierna hated to be in that position, in the wrong like that. A stumbling thought came before she eased into the next topic. Finally, some composure. \"Oh?.. Let's.. Hope we're not put in that situation, then. As awfully dangerous as you can be..\" Perhaps Vierna was encouraging the situation, too, who knew. Really, she just tried best to stray away from the previous topic. \n\n\"So.. Are you ready to go, Grey..?\" Vierna added quickly, a finger tapping against the table as she watched him carefully."
},
{
"author": "Grey",
"message": "Grey watched Vierna carefully, eyes narrowing slightly. Although he hadn't meant to make her feel guilty, he knew that he had to properly get the message across. It was a real danger, and if the two of them weren't careful enough, he could end up imprisoned, or worse. That was one thing she would have to learn, something he might have to teach her, perhaps. Grey was more than aware that the noble lifestyle tended to keep one away from such troubles, and especially from her land, where species such as the two of them were apparently more accepted.\n\nHer silence spoke volumes, though, and the guilt in her expression as she nodded made it clear that it indeed hadn't been her intention. Glad that his message had gotten across, Grey offered her a forgiving smile. It really hadn't been that big of a deal, nobody else seemed to have heard, so he wasn't mad at her at all, he was just happy that she was willing to listen.\n\nIt seemed that it was best to move on from the topic. Perhaps it was something to discuss later, in the privacy of the bedroom, but not here and now, not with all this attention on the two of them - him, specifically. \"Hmm, let's hope we're not indeed,\" He replied with a light chuckle. Was she not believing how much of a menace his illusions could be? Making someone see things that weren't there, forcing them to face their worst fears, or even just the very simple illusion of making them believe there was solid ground where there was none. Of course, Grey would much rather not use his magic for such things, but if he was forced to, well, there wasn't much he could do about it.\n\n\"Of course I am.\" Grey took a moment to finish the melody, just a few quick bars at the end that led to an ending. \"I suppose I should leave this behind, shouldn't I? It won't do me much good out there.\" He held up his trusty lute, smiling slightly."
},
{
"author": "Vierna Argith, Enchantress",
"message": "The Drow certainly felt the stress of that moment, a worry if she breached already be trust that Grey bestowed upon her. What a fool she felt, to dive so close to the sun.. Though, that sudden smile would be her solace. Forgiveness, it seemed, one that shone over her in a blissful ease back to some calm. Gods, was she grateful. \n\nOf course, Vierna was left to ponder on the prowess of those illusions. I mean, to think that he had to alter his appearance everywhere he went, it was an interesting one. Clearly Grey was powerful in his own right, but she herself felt too trusting of him to consider him scary in the way that a coming thief might.\n\nVierna would keep quiet of her own magic, however. It was a simple topic before, having used it without much permission to calm Grey down before. She herself carried a frightening potential of just what her Enchantment magic could do, but didn't seem to entertain the topic or a possible hidden ego of her own.\n\nBy the relief she found from his forgiveness, her tone notably calmed. A warm smile returned to eye the Lute that Grey held up, a playful shrug before those tapping fingers of hers gripped instead to help ease herself back up to her feet. \"Mmh, probably for the best. No less a crowd would be on our heels.\" Vierna snickered, a casual stretch offered before grabbing at her pouch of things and clutching it close. There would be a moment where she looked about, glancing upon the patrons and offering a faint smile if they were in the place to look back."
},
{
"author": "Grey",
"message": "Grey chuckled at her comment, a cheerful sound that he hoped showed that he truly wasn't mad about what she said earlier. Really, it was just a slipup, a mistake, one that he had used as a teaching moment, sure, but not much more than that. In his mind, he was happy to forget it had ever happened.\n\nStanding up and imitating her stretch, Grey turned to the stairway. \"Indeed, that sounds awfully bothersome when we're just trying to enjoy ourselves. I'll be right back, darling.\" He winked at Vierna, then blew a kiss in her direction before heading up the stairs, hiding the lute in his room and returning within the span of less than a minute. It never felt great to leave the thing behind, but he had covered it up in illusions to make it invisible to most, so it was unlikely anyone would dare steal it.\n\nUpon returning, Grey held out his hand to her, palm facing up, his other hand on his back. It looked like the stance a gentleman might take before asking a lady to dance, and was likely just his playful nature shining through. \"Well then, shall we?\" He asked with his most charming smile, one that just about anyone would find difficult to resist. \"Lead the way, darling.\""
},
{
"author": "Vierna Argith, Enchantress",
"message": "That chuckle would certainly heighten her spirits, a keen smile flickering on the Drow's expression. Certainly, it helped her to be better around Grey and his unique position in life. Helped, in some ways, to allow her into that secret lifestyle of his.\n\nA smirk grew clear at the clever words of Grey, eyeing his wink with a chuckle as the man soon departed. It wouldn't take him long, that much was clear by the speed of his movement. In that time, Vierna casually neared the entrance with a brief adjustment of her attire and hair. The outside of Khisfire awaited the pair, a passing glance made through the nearby windows in thought. How hot it looked, and aswell how active. Eventful, would be the right word for the day, she imagined. \n\nThose ponders eased away however as Grey returned, a smile upon the man as he descended down those stairs and soon directly infront of her. An eagerness to see what he'd do, she couldn't help but offer that smirk again by the gesture of his hand. An all too familiar invitation, one that earned him the playfulness from the Drow as she offered a mock curtsey. \"We shall.\" Offered in a soft tone, her hand reached forward to carefully take his. It seemed Grey wanted her to lead, which made quite the sense. A quick nod, a hold against his, then she'd be off to lead the pair out into the World of Khisfire. Off to the markets, presumably!"
},
{
"author": "Grey",
"message": "He gave Vierna's hand a light squeeze when she took it, smile ever-present on his lips. Although Grey wasn't particularly looking forward to leaving the cool air of the building to go outside, he was glad that Vierna would be there with him - plus, it was still morning, so surely the heat wouldn't be that bad, right? Perhaps, once it got truly unbearable, they could go find somewhere to get a bite to eat, a nice cool drink, just do as little as possible. But, that was for later.\n\nIndeed, no matter what Grey wanted to do, he'd decided that he would let Vierna lead the way today. He'd been in this city plenty of times before, after all, and he was looking forward to seeing it through her eyes, a newcomer in the place. Really, all he was planning on doing this day was go along with her, maybe steer her away from a few bad decisions, if necessary. Making some mistakes was to be expected, of course, but there were some things he didn't want her to go through.\n\nGrey followed her without protest, happy to go with her to wherever she decided to lead him. It seemed she was headed for the markets, and he was glad to join her. It was always fun to stroll over the market, see what everyone had to offer, even if one didn't end up buying anything. And who knew, maybe he could buy her a present or two, he'd have to see what would happen."
}
] | 316 | 2,267 |
161 | 2021-12-17 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Theradin Blackhelm",
"message": "*Theradin stood in an aisle, browsing the shelves. He looked at title after title, muttering each one, frustrated. He took one book off the shelves with a Griffin on the cover, but it was a book about exotic creatures. He put the book down.* \n\n\"Gosh darn it!\" *He said perhaps a bit to loudly. Realizing his mistake, he quickly sat down and began looking over his notes. His biggest problem was this was looking for a needle in a haystack, the library was massive, and the records would be scarce, if they still existed. He sat down with his headache.*"
},
{
"author": "buzzledns",
"message": "Skalyre too, was in the library. He was looking up some books on new types of dishes he could make, he got rather bored of the usual meals and decided to try and switch it up. He wandered aimlessly, as you could find cooking books in several rows, either the aisle dedicated to cuisine and related stuff, which he had pretty much been trough completely, or the culture aisle, where you find more of the local books with region specific recipes, or maybe he could try out the history aisle, and find some long gone recipes.\n\nIt was then that he heard the dwarf in the aisle opposite of him. *\"Gosh darn it!\"* Skalyre decided to drop his search and made his way over to the man, calmly approaching him and watching him look at his notes.\n**\"I'm sorry, I couldn't help but hear you might be having some trouble, could I maybe help?\"**\nHe said with a warm and friendly smile, hoping that his polite tone and smile would at least distract Theradin. From his evil appearance\n||"
},
{
"author": "Theradin Blackhelm",
"message": "*He shrugged.* \"I guess you could help, although you'll probably think me mad, and you'd probably be right. I'm looking for records on any historical Dwarven kingdoms, along with a realm called Leteron. Know anything about that?\" \n\n*He didn't really think that the man would know more. He himself was literally chasing a dream, and doubted any of it was real. It was only the odd similarities between what he saw and that one song that he was going on. Perhaps that could be a lead that would be more fruitful.*\n\n\"And, if you know of any, books on the myths of the dwarves. Hopefully they'll be more intact than my memory alone.\""
}
] | 143 | 483 |
233.833333 | 2021-12-18 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "buzzledns",
"message": "Skalyre looked at the dwarf as he spoke, having a bit of difficulty understanding the accent. After all he hadn't met that much dwarves before, other than those in books. Luckily, he managed to understand the man just good enough. Once he was done speaking, Skalyre thought for a moment before speaking himself.\n\n**\"I have a feeling that you might prefer the history over the culture aisle, they're both very similar but have a decisive difference, one is more about all time and the present, while the other is about the things that most have forgotten already, such as the realm Leteron.\"**\n\nHe started walking and looked back at the man. **\"Right this way\"** He continued, walking a few aisles all marked with a similar symbol of some sort of temples ruins, each filled with rows upon rows of history books, so much that they even had different sections for the elves, orcs, shapeshifters, and all other races. Then Skalyre turned into a different aisle, which was filled with books, decorated in a traditional dwarven style.\n\n**\"This aisle, the one next to this, and the one after that are filled with Dwarf history. If you had any chance, this'd be where it is. I'll take a look on the left side, and you look at the right side, and maybe we'll find something mentioning said realm.\"\"** \nHe said with a smile, waiting for Therading to begin before he himself started searching trough the books."
},
{
"author": "The Weaver of Stories",
"message": "As Theradin followed Skalyre through the library and various rows of hundreds of books, the row they had stopped in front of was surprisingly empty. At least the dwarf section that was. Even more strangely, there were even less books on humans. There were less than half a dozen books on dwarves, though the four available read as follows.\n\n*\"Dwarven Masters of the Forge\"*, a book obviously on the dwarves prowess over forging and smithing.\n*\"The Lost History of the Dwarves\"*, a history book on dwarves, damaged and missing pages, but still intact.\n*\"Recipes of the Lost Age\"*, a recipe book written by a dwarf containing hundreds of dwarven recipes supposedly spanning back to the time of the dragons.\n*\"Dwarven Culture & Traditions\"*, a book teaching the reader about traditions passed down through the various generations of dwarves.\n\nThere was only a single book on humans, and it read as follows.\n\n*\"The Great Dying.\"*, a large black book thats become decrepit with time. Obviously a recounting of the war, but there are a significant amount of pages missing. A symbol of a griffin can be seen on the front of the book, alongside a dragon. The two seem to be clashing."
},
{
"author": "Theradin Blackhelm",
"message": "*Seeing the books, he broke out in a smile, and laughing, he turned to Skalyre, saying* \"I've been looking for hours, and here you come along and find them in 5 minutes! You sir work miracles.\"\n\n*He walked over to the books, and pulled them off, carefully turning the pages.* \"I'm surprised that such records have survived this long. It has to have been, what, at least 10 millennia? Since the great dying?\" \n\n*Seeing the griffin crest fighting the dragon, he muttered,* \"Well I'll be darned.\" *He pulled out his notes, thinking, and turning to his crude drawing of the griffin crest.* \"It's the same crest.\""
},
{
"author": "buzzledns",
"message": "**\"You could say I'm a regular around here.\"** He said in response to Theradin. Feeling a bit of joy from the compliments he had just gotten.\n\nAs he checked the 2 books on his side, he muttered their names as he quickly opened the books to see the index, checking for any mention of the name of the realm. **\"Recipes.. Won't be it.. Lost history?.. There might just be.. Something... In here... Maybe.. Hm, doesn't seem like it.\"** He placed the books back and walked over to Theradin, hoping he had more luck.\n\nHe looked at the book he was holding, taking note of the crest.\n**\"Are you sure this is about Leteron? The crest could merely be coïncidence, animals fighting is a common crest on human books. Such violent nature in those creatures.\"** He said as he softly shook his head, remembering more tales of humans fighting than even orcs fighting.\n\n||"
},
{
"author": "The Weaver of Stories",
"message": "As Theradin skimmed through the books pertaining to his research, he'd find many pages were torn out. Looking through *'The Great Dying'* He'd find many pages on the tales of how the dragons met their extinction. Of course it's well known that the humans were the main cause of their demise, but the same could be said for the dragons wiping out the humans. That still didn't fully explain why the dwarven kingdom Theradin saw in his dream shared the same crest on the book...\n\nFlipping through the pages, Theradin would find a small paragraph of a half torn out page around the middle section of the blackened book. It read as follows;\n\n*\"-skies darkened as the heralds of the Great Dying filled the sky. Wings of all colors seemed to block out the sun, yet the humans stood defiant against their tyrannical reign. Dragons for the longest time were nearly impossible to slay. It'd take hundreds of men and women to take down one, let along the hundreds that wished to destroy the human kingdom of Leteron. The king of Leteron, King Crysteffor Octavius Audemar, reached out to the smaller dwarven kingdom of To-.. Ach...\"* The text for a few lines is unreadable, however it continues farther down the page.\n\n*\"-great forges beneath the earth, though they have since been lost and buried far below the ground. Their exact location to this day is not known, but many have speculated the chasm between northern Alynthi and the south western border is where just one of their any forges is located. \"*"
},
{
"author": "Theradin Blackhelm",
"message": "*The dwarf wrote notes down quickly, noting down that Leteron had been a human kingdom allied with some dwarven kingdom. It seemed to him that the humans were unable to repel the assault without the dwarves.*\n\n\"It is about Leteron, it was a human kingdom before the Great Dying. But there is a lead yet. Let me check these other books. There was a Dwarven kingdom they were allied with, I can't make out the name. They might have had an outpost near the Great Chasm, but I don't know if I trust one source enough to go there, especially not alone.\" *He cracked open another book and continued reading, this time \"The Lost History of the Dwarves\"*"
}
] | 229.5 | 1,403 |
292.5 | 2022-07-02 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "*Leoth was quite pleased with Voxir's understanding and compassion to his ideas and views. It wasn't often he was able to meet other like minded people that he could spark inspiration and ideas from. This was a very exciting moment for him indeed. Hearing Voxir's request, the tinkering Dwarf began to spin the gears in his mind. Ideas spinning all over., he began to twirl at the ends of his long beard and then he re-folded the page of his machinations and flipped to a surprisingly empty page combination that extended out as much as the other had.*\n\n\"Please, lay your hand out on the paper, I need to outline your measurements perfectly so it is as easy putting as it is taking it off. On top of that, I need to make sure it fits snug and connects to the very energy you pull from to cast your magic... What would you say is the main energy you cast when you find yourself using your magic?\""
},
{
"author": "Voxir Arvarax",
"message": "Reaching out his hand, Voxir laid his deep purple hand across the sheet of paper. As his hand's trace was drawn, the warlock eyed the dwarf curiously as Leoth asked questions of Voxir's magic. The temptations and promises of his patron flickering in his mind, though he knew not the name of such a being, if that's what Leoth meant. The pull and desire to forge a path to the Kandagulu jungles was one that Voxir felt each and every day, but one he ultimately ignored in favor of his duty to the Order. Nevertheless, the dwarf needed an answer if Voxir wished to see such a gauntlet. \"I am a warlock, though I namely utilize evocation. As I'm sure you know, dragonborn retain very minute levels of breath magic, similar to our creators the dragons.\" Gesturing with his hand, Voxir opened his mouth a bit wider than if he were to speak.\n\nSoon, lightning crackled out of the dragonborn's mouth. Through his teeth, over his tongue into a calm but fierce rolling thunder. The lightning itself stayed close to its origin point of Voxir's mouth, giving no harm to anything or anyone around him. The noise was magnificent, almost as if a storm brewed within Voxir's chest. It wasn't deafening, no, just a rolling thunder. Gentle and calm, a stark contrast to the energy that crackled through Voxir's sharp teeth. After a moment of display, the warlock closed his mouth. \"If you're curious of my patron, I am afraid I will not be sharing such a detail of my life with you. Not at any fault or blame of your own, but my relationship with the being that grants me most of my magical power is private to me and only me.\" With a nod of respect, Voxir hoped his answer would be good enough for the dwarf."
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "*Leoth was lost in amazement. He'd heard the stories and first hand experiences, but seeing it for himself, his mind was abuzz with what possibilities may come from this design. He began rapidly putting notes down on his being and his make-up of biology. He was already piecing the ideas together in his mind. As he began finishing up some of his notes and listened to the rest of Voxir's words, he could only nod in response, respecting the Dragonborn's privacy and state of the matter.*\n\n\"Oh I can assure you, your patron is your business. Knowing your heartfire's origin is all I need. All that's left is to take this to my forge and create you the greatest tool to your future you'll ever need! My only question I have left, how much or little metal are you okay with?\"\n\n*He knew it was slightly strange question, but he didn't want it to look gaudy to the Dragonborn if he wasn't one to want items that shone like the golden pillars of the afterlife. This was his chance to ensure it was useful, practical and for those that didn't know him, fashionable. Leoth was one that believed if it couldn't look as good as it was useful, what was the point? To him, this job was an art and a craft. This Dwarf would be damned if he didn't bring both to a whole other level of mastery this plane had never seen before.*"
},
{
"author": "Voxir Arvarax",
"message": "\"Craftsmen's choice. Though, for the gauntlet to match my current robes and scale color would be quite the sight.\" Voxir chuckled to himself a bit at the thought. Gesturing to his robes, Voxir was dressed in Order issued enchanted robes of deep red, which complimented his deep purple scales nicely. Once Leoth was done tracing his hand, he pulled it away and rested it back in front of him. \"As you can tell and as I've said, I do not typically wear any sort of armor. My robes are magically enchanted, so the lighter the gauntlet looks on me the better, though I suppose performance over appearance is the best way to go about it.\" The better something worked the better it was, regardless of what it looked like, Voxir believed.\n\n\"How long do you believe it will take to craft such a gauntlet?\" Voxir scratched his chin in thought. He'd never heard of a gauntlet or armor of any kind such as this, it'd be interesting and quite an honor to have. Glancing back at Leoth, Voxir could see the excitement in his eyes, causing a smile to from across the dragonborn's face. While the warlock was a bit of a loner, this interaction proved to be more than a positive one. Perhaps not all were as hateful towards dragonborn anymore. Perhaps more people had forgotten their hate for Voxir's people..."
}
] | 293.5 | 1,170 |
345.333333 | 2022-12-23 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Damir Walch",
"message": "Damir quietly walked through the dusty shelves. As he looked through the books that expanded as far as he could see, he couldn't help but feel a hint of pride. This was no mere library, but this was the collected knowledge of an entire kingdom over centuries. Not to unlike himself he realized with a chuckle. He returned to his search, a slight grin on his face.*\n\n*As he walked through the shelves his eye fell on a collection of ancient tomes. The tomes were easily centuries old, but were otherwise unremarkable. He smiled as he read their title. They was not why he had journied here, but the fact they still had those books after all these years impressed him. It was not everywhere nowadays you could find a book pened by yourself a lifetime ago.* \n\n*But he had to move quickly. His presence as a vampire in the Capital had not been difficult to conceal, especially with the daylight ring he had made for himself. But that didn't mean he was truly safe. The guard were no fools, and would not suffer knowingly a vampire, especially one like him who didn't care what commoner was unfortunate enough to cross his path. He had to be fast if he would find the tomes he was looking for.*"
},
{
"author": "Fabien Allard",
"message": "Also wandering those dim-lit library halls was another man. A man who—only hours earlier—had wetted his blades on the flesh of a grimy gang leader who the Ragged were contracted to kill. It was an easier contract than he had expected, and the gang leader's soul had been offered to his god almost effortlessly. Not particularly a *Worthy* Sacrifice. But the contract, of course, was now completed and so the Priest of Ygdramen was here, in Alythni's capital library, browsing the old texts and documents for something specific. He'd been interested by some rumors of an ancient archive describing the lost combat techniques of a pre-Dying human tribe and thought he should search the capital library while he was still here. \n\n So now, dressed in thick layers of fine traveller's robes and draped in even finer jewelry, walked casually through the aisles of books, looking for anything that might've been linked to what he was searching for. His white mask, now dirty with grime and some dried blood, was clasped to the back of his hip. Not wearing it would make it easier to see in the library. As he went on, moving from one aisle to the next, he hesitated for a moment. Another man was standing in section he planned on browsing next, seemingly focused on the shelves in front of him. Fabien began to move onto the next row of texts and leave the man in silence when he saw some ancient looking tomes, coincidentally directly beside the other man. Those tomes could've been what he was looking for, so he shuffled into the aisle with his hands in the folds of his robes, scanning intently at the dusty archives. He tried to remain at a respectable distance to the man, and flipped through the pages of a book he grabbed from the shelves with intent and focus.\n\nAs the Priest flipped through the old, dusty pages, he risked some side glances at the other man. It was by instinct that Fabien felt uneasy around strangers, and so he remained guarded as he quietly observed what looked like to be some sort of noble, or scholar of some sort. The stranger was tall—just about as tall as Fabien himself, it seemed—and had skin more pale than he was used to. They definitely weren't from Khisfire. Fabien continued his hidden observations whilst flipping through the book, the only sounds in the hall the turning of the pages and subtle creaking of the lanterns above."
},
{
"author": "Damir Walch",
"message": "*After noting with amusement the presence of his books that he wrote centuries ago, Damir moved on quickly. He moved on to the next row of books, looking at the shelves. He found a book that might at least give him an idea where to look for the secrets he sought, a rather old tome on the history and development of magic. He picked up the book and began to thumb through its pages.* \n\n*He smelled the presence of another man before he heard him. It was not a man he knew but he knew the smell of old blood as well as anything. He subtly looked around, taking care not to appear aware of the man who has shown up. He closes the book, puts it under his arm, and walks a short distance to an armchair, not within sight of the other man, but facing the asle.*\n\n*Pushing the other fellow off as just another library guest, he turned his focus to his book. He began idly reading about magic and it's principles. Much of it is items he already knows, but he stops on the section on Enchantment magic. He already possesses decent skill in that discipline, but it is always useful to learn, especially with his plans. He idly reviews the contents, wondering if there is anything new in this book or other books that could aid him.*"
}
] | 270 | 1,036 |
426.571429 | 2022-01-16 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Astalios, Iron Prince",
"message": "\"Good morning, Miss Vuldrey!\" *He called back, satisfied that he had finally found the silver-haired woman he had been searching for in the markets. He had thought for the moment that he might have needed to go to the woods again. Not that he would have minded, but it was at least a bit more convenient for the time being. He dismounted in a fluid motion, swinging off of the back of Tempest and handing the reins to the nearest guard as he approached her, striding forward with a smile that matched hers.*\n\n\"I must apologize for the long time frame between our meetings, but the fact is, I was quite busy dealing with the investigation in Lerwick to be around in the market. I was quite afraid I'd lost you to the forest again - and I'm not sure another conveniently placed quail was going to pop up for me to fulfill my word that I'd come and visit.\" *He chuckled, running a hand through his hair as he contemplated the journey he'd been on. A rather lengthy investigation had been commenced and brokered on the same night that he had announced he was looking to get married - and court life had from then on been nothing but a cacophony that made the slaving trial of the Agarvarans sound like sweet music.*\n\n\"If you might bear my company for a few moments, I suppose you ought to know what happened with our mutual friend from the woods - and those that burned Heartford.\" *His expression shifted to the more characteristic solemn stoicism he tried to display in court, steeling himself against the tide that was to come. There was also no need to announce his marriage-seeking announcement - if she didn't know, that was all right by him. If she did, and didn't mention it, that spoke to her character.*"
},
{
"author": "Roesia Vuldratrada",
"message": "*Roesia's smile persisted for some time, but the mention of Lerwick caused that smile to be replaced with a slight frown. Most of the kingdom's news didn't reach her ears for obvious reasons, but even when in the capital the ranger didn't go out of her way to read up on the current goings on. If she happened to hear something from passersby, that was about it for her news intake. From his tone, she hoped the news was somewhat better than she had originally thought it would be. If those responsible for so many murders were caught, the world would surely be a better place. As for the marriage announcement, it had yet to reach her of course. Roesia preferred the news of the woods than drama of the kingdoms.*\n\n\"I didn't mind the wait at all. Gave me time to do some more hunting and make more coin in the process. Though the thought of you looking through the woods for me is quite funny. I doubt you're best tracker could find me.\" *Roesia offered a playful wink, but her words rang true. The ranger was extremely light on her feet, and knew how to not only cover her tracks, but trick those that tried to follow her into thinking she had gone a completely different way. Walking up closer to the prince, Roesia offered a gentle nod.*\n\n\"Would you rather discuss Heartford away from the bustle of the crowds?\" *Her question was mainly out of worry for the wrong ears hearing. The enter thing was stressful, especially for Richard. The Gods only knew how he was handling this information, if he had heard it yet that is. Was Roesia hearing all of this before him? She didn't let those questions wonder in her brain for too long however, as Roesia wished to know who and how this whole situation happened.*"
},
{
"author": "Astalios, Iron Prince",
"message": "\"Still, I usually make it a point to be as punctual as possible when dealing with appointments. I wouldn't have liked to miss you, especially given the promises I have made. If I start to break my word, then it tends to cascade into a cacophony of court conversation.\" *He grinned as she considered the possibility of him finding her in the woods. It was probably true that he had no idea how to do it himself, but as to whether his rangers could find her, that was another story. Still, she knew the woods best.*\n\n\"Funny you should mention that. I didn't want you to think I was standing you up. Besides, I wonder if I forgot to give you a silver stag figurine. There are many of these tokens of my favor that I give out, but you have certainly earned one. They serve many purposes. Chief among them, I am able to find people with that specific shape in their pockets a bit more quickly. It helps when you have people you need to protect.\" *He shrugged.*\n\n\"Yes, of course.\" *He murmured in agreement as she suggested discussing Heartford someplace else. It was not exactly light conversation for the public ear, and such topics could be a little serious for such a light setting as the marketplace.*\n\n\"If you have a place you would like to discuss, I would find no issue in commencing it there. And I must thank you for being so considerate.\" *He nodded his head in gratitude to her.*"
},
{
"author": "Roesia Vuldratrada",
"message": "\"I don't think even those gossiping in court truly enjoy it to begin with.\"\n\n*Roesia giggled a bit, reminiscing to her days as a young lady of a noble family. This was of course only known to her, but the gossip of royalty and nobility was always exhausting, even to those involved at least in her experience. The uppity nature of those more fortunate left a sour taste in her mouth, nevertheless. Roesia was extremely thankful Astalios wasn't that way, though. As he mentioned a figurine of a stag, Roesia's expression changed to slight confusion. While she wasn't entirely sure what he was talking about, his explanation quickly cleared it up.*\n\n\"No, I don't believe you did. Though I'm sure I would have felt it jab my side with the way Angus handles.\" *Roesia rolled her eyes at the thought of her big 'ol lug of a horse. Hearing Astalios agree to discuss the Heartford matter in private however, Roesia nodded.* \"I don't know how people would feel or react to seeing the prince walk into a dark alley with some hooded woman, so perhaps..-\" *Roesia took a moment to glance around, unsure where they should talk about everything that had happened in the recent days. Eyeing a few of the stalls, she noticed an empty one that was a bit more enclosed and gestured toward it with a nod of her head.\n\nSauntering over with the prince and his ever present escorts, Roesia stepped to the stall and peered in to fully ensure no one was inside. Once the ranger was sure it was empty, she fully stepped in, knowing Astalios would be close behind. It was obviously a stall that hadn't been used in quite some time, made apparent by the dust and empty shelves.* \"Not the nicest place for a prince, but- what all did you find out about Heartford?\" *Roesia turned back to look at Astalios. While the stall was mostly covered by some sort of tarp, the sun shone through occasional small holes or tears within it, causing strangely shaped beams of light to shine through.*"
},
{
"author": "Astalios, Iron Prince",
"message": "\"Undoubtedly, there are people who enjoy gossiping, as it is the center of their lives, and should it be removed, I have simply no idea what they would do with their time. Perhaps do a little work.\" *He joked, thinking back to rows upon rows of lady courtesans at the ball.*\n\n\"A fine suggestion.\" *He acknowledged as he followed her into the empty market stall, making sure that his guards were posted at the door. It did look rather like a secret meeting, he had to admit, but there was nothing really to hide. If he was questioned, he would simply tell the truth about what had happened. There was no need for any fuss. He's supposed that half the problems of gossip in the Kingdom were from people not telling each other what was going on. Communication was rather key.*\n\n\"Well, considering the fact that this particular Prince is used to much worse than a market stall, I would say that it suits me just fine.\" *He replied evenly, crossing his arms as he observed the scene before him. The small sunbeams reminded him of a church. Early mornings were always rather resplendent with sunrise. A small smile entered his face before quickly melting into a serious frown.*\n\n\"There is excellent news, and there is terrible news. The terrible news is that the town of Lerwick has been presided over by a group of rather unsavory slavers for the past few decades. Their crimes against the kingdom range from killing the previous rulers of the town to importing slaves from other nations. Our friend Richard, as I told him, put me on to a very serious problem.\"\n\n\"Thankfully, it appears as though there is some good to be salvaged from the situation. The previous rulers of the town, the Glynfirs, had a daughter that had been involved with a son of the Agarvarans. Their names are Viessa and Dalyor. I found him, got him to tell me his story, and acquired the ledgers that record the selling and buying of slaves. His sister is also not involved in the family treachery. He and Viessa have a daughter, which is why the fire at the mansion happened in the first place. It was to kill any witnesses and keep the elven bloodline as pure as possible. However, Viessa and her daughter were kept as captives, and now they are quite happily free. I have arranged for Dalyor, whom I found as a rather hopeless drunk, to be married to her, and together they will preside over the town. The Agarvarans are in custody as we speak, awaiting their trial and execution, which I had promised Richard that he might be there to carry out.\"\n\n*It was quite a long story, he thought to himself, but the ending did put a smile on his face. Reuniting the two long lost lovers was a happy side to this tragedy that he would never have thought would be present.*"
},
{
"author": "Roesia Vuldratrada",
"message": "Listening to the sheer amount of information, Roesia was quickly dumbfounded. Slaves, lies, treachery, betrayel? God, was she thankful she was no longer in nobility. Shaking her head a bit at it all, Roesia responded rather flabbergasted, \"*Gods*...\" While Roesia didn't follow much in terms of civilization any longer, laws were one of the things she did pay attention to. Mainly to avoid anyone digging into her as a person and her past, but also laws were there for a reason. Slavery in Alynthi was something she never would have thought possible. Roesia didn't have a big opinion on slavery one way or another. If someone was placed a slave for breaking laws or being a terrible being, she understood. If it was over race or simply existing, she knew in her bones it was wrong.\n\n\"Have any of the slaves been set free as of yet? I can't imagine this entire thing will take a short amount of time to clear up and rectify.\" Roesia almost sounded relatively worried about the innocent souls forced to work in the mines of Lerwick. Black lung and other dangers were very real when it came to mining work, but she was more so worried about the slaves being freed. Though, the mention of all of this happening over racist values caused Roesia's frown of concern to turn much more sour and irritated. After all, she was a half-elf herself, born of two different races just as Astalios. \"Blast those who'd dare murder others over their blood. May Ygdramen drown both the Agarvarans in their own racist words.\" Roesia crossed her arms over her chest, shaking her head in disbelief at the entire thing.\n.\n\n\"I would have paid to see both of them arrested.\" Roesia looked over at the beams of light peering through the tarp, her one blue eye almost darkening with irritation. She never could understand how one could hate another based off the color of their skin or the point of their ears or if they have wings or a tail or what have you. After all, everyone you see in each kingdom around the world were children of the Gods. Should they not all be treated the same, as such? Letting out a sigh, Roesia calmed herself a bit more glancing back to Astalios. \"I'm just happy this entire ordeal is done and over with, at least for the most part. Do you believe your court will in fact execute them?\""
},
{
"author": "Astalios, Iron Prince",
"message": "\"As of the present moment, all of the slaves of Lerwick have been freed. Many of them have returned to their jobs in the mines, but this time, being paid a salary tends to make a rather large difference. I expect the amount of ore taken from the mine to decrease in the short term, but that is a small issue compared to the freedom of the workers.\" *He sighed.* \"The whole situation was fairly disturbing, even compared to some battlefields. But hopefully it is finished for the moment. One never knows what is lurking around the corner - and in Alynthi, I had hoped that we might be beyond such things.\"\n\n*There was much to be done before the trial - and there was much he could say to agree with the sentiments put forward by the other half-elf.* \"My he drown them indeed. If you would have paid to see them arrested, I could offer you a seat at the trial, but I doubt that many huntresses of the woods would prefer to spend their time at a rather stuffy government proceeding as opposed to living their lives out in the Greenheart woods like they usually do.\" *He gave a small smile.* \"It will be poor entertainment indeed. The ledgers are very clear.\"\n\n\"And as for the court that will execute them, I am in fact quite sure that they will be found guilty. This is not the least bit owing to the fact that I preside as judge and decide their fate based on the evidence presented to me. It's the benefit of an absolute monarchy that we are allowed such discretion - but I intend to use it to do as much justice as is possible. The trial serves to show the court and the public that we have legitimate reason to act as we do, establish trust.\""
}
] | 376 | 2,986 |
338.5 | 2022-01-17 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Roesia Vuldratrada",
"message": "\"Bah, I have better things to do than watch some racist noble heads roll anyways.\" Roesia rolled her eyes, the statement both coming from a place of anger, but also a way to joke about the grim subject. She was only glad the entire thing was almost over, but another question soon popped into her head. \"With this being such a massive operation would it be too bold to assume there are smaller ones just like it? And what of the suppliers, you said the slaves were from other kingdoms or territories? I'm unsure how the protocol or law would work for them.\" A bit of her noble background was peering out in her sentences but she didn't realize it. She seemed anxious to know how the prince or the royal family as a whole would stop the slave trade coming in to Alynthi.\n\nPerhaps the prince hadn't thought of that just yet however? Though, the short time Roesia's come to know Astalios, she highly doubted that. He was very good at covering all of his tracks, especially when it pertained to the well-being of others. There was a sense of curiosity to all of her words, almost as if she wished to be more involved in the entire situation. Roesia would never outwardly ask, nor would she truly allow herself to do so. Plus, a peasant getting involved with royal or even kingdom to kingdom affairs was a very, *Very* Far stretch. \"I can't say I know much about Dasvaz, but Gantrick is pretty public about its slavery. I'm assuming that's where they came from then?\""
},
{
"author": "Astalios, Iron Prince",
"message": "\"Of course. Many pastimes are much more uplifting than executions.\" *He nodded, a solemn expression upon his face.* \"There were smaller operations near the border, but I have set my men to strengthen if immediately following my discovery. Sneaking anyone in or out is going to be much harder than the last decade has been. I have also dispatched letters to Dazvaz and Gantrick explaining the situation in Lerwick. As for the suppliers, legally I cannot punish them, as in their countries, slavery is not illegal. However, as they were sold into custody here in Alynthi, they have been set free in Alynthi, and given citizenship. They are as any commoner would be.\"\n\n*There was much work to be done, but he had at least tried to make a go of it. The debacle was a deep wound in the nation's perception of the nobility, and if he could patch it up by doing what was right, he would strive to do so. Time, he hoped, would return the favor of the affected people, if only through gestures of trust and preventative measures - there would be no next time.*\n\n\"They came from both Dazvaz and Gantrick. If I could try the slavers for their crimes, I would. But they are not considered criminals in their respective countries, and to change that particular situation would mean going to see King Alyus, and asking him to conform his law to our standards. I believe I cannot give my support to that notion - not only am I presuming to become a moral authority over another nation, I am in his eyes making a sanctimonious demand, violating his sovereignty. Things are bad enough as they are.\" *He sighed, a small bit tired from the whole ordeal. It wasn't the physical action that ever really tired him - it was the mental strain.*"
},
{
"author": "Roesia Vuldratrada",
"message": "\"Hm, I see. If you've done all you could have there's no sense in pondering over bigger issues then.\" Roesia shrugged. Sure, she would love to see the slavers tried for their crimes, but as Astalios said, they aren't crimes in the other kingdoms. Its normal to own and trade and buy and sell slaves in those places. Nasty business, all of it. Shuddering all those thoughts out of her head, Roesia let out a gentle sigh. All this talk of slavery had quite frankly exhausted the poor ranger's brain. Hoping to change the subject, she raised an eyebrow Astalios's way. \"Well, how goes things outside of the world of slave trade then? I don't suppose you've had much time to hone your hunting skills, what with all this drama as of late.\"\n\nHopefully being done with the news of Lerwick, Roesia made her way to the entrance of the stall, tapping gently on the guard's armor to allow them through. The bright sun above them was a bit overbearing, but it would only take seconds to adjust to it. Roesia turned to wait for the prince to follow, as well as hear his answer on how he's been since they last met. Truth be told, it was a bit strange to befriend a prince, being as lowly as Roesia was. She didn't even have a home, as she lived in the woods of the Greenheart. It was all a bit otherworldly, but it wasn't anything she wished to change. In fact, Roesia quite enjoyed his company."
},
{
"author": "Astalios, Iron Prince",
"message": "\"Indeed. It pains me to say I cannot do more, but when that becomes the truth, there is naught but to move on and do good elsewhere.\" *He was quite pleased to move off the subject of the slave trade, then, when she asked about his hunting skills. He hadn't hunted game in some time, but there was the one trip into the woods for a deer. Besides their particular event, with Richard, he had been mostly hunting men up until the point where he had talked to her.*\n\n\"I believe that my hunting skills are still as unrefined as when you last left them, Miss Vuldrey. There have regrettably not been many days that have allowed me to take a hunting trip in the time of trial proceedings - though I have much desired to take one, considering the ruckus that the castle has been in after the ball.\" *The marriage announcement was a troublesome thing, but it had to happen some time or another. It was fate. And a way to deal with the Agarvarans by hooking them in. It was well planned, but the aftermath had been quite... Irritating at times. Many young women of the court came on far too strong. He followed her into the sunlight, shaded his eyes with his hand for a moment.*\n\n\"I have, however, killed a gigantic lizard that was accosting one of my knights's sister, and had many other adventures besides. The only time I have set foot back in the woods was very briefly, and I managed to bring down a deer. I believe I am still cheating, however.\""
},
{
"author": "Roesia Vuldratrada",
"message": "\"Tsk, tsk, tsk.\" Roesia shook her head, scolding the prince at the mention of cheating. It was playful of course, but she was frowning nonetheless. \"We need to get you a bow and teach you how to shoot it *Without* Magic.\" A smile soon overtook her frown, followed by a quiet bout of giggling toward the prince. While she didn't know what ruckus he could be speaking of, even if she half-elf did know of the marriage announcement, she wouldn't care either way. Perhaps congratulate him, but if he shared his disdain over the entire thing, Roesia probably wouldn't try to speak about it. Marriage, especially noble or royal marriage, could sometimes be messy, and even more often than that, without love. Marriage arrangements were a very common thing across kingdoms. It was a simple fact.\n\n\"You just sound like you could use a bit of a break from the royal life, hm?\" Eyeing the guards a bit, she then looked to Astalios with a shrug. \"You know me, I'm always up for a bit of hunting. Well, it is my livelihood so I sort of have to, but..\" Roesia frowned at the thought. Surely she sounded a bit silly at the mention of it, but oh well. If the prince wished to practice his hunting skills, she'd be more than happy to oblige. However, she'd no longer allow him to cheat if he wished to join her in hunting. \"No more cheating however, that's my one prerequisite. Using a bow isn't so hard anyways. I bet you even having a training yard in your castle don't you?\" Was Roesia possibly inviting herself in to help the prince train? Maybe.\n\nWould it work? *Possibly.* It all depended one what Astalios wished to do, but it'd be better to practice with a bow and arrow on a still target rather than a potentially moving one."
},
{
"author": "Astalios, Iron Prince",
"message": "\"Well, Miss Vuldrey, I'm sure you can *Try* To teach me to shoot it without magic, but I have to mention that arrowheads are made of steel. It would be in effect the same as throwing my dagger - really, cheating is all around us.\" *He joked, taking note of the way she laughed about the thought of training him. There was always something about it - he hoped that she wasn't simply around him for the experience of royalty.* \n\n\"A break from royal life would be excellent indeed, but there is more to it than just leaving. I do, however, have a few days with moderate free time at the moment. And hunting trips do seem very attractive.\" *He considered, walking along with her as he listened to the jests and offers of the woman.*\n\n\"If using a bow is not a terribly hard endeavor, then perhaps I might take that offer. No cheating, and your guidance? I have no doubt there is a good chance I may not be horrible after a few iterations.\" *There was a practice yard, but there was not a dedicated yard in the castle. Instead, the barracks had hosted an archery yard.*\n\n\"The barracks could be good for practice, if you're willing to drag me along.\""
}
] | 331 | 2,031 |
363.25 | 2022-01-21 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Roesia Vuldratrada",
"message": "\"Oh I-\" Roesia's cheeks lit up ever so slightly at her mistaking his words, but she laughed it off nonetheless. \"We can do whatever, I don't mind at all. If you've never slept beneath the stars in the woods at night, I'd highly recommend it. Its beautiful.\" Following after Astalios as he spoke, Roesia rolled her eyes a bit at his jests, but smiled as he thanked her. While in her childhood she had visited Findara's castle, being inside of Alynthi's would definitely be a new experience to her. Roesia began to fidget a bit, picking any dust or dirt off of her clothing as they grew closer to the castle entrance. While she knew they wouldn't be wondering the halls, per se, there was still a noble lady within Roesia, the habits of needing to be perfect slowing peeking out.\n\n\"Well, as long as you *Don't* Cheat, I'm sure you'll pick up archery somewhat easily. You may not be as skilled as I am in a single day of practice or anything, but you have to start somewhere, right?\" Looking up at the large walls of the castle, Roesia could feel her heart rate increases ever so slightly. It had been a *Very* Long time since she had been close to royalty in such a way. Hundreds of thoughts coursed through her mind, but through it all she remained calm. She had to for multiple reasons; Roesia couldn't let Astalios know of her nobility out of fear of more people finding out, and the more upset she got the harder that wolf within her clawed to come out.\n\n\"Is the uh.. Training yard usually busy at all? I wouldn't want to impose on anyone or be in the way of your guards training.\""
},
{
"author": "Astalios, Iron Prince",
"message": "\"I am sorry to disappoint you, Miss Vuldrey, but I have quite a bit of experience sleeping out of doors. I suppose, however, that my mind was not necessarily on the natural beauty of the environment, though that might change on a small trip.\" *He considered as they drew near, and the walls of stone towered over them. The castle was well built, ingeniously crafted, and stood in a stately sort of way over the town below it. The capital. He did not notice the mannerisms she displayed, however - they were the sort of thing he was used to, and thus he did not pay them any mine.*\n\n\"I have no expectations of being the finest archer in the world, but being able to hit a target may be a necessary skill.\" *He acknowledged, in his mind setting a goal to at least hit the target five times out of five from twenty feet away. If that was accomplished, then there was no need to despair at being a shoddy archer - at least he could say he was some kind of archer at all. \n\nThen again, perhaps archery was not a useful skills for someone who would propel the arrows faster than any bow. It was a good way to spend his time, regardless - in practice with a rather pleasant woman.*\n\n\"They drill in the morning. The day's exercises are finished, and I believe the practice yard is open for use.\""
},
{
"author": "Roesia Vuldratrada",
"message": "\"Well good, I'd rather not show up any of your royal archers anyways. I'd just *Hate* To leave them slack jawed, wouldn't you?\" Trying her best to shake off the nerves, Roesia walked alongside the prince rather than behind him, rolling her eyes as she spoke so highly of herself. Archery was one of the very few things Roesia actually didn't mind boasting about, as she was extremely skilled with a bow and arrow. She had used the weapon since her childhood, sneaking out of her mansion to train herself with it. While Roesia had come a long way since, it didn't mean she stopped practicing. Each time she had a chance to, she'd practice on targets in the woods. Peering over to the prince, the half-elf tilted her head a bit.\n\n\"So, do you enjoy being a prince?\" It was a bit of an out of the blue inquiry, but one that Roesia had wondered since they met. She hated being a noble lady, even if she got out of that life before it truly had a grasp on her. Ensuring she wasn't being disrespectful, Roesia followed up with a shrug. \"I just mean, do you ever get tired of all the duties you have, the swooning women, you know, the basic things of being royalty.\" Roesia giggled a bit, her hands clasped behind her back as they walked along with one another. While the question remained, another popped into her mind. How did Astalios feel about knowing he'd one day be the sole ruler of a kingdom?\n\n*She'd rather not ask, at least not now.* It was probably somewhat of a tense subject. An entire kingdom at your fingertips, able to fall or rise with a simple command? Roesia didn't think she could handle that sort of pressure.."
},
{
"author": "Astalios, Iron Prince",
"message": "\"They have been much maligned as of late. The archers must not be taken too lightly, nor the rangers. Each of them has their purpose, and each has trained long and hard for their competence at their given tasks. There is a reason we employ them.\" *He raised an eyebrow in amusement as Roesia's declaration that she would leave them slack jawed. It was likely that they would simply appreciate the good marksmanship, rather than be amazed by someone only marginally better than them.*\n\n\"Do I enjoy being a prince?\" *He wondered aloud. It was a good question, but ultimately his answer was out of his mouth before he really had time to think about it. It had been a very strict few years on campaign, and now that he had returned, he was finding himself deep in politics. The announcement of his seeking marriage was making things quite difficult. His ability to get things done, however, had been quite enjoyable indeed.*\n\n\"Yes, I suppose I do. Occasionally I do get tired of the onslaught of women - ever since the announcement, they've been rather unending - but that was what I knew I was in for. The duties are not troublesome at all. It takes a serious and steady hand to perform them well, and know that you hold the power given to you by the gods whenever you appear in ceremony. My word is law, as long as it does not conflict with that of my parents'. It allows me to pursue people like the Agarvarans freely, without restriction as to what I am allowed to know.\"\n\n\"In a larger sense, I... Would not say I am opposed to the position. It is what I was born to do, and I will not run away from the mantle. I believe 'enjoy', though, is not a good descriptor for ruling. Enjoying it would cheapen the experience, I suppose - if another word for happiness with a modicum of gravity existed that could describe the situation, I am forgetting it.\""
}
] | 380 | 1,453 |
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{
"author": "Roesia Vuldratrada",
"message": "\"I donno, to me it just seems like a lot, I suppose.\" Roesia shrugged, listening to the prince speak of his life *As* A prince. The word 'announcement' gave the ranger pause, but throwing two and two together she figured it was something along the lines of Astalios searching for a bride. She supposed it was only natural, after all, the king and queen wouldn't be around forever and he'd need a queen by his side one day as well. Imagining all the duties a prince, let alone a king would have to do each and every day? It was unimaginable, in a way. The mention of the Agarvarans definitely made Roesia understand a bit more why Astalios enjoyed being a prince. He was a good man with even better intentions.\n\n\"Well, I'm happy that you aren't *Unhappy* With the life you've been given, then. A ruler who does enjoy protecting his people and bringing happiness to them as well is one I will happily follow, Prince Astalios. And, if its alright if I say so, I hope this announcement you speak of brings you joy, rather than monotony, if you understand what I mean.\" Roesia shrugged. Royal and noble marriages often meant a lack of love, but if the prince was to choose who he married, she only hoped it'd be someone he truly loved and that truly loved him. The thought of being stuck with someone you didn't like or couldn't stands for decades is terrible.\n\nGrowing closer to the training yard, Roesia pulled her bow off of her back and began to fiddle with it a bit, almost like an anxious idle motion. All her talk of being the best, yet here she was, anxious to ensure anyone watching knew she was a good archer. For all she knew, dozens of soldiers would be watching, and if she messed up, it'd probably make her training the *Prince* Of all people like an idiot move on Astalios's part. \"I cannot say I'd trade lives with you, at the very least, but I'm happy someone like you is the prince of Alynthi, and future king.\""
},
{
"author": "Astalios, Iron Prince",
"message": "\"It is. The trick is not to let that bother you, really. One must have something they truly enjoy doing to keep them sane. I have two hobbies on that account that are outside the sphere of my duties, and one within it. The first is research. My magic and the unique abilities it affords has made researching metal alloys quite interesting, as I've begun to mix each metal in different concentrations. I have some wonderful paper charts on the properties of each alloy I can produce, and the gradient of concentration's effect on the strength of the material.\"\n\n\"Mapping it out is tedious, but there are some alloys no one has been able to produce before, which is exciting to me. I haven't named them quite yet, but I will find some inspiration soo.\" *He mused as they entered the training yard, which now was mostly empty except for the fletcher and his apprentice, who were busy at their duties. They rose and bowed, and Astalios inclined his head to them and gave a wave, intending for them to continue with their work. A bow and arrows for him was provided by the ranger closest to him, and he tested the strength of the bow quickly before nodding his head.*\n\n\"The second is sculpting. I make figurines of people or objects that pique my interest, and it comes in handy when making monuments or swords like the one I gave to our friend Richard. It is quite interesting how much one can do with varying the composition of the metal in the sculpture - each alloy on the chart has a different shade to it, like mixing paint in about four colors. I capture the moments that have made an impression on me as best I can.\" *He shrugged, drawing near to the practice line and selecting a target that was fairly close - twenty feet away. He stood, unsure of too much beyond his footing - he had seen his archers stand with their left shoulder to the target, but that was all he could remember.*\n\n\"The third is fighting, but that is well within my duties, I believe.\" *The joy of being in a combat situation was not something he believed he could fully disclose to her and not end up looking like a complete psychopath. Best to keep the delight that lit his veins with energy under wraps for the moment.*\n\n\"...\" *His expression softened for a moment as he considered what she had said. She was glad that he was the prince, and hoped his announcement brought joy instead of monotony. It was a touching sentiment, and he had heard as much from the court many times. But this woman was unfettered by political obligation, and perhaps her word meant more than the average noblewoman's in terms of trust.*\n\n\"I... Thank you for your kindness in saying so. It is often that I fear the kingdom will change for the worse when I assume the throne, for I am a decisive person, and not every man and woman will agree with my decisions. I hope to do the best work I can.\"\n\n\"And, Miss Vuldrey, I hope that my announcement works out as well. I have not simply married for political purposes already, in pursuit of that joy. My mother was a noblewoman, yes, but she and my father loved each other before marriage. I... Hope to follow in their footsteps on that account, and find a woman of noble birth than I can wholeheartedly love.\""
},
{
"author": "Roesia Vuldratrada",
"message": "Roesia was just a bit lost as the prince spoke about his magic, but she listened nonetheless. Her grasp on magic was considerably less defined and precise, and she had to learn her skills rather than being born with them. His talk of metals and how he could utilize them left Roesia a bit starstruck, though Astalios wouldn't be able to tell. Realizing they had neared the firing range, Roesia watched the prince as he did his best to take the proper stance, her eyes scanning over him while she listened to him speak. While she didn't have much to say about his magic or anything of the sort, her cheeks did flush slightly as the prince grew silent before thanking her for her words. \"Oh, well I'm sure I'm not the first to say so, m'lord. Anyone who doesn't see you for the man you are isn't looking close enough, I'm sure.\"\n\n\"As for your marriage, I'm happy you're prioritizing compatibility over ritual, if you get what I mean.\" Fiddling a bit with her bow, Roesia could feel her cheeks growing warmer by the second, so she instead chose to focus on the prince and his archery lesson. \"Firstly, before you get all- *'stancy'*, you'll want to make sure you're holding the arrow correctly.\" Pulling an arrow out of the quiver on her back, she placed the feathered tip of her arrow onto the bowstring, her index finger on the top of the arrow and her middle and ring finger below. \"Holding it wrong could mean you fire the arrow improperly, or not as far.\" Pulling the arrow back, the hand that held it gentle brushed against her pink cheeks, but before she let the arrow fly, Roesia spoke once more.\n.\n\n\"As for your stance, it depends on whether or not you are right handed or left handed. I'm right handed, so I hold the bow itself with my left, the arrow with my right. Vice versa if you're left-handed. Pull back on the arrow and string, but don't be tense.\" Roesia breathed gently, obviously in her element as she spoke about archery and the proper ways to use a bow. While she was of course blind in one eye, it never stopped her from hitting a target before. Both her eyes never left the circular target down the range, and with a gentle smile on her lips, she continued. \"Relax. The entire motion of knocking your arrow, pulling it back and letting it fly needs to be a fluid motion. The more you think and the tenser you get, the worse the outcome will be.\"\n\nRoesia then allowed the arrow to sail through the air, her stance remaining the same until her target was hit. Of course, *A perfect bullseye.* Satisfied with herself, Roesia turned to look over at Astalios and gestured her hand outward. \"Now, you try. The main thing is tenseness I'd say. Master relaxing, and archery should come relatively easy.\""
}
] | 634 | 1,770 |
426 | 2022-01-23 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Astalios, Iron Prince",
"message": "\"You may not be the first to say so, Miss Vuldrey, but you are among a select few people I have met who have less reason to curry favor with me than normal. You live in the woods, which is part of the kingdom, but you are mostly self sufficient. If I were to do you a favor, I could not make the wolves stop roaming, or produce deer from thin air for you to hunt. Though, to listen to the courtiers, I might as well have the power to tell the sun not to rise.\" *He nodded thoughtfully as he observed her reaction. It was the first time he had seen her blush, but he chose not to read too much into it. It was probably embarrassment, after all, and she was no noblewoman.*\n\n\"Love is a challenge I must conquer, just as politics are. If I can navigate what is best for the kingdom while making sure that for the next few hundred years, I may live out a life with a woman I love, I will do it. However, If this pursuit drags for years on end, I may have to make a concession, in which case I shall marry a virtuous woman and attempt to kindle romance afterwards.\" *He shrugged, forcibly ignoring the way her face was gradually becoming a bit redder.*\n\n*He kept his eyes on the way she held the bow, nodding along to the lesson as he positioned his bow in his left hand - he was right-handed - and grasped the arrow between his index and middle finger. The fletching was well done, he noted, and he could see the good craftsmanship of the bow as well as he could feel the well-forged point of the arrow, but that would not help him practically.*\n\n\"I see...\" *He took careful pains to nock the arrow on the bow, making sure that it did not slip off of the bowstring, and laid the arrow's shaft on top of his grip, just as Roesia had done. However, as he drew the bow back, the bowstring twisted, and his arrowhead came away from the bow. He let it down, then drew the bow again, this time managing to keep it relatively straight, then aimed carefully and let it fly. The arrow fell short of its target, landing in the dirt a few inches under its base.*\n\n\"Damn.\" *He sighed as he flicked his wrist, the arrow digging itself back out of the ground and returning to his hand. He inspected it for damage, but there seemed to be none besides a slight bending of the arrowhead, which he quickly straightened out with a snap.* \"How do I aim best?\""
},
{
"author": "Roesia Vuldratrada",
"message": "\"Hm.. I don't believe love is something you should pursue to conquer. Its not a challenge unless you make it one. Take your bow and arrow for instance. One cannot work without the other, but the moment you become to tense, too rigid, too formal, that bond between bow and arrow is broken, resulting in a less true shot than if you had allowed things to flow naturally.\" Roesia grew silent as the prince finally shot his first arrow, though as he fell short she didn't laugh or frown, she simply offered a gentle smile and knocked an arrow in her bow herself to demonstrate. \"To shoot *Straight* You arm needs to essentially be one with the arrow.\" Roesia pulled the arrow back, her arm holding the string perfectly aligned with the knocked arrow. Glancing over to Astalios, she continued. \"Though where you want to aim will always depend on the distance of your target, but if you plan to aim up or down more you're entire body needs to do so as well.\"\n\nLifting her bow up higher, Roesia's waist swiveled up with it, rather than just her arms moving with the bow. Her entire body, aside from her legs of course, had become one single motion. Allowing the bowstring to rest, she held her bow and arrow idly while allowing the prince to try once more. \"As I've said,-\" Pulling her arrow back once more, Roesia's arm was noticeably more tense and heavy on the pullback, and as she let the arrow fly it slamming into the stone wall behind the target, her arrow breaking in the process. Raising an eyebrow at her now broken arrow, she shrugged and glanced back to Astalios with a goofy smile over her mistake. \"-it all comes back to tenseness.\""
},
{
"author": "Astalios, Iron Prince",
"message": "\"Well, is the process of finding someone to love not a challenge? You must not only find someone who loves you, but someone that you can give yourself to. You must make concessions, sacrifices. Each day requires you to accommodate the other person's wishes, and change yourself for the better to become a more perfect union. This is not to say that perfection is attainable, but to reach for it is to attempt to grow as a person. And that way, I think it's very much like a challenge. You strive to make it work for the rest of your life.\" *He adjusted his grip on the bow, and tried to glean what practical advice he could out of her statements. They seemed to be mostly conceptual, but he attempted to line up his arm with where he wanted to aim. Point towards the target with the forearm, he mused, and he might hit the target a little bit easier. It was good logic.*\n\n\"I take your point.\" *He murmured as he took a deep breath and tried to align himself with the arrow, making sure his arm was pointing towards the target. His shoulders relaxed somewhat, and he focused on making sure his aim was true, rather than trying to pull back the bow string and let it go with force.\n\nHe took a deep breath, exhaled, pulled back the bowstring, and let the arrow fly. It landed on the outermost ring of the target, but it was noticeable improvement from the last shot. At least he had hit it somewhat. And this was a twenty-foot target, which he imagined was not the range most archers trained at. Still, it was an accomplishment of its own kind.*\n\n*A small smile of pride made its way across his face as he turned back to Roesia.* \"Better?\""
}
] | 372 | 1,278 |
515 | 2023-03-28 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Santiago Toro",
"message": "*The grand eyes of the colorful and living capital market would witness a rare sight today. On a sturdy old horse pulling a cart of lumber and it's associated goods, there is the intimidatingly hale figure of a tall and muscular man taking the reins on the back of the sturdy horse. He sticks out quite clearly as a sore thumb, partially because of his ruggedness of appearance but more so of gravely tiredness in his eyes should one stare for a moment too long. He wasn't from around here, but he surely came here, as merchants did, to sell off his payload of lumber and wooden products. Everything from woodcarver's trinkets to rudimentary toys to shavings for whatever reason to sawdust substitute for alchemy or pieces and augments to furniture... They were all on his cart. And logs too... Of course.*\n\n*Finding a good and proper place amongst the business of the market, he lets his horse rest and gets off of it and flips open something to turn his cart into an impromptu stand for anybody that needs any sort of wood products in any sort of fashion. This was his most diverse product mix yet... After all... He knew he had to bring the best and most to the capital market over his hometown or Girian. Though really just wanting to rest himself on a comfortable bed, he is able to persevere enough to wipe that grave, intimidating expression off his face and readjust his hair and cloak, so that he would look more kempt, less scraggly, and so that the cruel and sheer power of his build would be hidden behind a softer and more agreeable curtain of cloak.*\n\n*Now drawing out a sign and a chair and nothing more, he sets up his modest stand there in the market place, figuring that he wouldn't badger oncoming potential patrons for the time being like the other merchants did. He'd expend the last of his energy much too fast that way, and it was already a bit too much for him... Everybody milling around and all. At least it was outside and not within the strangling confines of a building.*\n\n*He sets out the trinkets and wooden toys in front to catch the eyes of prospective patrons first, and placed himself lower than everybody else in his seat so that they wouldn't be intimidated by the strange newcomer (after all, he only did this every so often). He looks around the market slowly*"
},
{
"author": " || ARTEMIS REVERIE.",
"message": "Artemis never was one to go out to markets if not for something absolutely essential, like herbal remedies, meats and veggies and all those sorts. Though, by nature, Artemis needed little more than adoration and love to survive many years, she still took pleasure in cooking and eating said foods - who said she couldn't enjoy it despite her \"Immortal\" Nature? The market was crowded, though that was to be expected for.. Well, a market. It was lively and bustling, with all sorts of goods being sold; fresh produce, tailored garments, jewellery that, with a closer look at it with her exceptional feline eyesight, was often most definitely fake or cheap gemstones rather than the sapphires and diamonds they promised. She was never a fan of places as busy and overfilled like markets, she hated how closely she was crammed with other people. Thankfully to her feline nature, she was able to shimmy and squirm through the crowds and groups with relative easy - a unhappy look on her face as she suppressed a gag reflex from just *Touching* These people - of course it wasn't a jab at the people of Alynthi, more so Artemis' personal and general hatred with physical touch.\n\nWalking past the merchants and carts full of different items, ranging from useful to eccentric and curious, this was one of the parts she enjoyed. Though nothing had particularly caught her eye yet, save for some delicious smelling, and by the looks of it, freshly hung cod and salmon in all their scaly glory, the particular gag inducing smell of fish being old and, well, fishy, was not present. Though she had to force herself to turn around, a slight skip in her step - she'd come back to buy them soon. In the meantime, something else had caught the cats eye amidst all the yelling and advertising merchants in the market, sauntering her way over to the cart full of, from what she could tell, mostly wood-based products.\n\nHer attention was more on the basic, if not primitive toys on the cart, semi ignoring the\n\nLarge, intimidating and lumbering man that owned it. Reaching out a clawed finger to tap one of the toys with great interest, she looked back up to the carts owner - a nervous smile on her face. The most dreaded part of buying goods, she thought to herself, *Social interaction*. Though it wasn't really necessary to purchase a wooden toy, she decided she'd treat herself, pointing to no toy in specific and rather the lot of them.\n\n\"I-I'd like to uh, buy a.. Toy.. Figure?\" She stumbled with her words, her awkward speech and tone of voice betraying her, in comparison, elegant and confident appearance. \"What are these all of? I.. If you don't mind me asking! Uhm, of course..\" She spoke, tensing up with each word - berating herself internally for her stupid choice of words, or moreso how strangely she had worded it."
},
{
"author": "Santiago Toro",
"message": "*His sitting stance was sprawled wide and almost lazily, he held himself with own two great, thick arms. More specifically, his elbows rested on his knees and he held his head i his hands, occasionally bringing them over his face or running them through his hair as if to rub any sort of evidence of tiredness from his face. It was... Relatively ineffective, and had a feeling his mother would scream and slap him upside the face if she had seen how bad his dark circles had gotten on the journey. He couldn't help staying awake when he rested in nature at the night, because nature never realy truly slept. In reality, he only really felt \"Tired\" When he had come to the marketplace, and only then did the blood snd veins in his lower eyelid seem to pulse sndthrob to inform him of his eyebags*\n\n*To the other, he might very well look like he was brooding even though his thoughts were empty. Seeing something of a glint... A clawed finger... That primal feeling of encountering a beast overtakes him for just a second snd spurs him to life. His heart thumps profoundly for a few seconds, before he sits up straight and draws his axe to his side, all while sitting. He just glances over once he realizes that the clawed hand was not attached to one that meant harm. When she looks back at him, he now looks much more awake, alert, and alive. Any trace of the dark graveness was flushed away aside from the dark circles under his eyes.*\n\n*She could also tell pretty immediately that this whole social interaction part in a busy place was also pretty dreaded seemingly for him too. His internal voice tells him to draw a potential buyer in by looking welcoming and compensating for his god-awfully rugged appearance. He feigns to her a small smile that becomes a more genuine one once he hears the evident awkwardness of tone. So maybe not unlike him in that context* \"Ah, they're just little things that I make and carve for my enjoyment, apparently kids like 'em too.\" *He shrugs* \"Well, I don't ta\n\n\"Well, I don't take inspiration from much other than the natural world around me.\" *After all, many of the toys were swinging or flapping things to imitate the motion of birds or butterflies, and the trinkets were intricately carved pieces of flora and fauna. There were some besutifully carved wildflowers that he had immortalized in carved wood on the front stand, as well*"
},
{
"author": " || ARTEMIS REVERIE.",
"message": "She smiles pleasantly, if not a bit strangely due to her profound awkwardness and social ineptitude. Though his explanation of the trinkets on the cart makes her a little happy, and far more curious at the little items - beneath the white, intricately golden-lines cloak she wore, her feline ears perked up with great interest at the intricate carving of wildflowers in wood at the very front of the stand, leaning down to get a better eye-to-eye view of it as she hummed and smiled. How.. Pretty, she couldn't help but think. She wanted it, however she didn't know how she'd bring it with her.. It'd be a bit annoying to carry and travel with, as she didn't exactly *Have* A home, the smile replaced by a little frown.\n\nShe stepped back, hand at her chin as she thought for a moment, her right arm wrapped around her body. She was trying to think of this in a way she could properly budget and make travel easier , though her tendency to splurge took over as she sighed, giving in to her urges as she gently picked up the wood carving with her two hands, tilting her head at the unique display. It was so very charming, she couldn't help but think. She wasn't one to spend on little trinkets and gadgets that didn't contribute to her wellbeing, no matter how desperate the urge was, so this was certainly a first. She was a bit worried she might spiral into a spending spree after this, chuckling to herself softly and shaking her head.\n\n\"How much would this unique little thing be? And, do you have any deer-themed carvings? If so, I'll buy that as well.\" She smiled sweetly, her tone clearing up a bit as she was able to speak a bit better, more slower- she was worried for a brief moment that this might cost her too much, though she shrugged it off. She had ample money to spend, signified by the clinking of coin in the pouch at her hips as she shuffled around. Being a dancer made for some hefty, nice income."
}
] | 506.5 | 2,060 |
188 | 2021-12-02 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "buzzledns",
"message": "Skalyre would be in the capital, cursing himself out on his way home. He had forgot the key to his house when leaving the house, and was already halfway to his destination, the hungry wolf tavern.\nOnce he reached his house, he walked in the small alley where his door was located, then up the 2 stairs he had to take. When he tried to open the door, however, he found that either it was jammed, or the lock fell closed when he left his home earlier.\n\n\"Work you.. Damn piece of.. Furniture\"\n\nHe said as he tugged at the handle, realizing that using his strength wouldn't work. He then kneeled in front of the door and took out his knife, slowly sliding it into the lock and trying to use it as a sort of key, just turning it left and right repeatedly, in hopes that the lock would somehow unjam itself, occasionally tugging the handle, hoping the door would open."
},
{
"author": "Arcturus Longwood",
"message": "*Arcturus would be walking through the city square. A warden in the Shield Guardians, he was a more experienced knight, and had spent much time in Alynthi. His normal routes lead him through the square almost weekly, and as such he has left his horse back in the stables, enjoying the good old fashioned walk. His sword would be sheathed at his side, available to be drawn but not threatening currently. \n\nAs he continues on his patrol, he'd spot a Tiefling working on a door with what appeared to be a knife. Almost like... Lockpicking. \"Another Tiefling thief\" He'd think, approaching the Tielfing, hand on hilt.*\n\n\"Citizen, everything alright?\""
},
{
"author": "buzzledns",
"message": "Skalyre jumped up slightly upon hearing the sound of the Aasimar knight that had approached him. The knife would still be jammed into the lock, slowly sliding out and dropping on the floor a few seconds later.\nHe looked at it drop, before looking back at the knight.\n\n\"I.. Look, I uhh I know this looks.. Ehm weird, but I can explain it\"\n\nHe said as he used his tail to slide the knife closer to hkmself, intending to pick it up and sheathe it in his belt.\nWhat didn't help was his red skin and eyes, paired with the black clothes and the small tusks portruding his chin he looked like a textbook villain."
},
{
"author": "Arcturus Longwood",
"message": "*Arcturus' right hand would be resting on his hilt, able to be drawn instantly if the situation escalated. Even with his training as a Knight, he was still aware to the fact not everyone was a criminal. Deciding to first analyze the evidence in his head before making a verdict. To begin, they are both located in the city square. This is a high traffic location with tons of indiviuals moving through constantly. For an individual to commit a crime here would be rather easy if they did it right, and at the right time. This may have been the case if Arcturus hadn't decided to walk through at this time today. As well, the individual in front of him is in black clothes, and even though his instincts tell him otherwise, for the moment he is ignoring the race of the subject. He appears to have been attempting to break into this home, but he wasn't quiet nor quick about it. While he technically had enough evidence to at least detain or search the Tiefling, he'd choose to not start our on the wrong foot with this individual.* \n\"Please, endugle me. Why are you attempting to break into this home that would make me believe this is a legal matter, and not a violation punishable by jail time.\""
}
] | 173.5 | 752 |
130.818182 | 2021-12-03 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "buzzledns",
"message": "He took a few steps back upon seeing the knight having his hand on his hilt, ready to draw if he screwed up in some way. Realizing that it wpuld not be a great idea to attempt and pick up the knife, he wouldn't want to risk Arcturus thinking he would attack him.\n\n\"I live here, but I forgot my key when I left, earlier today, and now it seems like the door's jammed\"\n\nHe motioned to the door as he spoke, gently pushing it with his left hand to make sure it wouldn't open.\n\n\"I can prove it, that I live here, There is a drawing of me and my parents in there, several drawings. They are in a book in the common area, next to the fireplace\""
},
{
"author": "Arcturus Longwood",
"message": "*Arcturus would watch his body langauge as the Tiefling spoke. He took note of his body langauge, spotting a little hesitancy. His words came off somewhat truthful to him, although the light push on the door came off strange to him. Almost as if he was trying to see if he got it open. He'd take a step towards him, slowly, attempting to make it natural in conversation.* \n\"Any proof that wouldn't require me to manually force a door open? A neighbor, proof of ownership, mail. Anything of that like?\""
},
{
"author": "buzzledns",
"message": "Skalyre closed his eyes for a few seconds, taking a few deep breaths and regaining his composure. In his mind he reminded himself that he should remain calm, definitely in this situation.\n\n\"Right, mail.\"\n\nHe said as he took a few steps back, where his mailbox would be located. With a handful of letters in his hand he walked over to Arcturus, handing him the still closed envelopes.\n\n\"One of those is a mail from my father, Kilmus, adressed to me, Skalyre. Open it and see for yourself\"\n\nArcturus would have been handed 3 envelopes of Skalyre's mail."
},
{
"author": "Arcturus Longwood",
"message": "*Arcturus would release his grip on his hilt, reaching out with the same hand and taking the 3 letters. Normally, he wouldn't open another person's mail, out of respect for them, but here it unfortunately became a requirement if he wanted to prove their identify. He'd take the letters, opening one at a time, quickly skimming it looking for the letter addressed to him from his father. The fact that he knew these were here made his story much more plausible, if he finds the information he is looking for. If not, someone will be heading to the capital's jail for the night.*"
},
{
"author": "buzzledns",
"message": "In one of the letters there would indeed be a message from Skalyre's father.\n\n\"Dear son, I hope the city is still treating you well. It has been a few months since your last visit, could you try to come over when you have some time, the neighbours are starting to miss you. With love, your da.\"\n\nThe other letters would be some notifications about his taxes and an invitation to a party of one of his friends.\n\nSkalyre looked at the knight awaiting his response."
},
{
"author": "Arcturus Longwood",
"message": "*He'd review the letters, taking note of his taxes nearing their due date, as well as the invite. He'd quickly place those two back into envelops, before opening the third and final one. He'd skim it, seeing that it was indeed from a father. While the name wasn't on the letter, it was evidence enough for him. Returning it to the envelope, he'd approach Skalyre and hand the mail back to him.*\n\n\"Checks out Skalyre. And it appears you need to take a trip for your family.\" \n\n*After handing it back to him, he'd take a step back giving the Tiefling some room. Looking back to the door, he'd take note of the lock. It was familiar to him, specifically he knew how to force it open without destroying it.*\n\n\"Would you like a hand with this door? I've seen this happen enough to know how to open it back up\""
},
{
"author": "buzzledns",
"message": "Skalyre grabbed the mail, reading the letter his fathet sent.\n\n\"Ah, indeed, I should visit soon\"\n\nHe said before the Knight offered his assistance in opening the door, to which he happily nodded.\n\n\"That would be great, it's not the first time it's stuck, but now its just completely wedged in there. I had planned on getting a new one, but so much to do, so little time\"\n\nHe laughed softly in a friendly, calm tone as he spoke."
},
{
"author": "Arcturus Longwood",
"message": "*The knight would nod, grabbing his hilt and drawing his sword. In his offhand he'd grab the door hilt and pull the door towards him, ensuring that it was fully closed to help the lock slide back into the lock when he unjammed it. He'd take his sword and shove it into the slot between the door and the doorframe, directly above the lock. He'd ensure it was in there, before letting go of the door handle and with his offhand placing it ontop of the sword. His armor would protect him from cutting himself in this manner. With his hands in position, and his tool in place, he'd drop his weight on it, pushing the blade down and sliding his sword inbetween the lock and the doorframe, forcing it back into door. Giving his sword a tug, he'd pull it out, the door opening towards them. There was minor chipping damage due to shoving a sword into the door, but it was open at least. He'd catch the door and stop its motion, taking his sword and returning it to his sheath. Turning towards Skalyre, he'd give him a nod.*"
},
{
"author": "buzzledns",
"message": "Skalyre would anxiously wait for the knight to open his door, his posture quickly changing as he saw the door open. He smiled and gave the knight a nod as thanks before making his way inside, first grabbing his key and then looking at the damages on the door and if he could see how it had jammed.\n\n\"Yeah, now I have a better excuse to get a new one that doesnt jam every other week.\"\n \nHe sighed slightly before walking out and looking at the knight.\n\n\"But where are my manners, how about I repay you with a drink after your shift, how does that sound?"
},
{
"author": "Arcturus Longwood",
"message": "\"Yes you do.\" *He'd say in response to his comment, watching as he went in and came back out.*\n\n*After hearing his reply he'd mentally sigh. Aasimars couldn't get drunk, the ale actually tastes like shit to him, but that's quite alright. Giving him a nod to his offer.* \n\n\"Sure, why not. I'll be off in a few hours. Do you have a specific place in mind?\""
},
{
"author": "buzzledns",
"message": "\"Well, I will be in the hungry wolf later today, thats where I usually spend my evenings\"\n\nHe looked at Arcturus and awaited his reaponse. He had learnt that Aasimars couldn't get drunk, and would be prepared to buy him a drink that Arcturus actually likes."
}
] | 122 | 1,439 |
159 | 2021-12-19 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Rivana Poetica S",
"message": "*She stood down in the at a fountains edge focusing on reading a book specifically made to easily identify ghosts anf spirtts. She constantly revised this book so she won't forget just in case. However she stood there for awhile so much that the little spirits who stood in her lamp began pulling softly her hair to make her move, but ofc to nt much success. Her appearance to others would've been quite creepu6and menacing due to her armor, sword and shield design making her look like some kind of evil Knight*"
},
{
"author": "Astalios, Iron Prince",
"message": "*Prince Astalios himself was a rather sturdily built man in dull gray plate armor that didn't make much sound as he moved. It was surprisingly fluid as it encased him in steel protection. He wore a simple crown upon his head made of pure gold, and on his right hand, there was a signet ring of the same pure gold that depicted a warrior with one sword raised above his head, the other in his hand.\n\nHis eyes and hair were brown, and his ears were slightly pointed, owing to his heritage as a half-elf. His jaw and nose were strong and masculine, and he strode to the fountain directly, he stopped and took a coin from the water, calling it to his hand like a magnet's pull. He seemed slightly troubled.*"
},
{
"author": "Rivana Poetica S",
"message": "*One of the spirits managed to pull her hair a little bit harder and get her attention*\n\"Ouch stop it\" *She'd close her book and wrapped it in a rope and placed it onto her waist pack. Afterwards with her hand she lead the spirits back into he lamp. Her body was quite femine showing the curves and had quite the size on her chest and bottom areas, she was keeping herself fit. There was no day passing without doing the minimum time of training*\n\"There now stay quiet\" *She'd look around after, it's been awhile since she's last been tasked to hunt ghosts or any spectral being then she observed the Royal standing next to her. Nice crown but by the looks of it he seemed to be thinking of something*\n\n\"Yo you need help with something. Why you looking like that?\" *She ofc had no idea who he was exactly. Didn't interact with many royals and she wasn't as famialr with stuff around here unlike in dasvaz where everything was more barbaric*"
}
] | 158 | 477 |
195.666667 | 2022-01-13 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Maximillian Kane",
"message": "\"Haha, demons do not scare me.\" *Max chuckled as Kled was annoyed and was already climbing max's shoulder.*\n*Max was amazed how he talked about his powers.* \"I think my power is curse... At least i heard my dad say it multiple times.\"\n*Max looked away as he talked about his past while Kled looked at him knowing that he almost never talks about his past.*\n*After Max said it it was silent for a moment the awkward silence would follow until they got to the* \n\"Did u do anything terrible with you'r powers? I mean something u wish u never did.\"\n*Max would look at the ground as he asked that.* \"Kled thinks its a gift bit i do not know... I have only done terrible things with mine.\"\n*Kled would sit annoyed on Max his shoulders with his arms crossed.* \"Should we get food somewhere for dinner? I mean Kled could pay...\"\n*Kled would smirk as Max was talking about food.* \n*Max would almost again reach for Walter his hand to hold it because of all the angry faces he got while he walked in the city.*"
},
{
"author": "Walter{The Joker} ",
"message": "*Walter said, thinking a little.* \"Hmm... Whether a power is a curse or not actually depends on yourself. If you know about it and use it cleverly then it can be beneficial. But in the end it just depends on how much you know about yourself and how you analyze yourself.\" \n\n*Walter then held his arm forward, accepting Max, trying to hold his hand.* \"Well, I can't say that I haven't... But I can't tell it to you about it... *Yet.*\" *The last part came out as only a mumble which wasn't audible to Max.*\n\n\"Well anyways we're almost there, let's go into a restaurant first if you are hungry\" *Walter said as they started walking again*"
},
{
"author": "Maximillian Kane",
"message": "*Max would tightly hold on to Walter his hand.* \"N-No I'am not that hungry but i think Kled could appreciate some mushroom juice.\"\n*Max looks at the ground while Walter leads him where to walk.* \"I have the mushrooms and water so if there is a fireplace at your home i could make some there.\"\n\"And i do not know much about my past. I have some memories but i was 8 when i found me.\" *Max would have a little flashback again from his family.*\n\"I also have herbs with me so i could make some tea. And it would be cheaper.\" \n*Meanwhile Max was still holding Walter his hand very tightly and with Max his other hand he would also holds on to Walter his arm.*\n*Kled would look around admiring the city.* \"I could tell you more about my past if we are private.\" \n*Kled would turn to Max and frowns at him thinking to himself:* || WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT YOUR PAST!? ||"
}
] | 205 | 587 |
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