[CENTER][img]https://i.postimg.cc/L5GsZ5sv/a195ca2580892c2f64767511da4ce176.png [/img][/center] Nellara couldn't help but let out a chuckle as Ixtaro raised the wooden mug, mentioning that a few more of those and she would be the best company Nellara ever had. While she wasn't really knowledgeable, at all, about human physiology, Ixtaro's words suggested that they were also affected by alcohol in a similar way the species from Kanth-Aremek were. The idea of having a bunch of drunk humans mingling with soldiers was a [i]very[/i] strange one, although it might help them to know and get used to one another. [color=d3c28b]"It seems like regardless if we are on your planet or ours, no festivities are complete without alcohol."[/color] Nellara said with a smirk and a chuckle, noticing how Ixtaro's words were starting to sound a bit different, enough so even the translator seemed to have a few issues in accurately translating them. Ixtaro's explanation about how different humans could be from one another, mentioned there were even some from different 'worlds' made Nellara quite surprised. [color=d3c28b]"Even from different worlds? But in the end, you are all humans, right? From the same species."[/color] she asked, curiously as she heard Ixtaro's words. [color=d3c28b]"And yet, despite all that, you are still able to work together in such a well coordinated and remarkable manner to build such marvels like the Jotunheim."[/color] Nellara said, taking a glance at the big ship behind them once again. When Ixtaro mentioned that the humans from the ship might be able to play some music, she reacted with a clearly curious expression. The words she used to describe the music made Nellara quite curious. [color=d3c28b]"I am undeniably curious to how this such songs praising 'death and metal' would sound like. Electricty and metal, from what I understood, seem to be the very core of human technology, so it's not surprising that an entire genre of music pays homage to it, but why death in particular?"[/color] Nellara asked, thinking about the human music Ixtaro mentioned. While it was quite noticeable that Ixtaro was definitely a bit 'happy' after the few mugs of alcohol, the translator still worked decently well for most things she said, with only a few words getting lost in the translation and even then, Nellara was able to accurately understand what she meant by the context of her words. Such was the case with the strange expression of Mythadia and the Ascension having 'bad blood' between them, which was quickly clarified after she gave a few more examples. [color=d3c28b]"Hm... This is quite a complex question... While I can definitely agree that there is some animosity between our nations, it's not exactly to the point it becomes a conflict."[/color] Nellara said after thinking for a bit, hearing Ixtaro's question. [color=d3c28b]"Most of the animosity between us come from the differences between our societies. The Ascension is a heavily logic and meritocratic society. Concepts such as 'nobility', 'kings' and 'religion' are considered to be absurd, nonsensical concepts that directly hinder the development of a nation. Meanwhile, the very core of Mythadian society is based on these very ideas... Many of which are inherited by the old tyrannical, warmongering kingdoms that once conquered and ruled over Kanth-Aremek."[/color] Nellara explained. [color=d3c28b]"But despite this... 'animosity', conflicts between our nations were rare and almost nonexistent, since both of our nations respected each other's territory according to the old treaties signed by both kingdoms. The plains and marshes are Mythadian lands and the hills and mountains are ours. Contact between our nations was scarce and there was never any reason for any invasion... That is until Silbermine simply walked inside our territory with a small army and went as far as establishing a military encampment inside our territory and even assemble a full army."[/color] Nellara completed with an exhausted sigh. At the very second Nellara finished explaining Ixtaro's question, she noticed as Kerchak suddenly ran away from the party towards the bushes, his skin and body shifting into a strange form then back into a Tekeri every now and then. While such scene might look grotesque and deeply disturbing for the humans, Nellara was quite aware of how... dangerous the mixture of alcohol and mages were. Due to their powers, intoxicated mages were very unpredictable and often a danger both to themselves and those around them... depending on the degree of intoxication, that is. [color=d3c28b]"It seems Kerchak had a bit too much to drink..."[/color] Nellara said with a disappointed sigh, shaking her head. Such thing was the reason why she avoided drinking anything like alcohol, that could cloud her judgement or hinder her powers. It was also the very same reason why mages were strictly forbidden from using any magic whenever there was a party with alcohol involved. [color=d3c28b]"Mages and intoxicants are known to be a very... 'volatile' and unpredictable mixture. Controlling your powers with precision becomes [i]quite[/i] a challenge when you can't even keep your own balance. The outcome for life mages if they try using any spell while intoxicated tend to be rather... disturbing for those that aren't used to how life magic works."[/color] Nellara said. [color=d3c28b]"Some mages tend to be quite prideful about their magic, so we should give him a few minutes to calm down and control his powers, but if he doesn't come back by then, it might be a good idea for us to send someone to help him. Another life mage would be preferable, but since we don't seem to have any other, a conventional mage would also be quite a good idea."[/color] Nellara finished. By the words she used, Ixtaro would likely notice that there was a very good chance that she was excluding herself when she mentioned a 'conventional mage'. The reasons for so were still unknown for her though.