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Event: Cold Comfort | Location: Kirimansk, Vossoriya
Event: Metropolis | Location: Wánggǎng, ReTan
Secondary
Oksana Levlytsar
“In Silence, Snow Prevails.”
18 | Female | Human | Vossoriya | Kozaky | RAS: 6.22 (Manas: 39) | Icevein, Mooncaster | ♫
Event: Castle Mandelein | Location: Mandelein, Kerremand
The town meeting droned on, and Taleja was not present at the start. She didn't desire to waste her attention on the arbitrary exchange of hot air usually associated with such things. No, her interest was drawn to the corpse that was brought it. It was a grotesque and repulsive creature, reeking of degeneracy. With her expert eye, she studied every inch of the creature, meticulously taking samples to add to her collection. Once she had completed her examination, Taleja moved onto the next phase of her preparation.
The creature's thick hide was evident, as she started selecting the perfect blend of materials to create a small spread of highly toxic shot, with piercing steel pieces as the base, with the paralysing agent to coat and be absorbed straight into the blood stream via the wound. Whilst it might not penetrate as deep as an iron or steel ball, it was ideal for her purpose, perfect for disabling the creature, or in circumstances of taking down small, or agile game. With a satisfied smile, she brought out the dried herb. “Wolfsbane, fitting”. The herb was notorious for causing paralysis and respiratory failure, so much that even those who tended to it had to wear gloves. But for Taleja, it were an easy task. With practised ease, she purified the alkaloids and made her deadly preparation.
With the musket primed, Taleja stepped back from the corpse and fired. As she inspected the results, she nodded in satisfaction as it penetrated the hide. She began to produce more of the deadly ammunition, more than enough for any future encounters. All the while, the dull murmur of the town meeting continued in the background, forgotten by Taleja in her single-minded pursuit of her deadly craft.
As the sound of gunshots rang out, Ashon immediately left the meeting and headed towards the barn. He could sense her presence as he neared the entrance and greeted her with a wide, goofy smile when he opened the door. “Looks like you're too late, it's already dead,” he said.
Taleja's eyebrow arched upon seeing the Yasoi at the door, but she quickly put on a practised smile. “They say that sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, Monkey King,” she quipped. With her task completed, she began to methodically put everything away.
He walked towards the corpse and bent over to examine the marks where she had fired. As he picked at it in curiosity, she gave him a warning glance. “You shouldn't do that just yet. You are a valuable resource that shouldn't be expended so easily.”
He tilted his head towards her. “Did Milady deign me worthy of a compliment?”
“You are an accomplished court jester,” she remarked, “What brought you out here?”
“You know me,” he boasted, “I come running whenever there is a damsel in distress."
She replied with a smile. “You are very amiable, no doubt, but you would be charming if you would only depart.”
“Be kind, aim for my heart,” he said, clutching his chest as he inspected her. “I came to bring you in, the entertainment is about to start.”
She looked up at him. “I suspect that was the clink of the lock I heard earlier.”
“You wound me, and it has seeped deep. Name your poison,” he said, painfully clutching his chest.
“Wolfsbane to paralyse”, she stated plainly, “A blend with some mandrake to put it in a deep sleep, and opium poppy to minimize the pain. If we discover another one of these beasts, it shall be a simple task.”
Ashon chuckled nervously, “Remind me not to get on your bad side.”
“I am reserving the Curare and the Botulinum for you.” Taleja retorted, a smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. Her green eyes flicked to stare into his jade ones. “Mandelein has a large cultivation of fungi, we should have gathered more of those mushrooms. Fly Agaric, Prince, and the Pinkgill Mushrooms could be used to make suitable agents for inhalation. If we used the Fly Agaric mushroom, we could look at rapid onset of symptoms within minutes to effectively render the creature defenseless to extermination.”
Jamboi rubbed his chin. “What if I told you I could get a large amount of that?”
She turned to peer toward him, as the Yasoi rummaged through his pockets, throwing some vials and bags toward her. She caught them, barely, as she looked at him, unamused. “You are wearing gloves, it is fine. So that is Skuggvar poison, and it's cure with it... if it tastes bad, that is a good sign. Not sure on the bag of powder, seemed potent. Got more back in the room.”
Taleja inspected the merchandise, it appeared to be that he somehow obtained the real deal. “You have bought a stay on your own execution, Monkey King” she said with a raised eyebrow.
Ashon grinned widely. “Now, you're doing your best to suppress that smile.”
“Let's attend this gathering. We can discuss the details later.” Taleja stood and then moved past the Yasoi to exit through the door, with Ashon following closely behind.
=====
Ashon's attention was immediately drawn to Jocasta's arrival, as if he had been watching a firework and suddenly heard the bang. He had anticipated her presence, but the impact was still significant. Seeing his tutor meant one of two things: either trouble was about to erupt or it had already erupted. Memories of the wrath of the Quentic Church and Jocasta's careless abandonment of Penny during their escape flooded his mind, but he didn't have time to dwell on them as the bells began to ring, signalling trouble.
Just as he was about to make a hasty exit, a hand grabbed him. “Monkey King, you need to show me where this stockpile is.” Taleja had already donned that beaked mask, and her green eyes piercing through the lens.
He taunted Taleja with a wide smirk. “The stockpile belongs to a nice old lady who collects herbs and sells them for a profit at a shop. A Yanii institution. Haven't the Perrench brought these to Crisia yet?”
Taleja remained impassive behind her mask, her gaze fixed on him.
“Very well, Milady, I'll show you the way,” he said, lowering himself to her level. “But what's the goal with these herbs, anyway?”
She spat her response in Kerreman. “Das Ziel? Ausrottung. - The goal? Extermination.” And with that, she pushed him through the door and followed as he led the way to the trade district.
The duo arrived at the Carpenters' guild, a modest workshop located just a short walk South-East of the Square, near the Botanist's shoppe. As they approached the building, they noticed that the walls were riddled with large holes where three powerful energy signatures.
One of the beasts was viciously attacking a carpenter's wife, who appeared to be beyond saving. Another was forcefully trying to break down the door leading to a storage unit where several people were hiding. The third creature, significantly larger than the other two, an Alpha, had already spotted the group and was poised to attack.
The third beast sprang towards Ashon, who tried to dodge it. However, the creature's enormous paw clawed his arm, causing a deep gash. Despite this, Ashon managed to avoid the worst of the attack. “Tis but a scratch!”, as he tries to reassure himself and his partner.
With her gun at the ready, Taleja fired the Pendragon, hitting the creature's exposed flank with her specialized shot. The metal penetrated deep into the creature's flesh, releasing the potent wolfsbane into its bloodstream. As the creature recoiled from the gunshot, Jamboi moved in to strike, but the creature's swift movements kept him at bay.
The creature charged towards Taleja, ignoring the other member of the group and focusing solely on her. With quick reflexes, Taleja snapped a carbon rod, a tool she used as a catalyst, and drew upon her energy for the radiation. As the creature barrelled towards her, she cast Faceless Thunder, unleashing tiny explosions that caused shockwaves and reduced the creature's momentum to a stand still.
Using this opportunity, Taleja threw a pouch towards the creature's face, activating it and causing a powdery gas to erupt into the air. The creature breathed in the gas, which quickly entered its lungs, paralysing the organ from the inside.
Panicking, the Alpha began to swipe at Taleja, but its lungs were collapsing from the paralysing effect. It found itself stuck in quicksand as Taleja drew upon the ground with binding, immobilizing it. She removed her glove and gently petted the creature, causing it to focus on escaping the trap and allowing her to obliterate its manas with miniature bombs exploding throughout its body. The creature squealed in agony as it was gravely wounded, narrowly avoiding complete annihilation at the hands of Taleja.
Undeterred, Taleja broke another carbon rod and drew upon the radiation, taunting the creature as she cast fields of fire. “With your claws you create a killing spree, but even with your fangs, you cannot keep up with me.” The Alpha began to melt and disintegrate before her, the putrid fumes filling the air as its flesh boiled and melted away. Fatality.
While Taleja was occupied with the Alpha, Ashon shifted his attention to the other two monsters. The woman was beyond saving, but the villagers barricaded inside the nearby building still needed his help. “Hey, big guy, watch this neat trick,” he taunted as he cast a spatial anchor and charged towards the creature. As it readied to defend itself, Ashon suddenly appeared on the other side and struck it with his lucky staff, drawing its attention away from the villagers. The creature growled and lunged at Ashon with its jagged teeth, but he deftly slipped the staff into its mouth, charging it with static electricity and causing it to yelp in pain.
With the creature momentarily distracted, Taleja took aim and fired her rifle, striking it in the back. Ashon then used his gravity magic to launch it into the air as he delivered a powerful uppercut. He leaped up and grabbed the creature by the head, using the force of his momentum to pile drive it into the ground with a resounding impact. The creature was obliterated beyond recognition, leaving Ashon standing victorious over the remains.
The third beast was lured by the sounds of chaos from its slain companions, letting out a chilling roar that made Ashon and Taleja cover their ears. The howl reverberating as it disrupted the manas in its surrounding area, sending shivers down their spines, with Taleja dropping to her knees.
Despite being weakened, Taleja tried to ensnare the creature with quicksand by manipulating the ground beneath it, but the beast was too strong and easily broke free. Its momentary triumph was short-lived, as Ashon used temporal magic to trick the creature into choking on the gnarled staff, “You see it, and now you don’t”. The Monkey King swiftly took advantage of the creature's confusion, leaping onto it and wrenching the staff from its throat with a force that nearly tore through its windpipe. “Here it is!”
Feeling overwhelmed, the creature tried to flee, but it stumbled and fell when it found itself within Taleja’s crosshairs as she shot its leg with her musket. She began to reload as she approached the injured beast, pointing the barrel at its head and pulling the trigger without hesitation.
After Taleja patched Ashon up, and he checked on the safety of the villagers, the pair made their way to the Botanist’s shoppe. “Do you remember those mushrooms I list them? Gather them for me. I will prepare pouches for the other groups to make use of. It should enable them to turn the tide.” Ashon nodded, “Fly Agaric, Prince, and Pinkgill right?” She simply nodded toward him as they got to work. Ashon soon playing delivery boy to share them out.
Event: Castle Mandelein | Location: Mandelein, Kerremand
Event: Metropolis | Location: Wánggǎng, ReTan
Part 2
Maura quickly caught up to Kaureerah and gently touched her arm. "If you don't mind, we would like to come with you to the waterfront. It's always safer to travel in pairs, and would feel much better if we were by your side," she said, smiling reassuringly.
As they began to proceed away from the others, Maura spoke up again. "Also, this will give us a chance to talk privately about our plans and strategies without worrying about anyone overhearing us." she added, a mischievous glint in her eye.
Maura paused for a moment, deep in thought, before continuing. "Oh, and if there are any errands you need to run while we're out, I'm happy to help. We do speak some basic Rettanese, so we shouldn't have any trouble communicating," she offered, eager to be of assistance to her new companion.
Kaureerah had considered herself quite good in Avincian, unavoidable and rather thick Eeaiko accent aside, but Maura always made her second-guess. "Aur yoo... saum kend auf rooyel?" she inquired sheepishly after a moment. Most of this walk's purpose was to be able to speak candidly with Maura, so the 'fish-girl' figured that she'd might as well start out that way. She glanced about, though. "Or is there someone else with us?" Even as they drew some ways away from the inn, she was hesitant to say more until she had a better idea.
Maura's lips curved into a wide smile as Kaureerah asked about her status. "Naturally, we are the Trade Princess of the Ensolin. As you are my friend, we will spare the formal introductions" she replied, her tone playful. She couldn't resist teasing the Eeiako a little, her eyes sparkling mischievously.
Maura then continued, her expression turning serious. "No one looked to have followed us, but the Abdel will most likely check on me with magic to make sure things are okay. He does that now and then," she explained, her voice low. She glanced around cautiously, as if checking for any prying eyes or ears. "It looks clear."
"End aull he cen check ees where wee aur end ef wee're aukay?" Kaureerah sounded slightly anxious. "Eye doon't knoow mooch auf whaut tetheered aur cepeble auf, beyoond semplee heveeng launger renge, baut... Aubdel eesn't te oonly tetheered..."
Maura nodded enthusiastically as she explained Abdel's magical abilities, "Yes, he's quite skilled with magic. He's helped us on many occasions with his abilities." She chuckled softly as she recalled the meaning of the ear pinches, especially as he gives her three each time. "The ear pinch is his way of checking in on us, it's a sort of code we have between us. We trust him."
As Kaureerah brought up Yalen, Maura's expression became a bit more reserved. "Yalen... he's a bit of an enigma to me. I don't quite know what to make of him. He can be dismissive toward me, most likely his fiancée's doing." She paused for a moment before continuing, "But I think you're right. As long as we don't go anywhere suspicious or reveal too much with it, we should be fine. And going to the docks seems harmless enough."
Kaureerah nodded, seeming to take her peer's explanation at face value. "Eye sauppoose wee're sef," she decided. They were headed towards the docks, but more the far edge of them, where the water wasn't quite so filthy. "Especieelly eef wee speek in Auvieenceean." She shrugged somewhat nervously. "Soo, whet ees et yoo waunted too speek weth mee ebaut?"
As they walked towards a quieter and more secluded area by the docks, Maura turned to Kaureerah and asked, "I know we are both friends with Ayla, but I'm curious, why were you willing to trust me? Was it just because of our mutual friendship with her, or was there something more?" She nervously tugged at her hair as she waited for Kaureerah's response. "Or perhaps, did you want to become my friend too?" she added with a hopeful smile.
Kaureerah blinked. She had never really considered friendship a formal arrangement. It was just something that happened. "Eye doon't traust yoo eny faurther then eye cen throo yoo," she giggled, "Baut eye rautheer like yoo." She shrugged. "Yoo strike mee es smaurt, soo eye feegoored yoo hed en ideea een letteng heem goo." She twisted jauntily on the spot, smiling conspiratorially. "Ees te feesh goorl wraung aur ees shee right?"
Maura grinned at Kaureerah, pleased by the statement as she winked. "Well, thank you, Kaureerah. You can throw me very far. We'll take that as a compliment." But then her expression turned serious. "However, we have a bigger problem on our hands. I can't shake this feeling of unease about everything that's happened to us since we arrived in ReTan. It feels like we're being used as pawns in some sort of political game. Wu Long's words keep ringing in my ears - the people of ReTan like a good demonstration. What if that's all we are to them? A way to show off their power and make a point?"
She paused, waiting for Kaureerah to respond before continuing. "And that's not all. We don't even know if this Hui character that Mr. Bao works for is a real traveller agent. It could all be a false dilemma to throw us off the real trail of what is happening here. That's why we need answers. And importantly, you with me, Kaureerah. You've shown that you have a good heart, and we have the smarts. If we work together, we can make a real difference here."
Maura's eyes gleamed with determination as she looked at Kaureerah. "What do you say, partner? Are you in?" She held out her hand toward her.
"We aur a tool et best," Kaureerah agreed, "End eye doo naut like eet." They were closer to the water now, more or less walking alongside it. Kaureerah nodded along as Maura spoke, trying not to interrupt her. She was not losing her mind! She had been thinking much the same things. "Een my... faurmer line auf woork, I hev hed... deealins weth te Trauveeler." She shook her head, now. "Hee es extreeme, but naut eevel. Whaut heppened tooday shoowed noo cere faur theese peepool." She took in a breath of the dry terrestrial air and it struck her how much she missed the water and how much she hated the two-dimensional movement of the world of humans, hegelans, and yasoi. "Eet es au treeck aur e trep. Eye em soore auf et."
Truth be told, she did not fully trust Maura. Life had taught Kaureerah not to trust anybody, and this one seemed self-serving, but if their interests aligned, then... She reached out and shook the girl's hand. "Yoo saun oof e betch. Eye'm een."
Maura's smile grew wider as Kaureerah grasped her hand, and the two stood there for a moment, savouring the feeling of their newfound partnership. "Yes, an Alliance between the Beach and the Sea," she repeated, feeling a sense of excitement and determination welling up within her.
As they talked, Maura kept an eye out for anyone who might be watching them, but the coast appeared to be clear. "We sneaked out here last night to get a better look at the port situation," she said in a low voice. "We noticed a spot over there that's fairly covered and hidden. We suggested to our friend that we should meet up there tomorrow evening."
Her mind raced with possibilities as Kaureerah mentioned her experience with the Traveller. "Do you know of any code words or pass phrases?" Maura asked eagerly. "We came up with one when we were challenged, but maybe there is an older code, and that might check out."
As they approached the clearer water, Maura turned to Kaureerah with a playful grin. "Fancy a swim together?" she asked, unable to resist the temptation of inviting her new friend for a dip.
A warning prickle invaded the back of Kaureerah's mind. "Pess phreses?" she asked, "Eye waus herdly eenvoolved enaugh too bee geeven te keeys too te auperetion." She offered a weak chuckle and shook her head sadly, dodging further engagement with the idea. Maura had spoken very harshly and not particularly truthfully about the Traveler earlier. If Kaureerah was not precisely an ally of his, then she at least had mixed feelings. Maura... she would have to get a bit more of a read on, even if the girl's intentions were good. They found an area towards the end of the docks, in a sheltered lagoon. The water was not as clean as Kaureerah would have liked, but it would do. She dipped her toes in and it was cold, but not unbearably so. She took a few steps in and turned, sliding into a crouch as she did so. "Whaut doo yooo knoo ebaut te eeaiko?" she asked probingly, but friendly enough.
Maura's lips curled into a gentle smile as she addressed Kaureerah. "Asking was worth a shot. It appears the phrase 'We are a traveller, and we travel where we are needed' will continue to live on in its infamy."
Maura contemplated the question while beginning to remove her clothes, revealing her underclothes. As she thought about what she knew of the Eeaiko, a mischievous smile played on her lips. "Well, according to popular lore, the Eeaiko are the gorgeous maidens of the sea with voices sweeter than honey. Sailors are said to be lured off their ships by their beauty, only to drown in the waters." She couldn't help but smirk wider. "As for Kaureerah, it's rumoured that she's the fairest of them all and has the biggest death toll." She chuckled, clearly not taking the myth seriously, as she moved from her chair and splashed into the water before her, playfully enthralled.
"But in all seriousness, we don't know much about the Eeaiko, despite being granted a Kelp Forest in Glaskum. We've heard that they are communal and often work together for their greater good, and that they communicate in a shared song. It does sound beautiful, doesn't it?" She smiled at Kaureerah, hoping she answered somewhat correctly.
If Kaureerah smiled appreciatively at the first part of Maura's response and made some joke about being a shipwrecker, her face fell at the second. She dunked her head underwater, feeling so good, so natural, and just... thinking. These were old wounds she was going to reopen. "Eet es troo te saung of te eeaiko es beauteefaul, baut naut aul vooices aur welcem." she shook her head. "When wee beeld toogeter, wee sher aur ideeas, baut wee oonly sher soo faur. Eef peepool thenk yoo stoole en ideea, yoo are autcest." She smoothed her hair back in the cool night air, breathing in and out. "Naut joost yoo baut yoor entire femely, foor tree geeneritions. Yoo leev autside auf soociety. Yoo may naut veeset the hoomes auf yoor betters. Yoo mey naut cauvet or merry yoor betters. Yoo may naut sher yoor ideeas. Yoo mey naut seeng in te saungs."
She dipped below the surface again for a second, only her eyes and the top of her head peeking out, before emerging. "Eye ren fraum thet end eye cennaut reetoorn. Eye em autcest end my cheeldren weell bee faur te nex tree geeneretions. Te oonly waun too cere, too try too aupleeft aus waus te Trauveeler." She let out a long sigh, wishing that the memories could both dissipate with it and that she could keep them forever and only the moments of pain when she realized she would never see home again would disappear. "Eye em naut hees egent," she assured Maura, "Baut hee ees naut my enemy end eye well naut betreey heem aunless eye heve e very good reesoon too."
Maura paid close attention to Kaureerah's words, but she felt lost and out of her depth. The customs of Eeaiko culture were completely foreign to her, and she struggled to grasp the implications of half of the things being discussed. However, what she could understand was the hurt and sadness etched on Kaureerah's face. So she instinctively moved over to the girl, wrapped her arms around her, and hugged her tightly.
"We may not understand these customs," she whispered softly, "but we are here for you, and we care too. Whatever you're going through, we want to help you in any way we can." She held Kaureerah tightly, hoping to offer comfort and support.
Kaureerah... blinked. She was not sure why Maura cared so much about her suddenly, but maybe it was just... sapient decency. She thought of all the little conversations she'd had with humans over the past few years as she'd traveled their lands and learn their language. She thought of some of the Johns she'd known, and those who had come back repeatedly. Some had just been there for a good fuck and there was nothing to do about it but... her job, such as it had been. Others had been looking for more. They'd told her all sorts of little stories from their lives: their triumphs, their fears and their woes. They'd wanted her to care: someone to care, and a few had probably even loved her, or at least thought that they did.
Most people were self-concerned, but they were essentially good at the end of the day, Kaureerah had concluded, or at least wanted to consider themselves such. That's why Maura was hugging her. She returned the embrace and it felt good: different than the random men, some good, some bad, and most as lonely as she tried to tell herself she wasn't. The Swirl had been a sisterhood to the point there money became involved. then, they'd tried to sabotage her. Then, they'd decided they wouldn't part with a big earner. They didn't really care. Kaureerah was as she had always been: the entertainment. Everybody loved what she created, or the pleasure she could bring them, but she was no more than the vessel for it.
The Eeaiko's arms wrapped around her, Maura felt a sense of warmth and happiness. She was grateful to have a new friend and excited to learn more about Kaureerah and her customs. She is also glad to find someone who she can continue to trust and confide in.
As the two girls had their moment, they suddenly heard some commotion nearby. A group of Rettannese strangers were walking by and instead of leaving the girls alone, continuing along their way, they went towards their clothing on the shore and started picking it up while the girls were still in the water. Maura's voice rang out towards the group, "放下他们! - Put them down!" she exclaimed firmly.
That was when there was noise. Some creeps were stealing their clothes. The eeaiko whirled and gathered magic, releasing Maura. She began to undo the buttons on their clothes, pull their shirts up over their heads, and toss one's hat aside in a Kinetic grip. "Two can play your game or you can leave us alone!" she suggested.
The men thrashed and struggled and dropped their clothes. "腥婊子!" (fishy bitch!) one shouted. The other flailed about, kicking Maura's rollerchair in the process, right towards the water.
As Kaureerah warned the approaching group, Maura translated for her, "你玩你的，我玩我的，或者就别来烦我们" She found amusement in the retaliatory magic that caused the men to undress. When they replied with something about fish, Maura turned mischievous, offering her friend a sly smile. "He called us fish."
She used her gift as she wiggled her fingers to attract the attention of a nearby gulbi. "你想吃鱼吗 - Hungry for fish, are you?" Once the unsuspecting creature came close, she used her kinetic magic to splash. The gulbi shot out of the water and slapped the man across the face before bouncing back into the water to swim away. "There's your fish," she said with a giggle.
As the other kicked Maura's rollerchair, she drew from it with kinetic, and made a stopper to prevent it from rolling into the water.
Kaureerah leapt out of the water, then, in more or less a single bound. She picked some of the downed clothes from the ground with magic. The others... she pinched the men's hands so they'd reflexively let go. They took flight almost immediately. "巫婆!!!" (witch!!!) they shrieked as they retreated, among a rich tapestry of other insults. "监护人会听到这件事的！" (The guardians will hear about this!) Then, they were gone, and Kaureerah stuck out her tongue in their wake, twisting to regard Maura and giggling. "Eye guess they doo naut like feesh efter aull?" she questioned aloud, with a mischievous smirk. In truth, she had concerns about what they'd said. What if they went to the guardians and told their own version of the story? Could it actually cause trouble, or were they all hot air?
After the creeps had fled, Maura couldn't help but giggle with Kaureerah, despite the potential trouble they could get in for their actions. "Maybe they're not fans of Yusheng," she quipped, noticing the worry on her friend's face. "But if you trust me, I have a cunning plan." Maura's face lit up with radiant glee. "Perhaps they're fans of... Turtles."
Using her binding magic, Maura began constructing an oval-shaped shell with rudimentary markings, with Kaureerah lending a hand. Together, they completed a hollow shell with the words "王八 - Freshwater Turtle" written on it. Maura then stuffed the creeps' clothing inside the shell, positioning it so that it appeared as though a turtle's long neck and head were poking out, with little feet along the sides. She set the shell upon the water, just off the shore. The 'turtle' now given life as it is bobbing on the water.
"Let them explain that to the guardians," Maura said, pleased with their little act of mischief. Though now hinting to her friend for them now to get out of here quickly.
FWEET! FWEET! FWEET!
The whistle blew repeatedly, signalling the approach of a converging group of Blue Guard. They were being directed by the creeps, who were covered in makeshift sheets and robes to hide their immodesty. One of the angry individuals even claimed to have been hit by a fish.
Upon arriving at the scene, the group searched for clues but found nothing unusual until they noticed an object floating on the water. It turned out to be a basket with garments protruding from it, and shaped it like a turtle. Poles were used to bring the basket closer and upon closer inspection, the Hanzi 王八 were visible, and one helpfully identified the clothes as theirs. The creeps tried to explain, but it was becoming clear what had happened.
When one of the Blue Guards asked if the creeps had approached two women in this isolated area of the docks. The creeps stumbled with their explanation, but the evidence spoke for itself: they tried to prey upon the women, who held them off, then had taken their undergarments and left them in the turtle basket as evidence of their crime.
Event: Drudgunzean Union Volksfest | Location: Ersand'Enise
The Beer hall is a large, rectangular room with a high ceiling and rough wooden beams overhead. The walls are adorned with colourful banners and flags, depicting the emblems and symbols of various Drudgunzean regions and houses. The room is filled with long wooden tables and benches, all stained and worn with use, and the air is thick with the smells of roasting meat, baking bread, and, of course, the yeasty aroma of beer.
At the far end of the hall is a stage, where a band of musicians plays lively Drudgunzean folk tunes on traditional instruments such as the hurdy-gurdy, the bagpipes, and the fiddle. People are dancing and twirling to the music, their laughter and shouts of joy filling the room.
The Volksfest is a celebration of Drudgunzean culture and heritage during Rezain, with people dressed in traditional clothing such as lederhosen and dirndls, many of them sporting colourful ribbons and badges with regional symbols. There are also vendors selling various Drudgunzean specialities such as sausages, pastries, and cheeses, as well as handicrafts and souvenirs.
Overall, the Beer hall and the Volksfest is a riot of colours, sounds, and smells, a true celebration of culture and tradition.
Taleja noticed Dorothea stood alone and decided to approach her with a friendly smile. The Kressian wore a flowing dirndl, though modified with long cotton stockings, sleeves, and frilled gloves. She adorned a beautiful white wig, wearing festive ribbons, blending in well with the others attending.
“Good evening. My name is Taleja, and I am pleased to make your acquaintance. She is pleasant and polite, a practised smile plastered on her face. “I thought we could share some company.”
Dorothea however did not wear anything past a true Feskan dirndl, the colours showed her status enough as is. Purple in colour and beautiful patterns sewn into the dress itself. Her collar was adorned with a washed out purple bow that seems to be rather old.
“Ah, Good evening.” It took the Feskan quite some time to readjust to the sudden greeting. Losing her composure a little. “My name is Dorothea, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance as well.” Even after not being prepared for it, Dorothea showed a warm albeit a little awkward smile back.
Taleja's eyes fell upon the purple dress that Dorothea wore, taking note of the intricate patterns sewn into it, and drawn to the faded bow that adorned her collar, which seemed to have been passed down through generations. "I cannot help but admire your outfit" Taleja commented, her voice filled with the sound of curious appreciation. "Purple is such a regal colour, and it looks beautiful on you. Do you happen to be royalty?" she asked, taking note of the crown that sat upon Dorothea's head with a nod.
As Taleja looked around, she noticed the energetic atmosphere of the Volksfest, with people drinking and enjoying themselves. She decided to offer Dorothea a drink, picking up a few tankards filled with a frothy ale. "It is certainly lively this evening" she said, handing Dorothea a tankard. "It can be overwhelming at times, but it's a nice change from the usual formal events."
“Royalty? Oh, good heaven's no. I would never try to be able to get to such a status like that.” Dorothea laughed it off awkwardly before nodding to herself. “No, no, I am but a Count’s daughter. The only reason for the purple is our house’s old prestige and treasury.
Dory, clearly too sober for these kinds of festivities, decided it might be a good idea to take the drink and resisted the desire to empty it in one go. “It certainly is lively. If I could choose this over a formal ball, I would choose this one hundred percent of the time.
Taleja smiled and nodded in response to Dorothea. "I see, well, you still look quite regal in that beautiful dress. It is said the Avincian Imperial Family used to cloth themselves in purple as well, so your family may have a common ancestor with the line of Emperors." She brought out a spheric object, which appeared white and powdery, as she placed it within her own mouth then took a sip of her own drink before responding to Dorothea's comment about the festivities. "I agree completely. It's much more relaxed and easier to approach people than a formal ball."
Taleja leaned in closer, showing a genuine interest in Dorothea's family background. “You mentioned that you're a Count's daughter. May I ask who your father is?” her eyes continue to examine Dorothea as she signalled for a refill of their drinks. “My father is a Graf, or a Comte if you believe the Perrench.” She began to express disappointment at the lack of Kressian presence in the event, “It is unfortunate that some of my fellow Kressians choose to abandon their roots and embrace the Perrench culture and become the so-called sixth tribe of Perrence. But it is heartening to see that there are still those like us who cherish our heritage." As their drinks were refilled, Taleja took a sip and waited for Dorothea's response.
Dorothea’s expression darkened before returning to her previous warm smile. “My father is Graf Hohnstein, a minor house of Feska.” her eyes widened in surprise. “Ah, so you’re Kressian? I don’t see many of them around the beerhalle all that often.”
Her interest was further piqued upon hearing about the civil discourse in another nation. “Tell me, why do people consider turning towards the Perrench instead of their roots?”
Taleja had her head shaking in disappointment as she explained the subject, “They have chosen to align themselves with Perrence in the hopes of them lending on their power and provide opportunities. However, in doing so, they have turned their backs on their own people and sold their souls to a foreign kingdom.”
She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts as she directed attention at the various colours and heralds around the hall. “But I do not believe that we should turn towards Eskand and Perrence for power and opportunities. We should instead focus on building unity among ourselves, the Drudgunzean people. We should embrace our history and culture, and work towards preserving and promoting it, to create a force that can stand on its own.” She offered a slight smile as she sipped her drink, “One can only dream.”
Dorothea followed her conversation partner by taking a sip of her tankard. “Unity would be possible if both Huulendam and Kerremand would cease their hostilities. a slight smirk appeared on her face “Be they Kressian, Helbanisch or Feskan. Without Huulendam and Kerremand we will be nothing but a medium power at best.”
Taleja nodded in agreement with Dorothea's statement. "Indeed, the hostilities between Huulendam and Kerremand hinder our progress as a people for far too long. Perhaps it is time for a new approach.” Her eyes gaze at the Feskan as she drank more of the ale. “Care to share your insight?”
The Feskan put a finger on her chin. “Let me think.” Dorothea looked rather confused. “Hostilities would only stop if they could unite under a massive threat. The only realistic one being Perrence or perhaps….” A soft chuckle escaped her. “You could say perhaps Eskand, but they’re barely able to light a candle if you combine the minds of both states.”
Dorothea let out a sigh. “But to make Perrence the main enemy is a very volatile effort, seeing as the Huulendamisch crown is currently aligned with them. Perhaps we could have both of them step away from their allies. However, Kerremand’s alliance with Revidia would give a united Drudgunzea a much more powerful stance in the world’s sphere.”
"So you would propose a rift being created between Huulendam and the Perrench to consider them to switch sides. Though this would cause Kerremand to have the advantage which they could exploit, or even the threat of it would be enough to disrupt such an effort. How would you approach this?” Taleja proposed a problem, one common in politics, where such things are always done as a delicate balance.
“That is the issue. We have to make it look like the Perrench care more about their other allies than them, perhaps the Eskandish could skirmish with Huulendam to break out a crisis between two allies of circumstance.” Her mind was rattling for ideas to solve the issue at hand. “If we had all three other Drudgunzean nations to band together, we could make it so that if either Kerremand or Huulendam takes advantage of these delicate politics, they’d attack the aggressor. It would serve as a deterrent of sorts. A rather annoyed look appeared on her expression. “Problem is, Kressia can’t do much without the Perrench consent at the moment, Helbahn has not been too active and has Eskand to deal with… And Feska as of now would remain neutral just to keep the trade going.”
Taleja pursed her lips. “The wouldn’t the simpler solution to arrange for Huulendam to be invited first to address the imbalance? Kerremand wouldn’t attack it if it was fully surrounded, then petition to join the Central Alliance and have Kerremand’s allies persuade it to join the Union.” She tapped her finger upon her tankard as well. “You appear to have written off Hendland as well. Curious.”
“That could be a simple solution, however Kerremand could take offence to not being invited, or they could see it as a conspiracy against them. I think having both at the negotiating table at once would be most advantageous in order for the hostilities to burn out.” Dorothea took a break to take another sip from her ale. “Hendland has a strict policy of armed neutrality. If you are able to convince them to join, I would truly be amazed. Enth would make a united Drudgunze a power almost beyond Perrence, but I doubt they’d be able to blend well with how they currently are.”
Taleja blinked as she considered the comment. Humour. She painted a smile upon her face and laughed. “If I were able to hold such influence, we would not simply be having a conversation on it.” She mulled for a moment. “Do you have other interests?”
“Other interests? Well, for one there is baking, hunting and firearms.” Dorothea looked at the other before smiling warmly. “How about you? Do you have any other interests?”
“Activities that require concentration, preparation, and physical involvement.” She reviewed the choices as she reduced them to their common denominators, nodding as she smiled. “I find comfort in alchemy, often finding myself absorbed in my work. Though I do like to travel when I have the opportunity, and animals appear to enjoy my company. I share your interest in firearms, and I find that Enth’s blasting powder to be my preference for shooting, though it can warp older guns.”
“You have an interest in firearms as well?” Her eyes opened wide from hearing such. “Ever got the privilege of shooting with some older models? Wheellocks feel the nicest but a nice matchlock is also fun to use! I’ve used a Huulish Haakbus before, and it truly is a work of art.” Her joy and enthusiasm on the subject was almost infectious.
Taleja’s eyes sparkled as Dorothea shared her passion for guns, and the mention of the Huulish Haakbus caught her attention. “I haven’t had the pleasure of using one myself, but I would love for you to show me.” She paused for a moment, “I was gifted a Pendragon Smoothbore Musket following some work I completed for the Pen Draig family. They used wood marquetry to create a beautiful dragon design upon the stock. It is apparently prized in the Enthish sport of Pigeon shooting, due to its power, reliability, and accuracy.”
As Dorothea continued to speak, Taleja couldn’t help but share a mischievous grin. “You know, I tend to keep a Grutte Pier Flintlock Pistol in my satchel. It is a Kressian pistol, with its design borrowed from Perrence with a few modifications. It’s a favourite of outlaws such as pirates.” She patted where the hypothetical satchel at her side would sit, “You never know when it might come in handy.”
“Oooh, a Grutte Pier? I have not heard much of those yet. You have to let me fire that Smoothbore Musket some day! I’d love to try it out.” Dorothea nodded in agreement. “You never know when magic won’t cut it. A firearm never betrays you.” She raised her tankard into the air. “The greatest invention since bread!”
Taleja arched an eyebrow inquisitively as she regarded Dorothea's latest proclamation, touting some new invention as the greatest since bread. But then again, she reminded herself, Dorothea was a baker. “And to new friendships as well” Taleja added with a small smile, hooking her arm through Dorothea's before taking a swig from her tankard of ale.
After downing their tankards of ale, Taleja and Dorothea looked at each other with wide grins on their faces. “Shall we go dancing?” Taleja asked, gesturing towards the lively music coming from the other end of the hall.
Dorothea's eyes lit up with excitement, “Yes, let's!” she replied as she took Taleja's hand and led her towards the dance floor. They laughed and twirled as they danced, the energy of the music and the crowd coursing through them.
After a few dances, they made their way back to the bar for another round of drinks. “This is just what I needed Dorothea said, raising her tankard to Taleja, as she clinked her tankard with hers.
As the night wore on, they continued to dance, drink, and enjoy each other's company. They talked about their hopes and dreams, their fears and doubts, and everything in between. It was a night that neither of them would soon forget, a moment of joy and connection in the midst of everything.
As they left the beer hall, arm in arm, they knew that they had forged a friendship. They were grateful for each other's company and knew that they could count on each other in the trials that lay ahead.
Event: An Introduction | Location: Mandelein
"Lady Dorothea Hohnstein von Albesatz-Danzau," Taleja announced. Dorothea turned around at the sound of her name, greeted by Taleja's warm, practised smile. The woman stepped forward, taking Dorothea's hands in hers, the leather gloves squeezing slightly. "Imagine my joy and enthusiasm when I discovered that I was to be joined by yourself." she continued.
Taleja's eyes then moved to the others present in the room. "These are the others that were sent?" she asked, her gaze sweeping across the group. There was a tall, lanky red-haired Yasoi, a Sister of the cloth, a Darhannic, and a few others who may be involved as well. "Care to introduce me to them and provide an update?" Her green eyes shone in an inviting manner as she proposed this toward Dorothea.
Eyes filled with surprise when a familiar face took her hands. She wasn't informed other students would be joining. Soon enough, granting the girl a warm smile back. "Well, this is a surprise. I did not expect Lady Taleja to join us in this endeavour. "
Dorothea tried to find her words as she was tasked with giving her friend a short summary of events. "Well, I assume introductions are in order first. Some of them you might have seen around the school already." Her eyes pointed towards the Red headed Yasoi. "That Yasoi over there calls himself Jamboi, so I assume it would be safe to call him that as well." Her gaze then turned to the two servants of the divine in the group. "That is Sister Edyta Łaska and Qasem." Then turning her back to Taleja. "It truly is good to see you. Any help is a god sent."
"Ah, right. For our findings." Her mind tried to think of how to describe the things she saw. "Sister Łaska and I found the skeleton of a long gone prisoner.... It gave me the creeps. It looked humanlike but also more beastly... I've never seen anything like it." She looked towards the Yasoi. "I think Jamboi and Qasem might be best to explain their findings themselves."
Ashon was pretending to mind his own business as he was lost in thought about the described bestial human in the dungeon. A wild blood? It would match their investigations findings. He felt that something was off in his surroundings, as his thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of Lady Taleja, as Dorothea introduced her as. He felt a strange sensation, as his senses have become clearer and sharper, like the time he had been affected by a magical dampening device as used by the enforcers when they first arrived in Mandelein.
Likewise, he couldn’t help but notice her green eyes, those damned green eyes, and as she looked at him, he felt as if her sight was burrowing right through him. It was eerie was that when he looked within them, it was almost like he saw a reflection of himself in her eyes, her face creased into a smile like one he has worn a thousand times or more himself. Despite the eerie feeling, he beamed a welcoming smile as he jokingly introduced himself. “I? Why yes, it is like, the great Monkey-King himself, Jamboi!” He lowered his posture into a simian stance for emphasis.
Then, he turned to Qasem, giving him a nod, and discussion the discussion of their findings. “Qasem found that the beast’s blood contain manas belonging to that of a human.” allowing his colleague to explain further. “As for our findings… the beasts may be walking amongst us right now, or may have been before their transformation. Furthermore, the attacks didn’t come from the woods, but from the town itself.”
"If it was the beasts' blood and not the girl's." Qasem amended Ashon's information "They've been attacking locals indiscriminately, seems there's more than one. Whatever this beast is." He offered a hand and friendly smile to the new arrival. "Though I am curious how you knew we would be here, Lady Taleja, or just how you came to Mandelein yourself for that matter."
Edyta was seated some way from the others, and she could feel the unease of her manas. Venomhand. She had been trained to hunt monsters.
"It is just so," the Rezaindian confirmed. She made a show of being deferential in her body language, avoiding eye contact, playing to the demure stereotype of the dutiful nun as she rose scampered up. She was not much of a chemist, the one trick she'd learned to be the masking of her emotions. She employed it now. "Those were wild blood skeletons, and... I'd venture that this is a wild blood outbreak, Oraff help us." She quickly and reverently made the sign of the Pentad and executed a quick bow in front of the newcomer, hands clasped in greeting in front of her, just out of arms' reach. Your filthy hand will not touch me.
"There were some - we have been discussing - who went into the forest, tracking the 'beast' yesterday." She shook her head, clearly worried, and clenched her fists. "It... it should've been me. They haven't returned, and I was trained to hunt monsters."
Taleja listened attentively to the introductions, nodding occasionally and returning their offered gestures as they spoke. She noted their theories with a hint of amusement, but didn’t voice her thoughts.
As Qasem introduced himself, and shook her gloved hand, she returned the gesture with a firm grip and a warm smile. “Taleja, please, I am a Biro like yourselves. Yes, I was instructed to meet with your group and assist once I had followed a lead in Irsburg. I was informed to expect a familiar face.” Her faced turned to smile toward Dorothea.
Her attention then turned to Laska, her green eyes meeting hers. “They followed the Beast? Impressive. I pray that they were successful.” Taleja paused for a moment before adding, “I assume these were the best fighters amongst those that gathered here?”
Edyta did not have very much more to say, truth be told, and she had always been taught to speak worthwhile words only. She shook her head tightly. "They were... those quickest to volunteer. I was needed elsewhere."
With a goofy grin on his face, Ashon turned to Laska as she made her comment. "Our dear Sister is feeling a little envious that Manfraud, Casii, and Loonii are out there playing with the beastie. Don't worry, I'm sure they'll leave some for you too."
"We have not heard from them in a while... I'm getting a bit concerned." Dory used her knowledge of plants to recreate a relaxation substance to keep herself from getting too emotional. "Now with Taleja here, we have more eyes to investigate"
"Informed by whom?" Qasem pressed, ignoring her attempt to dodge his question.
Edyta remained quiet. She was no investigator and the venomhand's subtle avoidance had gone over her head, despite her overall unease. She did, however, glance from Qasem to the white-haired witch, allowing her eyes to linger for a moment on the second.
Taleja observed the group dynamics unfolding before her, and it was clear that the group was dysfunctional, to say the least. She glanced around at each of them, and noticed Dorothea becoming upset. In a reassuring gesture, she placed a hand on her back and offered her some gum. "Don't worry, Manfred should be able to handle it on his own," she said, offering a polite smile to Edyta and ignored Ashon. "It's a relief that all the experience of the group wasn't left behind in the woods."
As Dorothea prompted the conversation to turn to the investigation, Taleja smoothly transitioned into the next topic. "This is where I need volunteers," she said, scanning the faces of those gathered. "While in Irsburg, I came across a courier coming here who was receptive to, shall we say, persuasive methods." She made eye contact with the sister. "The courier was due to make a delivery to an outpost nearby, and based on the information you provided, it very likely that the two events are linked. The rendezvous is today, so we need to act immediately."
Taleja arched an eyebrow in response to Qasem's question, but quickly regained her composure and replied confidently, "Why, who else?" before redirecting the conversation back to the topic at hand.
The Yasoi opened his mouth and reminded those around him once more why he was an idiot. The venomhand continued to dodge the question, likely with less grace than she imagined. Edyta grew tired of it. "It is not my place to lead, but to follow the will of the Pentad." She unknitted her hands and rose, calling zamrażanie and palenie to her waiting hands. "That said, we need direction. I shall hunt down and destroy the beast. I pray that Ahn-Eshiran will spare those who left before us. Dorothea, the man who courts you is among them, so you shall accompany me." It was more than a gesture of kindness, though it was that as well. She had suspicions about the girl. This would be a good place to dispose of her should it become necessary. "Qasem and Ashon shall accompany Taleja to the rendezvous." There were truths that the venomhand was hiding and the Darhannic, despite his filthy religion, was skilled in just such an art. Ashon was... rather strong if nothing else, and perhaps he could get her composure to break, to reveal something. She twirled the scythes experimentally, blood already starting to pump faster and hotter at the prospect of combat. "That is my advice."
Taleja smiled as she observed the fierce determination in the sister's eyes. Perhaps the fool's story was not entirely without merit. "While I have no doubt that the beast would be no match for the power of the Pentad, may I offer a suggestion for the search? The Forest is vast, and two pairs of eyes may not be enough. You should consider enlisting the help of the locals to aid you in your task. The more, the merrier. Perhaps my friend Dorothea can use this to demonstrate her skills?"
"The locals have proved unhelpful and unworthy of trust." Qasem interjected before the unspoken tension between the aloof young women could boil over. "Those that may be of value should not be put at further risk. I trust the good sister's instincts," If not her modesty, he added, unspoken but to himself. "Though if another pair of eyes are truly needed, Ashon may prove valuable; who better to scout the forest than a Yasoi?" He stepped aside and motioned for Taleja to move with him. "I would be more than happy to share more of what we have learned on the way to the rendezvous."
Ashon observed as everyone wanted to rush in without much thought, shaking his head in disapproval. "Anna's husband could be convinced to search for his missing wife, and perhaps we could offer the henchman and his goons a sum of money to aid in the search," he suggested. "Not like running into the woods like headless chickens didn't cause this mess in the first place," he added with a shrug.
Dorothea looked rather confused at the direction given to her by the good sister. "Are you sure that is a good idea? I am not the strongest, after all." Her eyes tried their hardest to avoid any eye contact. "I will do my best to help with whatever I can."
Hearing her friend's words. "No, I think it might be best to not go with a full group. It would expose us rather obviously to whatever lurks within the forest." The girl tried her hardest to show a comforting smile to the other. "My skills? I can always try and see what the locals could reveal."
It was clear that nothing would get done unless someone made a move to go. It was also clear that not all was right with Dorothea. Edyta had never known the touch of a man, but she had loved, before, from a distance, and she was fairly sure that, were her beloved in imminent danger, she'd not have been so circumspect as the Feskan was now being. Lies, she thought, from liars. Social politics and manoeuvring. It disgusted her, and what made it worse was that she'd been guilty of joining. Then Ashon said perhaps the first worthwhile thing to come out of his mouth since the entire debacle had begun. "Ashon is correct. The woman's husband is likely to help us, and any of her relatives. I would not trust the mercenaries, however. Blood has been shed between us. Dorothea and I should speak with the husband before heading out of town."
Others continued, and the nun shook her head. She had hoped not to have to air it out, but she tired of these games. She turned to Taleja. "In Dami's name, I intend no offence, but I shall not mince words with you either. My trust is not given. It is earned, and I have been given no compelling reason to trust you to venture alone with the inquisitor." She regarded him, then. "You are a man of great talents and abilities, but raw strength in the Gift is not one. Should things go awry, I believe you should have Ashon's strength with you." She turned to the Yasoi. "I shall speak with candour again: I trust you more to act than to speak. Until a moment ago, nothing you had previously said revealed the slightest ability to behave with decorum or exercise social grace. If you accompany myself and Dory instead of Qasem, what guarantees do I have that you will not make a fool of yourself and us?"
"I had spoken my piece earlier and now is the time to act. I leave each of you to your own free will, for such is the gift of Ahn-Dami." With that, Sister Laska began moving, still open to receiving more input but not to wasting any more time.
Taleja smiled politely as the Sister spoke. "I share your anticipation to trust in the success of this mission, Sister." She then turned her attention to the Yasoi. "I require stealth and a tracking, and the Monkey King could be of assistance. We need to follow the contact to their hideout." She looked toward Qasem, "As for the Inquisitor, his skill set may not be suited for the task. Since you have a close relationship with him, would you be willing to take him with you to search for the others?"
This one was a worm who recognized a hook and wanted nothing to do with it. If anybody could learn more about her, it would be Qasem. Edyta was certain of it. She imagined that he would be too.
Qasem found himself too far taken aback by Laska's unexpected praise to argue with her. But Taleja's slyness was enough to set him back to the task at hand. "I think you'll find me plenty adaptable, Lady Taleja." His full toothed smile remained still firmly in place, and his voice pleasant as ever. "I am too curious to meet this contact not to insist on joining you."
Ashon moved behind Qasem, his steps silent as he approached his friend. He leaned over him, his voice low and conspiratorial as he whispered in his ear. "I think her point was that you were not meant to meet them," he said, a sly smile forming on his lips. He bopped Qasem gently on the top of his head, his hand bouncing off his friend's thick curls. "Or yet, anyway," he added with a chuckle.
Taleja let out an inward groan and raised her gloved hand to pinch her brow. She then reached into her coat pocket and retrieved a small container of pellets, swallowed one with some water, hoping it would ease her headache. She addressed the group, "The decision has been made. Let's make preparations, and you two can meet me outside the entrance to the town. You may dress in any colour you wish, as long as it's black," she said, eyeing the flamboyant clothing of her two peacock companions.
She held their gaze for a moment before continuing to the other group, "It's crucial that we find the others in one piece and quickly. We'll need all the strength we can muster for what's to come." Her green eyes narrowed as she emphasized the importance of their mission. "We don't have time. Make haste and prepare yourselves accordingly."
Qasem turned, faced Ashon with an expression of exaggerated shock. "You don't mean to imply that our fellow Biro could be purposefully concealing information from us? When we've been so forthright with what we've learned ourselves?" When he turned to their new arrival again, his mouth was set in a tight hard line, the friendliness before gone, but nodding as she listed instructions.
"It's clear you know something of the beast and what we might encounter. Sharing such knowledge would be the most valuable preparation of all."
Taleja had made it to the door when the Inquisitor's words reached her. She stopped and scowled, turning to face him with a sharp glint in her green eyes. "I wouldn't be careless with your words, Inquisitor. Some of us came here to do more than a leisurely stroll in the woods, a free lunch, and an academy commendation," she warned him. Then, placing a polite smile on her face as she spoke. "Only know as much as you have informed me, save there is one observation you left out. Your wild blood attacked during a moonless night, and you should fear what may happen when it is shortly four moons. That's in four nights," she said, emphasizing the countdown with her fingers. Her eyes then flicked to the Rezaindian. "As the good Sister should have informed you."
"We have a deadline, I don't intend to find out what happens if we fail to achieve our objectives before that night," she said, before tipping her hat to Dorothea in a personal farewell as she opened the door. "If you want to be of use, then prepare to move, or I'll leave without you." She pushed through the doorway and left.
"Our track of finding helpful friends continues" Qasem drily concluded as the newest arrival left. "That ones lies easy as she breathes. She knew we would be here, but not who we were. Someone else sent her." His furrowed brow relaxed as he looked to the others in the group. "We at least need to work as a unified team, together. If we cannot trust each-other, we have no chance against a real monster." With a nod to Ashon, he too turned to leave.
"Even if Taleja might not be completely truthful, we should not disregard her... With three people gone, we need all the help we can get." With that, Dory walked behind Laska, looking somewhat distressed. "We shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth."
Ashon watched as the group bickered amongst themselves, some raising their voices and others quietly observing. He couldn't help but feel amused by the scene before him. His attention was drawn to Taleja as she skilfully provoked Qasem with her words. Ashon had to admit, he was impressed, even he, the great Monkey-King Jamboi, had never been able to ruffle Qasem's feathers quite like that.
Looking back at Qasem as she left, Ashon continued, "Her tongue slithered like a snake behind her teeth, but we need to look past it. My dear Qasem" He drew her hypothetical figure in the space she stood. "She's come to us for help, whether she wants to admit it or not. And it's up to us to decide if we're willing to provide it." He gestured to the rest of the group, "We're all here for a reason, and I have a feeling our interests align, at least for now."
He turned his gaze towards Laska and asked, "Do you happen to have any spare habits we can borrow? We need black clothing."
Edyta was prepared for more of Ashon's Mockery, but she managed to hold herself back and not judge... at least outwardly. "What purpose do you seek for them," she asked bluntly, narrowing her eyes. She was not entirely against offering assistance, but the nun would not abide by people besmirching the sacred vestments of the church.
It was naught but a few minutes later when Edyta moved off after Dorothea to see if they couldn't find anyone to help in their search for Manfred, the two yasoi girls, Viktor, and Anna. In truth, she noticed, Ymiico had disappeared as well, shortly after some incoherent speech in broken Avincian earlier.
Secondary Character
Taleja Drakenknecht
“Power is not given, it is taken.”
18 | Female | Human | Kressian | Noble | RAS: 8.18 (151 manas) | Venomhand | ♫
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