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[hr][b]Interacting with:[/b] Most people in the Wyrm fight, Amanda & Marceline [@Force and Fury], Ayla & Thierry [@Ti]
[b]Location:[/b] The Desert -> The Refuge -> Hugo's Crib -> Ersand'Enise [hr][/center]


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Just as Zarina had united with her closest friend, she was to ride off to battle to put it all in peril for the sake of others. Jocasta, the real one, laid out the plan and prepared the additional late arrivals while Zarina got her affairs in order with Riesco. Scrounging up the best light armour she could find in the stables, she was content with just leather protection and a basic helm to go with it. The Camargue breed also got mild protection on the sides, attached to the saddle, and on the head an improvised fly mask. There was going to be sand and loads of light, so protecting the beast’s eyes was to be considered too.

[color=C78A2C]”Hey there, Shooru …”[/color] she whispered to the stallion’s perked ear when he got a little agitated. The cries of beasts being transformed into Casii’s monstrosity were stressing everybody, especially the animals, [color=C78A2C]”Mmm. Smells nice, doesn’t it?”[/color] she continued to whisper little nothings to the animal, hoping her voice and proximity could provide the frightened creature some comfort before the battle. She worried about it, they hadn’t fought like this before and the risk of an accident was considerable. But it was lessened by the visible bond the two had. Riesco’s frequent stress stomps began to cease and the calm chewing began, [color=C78A2C]”That’s my Shooru.”[/color] a good smooch between the eyes and a half-apple were given as a reward before she drew the beast out.

In the horizon she could see the sandcloud ushered by the passing of the maddened dragon. Marceline was by Zarina, riding her own horse and serving as a means to keep tabs on the rampaging beast if it were to ever slip underground. Though truthfully, the Virangish wanted to keep Marci close enough to ensure she was safe as the young tethered insisted to her mother she wanted to be a part of this. Zarina was to keep close to the Wyrm, while the younger teen kept a good distance from the group to support.

[color=C78A2C]”Big girl pants on now, Marci. We’re about to make history.”[/color] she winked from under her leather helm with a visible grin on her gaze. And then she tapped the sides of her steed with her heels and whistled to get him into a quick trot. Everyone else was scrambling to get into positions and she did the same. The Tethered were the first to halt its progress, allowing for the deer-riding group and Zarina to attempt to corral the rampaging Wyrm away from the nearby town of Hosta.

Froabases joined the fray, adding to the complications, although Zarina attempted to take advantage of the situation. However, Riesco was not having it. The stress of the situation and inexperience was getting to it. She had to focus on her steed before the rest, hoping that Marci would cover for her at the very least.

[color=C78A2C][i]Hey, hey, Riesco- I’m here.[/i][/color]

She couldn’t really utter anything as she wouldn’t be heard through the tremors and frantic gallop of her horse. But she tried to communicate her presence and care some other way. Without truly knowing it, she was reaching out to him through the Gift, and attempted to ‘connect’ with him the same way she did with some of the Froabases but this time with a creature she had formed a four-year bond with. In a way, she knew him in ways none other did. With a little bit of effort, both of them harmoniously felt what the other did. Riesco felt his master so close to him and didn’t see the Wyrm as this terrifying predator that would inevitably eat him. He had Zarina now, the one that had always made him feel safe. And she felt the exact same way. 

[indent][i][color=C78A2C]”I want a Gypsy horse- No! A Mora Metek!”[/color] clamoured a little Virangish tot to a very elderly but still kicking tanned man, [color=C78A2C]”They’re so cool with their manes and and and, Bwaahhhh!”[/color] her arms flailed in an attempt to illustrate flaming manes from the unique breed. The old man shook his head, [b]”Maybe when you become a princess, Zarina.”[/b] They were at what seemed to be a farm in rural Virang, with quite a few foals released in a pen for other children to visit and play with. Zarina, being the energetic eleven year-old she was, revelled in this occasion. Like most of the kids, her attention went to the pretty one with the long, black mane. There were many pretty ones, but only one made her smile so wide that she ended up laughing. A clumsy little grey foal, not quite remarkable, came up to her and started to munch at her pocket upon smelling a piece of old carrot in it, [color=C78A2C]”Oh! Here you go!”[/color] she offered the treat to be scooped up almost immediately. The infant horse then proceeded to keep his lips slightly parted to resemble a smile when he got some scritches to go with the meal. She mimicked it, and then he went for the flehmen grimace that got her to laugh her guts out. And then he kind of just … Followed her. To the point where beautiful, legendary horses were a notion she had long forgotten. It became hard to separate them after that.[/i][/indent]

The Wyrm was successfully deviated from its course and now targeted the Refuge. With Riesco back on track, Zarina could get a better grip of the situation. She started by keeping a steady gallop in close proximity to it while avoiding its notoriously powerful claws. Froabases kept swarming the skies, and with newfound focus Zarina managed to pacify one that put the whole operation at risk. It merely glided passively over the battlefield while the Virangish struggled to keep it under control. Nuclear explosions and deer rammings followed soon afterward.

Now her blade was readied and she waited for her opening. The continuous explosions were bound to stagger the beast. But instead of falling, the monstrous Wyrm casted a mighty shadow over all, reaching even the Refuge as it uttered a loud screech. Zarina lowered herself and- V̶̪͕̦͓͚̭̓͆O͖̗̅̊̌ͥ͢I̷̠̱͖͍̳̺͋ͅD̮̰̮̂̐́̋͞ ̶̜̫̫̝̜̱͍͛ͫ͊i͑̀̄̅͏̯͍̻s͓̤͓̞̩̼̣̺ͯ͞ ̠͇͚̟̤́͒̐͠h͓̹̆ͬ͝ͅe̛̯̺̪̤̳͛͑ͨ̐r̸̙̖̗͈̻̩̜̿̑e̻̫̖͚̯͔͖͉͛͊ͣ͜

[hider=V O I D][color=Black][i]What is that thing? On the dead Wyrm …

[center][b]K N E E L[/b][/center]

I’m kneeling. Why am I kneeling?! What is that thing?! Oh fuck. Oh FUCK! I can’t move. I can’t breathe. Help.

It’s moving. It’s going to kill Yalen. It’s so cold. Someone. Anyone. Help! Wait- I can stand. The Yasoi- Everything feels so cold and numb. I need to kill this thing. I have to do it now!

[center][b]K N E E L[/b][/center]

No! Nonononononono! I can’t handle this. I don’t want to die. Papy. Riesco. Ysilla … Mom. Help.

I think I’m going to vomit- Did … Did it just kill that boy?! With just a touch. Is this the Nightmare? Is this our judgement? Vashdal, have we earned your ire?

No. This is not it. I know what you are. Death as we know it.

Ahn-Esh-[/i][/color][/hider]

Anticipated the coming blast as Riesco leapt over a fissure caused by the loud screech. But just as Zarina survived the onslaught, something bothered her. As if she had the briefest of absences and immediately forgot what had passed in her mind. There was a strange sensation in the air that even breezed through the tremors and storms conjured by the Wyrm and the Froabases felt it too. Some massive energy was concentrated which dragged the dragons away.

The Deer was about to be swallowed by the sands, and as much as Zarina detested its existence, she couldn’t let her colleagues just die. The Froabas she pacified was further influenced to try and go for a rescue, but ultimately ended up devoured by the very sands she sought to stop. Luckily, a blast from a lad she could’ve swore she had seen in a different light not so long ago had delivered a decisive hit. The Wyrm was staggered, and Zarina could seize this opportunity to drill her shamshir into its eyes, successfully gouging it out through the mucosa.

Then came flames. Flames she couldn’t just run from. Zarina, with her heart racing, definitely felt the heat coming close. But luckily for her, someone had her back. She didn’t throw a glance or even a thumbs up, she knew who it was and there would be recognition later. A job had to be finished, and it so happened to be the fool with the gun to finish the job whilst putting himself in peril. The Wyrm was down, but the job wasn’t finished. Some tended to Desmond, while Zarina went to assist the second group with the Froabas pack.

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At the nick of time, Zarina intervened to save the imperilled Thierry de Montblaise with Riesco dashing at speed he had never reached before. The Virangishwoman landed right before the black Knight, still on her horse and with a Kinetic shield protecting both from the white-hot flames of the Alpha. She maintained the barrier with similar principles given to her by Jocasta: Maintaining the rotation of the manipulated air and energy in a constant flow and using its own excess to feed it.

[color=C78A2C]”No celebrating yet, bub. I need this thing on the ground.”[/color] she responded to one of his charming remarks - more so a thank but still, a distractingly charming thank you - and dashed forward with her horse to keep up with the confused creature. Not letting herself be distracted by the monstrosities brought in by Ismette, she prepared her final strike. Thierry delivered with a suplex, and Zarina finished off with a literal leap of faith, landing on its back and applying a powerful pacification spell from her innate chemical skills to finally calm it. No more Froabases needed to die.

But the job wasn’t finished. The animal could be tamed and Zarina could feel it in her to do something about it. The same way she connected with Riesco, she felt like she could do the same. The tall Virangish stood before the calmed beast, so easily devoured if the beast got aggressive again. Confident, she didn’t budge even as it grew frustrated with her attempts to ease into its system. It was turbulent, at best, with many screeches that likely prompted a few to raise their arms. But the Northern Teen wasn’t done. With a little more, she could just … Just as she seemed to exert herself far beyond what was normal, a friend came to help: Kaspar. With his aid, she could finally appease the beast and establish a new order. Zarina was the dominant figure, and the female Alpha recognized this, and hopefully would see this on other dominant humans too.

[color=C78A2C]”Thanks for that, Kaspar.”[/color] she was panting, but had the strength to give him a thumbs up. The Alpha was kept at a safe distance as the next order of business came up: The Aberration.

…

[color=C78A2C]”Pffpfpfpfpf … Ugh, my head.”[/color] face in the sad, Zarina awake from the worst high she had ever experienced in her young life. A high so bad and yet she wanted more of it for some inexplicable reason. Riesco was munching away playfully at her hair, trying to get her attention, [color=C78A2C]”Mmm. Hey you. Gonna bring me safely home? I don’t think I can walk much right now.”[/color] with a few grunts of pain, she straddled her horse and slowly paced back to the Refuge with the rest.

Although a new issue came about: The Alpha! She was pregnant, and was just about to lay her eggs. With the help of Thierry and some others, the large Froabas was escorted thanks to Clemencia’s chains toward the Refuge and made to roost under the hot sun. A comfortable nest was improvised by pushing sand away via Force magic. Zarina then gently pressed her hand onto the dragon’s snout - a bold move still - and sought to share the soothing sensation she used to calm her steed.

With little whines, the reptilian began to lay her eggs. It wasn’t a mammal, so the process was rather straightforward, but she would frequently turn around to check the goods. The calls of the other chained Froabases of her flock were also reassuring, and Zarina’s sweet nothings often did the trick. With ten eggs in total, and a sleeping Alpha that needed to recover its strength after all that occurred, the group had quite the bounty!

A bounty that would be claimed in an auction, leaving Zarina with: Ten Wyrm Scales, Eight Wyrm claws, Eight Wyrm bones of varying sizes, and THREE Froabas eggs - One of which is an Alpha and of the rarest breed by the patterns on it! The other two also had uniquely remarkable patterns too, promising rare specimens the day they’ll hatch.

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[hider=Burying the Past]In the midst of revelling in spoils, spending time with new friends and admiring the views the Refuge could offer, there was an isolated burying ceremony taking place. Tavio Ortega, previous warden of the Refuge of St. Agustin de Arenas, was put to the ground with no family present and very little that could be considered friends. Some of his staff, some even Tethered, and one Virangish girl that had never been amicable with the man. A strange decision by Zarina, and yet here she was, not even in the background, head lowered and her hands knitted together in a respectful manner.

[color=C78A2C][i]You were an asshole, Tavio Ortega. And you tried to kill me. And my friends. Many suffered under you too.[/i][/color]

The ceremony had ended. Most that came out of sheer responsibility had since left. Zarina took a step closer to the gravestone left behind, the last any would see of the man.She sighed and knelt before the grave on one knee and supported her weight on the other. Her tired, golden gaze wasn’t perturbed by the frequent thumps from the blaring headache she was experiencing. The tranquillity of the moment was just too good- enough so to shake off the ever-present craving.

Zarina reached out to gently brush her digits over the surface of the stone. Lips pursed and eyes closed, she exhaled a final time from her nostrils before she dropped the flower from the Gran Naranja’s roots among the other offerings given.

[color=C78A2C][i]But at least you tried, for the sake of the innocent souls living here. A thankless effort, even by your own kin. So, I’ll be the one to say it: Thank you. For the hospitality, and for giving a shit.[/i][/color]

She was the last to remain in the isolated spot chosen to bury what many saw as a jailer. Zarina returned with her friends and prepared for their departure.[/hider]

[hider=Looking Forward to the Future]
Piles of spoils were distributed among the proud victors of the battle of St. Agustin. Many fiercely bid against each other, others bidded their time and some went broke at the very start. All in all, everyone walked with a good number of prizes, some even becoming young millionaires! Zarina had her eyes on very specific prizes: The Froabas eggs, and ultimately ended with the rarest of its kind. Needless to say, she was over the moon. A good five minutes of giddiness later and she’d finally grounded herself and turned her attention to Ayla who had also acquired an Alpha egg by trade.

[color=C78A2C]”Well well, Vashdal has deemed it fitting for the Torragonese to raise the pride of Torragon.”[/color] she approached the petite female whilst clutching her egg-containing backpack with both her arms. She couldn’t shrug off the massive smile on her face, [color=C78A2C]”Guess we’re gonna have a lot on our hands in a few months, huh?”[/color]

Ayla managed to make herself more modest since the events of the aberration madness, as the somewhat nude dragon-egg clutching charcoaled blonde was not a good look for her.  [color=7ea7d8]”Yes, these will become hungry little beasts quickly. Got to work on fireproofing our apartments.”[/color], she has the large egg within her arms whilst the striped one is in a burlap bag, and the small black one in her satchel.  [color=7ea7d8]“Kaspar passed out during the auction, going to give him the stripy one. Perhaps it would help him find his stripes.”[/color] She smiles widely in her tease, as she gives a little ‘woo’ with the big egg within her arms.  [color=7ea7d8]“Prayed to Reshta for your fortune, you seem to have a special way with these dragons. Would be nice to see it develop. Perhaps dragon-roasted coffee beans will become your new poison”[/color].

Zarina kept her eggs close to her chest for now, clutching them like they were already born and they were her babies. She nodded, [color=C78A2C]”Y’know, Grape dragons come cheap. Could be a decent proving ground to see if our humble abodes can take the heat. Literally.”[/color] she peered inside her bag, and the sight of her uniquely rare egg just filled her with satisfaction she never got sick of. She not only had a big, cool dragon secured, but one very special. Not that these factors truly mattered, in the end, as she never fretted over Horse breeds, but she couldn’t help it either. This was going to be a beautiful Alpha, [color=C78A2C]”That’s very sweet of you - For Kaspar and thinking of me.”[/color] she shot a subtle smile over at Ayla.

Her attention drifted toward Marceline, briefly pondering something that melted her smile from her face, and then focused back on Ayla, [color=C78A2C]”Although it seems fortune smiled upon you just as much, kitty cat.”[/color] she smirked upon noticing the piles of goods under Ayla’s name, [color=C78A2C]”Maybe I should take some notes.”[/color]

Ayla couldn’t help to bring out the charred remains of the borrowed clothes to show off.  [color=7ea7d8]“Well, until Jo sees what happened to her outfit, that is.”[/color], gives a soft laugh, somewhat oblivious to certain other events which may have gotten her on the blonde’s bad side.  [color=7ea7d8]“Usually auctions save the best till last, only fortunate the rest were eager bidders and people were open to trade”[/color].

Zarina chuckled, [color=C78A2C]”Let’s get you some fresh clothes, yeah? Lady Ayla of House Arslan, the Unburnt.”[/color] she gestured with her head for Ayla to follow her, and it seemed they were going toward the stables, [color=C78A2C]”There are some spare clothes I left when I suited up. Might be a bit big on you but I doubt anybody cares.”[/color] they would eventually get to the stables, and it smelled like horses alright. Riesco was parked with a fresh batch of feed for him to indulge in, although he still had his saddle and bridle on, as he would be brought with Zarina when the portal would appear, [color=C78A2C]”Clothes are in the third slot over there.”[/color] however Ayla would not find clothes, and instead there would be the one and only: Gina!

Ayla blinks as she finds a Shetland Pony where the reported clothes would be, she was almost tempted to question Zaz about her mistake though fortunately realised before she spoke up and made a fool of herself. She moves towards the Pony as she reaches out with her hands to stroke upon it, [color=7ea7d8]“Hello there, what is your name, beautiful one?”[/color]. She places her hand upon a nearby carrot as she offers it to Gina for her to snack upon, stroking her fingers through the long white mane.

[color=C78A2C]”Her name is Gina.”[/color] Zarina responded whilst tending to her own Camargue horse and posing the eggs on a nearby surface - never leaving her gaze. Gina was very docile, and curiously approached Ayla when she got close to her enclosure. The white pony raises her head and performs a little flehmen’s reflex - and what a funny face it was - before going for a quick scoop of the carrot. Munching away, she continued to sniff Ayla and just kind of stood there, calm and happy to be stroked, [color=C78A2C]”She came alllllll the way from Virang to meet you, Ayla!”[/color]

Ayla tilts her head at the last comment,  [color=7ea7d8]“It would have taken weeks, how could she have been brought so quickly?”[/color]. She continues to stroke upon the pony, lazing against it as she nuzzles her face against the mane, Zaz doesn't have to comment as she puts two and two together.  [color=7ea7d8]“Did a little blonde lady bring you from Virang? Did she now?”[/color], she does that playful baby speak as cuddles her new friend.  [color=7ea7d8]“You know, Gina just told me that you've been keeping her all cooped up in here and she would like to trod upon the sand. Isn’t that right?”[/color], her gaze moves towards Zaz’s position in the stalls, tempting her into going out for a ride.

As the calm and happy pony was being given all the love in the world by Ayla, Zarina was making sure to tend to her own beloved steed. Although first she inspected him for any concealed injuries, even if she had done so before, just in case. He hadn’t really been in combat before, and she made sure to give attention to his heart as she examined the noble creature. Overall, he was fine and didn’t slack on good habits: She began to munch his lips over Zarina’s hip, seeking out a potential carrot in her pocket, [color=C78A2C]”Yeah yeah, hold your horses.”[/color] she snorted at her own bad joke before offering a flat palm with the treat to her horse, [color=C78A2C]”I guess she could use a little exercise, eh? If you can get the saddle behind her, you can give her a go.”[/color]

Riesco was brought out of her temporary shelter and the leather padding that served to shield him was stripped, leaving only a saddle, bridle and his sweaty fur, [color=C78A2C]”She’s not used to the desert, however, so we should stick to the rocky perimeter of the Refuge, yeah?”[/color]

Ayla smiles widely as she starts to lead out her new friend, the gorgeous white pony making its way towards the entrance of the shelter.  [color=7ea7d8]“She is a noble creature, and we are going to have a leisurely stroll to find some sugar cubes together, aren’t we Gina?”[/color]. She checks the saddle and when outside, she pushes herself upon the girl as she begins to ride her. She gently guides Gina alongside Riesco and Zarina, though notices the size difference as she looks up towards the other pair, giving a quizzical look as she starts to suspect she is a victim of a prank.

Zarina hopped onto her steed and peered down at the two below. The size difference was beyond comical, [color=C78A2C]”Can hear me down there?”[/color] she even mimicked an echo before snickering. The two made their way out, exposed to the heat of the desert but shaded by the walls of the refuge. A calm pace was in order, especially after Riesco’s exertion during the fight, [color=C78A2C]”So, given we’ve got some disposable cash, I figured … Why not rent some stables? They’re pretty dirt cheap.”[/color] she brought up as they ventured by the shadow of the Red Tower, [color=C78A2C]”If we’re gonna start raising Froabases too, may as well learn to be a little responsible first, yeah?”[/color]

Ayla muses upon the fact, [color=7ea7d8]“There are probably lots of places to rent which will look after horses in the city, and there are special areas for flying creatures, though the rent there would be a lot higher. It sounds like you are thinking we buy our own patch of land and hire our own workers?”[/color], she pitches the suggestion back to Zaz for clarity as they continue to trot around the refuge, a few eyes looking upon the unlikely pair as they complete their circuits.

[color=C78A2C]”Eh? Buy land? Neigh. I think we rent a place but care for our animals. No way am I letting some random dickheads raise my babies.”[/color] she grimaced at the thought of letting both Riesco and her dragons be handled by others than herself, [color=C78A2C]”We’ll have like, four months to prepare, so I figured we’d use this time to get responsible and familiar with the rules, y’know?”[/color] as they reached the end of their small tour, Zarina’s horse came to a halt and she faced Ayla, [color=C78A2C]”How are you feeling with Gina, kitty cat?”[/color]

Gina looked happy with the stretching of her legs, though more happy when she came across someone’s rogue dessert they had the misfortune of neglecting for a moment. [color=7ea7d8]“She rides like a dream, a very gentle girl. She must have been very well taken care of”[/color], Ayla strokes her hand along the pony’s neck, caressing upon it fondly. [color=7ea7d8]“Are you going to be sending her back to Virang?”[/color]

Zarina nodded, [color=C78A2C]”We got her when we were like … Eight? She’s used to annoying kids, never got annoyed. You can’t get her pissed even if you tried.”[/color] she hopped off her horse and tended to him before continuing. A little kiss on the snout, although Riesco was keen on getting another treat. His lips flapped and flapped over her hand, and she offered her fist which he ended up chewing on. Of course, he had the reflex to not actually bite down and she saw it as a little game, [color=C78A2C]”Well, that depends, Ayla. Do you think she’ll be happier alone and unridden back home, or with a certain Kitty cat that’ll take good care of her?”[/color]

Ayla pondered as she posed the question towards Gina, [color=7ea7d8]“What do you say, Gina. Want tía Ayla to take care of you for a while?”[/color]. The response was the pony’s lips seemingly wanting to nibble upon Ayla’s face, as Ayla scrunches it up as her nose gets nibbled upon. She backs away as she wipes her face down, [color=7ea7d8]“Gina says yes. Looks like we may be together for a while if that is okay”[/color]. She offers a big beaming smile towards Zaz.

[color=C78A2C]”Then it is settled!”[/color] she grins back at the small Torragonese. Riesco, keen on getting a snack, turned his attention to Ayla. He figured if Gina was giving her attention, she must have something! He extended out to try and suck in some burnt fabric in the hopes of scooping some yums, though Zarina was quick to gently tap his neck, [color=C78A2C]”Eyyy. You’ve been getting greedy, big boy.”[/color] she leaned in to coil her arms around her steed’s neck, and he responded with resting his head over her shoulder. The eggs were still safe with the backpack fastened at the back of the saddle.

[color=7ea7d8]“It seems we were not the only ones wanting to go for a trot, that knight over there keeps looking as if he is wanting to join us. Should we leave you to ride alone?”[/color], Ayla teased as she looked back towards Thierry, smiling towards him. The knight would now know he was the subject of their conversation from appearance alone.

Zarina looked over at Thierry whose non-verbal made it clear he wanted to at least exchange with the tall Virangish girl. She didn’t say anything at first, merely trading gazes before she oriented her attention back to Ayla, [color=C78A2C]”I mean … It probably won’t be long. Could you just check if my claws are not being nabbed by one of the new folks?”[/color] she made an excuse on the fly, to try and deflect any cheeky remarks. The claws were fine along with Zarina’s other goods, except for the eggs which she’d nab from the saddle and carry over her shoulder. She approached Montblaise with Riesco walking by her, [color=C78A2C]”Still in one piece, big man?”[/color] she addressed him with the usual sass she naturally oozed with her free hand on her hip.

Thierry tips his head towards the woman, making a characteristic stretching of his shoulders as he is looking rather bruised and tender from the exchange. [color=0072bb]“Oui. If you think I look bad, you should take a look at the other gars”[/color]. He jokingly thumbs to the Froabas Alpha, knowing full well she was a witness to those events, including his sparring match with it. [color=0072bb]“Though I do need to thank you. I came out of that far less frit thanks to your intervention.”[/color]

Zarina looked over at the Alpha. After a bit of patching up and tending when she laid her eggs, she looked fine barring the subsequent chaining, [color=C78A2C]”Looks fresher than you, and she’s just given birth.”[/color] she cocked a brow and crossed her arms under her chest, [color=C78A2C]”... But we do make a good team, aye?”[/color] the smirk she had turned into a warmer smile she slowly raised for him to see, [color=C78A2C]”That was wayyyyy too close however. Shit.”[/color]

Thierry moves closer as he places his hand upon the reigns of Riesco to bring them side by side, [color=0072bb]“We do make a good team. Ma rose du désert”[/color], remarking upon the nickname he gave her when they first met.  [color=0072bb]“Didn’t expect my talents to include being a dragon’s midwife”[/color], he moves to break up the tension with his jest, turning to look deeply within the girls’ golden eyes.

Zarina forced a titter out at the utterance of her new nickname, prompting a shake of her head and a desperate attempt to hide her blush, [color=C78A2C]”Zaz is fine too, Thierry.”[/color] she said with a strong accent to match the knight’s own Perrench one, [color=C78A2C]”I appreciate that you didn’t try to downright kill it. These beasts were perturbed by an unnatural thing. Not our place to just slaughter them all because of that.”[/color] she sighed, her arms sliding back down along her sides, with a hand kept on Riesco’s bridle, [color=C78A2C]”And now, as a reward, we get plenty of new beginnings to look forward to.”[/color] she first peered over at her backpack with the eggs, and then over at the refuge.

Thierry simply smiles as he pretends not to see her blush, his hand moving closer to her own.  [color=0072bb]“The future has a lot to think about. You should be making your way to the academy soon, non? I would find it regrettable for this to be our final moments together.”[/color], his hand then moves upon hers, lightly, only for a lingering moment.  [color=0072bb]“I am not going to ask to keep you here, for I know where your heart currently lies, but I wish to see you again, sooner rather than later. Would you grant me this wish?”[/color] The handsome knight continues to gaze towards Zaz, his hand holding upon hers lightly in that symbol of sincere affection. He moves his head to indicate towards the girl's friend, [color=0072bb]“You can bring your friends too, the Duque would be a most generous host, an opportunity to see the sights of Northern Torragon”[/color].

Zarina froze as her hand was taken by the bigger and quite handsome Knight. Eyes wide, lips firmly shut and her pulse accelerating ever so slightly. She felt numb, and for a moment didn’t seem too responsive. Although she eventually tightened her grip on Thierry’s hand and nodded, [color=C78A2C]”Write to me, if you mean it, Thierry.”[/color] she raised her head to have her golden gaze meet his, [color=C78A2C]”Torragon’s also my home. I will be back. And maybe …”[/color] she looked down at their hands and slowly retreated her’s, [color=C78A2C]”We can ride through the cool desert night, hmm?”[/color] then she leaned in and gave the man a quick kiss on his cheek before snickering and backing up, [color=C78A2C]”I should get going.”[/color]

Thierry smiles widely, taking the exchange very gracefully as he allows the girls’ friend to approach, now in her more natural colours. He quietly speaks low towards Zarina,  [color=0072bb]“We are still not sure if the Arslan girl is a fool or a genius, perhaps a bit of both. Good to make friends with that one”[/color].

Ayla smiles as she rides upon Gina, looking as impressive and regal as they could despite the small stature of them both.  [color=7ea7d8]“Hola, we have come to reclaim what is ours”[/color], she flashes a devilish smile and a wink as she pulls alongside Zarina, luring Riesco after her with some juicy carrots, the horse unable to resist the temptation.  [color=7ea7d8]“Thank you for taking good care of us, Señor Apuesto Caballero”[/color]. She giggles as she purposefully attempts to make Zarina more flustered in the sudden interruption of that intimate exchange.

A pouty Zarina met Ayla’s gaze with a glare, [color=C78A2C]”Missing me already, eh?”[/color] she shook her head and gave Thierry a final glance, [color=C78A2C]”Good friend indeed. And send me a letter, so we can stay friends, yeah?”[/color] Riesco was indeed lured in by the carrot, however a quick ‘Tsk’ and firm grasp of the bridle prevented any sort of venturing from the loyal beast. It would only be when SHE allowed it that he’d be able to reach out and syphon the treat from the Arslan’s grasp, [color=C78A2C]”Very smooth, Kitty cat.”[/color] she uttered with immense sarcasm. A final - truly final - glance was thrown behind her. What a handsome and charming knight he was.

Thierry simply lowers his head in a nod, attempting to suppress his laughter. There was bound to be a letter sent at the very next opportunity, and whilst he never confirmed such a thing, he knew the girl would be eagerly awaiting for its arrival.

As for Ayla, the one who  is either a fool or a genius, or a bit of both, she simply looks up towards her friend.  [color=7ea7d8]“If you like him, this is for the best. It will keep him keen~”[/color].[/hider]

[hider=Savouring the Final Moments]Amidst the gleeful celebrations, flaunting of spoils and commemorations of those that had passed, Zarina took some time to address the architect of this happy conclusion - and the one that saved them. The generally immobile Amanda was a figure she had few chances to exchange with, and now that a final opportunity presented itself, Zarina opted to seize the day on this one, [color=C78A2C]”Things turned out pretty good, huh?”[/color] the tall teen joined the Tethered’s side, arms crossed and her gaze focused on the many children having the time of their lives. Her attention slowly drifted toward Marceline, [color=C78A2C]”She’ll be far away, and for a long time. Are you ready for that, Amanda?”[/color]

[color=c4df9b][b]"You're Zarina, right?”[/b][/color] She blushed slightly. [color=c4df9b][b]"Sorry for my poor recall; just too many names to remember this past week.”[/b][/color] Zarina chuckled, [color=C78A2C]”Zarina, yeah. Though if you’d ask Jo, it’d be Zamira. Zaz is fine too.”[/color]

[color=c4df9b][b]"I used to have my share of nicknames,”[/b][/color] Amanda admitted, [color=c4df9b][b]"some flattering and some not as much.”[/b][/color] She smiled wistfully. [color=c4df9b][b]"I hope that my Marci will earn her own - mostly flattering, of course. Ersand'Enise will do her good. Having a big sister figure like you will do her good as well.”[/b][/color] Amanda turned her head to regard the Virangishwoman. [color=c4df9b][b]"It is good that she will not be here. There are some who are happy to live their whole lives in the desert. She is not among them. I do not want her wasting her best years fretting over me.”[/b][/color]

Zarina tittered nervously at the big sister remark, lowering her head and closing her eyes to shake off the little sense of vulnerability she felt when Amanda essentially called out how the tall teen began to treat the younger Tethered, [color=C78A2C]”I won’t baby her. She’s a big, strong gal. But … Yeah, I’ll keep an eye on her. Someone’s gotta.”[/color] she turned her head to peer over at the de facto matriarch of the Refuge, [color=C78A2C]”It is better for her. But I’m asking about you. How do you feel?”[/color] she paused, pursed her lips and eventually continued with a hushed voice, [color=C78A2C]”... And, how long?”[/color] she asked awkwardly.

Amanda paused for a moment and seemed to do this thing that indicated that the missing gesture was a shrug. [color=c4df9b][b]“I don’t feel, in honesty. I could last for another couple of years, perhaps, but I’m not all that bothered about it. My daughter’s future is secure, my people are free, San Agustin is safe, and that other little one -”[/b][/color] She paused. [color=c4df9b][b]“Actually, she’s older than you, but she’s a little one to me.”[/b][/color] Amanda’s eyes found Jocasta. [color=c4df9b][b]“She’s in a much better place now, I sense. Basically, I’ve lasted as long as I needed to and I don’t need to go for any longer. Perhaps another year, if you’re looking for a number. How about you, though? How do [i]you[/i] feel.””[/b][/color] Amanda looked at her steadily. [color=c4df9b][b]“You’ve been in the thick of things: likely gotten a lot more than you bargained for.”[/b][/color] 

Zarina took a moment to think about her answer. Her attention was brought to Jocasta, and she couldn’t help but trail off to different strings of thought, [color=C78A2C]”Like my head’s about to burst. But also great. It’s … Very strange.”[/color] she raised her hand to rub her temple, [color=C78A2C]”I feel like I’ve done a year’s worth of efforts and accomplishments in the span of a week. I feel like … I can be kind of proud of myself. Even if it’s all hard to, like, explain.”[/color] she continued to rub the side of her head, slowly leaning into those working digits as she looked back at Amanda, [color=C78A2C]”It sounds like you’re content with your life, overall. I kind of respect that. A lot. I’m often thinking about that, actually.”[/color]

Jorge, the resident nose picker, rushed by them, prompting Zarina to break off from Amanda briefly and giggle, [color=C78A2C]”If you want - if this one grows as fast as they say it would -”[/color] she gave a gentle pat onto the bag over her shoulder, [color=C78A2C]”Maybe we can come a visit by the end of the school year?”[/color]

[color=c4df9b][b]“No ‘kind of’ bullshit with me,”[/b][/color] countered Amanda. [color=c4df9b][b]“You can feel proud of yourself and you should. Good deeds don’t erase things in our past we’re not proud of, but they do, to some extent, make up for them. Anyways, come by whenever you like. I’m not going anywhere and Cons- [i]Jocasta[/i] can just zip you over.”[/b][/color] She smiled with her lips. [color=c4df9b][b]“Or you can just ride your dragon.”[/b][/color] Her face was content more so than intrigued or interested. Her eyes had moved back to some of her fellow tethered, busy saying their goodbyes.

Zarina abstained from commenting further on her feelings and how conflicting they felt, and truthfully let herself accept them for once. She nodded, [color=C78A2C]”We’ll see who gets the travelling down first - My big dragon’s fancy wings, or Jo’s seaward zipping.”[/color] she chuckled and raised her hand to gently tap Amanda’s unfeeling shoulder, [color=C78A2C]”Thanks for believing in us, Amanda. I hope we can meet again at least one last time, in this lifetime.”[/color] and then she slowly retracted her hand, [color=C78A2C]”I’ll make sure she eats her greens and returns her assignments on time, too.”[/color] with that, she gives the woman a cheeky wink before making her way to her peers for the final goodbyes.[/hider]

Together, as friends, the group made their farewells and returned to the strange world governed by the almighty Paradigm. Their mission was complete and Hugo confirmed their success while alluding to a potential sequel to these adventures. If it weren’t for the daunting task of storing all of the goods that piled up right before her, Zarina would at least be subtly smiling at the notion. She had made such great strides in not only finding herself, but also enriching her life with more than just the material side of it, or the self-contained spirituality she kept to herself. 

First thing’s first thought: Coffee! That would be the first thing she’d go for in her quarters that needed a little dusting. Then came the storage issue. Surely her friends had a solution …

[hr]

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[hider=A duo that Spells Trouble! (For you)]
Hugo had finished with the notion that they would be seeing more adventures like the one in Torragon, and Zarina couldn’t help but internally smile at the thought. So much had been done and she felt as though she understood herself far more than she did initially. Not to mention what she tangibly gained. But as the students returned to Ersand’Enise and scattered to their quarters, Zarina directed her attention to something particularly precious she had found during her voyage, [color=C78A2C]”Hey, Marci.”[/color] she called out, hurrying over next to the Tethered newcomer and keeping up with her slower pace, [color=C78A2C]“Got everything in order? Need help with anything? Actually, where’d they put you?”[/color] she kept herself chipper and radiated energy she had no right to after all that had happened, plus the headache, but she was going to make an effort for her friend.

Marci had sensed Zarina coming from a ways away. She twisted awkwardly on the spot. [color=598527]“Thank you, mom, I’m fine,”[/color] she replied deadpan to the first part, but when Zarina continued, the fourteen-year-old had more to say. [color=598527]“Oh yeah, I’m with the commons for now, which is perfectly fine. I’m supposed to head to some place called The Castle. It’s here on this map.”[/color] Said map was half-scrunched around the grip of one of her crutches. She stopped rather abruptly for a moment, pointed to it absently, and took a moment to sweep some hair from her face. She glanced about. [color=598527]“Actually, I’m on my way to meet this brother I supposedly have first, beside a statue of Nachaias outside the Grand Library.”[/color] She shrugged nervously, glancing Zarina’s way and then ahead. [color=598527]“Manfred’s his name and I don’t even remember it, which is so embarrassing, right?”[/color] She shook her head nervously as if to banish the emotion. [color=598527]“I mean… I have the vague idea that I really liked him and we got along as kids, but it’s been years and I could be wrong and he could be just another snooty noble who’ll turn their nose up at me.”[/color] Marci stopped once again, pivoting. [color=598527]“I’m honestly considering just not going. Like, why do I care about that family? None of them ever stuck up for me and I’m kind of more into just starting fresh and not worrying about the past.”[/color] She scrunched her face up. [color=598527]“Ugh, Zaz, just [i]ugh.[/i] Like…what would [i]you[/i] do?”[/color] She paused. [color=598527]“And no sentimental bullshit.”[/color]

Zarina seized the map and took her sweet time to read it over while Marci was digging herself deeper into anxiety and doubt. The Virangish remained composed and even hummed a few ‘mhms’ as the Tethered expressed her situation and feelings toward the matter. The pace continued, prompted by Zarina who was subtly working her way into getting Marceline to go through with it by essentially walking toward the destination without actually saying they’re going there, [color=C78A2C]”What would I do? No bullshit. Hmmm.”[/color] she clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes up briefly, [color=C78A2C]”Well, I’d hate to have to inevitably meet the guy since we’re both living in the same city and going to the same school at the same year and it wouldn’t be on my terms.”[/color] she rolled up the map and presented it to her friend, [color=C78A2C]”I’d want to get it done, and I mean- The guy mustn’t be too bad if he bothered to reach out, right?”[/color] she reached out to tap Marci’s back and shot a confident grin at the hesitant teen, [color=C78A2C]”Worst case, if he’s a total asshole, his sister’s got a badass dragon to answer to as well.”[/color]

Marci blinked. The little shit had started moving again, but then she stopped. [color=598527]“Zarina Al-Nader,”[/color] she began, [color=598527]“are you giving me a dragon?”[/color] pursed her lips and just looked around to feign confusion, [color=C78A2C]”I dunnnooooo. There is, however, a weird bump in your bag.”[/color] she pointed at said egg-bump. The thing had been snuck in by that sly Zazzy.

[color=598527]“Friend,”[/color] Marceline replied, [color=598527]“buddy, mate, pal…”[/color] She was using all of the Avincian synonyms that she knew, trying to suppress a massive, unbelieving smile. [color=598527]“I…I don’t even think there’s a word good enough for this.”[/color] She stood there, almost unmoving for a moment, before hastily but cautiously unslinging the sack from her shoulder and rifling through it. There, indeed, was an egg. Marci looked back up, wobbling for a moment. [color=598527]“I… can’t accept charity, though, not one hundred percent, at least. I have wyrm claws and scales. They’re yours.”[/color] 

Zarina sucked in her cheek, [color=C78A2C]”... How about we just split them? Like, love, I’m dumping responsibility onto you because three of these fuckers is actually pretty intimidating. So … How about we just both use the reserve of scales to finance our dumb shit, yeah?”[/color] she shrugged, one hand on her own bag to feel out her own eggs she usually kept close to her person.

[color=598527]“Hmm,”[/color] pondered Marci, tapping her bottom lip with a finger for a moment. [color=598527]“Sounds like a plan!”[/color] She looked up - but not too far up, for Marci was actually rather tall herself - smiling brightly. [color=598527]“What’s yours is mine, what’s mine is yours, bestie!”[/color] She took a couple of particularly awkward-looking steps and made a pouty face. [color=598527]“Was trying to skip,”[/color] she grumbled. [color=598527]“Fuckin’ ankles.”[/color] She sniffed and swept some hair back as she began walking, but then paused to yawn. [color=598527]“Ugh, I’ll also blame sleep deprivation. You half as tired as me?”[/color]

The yawn was contagious and the chronically sleep deprived Zarina even stretched her arms out to have it last a little longer, [color=C78A2C]”Mmm, nah, ‘tis be the daily grind for yours truly.”[/color] she reached into her bag and seemed to search for something. A good moment later and still nothing, so the rummaging intensified until she gave up, [color=C78A2C]”... And I don’t have my coffee jug.”[/color] she looked around her, [color=C78A2C]”And home’s so faaaaarrrr, fuuuuuuuck.”[/color] she whined with her arm aggressively waving in defeat.

[color=598527]“Tell me about it,”[/color] commiserated Marci. [color=598527]“Back at the refuge they used to pump us Afortunado full of caffeine after training so we could function the next day. Free cups of coffee just sitting out there on a table for us on our way out.”[/color] She yawned again. [color=598527]“Fucking. Glorious.”[/color] she concluded. [color=598527]“Wish they had something like that here. The school should offer it.”[/color]

Zarina stopped in place, eyes narrowed toward nothing in particular, [color=C78A2C]”... No coffee readily available, which it should be, near the school. For sleepy, cramming students.”[/color] She quickly twisted to her friend, [color=C78A2C]”Fuck the school, why don’t we do that? For, like, cashish.”[/color] mouth slightly agape and her lips tugging at their edges as she tried to contain her growing excitement at the idea.

Marci’s eyes widened as she listened. [color=598527]“Oh. My. Gods.”[/color] she squealed. [color=598527]“Yes! We could make a killing.”[/color] A grin spread across her features. [color=598527]“Like a… small shop: just large enough to quickly make coffee for a reasonable fee… and quickly, right!?”[/color] Zarina clapped her hands together, the enthusiasm clearly as contagious as the drowsiness it had drowned out, [color=C78A2C]”Yes, a ‘reasonable’”[/color] she even did the quotations with her fingers, [color=C78A2C]”fee. Like, we actually try to make as many as possible, with maybe some yummies to go with it - Downright can’t start the day without breakfast.”[/color] Marceline grinned as she spoke. “Reasonable.” The younger girl mimicked her air quotes. In general, there was a lot of gesturing, and the walking pace was all over the place with Zarina going a bit too fast for the tethered at times, [color=C78A2C]”Okay. Our dragon lifestyles might ACTUALLY be feasible now.”[/color]

[color=598527]“Hehe! Dragon lifestyles. I feel like that should be a thing: you know, ‘live the [i]dragon[/i] lifestyle. Be a mover and a shaker.’”[/color] She pulled upon the Gift a little to keep up. [color=598527]“And yes, definitely some light food too. You can just quickly grab it on the way to class too. All the students will be doing it. We’ll be rich!”[/color] Zarina snapped her fingers a few times, [color=C78A2C]”Okay okay, good idea. So, we need a name. Something that makes you wanna just spend your money on a delicious coffee and pastries …”[/color]

[color=598527]“Ugh, I’m bad with names,”[/color] admitted Marci, [color=598527]“so that’s all you, hun.”[/color] She furrowed her brow for a moment. [color=598527]“Should probably be something that appeals to Zenos too. I bet they’re just as sleep-deprived as we are. Gotta rake in those Zeno bucks too, right?”[/color]

Zarina froze, turned to Marceline with a growing ‘O’ where her mouth was. She didn’t say anything at first but eventually she pulled the curtain on what just hit her, [color=C78A2C]”ZENO BUCKS! That name FUCKS!”[/color]

“It bangs!” responded Marci. “Oh my Shune, we should totally do it!” She was grinning like a magpie. “Thing is… where do we get all our coffee?” Zarina furrowed her eyebrows at the question, rubbing her chin as she briefly mused, [color=C78A2C]”I mean … I usually got mine from Alqorrah, back home. I know a guy or five that move these things around in the sea. Now if they can do so in bulk, we mayyyy have something.”[/color] she crossed her arms and nodded to herself, [color=C78A2C]”But I’ll make something work. We’re known for our coffee beans, and there’s bound to be some asshole wanting to make fat Zeno bucks.”[/color]

And, just like that, it had moved from a crazy idea to food for actual thought, to a potentially serious venture that the two young women were going to pursue. [color=598527]“You know,”[/color] said Marci, [color=598527]“we should probably sell our takes from the sand wyrm to raise startup capital.”[/color] She glanced around almost… surreptitiously, as if the sacred cash cow had to be guarded from the ears of others. [color=598527]“I don’t want to be beholden to the duke or even the refuge and I imagine you’d prefer not to remain in your family’s pocket…”[/color]

[color=C78A2C]”Or …”[/color] Zarina raised her index finger, [color=C78A2C]”We get some investors on- Startup capital, where did you hear that?”[/color] she squinted over at Marci but then shook her head to continue her string of thought, [color=C78A2C]”Anyway, you know that tall girl with the glasses for instance? She’s doing some speed dating thing, and she’s STACKED with pearls. So … Why not pitch to her?”[/color] she shrugged, the initial excitement mellowing as she kept a slow walking pace, [color=C78A2C]”No charity. No owing shit to some duke or our families - which you’re right, I’d want to build my own thing - It’s our jig. And we can probably sell a few scales, yeah. Just not all of ‘em, we need stuff to fall back on!”[/color] she then snapped her fingers again as something hit her, [color=C78A2C]”There’s also paperwork. And other stuff that isn’t just coffee. Do you know how to bake, Marci?”[/color]

Marceline grimaced. [color=598527]“Sadly, no, though I want to learn. We should find people who can bake, and maybe…”[/color] she trailed off, a thought having struck her. [color=598527]“So, crazy idea, but how about we use the Pumpernickel Clubbe to make our baked goods, at least at the very start?”[/color] She smirked wickedly. [color=598527]“They’re making all sorts of things, of mixed quality. We take them all and offer free lifetime drinks and treats to members who contribute instead of money. If we have the sort of volume I think we will, it’ll hardly matter. We don’t sell the bad stuff of course. We take it to keep up the cover that this is just a nice little volunteer thing they’re doing and they get free coffee and snacks whenever they want as a thank you. Then, when we have a bit more cash, we employ the better ones outright.”[/color]

Zarina was all ears, and what she heard made the most of impish smirks take form on her visage. She felt a strange pride when she saw just how brilliant her new business partner proved to be. [color=C78A2C]”Thank goodness we got you out of that shitty desert, it’d be such a massive waste to have that mind work for half-witted warmongers.”[/color] she reached out to rest her hand over Marceline’s head and ruffled her hair, [color=C78A2C]”Brilliant. Free labour, and when we get too big, we have the resources to get full-time staff. Although, I will insist, we keep a small selection of pastries. Easier to handle.”[/color]

[color=598527]“Only the best,”[/color] Marceline agreed, [color=598527]“but unique: ones they can only get at Zeno Bucks.”[/color] She giggled. [color=598527]“And addictive. We want them coming back to us and only us.”[/color] She furrowed her brow. [color=598527]“If this business model works, it won’t be long before others with more resources copy us. We need to grow, and quickly.”[/color] Zarina just kind of awkwardly stared at the young Tethered and was speechless, [color=C78A2C]”Uhm.”[/color] an awkward look to the left, and then to the right, [color=C78A2C]”Wow. I mean, I agree. Just- fuck, didn’t think you’d be THIS good. Luckily, coffee’s got you covered for the recurring drinking. And I’d reckon we can try out sugar dosage too …”[/color] she tapped her cheek with her index and major fingers, [color=C78A2C]”Maybe even experiment with some of these southern crops that cost a fuck-ton?”[/color]

Marceline nodded. [color=598527]“I was thinking that too!”[/color] Marci took Zarina’s hands, excited. [color=598527]“Basically, you know how all of these clubs and societies and guilds and stuff have tiers based on social class?”[/color] She arched an eyebrow, inviting a realization but not quite waiting for a response. [color=598527]“We do the same! We have honey as a basic sweetener, then sugar, and then spratz!”[/color] She released the older girl’s hands, settling hers back on her crutches. [color=598527]“You know,”[/color] she continued, taking a couple of jaunty steps, [color=598527]“I think it’ll be effective too because it’s what the warden used to call ‘aspirational’: people will want the more expensive ones just to look good. It’ll be a status thing. Even if they can’t afford spratz every day, just frequenting a place that offers it looks good, and they’ll find the honey and sugar prices - which’ll probably make up almost all of our sales - very reasonable: habit-building, even.”[/color] They’d walked a good way now, and Marci took a deep breath and let it out, visibly far less anxious than she’d been when they’d started walking.

It was an understatement to say Zarina was flabbergasted by Marci’s business acumen, and even more so when she realised how brilliant it sounded. Her hand just hovered there as it was let go, [color=C78A2C]“That is … Actually a very good idea. I haven’t actually thought of, y’know, people wanting to LOOK like they’re a higher status. But come to think of it, given nearly half the folks here are nobles, it actually fits. Looking bigger than they really are and all.”[/color] the Virangish woman chuckled, [color=C78A2C]”Aspirational. How about you write an essay on that in the business elective? Wait, no- Write a fat thesis and get tenure, so we get even more privileges around here.”[/color]

[color=598527]“Are you in that class too!?”[/color] Marci squealed. [color=C78A2C]”Yup!”[/color] Zaz matched the teen’s energy.

[color=598527]“Oh muh Shune!”[/color] exclaimed Marci. [color=598527]“We’d better be in the same section or I swear I’m gonna break my foot off in some secretary’s ass.”[/color] They were nearly at the library now, and it was about time for them to part. The tethered came to a stop, managing an uncertain smile. [color=598527]“I… uhm, thank you again for this egg. You’ve just given me something worth more than most people earn in a lifetime. I’ll repay it all if Zeno Bucks ets off the ground: your friendship, your… loyalty and generosity and stuff.”[/color] She took a step forward and, in one sudden motion, enfolded Zarina in a hug.

[color=C78A2C]”I mean, it’s not lik-”[/color] Zarina just fell into that hug and returned it with a tight embrace, [color=C78A2C]”You’ll be fine, meeting him alone?”[/color] she whispered by the other’s ear.

[color=598527]“Yeah, I am.”[/color] Marceline sniffed. [color=598527]“A lil’ worried but, if he’s really my brother, I remember him being decent.”[/color] After a couple more seconds, she finally released the Virangishwoman. Stepping out to arms’ length, she clasped Zarina’s hands. [color=598527]“Wish me luck?”[/color] she chirped.

Zarina looked down to both their hands, a bright smile decorating her visage as she slowly looked back up at her friend’s expression, [color=C78A2C]”Yeah, break a leg … Not that you really need it.”[/color]

[color=598527]“Bruja!”[/color] Marci shot back in Torragonese, but she softened it with a smile as Zarina stuck her tongue out and slowly withdrew her hands. [color=C78A2C]”If things don’t feel too grand, you know where to find me, yeah? Always some space in those fat merchant quarters.”[/color]

Marceline released her fully and nodded bravely. [color=598527]“Thanks, buddy! Your couch is gonna have my name on it!”[/color] Taking a couple of steps back, she gathered herself, pivoted on the spot, and was on her way.
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[hider=Conclusion Results!]
Zarina has successfully survived and gained plenty of experiences in the Deserted mission! From participating in slaying the Sand Wyrm to taming the Alpha Froabas to helping said Froabas lay her eggs, she has made her farewells to the parted and the living and now resumes her life in Ersand’Enise. She and Marci have had quite the breakthrough, with a new business idea flourishing!

[b]Acquired goods:[/b]
-Riesco - Her Horse that remained in Virang
-Sand Wyrm Claws x8
-Sand Wyrm Bones x8
-Sand Wyrm Scales x10 (+50 shared with Marci)
-Froabas Eggs x2
-Alpha Froabas egg x1
-A Knightly suitor x1

[b]Magical Skills:[/b]
Kinetic Intermediate -> Kinetic Adept - Training with Jocasta on the fundamentals of flight and levitation have encouraged Zarina to practice and better understand the notions of the school of magic.
Temporal Neophyte -> Temporal Neophyte II (To be determined if it grows to Novice) - Her exposure to many uses of it with Jocasta have left Zarina with strong firsthand experience with the magic, as well as basic theoretical understanding of it. She definitely gets the ‘feeling’ of it.

[b]Magical Spells Acquired:[/b]
-Levitation (Kinetic Tree) - Still getting the hang of it but she’s beginning to fly more like Jocasta (with less elegance due to not being a Skyborn)
-A Pleasant Call (Chemical Tree, Tiered: 1-3) - A solidified version of Zarina’s peculiar influence on fauna (Mostly of beings of much lower RAS, but far less effective on fully sapient beings). Her body is capable of producing pheromones that quickly adapt to the species she’s targeting to pacify them and render them more ‘tamable’, some even going as far as taking some orders. Strong applications of this spell allow the user to immediately prompt the effects the pheromones have on the body without needing to expulse it (essentially skipping a step). This ability can be enhanced even further when combined with Magnetic to create magnetic fields that are longer reaching and can affect considerable flocks of simpler creatures (eg. Locusts or small birds). (Magnetic Tiered 2-4)

[b]Non-Magic Skills:[/b]
-Animal Connoisseur (Taming and Riding): Zarina has managed to tame an Alpha Froabas despite her inexperience. She has had some help, of course! With newfound passion in new animal species, her strong Chemical magic and animal-related electives, she is now a better rider and animal handler.
-Desert Adventurer: She had prior experience with the desert as a half-Torragonese and young traveller, and her fights in the area have made her more comfortable in surviving and battle in similar terrains.
-Patience for the Underdog: Initially easily frustrated over victims and those put down by their unfortunate circumstances, she is now capable of showing more patience for the less fortunate. Still easily annoyed, but she won’t burst as easily if the subject comes up.
[/hider]