[center][img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/597506252599328805/1088678186130350100/Tkus_Header.png[/img] [img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/597506252599328805/1088678286831390800/Tkus_Face.png[/img][/center] [color=734960][b]Event:[/b][/color] Primitive [color=734960][b]People:[/b][/color] Tku, Ayla, Zarina, Classa, Zox, Cazenax extras that did [s]not[/s] get hurt, some unionized demons, and the cold refreshing taste of sweetwater. [hr] [hider=Tku's Salon] Tku had felt bad that all of Ayla's cloth and adornments were ruined. So when she was heading to the bath he went into his bag and handed some of the ones he has used, shifting them with blood and binding to make them more fit for someone like Ayla. [color=734960]"Ayla,"[/color] Tku called out, [color=734960]"I have these hair pieces, if you like."[/color] He held out and assortment of them in his hand. Ayla's face lit up with hope as Tku offered his help. Initially, she had planned to politely decline, but then had a sudden idea. [colour=009fff]“Tku, as a binder, could you do something about my hair?”[/colour] she asked him, turning her back towards him. [colour=009fff]“Can you make it longer again, at least back to my waist?”[/colour] [color=734960]"Ah, of course Ayla. That much is simple,"[/color] Tku reassured her with a smile. He went and placed his hands on her hair. As he worked his magic, Ayla felt her hair growing rapidly. The mousy brown colour extending and light red hair forming at the roots. It was immediately clear that Ayla had dyed her hair. Feeling a little self-conscious, Ayla looked over her shoulder to Tku. [colour=009fff]“It's not natural, but it makes me feel more like myself,”[/colour] she explained apologetically. [colour=009fff]“Don't worry, can fix myself in the bath.”[/colour] [color=734960]"If dyeing your hair makes one more comfortable, than I see no reason not to, I would even encourage it,"[/color] Tku openly stated as he started to stand up. He thought for but a moment, [color=734960]"I shouldn't just tell you my beliefs like that so easily, I do not know why you dye it. But I promise I won't tell people and will be there to help again, Ipte forbid that I have to."[/color] Tku headed outside to get back to work. [/hider] [hider=An Honest Day's Work] Tku might have been more shocked by their appearances if it had not been for meeting Classa. Instead he was merely interested in them. Zox was of particular interest to him but he saved it for later. He felt off accepting such generosity from people who don't have much to give. So when he had a chance to slip away he went to Zox, [color=734960]"Hello there friend, I was wondering if I can do some repairs, I'm quite handy"[/color] Tku gestures to some sand that he turns to stone. The giant golem turned and peered down at the tiny human below. [color=B0C4DE]"Oh, that [i]is[/i] impressive."[/color] He seemed to consider. [color=B0C4DE]"I suppose you [i]can[/i] help."[/color] His great stony hand gestured. [color=B0C4DE]"If you would follow me...[/color] With that, Zox led Tku out of the archway, ducking as he did so. [color=B0C4DE]"As you can see, there's a lot to clean."[/color] His big stony mouth opened in what [i]could've[/i] been a smile and he began leading the youth about. [color=B0C4DE]"These, over here, are some loose tiles."[/color] Another 'smile', and he eagerly moved on, towards some outbuildings. [color=B0C4DE]"These eavestroughs are full of sand..."[/color] He sounded sad, and stared at them for a moment. [color=B0C4DE]"Follow me, friend!"[/color] he announced after the brief pause, and he led Tku all of the way out to the stables. A couple of the paddocks had been damaged by the sheer weight of piled-up sand. [color=B0C4DE]"This is my home, and Classa's sometimes, when she wants to sleep outside."[/color] He leaned in as conspiratorially as an eight foot tall anthropomorphic pile of stones could. [color=B0C4DE]"Mr. Jascuan and Maxi let her sleep inside because she's still little and she gets scared easily, but when she comes out here, it's up to me to protect her."[/color] He puffed his chest out proudly. [color=B0C4DE]"I protect the whole farm... and Naxos a bit too, I guess. Anyways..."[/color] His big stony head twisted from side to side. [color=B0C4DE]"There's still the dewsails to go look at, and that'll probably be a lot of work."[/color] There was another might-be-smile and he prepared to rumble off. [color=B0C4DE]"Thank you for your help!"[/color] As Tku was shown around, he wrote down the things to be done along with a number next to each task. The main house was functioning save that there was sand where there shouldn't be. He thought it was odd that they had eavestoughs in the desert, maybe it was for some rain collection though. [color=734960]"Was there a rain collector in the past?"[/color] Tku asked Zox. Zox seemed down about it so maybe there has been a long drought? Who's to say. It was a shame that Zox's sleeping area was in disrepair, especially when it wouldn't take too much to repair. He marked the task down as a bigger number. He smiled as he drew a few things, [color=734960]"It is quite the honor to be trusted with an important job, I'm sure they all feel safer with you around Zox."[/color] He patted Zox on what would be his forearm. [color=734960]"But I'm sure you want to do other things as well, what are some of those things that you been pondering about? I may not be a philosopher but I have traveled far and have heard tales of many people."[/color] Tku offered an ear for Zox. He started to repair the things quickly with his magic as they talked. Most are easy to be honest with even only a little bit of Kinetic and Binding magic. Tiles reset with some tricks he learned from masters much more talented than him. Fences mended as he would usually do if he saw some in disarray as he traveled. Lots of sand moved about, some just moved, some turned into sandstone bricks for potential fun in the future. Lastly was the Dewsails. Things he had never encountered before and might just be the important thing here. Tku was nervous on how to even approach them. The task took a good while, during which Tku could simply lose himself in the act of... well... [i]building[/i]. He had to restrain some of his more creative impulses and mostly focus on just making something functional and matching with the existing design. Occasionally, Classa wandered their way, 'helping' with chitchat and little tasks. She offered Tku sweetwater and stood there, watching to see his reaction when he drank it. [color=B0C4DE]"Well, you know,"[/color] said Zox, in eventual response to the human's question, [color=B0C4DE]"I've always thought it might be neat to be a florist: all the pretty flowers.... just bringing some beauty to the world."[/color] He paused, having accidentally broken another tile, and took a moment to be more careful placing the next one. [color=B0C4DE]"I like kids too,"[/color] he shared, [color=B0C4DE]"So maybe a babysitter?"[/color] It wasn't long before he had a third idea: [color=B0C4DE]"I like porcelain too. It's really sophisticated and I think the juxtaposition of its extreme fragility and beauty with the harshness of its creation and its potential permanence is metaphorical for the brief and violent lives of most sapients and the everlasting memories that they leave behind."[/color] He sighed, in a... [i]rocky[/i] way. Then, it was time to move on to the dewsails, and Zox was eager to explain the process of how they worked, if not quite as knowledgeable as Naxos. Withholding his wants to make this place fabulous was laborious indeed but he was here on a literal mission so it would have to wait for the next day. It seemed that the 2 women were enjoying their food inside the house, he wished to join them but work needed to be done. The sun here was intense and if it wasn't for his layers of cloth and makeup, he would be thoroughly sunburnt. What made it all easier was the that refreshing Sweetwater. Only one sip before he went, [color=734960]"Ahh~ Now this is the good stuff."[/color] He took a larger gulp to parch his thirst and gave a thankful head nod to Classa, [color=734960]"Thank you so much Classa! It makes even soothes the wear of the sun."[/color] Finally he got to the thing he really wanted, some conversation with Zox. The Florist idea didn't seem that bad of an idea. Some flowers can thrive in the desert and can become a true focus of an area. Ah how he remembers fields of roses when he traveled. It might be hard to grow flowers here without magic but maybe something similar to the herb houses in Eskand. Some adapting to keep moisture in and prevent damage... Yes that could work as he thought of a loose idea to grow flowers and before he could get to he heard the snap of the tile. One quick spell to fix it later, they were on to the next. Tku shared his idea about a growth house more as some food for thought than anything else. When he said kids Tku suggested, [color=734960]"Maybe raising animals. They might not be able to talk to you but I think you can learn to love them and watch them grow. Kids are quite entertaining. Once when I was in Joru..."[/color] Tku would have talked on and on about the fun he has as a child in Joru, loosing topic very quickly before he was shot back to the conversation by pottery. [color=734960]"That was... quite well thought."[/color] Tku's experience with porcelain was limited compared to his time with pottery but he could understand the notion. [color=734960]"So you like pretty things, fragile things, and seemingly the memories that others leave after they pass."[/color] Tku thought of what he could suggest, and his idea came to this. [color=734960]"I think you should try. I see that you struggle with the softness but so does everyone. It may be harder for you to do but that just means you have more to work on. Though I might suggest starting with basic pottery as it can be more forgiving."[/color] Tku supported Nox's artistic endeavors even if they may be difficult for someone of him size and make. Someone who so desperately want to bring things into the world should have the chance to do it. That is Oraff's and Ipte's gift. Then Finally the Dewsail, [color=734960]"Alright my friend, let's take a look at those sails!"[/color] Tku started to look for areas to climb and setting up precautionary bounce pads if he were to lose his balance to a strong gust of wind. [color=734960]"Take as much time as you want telling me about them, you have been nothing but a pleasure to talk to."[/color][/hider] Tku was more than okay with running but it seemed the knight had other plans. [color=734960]"Are you crazy?!"[/color] Tku yelled. There was Demons and raider. They could just be here for the sweetwater and cactus. Why not just run and live. What is worth throwing your life away for. But Zox was going to fight. It was his job, his role that he took pride in. His warning scared Tku, he didn't want to die. But Zarina had made her decision to fight when she donned her armor. [color=734960]"Fine then,"[/color] Tku knew Ayla would go with her no matter what, he had seen it earlier in the day. He was anxious and found himself in another deadly situation. It was his job right now to keep those 2 alive the best he can. His hand were shakey as he turned to the enemy. He couldn't help but think about the odd wand he had. Could it help in this situation? There wasn't much time as gaggles of Cazenax's came at them riding strange things. Demons were summoned and they were on top of them as quick as could be. Tku's fear of death by a very fast monkey outweighed his fear of being outed as a blood mage as he morphed the outside of Zox's body to the legendary metal of Ghul. Clouds, Sharks, and Elephants came for them and each one was immensely challenging from the novice fighter's view. Luckily no one was injured too much and instead he could focus on buffing and defending himself. That was until the Cloud demon came for Zarina. Moments flashed back to when they were separated and the mist had damaged the both of them. This time he would not hesitate to stop it before. From the lessons he had from Marbrand he reached out as a curse connected itself to the cloud, confirming with him that it was living. He pulled from his mana and cursed it to fade away, to become energy to help his defend others. It was drained of its mass as they fought and lost whatever effectivity it had. The fight raged on and it seemed they were doing fine but things were still up in the air so once more, Tku went to convert Zox to Ghul. Something odd happened though. Their magic unified in this beautifully powerful way, the Ghul had become part of him and his form accepted it. Whether by the blessing of Eshiran or Oraff, Zox changed into something else at the moment. Zox's body melded into an egg like structure and who doesn't trust an egg. Especially this egg, Tku put faith that Zox would return to finish this. Thr fighting didn't stop though. The raider's had let off some strong attacks at Zox's impregnable shell but some still came for him. Glancing blows were had as it was inevitable. Tku was struck with boiling water as the finale spiteful act of the cloud demon, may it whiff away in the breeze, and nearly took his life. He laid there thinking if this would be it, to die without making any impact on the world. But his allies were there. They gave him time to heal and then the end came, Zox stirred. The fight had went from a coin flip into demolishment of the raiders. Zox dealt with them with no issue. Their attacks didn't even scratch as their group assault merely tarnished Zox's outer façade. Tku healed and things seemed to be going even better as he through the elephant beyond the horizon. Zox was strong and beautiful. Glissening in the sun and burning as hot as his passion to protect his home Tku thought. The other's seemed hesitant about if it was him but Tku knew it was still his new friend. Things calmed as the raider's ran but the elephant wanted more. It came looking for Zox as it wasn't long until a battle of the titans commenced. Arms were blown off, energy beams were sent and returned. It was quite frankly the most obscene thing Tku ever had the pleasure of seeing. The fight became clear with all four of us working together with Ayla surprisingly being the one to deal, no, [b][i]eat[/i][/b] the giant and became giant as well. All was well and all was handled, all except for an angel egg and an olive tree that came out of the same darkness of the other demons. The egg was thankful and informative about the conditions of Zox and Ayla. The tree however, In his head, Tku heard a voice. [color=Olive]"Step forward, child,"[/color] said the mystical tree of the desert. In the distance came the echo of hooves and, with them, a dust trail. Tku followed the command, somewhat driven by the insane circumstances that have happened. It is calling him, and he wants to answer A heavenly light shone down upon the great tree and its branches swayed softly in an ethereal wind. [color=olive]"Eat of my fruit and you shall be nourished."[/color] Classa could feel its words as well. [color=olive]"You too, young one."[/color] Tku grasped the fruit, [color=734960]"Thank you for the nourishment kind tree."[/color] Classa looked up at Zarina and leaned in. [color=C71585]"But I don't really like olives..."[/color] she whined, scrunching up her face. [color=C71585]"Do I [i]gotta[/i]?"[/color] Zarina cackled at that answer. Oh kids. [color=#E5E4E2]“It's a special olive.”[/color] she said before tapping the centaur's back. [color=#E5E4E2]“Only the best of us can even get a lick.”[/color] Classa made a brave face and she nodded. [color=C71585]"But I get ice cream later, okay?"[/color] She took a couple of steps forward, glancing back at Zarina for confirmation. He looked at it with great appreciation and calm before eating it. From within the great tree's branches came a mist, in the midst of the desert, and they were filled with gentle clouds and a soft light. A small serpentine dragon rested within it contentedly, eyes half-closed. Then, in Tku's mind: [color=olive]"What do you wish for?"[/color] Classa trotted up and took an olive as well. [color=734960]"I wish to create,"[/color] Tku smiled, [color=734960]"I only breath on the generosity of another. I wish to do the same and create the beautiful world that I was granted to dream of."[/color] Frightened by the horse coming up to take her prize, the girl swallowed it. She, too, heard what Tku had moments earlier. [color=C71585]"I wish..."[/color] The girl trailed off, suddenly and perhaps for the first time, lost for words. She regarded Zox, then Tku, and then the giant Ayla. Last, she looked to Zarina. [color=C71585]"I wish to... be free."[/color] She paused. [color=C71585]"And the others like me: them too."[/color] [color=olive]"I can give you a gift, or the means to achieve it by your own hands,"[/color] said the tree to them both. [color=olive]"The choice is yours."[/color] Classa took a few steps back toward the others. [color=C71585]"So is this like a trick question or something?"[/color] she asked, [color=C71585]"'cause I'm totally just gonna ask the tree to grant it."[/color] [color=734960]"An opportunity to do so is all I would hope for."[/color] [color=olive]"So it shall be,"[/color] the dragon within the tree replied. With that, Tku felt a new power surge through him. His mind grew in knowledge and his hands in skill. Concepts that had seemed just beyond his grasp before became illuminated. He was... stronger, somehow. Classa stepped forward. [color=C71585]"Are you a tree or a dragon?"[/color] she asked with childlike curiosity. The dragon's eyes slid open and it seemed to smile, floating languidly through the air as it descended, looping and twirling about her shoulders. [color=olive]"Why can I not be both?"[/color] It chuckled and the tree's leaves seemed to tremble. Classa's face scrunched up inquisitively. [color=C71585]"How can you be a tree [i]and[/i] a dragon?"[/color] She pawed at the ground. [color=C71585]"Sounds like something Mr. Jascuan would say when he's trying to sound all wise and stuff."[/color] The dragon stilled and tilted its head. Then, there was a small surge of energy of a type that none of them had felt before and the child's eyes widened. [color=C71585]"Ooooohhh,"[/color] she exclaimed, nodding knowingly after a moment. [color=C71585]"I get it!"[/color] Tku's mind expanded and he felt as if the power of Oraff had entered him for the purpose of creating what he oh so desired. He was closer to being able to do the same as the one did for him. Feeling immensely grateful, [color=734960]"Thank you for all of this, it was quite nourishing,"[/color] Tku chuckled. She paused to consider, sticking a lock of hair in the corner of her mouth and nibbling on it. [color=C71585]"I think I actually undewstand a lot of things now. Give us what we need and we will free ourselves."[/color] She looked up and smiled uncertainly. Classa stamped her feet happily. Nobody was quite sure what she'd received, but she seemed to know. The little girl twisted and cracked a shit-eating grin. [color=C71585]"Wait 'til you see what [i]I[/i] got!"[/color] she boasted. Then, momentarily, she turned back to face the tree and bowed her head. [color=C71585]"Thank you Mr. Dragon-Tree."[/color] With that, the dragon settled back upon the branches and the rolling mists took it away from that place. The tree stood still and silent in the desert. Then, it crackled and bent. Its branches groaned. Its fruits withered. The ground seemed to open and it disappeared as if it had never been there in the first place. A single millennium egg sat there in the sand. The other was in Zarina's hand This journey has been short and it feels far from over but Tku is sure that this will be his most memorable one yet. Tku grabbed the egg, [color=734960]"I have been gifted enough, I believe someone else should have it,"[/color] Classa perked up. [color=C71585]"Oh, [i]I[/i] want it!"[/color] she exclaimed, hurrying forward. Then, she looked up at the massive figure of Zox. [color=C71585]"So I can save it for him, of course."[/color] She blinked, smiled, and looked up, holding her hands out towards Tku. Tku handed it to her with no hesitation, [color=734960]"You were brave today but maybe don't make too much of a habit out of it,"[/color] Tku said out of concern. [color=C71585]"And I'm gonna [i]keep[/i] being brave!"[/color] [color=734960]"Then at least arm yourself little one, I will make you something fitting what you want to do little one."[/color] Tku knew the perfect metal for such a valiant girl. Things calmed as Jascuan came out to announce he will go to town. Tku sent some small heals to Zarina and some to himself from the minor burns he suffered. Originally he wanted to stay at the home to heal the wounded raiders but the prospect of interrogating them was... Harsh. It was needed but he didn't wish to participate in it if he could avoid. [color=734960]"Jascuan allow me to go with you. I'm a healer and could help in various way, just in case,"[/color] Tku attempted to convince. He looked over at the dead and he just felt a heaviness of their actions. Even if they attacked us, he would still rather no one die. Tku approached Zarina, [color=734960]"With how fast we could get there with Ayla, I can heal some of the injured before we depart."[/color] Tku offered what he could to assist Zarina in her own endeavors Stopped, turned and flashed a bright smile at Tku. [color=#E5E4E2]“It's fine, friend.”[/color] she chirped. [color=#E5E4E2]“I got enough for first aid. If they're not dead already, it should be enough until you get back.”[/color] she even added a thumbs up before turning toward the wasteland. That smile quickly withered into an expressionless, one would even say soulless, gaze. It wasn't hard to tell what she was doing, she was not this colorful from their limited interactions. Tku just smiled and nodded before he turned, [color=734960]"Stay strong friend."[/color] It wasn't a duty he was jealous of but he naively hoped it wouldn't be so bad. And with that he was settled to head off, tempted to try out his new skills.