[hider=Direct Transcript] Virtually everyone was eager to be out of sight as well. Amid swirling crowds and increasing scrutiny, they made a desperate flight towards Jascuan and the sirrahi’s bolt hole from two directions. Time after time, by trickery, stealth, intimidation, and cajolery, they escaped those who paid them extra attention. They drew close, their goal within sight, their pursuers evaded, and Tku, Desmond, Naxos, Ayla, Fiske, and Marceline dared hope that they might’ve pulled it off. They could slip in unnoticed and leave their hideaway safely anonymous. Then, towering before them, out of nowhere, came a Seeker: a demon of the fourth tier. It filled most of the alley that it emerged from and there was no way that it could fail to draw the attention of anyone watching. From two angles, they laid waste to it, but it took all six of them and every ounce of power that they had. It drew exactly the unwanted attention they had feared, forcing them to assault and knock out two more interlopers There should never have been such a monster moving about in broad daylight in the middle of the city and, if it had been summoned in so precisely in their path, its summoner had been someone who possessed both great power and knowledge of who they were, where they were, and what they were doing. They scrambled into their hole in the ground, some unexpected mirth and desperate camaraderie along the way, to find that Jascuan and Samaxi had preceded them. Five long hours of travel down a tunnel and an emergence in the desert as the shadows began to grow long saw them battle profound exhaustion, delirium, and claustrophobia. In the home stretch, they overtook Jascuan and Samaxi, making their way forward only with the help of magic. By the time that the expanded group straggled in through the archway of the farmhouse, Pauppaup was there with Yansee to greet them and Zarina was still in a land of blissful dreams. There were strangers in the house, prisoners in the shed, Classa and Tennaxi missing, and… None of it mattered. Tku passed out on the spot. Desmond staggered and seated himself ungracefully on a sofa. Marceline, Fiske, and Ayla followed, finding whatever space looked comfortable. Mostlike, they did not even register the absence of their two allies, else they might’ve been stirred to action against their better judgement. The home was left to Zox, Yansee, and Pauppaup, exceptional trust placed in the latter two only by dint of circumstance. Afternoon gave way to night and night to morning. Zarina was the first to rise, and Samaxi a few minutes later. The latter brewed an invigorating sweetwater drink and, soon, they were all up and present, but for their questionable eeaiko allies and - now they noticed for certain - Classa and Tennaxi. Surely, something had gone wrong. Surely, nobody would stoop so low as to harm an innocent child. There was so much to say - so much to be exchanged - but how much time did the group have? They needed a plan and they needed it quickly. - As Marci, Fiske and Ayla made their way back towards Mr. Jascuan and Samaxi as subtle as they could Tku and Desmond did not fare as well. Having encountered a handful of adversaries on their way there. They did not pose much of a threat to the duo and they were quickly on their way on most occasions. The poor Cazenax did nothing more than stand in their way… yet it was a day they would never forget, their reputation in the community deteriorated with each rupture of their bowels. Would these villains get retribution for such a heinous crime? Being so close to their destination Fiske began to get lenient and comfortable. Then as if karma hit him for his own hubris he tripped, stumbled and fell on his side. It was a sorry sight. When he looked up he saw a massive eye.. with limbs? And wings?... He once saw this thing before. The seeker tried to subdue the boy yet his incredible acrobatics managed to temporarily make the demon dizzy. Then as it tried to attack Fiske once more it halted completely, as if frozen in place. The Seeker, for reasons unknown, struggled to move away from the onrushing fireball. The attack striked true and the demon is terribly burnt. It lets out a piercing screech and another two pursuers are drawn to the growing conflagration. The two youngest did not waste any time after witnessing the predicament the vile demon was in. Electricity surging from the tethered and a blazing inferno starting from the other, soon they were both targeted at the flying eye. The Seeker got obliterated, and the Cazenax around it weren’t much luckier. While one managed a desperate defense, the other was electrocuted and knocked unconscious, badly burnt and on the verge of death. A piercing headache split Fiske’s head open, the way he witnessed his surroundings felt different as if he could see things before it happened. He clasped his head, luckily he was dragged in by the others. Desmond sighed as he clapped his hands, [color=gold]"Alright time to leave ladies. We know the way"[/color]. [color=734960]"Thank Shune,"[/color] Tku made himself some coffee, leftovers from the dinner that he had. Marci looked to Ayla. [color=598527]"How are you feeling, sis? Think you can make it?"[/color] In truth, she doubted her own abilities, but it was what it was. Sticking around for much longer was not a good idea. Ayla, in truth, surprised herself. It was as if the flames that escaped from her hands earlier had caught her by surprise, roasting that demon. It was something unexpected and unlike anything that had happened in a long time. She shook her head to clear her thoughts. [colour=009fff]"It's best we get going. Once we're there, we can get all the rest we need."[/colour] She pulled Nyan-Acan closer within her arms, preventing the furball from getting too distracted by another gecko. Desmond began picking at some of the leftovers himself as he waited for the others to speak while doing a magical check up of himself. Chemical stimulants maintained. Minor binding and chemical to keep the muscles working. While using magnetic and chemical to ward off the onsetting headache from the tiredness. Tku raised an eyebrow, [color=734960]"Did you fall ill while we were separated, Ayla?"[/color] Tkus subtly inspected the amulet he had made for her. Fiske opened his arms. [color=FF00FF]"Alright, alright let's go. The sooner we catch up to them the better."[/color] He politely began to show them the way out. [color=FF00FF]"Ladies first."[/color] He smiled as innocently as he could. Desmond chuckled as he said, [color=gold]"Then why are you standing there?"[/color] Fiske flushed up. Was his plan exposed? [color=FF00FF]"Because I'm only trying to be polite!"[/color] Desmond had a smile across his face from ear to ear, [color=gold]"Is that it now?"[/color] Desmond let off a chuckle as he took another bite of food, [color=gold]"Well, it seems we're ready to leave so, ladies first"[/color] As Desmond gestured for Fiske to go first. Fiske shook his head, praying that his comrade in arms might leave him off the hook. Tku took account of his items and thanked Marci for holding on to them and Tku started to walk out. The faster they leave the faster he could sleep, [color=734960]"My beauty is fading, please hurry"[/color] Marci nodded, as the cat seemed... unusually accepting of being snuggled - positively un-catlike from her experience, at least. Marci couldn't help but take notice of Desmond and Fiske's banter. She grinned, bowing in front of Fiske. [color=598527]"Milady."[/color] She took hold of his hand, kissed it in a most gentlemanly manner, doing her best to channel her inner Manfred, and turned on her heel with a wink. With that, and having gathered what drinks they could for the long walk, the group set off. - [color=#E5E4E2]“Nnnng ...”[/color] Well over twelve hours were spent in the supposedly blissful dreams. Noises did not awaken the exhausted dragon from her slumber, but any concerted effort to get her back to the material world would prove successful. Sticky cheek and lips from excessive drooling had the girl with the disheveled hair get up with the groggiest of looks. [color=#E5E4E2]“Wha-”[/color] the first she saw was Nyan-Acan. [color=#E5E4E2]“Ayla.”[/color] she remarked. Was this still a dream? [color=#E5E4E2]“But you're not- Ah, there she is.”[/color] a wobbly finger pointed right at the Arslan. Slowly but surely, she came to, looking somewhat unsanitary with sand in her hair and half her clothes weathered from all the combat. At least her armour had been removed. It didn't take her long to recall the latest events. First, she rushed out of the stead, only to find Alqasas, curled up comfortably at the front of the property with Zox feeding her chunks of meat. Whether they came from an animal or were created via binding was a mystery to her. All that mattered was that the dragon didn't start eating people or the stables. Then the second problem: Attendance. Relieved that most of those that she came to this land with were back, there were conspicuous absentees that had the Virangish beastmistress agitated. [color=#E5E4E2]“Where's Tennaxi?”[/color] she began, then spoke even louder to interrupt any discussion. [color=#E5E4E2]“[b]Where is Classa?![/b]”[/color] - Marceline did not last as long in slumber as she had hoped. Before long, the movements of Samaxi and - especially - Zarina pulled her from a dream about... She'd been in the woods somewhere, with a boy she knew was Manfred and another that her mind had decided was Jurgen, but he'd looked like Fiske. She shook her head and swept the tangles of hair from her face, taking note of Benny - the cat, that was - stretching languidly by an open archway. Ayla was stirring as well. Fiske was... fast asleep, on his back, one arm rather indecently over her legs. After an initial start, she relaxed and shrugged it gently free. Her toes were not feeling so good and, as she noted Desmond pacing the perimeter outside and Tku coming out a stretch and a roll into a standing position, she took a little while to rub some feeling into them. Still, the pins and needles persisted ever so slightly, making inroads along the bottoms of her feet. That was when Zarina's words hit her, and she cast about, blinking and rubbing the sleep - once more - from her eyes. [color=598527]"Maybe they're in the stables?"[/color] Marci croaked, taking a moment to try to clear her throat. Then, she thought better of it. If anyone had already been to the stables, it would be Zarina. [color=598527]"But they're not. Are they?"[/color] She cast about once more. [color=598527]"Those eeaiko..."[/color] She lowered her voice. [color=598527]"Do you trust them?"[/color] - Samaxi was in the kitchen, meanwhile, brewing up some sweetwater drinks, and her voice rang out, high and clear. [color=32CD32]“For waking you up, a little something!”[/color] She came scooting out, significantly below eye level for most people. [color=32CD32]“Oh, and someone go get Classa from the stables.”[/color] Jascuan, meanwhile, had risen earlier, for his sleep needs were much less than those of the younger people who he had shared his home with. The elderly assassin crouched atop his roof, stretching out his magic senses, feeling the chemical and magnetic stirrings of people coming to consciousness, sipping in their kinetic as they started to move. His Samaxi was safe - his little girl sound and unharmed. Tennaxi, the former mercenary, was missing, however, and he'd been led to believe that she had been with Classa. Already, he was mostly certain that she'd been captured in his daughter's stead. That was not a loss he would mourn very much, though it was unfortunate. It was Classa that worried him. She was a dear, bright, brave little thing and he resolved that he would resuce her, with whatever strength he could still call upon. - Zarina was reminded of the unsavory interlopers she had unknowingly brought to the farm. She glared, especially as she noticed the second one had parted from the two missing girls to follow the dragon that strayed from the path. [color=#E5E4E2]“No.”[/color] and then it hit her. Did the creepy eeaiko do anything to her? A wave of paranoia hit the hotheaded Virangish as she tapped various spots on her body. No missing kidneys, nothing too out of place. And her dragon seemed fine too. Eventually she realized that Zox would have likely obliterated the intruder if anything off had occurred. [color=#E5E4E2]“They're fucked up. Using revived corpses and other creepy shit.”[/color] she mentioned in a hushed tone, keeping it between her and Marci. [color=#E5E4E2]“They were aligned with the raiders, but then tried to kill my prisoner. A leader of said raiders.”[/color] but then she remembered more of the details. [color=#E5E4E2]“Still, they saved Tennaxi. Which is why I didn't beat them down on the spot.”[/color] Then came Samaxi. [color=#E5E4E2]“Oh, Tenna- Ah.”[/color] disappointed, Zarina pursed her lips as she layed eyes on Potés-Palix. [color=#E5E4E2]“Thanks.”[/color] still, she was parched. Actually, she hadn't drank for a while. In a desert. While running around. One glass became three very fast. - Tku woke up in a heap of on a rug, his paint bag underneath him as a pillow. That last trip was adventerous! but Tku can barely remeber it save a few moments. [color=734960][i]Was I that delirious? Well no matter,[/i][/color] Tku thought before taking a big breath followed by shooting up with a roll. He was normally an early riser himself but it seemed that sleep had it's own deal. Still Breakfast needed to be made. He took account of the people here smiling and waving, [color=734960]"Let me make breakfast then we can talk"[/color] Making his way into the kitchen he sees an a known but new face, [color=734960]"Well hello there! Mind helping me set the table?"[/color] He cleared the table and set it, creating some fresh melon. Before creating a beautiful Full Enthish Breakfast! Inspired by the rugged merecenary type. Sausages, eggs, bacon, tomatoes, Haggis, exquisite mushrooms, Black pudding, and oats, honey, nuts , and yogurt on the side. He added some fresh fruit for balance and some juice for refreshment. Lastly, he put his barrista skills to the test and made his boss some of her favorite coffee. [color=734960]"For you Zarina,"[/color] he sat down and started to listen in. - [color=32CD32]“Who's...”[/color] Maxi trailed off for a moment. [color=32CD32]“Who's Tenna?”[/color] Her eyes darted at the platter. Steam swirled gently from the mugs as one, and then a second, and then a third were downed. She watched in absent amazement. The [i]appetites[/i] of this foreigner! - Desmond laid quietly, Desmond always had a peculiar sleeping habit of seeming to sleep in such a tranquil state that he seemed almost dead. No movement of body, no sounds made from snoring or even sighing, and scarily of all, it looked as if he wasn't even breathing. Quiet, his sleep seemed so quiet that could have been mistaken for a statue. When Desmond awoke, he took a breath in and sighed. He shifted and turned to face the ground, as he placed his hands underneath his body and preformed a push up and rose off the ground. Desmond quietly adjusted himself and left the room. Beginning to quietly pace the outside of the farmstead. He took this time to understand where they were, and he found the things quite troublesome. Empty and vast desert, something that could make defending a position very difficult... Desmond let out another sigh, he realized he was thinking about fighting again. Thinking this place to be a fortress, and they were at war. Desmond shook his head as he began to return inside. Leaving behind chunks of solidified sand in the cardinal directions and in the ordinal directions that he charged with electricity. Made to act as small detectors near a user's range to stay alert even while within the home. Desmond then entered the home to the smell of a meal he was not used to, not one he had eaten in sometime. A smile crossed his face once more as he made his way over to Tku and said while patting him on the back, [color=gold]"And once more you preform outstandingly, well done"[/color]. - He listened in on people, judging by Zarina, Classa had left the farmstead. [color=734960][i]Oh that brave, brave little girl,[/i][/color] Tku's mind clouded at what could have happened. He drink the sweetwater and it was deliscious, perfect for the morning. He waited for Zarina to be done chugging hers before looking over, [color=734960]"We were separated for most the previous day, How about we share what has happened yes?"[/color] Tku looked around to confirm people had already started a good ways into their breakfast, not wishing to interrupt such an important time. - Marceline had also made her way over, eyes concerned and brows furrowed. She took some of the sweetwater. It was running low. [color=598527]"Whatever I know, I'm an open book."[/color] - Zarina raised her index finger as she chugged away, asking Samaxi to standby. Gulp, gulp, gulp and then a rude 'Ahhh'. [color=#E5E4E2]“Tennaxi-Luna.”[/color] she cleared her throat, still dry despite all the drinks. Which made Tku's offering a godsend. [color=#E5E4E2]“Bless you, love.”[/color] she shot him a smile before twisting back to Maxi. [color=#E5E4E2]“A girl that looks like you.”[/color] her eyes fixated the legs, or rather lack thereof, to make her point clear. [color=#E5E4E2]“She was with Classa last I saw. They ...”[/color] she narrowed her eyes and then clenched her jaw. [color=#E5E4E2]“Came back for me when I was in danger. Fuck.”[/color] she wanted to punch something, but she quickly grounded herself as she realized she was a guest with generous hosts. [color=#E5E4E2]“Yeah. Let's do that.”[/color] Zazzy nodded at Tku. - Marci hurried back into the other room and returned with a satchel stuffed to brimming with various articles papers, Benny scampering after her with a little 'mrrew'. [color=598527]"Figure behind this looked to be a rich scumbag named Talo, or so I thought."[/color] She cast about for Ayla, who had gone off for a bath and still not returned. [color=598527]"Now looks like it was his wife, Wesca, though. She poisoned Ayla and tossed her off a cliff."[/color] She shook her head as she reached out to sweep her friend's internals. She appeared to be more or less fine. [color=598527]"Small miracle she didn't die. We can thank the cat, I think."[/color] She cast about. [color=598527]"Anyone else heard of either of them?"[/color] She moved towards the breakfast, offering a thanks to Tku and, in some ways, it reminded her of her days back at the refuge. She picked a few items and sat down on one of the dining room chairs, also producing some of the correspondence from her bag. - Nyan-Acan looked towards the dishevelled girl, who was gazing in his direction as he approached to investigate. He pounced on top of her, thrusting his whiskers in her face as he examined her. [i][colour=orange]“¡Ay, mi chica! You appear quite parched. Por favor, procure for us a serving of leche to invigorate our spirits, for we embark upon a most daring day."[/colour][/i] As the cat meowed insistently at Zarina, Ayla awoke and turned her attention to the two of them. [colour=009fff]“Benny, if you get too close, she’ll eat you.”[/colour] She stirred from her slumber, smiled at Zarina, and crawled over to give the girl a brief hug before heading towards the soothing waters of the bath. The cat jumped off and stretched by the doorway, glancing up at Marci, who had been snuggled up with the boy he had found her with. Purring, it approached for the customary tribute and paying of respects. He ended up following the pair of Marci and Zarina during their covert discussion. Ayla soon returned, refreshed, approaching the pair as she brought the cat up into her arms. - [color=734960]"Alright, after we got to the city, we left Ayla with some new clothes and had her wait to grow small. Meanwhile we navigated the city and accidently met up wit Desmond, Evander, and Fiske,"[/color] Tku looked around where the fuck that little ingrate was, skipping out his meal again. [color=734960]"He better get down here or he can have gruel. He didn't even eat last night,"[/color] Tku showed some concern but his voice was mostly irritated with him. [color=734960]"We met some snake people, Sarahi is what they call themselves, they yearn for freedom and the snake person we saw at the start was there. Only younger."[/color] He looked about to makes sure people followed. [color=734960]"They talked and we listened, Nyax-Acan is someone I'm sure those heard throughout the city. To them he seems like a savior,"[/color] He paused for dramatic effect, [color=734960]"Nyax-Acan is Benny and he is already here. He acted as me and Desmond's Judge."[/color] - As if on cue, Nyan-Acan meowed. [i][colour=orange]"In truth, what can I utter but this: 'Tis the sworn duty of a gallant feline to shield the blameless from the grim grasp of those who seek to bring them woe."[/colour][/i] - He'd hopped up on her lap now and was meowing quite eloquently, as was his custom. [color=598527]"Aww,"[/color] cooed Marci. [color=598527]"Who's a good loyal little fluffy buddy?"[/color] She ruffled his fur and stroked the great big cat. [color=598527]"Who wants a nibble of [i]bacon[/i]?"[/color] she inquired in her sweetest voice. - Zarina had taken a seat and indulged in some of the food that Tku had prepared. Mostly the eggs and the veggies. There was one word that had her stop her culinary rampage. [color=#E5E4E2]“Wesca? Did I hear that right?”[/color] she shot a cold look at Marci. [color=#E5E4E2]“The bitch is the one that sent the raiders here, tried to get a man and his family killed, get these Eeaiko weirdos involved and overall got on my shit side.”[/color] a light pop came from her jaw as she shifted it in growing frustration. [color=#E5E4E2]“And now you tell me she tried to kill Ayla. The cunt's not going to be in one piece when I'm done with her.”[/color] she growled before dowining her still piping hot coffee. What followed was more information from her peers. [color=#E5E4E2]“Benny? What the fuck?”[/color] Zarina glared at Tku like he had said some bad joke. [color=#E5E4E2]“He disappeared a day ago and now he's a judge? Okay. Where's the punchline? I'm not in a ha-ha mood.”[/color] then, she stuffed some more sunny-day-up in her mouth. [color=#E5E4E2]“So, what did they do with that king - Stazen? Heard he died. Something about Wesca and whoever she answers to plotting something because Vozas regulations or whatever Shune can come up with. Politics.”[/color] - Desmond nodded and confirmed what Tku said, [color=gold]"Yep, we found them trying to find the person who supposedly attempted to poison the king"[/color]. Desmond make a light gesture towards Zarina, [color=gold]"Died? Hardly, some other person drank it before the king and was able to tell there was poison, it was why we were sent on that hunt"[/color]. - Marci shook her head. [color=598527]"I think the assassination attempt failed, but -"[/color] [color=32CD32]“It did,”[/color] Samaxi interrupted. [color=32CD32]“On me they put the frame for it.”[/color] She had hauled herself onto a chair and now sat eye level with the others. She shook her head. [color=32CD32]“Wesca, though?”[/color] She picked at a piece of toast. [color=32CD32]“Me always struck Talo as the more dangerous one. Always about politics rails he.”[/color] - Tku pulled back from the table as he heard Ayla was so injured. He scanned her up and down, checking her for more injuries. He felt responsible for leaving her, his amulet had not protected her as it should have. [color=734960]"It's Benny but older. He tried to use temporal in the storm and jumped to a random time. Well, we assume it was accidental."[/color] Tku tried to make it seem more realistic, [color=734960]"He's smarter, more mature, and most of all he is more level headed. I feel into his trap in court,"[/color] Tku seemed a little embarrassed. [color=734960]"Can't call him Angry child anymore,"[/color] he smirked at Marci before rolling his eyes, [color=734960]"Doesn't seem like the Pouty child isn't coming for breakfast"[/color] - Ayla caught up with the gist of the conversation as she nibbled on her food, though she didn’t quite have the stomach for it after the events of yesterday, even though she was famished. [colour=009fff]“Wesca has been working with the dowager, the Queen Mother, using the excuse of sabotaging her plants, and using dinner parties as cover for her co-conspirators. She definitely takes after my mother.”[/colour] She was unamused by the revelation. [colour=009fff]“They even imprisoned Marci and attempted to murder me because she escaped…”[/colour] She looked toward Marci. [colour=009fff]“What did you steal? They were very upset.”[/colour] Nyan-Acan was treated like the royalty he was, as Marci continued to feed him. He felt settled, though he appreciated it even more when Ayla provided a saucer of leche on the table too. This was the life. - Foodie [Zarina, Abdel, Sasha] — 09/12/2023 11:35 AM [color=#E5E4E2]“Regardless which is worse.”[/color] Zarina leaned back on her chair, arms crossed. [color=#E5E4E2]“I'm paying them a visit. Of the Eshiran variety.”[/color] then Ayla made an interesting addition. [color=#E5E4E2]“Queen mother - so like, the King's mom. But-”[/color] she blinked, lookig skeptical. [color=#E5E4E2]“Why would a mother kill her own son? That's ... Not right.”[/color] - [color=32CD32]“Pan,”[/color] Maxi confirmed. [color=32CD32]“A ranger was she, like the King when he was about our age. They had a thing.”[/color] She swept some hair back from her face. [color=32CD32]“A devourer and a chef is she. Likes sticking her nose into things sometimes.”[/color] She took another bite of her toast. [color=32CD32]“Thing isn't figuring out who's guilty. I'll take all of your words that behind it is Wesca.”[/color] She snorted in annoyance. [color=32CD32]“Hid in plain sight all these years, and that poison in one of my bottles she must've gotten when I visited her home in bantarsca.”[/color] Then, Ayla spoke, and she was nonplussed. [color=32CD32]“Worked with the dowager? Would she..."[/color] Samaxi trailed off, her voice dropping to a mumble. [color=32CD32]“Really be involved? Murder her own son?”[/color] - Marci glanced about at the others. [color=598527]“I didn't get a great vibe when I visited her,”[/color] she admitted, [color=598527]"For what it's worth..."[/color] - Desmond's face winced as he said, [color=gold]"Yeesh, ain't that family drama"[/color]. - Marci twisted to regard Desmond. [color=598527]“What's your take on it?”[/color] She downed some egg and swallowed, gesturing with her fork as she spoke. [color=598527]“And you know,”[/color] she observed, [color=598527]“it occurs to me that the hideaway is pretty close to Wesca and Talo's place just above on the cliffs. Roundabout three hundred meters...”[/color] At Ayla's separate observation, she began rifling through what she'd placed ont he table earlier, handing much of it to her slightly older friend. - [color=#E5E4E2]“Wait, wait.”[/color] Zarina snapped her fingers to bring attention to her. [color=#E5E4E2]“These assholes will have what's coming to them. But priority's finding Classa and Tennaxi. If they're not here, good chance they're in town - where we were going until I -”[/color] she grit her teeth and clenched her fist, trying so hard to contain the anger. [color=#E5E4E2]“Passed out.”[/color] - The plot thickened and he felt himself worry they were dealing with a cabal of some sort. Then finding out they imprisoned Marci, albeit for something reasonable if what Ayla says is true. He was dissapointed. Even if they turned out to be bad people, risking that for little gain just seemed foolish. [color=734960]"Within 300 meters? If she was a trained mage that would still be a little difficult."[/color] He looked at Samaxi to see if that was still the case here. - Marceline sighed. [color=598527]“Knew it was gonna come back to haunt you at some point."[/color] She gritted her teeth and shook her head. [color=598527]“Godsdammit."[/color] Samaxi scowled. [color=32CD32]“What if after me were they and scooped her up they?”[/color] Her eyes flicked about. [color=32CD32]“All most people ever see are these nubs,”[/color] she sighed, eyes flicking down to legs lost long ago, during a childhood misadventure. Then, Tku spoke. [color=32CD32]“Oh, trained are all the Bantarsca people, and it's how they keep Vozas crafting all to themselves.”[/color] She shook her head. [color=32CD32]“Doesn't matter, though. Bigger capacity havge you humans, but better range have we cazenax: four hundred to five hundred of your meters.”[/color] - Zarina exhaled loudly from her nostrils. [color=#E5E4E2]“You're probably right. Or Classa passed out, since she didn't sleep last night. She ran [i]a lot[/i].”[/color] she reached out for her napkin and cleaned her lips before clapping her hands. [color=#E5E4E2]“I'm not gonna waste more time. I'll be looking for those two, and then Wesca's getting a visit.”[/color] - Samaxi reached out for her, first with a hand and, failing to be within range, with kinetic magic. [color=32CD32]“Then you will die.”[/color] She shook her head. [color=32CD32]“The Bantarsca people are powerful, and - ”[/color] [color=598527]“We shouldn't just rush in,”[/color] Marci agreed. [color=598527]“We need to know what we're up against. Retrieve Classa and Tennaxi first. How about those eeaiko you mentioned. Do they work for her or for you? Did you turn them?”[/color] Meanwhile, she could see Ayla going through her finds. - Desmond nodded as he thought, taking in what he had been given. He nodded and finally spoke, [color=gold]"Hmm, it could be possible that they have been being watched ever since the hideout and home was made. Or possibly more apt, there has been an uneasy tension between the hideout and those on the cliff. Possibly a stare down persay, each is within striking range and neither could trully strike out. Each having advantages over the other and neither wished to push enough"[/color]. Desmond then tilted his hand and head as he then said, [color=gold]"Until now, this must have been their big move. Assassinating the king, blaming it on a great big thorn in their side,"[/color] Desmond gave a light gesture to Samaxi and the stead in general, [color=gold]"and then keeping whatever control they have and can claw out some more. Since the King seems to be a bit of a reformist. It must have threatened them in some way"[/color]. - Tku coughed at how large their range was, [color=734960]"Amazing,"[/color] was all Tku could say. he nodded that they most likely got snagged. [color=734960]"There is also something else."[/color] His voice growing serious. [color=734960]"I wanted Fiske to be here to explain himself but his absense tells me much. Last night he caused the death of some guards. Benny wants him to be hanged. If we cause too much racket, he will do the same to us."[/color] He tried to say before Zarina leaves. [color=734960]"If Wesca is apart of this, then Benny has an interest in this too. We can handle this legally if we play our cards right. He's still quick to make a judgement."[/color] - Zarina grumbled, impatient and thristy for retribution. [color=#E5E4E2]“I survived their crap so far.”[/color] she stubbornly retorted, but abstained from standing. Then came Marci's input, and her questions did bring Zarina to a more tranquil state as she recalled. [color=#E5E4E2]“Yeah, actually. We made an agreement. She'd collect her reward in the bitch's mansion, and I'd take advantage to strike at the mistress of the place while eyes were on the Eeaiko.”[/color] - [color=32CD32]“He is!”[/color] Samaxi agreed. [color=32CD32]“The king is a great man!”[/color] Then, however, she scowled. [color=32CD32]“I am no thorn in anyone's side except my father's, though.”[/color] She glanced down momentarily at her missing half. [color=32CD32]“If they were framing me, for convenience was it, or to get at him.”[/color] Something had struck Marceline then. [color=598527]“Well, what about the sirrahi and their hideout. They're some sort of freedom fighting organization, right? Pretty sure the elites who use them wouldn't want that either.”[/color] Her eyes widened. [color=598527]“What if they're the [i]true[/i] targets!?”[/color] - Tku was listening but his mind started to wander. The first thing on his mind was Samaxi's legs. [color=734960][i]Why can't binders regrow limbs. They can revive, create artifacts, make materials, disintigrate attacks, neutralize diseases, mend flesh, stitch bone...[/i][/color] Tku was stumped why such a limit existed when he had another thought, [color=734960][i]make food with bones, create minced organs and stomach lining. Make new flesh with blood, create new things. Why can't I?[/i][/color] Tku swallowed as he thought he might be falling short of what he could do. Had he just overlooked the potential of it? - Desmond nodded, [color=gold]"That was my general idea, but they couldn't exist without the support they are given from your father. If both get struck down at once, that not only takes out those trying to rise from the underclass, but also the would be spy master who would fight against them wrangling control of the city"[/color]. Desmond nodded once more, [color=gold]"Yes. I think that's it. Since the game started I guess it is only time to play, and it seems our hard headed friend seems to already have a plan"[/color]. Desmond looked to Zarina with a smile. He gave a light gesture to Zarina, [color=gold]"You have a clever enough plan. Easy to create and simple to deliver. However,"[/color] Desmond spoke as he dipped his head to the side, [color=gold]"have you ever done such a job? Alone? You are working at a disadvantage in range, location, and also in general innocuousness. Those are hard to beat without knowing what you are facing"[/color]. Desmond gave Zarina a light gesture to sit down for just a bit longer. - Zarina scoffed, heated up by the moment still. [color=#E5E4E2]“I took on a whole town from the bottom of a sand pit, I can handle any disadvantage.”[/color] cocky, but mostly driven by emotion. [color=#E5E4E2]“But if you're offering yourself up as scout.”[/color] she gestured vaguely in Desmond's direction. [color=#E5E4E2]“Be my guest. But we gotta do this quick. We'll barely have half a day by the time we get to the city.”[/color] - Marceline nodded. They were all finishing up with breakfast and there wasn't much point to hanging around. Tku had a point, though. If they'd been captured by the legal system and Benny was a part of it, perhaps they could appeal that way. Still, it didn't hurt to have a backup plan. [color=598527]“Maybe we split?”[/color] she offered, tilting her head to the side. [color=598527]“Some of us are good girls and talk to our friend. Some are... bad.”[/color] She worked to suppress a grin. - Ayla noticed a letter from Sozo-Calupé-Cenzan of the Sweatwater guild, blinking for a moment as the Avincian seemed a bit incorrect, or so she hoped. [colour=009fff]“It appears that Sozo funded the raid, with the Dowager's approval for the salt, and a few letters warning about the King being a dangerous idealist…”[/colour] She shrugged her shoulders. [colour=009fff]“It implies a lot, and if Benny is the judge as you say, he could easily bring them to justice. We should deliver the evidence to him."[/colour] - Tku's mind had an epiphany of some kind. He reached into his bag for his notebook and a pencil, [color=734960][i]Why can't I?[/i][/color] Tku started to reason things out the philosphy, the reasoning why it it could work, how it could work, what it would require. His mind felt like a vast sky, exploring the great wonders of the world. Never had he felt so much exileration. It pulsed through his mind and he felt euphoric. He felt he was onto something amazing. - [color=734960]"I believe I might be in good enough graces to talk to him. He is the jury as well. He might be able to act with great ease. If they did have them, Benedetto might be able to release them as well if we can prove Wesca's involvement."[/color] - Samaxi nodded. [color=32CD32]“Yes, Nyax-Acan would go for it!”[/color] Marci agreed. [color=598527]“It's Benny. He'd throw the book at this bitch.”[/color] [color=32CD32]“But even so, powerful allies has the Dowager, and Wesca, Sozo, and the guild...”[/color] Samaxi shook her head. [color=32CD32]“He'd risk losing the love of the public.”[/color] - [color=#E5E4E2]“No matter what,”[/color] began Zarina. [color=#E5E4E2]“she isn't getting out of this unscathed.”[/color] - Desmond light gestured once more, [color=gold]"Simmer now, no need to get hasty. Think, none of us have a way home. We don't know where we are and we need to know how to do this without being turned into criminals in a land we are stuck in"[/color]. Desmond continued to listen as he nodded. [color=gold]"I think Benny could be an idea, however, what if we take it to the king? Benny is highly regarded as an individual, but based upon power of the law, I think the king is stronger"[/color]. - Samaxi nodded. [color=32CD32]“I'll kick her ass,”[/color] she joked. - Again, Zazzy exhaled steam from her nose. [color=#E5E4E2]“We're on a timer. And the kids could be in any sort of awful predicament. The faster, the better. Even if it's risky.”[/color] - Ayla did raise an issue with the suggestion, [colour=009fff]“But... why would the King believe us? If a stranger, a foreign species no less, came up to you and said, 'Hey, your mother is trying to kill you,' would you believe it? Even if a part of you did... what would you do?"[/colour] - [color=734960]"So we spread wide, pull a fast one on them. They are schemers, the longer we wait the more defenses they have. I can speak to Benny. I'll make some simple healing artifacts for those going to confront Wesca herself. And something to purge the toxins from your body now knowing her skills."[/color] Tku said as he started to pull sand from inside and outside the house to create some helpful artifacts. Not as strong as Ayla's medallion but still helpful. - [color=gold]"Most likely they are in the hands of the law. They wouldn't be a good target for the Dowager. All that would happen would that they insight the wrath of an enemy. If we throw stones and have nothing for it then we may have not only sent ourselves but them to a worst fate"[/color]. Desmond dipped his head to the side when Ayla spoke, [color=gold]"I think by ourselves it would be weak. But if our net is large and we can get Benny, then the King may believe it and both together may just be enough to fight against the many foes we are up against"[/color]. - [color=32CD32]“I'll admit that I don't know the king well, much as I wish I did,”[/color] replied Samaxi. [color=32CD32]“I...”[/color] she trailed off, forcing a smile and shaking her head. - Marceline stood, then, glancing over at Ayla and Desmond. [color=598527]“What if we go after a small fish first?”[/color] She gestured to the paper her friend was holding. [color=598527]“We have pretty direct evidence against this Sozo fellow and I think we can bag him. Either the others will let him be their fall guy or, if they think he'll talk, we smoke them out when they come to 'help' him with a 'suicide'.”[/color] - [color=#E5E4E2]“One of the prisoners could probably identify Wesca. One mentioned a woman giving orders to Cuimits, a leader of the raiders, so they could probably work with us if given an incentive.”[/color] - Desmond lightly nodded with smile, [color=gold]"Not a bad idea, we can instead of trying to smash them from the top down, we could tumble them from the bottom"[/color]. Desmond nodded towards Zarina, [color=gold]"That's also a good one. We attach both together to try and push them to make a move. We'd spread ourselves out a bit with it, but we could catch multiple fishes with these few hooks"[/color]. - [color=32CD32]“Would this... Tennaxi know?”[/color] asked Maxi. - Zarina nodded. [color=#E5E4E2]“I think so. She was around when Cuimits confessed, too.”[/color] - Marceline was pacing now, thinking. [color=598527]“So then, who goes where?”[/color] Her latest loop carried her close to the door. The cat, Benny, had hopped off of Ayla's lap and was now hanging around close to that area himself, rubbing up against and column, butt in the air as cats were wont to do. - Tku kept making artifacts, didn't matter if they weren't going to Wesca right away, they would be needed. - Desmond lightly tapped his fingers on the table, more dancing them as he thought and spoke, [color=gold]"We will need someone to watch Sozo and capture those who come for him. That itself is 1 or 2 people. Then when we make it public about our witness, we need another 1 or 2 people to make sure he stays safe since he is also a bait hook"[/color]. Desmond continued to lightly tap, now seeming to use it to count and think, [color=gold]"That would make about 4 people, then of course we need people to watch out and find where the 2 girls are and make sure they stay safe since now they may actually use them for retaliation. That is another 2. That's 6 of us if we want to make sure we have some sort of real chance"[/color]. Desmond looked around as he continued to think, [color=gold]"That leaves Maxi, Jascuan, and Evander. They may be needed at the Hideout in case the whole city then bears down on the Sirrahi. They need somewhere to be safe and able to access quickly with some extra safety"[/color]. Desmond looked to each of them as he asked, [color=gold]"So who wants to do what? Find the girls. Get Sozo put into jail and stake him out. Or, make our witness public and watch over him until the time comes"[/color]. - Zarina waved her hand over her head. [color=#E5E4E2]“I'll look for the missing ones. They came back for me, so I'll do the same.”[/color] - Marceline shook her head. [color=598527]“We can't just bust in there and arrest some high-ranking guy. We need a warrant or some police interest.”[/color] She looked about. [color=598527]“Who's in good enough graces to approach the authorities, or maybe Benny directly?”[/color] - Marceline nodded, accepting it. Samaxi, meanwhile, scowled. [color=32CD32]“Much as I'd like to do something...”[/color] She shrugged. [color=32CD32]“I'm a wanted woman. I shouldn't be showing my face in that city.”[/color] - Desmond snapped his fingers in upset remembrance, [color=gold]"Right there is no hidden paths directly to the hideout"[/color]. - Zarina regarded Maxi. [color=#E5E4E2]“If they did mistake Tennaxi for you, what will you do, then? There are also prisoners we can still turn and bribe, for what it's worth.”[/color] - [color=734960]"I'm not wanted. I was freed and Benny played up my credentials as a binder in court. I could preface it as information on Fiske if you planners think it would work?"[/color] Tku looked around to see their opinion on it. - Desmond nodded his head, [color=gold]"That could absolutely work, I think it'd be good for you to do it since among the masses you'd be seen as a good man"[/color]. - Samaxi pursed her lips. [color=32CD32]“There wasn't before.”[/color] She shook her head. [color=32CD32]“Now there is: the one you took back while half asleep.”[/color] She swung herself off of the chair and scooted over to a nearby shelf, retrieving a pair of thick gloves. [color=32CD32]“I can make it to the city with you. I can be available. I shouldn't show this pretty face, though,”[/color] she admitted. - Desmond gave a gesture as he then said, [color=gold]"Fantastic then, you'll be able to stay near and avialable in case things get a little tricky"[/color]. - Desmond looked to everyone, [color=gold]"Alright, among us I think a general break down we have is: Ayla and Tku are going to be heading to find Benedetto to get Sozo thrown into the slammer and then you'll stake him out. I think you two should take Naxos with you since he is a lawyer, It'd make you guys much more likely to be heard out since he knows the systems here"[/color]. - Zarina nodded back at Marci. [color=#E5E4E2]“We got our duo. But-”[/color] a general look was shot at the table where everyone finished their meals and discussed still. [color=#E5E4E2]“I've learned my lesson. We'll need someone that speaks the local language if we want to pick up some leads without making a mess.”[/color] - Desmond clapped his hands lightly as he says, [color=gold]"Perfect. I was thinking you guys should take our resident Spy master with you. He may be able to help you two blend in and know general areas the girls could be at"[/color]. Then Desomnd lightly rolled his hand for himself, [color=gold]"And it seems that leaves me and Fiske to try and get our witness to go public and protect them until the trial is to happen"[/color]. - Zarina quickly claimed Jascuan, for she and Marceline would need a translator. With hurried but sincere wishes of success towards the other groups, they collected Alqasas and set off towards the city, airborne and determined to find the missing Classa and Tennaxi. Tku and Ayla, meanwhile, set off for the stables, having received permission to borrow Riesco, Nuro, and Samaxi's wagon. The morning sun beat down upon them, already stifling, and, in the distance, they took note of multiple large flying animals riding the fading thermals. Then, Tku noticed what they were. [color=734960]“Tuskers!”[/color] he exclaimed, long fascinated with the creatures. [color=734960]“Kite tuskers!”[/color] It was, indeed, an entire herd of the tiny pachyderms, circling and trumpeting as they glided about. - Desmond and Fiske, finally, had a task of their own to undertake. The prisoners from earlier were still securd in a shed, Zox their unblinking, unsleeping guardian and jailor. From this group, the pair of youths would have to pick one they thought they would be able to bend: one who might do the right thing and heko them incriminate Wesca, should they prove able to identify her. - [color=734960]"I have an Idea!"[/color] Tku prepared a bribe for their help. Mountains of plentiful melons, sweetwater, and Cactus! - Ayla nodded in agreement. [colour=009fff]"We could get stuff from the farm, and make it seem more inticing!"[/colour] - [color=734960]"Let's do it![/color] Tku was excited, he had grown to love the tiny elephants so quickly. - Eight of the small elephants came down to eat and, with proper temptation, proved amenable to being approached. Five even allowed themselves to be handled and fed by hand. - One fled at Naxos' less-than-practiced touch but, with considerable effort, Tku was able to bind saddles and harnesses for the creatures. With a constant incentivization, he, Ayla, Naxos, and the cat - Benny - set off unsteadily into the air, headed towards An Zenui and a meeting - hopefully - with Nyax-Acan: their classmate and (dubious) ally, Benny. - Ayla approached the majestic Alpha Tusker with a sense of wonder, using gentle, slow movements to allow the animal to grow accustomed to her presence. She began to sing in soothing tones, her voice conveying a sense of tranquillity. Ayla allowed the creature to sniff and touch her, establishing a bond with it. With care, she slowly climbed onto the Tusker’s back, her hands stroking along its large ears as she sang softly in a grateful manner. Now, she was ready, with her new friend beneath her. Even Nyan-Acan took note as it purred affectionately in rhyme toward another, allowing both Naxos and the cat to climb aboard on theirs as well. - The world the gods left us is magical. That is all Tku thought as he rode 2 kite tuskers with Ayla and Naxos. [color=734960]"What a wonderful world!"[/color] It is moment's like this that make life worth living. [/hider] [h2][u]Summary of Morning Conversations[/u][/h2] After a tiring few day, the young group of students were able to meet back at 4S Farm for much needed rest. They had all had their own journeys, all had something to share with the other students. An Enthish breakfast was made by the forever caretaker Tku. Along with a pot of coffee for those addicted to the bitter gold. Eating and drinking what they had lost from the multiple travels across the desert. Tku kicked off the conversation as they started to share their stories. Desmond shared the story of the near assassination of the king and Samaxi being framed. Tku shared the raid on the farm as well as the news of Benedetto's survival and more importantly his new name. Nyax-Acan, long time benefactor of An Zenui and one of the most respected people in all of it. Zarina shared the findings of her interrogations and the treachery of a woman named Wesca. Ayla and Marceline shared their opinions and correspondence from 2 people, incriminating a pawn of Wesca in the process. Ayla regailed that Wesca attempted to kill her and might have actually. It was clear that Wesca was the target. They had captured 2 of the student's allies as well as the farmstead's master's daughter. They needed to act quickly if they wanted a chance. Zarina, Jascuan, and Marceline went to retrieve Classa and Tennaxi. Desmond, Fiske, and Samaxi went to prepare a witness against Wescan and cause a stir in the public. Ayla, Tku, and Naxos left to obtain an audience with Benedetto in hopes of getting Wesca's pawn, Sozo, arrested to turn up the heat.