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Post by Malakbel on Jan 14, 2019 21:33:52 GMT
"You mean you don't have like, hawk sight?" Said mildly disappointed. Of course, he wasn't really disappointed. It was half tease, half idle chatter. The fact that she wasn't going to try and stay in that inn either meant that the journey to the next inn, at least, would not be made in boring silence. Not that he found silence inherently boring but after spending nearly one month without talking to another sentient being... Well, he began to understand why certain beggars talked to themselves or just overshared constantly. It was a need of most beings that of being social, of sharing, some more than others, some less... But it was a need, alright. And that was to say nothing about entertainment out in the woods and finding ways to kill boredom.
The noise and overall... peopleness of the place around them did not fill him with the same energy that did her. It reminded him of the earlier places he visited during his travels, of the urchins and the downtrotten. He had this particular cynical fixation in which he would see the worst in people no matter where he looked. Suspicions always came first rather than good impressions. A merchant claiming to have the best prices? Was probably ripping you off. Some gentle looking old dude selling trinkets? Probably beats his wife when no one's around. The beggar in the streets? Well, he probably was being honest when he claimed he needed the money for food... But anything extra would be shamelessly invested into black lotus powder or whatever was popular here, of course.
And the more people he saw, the more it intensified within him. Like some oppressive cacophony, hideous and unending. Sometimes he felt like making it stop, violently. He always decided against it, however, and preferred the alternative. Looking for some place quieter. Making himself be alone. At least, until that strange social disease washed over him and all was alright again. Perhaps he was overcomplicating matters. Perhaps, it was simply a smaller ammount of patience than normal for other people: And when it was depleted, it was depleted.
His only consolation was that he was not alone in this suffering, despite the looks of it, he was sure there was absolutely no way that with the ammount of people approaching her cart, it was not even slightly stressing for her having to move through such a crowded place. Almost made him want for a plague, really. At that point in time he no longer had any idea where he was even heading; his pace became slightly slower, walking besides the horse Citrine rode. He sure hoped she knew where she was going, because his method thus far had been walk and pretend he knew what he was doing.
The whistle more or less confirmed -he hoped- that last minute suposition, as they walked through a narrower path. The smell of fish soon reached his nostrils. He didn't find it particularly pleasing, but the smell of salt was better than that of people crowded together for periods of time longer than six hours.
"Eh" He shrugged "It's quieter" Pointed out, as if that was opinion enough on the subject. Soon, not one, but two inns were left behind and he did not waste a single second in asking her why, and having her share whatever information she was basing her decisions on. Mind her, he didn't care if the reason was as simple as "I have a hunch" or as incredible as "I once stole a couch from that place, can't go back there", it was just in his nature to be curious... And mistrustful. He wasn't partial to the idea that it might all be some kind of overly complicated set-up to have him robbed. It was unlikely, yes, but not entirely impossible. Finally and once they entered Fish Street the smell reached new heights. Now that was proper fish smell; salt and musk going around. He wasn't sure how that made him feel. He hadn't been in another port ever since he left the shores of fallen stars.
His gaze was captured by what seemed to be a capsized ship, completely out of place. He was already pondering on his own what was up with that, all up until the girl called out to him, and announced her interest in the thing. And with what he could only describe as a small combustion of energy she adjusted her pace to match her mood; he didn't adjust his though. He was just fine walking up slowly to the thing, admiring it from afar and taking in the strangeness of the whole thing. Suffice to say he was interested in it... But if that was an Inn it had to be the most expensive, exotic one around, right?
By the time he caught up with her he managed to see her impressive horsemanship, if it could be called such. The way she was "parking" her horse. He laughed. It was the first time he saw anyone do that. The cart before the horse, both literally and proverbially, but she seemed in a remarkably good mood. His was more tempered by the fact that he was already thinking he would not be able to afford the place. There were some nice bridges around though, and showing a bit of magic would go a long way to dissuade the homeless from mugging him in his sleep.
He waited for her; his gaze shifting from the prow of the ship towards the cart, and back again, until her spell finally caught his attention, moreso, the words. Those were, truly, the words of a peaceful merchant ship, he told himself with enough sarcasm to make himself laugh. He'd never seen something like that put on by any other magic user. Not with that level of... passion, but it was the contrast what really drove it home. Between the power of magic, and poverty. The fact that it was hovering over an unconspicious cart just made it all better.
He smirked, and brought one of his hands upwards. He muttered a few words in that foul, harsh language he had used earlier once, and from inside his backpack something crawled out: A jet-black spider with deep red crimson eyes walked outside of it, and walked with it's chitinous legs until it was perched up on his shoulders... And jumping down to the street below quickly sprinted towards one of the walls and climbed up.
"That's where it pays to have an accomplice" Replied to her with a wink. "But you have nothing to worry about. You have nothing I want, other than an inordinate ammount of patience to put up with people. And maybe the wings. I haven't decided yet... They're not much of an asset without the hawk eyes, really" He brought up again with a sly smile.
"I want to see the inside, even if it turns out it's too expensive for my skin that's not something you see every day"
Said with a bit of interest in his voice, looking forward to it. Granted, it was not the same level of excitement she showed about it, but him being him, it was the equivalent.
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Arikarka
Approved
Linked Characters: Citrine, Gigi, and Rhia
Posts: 316
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Post by Arikarka on Jan 15, 2019 17:05:40 GMT
"Ye've had ah' spider o' tha' size en ye bag teh whole time?!" She exclaimed when she saw the critter, eyes widening with a tich of a grin at the edge. "Oi, nae wonder ye didn' want tae leave ye bag unattended en teh cart. Be ah shame ef just a bugger got lost ef 'e poked 'is head out somewhere naew." While not a huge fan of the things that crawled on the ground, potentially burrowing underground and thriving in dens and crpyts, she wasn't going to insult a magic user's familiar. That'd be stupid. "An' being this patient es ah learned skill tha's been centuries en the makin'. But ye Mala? Ye ain't tryin' me patience. Nae't ut-hull." At the comment on her wings though? She puckered up, feathers on her forehead and around her eyes, those in her hair (increasing the size of her mane), and back of her arm rising like heckles on a dog affronted and scrunched her nose in displeasure. "Me wings are valuable an' sought after!" She whined offensively, vainly. "They're nae ah huge asset tae anyone!? Have ye not heard teh tales o' teh magic en ah phoenix feather?!" She was… she was upset because he teasingly devalued her wings, not for the actual joking about taking them. Go figure. Bringing one of the wings around to her chest she ran her fingers through the 'elbow' of the wing, petting them, cooing to them "Aye, he didn't mean et ut-hull, ye're ah fine set o' wings." The candlesmoke, ash, and clove plus a hint of ink filled her nose. Glancing up she fake-anger glared at him, huffing lightly through her nose, before she couldn't uphold the act and snorted - pushing her wing away from her to let it settled nicely back down her back. "Grand thing, then, tha' Aye don't 'ave hawk eyes. Be ah-shame tae 'ave an incomplete set, sae why put en teh effort o' taking ah partial set?" She teased back, sticking out her tongue briefly before invading his personal space and hooking her arm… even though their height difference made it very difficult. "Alrigh' then, yet's gae!" Her jovial tone returned as she 'escorted' them both like a Lord would a Lady into the doors of the Ship's Prow Inn. Walking in the first thing noticed was the casual atmosphere yet the absence of people. Anyone staying at an inn like this by the start of the noon-time hour would be out and about in the city or out working. It was proof too, to the new guests, that this was indeed just an inn, and not a tavern or an inn-tavern. The decorations were scarce, allowing the inside skeleton of the ship to take the lead as the primary aesthetic. The boards felt sea-worn under her bare claws - the way the talon tips sunk into the still soft wood. This was a real ship at one point, that had bilge water and everything soaking the bottom level here of the hull. If there had been a brig? It would have been in the half of the ship that wasn't here. Instead? It was just the dark wood of storage space converted to a welcome lounge. Thaumaturgy'ed candles and mage lights lit the area in an eerie blue-green, giving it a glow like a siren's den mixed with the wave pattern of reflecting water. The few tables here were mostly standing height only, due to the sloped walls making this floor rather small in square footage. A sitting area was mirrored on both sides, with chaise couches filled with modest cushions, barrels for side tables, and wrought iron legged glass tables. There was enough of a shanty vibe without being overdone. There was a greeting counter though, a long bar-height table taking the space between two modified stairwells leading up to the second floor, just past the sitting lounges. A well-dressed water genasi, attire appropriate for the setting, stood behind the counter, looking bored but perked up when he noticed the two arrivals. "Good day lady, gentlemen. Looking for ah room or rooms are we?" There was only a hint of sailor in his accent. Citrine, taking in the beauty of standing in a ship yet juxtaposed with the fact they were on land and therefore no knocking back and forth, had her attention drawn to the attendant. Walking, a swagger to her walk that was paired with her wings opening to keep balance - habits of walking in a ship were hard to break - up to the counter side on the left (where it was shorter, letting those of small or near-small height the dignity of being able to look over the counter) nodded with a courteous and respectful nod of the head - the best she could do without her hat. "Aye Lad, are tehre rooms available? At least ah week each?" "Of course Ma'am. Will it be one room or two?" "Oi, tae Aye believe. Don' want tae scare me companion wit' anythin' else." "And of what station?" She took a moment to consider, looking around the room and coming to her own conclusions as to what he meant by station. "Give me tae rooms worthy o' ah Bosun's mate's quarters. Ef none vacant? Crew es fine." "Very well, rooms 7 and 13 are yours then, Upper Deck on the starboard side of the staircase here. Simply go up two flights of stairs. The Main Deck is for the patrons of higher esteem only, but the Weatherdeck is open to all patrons of the Ship's Prow Inn where light refreshments are offered under mage light until the late evening. There's a lovely view to the harbor." Nodding, noting the directions, Citrine then tapped her nose with the dulled point of her talon nail. "Aye, an teh fee?" "Seven silver a night. As you are booking two rooms at once I can offer services at six silver apiece." Considering the offer Citrine hummed and went to tapping the counter once. "Et's ah fair fee fer ah grand place such as this! Teh wood is beautiful, even down 'ere en teh hull. Mighty fine, ef Aye close me eyes Aye can feel us at sea." She began her negotiation. "But might Aye tempt ye with an offer tha' benefits us both? Aye'm knaen among teh Inner Sea as ah fine fiddle player. Aye can promise ye tae draw ye patrons up fer ah night of fun up on teh Weatherdeck. Three nights, Aye'll play. Et'll draw ah croud, an' ah croud buys more drink an' food. Aye get this pair o' rooms fer half teh cost an' ah promise an' accord fer playing three nights, nae less tha' ah single night apart, startin' tomorrow. Me playin' will bring en teh revenue tae make up fer our wager plus some. An' ef et doesn't? Aye'll pay double tae make up fer the inconvenience." The genasi paused. He was accustomed to people just demanding a discount paired with threats from the local guild halls saying there would be retribution if there was no deductions. Or simply poor attempts of blackmail, or even poorer actual negotiation. But this? There was money involved here. And a chance for the establishment to come out ahead. "I will have to confirm with my manager if this can be done, but as the winter season often reduces the population of the Weatherdeck at night if you can state as you do to draw a crowd? There should be no problems with this arrangement." He made a few marks on a ledger to signify the reduced cost. "Aye! An' teh rooms dae come with hot meals, fresh beddin', hot baths, an' a service fer gear an' clothes - does et naet?" She slyly asked as the transaction was nearing a close. Her smile was just for him now. "Et'd mean sae much fer ah Lass like Aye, been on teh road fer months et seems! All teh way frum." "O-oof course, Lass.. Aye mean. Ma'am." He stumbled a bit then, skin flushing a hint of purple through is blue skin, accent showing a bit more in the flounder. "There's ah Lad! Aye'll be sure tae play ah song fer ye Name under Capt. Citrine Redbriar, ef ye would." She stuck out her hand and sealed the deal with a shake and an exchange of 3 gold, 5 silver, and two keys - both old and bronze like you'd expect from a place like this - plus a shocked look on his face that it was a Captain he'd been speaking with. "Perfect! There lads w'ho can help bring en me belongings o'…" She was cut off before she could continue. "Oh yes Captain. I'll have some of our crew come help where you need." Tipping her fingers in a friendly salute Citrine turned around to dangle the two keys in front of her before mage handing over the key for room 13 to her companion. "There ye are Mala! Consider et ah favor returned fer teh escort through town an ye familiar keepin ah watch on me cart." She made it clear there was no expected exchange of gold between them. "Hope ye don't mind stayin' at ah place like this. Et's grand ain't et! Feels like bein' on teh sea again…" She cooed a moment to herself, a bird equivalent of a sigh. No - none of that. "Nae, let's lead teh crew tae teh cart sae we can get settled!"
Two men, a human and a dwarf, had come out from a door behind the counter and walked around, nodding to the genasi and then to the two of them. They would follow the two out when they stepped out, following directions as given.
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Post by Malakbel on Jan 16, 2019 18:52:58 GMT
He thought if his familiar had had the shape of a snake at the time, it would have made her comment all the better. He might've even let out a "That's what she said", coyly. As it stood, he just smirked. He knew spiders particularly freaked a lot of people out but the little bugger's ability to climb and be inconspicuous in the forest made it ideal when not getting shagged in the night was the goal, or when he had to scout some place ahead -or above- without being seen. Nobody, really, was looking for spiders to come take a peek, thus rarely people were staring at the ceiling for no reason at all.
Her reaction to the comment on her wings though, that made his smirk shift to a full on blown smile. He assumed that when she said centuries in the making she was exaggerating, of course. It was a manner of saying. He ended up chuckling and laughing at the comment of the phoenix feathers. "Aye" He mimicked her speech just for that one word "It's one of my favorites, right up there with the one about the snake and the princess" said with a cackling disposition. There it was again though, that mixture between her present self being what he could only experience as faintly cute, and what he knew of her paired with his suspicions saying she could very well be some kind of psychotic killer just waiting to shank the first person that crossed her.
He shook his head "What can I say, I'm a full service kind of guy" replied slyly dismissive about the whole deal, just before she once again got closer and hooked her arm on his. It was unexpected that she took such liberties. Not because she took them, but because seldom would people be so carefree when around him, or when involving themselves with him. It was one thing to just not act outright mistrustful, but it was another one entirely to get touchy with him. Either she had thick skin, or for some reason she really didn't have kind of reaction. His current bet was on thick skin, him being him.
He figured it would be some kind of negotiation ploy, something that would get them a better price or make for a better impression no doubt, for she acted with that certainty. The hooked arm technique was to serve some purpose even if he was oblivious to it right now.
Malakbel wasn't quite sure about what he had been expecting but it sure had not been just a ship. In any case, it still filled him with a very vague sense of wonder and awe, of playful interest. The lack of people was an afterthought, but a pleasant one at that. The mage lights and candles caught his attention, where he had come from wizards and magic users were a rare thing. A thing of mystery, that often brought mistrust and wonder at the same time. If you were a wizard or people talked about a wizard... Then either the magic user was responsible for all the local ills, or was a mysterious, awe inspiring figure that was revered like a small-scale mythical figure. There were no manuals on wizards, or in magic, or in what they could or couldn't actually do; and that was the nature of magic in itself. There was no limit to it that people knew of. When people used magic, things just happened.
So, that filled him with a few questions. Was the owner of the place an actual wizard with knowledge to put on such things and impress the guests? Or was this the norm, everyone in town already being quite acquainted with at least that level of magic? He had heard that there had been a time where magic abounded in the world... But that was a long time ago. His eyes took in the level of detail, and the way the wood croaked below him as they moved. Even the sitting area was not spared his analyzing gaze, trying to figure out the hidden purpose of the arrangements. It's position, and even the very fabric they were made of.
Soon though, the Genasi drew all of his attention. The planetouched human. Commonly strange, if that ever could be a thing. It sure as hell seemed sometimes the elemental planes just couldn't keep their extremities away from the prime material realm. Them, along with the Tieflings and the rarer Aasimar.
She let her take the lead, because he wanted to know if she had a plan that made use of the hooked arm. Maybe couples got a discount and she was going to pass themselves off as one? Or maybe she was going to claim to be a poor girl suffering from the feather-plague or something... Either way, he was interested in knowing what she would do. He didn't quite understand what she said, or meant, after the Genasi asked whether they would want one room or two. Regardless, he pretended to and remained stoic during the exchange. Rooms. Rooms was plural, so she had asked for two. Then, again not knowing what she was walking about. Bosun's mate? Was that a food?. He was wondering what the price was, it would have been the first thing he asked after whether they had vacancies or not but maybe she had a plan.
Again, no idea what the main deck was but he supposed it was the uppermost part of the ship, and the weatherdeck sounded more like what was underneath. The seven silver pieces part made him purse his lips. That was barely two weeks he could stay there, not accounting for food. That was expensive. Too expensive for him. Maybe he could stay a single night there for the experience, but was it worth it really? His purse was a bit empty. He needed to secure some gold... And the fastest way to do it was by a applying a judicious ammount of violence, most often by taking a high risk job that would see people either dead or staying away from it. The kind of stuff even mercenaries kept away from.
All of that went through his head while she spoke and negotiating, putting her fiddle-playing skills on the table. He didn't quite think the Genasi would even consider it; the place did not seem like a tavern that would draw in people frequently and noticing whether people were being convincing or not was on par with his ability on the subject. Surprisingly the Genasi agreed to consider it. The added details put him on suspicion again, had that been magic? Had she just charmed the poor man or employed some similar tactic? Those subtleties sometimes went a little bit above his head. There definitely was something at work there though.
He smirked. Well, she could certainly perform a kind of magic. He was about to tell her that regretfully the place was a little bit too expensive for his skin and bid her good luck before parting ways, when she paid upfront and received two keys. He frowned ever so slightly and his gaze switched from the dangling keys to the eyes of the ladybird in front of him. Now that did put him in her debt, that was devious. But how could she have known he was in no position to repay her in that moment, or even to pay for the in? Had she known beforehand? What hints did he give? She was a lot more sharp that she looked then. No, he couldn't refuse; there were not enough reasons and she was toying with that. Now that was interesting.
Malakbel shook his head "Thanks" he replied "Though a debt is a debt" pointed out "There was hardly any effort put in it to be worth that much" denied regarding that being a way to repay the escort and the spider keeping watch over the sorceress' luggage. It was a personal thing, he despised feeling like he owed something to someone. Maybe she knew this too and had plans to exort some kind of service from him. He stared at her eyes. Was it all really part of the plan, or was she really what she seemed outwards?
That said, he prepared himself to bring the things in. He smiled. "Let's not keep the men waiting then, shall we? I ain't going to complain about a good, warm bath before bed later come nightfall"
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Arikarka
Approved
Linked Characters: Citrine, Gigi, and Rhia
Posts: 316
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Post by Arikarka on Jan 17, 2019 18:39:43 GMT
As Malakbel stepped out of the hull entrance way of the Sail's Prow Citrine scowled and a crossed look graced her lips. She was accustomed to dealing with bargains, favors, and actions for actions - she forgot at times that a majority of people only thought of debt as a monetary value system. Whistling sharply her displeasure at how he accepted her repayment she followed him out, but not before turning to the crew help. "Aye thank ye fer ye help. Teh chest an' tent roll ye can grab, but Aye'll carry me violin case up ef ye don't mind. Room seven fer me." They nodded and went to work, easily weaving through the two adventurers to go towards the cart and begin figuring out how to best transport the belongings. "Teh scrubs can' handle teh cart." She started, not falling for the change of direction or topic of a conversation she was not going to let free fall on its own. "Tell me Lad." She then truly began, her voice flat. Annoyance perfumed off her wings with the scent of citrus-y bergamot. Her eyes narrowed as an unseen shimmer of something, like an unlit gas lamp, or heat rising off a hot surface, spread across her wings as she opened them to pull above her head. She kept eye contact with the Yuan-ti, her self-confidence giving her height that was much more than her physical body gave her, though aided by the tippy-toes and spreading wings. She'd noticed, once she turned around and passed the key off to him, the subtle feeling of 'what do I do with this now?' aura coming from her compatriot. "What did Aye say, ah-bout me wourd? Tha' Aye never break me wourd" She started, clicks and bird krees underlying her common tongue - reminding him of what she'd said about an hour ago. "Nae, Aye knae we've both just met. An' et's hard tae trust anyone after ah first meetin'. Aye realize too," She kept eye contact as the men began shifting the trunk "By the damned, what's in this thing?!" echoing in the background. "Tha' fer someone who's most liekly constantly teh target o' untrustiness himself? Et's perhaps hard fer ye tae take others at their wourd an' sincerity." She was doing her grandness at keeping her temper, the oil hadn't been lit yet, though the heat waves off her wings were like a simmer - just waiting for the gas to spark. "Sae, Aye'll tell ye again as secon’ time. Ah week o' room es a fair return fer ye aid in guardin' an' keepin' an eye on me belongings. They are teh most valuable, an' dear tae me heart things Aye own. This es all o' et. Aye've nae home. Nae room elsewhere tae keep teh most valuable tucked away. Aye'm ah-long way aways ferm anything Aye grew up around - except fer me trunk. Savvy? Ef anything? Aye owe ye more still. Ah debt es ah debt? Aye." She nodded wisely parroting his words back to him, "But teh debt esn't always coin fer coin." Her voice took on a heaviness then, one that seemed to speak with years and years of experience on the matter backing it up. Citrine held out her hand then. "But? Ef teh though o' coin fer action displeases ye, ye can return teh key an' be done with et all. But Aye'd like tae knae ah friend Aye've meet upon enterin' this new city es down teh hall ferm me, sae we might share teh experience o' settlin' in an' becomin' accustomed tae teh place tagether." She curled her fingers in a repetitive motion, beckoning for the key with her darkened ticker talon-like fingernails. It would be now, if he focused on her hands here, that he'd see a few short plumes of downy feathers gracing the back of her hand and a scaled effect around her fingers that matched the dark leather-brown scaling seen on her feet and calves.
“Ye did me ah service Aye want tae repay, an’ hosting ye en ah room seemed teh best way tae do et. Ye’ve been traveling long tae, ye’re new tae teh city, an’ don’t seem tae knae another soul ‘ere from another.” She continued to convince him of her viewpoint, a bit of her temper dropping of to be replaced with honey. “Ah room’s teh least Aye could do. Aye swear on me lives, et’s nae trick o’ teh light. Let me start provin’ et tae ye Aye can be trusted, an’ taken at me wourd.” She closed her hand then, so the act of returning the key would be a bit more tricky than had her palm been open. “Besides!” Her voice perked up a bit then, a dash of her standard personality coming back like a cherry on top of a dessert. “When Aye ‘ave wealth Aye spend et – an’ when Aye’m copperless Aye play on teh streets! Tis just coin after-ul. Et’s pointless an ‘worthless when weighing down pockets. Aye take frum circumstance around me an’ give back just teh same.” She winked then and in a quieter tone, though not quite as personal as a message spell – her soft velvet shadowed tones would be hard-pressed to be overheard. “Tis teh risk o’ ah pirate’s life.”
The thump of the trunk knocking the wind out of one of the men as they tried to move it like a giant couch – landing with the man on his back and the trunk on his chest standing upright like a flagpole broke the secret whispers. Citrine didn’t break her gaze from Malakbel, knowing her trunk was protected from damage as simple as falling a few feet onto a squishy surface.
“Sae? We ‘ave an accord then Malakbel?” She asked a third time, voice back to normal. “Ah room fer ye already performed actions tha’ aided en keepin me belongin’s safe.” Her hand opened then, from a fist, to a hand waiting for a handshake. By now the invisible gas along her wings had simmered down into nothing, the hissing sound gone, and the heatwaves just a memory – or was it a trick of the light? The bergamot smell still remained however as she waited for the Yuani-ti’s response.
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Post by Malakbel on Jan 18, 2019 16:26:19 GMT
It wasn't the scent on the air that changed following the mood patterns on the woman that which tipped him off, or the noticeable change in tone, but for him it was the way it fit into the whole character that he had been constructing on his mind. Among what could be considered his most obvious flaws there was a noticeable one in regards to his character, something about recklessness. Having spent most of his life getting kicked, being the patsy for any crime or problems around, and daily attempts on his character, he was used to being threatened. Used was not the word though, tired of was more like it. He'd heard it all, in all shapes and forms, in all natures and intonations. And he was sensitive about it; it's not that he reacted violently towards it but he certainly did not react well to anything that sounded like "or else" to him. And sensitive as he was to it, a lot of things had a similar vibe even if they were not threats at all. Whenever he sensed that someone was, outright, trying to sway his opinion or his actions to a given side in a forceful way, he opposed that on principle.
And while the Aarakocra was not doing such a thing, there was a thinly veiled droplet of that in the back of her words, in behind the shimmer of her eyes, and the way her body responded. That was how he perceived it. She was offended, perhaps. She was right on many accounts; he thought words were wind no matter who uttered them. It was only actions that truly went a long way into showing one's character or trustworthiness. And for him, he usually distrusted anyone. Why was it so big of a deal that he considered it a debt to be eventually repaid, like any other? Why was it important enough to make it the focus of the conversation? So important for him to accept that right there?
He frowned. Mere moments ago, he had been ready to accept the key and go on to rest at the inn later, it did seem like a good prospect after all even if he was cautious about it, or as cautious as he was about anything. She acknowledged that a debt wasnt always for coin, so it seemed maybe they understood each other, and she wouldn't accept coin as repayment on his behalf. That suited him fine, not like he had much coin lying around.
It was the hand that which change his attitude; the fingers curling in repetitive motion for the key; the brief ultimatum. It brought him crystal clear memories of the first work he'd gotten in a town. That "it's my way or the highway" attitude thrown at him by people who knew he had no alternative. His thoughts went somewhere dark. It disgusted him. The light died a bit in his eyes at the sight, she shadows of his face around his eyes, along his cheeks and through the corner of his mouth, deepening in a barely percievable manner.
"The key is yours, it was never mine to take; you can do with it as you please" declared, matter-of-factly. After all she had paid for the room, and as it was shown by the gesture it was hers to take whenever she pleased as well.
He handed over the key immediately, but didn't hush her words. He hadn't taken into consideration the fact that she might close it again. If the key was the leverage, he was good to be rid of it, and listen to her words without the burden of wanting something she was offering, and was now setting the terms to. Oddly enough, while she seemed convinced that she was offering it free of charge and out of goodwill, to him she was demanding a price. Things always had a price. In this case the price was not merely monetary. That price was to see things her way, and agreeing to it. Accepting her. For many people that would be hardly a price at all.
He knew when his attitude was getting the best of him and tried to turn it down a notch. A soundless voice inside of his mind telling him to relax. Why was -he- making such a big deal out of that? He was drowning in a glass of water again, if she wanted the key just give it to her. If not, why not make use of it? All she wanted was... What? Him saying that it was okay? It was a close as it would get as free lodging for a week and things could of be fun, even. That was what his logical side was saying. His other side, was trying to find a way to make his words sound genuine in the face of his mood. Thoughts scrambled. Things were starting to return to normal, slowly. And all of that had happened in less than five seconds, tops.
He finally spoke again, his usual attitude blooming once again from the depths, resurfacing from his foray into the realm of dark thoughts. Her confession about her pirate ways helped, for he certainly had that "I knew it" feeling right then.
"I do take your word, and as you say things are not always for coin. Friends do often gift each other things, yes? And I do not have, currently at least, that much money lying around. Maybe we can work something out eventually, I'm sure I'll figure something out."
A small pause, with a nod and a smirk.
"You need not take things so literally. Or what you're saying is, you can gift me things, but I can't do the same for you? What's the matter, are you afraid I'll out-do you?"
Teased her out as was his usual way.
"Don't think of this as a rejection to your good-willing ways." Said then "If this truly is a gift given freely, then why should we have any problem with it? Let it be the first of many."
He shrugged, watching the men bring the luggage "on board", and then paused to look at her with intensity, his face serious and focused.
"But there is something that which I must ask you, and you must swear to tell me the truth. It's a question that has been consuming me ever since we first exchanged words and I laid eyes on you, and it is of the utmost importance to me. And it will also prove to me whether you are trustworthy or not, if you so desire." he finished, ominously.
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Arikarka
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Linked Characters: Citrine, Gigi, and Rhia
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Post by Arikarka on Jan 18, 2019 17:00:49 GMT
Taking things literally. She'd never put the thought as direct as that... but she supposed he was right. The time in Wonderland? It affected her, and still did, even after all this time. After the therapy, the years at sea, the time separating her from then to now. Wounds healed, scars faded. But some scars? Never faded at all.
"Me? Refuse ah gift? Mala, Aye'm always open tae gifts. Aye love me shiny things an' babbules an' trinkets." She grinned back a little lop-sided, head tilted as her posture softened even more, coming down more from the quick-to-temper firebird that she was. "As well as gifts tha' don' 'ave any physical side to em. Like friendship. En teh spirit of said accord, Aye surrender an' call teh key ah gift then, sae et es, as ye say, ah first o' many." She held both hands out then, opening so the palms were pointing to the sky, a natural crook in the fingers. The scents around had turned back to candlesmoke, ash, and clove.
But the moment he focused his eyes on her, just as intense as she had just done towards him, the curiosity got the better of her. Peppery coriander now began to quickly blanket the space around her, a bite and fresh herb scent to the air that wasn't unpleasant by any means. Just what did he want to ask?
"There be only abou' three questions Aye won't answer, an' et won't be fer ah lack of tellin' ah lie. Bar anything but tha'? Aye'll answer." She threw her coins into the betting pile on the table, wager made. It was as if the rising heat of temper had never happened. It was the nature of a flame-beast, to smother, burn, alight, then die down again all in moments. "Ask me ye question, Malakbel teh Yuan-Ti, an' Aye'll promise ye tae tell nae lies, misdirects, misleads, o' falseness." The scent of blood now began to twist into the air, accenting like fine gold thread in a wall tapestry.
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Post by Malakbel on Jan 18, 2019 17:19:52 GMT
He was pleased with her response. Not thoroughly pleased to say the truth, but it was a good start. How would he know though, if what he asked was one of said three things? It sounded like a plausible excuse to avoid answering nothing she wouldn't want to, if he was asked, but it wasn't like he had much of a choice on the issue. The chips were down, and the die had been casted. The Yuan-ti nodded and placed two of those big, strong hands on the shoulders of the bird lady in front of him and leaned slightly forward. His firm fingers pressed softly but thightly against her skin, his gaze melted into her's as he asked with a distinctive lack of humor, his face absolutely serious with the resolution of a crusader.
"Do your people lay eggs?"
He asked, the intensity of his stare glowing faintly within the yellow of his eyes, staring at her through the stone mask of his face. There were no smells, nor shimmers coming from him, but the way his eyes were staring at her with deadly resolution proclaimed the importance of that question. It was no riddle, nor a fancy way of asking something else. It was rather direct. The mood of the moment just bled importance unto her, solemnity.
"I need you to say it out loud"
He said, his deep voice gruffed in a tone clearly audible, with no room for misunderstandings.
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Arikarka
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Linked Characters: Citrine, Gigi, and Rhia
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Post by Arikarka on Jan 18, 2019 17:40:08 GMT
In the same seriousness and deep of tone he asked the question, Citrine gave her response back.
"Ef by me people ye mean teh... what's teh closes race 'ere..." She took a moment to run through a mental list of something that was organized in her head, "the Aarakocra? Then Aye, teh Aarakocra lay eggs. An' guard 'em fiercely - as teh should!" She kept a sage-like tone to her voice. "But me, personally?" She rose an eyebrow then with the first threatening bit of a grin teasing her cheek. "But Aye'm nae an Aarakocra. An' en teh spirit o' ah full truth, as Aye so swore? Aye'm ah phoenix." She paused to let that settle. Even though she'd commented on 'the magic of a phoenix feather', and 'living for centuries', and the like before? She could see how it would easily be seen as just a turn of phrase.
"As fer me? Aye was reincarnated an' born from fire an' heat paired with teh song o' an ancient celestial creature demandin' me tae rise again. Takin' nae quarter, Aye was born again from me last breath icing out from me lungs due tae ah trial of anger, fear, cold, an' defiance." Her voice took an edge of history there, a fierceness that could only have come from surviving a trial that would warrant a strong-willed person like her to survive death only to live on and on again as an avatar of fire. And she said all this, proudly, in the middle of the street, tail fanned and wings preened a bit off her back as if ready to screech at anyone who dared say she was lying.The smell of blood was thicker now.
Then, just as the rise of blood happened, it faded. Her composure was snapped back from the memories of those haunted times with a meditative close of the eyes and deep inhale of air. "Ne'er 'ad scamps meself, sae reall Aye dunno ef Aye'd lay eggs o' naet." She added as an afterthought before cracking open an eye, the grin coming back at the silliness of the question despite the utter reverence he asked it and she, in turn, responded in. "Tha' answer ye question Lad?"
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Post by Malakbel on Jan 18, 2019 17:58:18 GMT
Two things became clear to him at that moment. The first, he believed that she was not an Aarakocra in the strict sense of the word, probably in the same way that he wasn't a "Yuan-ti" according to some. The second one was that she truly believed that she was a phoenix. He didn't believe an ounce of it, but he did believe she believed it to be so, thus it was true to her. Because a phoenix, really, out there running around in possibly the same living conditions as him? Het bet one of the guys carrying the luggage was a silver dragon, too. He acquiescented her seriousness with his own.
He nodded, regardless, his expression remained set in his face. "I can't believe..." He began to say, taken a back a bit turning his gaze away as if the answer pained him greatly. He struggled to complete the phrase "I can't believe..." He continued, gathering strength as he finally turned back to face her one final time with all his strength. "I can't believe you said that out loud so serious" barked with a smile, cackling at her face.
"Imma knock on your door next morning, tell me if you laid some, because man I'm starving for some good ol' phoenix eggs with salt"
He put on a face that could have been drawn on the front poster of a chicken farm, thumbs up in delight. His laughter was close to histerical at that point, chuckling at her expense; his laugh was energic, contagious, his eyes glittering with what could be tears.
"Captn o' captn, lay me some eggs pwbahahah!"
Both his hands were crossed across his broad chest as he laughed, like if he was fighting to keep it in, and failing miserably.
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Arikarka
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Linked Characters: Citrine, Gigi, and Rhia
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Post by Arikarka on Jan 18, 2019 18:29:43 GMT
It never took much of others laughing for the bard-like entertainer to start laughing as well. The grin she'd been keeping down unlocked with his stalled laughter and the high pitched kree-clicks of an osprey danced with the sound of musical chirps and whistles. Her wings buffeted open as she let herself rise into the air with a bit of a hover and shoulder roll, soothing away the tenseness she'd felt. The scent of blood was now gone, and fully replaced with a warm ocean breeze and the hint of colored wax. "Oi Lad! Tha' hurts, hurts deep." She teased back at his comment on eating phoenix eggs for breakfast. "But teh funniest part o' this? Will be when ye realize Aye've not spoken ah bare lie." She winked again and nodded him a quick 'be right back'. She hoped she was there, the day he realized she hadn't told a single falsehood. Delayed gratification - she was capable of it at times. Swooping upwards with a powerful downbeat of her wings she went up and over to then perch on the side of her cart, claws keeping her steady, to see how her trunk was doing. "Ye got et alright there lads?" Indeed they did, carrying it now with strained wheezing into the door to go up three flights of stairs. A reminder of what room yet again had her wrapping up her interaction with the men.
Glad that was done with Citrine glided back towards Malakbel and hover-landed right next to him. "Ye'd be hard pressed tae fine me door ef ye don't even knae where we're goin'. Bosun es teh one on ah ship who commands teh hard labor an' work on a ship, tae ensure et's all bein' done top-notch." She began giving him a run down on positions aboard a ship. "And teh Bosun's Crew are those favored by 'em. Ef teh ship's large enough? They get either ah larger room fer one o' two o' 'em tae share teh space away ferm teh standard crew quarters o' ah small private room - much smaller than officer quarter o' course. But nice an' quiet all teh same." She began drawing in the air with her finger, the same deep orange color of her mage hand acting like it did when she wrote her blood red message - little stick figures with circles and arrows pointing to other, smaller stick figures.
"An' sae? We're on teh third floor, with teh crew level bein' on teh second, teh lobby en teh hull on teh fourth, an' teh private suites an' fancier rooms bein' on teh first. Teh Weatherdeck ye heard me mention? Tha's teh very top - teh part o' teh ship tha's open tae teh sun, sea, an' salt. Apparently et's all decorated an' shit fer evenin' gatherings. Aye'll be doin' me damnedest tae draw ah card tae keep me pockets full." Continuing her run-down she expanded further. "Any other question on teh layout o' ah ship? As ah Captain as Aye am, Aye've quite familiar with ships an' terms." She emphasized the captain as a throw-back jab to his poked fun 'Captain my Captain'. Once again she looped her arm through his to walk them both towards the Inn, so long as he offered no resistance besides still trying to keep his laughter in.
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Post by Malakbel on Jan 18, 2019 19:01:30 GMT
He shook his head and brough one hand up to his eyes, to clean his tears away while still his body shook slightly from the leftovers of the laughter that had taken over him. He soon began to formulate quite a few hypotesis as to why would the woman believe herself to be a phoenix. The first that came to mind was that being a sorceress and a magic user herself... Well, all magic users were proud bordering on overconfident themselves, he believed. It would only take a few particular experiences to turn that into a power trip. Maybe while laying with a fever she'd had a dream, and given her powers had believed it to be true. Maybe she had been visited by a powerful being that had made the claim and thus she believed it. Maybe she simple was a liar and was getting off on that, her way of retaliating for the previous joke. He wheezed at her insistance.
"Yeah right; I'll take you out to dance in a dress that day"
And began to laugh again, this time however the laugh didn't last so long nor was as powerful as before, already fading. After her short flight back and forth, it had already faded back into normality.
"And that's true for every ship? Is there like a regulation that all ships follow, whether they are a navy vessel, a merchant one, or a pirate one? Isn't it a little bit counterproductive that there's like a whole section dedicated to the captains' favorite, favorite's? Like jealousy from the other crewmates?" He pointed out, just a curious question. As for the rest, he seemed to get the hang of it pretty quickly. The Yuan-ti looked at the ship again as if it was the first time trying to imagine what would life in a ship be like. He imagined, like most things, it would be alright for the first couple of months... Or weeks. After that, it would begin to look like a prision to him and maybe all the endless water around him would be maddening to look at.
In the end, his gaze went back to being fixed upon the winged girl and her proposal, with a smirk at the mention of her being a captain and all.
"Just one, say you were to blow up a ship from the inside, what would be the most effective way to do it? Asking for a friend"
He let out as he walked with her once again, wondering about the strange gesture she had when they walked. He wondered if it was an Aarakocra thing, like a cultural thing. Or maybe it was related to the Genasi they had talked to earlier and this was necessary for the continuing ploy that she had begun to weave since before they entered. It was a possibility.
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Arikarka
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Linked Characters: Citrine, Gigi, and Rhia
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Post by Arikarka on Jan 18, 2019 19:27:45 GMT
A dress? It's been leagues and leagues of time past since she'd been in a dress. Not that she didn't like dressing up, she was as proud as a peacock showing off its tail feathers after all. Just, she'd not had the chance much these last 100 years plus some. In fact? Last time she'd been in a dress?... It hurt her head to think back that long. It'd been... in that strange day-dream of a life. The false yet true life. Much too long, at the very least. "Aye'm ah hold ye tae tha' wager boy-o. Aye'd get tae pick teh color then, Aye?" She teased him, jabbing him in the side with her mage hand. Then in a more wistful and longing tone, she added. "Aye love dancin'! Leadin Anchor Days - teh yearly celebration me ship celebrates where we've a week o' rest an' dae nothin' but drink an' be merry! Oh teh tales Aye 'ave.." She chuckled at the fond memories.
"As fer teh ship decks? Ehh..." She shrugged her wings. "Et's moar o' less teh same. Depends on ef ye're navy, merchant, or private buccaneer. An' once ye start gettin tae teh big galleys an' warships? Teh terms 'ill make ye head spin." It was why starting at the bottom was always best, when joining a ship. As a scrub, a deck hand. You learned more than the literal ropes that way, but the termonolgy, the social structure, the politics of being aboard a ship.
"Without order, even fer someone as chaotic as me, es critical on ah ship. Ye can spend weeks, even months out sailin' with only we crew an' teh sea. An' those who are taken under teh Bosun are often teh more experienced tha' teh hands below 'em, an' 'ave ah lot moar responsiblity than teh regular crewmate. Sae truely et's just an extension o' accommodations based on merit, skill, an' responsibility. Ye won't find ah greensap en anything but teh floor o' ah hammock if 'es lucky, nae matter who favors 'em. Least nae on me ship." The entered the Inn and began making their way upstairs.
"Bosun, an' by extension Head Surgeon, Head Carpenter, Quartermaster, First Mate, Chef... they may be all livin' en quieter quarters than teh rest o' teh crew - but they moar than earn et. Ah ship es as good as ets crew, an' nae crew survives without the officers being successful. Growing up through teh ranks? Et was moar encouragnin tae dream o' being good enough tae warren' me own room than somethin' Aye was jealous o'. Teh higher ye go? Teh moar ye need tae manage people an' resources. Tidy, orderly, an' bein' in ship-top-shape offers ah better chance at survivin' a voyage than anythin' else."
Walking up through the second floor, where the 'crew' level open community rooms were, let them sneak-peak into the sight of the public area. Well furnished and kept for, by the quick glance she gave the space. Upon rising to the third floor she adjusted her violin case (which had been slung over her shoulder when she'd checked on her trunk) she saw the engraved metal sign pointing Rooms 1-8 left and 9-16 to the right. "Well Lad, looks like this be where we part ways fer nae." She tipped her hat (also gained back when checking on her trunk) in the start of a fairwell. "Aye'd love tae continue our conversation in teh near future. But Aye've been longing fer hot water an' teh chance tae relax me wings fer weeks. Plus Aye must return teh cart an' horse tae teh Gladlight Stables, an' Aye can do tha' faster on me own - nae offence, as Aye'll just fly back afterwards." It would be freeing to fly again and not be grounded due to the presence of her trunk. "Have ah good day an' night tanight Mala. Ef Aye don't hear ye knockin' en teh mornin' ye can find me tomorrow night playing up abouve on teh Weatherdeck during sundown."
She held out her hand, again, in another offer of friendship and handshake. "Aye'm glad we crossed paths, Malakbel." She said sincerely.
...She never commented on how to destroy a ship, she kept that one to herself for now with an internal snicker. Maybe next time.
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Post by Malakbel on Jan 18, 2019 21:07:17 GMT
He listened to her explanation of the place and it only exarcerbated his belief that life on a ship, at least for him, would be either inconciabable or would see him become it's tyrant within a forthnight. But even then he would become rather bored after some time out in the sea. He had become accustomed to the thought of exploring forgotten things, traveling from place to place, the stimuli of people either hostile or not. The vague sense of wonder of not knowing what the next day would bring. Out there in the sea, even if he became a pirate and got those things from assaulting other vessels taking slaves and wealth from them, what else would be for him to do? Other than wonder what would be on the next vessel... But were they not merchant vessels the ones that were assaulted most of the time? Wouldn't they always usually have the same ammount of crap inside? And of the same things?
No, definitely, life at sea was not something that called out to him right on that very instant. But at least, he could enjoy the fantasy that the place would provide. As they went upstairs he wondered what had happened to her ship, and crew, for her to be in the town like that looking like she had seen better days. Or at least, in his imagination, for the captain of a pirate ship sure was going to be looking wealthy as hell with top-notch, high quality clothes and at least three concubines and some gruff men on the side whose sole job was to stand there and look tough. And she... Well, she had a horse.
Not much in the way of hardened henchmen.
The fact that she didn't reply to his question about how to best blow up a ship from the inside did not go unnoticed, to which he smiled.
"Fine, be that way then" said with that smirk on his face and took her hand into his, giving it a firm shake, and then leaned forward and kissed her goodbye on the cheek "Likewise" He said as he straigthened back up "For today at least, maybe tomorrow you'll rob me blind or something. You never know." He winked at her, releasing her hand. "Have a good one"
He turned back to his room on the other end of the "hallway". His spider companion by then had been making it's way through the walls of the nearby buildings keeping track of where the Yuan-ti was, and after climbing on to the ship was now trying to find a way to enter the room where he was supposed to go in order to take a good look inside before he got there. After all, it could be a trap. Unlikely, but nonetheless possible, even if only remotely. Step by step after a few moments he finally reached the door and gazed at the key, he made it dance between his fingers and plucked it in the socket. He closed his eyes and soon enough he could see inside the room from the many eyes of his familiar as the spider made it's way into the room crawling from one open window to the inside. It was always quite an experience to share one's senses with another being, moreso an arthropod like that... Because it was an arthropod now, was it?
The little bugger checked under the bed clawing it's way above the wooden floor with it's chitinous legs and found another very small spider already lying there. Both beings exchanged glances, and then the familiar kept moving. Spiders were cold, logical beings. The smaller spider immediately understood that entering combat with the familiar would immediately end with it's death, and in so far she wasn't attacked by the newcomer she wouldn't retaliate. Tense she was, yes, but not tense or scared enough to attack a being more than five times it's size. The little spider stood very still and let the bigger spider move through without issue. It inspected below the shelves, above the bed, and the walls themselves; he looked for strings, threads, anything suspicious that could trigger a trap. A glyph maybe, but it seemed clean. On the outside it would seem as if the man had suddenly forgotten how to turn a key in order to get inside his room... Or if he was suddenly considering something, such as going back to the bird woman to exchange a few more words. Certainly nothing out of the ordinary, yes? And there wasn't much in the way of movement in the hallway. Inns were a place where people went to sleep and nothing else.
After the room was scanned in it's entirety, the Yuan-ti finally made use of the key and with a small creak the door gave way inside and he stepped inside the room. He inhaled, and used his own senses to inspect the room one last time before closing the door and locking it. He then inspected the window and the angles from which it could be seen, and the ones he gaze upon from different angles... And then and only then finally took his backpack off and with a loud "thud" dropped it on the ground, loud enough surely to be heard on the floor below. He brought both of his hands to the soft surface of the bed and pressed it, testing it's resistance, the consistency of the bloody thing and wondered if it would be able to sustain his full body weight along with his armor dropping on top of it if he let himself fall. He considered it for a few more seconds and then decided that it wasn't worth it. He began taking his armor off, but kept his sword nearby placing it upon the small piece of forniture near the bed.
Unceremoniously he dropped every bit of armor he was wearing upon the naked wooden floor as if he was some kind of ironclad stripper, and finally let himself fall on the fluffy bed. A smile immediately came from his lip, one of satisfaction and pleasure. It had been a long time since he had tasted such tenderness upon his body. It almost made him want to go to sleep. Almost. But he had already decided that he was to stay there until his body felt a little bit more rested, and then he was to get up again, wear his armor again, and taking with him every kilo of his bag and belongings he'd go about and inquiry about the Academy, if there even was one, or for a place where local wizards gathered. He'd have to learn their ways and customs soon if he was to make any progress.
There would be enough time to lay his head down and rest in the night. The more things done he crammed into a single day, the least chances that some screw up later ended his chances of doing everything he wanted to. He let out a sigh. He hoped, at least, that the people inside the magic circles in this city would be less... like the others he had found so far. But he had come to Waterdeep fully expecting it to be so, and prepared for it. He was resolute about what he'd do.
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Arikarka
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Linked Characters: Citrine, Gigi, and Rhia
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Post by Arikarka on Jan 18, 2019 21:30:14 GMT
Accepting the kiss on the cheek with a short coo and click from the back of her throat, no blush or red to be seen, Citrine squeezed his hand back. As he walked down the hallways? She cupped hands together to help throw her voice down the well maintained hall. "Aye! Ye best nae forget et Mala! Ef nae on teh morrow then teh next." Rocking on her heels, tail fanning to keep balance, she sighed a content sigh. She'd gotten to Waterdeep. Her belongings were safe. She'd made an acquaintance that was now hopefully budding to friendship. "Ye as well lad." She said out loud to herself, bidding him well even though he was out of earshot. A solid day's work. Turning around to casually poke around her room, double and triple check the lock on her door (not yet unpacking any possessions), and carefully organized her few outside-of-trunk belongings such as her violin, bedroll, and tent nicely in the wardrobe and desk, Citrine would finish off her day returning Carrot, the cart, and enjoy a bit of a free-fly over the city to learn its layout - completely and absolutely not seeing how close she could get to the griffin riders of Waterdeep. They were just like the Sable Company Marines! And just as stuffy and for the rules - if their shouts to keep her distance were anything to go by. But she wouldn't linger. She had a several hour hot soak in a tub waiting for her - and boy did her hair need it.
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