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Post by Veliky on Sept 28, 2022 9:25:17 GMT -5
In the desert of Zeinav, the White Sand Sea has been disturbed, swirling indignant clouds of dust in the air: a sandstorm. In such conditions, it is best not to travel at all, for bare skin, where exposed, is peeled off and lacerated by the particles. Of course, so sudden can they be, so unforeseeable is their nascence that a traveler rarely has the choice. They can only find shelter or perish.
Fortunately, in this place, there is a shelter, but such a perilous one that a sandstorm is truly the only wise excuse to dwell there. It is called Wind Walker's Pass, a well-known but well-loathed route through a system of caves beneath the sands. And the entrance, as luck would have it, is just here, carved into a sandstone bluff.
Just inside the pass, the cries of the wind are heard as little more than a whisper, signifying a modicum of safety. Only dim sunlight pierces through, illuminating a cave of white sandstone that eventually descends into pitch darkness. The cave is by no means narrow; in fact, it could accommodate two wagons travelling side-by-side. It is more than enough to house its current visitors.
Veliky and her mechanical company have taken residence here. The Blixtbots'™ hulls have bene partially peeled away, causing them to leak a luminescent, grey liquid. They should, no doubt, be seeking medical attention or whatever the equivalent might be for artificial beings, but they have few supplies for this purpose.
"Gah... damnit..."
And there is Veliky herself, sitting on a sandstone rock. Though her face has been untouched - she was able to protect it with a ragged blanket - her spasming hands have been striated by the serrated winds, as have her gloves. Just as she has no supplies to treat the bots, neither does she have the supplies to treat herself. She can only grit her teeth, deal with the pain, and wait to find a healer in Zeinav City. But she will need to wait out the storm, first; Wind Walker's Pass is meant to be swift, but it is also pitch-dark.
"Fisher - ow... I'm going to try to rest. Wake me up when the storm's over. Rook, watch the cave. Bishop - guh... watch the entran-"
What's that sound? There's someone coming. Veliky hides her hands at her sides and tries to hide the pain in her expression, looking to the cave's entrance.
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Sept 28, 2022 9:59:15 GMT -5
Miscalculated would be an understatement. Zarius had known about the hazards of traveling through the desert and a local had warned that she felt a sandstorm was brewing deep in her bones. He had ignored her though, figuring that he could keep up a good pace and outrun anything that swept through on the winds. Foolish.
He had gotten caught in the blinding sand and buffeted by the sharp grains for almost an hour before stumbling across some cover. The winds whipped furiously around him, driving him further into Wind Walker's Pass. He finally gave up trying to make headway through the storm. These things blow over eventually, so the only loss would be time. Much better to lose time than to lose one's way and be claimed by the drying heat and roaming scavengers.
He dusts the sand from his clothes as he proceeds deeper into the cave. It's much darker and cooler here which is preferred if anyone was to ask him. While normally he would be cautious of such places as they are perfect for opportunistic bandits to jump unsuspecting travelers, his thoughts are mainly consumed with the irritating grains of sand that have made their way into every seam of his clothing. He almost doesn't notice that he is not alone in this cave and he quickly stops in his tracks when he spots Veliky and her collection of constructs.
"Oh, my apologies." He holds his hands up to show he is unarmed. "I was unaware anyone else was here. Quite the weather out there." He can somewhat make out what she looks like despite the flicking shadows, but it's best to not cause any trouble regardless of her appearance. If she was a bandit, he would simply cooperate as there were few other choices given the situation.
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Post by Veliky on Sept 28, 2022 10:58:21 GMT -5
The tiny businesslady stares, baffled, at the tiefling that so brazenly waltzed into the cave. Had he really not noticed her or her seven robotic companions? She has seen stranger things; she'd even be willing to believe it, but there's also the unignorable possibility that he's feigning ignorance for some purpose. In Veliky's mind, the concepts of 'assuming' and 'unassuming' are flipped: the less harmful someone appears, the less she trusts them, and this person, to say the least, does not appear particularly dangerous.
"...Yeah. Some weather." Her tone is overbearingly suspicious. Fisher stands at her side, holding a trident with a stance reminiscent of a palace guard and just as stoic. Veliky manages to hide the pain in her hands quite well - learning to conceal emotions is one of the fundamentals of business. "Uh-huh... what's the Common phrase? Oh, right. 'Who the hell are you?'"
She speaks with an authority greatly contrasted against her physical form. The woman, in spite of her mature voice, is no larger than a human toddler. In fact, she's probably shorter than some. Were she standing, she'd barely be eye-level with Zarius' knee. Yet she is the most demanding presence in the room, which is especially impressive given that there is a robotic horse almost directly beside Zarius that appears to have fire spewing from the back of its neck.
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Sept 28, 2022 14:36:34 GMT -5
Zarius instantly regrets his trespassing once he gets a better look at his surroundings. He was drastically outnumbered and their boss didn't seem to be too keen on idle chit chat. He considers backing out and taking his chances with the sandstorm, but after his eyes adjust a bit more to the flickering firelight given off by the flaming horse, he notices the wear and tear on rest of the constructs. Clearly they had gotten caught in the storm as well, or maybe something worse. While they still could likely easily overpower him, his interest was peaked. He hadn't heard anything about a bandit group of robots wandering the desert anyway. Maybe he can talk his way out of this yet. It was worth a shot. After all, one cannot negotiate with a sandstorm.
"My apologies, my name is Zarius and I am a research assistant for a historian in Zeinav City. I was traveling on foot when the sandstorm hit." He glances over the constructs again, taking note of their condition and weaponry, then looking back at their small leader. "I mean you no harm, I am merely seeking shelter until it blows over." He keeps his hands where Veliky can see them and does not make any sudden moves or approach closer.
He does glance back over his shoulder though when a sound from the opening of the cave catches his attention. If he was surrounded then that made this situation more precarious than he originally thought.
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Post by Edward Ardent on Sept 28, 2022 15:10:45 GMT -5
Edward has no idea where he is. He was traveling to Darkveil to met his good friend of his but got separated from his caravan when a huge sandstorm appeared a couple days ago and caused a huge commotion. Edward was thrown overboard one of the wagons and was left behind as the cavern braved through the storm. He tried to get back on it but the storm was too strong and he was buried halfway in the sands for a bit. He’s been walking in the heat for two days now and is running out of food and water. He remembers hearing his friend talk about Wind Walker’s Pass and is following a map of the desert that was given to him. The winds blow sand accords his skin. He feels his skin going raw from the numerous times the harsh winds blow across his body. The sun shines harshly on his eyes, to the point where he swears he sees people in the distance. Oh, wait. There is people in the distance. Edward runs hoping to met up with these people. He could see that there is a dark skinned tiefling and a small little girl by a cave entrance and several strange looking creatures around them. “Hello, there. Is it okay if I could take shelter here? Do you know the nearest path I could take to Darkveil after the storm passes?”
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Post by Veliky on Sept 28, 2022 15:54:10 GMT -5
As Veliky is attempting to gauge this Zarius' words - truthful, by all seeming - she looks to the cave's entrance again as another person steps in from the swirling storm. Two arrivals in such a brief period... undoubtedly suspicious, but the reactions of both indicate an unfamiliarity with one-another. Just a coincidence.
"Not my cave," she says with a low, steady tone, "you don't need my permission. Just don't cause problems." She looks pointedly at Zarius, too, as she says this, then looks back to the... human? He certainly has human blood, but perhaps something else, too. His question is also somewhat vexing, not on its own merit but because Veliky can swear she's heard of Darkveil City before... no, she can't recall. "Darkveil? No idea."
The conversation is a bit awkward, as anyone could tell. It isn't only because of the unfamiliarity between the travellers or the curtness of the little woman's words, but because the red-eyed bots are positioned about at strategic points. If they suddenly decided to attack, it'd be a bloodbath, and it's impossible to gauge their emotions and whether or not they're thinking about it. Do they even have emotions? Either way, it provides an uncomfortable tension that makes pleasantries difficult. It also doesn't help that the mechanical horse is on fire, adding to the already-unbearable desert heat.
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Sept 28, 2022 16:13:50 GMT -5
Zarius still has his hands up by the time Edward joins the confrontation. He eyes him up and down, he didn't look like a local of these lands. Then he mentions Darkveil. What business could he possibly have there? He doesn't look familiar. Going to see a friend? Curious. "It is still a long ways from here. You will want to head northeast out of the pass if you wish to travel by land, though it is quite the journey and very dangerous. I would suggest heading east and finding a ship in Zeinav City which is headed north. You may be able to get to Darkveil itself of be dropped off nearby."
He slowly lowers his hands and looks back at Veliky. "As I said, I mean no harm." He carefully steps away from the flaming mechanical horse and finds a spot to sit against the cave wall. "I think we are all stuck here for a while. No point in causing a fuss."
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Post by Edward Ardent on Sept 28, 2022 16:21:59 GMT -5
Edward turns to the small woman, not child judging from how she carries herself. He goes inside the cave and sets his staff by the cave wall, sighing in relief at being in the shade. He takes a small sip of his flask as he sits on the ground. “Well, thank you for your hospitality. I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Edward. I’m not here to hurt anyone, just need a place to really rest. Would any of you mind to share any food or water? I don’t mind if you don’t, I would really appreciate it if you did.”
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Post by Veliky on Sept 28, 2022 18:13:00 GMT -5
Both of the travellers are now sitting against the wall, appearing mostly harmless. That staff doesn't appear outwardly magical, but the smell of burning coal indicates something unusual about it. But he did set it aside, at least. For the moment, her suspicion has abated. She doesn't answer Zarius, but the relaxation in her posture communicates a greater tolerance, albeit only slightly.
"Veliky. No surname, don't ask." She then considers Edward's request for water. Sharing supplies isn't something Veliky would like to do, but she can subsist with minimal water if she needs to. As well, a bit of trust can be greatly beneficial... "Bishop, get Edward a Blixt™."
One of the humanoid bots, carrying a heavy crossbow, exits its statuesque stance and begins walking toward the flaming horse. Its strides are odd, stiff, and its every movement is accompanied by a distinctive hiss. It reaches into one of the horse's saddlebags and produces a bottle of grey liquid. It extends the bottle toward Edward.
"Ever had Blixt™ before? It'll make your tongue tingle, but it's preferable to water."
Having relaxed, Veliky puts her hands on her lap, no longer bothering to hide them. There are lacerations across her dorsals, palms and fingers - not deep, but painfully irritated by the sand. She stares at them, grimacing.
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Sept 28, 2022 19:30:51 GMT -5
Zarius pulls his satchel into his lap and checks to see if he has any spare rations. He tosses something wrapped in a waxy parchment over to him. "It is not much but it will keep you going for some time. Did you really traverse into the desert with no supplies? Or were you a victim of the many bandits of this region?" It was strange that the human didn't seem to have any rations or water with him. Although he doesn't seem to really know where about he is or how to get to his destination so it's likely he got lost somehow. Given the lack of landmarks and the shifting sands it would not be unheard of. If he was dehydrated and suffering from the heat it is also possible he fell for the mirages that can form out on the dunes. This man was lucky to find shelter and luckier to find himself not in worse company. How far can that luck be pushed though?
As Veliky shifts her posture and looks at her hands, Zarius glances towards her. "You are injured and your...metal companions are damaged, were you attacked?" He starts rummaging through his bag to see if he has anything she could make use of to treat her wounds, but unfortunately he does not have much more than paper and ink. He makes a mental note to acquire some first aid supplies the next chance he is in a city with such things.
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Post by Edward Ardent on Sept 29, 2022 8:40:08 GMT -5
Edward gratefully takes the bottle before seeing the strange gray liquid. “I hope it isn’t poison.”, He mutters to himself. He takes a sip and feels it tingling his tastebuds. For some reason, it tastes fruity but he doesn’t recognize the flavor. Otherwise, it’s quite good. “Why, thank you, Miss Veliky. I will never forget this. I never had BilxtTM before but it’s quite good.” He turns to the tiefling, “I was separated from my caravan due to a sandstorm a couple days ago. I only have the food and water in my pack and my staff since then. If it was only bandits, I wouldn’t have had such a hard time.” He also sees that Veliky’s mechanical beasts are damaged, “I never seen such strange creatures before. I’m a healer and I know some healing spell. Could I try to heal them?”
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Post by Veliky on Sept 30, 2022 1:26:36 GMT -5
A mage? The suspicion is back. Even a light mage could do as much harm as good, and Veliky has no way of knowing what they're capable of. Luckily, she's an expert at weeding out ill intent.
"...Healing works fine on them, just like it does on people." She leans forward, eyes narrowed at Edward. "Listen close: spider, first; then, the dog; then, the horse; and then you treat the rest. Don't break that order."
It isn't failproof, but having him treat the weaker, less effectual bots first should, theoretically, drain his mana, making him a lesser threat. To make excessively sure that he doesn't attempt anything, one of the bots, carrying a heavy crossbow, trains its loaded weapon on the healer... it's becoming rapidly apparent that this 'Veliky' is not a trusting person.
Still, Edward doesn't appear to be planning anything. Veliky looks to the cave's entrance; the sandstorm still rages outside.
"Weren't attacked. Just this damn storm," she says, scowling at her half-skinned hands. "Picks up little... little bits, rocks, pebbles. If one of them hits you, it cuts like a knife, and it - guh..." The more attention she pays to them, the more painful and itchy they become. "It burns like... whatever that place is called."
Her act is beginning to fall apart; the inflammation is like a craving, growing in intensity despite her attempts to ignore it. Gritting her teeth, she grabs a flask of water from beside her and pours it over both hands, left first. It stings, but the momentary pain gives way to welcome numbness. Her face, body and voice relax.
"And now we're here. Supposedly, this cave can take you anywhere in Zeinav, but everything I've heard about it says that that's a stupid idea. Still, it's tempting."
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Sept 30, 2022 9:24:16 GMT -5
Ah. The human was a healer. That makes things simple. A shame for his caravan if they had fallen victim to the storm as well. They would have needed his skills surely. The desert can be a harsh and unforgiving place. He closes his satchel and watches the small one.
She was being awfully demanding for someone injured and also trapped by the storm. Actually, no, her behavior made more sense because of her injury. She must be feeling trapped. Vulnerable. Poor thing. He muses to himself. Still, she seems confident in taking control of the situation and barking orders at others. There's this...air about her. Despite her size, she is somewhat intimidating about her. That or it is more the bots around her brandishing their weapons. Either way, best not to cross her in this confined space. She does have the advantage of numbers and who knows what those constructs are capable of.
He leans back and props and elbow up on his knee. "Miss Veliky, if you do not mind me asking, your accent is quite unique, how did you find yourself traveling in this region?"
He was curious, she traveled with so many mechanical companions, assumedly for protection. Maybe she was nobility...or something else. He couldn't tell yet, but there was little to do until the storm had run its course so he might as well strike up some friendly chit chat with these strangers. Who knows. Maybe he'll learn something useful.
He does keep an eye on Edward as well. Though he seemed easier to read and more earnest in his intentions, he could also be acting or packing more magic than either of them. He survived in the desert separated from his caravan for days after all. He must have some strength or stubbornness to speak of.
"Your caravan was also destined for Darkveil? Hopefully they had the sense to find shelter or civilization without you and are not still out there searching." He comments.
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Post by Edward Ardent on Sept 30, 2022 11:57:30 GMT -5
Edward looks at the mechanical beasts, nods, and walks up to them. He raises his hands and places them on the wounds of spider and light glows from them, slowly closing up the wounds. As he was busy healing the rest of the mechanical beasts, he overhears Veliky’s conversation. “Yes, the desert is a very dangerous place. I learned that a couple days ago. The rubbing caused by the combination of hot sand and high moving winds can make tiny to medium sized cuts along your skin, at least from my experience. I had to constantly heal myself the last few days when I had cuts along my body to maintain peak performance. I was hoping to wait out the storm but it seems like it isn’t letting up any time soon. I might be tempted to take this pass to go to Darkveil if the storm doesn’t let up in the next day or so.” He turns to Zarius, “I hope that they are fine too but again, the desert is dangerous. I heard of tales of giant sized sand worms that hide in the sand to attack the prey above them and undead creatures wandering about. In Darkveil, there are rumors of a powerful necromancer who is raising up an army of undead creatures deep within the desert.”
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Post by Veliky on Sept 30, 2022 15:36:01 GMT -5
Sand worms? Necromancers? Veliky knows what undead are, at least. The other two are probably other monsters she hasn't seen before. Why do these adventurers even bother hunting one when there are a thousand others to take their place? It's like trying to exterminate ants with a dagger.
She's surprised that Zarius was able to detect her accent. It isn't a welcome surprise; she hates perceptive people unless they're on her payroll, and, even then, some ignorance makes them much more agreeable.
"Business. Own a cafe in Sol. Thinking of expanding into Zeinav. With the heat they have to deal with every day, the people there should clamber for Blixt™. Blixtuccinos™, especially. Would've preferred to travel over water, but my ship's still being repaired after it was attacked by a damned thunderbird."
Veliky considers Zarius. If she remembers correctly, he said he was a research assistant, so he was probably doing some errand for whoever their master is when he was caught here. How do people live here?
She also watches Edward. In time, all of the bots have been healed by his magic, except for the bat hanging from the ceiling, which is oddly unscathed. The crossbow-bot refused to lower its weapon, even as it was being healed. Regardless, Edward's done his job, as he said he would, and, by her best reading, he isn't planning anything against her...
Wordlessly, she raises both, scarred hands in front of him, though they aren't even at his knee-height. Her gaze is cold, skeptical and accusatory, but also expectant.
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