Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
29
Renown
Human
Deeply traumatized.
103 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Killian Glae on Nov 4, 2022 14:24:44 GMT -5
The morning after Killian arrived in Sol City for the first time, he woke in his room in the Brass Dragon. 'Well, you're here,' he thought. 'Now what?' He got up and stretched, then went through his morning exercises, working his lean body until all the stiffness was gone. Then he put on his armor and sword belt, adjusted his cloak, and left his room. He nodded to the barkeeper as he left the inn, and stepped into the light of day. He squinted until his eyes adjusted to the sun, then set off down the road.
His plan was simple. Find a bounty board of some sort, pick up some paying jobs. Perhaps there would be one in front of the offices of the Magistrate, or maybe in some sort of town square. Did cities this big even have town squares? Killian frowned, pondering that question, when something down the street exploded. Broken out of his thoughts, he dashed down the street, one hand on his hilt, ready for combat.
What he found instead was a kid.
|
|
The Tinkertons
IS OFFLINE
39/62
Renown
Dragon's Cradle
We're gonna get Zarius back.
1,897 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Nov 5, 2022 0:12:47 GMT -5
Look, the explosion wasn't intentional, and certainly not in Sol City where Astrid had already gotten in trouble with the guard for having a scuffle for fun in the market. This explosion happened because someone threw a piece of trash at her robotic companion Charles, it clogged up a steam valve, and consequently... pressure built up and eventually went... boom. Luckily she had her goggles on, because her hair is blown back out of her face and her skin is pink from the heat exposure.
"Well, Miss Veliky isn't gonna like this," she coughs, wafting the steam away.
The BlixtbotTM speaks up, head creaking to mechanically look at her. "Mistress Astrid, observation: Our actions have attracted the attention of approximately-" There's a buzzing and whirring from the bot. "-89% of civilians and 100% of city guards in the immediate area. Recommendation: Vacate and visit one of Platinum Corp's locations for proper prepares. I estimate the nearest repair shop to be approximately 259 miles due north. If this distance is unreasonable, perhaps a local blacksmith would better suit you."
Astrid bonks her nannybot on top of the head with her fist. It's not enough to damage it, but enough for the metal to clank loudly. "I thought it was just a piece of trash, alright? Could've been an easy fix." She sighs and sits back on the bench (which is splattered with water save a silhouette of herself). "Yeah, we can find a blacksmith. Dunno if any'll take me in considerin' the guards are talkin' bad about me."
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
29
Renown
Human
Deeply traumatized.
103 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Killian Glae on Nov 5, 2022 20:40:29 GMT -5
Killian skidded to a stop, looking around quickly. People were staring and many were moving closer, but he couldn't see any sign of an attack. Other than the kid with her hair blasted back. He edged closer to her, noting her horns. His grip didn't leave his hilt. Could this girl be the cause of the explosion? She didn't look threatening. He eyed the metal creature next to her, then decided that perhaps talking was the best solution here.
"Hey... uh, little girl. You alright? What happened here?" his voice was low, with just a hint of gravel to it.
All in all, Killian's experience with kids was limited. He remembered playing with his little sister, but that was different. She hadn't been just a kid, she was family. And anyways, he was pretty sure most little kids didn't have horns, unless they were Teiflings. And they definitely didn't have... whatever the hell the metal thing was. So yeah, Killian felt a little lost and more than a bit uncomfortable.
From around the corner he could hear the footfalls of armored boots. Guards, most likely. Killian grimaced. His first day in Sol City, and he was going to get arrested. He didn't want to be here when the guards arrived, but he couldn't in good conscience leave until he made sure there wasn't a threat to the people that had started to gather around.
|
|
The Tinkertons
IS OFFLINE
39/62
Renown
Dragon's Cradle
We're gonna get Zarius back.
1,897 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Nov 5, 2022 21:12:22 GMT -5
Caught up in trying to correct her Pawn's mechanical failure, Astrid doesn't notice Killian until he speaks up. She looks at him, slightly confused, but her eyes hidden by the goggles. She pulls them off and wipes the steam off her face. "Sorry, what?"
"Mistress Astrid, the civilian seems to show signs of concern for the situation and your well-being," Charles says, his head turning around almost 180 degrees to look at her then at Killian.
"Oh, it was just a pipe burstin'," she explains, patting Charles' metal shoulder where a thin metal pipe seems to have blown itself apart. "Wasn't s'posed ta do that, but ya know, stuff happens." Astrid brushes her hair back into some semblance of normal with a huff, then she cheerfully says, "Guess we'll hafta fix it at a smithy!" She starts packing up the few tools she has strewn on the bench into the metal storage bin that's built onto Charles' back. She has not at all noticed the approaching guards. No one got hurt, so there shouldn't be a problem, right?
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
29
Renown
Human
Deeply traumatized.
103 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Killian Glae on Nov 6, 2022 16:12:51 GMT -5
Killian couldn't help staring at the metal creature. It had spoken. Was it alive? He finally tore his eyes away from it and focused on the girl. She was picking up her tools and storing them on the... creature's back. She didn't seem concerned about the explosion, and slowly Killian relaxed his grip on his hilt. He coughed. "Do you need help?" he asked curtly. Now that the adrenaline was fading, his normally closed-off expression returned.
Guards rounded the corner, and one pointed at Killian. Killian looked down at the girl, his expression tightening in annoyance at how this day was going. When he spoke again, there was a stronger edge to his voice than he intended. "Girl, do you need help?" He looked over his shoulder. The guards were only 20 or so feet away. Killian began moving past the girl, trying to put some more distance between him and the guards.
"Look, if you're fine here..." he began, when an apple flew from the gathered crowd and clanged off of the metal creature. A general round of laughter spread throughout the crowd. Killian pulled up short, and slowly turned his head towards the crowd. The girl couldn't see the expression on his face, but she did see the entire crowd, as one, take a step back.
|
|
The Tinkertons
IS OFFLINE
39/62
Renown
Dragon's Cradle
We're gonna get Zarius back.
1,897 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Nov 7, 2022 23:33:36 GMT -5
"Aye, I'm alright," Astrid says, almost in a grumpy tone as she wafts steam escaping Charles' shoulder from her face. "I appreciate ya checkin' on me. That's more than I can say fer some of these folks..."
The bot speaks again. "Mistress Astrid, report: There is a 72.3% chance the guards will arrest you if you are found as the cause of this disturbance. Conclusion: We should exit hastily if we wish to be left unbothered."
By this time, Astrid's done packing up and closes the storage bin on Charles' back with a loud thunk. "Alright, alright, let's go." As she stands up, an apple hit her bot. The nerve! She's immediately on her feet and glaring down the jeering crowd. "Oi, ya big jerks, quit wastin' food throwin' it at me bot!" The crowd unanimously takes a step back, and she looks satsified. "Good, that's what I thought." Astrid puts her hands on her hips and looks over at Killian and realizes he's the reason they've fallen to a hush. The man's been awfully skittish, but suddenly he looks scary. And he's got a sword at his side. This might not turn out well.
"Hey, are you alright?" She asks earnestly. "They're annoyin', but they're harmless." She jumps off the bench and waves her hands, putting herself between Killian and the crowd. Honestly she's concerned he might do something crazy, considering she doesn't know him or what to expect from him. "Yer fine, don't get yerself inta trouble."
By this point, the guards breach the crowd, but their weapons aren't drawn. One of them seems to recognize Astrid and her bot. "Ah, great, this kid again," he groans. "Didn't you learn your lesson last time?"
Astrid turns to the guard. "Yeah, Mister, I'm not makin' no trouble, I swear. Someone threw somethin' at me bot and blocked the release valve. The pipe burst while I was tryna fix it, see?" She makes some attempt to show them, but they just seem annoyed. Another one focuses on Killian who he thinks is suspicious.
"Hey you, what are you doing? You alright over there?"
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
29
Renown
Human
Deeply traumatized.
103 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Killian Glae on Nov 8, 2022 14:16:27 GMT -5
Killian took a deep breath. "Fine." he replied curtly. The guard eyed him suspiciously. Killian held up his open hands and took a step back. "We're all good here, officer." He turned to go.
Killian had spent 3 years in prison, alone in the dark. He had no interest in getting arrested again. So he gritted his teeth and walked away. A little ways down the street, he ducked into an alley and leaned back, keeping his eye on the street. He couldn't deny it; he was extremely curious about that girl's metal companion. So when they passed his hiding place, he slipped out and walked beside them.
"Killian." he said quietly.
Astrid startles at the sudden appearance of the mysterious man with eyes that could kill (or at least scare crowds). "Huh? What?"
The metal man following Astrid at a slowed pace since the burst pipe, speaks. "Mistress Astrid, report: The individual before you reports their moniker."
"Their what?"
"Their name."
"Oh! Got it. Alright, hi, I'm Astrid Stormstone. Nice ta meet ya." She enthusiastically offers her hand in a disproportionately large gauntlet for him to shake.
Killian accepted the kid's hand, and with a slightly amused smile, shook it. He nodded back towards the dispersing crowd. "That usual? People throwing things at your... friend?" He eyed the metal creature. "Actually..." he murmured, "What is it?"
|
|
The Tinkertons
IS OFFLINE
39/62
Renown
Dragon's Cradle
We're gonna get Zarius back.
1,897 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Nov 8, 2022 23:54:15 GMT -5
It takes a good few minutes for Astrid to fend off the guards, mostly arguing that she did nothing wrong, and it's not her fault someone threw stuff at her bot and busted one of his pipes. They let her off with a warning and disperse the crowd, so she huffs, finishes collecting her things, and makes her way out of the area only for Killian to startle her. After clearing things up, she enthusiastically introduces herself, but there's some sourness behind it about the whole situation over there. Not that it's Killian's fault, so she doesn't direct her ire towards him in the slightest.
"I wouldn't say it's usual," she says. Then she mutters, "Though it does seem ta be happenin' more often..." It's mostly happened since she and Vikram caused a ruckus in the market. Astrid's quickly deciding she doesn't enjoy Sol City very much. It's too prim and not friendly to adventurers. At least, not friendly to adventurers that make a mess of things like herself. "What is it? This is Charles. He's a BlixtbotTM Pawn Model made by Platinum Corp. He was a reward from Miss Veliky herself. He mostly tries ta keep me out of trouble and carries me stuff. He's also real handy fer math." And not feeling lonely on the road. She leaves that part out.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
29
Renown
Human
Deeply traumatized.
103 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Killian Glae on Nov 10, 2022 0:17:05 GMT -5
"It's impressive, that's for sure." Killian admitted. He gave a Charles a once over, then directed his gaze back to Astrid. "Is it alive?"
The streets of Sol City were quite crowded compared to anything Killian was used to, and he found himself dodging around people to keep up with the girl. "And who is this... Miss Veliky?" He ducked under a pair of workers carrying a long beam of wood, and grabbed Astrid's arm. He jerked his head to a nearby eatery. "Hey, come here." He paused, realizing that the girl wasn't likely to follow a command from a stranger, and amended himself. "What I mean is... Let me buy you something to eat. A little late breakfast. You hungry, kid?"
Killian half led, half dragged the horned girl to the little shop, the smell of freshly baked muffins wafting out onto the street. He looked down at Astrid and did a sort of half motion with his hand towards the door. "Tell you what... uh, Astrid. I'll buy you some food. In exchange... you be my..." He paused for a moment, searching for the right word, "...guide to this chaotic place. Give me the run down on Sol City. Deal?"
He looked at the girl, almost hopefully, but inwardly grimacing at his own clumsy attempt at being social. Damn it, he was never any good at this. At least, not since the Seven, the dark prison he'd spent three years of his life in, isolated.
|
|
The Tinkertons
IS OFFLINE
39/62
Renown
Dragon's Cradle
We're gonna get Zarius back.
1,897 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Nov 11, 2022 20:19:51 GMT -5
Oh yeah, this man was skittish, but interested in her bot. As long as he doesn't try to steal it, she's more than happy to talk about it! Not that he'd be able to steal it before being pummeled by her and her hammers. "Miss Veliky is the tiny boss of the big corp!" she cheerily explains. "A bona-fide businesswoman, but she's not based outta Sol City, I don't think."
Charles, the Pawn bot, after stumbling after the two of them, speaks up. "Correct. Mistress Veliky does not have a base of operations within Sol City."
"Ah, there ya have it!" Doing her best to navigate the streets, she doesn't even notice she's passed under a moving wooden beam carried by two men. Luckily, Killian dodges it, and the two men pass before the clumsy Pawn bot runs into it. When Killian grabs her arm, her cheery expression grows a bit sour as she pulls her arm away with surprising strength for an undersized twelve-year-old.
"Oi, don't just go grabbin' folks," she scolds. "Doncha know there's child nabbin' cultists lurkin' about? Don't want no one ta think yer one of them, do ya?" She pauses and eyes him carefully. "Yer not one of them, riiiiight?" While there's caution in her voice, there is a vaguely threatening undertone.
The mention of food nearly melts that facade away though, and she grins at him, her slightly pronounced canines and gap tooth sticking out amongst her otherwise innocent face. "Well, I wouldn't turn down a free meal, but I gotta warn ya, mister, I eat more than ya'd think!"
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
29
Renown
Human
Deeply traumatized.
103 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Killian Glae on Nov 14, 2022 14:20:16 GMT -5
If Killian thought he'd been prepared by Astrid's warning, he was sorely mistaken. His mouth was parted ever so slightly in a look of surprise as Astrid continued putting more food into her small body. He didn't care about the cost, money wasn't very important to him, though he was a little concerned that he might run out of solars; He didn't exactly have a lot at this precise moment. No, what kept his mouth agape was simply the sheer volume Astrid was consuming. He tore his eyes away and picked up his own fork, taking a small bite out of his scrambled eggs.
Eventually he looked up again. "So Astrid... tell me something. You mentioned a cult. Or, uh, cultists. I actually haven't heard anything about them. I'm rather new here."
Yeah, he was new here. Born in a small village on the edge of the Kingswood, joined the military at 16. Returned home just in time to be thrown into prison for three years. When he was finally released, his travels took him far away from civilized places like Sol City. He really was a stranger in his own land.
He smiled at Astrid. "And I believe you owe me some information about Sol City." His smile widened. "My little guide."
It felt good, socializing after all this time. Although, admittedly it was also uncomfortable. And let's not forget that the person he was talking to was a kid. 'Aim high, Killian.' He thought to himself.
He focused back on Astrid, and raised an eyebrow. "Well?" He held up his muffin. "If you do a good job, you can have my dessert as well."
|
|
The Tinkertons
IS OFFLINE
39/62
Renown
Dragon's Cradle
We're gonna get Zarius back.
1,897 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Nov 16, 2022 21:06:24 GMT -5
"First of all," Astrid starts through a mouthful that muffles her words, "ya can totally bribe me with food all ya want." She takes another bite. At this point she's on her third or fourth helping with no signs of slowing. She's a hungry, growing girl, after all. That being said, the full stomach won't slow her from fighting if she needs to either. It'll just help her keep her energy up. "Second of all, I'm just as new here as you are, I'm bettin'. I only came ta Sol City fer a harvest ball. After that, I met a few folks huntin' cultists who were kidnappin' kids fer some nefarious purposes. We're still workin' on that. All that ta say, I don't know much about this place 'cept the guards are keepin' an eye on me after a geezer started a fight with me in the market fer fun." She takes another bite, recalling her bout with Vikram which honestly was a lot of fun and connected her to a few more people in something called a guild. Not that she's had a chance to follow up on that presently.
"Also, don't call me yer "little guide," it sounds creepy." Forthright is the way to go with this one. "I'll take that desert and show ya what I do know."
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
29
Renown
Human
Deeply traumatized.
103 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Killian Glae on Nov 18, 2022 1:35:27 GMT -5
Killian felt a burst of cold disappointment when Astrid admitted that she was new to Sol City, but as the little girl stuffed more food into her mouth, he couldn't help but smile. She may not be able to be the guide he was hoping for, but he felt no regret at buying her breakfast. There was an energy to her that was almost infectious.
"All right. No more 'little guide', I promise." He tossed the muffin to her, then leaned in. "Tell me what you know."
This cult kidnapping kids... That was disturbing. Killian made a mental note to check into that. He looked at Astrid, and suddenly felt a cold anger in his chest. He imagined someone her age being torn away from their mother and father, never to see them again. His fists clenched. Yeah, he would definitely look into these cultists.
He took a breath, refocused on Astrid, and tried a smile again. He was getting better at it.
"... And one more thing..."
When Astrid looked at him, he raised an eyebrow in amusement. "... Swallow before you speak. If you choke on a pastry, I don't get any information."
|
|
The Tinkertons
IS OFFLINE
39/62
Renown
Dragon's Cradle
We're gonna get Zarius back.
1,897 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Nov 21, 2022 19:34:37 GMT -5
Astrid leans back so his face is at least a few more inches away from hers as she slowly pushes the muffin into her mouth. "Okay," she rebelliously says through a mouthful of muffin.
After some chewing, she swallows, and finally, after what seems like an eternity at the table, the child is satisfied. "Right, so, I can show ya a bit around Sol City and then we can go our separate ways, yeah?" she says, looking at him. "I've got ta make a stop by a smith and try ta find a proper bit of metal ta fix the valve on Charles. Don't need an extra outtake valve, the pressure gets all wrong. Look at 'im. His arm's barely workin' right." Astrid motions over to the BlixtbotTM who seems to be trying to get his arm to function properly. It moves with less grace than usual, which says plenty as the movements of the metal golem aren't graceful to begin with.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
29
Renown
Human
Deeply traumatized.
103 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Killian Glae on Nov 22, 2022 19:29:53 GMT -5
Killian nodded. "Separate ways, that's the deal."
Killian followed Astrid and Charles back onto the streets of Sol City, many solars lighter than he's been before breakfast. For the next hour or so, they walked together, Astrid a non-stop fountain of words. Not everything she said was related to Sol City per se, but Killian didn't mind. She was enjoyable company, and he found himself smiling more than once. They made their stop at the blacksmith, and Killian watched with interest as Astrid fixed up her metal companion. He tried to get an understanding of how it worked, but such things were totally beyond him. With Charles in working condition, they continued on their quasi-tour of the city.
They were passing a small square somewhere in the city when they heard yelling. Killian glanced at Astrid, then strode off to see what the commotion was. There were a few people in the square, and everyone was turning to look as a small man stumbled into view. He was wearing colorful clothes, and had a broken lute hanging off of one shoulder. "Help me!" he squeaked at anyone looking. A few more people were trickling in from various other streets, drawn in by the noise. As the small man, presumable a Bard of some sort, fell to his knees in the middle of the square, a few figures followed from the alley he had stumbled out of. Three scruffy looking thugs in dark clothes closed in on the bard, and one of them sneered. "Now lookie what you done, Avery. You done gone and caused a scene." All three men had swords on their hips.
Killian held out an arm in front of Astrid to keep her from getting too close to the scene as he scanned the situation. This was obviously something criminal, and he would gladly step in to help, but... there. In the shadows of the alley: A massive shadow, watching.
Killian's eyes narrowed. And then Astrid pushed past him and walked up to the thugs.
Damnit.
|
|