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Post by Veliky on Nov 10, 2022 16:19:28 GMT -5
High Market, Zeinav City. Isolated though Zeinav may be, it has one of the most bustling market districts in all of Charon and, possibly, the whole world. One can find anything here: new clothes, new instruments, parenting supplies...
And all of these things just happened to be on the list of a certain tiefling. Really, where else could he have been found?
The shops' interiors were hospitable enough, but the arid heat and crowded streets made for a smothering atmosphere outdoors. These walks; however brief; between the stores and merchants, unshielded by cloth awnings, were egrigious. It was as if heatstroke were a sapient being, lying in wait to pounce whenever poor Cantio stepped into the sunlight.
As well, his destination was on an adjacent street, past a wall of buildings. Really, how risky could it have been to try one of the alleyway paths? It was shaded from the sun, expeditious and, surely, there would be no danger in a city this busy, with so many witnesses about.
Stepping into the shadows was very much like the inverse of a spot of sunlight in the cold: it was sudden, it was refreshing and it was welcome. Away from the sun's oppressive glare and with a much shorter path to his destination, what could go wrong?
They appeared out of nowhere[1,2].
In an instant, two figures were before him. One of them was the menacing figure of a mechanical being of tin, glaring at Cantio with crimson lenses and holding a longsword at its side. Yet the other one, despite her tiny stature, was far more menacing: Veliky, the minuscule entrepreneur with more connections than a drider mafia boss. Her pale, blue eyes seemed to pierce the darkness, staring into Cantio's mind.
Beside her was a large, mostly-empty crate. If Cantio wanted to, he could likely fit inside. But 'wanting to' was not a subject on Veliky's mind.
"Get in."
To its credit, it's a pretty good crate. It's insulated, probably meant to contain perishables of some kind - and perishables, it does contain. In addition to Cantio, there's a healthy supply of a variety of sandwiches, and glass bottles of water. In fact, there's so much food and water that Cantio could easily last half a month. This is fortunate, as Cantio would remain in the crate for about a month.
The trip is not an eventful one, as is to be expected of one spent in a box; Cantio feels as if there may've been some stops along the way, but he just can't quite recall[3]. But it is, in its entirety, pervaded by a strange rumbling sound, as well as a subtle vibration. It isn't difficult to tell that Cantio is in some sort of vehicle. On occasion, he can hear voices outside: Veliky's authoritative commands and the intimidating groans of her trademarked minions, the Blixtbots™.
The last leg of the journey is the least comfortable portion of the least comfortable trip of Cantio's life, as the wagon - or whatever he's being transported in - begins an ascent up an incline. Fortunately, it only lasts a few days.
And then it happens. Inside the vehicle, Cantio hears the telltales hisses and clanks of the Blixtbots™ approach. His container is lifted with great effort, and he is battered about as he's carried out of the vehicle and placed haphazardly onto hard ground. The lid is cracked open... sunlight.
After so long, the bleak light of the afternoon is as alien and beautiful to Cantio as drops of starlight. As he peers outside the box that has become his home, he realizes that he's been in this place before. A grey, stone mountainside carved with houses and lined with mechanical lifts: this is Skypeak Village of Dragon's Cradle. It's no wonder the last portion of the journey had been so terrible; they'd been travelling up and over the Dragon's Spine Mountains!
He's surrounded by Blixtbots™ of all shapes and sizes, and by at least three Velikies[4]. But what catches his eye most is the structure that he's been deposited in front of: a huge residence, at least the size of a mansion. It's a homely-looking place in, spite of its surroundings. Its façade is painted white, and it actually has glass windows: a luxury. By appearance, it probably has about eight rooms in addition to its hallways and other amenities. Yet it seems to stand empty: no candle nor lanternlight graces the latticed windows.
One of the Velikies steps forward, running a hand through her golden hair. She looks exhausted, though not nearly as much as Cantio.
"It took some time and a boatload of solars, but here it is. You and Astrid can live here, free of charge." Her expressionless gaze falls on her captive. One of the bots approaches and hands her a bottle of red-brown liquid[5], which she uncorks and presents to Cantio. "You look awful. Drink this."
1. Invisibility 2. Invisibility (Rook) 3. Fade from Memory 4. Replicant 5. (Flask of Feijoada) Blixt™ Feijoada
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Post by Cantio von Lumen on Nov 25, 2022 22:54:26 GMT -5
One week.
That was the timetable that Veliky had given him: and in true Veliky fashion, she had explained nothing about that week, or what she was expecting within that week, or literally anything about that week at all. In fact, by the time the quarterling begins tracking him in the shadow of the alleys in the Zeinav Desert, Cantio has completely forgotten about her ominous message.
He had only been in town because of it, but... well, a week goes by quickly, and truly, he hadn't realized a week had passed already. After performing for most of the night at the party of a wealthy Zeinavian Couple, whom he'd met during the gala, he'd been returning back to the inn one step closer to actually being able to afford some type of lodging for himself and Astrid... the idea of settling down is still something scary for him, having been on the road for as long as he has, but he thinks it would do her good to have somewhere stable and constant, and he thinks he's willing to make that sacrifice, so...
He must be spacing out after a long night of performing, because as he's budgeting the next few days in his head in an attempt to use as little as possible on his next trip, he very nearly plows right through them. He barely catches the glint of their eyes as they step out before him, and Cantio stops dead in his tracks, rearing back slightly at the sight of the Blixtbots™. "Wha—?" he spooks, taking a few steps back at first upon sight. It isn't long before their wielder steps out into the shadow from behind them, blue eyes harsh and leering. "Veliky?" Cantio's voice pitches awkwardly, cracking in his surprise. "O-oh, Veliky! Hey, it's been a while since—"
"Get in."
"Huh? What are you..."
The tiefling blinks, frowning as he looks at her; his eyes drift to a crate beside her, then back to the quarterling with a mild, confused panic. "W-wait, Veliky! You're kidding, right!?"
She was, in fact, not kidding.
Cantio awakes with a startle when the wagon hits a bump and knocks his head against the wooden top. "Ow—" he whines; everything hurts, he feels like he's been cramped up in here for at least a month, but he's pretty sure it's only been a few hours... or days... he's not actually sure, really.
But, surely he hasn't been in here for more than a few days!
... Right?
She wouldn't put him in a box for almost a month.
Right?
He shakes his head, tail curling drearily around his feet. He blinks drowsily, sniffing as he quietly pulls off his mask and rubs at one of his eyes; he looks at his palm, furrowing his brows slightly because he doesn't remember taking off his makeup, actually, but... whatever. He breathes a sigh, having lost most of his motivation to shriek and whine and bumble within the box over time. He can hear Veliky's authoritative voice from outside, though, so he tries again just because he can.
"Velikyyyyy?" he calls; his voice sounds somewhat hoarse, and presumably, it isn't loud enough for the quarterling to hear.
Or maybe she's ignoring him?
He frowns and slumps the side of his face into the box, pouting to no one but himself while he ponders his situation. How'd he get here? Why'd she bring him here? Why won't she at least tell him where they're going...? What did she even want him to do about that week she gave him? Did he do something wrong?
He closes his eyes, submitting reluctantly to, yet more, time within the box...
It's definitely been a few days this time; and when the vehicle suddenly comes to a stop, Cantio sits up sharp enough to knock his head into the top of the box yet again. But, the pain is nothing! He's been knocked around in this damn box for days! He's impervious to this box and its crampiness and rough edges and that one bottle that broke in the corner that he's performed great gymnastic feats in order to not cut himself on by accident.
His tail flicks apprehensively, breath held as he listens to the hissing and clanks of the Blixtbots™. "Veliky?" he calls, hopeful for a reply this time. There's no answer, again, but the top of the lid cracks, and— oh god sunlight, he's free! Cantio crashes out like a fish trying to reach water from the shoreline, gasping like he's not had air in months. "Veliky!!! What the heck!?" His cry is hardly threatening— more of an angry whine. "Why— what did you— why in the world would you—!?" he can't even get together his sentence— but after a moment of making random, sporadic non-sentences, he stops.
Are they in the Dragon's Cradle?
Wait, why are they in the Dragon's Cradle? Where did all these Velikies come from?
He sits up on his knees, blinking when he realizes that he's just... sitting in front of a massive house— oh god— this can only be one thing... she's selling him off to some mob, isn't she? A house this big could only belong to politicians, or the mob, definitely! He's not sure he's seen a house this big even in Sol City! He looks about the group of Blixtbots™ and Velikies in a mild panic, gaze settling on the one Veliky who steps out. He has half a mind to try and put together an actual sentence, or beg for his life, or something, but—
She beats him to speaking, and it's not... it's definitely not what he expected.
Every emotion that lingers in his cramped muscles and his frazzled mine dissipates at once.
"I... wait, huh?" He looks stunned for a moment. She offers him a bottle, uncorked, and after a moment of looking at it, he takes it. He blinks — his brows furrowed, hair a mess, clothes a disgrace — and looks back up at Veliky, still processing. "You... wait, Veliky you... you bought us a house?"
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Post by Veliky on Dec 3, 2022 23:23:23 GMT -5
"Not quite." she answers, either oblivious or utterly indifferent toward Cantio's condition. Standing so casually beside the bedraggled bard, her countenance resembles a wizard's tower next to an obliterated tavern. "I bought you a plot of land and had a house constructed on it. You have no idea how many favours you have to pull to get a mansion built in a month. It wasn't completed until just three days before our arrival."
She shoves the bottle of brown-red into Cantio's hands. "Seriously, drink this. Your appetite's probably dead from malnourishment. Otherwise, I give you three hours before the hallucinations start."
Hands now free, she stretches her legs by pacing about. The Blixtbots™ stand, motionless, in a surrounding formation, so still that they may as well be part of the terrain. Meanwhile, the edifice - the one that apparently belongs to Cantio - seems far more surreal than it had at first, like a painting on the mountainside.
The tidied businesswomen are the only other animated beings in the plateau. Two, nearby, are engaged in a lazy conversation in some foreign language - presumably Halfling - while the one beside Cantio just stares outward, distant and tired.
"Kidnapping you ensured that we wouldn't be followed. As far as anyone knows, you never left Zeinav. As long as you keep a low profile, you're a ghost." After a fashionable silence, her tired eyes grow harder and turn their attention back to Cantio. "I suggest you keep this a secret from everyone that you wouldn't trust with your life, and ensure that Astrid does the same. From now on, you're playing for two." Her posture shifts subtly, toward the pristine house. "Plus, there are some things in there that constitute a... 'need-to-know basis.'"
She snaps her fingers, and one of the bots suddenly jolts to life. Its clanking animation could easily inspire a fight-or-flight response. But its trail halts beside the little woman. Its metal biceps split and slide apart, revealing a peculiar compartment and the bottle of Blixt™ contained within. With a series of mechanical, clunky movements, it grabs the bottle and hands it to Veliky, its chest sealing closed again. She uncorks it and takes a long, impassionate drink, not wasting a heartbeat to savour the synthetic flavour. Only once she's downed a quarter of it (impressive, as it constitutes about an eighth of her own volume) does she speak again.
"Mortgage and rent won't be an issue. As for security, it may not look like it, but this is one of the safest places in the world. You can be confident that nobody will get in if you don't want them to. The key is exactly that: don't let people in, or even near, unless you're absolutely certain you can trust them." A commotion from around the corner has her attention diverted once more. "Speaking of which, your housemates should be arriving now."
Such an ominous thought delivered so casually. Could she be talking about...?
If she is, then the sight that files around the corner, onto the empty street, is a rather morbid one (though, in fairness, no more so than Cantio's predicament). Another squad of Blixtbots™ marches in formation, bearing precious cargo: three burlap sacks of varying size, one of which requires three bots to be carried over shoulder.
Veliky looks on, expectantly, as the bots filter into the plaza. One of them - a bulky Bishop unit - steps forward, cradling a sack in its arms. It carefully kneels down, touching its iron knee to the dirt, and gently places the sack on the ground. Finally, with many a mechanical movement of its surprisingly dextrous digits, it undoes the tie, and the sack falls to reveal a short, freckled and awfully familiar girl.
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Dec 4, 2022 3:45:21 GMT -5
One thing Veliky should probably not do is kidnap people. Children especially shouldn't be kidnapped. So for a bleary Astrid to roll out of an oversized burlap sack would be a shocking scene in most instances. Beside her, Charles and Spicy Pawsage are also unceremoniously removed from kidnapper bags. Now in a bed of dirt with a single beam of sun streaking through the clouds and striking her face, she groans.
"Ugh... What happened?" Slowly, she pushes herself up and finds herself not in the most recent location she remembers but in a whole new one altogether. Her first thoughts are of her companions, and luckily, it doesn't take long to find them. Charles whirs to life and sits up, the heavy-enchanted war hammer clatters within his backpack box, explaining why it took three bots to carry him. Spicy Pawsage yawns and does a cute little stretch. Astrid lets out a sigh of relief then notices they're surrounded by a formation of BlixtbotsTM. That on its own is confusing, but she's suddenly less on edge. Another sigh of relief.
Charles sits up and observes the situation. "Mistress Astrid, report: It appears we are in the presence of a squad of fellow units." Very helpful observation. "Analysis: Your safety should be assured."
Astrid's demeanor shifts to almost aggressive annoyance as she stands. "Alright, bots, what the heck are ya doin' with me and me companions in bags, huh? What's the big idea? Last time Miss Veliky just asked me ta meet her wherever she had a job fer me." Continuing to grumble, she turns and finally notices the multilekies and even more surprising, she sees Cantio.
"C-Cantio??" she stammers, rushing over and throwing her arms around the crate-weary tiefling. "I missed ya! I was startin' ta worry!" It's been a month since she last heard from him. There's so much to tell him! Like how she has a pet and a ghost now. In fact, she's so caught off guard by the people present that she's not even noticed the looming mansion. "Sorry ta say... ya look awful."
The ghost, however, makes herself known immediately. A pale, spectral woman in a tattered dress manifests beside Astrid. Typically, her long hair floats lazily as if she were floating underwater. In this instance, it flares out in anger. The hem of her dress whips wildly in a nonexistent hurricane. Melodia, having heard a lot of Cantio from Astrid, would otherwise be pleased to meet him, but today she identifies who seems to be in charge of this operation, and she immediately takes to making accusations of the stern quarterling. "What is the meaning of this?" Melodia sneers furiously. Being a ghost, she was no help in physically protecting Astrid or her companions and spent the entire time worrying over her safety.
Call Ghost
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Post by Cantio von Lumen on Dec 11, 2022 21:43:08 GMT -5
“ Huh?” Cantio looks at Veliky, disheveled and exhausted from their trip; he furrows his brows, tired mind processing the weight of the words that she’s really saying. “ You… wait, you…” The words die on his tongue, replaced by the internal acknowledgement of an ache in his neck and shoulders; his lower back hurts; and the joints of his knees ache… but had she really just said she… built the house in a month? But… but it’s massive. How…. why….? He feels overwhelmed and confused. Cantio snaps out of it when the bottle is forced back into his hands; the tiefling blinks a few times, taking a look down at it with slightly furrowed brows. “ Huh? What? Hallucinations!? W-wait, Veliky, how long was I...” He blinks rapidly, turning his concerned gaze to Veliky— but she’s begun to pace away from him. He frowns, looking down at the bottle; he uncorks it, then steps after Veliky— clumsily, nearly tripping over his own boots while he does so. Why does he feel like he hasn’t walked in ages? He staggers, putting his arms out to balance himself, before he moves to follow Veliky further. “ Is that why you were in Zeinav?” Cantio asks, breathless after he takes a big swig of the Blixt™ in his hands; it’s actually quite good, not at all what he expected of it. It’s refreshing— like he hasn’t actually eaten or drank anything of substance in far too long. “ But… why do we need to be ghosts— and why couldn’t you have told me where we were going!? I thought… Um... Mm...” he trails off, raising the bottle to his lips to silence himself. He’s not going to tell Veliky he thought she was going to sell him to the Ashen Fathers… that would be rude… after she built them an entire house in only a month… but why couldn’t she have told him where they were going at least!? He takes another swig of the liquid in his bottle, sighing exasperatedly once he’s downed the mouthful. “ Well… sure, I know, but… what do you mean ‘need-to-know’?” he asks, frowning; still a bit flighty, he jolts a little when Veliky snaps her fingers. His eyes follow the Blixt™bot as it approaches, but he’s far too tired to do anything more than watch— although, his eyes widen when she mentions the pay. “ W-wait, but… Veliky, you built us a whole house! I mean, that’s…” He feels overwhelmed. This is a huge gift! A huge undertaking! Veliky didn’t have to do this at all! Let alone not ask for anything!? “ S-surely I can do something to repay you for this, I— I really appreciate this, but—" He stops. " Wait, what do you…” he trails off, eyes following Veliky’s line of sight. He sees the squad of Blixtbots™ with their burlap sacks, but he doesn’t actually register what could possibly be in them until Astrid comes tumbling out from the bag. Charles and Spicy Pawsage flop out next, looking equally as dazed as a… Blixtbot™ and Hellhound could possibly be. Cantio’s jaw drops. “You kidnapped Astrid!?” he stutters, his voice pitching awkwardly in the exclamation. “Why— how are we even supposed to— oh nevermind— Astrid!” He’s having trouble putting together the words; but the moment Astrid turns to him, he moves towards her.
He opens his arms, pulling her into a hug when she comes scurrying over to him. “ I’m sorry, I— I didn’t really have any way to contact you, I didn't mean to worry you... Are you okay—? Oh, sweet Solarian—” Cantio jolts, pulling Astrid closer with wide golden eyes when a pale, translucent woman suddenly manifests. His tail curls close to his legs, eyes flicking between the furious ghost and Veliky, then to Astrid. “ A-Astrid, who….?”
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Post by Veliky on Dec 14, 2022 16:40:34 GMT -5
"My question, exactly." Before the spirit, Veliky's like a mouse; still, she crosses her arms and says, with a gesture of her head, to 'Stay where I can see you.' "Care to introduce us to the dead woman, Astrid?"
Melodia, under these circumstances especially, is caught completely off guard by the tiny woman responsible for the bots who kidnapped Astrid. Being who she is, she knows exactly how to deal with petulant children, and in an instant, her tone changes and drops to something that might be condescending to an adult but compassionate to a child. "I can introduce myself," she says through a smile. Her eyes betray her fury, the tendrils of her hair flickering irritably. Of course, Astrid spoke of Veliky in the past, and while Melodia may not want to start their introductions on the wrong foot, even in death she feels some form of adrenaline running through her veins.
Her sugary voice could challenge even BlixtTM's levels of sweetness. "I am Melodia, or Miss Melodia to those who prefer." The woman's arms cross, and her floating stance shifts to something more relaxed. It's feigned niceties. "And you must be Miss Veliky."
An angry ghost... this complicates things. Somewhat rudely, Veliky neglects to answer for several seconds, just tapping her foot and thinking. 'Not living. Can't wipe its memory. Potential security leak. Only option: deception.'
"Right." she finally and curtly answers. Looking between Astrid and Cantio, she feigns a defeated sigh, eerily indiscernible. "Really want to know the truth? Fine. I would've just told both of you where to go and had transport arranged for you[1], but, as it turns out, you both somehow managed to get marked by an assassin's guild called the Friends of the Smith[1]. Congratulations." There is no such guild, but she neglects to say so. "By kidnapping you, I ensured that you don't have a trail to follow. But that doesn't mean things are completely safe; for your own safety, you should keep this place as secret as possible[1]." She flashes a pointed glare at Melodia and adds "*All* of you."
...That reminds her. She still hasn't told Astrid why she's even here.
She paces around to see Astrid, past the hovering spectre. Her face is one of deadly seriousness.
"Astrid." She gestures at the manor's façade, somehow as looming as it is welcoming. "This is your house. You and Cantio are going to stay here, okay?"
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Dec 14, 2022 20:42:15 GMT -5
An assassin guild? After her and Cantio? But why? Why would anyone be after the two of them? Cantio doesn't seem the type to get into any crazy trouble, and she can't think of any groups that she's upset in particular... Was it someone from the ball? Well, who would she have upset there? Was it the group after the item she and Shaa were protecting?? That would make more sense, but Cantio wasn't involved in that! Where the heck has he been anyway? He looks awful, and he's been missing for a month at least. Did Veliky do something to him? This is too much.
And her overwhelmed feelings are only exacerbated by Veliky stepping in front of her and declaring this massive mansion hers.
"W...What?"
Now that she's looking around, they're on the edge of Skypeak Village. Wait, she's never seen this place in all the time she wandered this town. Was it recently built? She has been gone from here for a really long time... For the first time in Astrid's short life, she feels very woozy.
Finally, managing to get up, Charles dusts himself off. Metal scrapes metal as he does before he stands primly and addresses Veliky. "Mistress Veliky, report: In the months spent in Mistress Astrid's company, this unit has diligently followed programming directives. For the most part, Mistress Astrid is unharmed. Additional report: Mistress Astrid is exhibiting behavior at levels that this unit has not logged previously. Analysis: Mistress Astrid is emotion: overwhelmed."
At this point, Spicy Pawsage has his wits about him and shakes himself out, black fur and embers showering away from the hellhound. He's surrounded by strange metal men, and the ghost woman is acting aggressively. A low growl rumbles from the hound's throat, his sharp teeth and tusks baring in his snout. The loyal pet rushes over to Astrid and barks threateningly at Veliky, tiny tufts of flame escaping his nostrils. Astrid reaches out and pets him.
"Spicy, no, sit," she says in the sternest tone she can manage in this moment. The hellhound sits obediently, but his red eyes continue to glare at Veliky. As do Melodia's floating above him.
Veliky is giving her a house?? WHAT?
"I thought ya didn't do nice thin's fer people," Astrid says in some mix of sarcasm and mirth.
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Post by Cantio von Lumen on Dec 31, 2022 13:31:43 GMT -5
Cantio’s golden eyes flick towards Veliky, uncertainly, then back to the spirit as she introduces herself; there’s a calm fury behind her smile which makes Cantio sink back, but seems to have to sway over Veliky. Unsurprisingly. Still, something about the anger in her eyes reminds him distantly of his mother’s silent, but scathing, disapprovals. … Wait, did Veliky just say they were marked by an assassin’s guild? “What!?” he sputters, golden eyes widening at her nonchalant reveal; as far as Cantio knows, Veliky has never lied to him before… and he has no reason to think she would now. “An… an assassin’s guild? Who would target us!?” He tries to think about every person he’s ever pissed off; there was that dwarf captain who Tatalia and he neglected to tell had cultists after them— oh dear Solaria, the cultists! It’s been so long since he last thought of them!
Did they find out about Astrid? Now they’re targeting both of them through a third party?
Gods forbid, he should send a letter to Tatalia in the Marsh Flats to make sure she's safe.
While Veliky and Astrid have an exchange, Cantio stares off into the distance, utterly overwhelmed by these new facts— only to snap out of it when he hears a series of threatening barks. “ Wah!” Cantio swings behind Astrid, staring at Spicy Pawsage with wide eyes. “ Is— Is that a hellhound? Have you always had a hellhound?” he remarks, tail coiling around his legs worriedly while Spicy Pawsage snarls at Veliky. He watches the hound take a seat, still staring at Veliky like he wants to use her as a chew toy; he glances at Veliky worriedly before hearing Astrid speak. Nice? Nice things? Oh! Wait, the house! Right, the house. “Secret— right, got it, secret… but… what possessed you to build us a whole house? This place is huge, Veliky.” Cantio asks, his voice giving way to the awkwardness and overwhelming nature of the situation, over the massive gift she’s extended to them.
Also, the fact that they're now targeted by an assassin's guild...
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Post by Veliky on Jan 4, 2023 1:56:19 GMT -5
Veliky's eyes are on the hellhound, but her ear is to Charles. Both are only barely acknowledged; it's more like she's seeing and hearing lines from a book than actually listening to a living thing (which, in Charles' case, might be fitting). All in all, it's difficult to tell whether her disaffectedness is reassuring or just frustrating. She certainly leans toward the latter when Cantio asks about who would possibly want them dead, and her only response is an understated shrug.
The closest she comes to a display of emotion is when she rolls her eyes at Astrid's jeer, bringing them to rest on Cantio whose face is even more baffled, confused and naïve than usual. She looks to Astrid, then to Cantio, then back... and then she walks forward, toward the house. Another Veliky deigns to step aside, letting her pass.
"You're right. I wouldn't normally do this sort of thing. Were it not for outstanding circumstances, I would never have considered it[1]. There are ulterior reasons - reasons relating to Astrid's employment..." She lets those words hang for a moment. Her voice has a way of making the air feel heavier, more claustrophobic, even in an open space like Skypeak Village. She's silent for just long enough for the whole scene to feel rather uncomfortable... before looking over her shoulder, with a cold demeanour, at Astrid. "You remember that deal we made, right?"
At first, Astrid's own attitude shifts slightly, a hopeful gleam crossing her eye. Then Veliky continues to be cold, and her expression drops to one of slight annoyance as the quarterling brings up the challenge from the ball. "Aye, I remember," Astrid says. "Don't think yer gettin' ta back out on yer end of the deal just 'cause I don't got it quite yet. Been through a lot lookin' fer the right kinda materials. Killed a dragon an' everythin'!"
Then Astrid's expression sours considerably into one Veliky hasn't seen directed towards her before. That classic twelve-year-old pouting face. "I can't believe I just saw ya a couple weeks ago an' ya didn't think ta mention that the reason I ain't heard from or seen a lick of me da is 'cause ya had him boxed up! After all the nonsense with Buffalo, too!"
It's a face and tone that visibly disquiets the usually stone-cold businesswoman. It isn't what one would call a pleasant reaction; it's somewhere between annoyance and plain confusion, and its onset is strangely visceral. Still she regains her bearings, like she always does. Eyes closed and downcast, she speaks in a slightly softer tone - not lighter, just softer.
"Astrid, why would I spend thousands of gold to build a house if I had any intent of backing out?" Her reminder of the positivity in the situation is a thinly veiled diversion from the subject of Buffalo and the kidnapping, but perhaps enough to dissuade someone as naïve as child (and maybe even Astrid, too). "This mansion is an investment. The return is up to you."
She looks away and takes another few mincing steps toward the house. Before long, she's standing beside the first step of the stairs that lead up to the door. In front of her tiny figure, the house looks even more massive and, more importantly, more real. With its pristine walls, the edifice has half the seeming of the last moments of a dream - all the yearning, yet none of the slipping away. It's utterly surreal, yet Veliky's serious expression seems to anchor it to reality.
"Anyways, you have a choice: either I can give you the tour, or you can explore the place yourself. What do you two think?"
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Jan 22, 2023 21:40:52 GMT -5
Things are moving so quickly, but Astrid's stance is defensive. Perfectly so for the much taller tiefling to cover behind her with Spicy Pawsage barking. "Huh? Oh, aye, he's a hellhound. He won't hurt ya. Grandpa Bellighul gave him ta me."
That's beside the point! Astrid's quite frustrated with Veliky over the current situation, and she struggles to keep some inkling of composure while making demands of the quarterling. Veliky, however, remains calm and cold, that on its own feels pretty frustrating. Here she's just whisked Astrid and Cantio both away without warning, presumably without telling anyone what's happened, and now she's got them on a mountain in front of a mansion and is telling them she bought them a house to keep them safe from assassins??
The comes the price tag along with Veliky's expression softening just slightly. A small crack in the veneer.
"Th-Thousands?" Astrid stutters. She knew homes were expensive. She knew that she and Cantio would both have to work hard to find a place for themselves together. It didn't have to be big. It could've been a lopsided shack, but it would've been theirs. For Veliky to have paid for something so extravagant, to spend so much money on a place for her... as an investment?? In her..?
The weight of the situation comes crashing down, and Astrid's knees give out beneath it. She falls back to sit in the dirt that's still settling from the disturbance of the home's rapid construction. And they're in Sky Peak of all places, the place she waited half a decade to see the return of one person she thought would care about her, the very same place she met the two people in front of her right now. One of them took her in with warm, open arms on a whim -a dare, rather- and did so happily. The other, as cold and calculated as she presents herself, has a heart of gold beneath the tough outer shell. What did she do to deserve their generosity?
Unbidden tears well up in Astrid's eyes. Not again. No more crying about good things. She rubs the wetness away quickly.
How does she even accept a gift like this? Or an investment, as Veliky called it. Of course, she'll do everything she can to be a good investment. It's just... This is a lot. It seems like a lot to do for some kid someone helped off the street. Astrid still feels like she owes Veliky and Cantio and Zarius so much for helping her and giving her a new outlook on things. Now there's this too?
With a weak sniffle, Astrid looks at Veliky. "I-I... I guess I don't really get it, ya know..? Ya've already done a lot fer me." Part of her wonders if Veliky feels guilty for the situation with Buffalo as the quarterling has a strange way of showing appreciation. "It seems like a... a lot, I guess."
It takes a lot to crack the quarterling's demeanour. This was enough.
Veliky is flabbergasted. Eyes wide, jaw slacked, she's more affected than Astrid has ever seen her; not even in battle, in the thick of kruthik bloodshed and faced with the threat of death, was she as shaken.
It's as if she's seen a ghost.
She looks to Cantio, wordlessly pleading for some guidance. But, then, it was a question directed at her. She can't just delegate. And so, steeling a breath and stepping forward, Veliky speaks in the softest tone that her stone-cold voice can muster.
"Uh, h-hey... Let's go inside, okay?"
With great uncertainty, she lays a comforting hand on Astrid. Its warmth is stifled by the dark, enshrouding leather.
"I brought some cookies. If you come inside, we can sit down and share them." She looks into Astrid's eyes, wearing an emotion that looks quite strange on her: concern. "That's an order."
Seeing the small crack in Veliky's shell split like an egg suddenly makes her seem so much more real to Astrid. No longer is the tiny businesswoman an invincible, unstoppable force. She's just a person, the same as Astrid always thought she was, but now she's letting that humanity show. It's seeped out from time to time in the past, but now it's clear: Veliky does care.
Astrid can't help a teary smile. "Yer not the boss of me... Yet," she manages. "But... I s'pose cookies sound pretty good."
As Astrid's about to get up, she looks at Veliky in front of her, and a familiar urge washes across her. Without thinking, Astrid throws her arms around Veliky. Another sob wells up and rattles the girl though she tries to stifle it. Her voice comes in a whisper - if she tried to speak any louder, it would just break and not come out at all. "Thanks, Miss Veliky." There's a lot behind those words, things maybe Astrid doesn't have the words to say right now. Veliky's always been a bit of an enigma to her, but she doesn't have to be. Maybe this is just the start. Maybe in time, she'll get to say everything she feels.
With a deep, almost shuddering breath, Astrid shuffles back on her knees awkwardly, and she looks over her shoulder at Cantio to avoid seeing the consequences of what she just did. Cantio seems equally perplexed in this situation. It's definitely really weird and overwhelming. Melodia, who's been lingering over them the whole time, has a somber expression - less sharp, accusatory, and defensive. She's not sure what to make of the things transpiring before her. At first, she thought Veliky's intentions might have been to take advantage of Astrid's naivety, but there are unspoken things between them that give the specter pause.
Things have certainly taken a turn for all of them.
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Post by Cantio von Lumen on Jan 29, 2023 17:10:43 GMT -5
“ O-oh, okay… Wait, Grandpa Bellighul?” Cantio blinks in his surprise, throwing an inquisitive glance at the hellhound. How… how much had he missed since they had parted ways!? His tail sways and waves; the tiefling purses his lips, his brows furrowing worriedly when Veliky only shrugs in response to his question. He hasn’t thought about those cultists in a long time, but… but maybe he should warn Astrid just in case it’s something she needs to keep in mind down the road; he’d never forgive himself if she were caught off-guard and hurt by something he could’ve prevented. He files it away for later, wringing the hem of his overcoat with a nervous energy while he listens to the conversation between Astrid and Veliky, in which all he seems to register is: “ W-wait, you killed a dragon? When did this happen!?” He looks at Astrid, bewildered. Astrid looks at Cantio realizing there's a lot to tell him. "Oh, yeah, um, Miss Kamille and I ran into a big ice dragon in Frost Gale! We're fine! I got his tooth! I can tell ya all about it later!!" She seems completely unbothered by the feat. Cantio looks at her with wide eyes, opening his mouth to object or add to his question, but she slips back into conversation with Veliky naturally… and he doesn’t want to interrupt. The words die on his tongue, and he frowns as he listens; he hasn’t heard about this Buffalo, either… then again, he has been in a box for a month, so… his aching shoulders slouch, the swaying and lashing of his tail the perfect show of the anxiety that bubbles fretfully in his chest.
He tips his head towards the ground, looking towards the looming mansion they’ve been… gifted… He feels overwhelmed by all of this; it comes over him like a wave. It’s a lot to take in; between everything he’s missed with Astrid, this momentous gift, and the casual drop that they’re being hunted by assassins, he doesn’t… he doesn’t even know how to begin to process it all! Not to mention, he’s been a box for a month, but… Veliky saw Astrid during that time!? So, who has been with him the whole time? … He wants to lay down. Cantio sighs a dejected and exhausted sort of sigh; his shoulders drop as he tunes back into the conversation at hand; he hears Veliky reminding Astrid of their deal, something about the investment in the mansion, which… he’s pretty sure he’s heard talk of houses depreciating immediately upon building… he doesn’t know what that means, but it sounds like something he’d hear his parents complain about once upon a time. But, as he’s tuning back into the conversation, he realizes he’s not the only one overwhelmed: maybe it’s the fact that this isn’t the first time he’s heard Astrid cry, but when he hears her sniffle, Cantio perks up attentively. Brows furrowed, he looks sympathetically at the girl, then looks at Veliky with the same softened gaze. Cantio hasn’t seen Veliky stumble over her words much; but she does now as she rests a hand on Astrid’s shoulder comfortingly. Cantio’s tail swishes worriedly, but he smiles warmly and thankfully at Veliky nonetheless— and then, Astrid pulls her in for a hug. A brave move. He almost stiffens, but as Veliky hesitantly and awkwardly wraps her arms around Astrid in turn— oh damn, is he about to cry? Cantio shakes his head, clearing his throat as they break apart; he drops to his knees next to Astrid, smiling warmly at her when she looks back at him. “ Really, Veliky, thank you for all of this...” he agrees; there’s a click as he opens a pouch on his belt, and pulls from it a familiar red handkerchief. Tipping Astrid’s face up gently beneath her chin, he gently wipes her damp cheeks with the handkerchief, and offers her a smile. “ Cookies?” he suggests, palming the handkerchief and holding out his other hand to help Astrid to her feet. “ What kind of cookies are there?” he asks as he looks to Veliky and tries to bring some normalcy to the conversation through menial conversation. “ Cookies do sound nice.” As he rises to his feet and Astrid rises to hers, Cantio takes a look at the handkerchief in his hand and suddenly remembers. “Ah— I…” he breathes a sheepish chuckle. “I forgot I wanted you to have this, but uh… since we haven’t seen each other in a while, I haven’t been able to get it back to you. I suppose now is a good time before I forget again… and I guess it’ll be useful.” He folds the handkerchief into a triangle, offering it out to her.
Something new is revealed at the corner of one edge of it facing her: Astrid’s name embroidered in a decorative crimson-threaded calligraphy and a small, owl-like mask similar to her own has since been threaded into the fabric since the last time she’s seen it, marking it as her own.
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Post by Veliky on Jan 30, 2023 20:54:48 GMT -5
'Is it working...?'
When it comes to math, Veliky could calculate the price of every house in Sol City and pay in exact change. In business, she could haggle a dragon out of its hoard with nothing but a cup of honey to her name. In warfare, she could lead three incompetent hirelings and have them take a fortress.
But in showing empathy? Well, we all have our weaknesses.
She thought it was going well. Astrid was smiling. She even conjured a bit of humour. Internally, Veliky sighs in relief. She knows well enough that children love cookies - she did when she was little. Failing that, maybe a gift? Failing that, maybe a bribe? No matter. Cookies worked, Astrid's happy. Now they could all get back to things that Veliky's far more comfortable with... and also cookies, apparently.
Astrid began to stand, but Veliky found a strange apprehension creeping through her.
'Why's she looking at me like that...?'
Suddenly, the foundling lurches forward, and Veliky's entire body tenses and freezes as the little girl wraps its arms around the littler woman. She feels her heart beating. Fear creeps up her throat. The foundling's grip is imbued with a strength far beyond its size and age[1]; if it wanted to, it could snap Veliky in half.
Veliky is petrified. She can't even breathe as her mind races from factor to factor, trying to calculate the swiftest means of escape. She *needs* to escape. Why did she let this happen? Shame and pleading guilt wrench her heart, as if to kill her themselves.
...
An ill-veiled sob escapes the foundling, shaking Veliky too. Little by little, its warmth seeps into Veliky's tiny form. As the seconds pass and more tears stream down its face, Veliky's trembling slows to an eventual halt, and her mind reaches a modicum of calmness.
And then Astrid lets out that tiny voice. "Thanks, Miss Veliky." So much of her soul in that voice, yet uttered so meekly.
Finally, Veliky allows herself to breathe. Why had she been so scared? It's just Astrid.
But what does she do now? Once again, Astrid's wracked with emotion. Veliky can only barely see embaffled Cantio and the somber apparition over Astrid's shoulder. With how much larger Astrid is than Veliky, she's practically smothered by ragged fabric as she's suffused with a warmth that she hasn't felt in...
How long has it been?
Regardless, she needs to do something to console Astrid. She can't claim to understand the emotions of an abandoned child, let alone one who's found a family after all. But she knows how hugs work; she isn't that inept. So, with some hesitance and a great amount of awkwardness, she slowly returns the embrace. She can barely wrap her arms around Astrid's neck; all considered, she isn't the best at hugging, for several reasons. But it's something. And, as her posture slowly settles and she allows her muscles to relax...
Well, little need be said - little; except that when Astrid rises and releases the embrace, Veliky almost forgets to let go.
Now freed, Veliky is swift to adjust both stance and expression until they regain her preferred neutrality, trying and failing to hide that lapse in her composure.
From there, she's all but silent. She makes eye-contact with nobody, and doesn't even answer Cantio's question about cookies. It isn't that she's too distracted to listen, though she's certainly distracted by many thoughts she'd not expected to have today. But she's done it; Astrid seems content, and Cantio is drying the last of the tears on her face. What else is there to do but move onto the next step?
Still avoiding the eyes upon her, Veliky turns around to face the door again. And without a word, she ascends the steps. To her, every one is an ordeal, but one she takes with far more grace than she did that interaction. Before long, she's standing before the modest, yet well-crafted oak of the front door.
Only then does she turn to face Astrid and Cantio once more. "Come on." Impartial as ever. "We have a tour to get through."
And tour, they do. Not even faintly belied by the building's exterior, the interior is a thing of rustic excellence. It lacks the extravagance of any noble's manor, rather favouring practicality and simple comfort. The former, at least, is obviously Veliky's influence. The latter, though? If it comes from Veliky as well, it's from a place that she doesn't care to speak about. All the amenities that Astrid could want, they can be found here. And if they aren't, there's certainly space for inclusion.
All considered, 'thousands of gold' would be a bargain for to build a place like this. But, then, Veliky drives a hard bargain.
But there is something rather odd, something that Veliky does her best to avoid speaking of. In the basement, hidden at the bottom of a set of stairs that delves even deeper below the earth, is a circular door. Unlike the other doors in the house, it is crafted of heavy metal, appearing sturdy enough to suffer a mammoth's charge. Its designs are of the strangest, most foreign make - almost dwarven, but both more intricate and less luxurious. Stranger yet, there's no apparent way to open the door: no knob, no handle, no rails to slide on. All that's there is an odd, brass bell, like that of a trumpet, built into the stone wall beside the door. The neck leads into the stone itself, to tenebrous reaches...
And all Veliky says on the matter is "Later." Her tone does not welcome insistence.
But that mystery is quickly forgotten as the tour continues, as there is simply too much wonder to behold. And then, finally, they come to the last room on the tour: the living room. Veliky intentionally saved it for last, as it contains not only comfortable seating arrangements for a prolonged conversation, but the reward that Veliky had promised: cookies.
Atop a low table, they sit on a large plate, organized into four neat rows that're divided by flavour. The flavours, from one side to the other, are as follows: snickerdoodles with light dustings of cinnamon; sugar cookies, each with a half that's sprinkled in sunset crystals; particularly thick cookies packed with both chocolate and peanut butter; and modest oatmeal cookies. With a baker's dozen of each, this chat promises to be a delight.
Of course, the cookies aren't the only noteworthy item in the room. The den contains all the amenities that one might hope for: cushioned seats, pre-boiled tea, pristine windows, nostalgic curtains, a dog...
"Alert: intruder detected."
Rising to an aggressive bow, the canine Blixtbot™[2] leaps off the seat, clanking violently as it charges at the three! And then, with a clicking preparation, it leaps directly toward Cantio!
1. Bull's Strength (Astrid) 2. (The Goodest Boy) BF-02
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Feb 5, 2023 2:19:37 GMT -5
Maybe she shouldn't have been presumptuous. Maybe she shouldn't have hugged Veliky. But Veliky hugged her back and that's enough for her. There are no harsh words nor angry eyes. There's just a moment of awkward silence. Yet the silence doesn't deafen them. It's surprisingly content.
With everyone on their feet, things start to return to some sense of normalcy. Cantio asks about cookies, and he's just as gentle as ever while dabbing away Astrid's last few tears with a familiar red handkerchief. She doesn't think much of it; she's just grateful to be in Cantio's presence again after the month apart. But then he says he wants to get it back to her and presents the freshly embroidered corner to her complete with her name and an owl mask.
This red handkerchief dried a lot of tears, both worried and happy, in the times it's been handed back and forth between the two of them. It's going to dry more because another spring of salty water bubbles in her eyes. When did Cantio even have the time to do this? Did he work on it while they traveled together to the tomb that held her armor? It's a silly piece of red fabric, but it means a lot to her. And now... it's the first thing to have her name on it. A thoughtful gift from her new father...
Avasha above, this is overwhelming. In a short time, she's gone from penniless to slightly less penniless to having her own possessions and someone to call family. Now she has a small but meaningful gift and a huge but equally meaningful gift from two people she admires and would even say she loves.
"I-It's perfect, da," Astrid blubbers, throwing her arms around Cantio and burying her face against him.
Gods, he smells.
The tour on its own is overwhelming. This manor's sheer size is much larger than anything Cantio and Astrid could ever make use of on their own. The common areas have vaulted ceilings, the dining room could house a table fit for ten or more, and the kitchen could fit an entire team of cooks (and with Astrid's appetite it might need to). When Astrid pictured a home with Cantio, she imagined what she was most familiar with: a small home with a common area and one bedroom. That's the kind of place she grew up in, and that's the kind of place that could have suited her well enough. This place? Well, it would certainly be difficult to feel cramped.
As excited as she is at the prospect of having her own bedroom, Veliky's lead-up to the space in the basement piques her curiosity enough to build excitement. Finally, they descend the stairs, and her eyes light up at what's in store in the stonework lower level. There's an entire smithy down here! It's already lined with tables, tools, and a massive, sturdy anvil nestled between two forges.
Forget having a house, she has a workshop!
Try as she might to hold it in, a tiny squeal pushes its way out of her lips. Her eyes dart to look at Veliky, but Veliky's expression stays as even as ever. Oh, she wants to hug her again, but she won't press her luck a second time. The half-dwarf buzzes with excitement, and it takes no time at all for her to imagine all the ways she could use the space. In fact, it's easier to imagine than decorating a bedroom.
"Wait... But why two forges?" she asks, looking toward Veliky.
The quarterling plainly explains how they both work. One forge is built as any normal forge would be and is intended to be used with coal. The other, however, is a small marvel of engineering. It runs on lightning, powered by lightning strikes on large metal pylons around the back side of the property all with metal cables leading into a sort of silo attached to the house. A lever on the side releases the energy. Veliky is clear that this is a prototype at best and requires careful use, and Astrid nods along vigorously. The fate of the house relies on it. Another of Veliky's tests, clearly.
When Astrid notices the round, metal door down another shorter flight of stairs, her head tilts, and she points it out. "What's that?"
And all Veliky says on the matter is "Later." Her tone does not welcome insistence. So Astrid does not insist. She's tested Veliky enough today.
By the time the tour is finished, Astrid is buzzing enough to power the lightning forge on her own. Their return to the main floor brings the scent of cookies and fresh tea to their noses. Honestly, she's ready to take a break and really have a chance to soak it all in. Plus... Astrid feels like she hasn't had a proper meal in a few days for some reason. The cookies on the plate are a welcome sight. But two red eyes peer across the room and focus on them. Then the creature charges forward! It's a BlixtbotTM model that Astrid recognizes from her underground adventure only recently, a BF model, and it's beelining for Cantio!
"Aht! No!" Like a tiny, fast-reacting wrestler, Astrid grabs BF with both arms around the neck and drags it back away from Cantio. "BF! Elevate to Conscript status! Cantio ain't an intruder! He's gonna live here!" If she has to, she'll pin this metal canine to the ground. She hopes mimicking Veliky's tone and terminology works despite her probably lacking the same Officress status she had in Zeinav.
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Post by Cantio von Lumen on Feb 10, 2023 13:10:19 GMT -5
Cantio pulls Astrid close when she throws her arms around him; he has definitely forgotten, for now, that he’s been locked in a box for more or less a month… but he’ll start feeling its effects soon, including the desperate need for a bath.
Cantio follows along with Veliky’s tour compliantly; his legs ache, his back is stiff, and he’s beginning to feel the effects of being curled up for about a month. Veliky was right, he definitely needed whatever she gave him earlier, because he’s only half as dizzy and lightheaded as he probably would have been otherwise. Motion and exertion certainly makes it worse— not that he’s exerting himself that much— but he hasn’t seen the sun for a month, what can he say? Still, Cantio doesn’t want to cause any alarm or make Astrid worry— she’s already overwhelmed— so he pads along after Veliky and Astrid with a look that is only partially more empty-headed than usual. The manor is huge; bigger than his parents’ house; but simpler and not as crowded on the inside. The structure and the architecture is almost nostalgic and homely in the strangest kind of way… but that nostalgia intertwines with a feeling of something he can’t read. He thought he’d left this kind of home and life behind; but… He runs his fingertips along the rails of the staircase as they ascend to check out the bedrooms. It’s weird being back in one… this type of house never felt like a home to him in Sol City. Maybe it will with Astrid? Now and then he pays particular focus— as much as he can muster— to Veliky and Astrid’s voices. In certain rooms, their tones carry. He takes note of the rooms with the best acoustics— one of the bedrooms included— it’s small, but Astrid’s excitement carries clearly whenever she’s speaking. The basement has everything that Astrid could ever want— he can tell by the way she’s buzzing, holding back her excitement, and looking around with restless eyes. He does not know what anything in her workshop is, he is an artist and not a blacksmith, but he lingers with a warm smile while he watches all of Astrid’s excitement. Ascending back up the stairs, Cantio feels like he wants to take a nap. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster of excitement amongst many other feelings, all twisting and mingling together to create something unreadable. So much so, his chest almost feels stuffy from so much emotion; but the return to the main floor is paired with the wafting smell of promised cookies, which is— Oh sweet Solaria what the hell is that thing?In his daze and overwhelmed, fuzzy thoughts; Cantio jerks back with a yelp. A wave of his hand illuminates the empty air in front of him; the sunrays lazily drifting through the window burst into the form of a phoenix with its wings outstretched. Although there’s no sound to accompany the creature, it seems to be on the defensive, wings keeping it aloft; fireflies of sparks dance around its carefully crafted visage. (1)“O-oh, is this a new one?” he squeaks, remaining behind the transparent phoenix. He watches Astrid wrangle the construct with attempts to keep it away from him. “Good boy, down! Could— could you call it off, Veliky? Please?”
(1) — Wall of Light
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Post by Veliky on Feb 11, 2023 17:17:53 GMT -5
Snapping its iron jaws at Cantio and his guardian, the BF struggles in Astrid's grasp. It's a forceful and feisty machine; that Astrid can restrain it so easily is no small feat[1]. But her demand is not so successful, as the hound rebukes it through the snapping.
"Civilian Astrid, negative: you do not possess the necessary clearance to-"
"BF, elevate Cantio to conscript status." Veliky interjects with a calm that's far offset by the chaos in front of her, posture still straight and hands still clasped behind her in a manner all-dignified.
And, in response to the command from heightened rank, the BF does emit that familiar chirp that signifies a followed command: its version of 'okay.' Only... that's all. As if that chirp were a deception, it continues its struggle, continues to snap, with no signs of ceasing. Even Veliky seems confused by this turn of events, or the lack thereof, as she continues to stare at her metal hound.
And then it happens. In its struggle, the BF flails a forelimb, trying to drag itself forth. But in doing so, it drags one of its long, iron claws across the ground, leaving a long scratch on the pristine flooring. And in an instant, Veliky's confusion gives way to cold vengeance.
"Desperation." she utters as she raises her right, gloved fist in front of her. Sigils form on the back of her hand, but they can scarcely be seen or interpreted before she swings the arm forward. Mana implodes around the dog and then pulses out, warping the air! Immediately, the BF's limbs go limp with a mechanical groan, and it ceases its struggle. Its head, though, sways back and forth; it's alive, but incapacitated[2].
For a moment, Veliky remains there, arm extended with seething fury. She looks at the claw-mark as if it were her mortal nemesis. In her eyes is a cold like no other.
But she must acquiesce, after that moment is over, that she's done enough. With a sigh, she steps to beside the shin of jostled Cantio.
"BF?" she inquires with a disciplinary tone, gesturing to Cantio. "Who is this?"
Raising its eyes seems a tremendous effort for the construct-pooch - an effort that proves too much, as it simply allows its head to dangle. "Mistress Veliky, report: the citizen you gestured to is called Canio von Lumen."
Exasperation. Disappointment. Bewilderment. It's difficult to describe Veliky's emotional reaction with one word, except for maybe 'done.' Whatever emotion it is, it all comes out as a single breath, and that breath comes with a dejected command. "BF, ping yourself for maintenance. Immediate."
Another chirp, and this one finally comes with the promised obedience as the BF removes its attention from Cantio altogether. Meanwhile, Veliky basks in the exasperation, running one hand through her yellow hair and gesturing to the seats with her other.
"Take a seat, you two. I can answer any questions you have." And then, face heavy with sudden exhaustion, she looks to Astrid. "...You can let it go, now."
1. Bull's Strength (Astrid) 2. Desperation
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