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Post by Nax on Apr 28, 2023 17:40:58 GMT -5
The bright afternoon sun sent little rays of sunlight through the thick branches of the trees overhead. They sparkled behind Nax's closed eyelids. The weather was slowly getting warmer again and Nax was enjoying their late midday lounge. They could feel the gentle sway of the boat as it glided lazily down the stream. Occasionally the vessel would snag on a shallow spot and Nax would have to push the little boat along its way, but for the most part they were free to lounge. Their tail and one toe dipped lightly into the cool water and they sighed in contentment. It was turning into a great - albeit slightly boring - day.
That is, until they heard footsteps.
Nax's ears perked up and they sat up, listening for the direction of the sound. It was probably coming from the common traveller's road to their right, if they weren't mistaken - on one of the main thoroughfares into the village. Footsteps on the road most likely meant a traveller! And a traveller was likely to have goods on them! Without another thought, Nax quickly jumped up and rummaged in their treasure nook for their trusty sword! The short wooden baton had been an offering from one of the smaller human villagers and Nax was keen to finally have a chance to use such a noble weapon! Nax pulled their little vessel onto the shore - so it wouldn't float away while they were pillaging - and made their way through the trees to the road.
Nax peeked through the bushes in time to see a tall moon elf woman striding confidently along the road, her white hair catching the sun's rays. It revealed an ominous black eye patch with a pink-green eye on it. There was that little voice in his head that was insisting this should be ominous to Nax and maybe they should rethink their strategy. But Nax had not become the renowned Pirate Captain Nax of Moonveil Forest by listening to such nay-saying voices! Besides, an eye patch like that would be perfect for a pirate like them! All the little pictures in their books showed pirate captains with eyepatches! This was fate! Nax wondered where the best ambush point would be and surmised an ambush from behind would be perfect! Because she wouldn't be expecting an ambush to come from behind! (And totally not because the lady had already passed Nax's position and they wouldn't have a prayer of catching up with them.) Quickly, before losing the element of surprise, Nax burst from the hedge, brandishing their sword and striking a fearsome position. "Halt! Face me or fear my wrath!"
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Post by Thalia Fellstar on Apr 28, 2023 18:43:13 GMT -5
Thalia was never in the a good mood when she had to return to the Moonglades.
She had travelled through the Marsh Flats without apt gear for trekking through the swamps, walked through Zeinav Desert and the Ash Lands without much thought for protecting her skin, but nothing would ever prepare her enough for returning to the place and people she hated more than anything. Every familiar path and face only fueled her barely contained fury, boiling just below the surface and masked masterfully behind a too wide smile.
Passing through Moonveil Village was her last stretch before she needed to follow the path north to Eclipse City, the source of every ounce of her hatred and childhood memories. She walked through the forest preluding the village, taking her time as she did. A soft melody is hummed to herself, a slow rendition of Scarborough Fair, taking in the surroundings before she had to interact with the people of the village for lodging.
How utterly droll.
Thalia's ear quirked at the sound of rustling, halting in her tracks with a resolute crunch to her boots. She stopped humming when a voice shouted her way, her smile dissolving. Thalia turned, slow and deliberate, the stitches attaching the eyepatch to her skin glinting in the sun. Her face was neutral at first, until she realized just how small her...attacker, was. Thalia's face contorted in confusion. A...kobold? Thalia's head tilted, unblinking as she scrutinized them. She had never seen one in these forests before, how long had they been taking up residence?
She turned to fully face the small blue creature, a wide smile of pure amusement bleeding into her face. "'Your wrath', hm? How cute." Thalia's voice is high and nasal, with a twinge of an accent that sourced from the dock workers in Eclipse City.
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Post by Nax on Apr 28, 2023 19:23:52 GMT -5
Nax watched the elf lady slowly turn towards them, her one eye sizing them up like a wolf judging its next meal. that little voice of self-preservation came up again, warning that this woman was not like all the other farmers and children they were used to interacting with around here. But they quashed that voice! Nax knew no fear! (Except for the badger in the little den across from the meadow - that thing was ferocious and liked to steal their favorite honey sweets.) Regardless - Nax would not back down! They puffed out their chest, assuming a gallant fighting stance, sword raised high, as the woman fully turned toward them, a wide smile gracing her lips.
"'Your wrath', hm? How cute."
Nax spluttered at the words, caught off guard. "I am not cute! I am fearsome! The Fearsome Dreaded Pirate Captain Nax of Moonveil Forest! And I demand you hand over your loot!" They took a step forward and brandished their sword in a way that they assumed was very intimidating - it was a sword after all! She will be very impressed and scared by just the merest threat! Nax surmised to themselves.
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Post by Thalia Fellstar on Apr 28, 2023 19:59:52 GMT -5
Thalia hummed, highly amused. She giggled, a soft sound that completely contrasted her her intimidating aura. Her smile didn't dim, even as she continued to examine the kobold's body language. They were most likely adolescent, so she probably wouldn't have remembered them from when she had last come home twelve years ago. Other than the sword, Thalia was fairly certain that they were mostly harmless unless provoked, though she didn't approach just yet.
"Hmm..." Thalia put her hands behind her back as she regarded the kobold, a certain Pirate Captain Nax, tilting her head the other way and saying with a smooth voice. "Yes, quite fearsome indeed. You must be a special kind of captain then, to be captain of a forest. Do you not have a boat?"
Thalia hated going home, so she was taking this specific brand of shenanigans and drawing it out for as long as she possibly could. She considered simply turning around and leaving, but the strange, naive nature of this kobold was giving her a much needed reprieve. Besides, if they did decide to attack her, she could deal with it easily. Despite her passiveness though, Thalia's body language hadn't quite been disciplined in a while, so the shadow cast over her seeing eye was still fairly intimidating despite her kind intentions.
She was genuinely interested in this self-proclaimed captain, wondering how they came about in such a place.
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Post by Nax on Apr 29, 2023 5:15:22 GMT -5
Nax grinned widely at the elf lady's acknowledgement. They were special! They were unique! Nax felt their tail swish and their chest swell even more with prideful contentment at the woman's compliment! Their ears perked up at the lady's question, tipping their hat just slightly forward towards their left eye. In a loud accusatory tone they replied, "Nax has a boat! A pirate is nothing without their ship! It is safely moored not far from this location!" They thought for a moment, then continued, "There is no need for concern, I can take all of the loot to my ship quite easily."
Nax's shoulders relaxed as they continued to stare confidently at the elven lady, wondering what kind of booty she would have worth plundering. Judging by her clothes and her foreignish accent, she had to be rich! But hopefully, rich amounted to a big pile of jerky and maybe even a few cakes!
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Post by Thalia Fellstar on Apr 29, 2023 20:46:50 GMT -5
The only way to describe this interaction was nothing short of precious. Thalia didn't know how to properly express this without sounding condescending to Nax, so she merely hummed.
"I see. Well in that case, how about I strike you a deal, oh so splendid Captain Nax of Moonveil Forest." Thalia's tone dipped into something kinder, a miniscule lilt of mischief in her voice. She was allowed to have some fun, right? "How about you guide me through this forest, and I will make you a little snack before I leave for Eclipse City, hm? They make delicious pastries over there. I could even show you how to effectively make more if you'd like. That way, the riches you get will never run out."
Thalia wasn't any masterful baker, but the things she did know how to make were nothing to shrug at. Her mother used to bake pies for her and her brother to come home to. She stopped that line of thinking almost instantaneously, not wanting to sour her mood all over again. "Whatever you decide, I will be in the village for a night. If you'd like, I could leave you something to eat now, as a peace offering."
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Post by Nax on Apr 30, 2023 13:24:36 GMT -5
Nax was skeptical - guide this lady through the forest? Toward Eclipse City? But Nax had always been told to be wary of strange humanfolk before they lost their parents. Humanfolk could be sneaky, shifty creatures that told you one thing with honey-sweet words and did something completely opposite. In most cases, things that were bad for a Kobold's wellbeing. And Nax hadn't yet been much further than the outskirts of Moonveil forest. Sure, they knew many of the waterways and walking paths here - had become very familiar with most of them even. But they had not as of yet plucked up the courage to venture past the part of the forest they knew. Still, there was a small spark of curiosity that poked out at the excuse to maybe see more...
And pastries! The lady offered pastries! Nax almost salivated at the thought of treating themselves tonight with a sugary sweet delicious dessert! And even better! she said she would teach Nax how to make the curious delicacy of the pastry! Nax could just imagine having pastries every night, piles and piles of pastries all to themselves! How this woman knew about Nax's love of pastries they would never know, but it didn't matter! This prize was worth more than just a random ambush - Nax had hit the jackpot!
Nax realized that they had been daydreaming and shook themselves out of their reverie, using their non-sword hand to wipe away the bit of drool from their mouth as nonchalantly as possible. If they looked too eager, the lady might make a fool out of them. Nax was no fool! They must play the hard-to-get card in order to keep this lady invested in their deal!
Nax gave a sing-song kind of hum, trying to look dismissive at the lady's offer. "Well, I suppose this offer could appease me for now. I guide you out of the forest towards Eclipse City and you offer me the secrets of pastry-making. Plus a peace offering now. Yes, this will suffice. I shall take your offer and spare your life for today."
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Post by Thalia Fellstar on May 1, 2023 0:28:24 GMT -5
Thalia was absolutely delighted. She had half a mind to leave the kobold alone entirely, but then she thought about it; her trip to Eclipse City wouldn’t be any better with or without a companion. The fact of the matter was that she was still going to go see her parents, even for a stupid reason such as picking up some old things to make her move out feel more permanent. At the end of the day, she knew where she was going, so why not have someone help her find a shortcut? Besides, Nax seemed like a sweetheart, even if they thought themself ferocious.
Thalia dipped her hand into her bag, rustling around in its contents until she found the small packaged cream puff, still wrapped and completely intact. Granted, when Talia had got this pastry it was warmer, but she had tried one the other day and it tasted about the same. Kindly, Thalia crouched down and held out her palm with the pastry unwrapped.
“Perfect, then here's one to get you started. I didn't make this one, but I think that my sweets are much, much tastier.” Thalia said, and she tilted her head like she was winking. Her face was nicer now, back to her broad, natural smile now that she knew that this interaction wouldn't go sour.
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Post by Nax on May 1, 2023 16:09:42 GMT -5
Nax's eyes dilated at the sight of the cream puff and the delicious smell wafting from it. Without thinking about it, Nax instantly darted forward, dropping their wooden sword with a dull thud, and swiped the cream puff from the elf lady's hand. Another instant and it was already in their mouth. The sweet, sugary cream burst enjoyable in their mouth, combining beautifully with the soft texture of the pastry itself. Their mouth was filled with joy and pleasure in the form of baked perfection! They smiled in pure satisfaction as the cream slid down their throat.
And in a few mere moments it was over. Nax looked down at their empty hands, only now seeming to realize that the pastry was already devoured. But they had planned to have it tonight! Slight disappointment replaced the overpowering joy they had felt only seconds before. They licked at their lips, trying to find even a small crumb left behind by their blind gluttony.
Nax looked back up at the elven lady and seemed to remember their circumstance. They took a step back and cleared their throat, trying to put back on their air of indifference. "Yes, well. I thank you for your offering. Then I shall keep my end of the bargain and meet you in the morning on the outskirts of the village?" They spied their sword laying abandoned on the dusty road and Nax quickly picked it up and sheathed it, trying to pretend it never happened.
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Post by Thalia Fellstar on May 2, 2023 13:10:05 GMT -5
Thalia watched the small kobold scarf down the cream puff with a wistful smile. It took barely any time at all for Nax to finish the treat, as she expected. At their agreement, Thalia hummed and stood upright again, looking up at the sky and trying to gauge the time through the canopies of trees. It would very soon be evening, possibly within the next four hours or so.
“Of course, until then I suppose, Captain Nax of the Moonveil Forest. I shall be awaiting you in the morning.” Thalia then bowed exaggeratedly, lifting an arm and crossing it over her chest as she dipped her head theatrically. She figured playing along would be fun, besides the kobold was completely harmless. Their entire demeanor almost seemed to relax after receiving a sweet treat, though there is still that air of mistrust to their eyes. She didn't mind though; it made sense and it let Thalia know that at least most of Nax’s survival instincts hadn't completely been thrown to the wind because of sugar.
Thalia went to turn around, but then paused as she realized she hadn't introduced herself. “My deepest apologies, I forgot to give my name. My name here and everywhere else is Thalia Fellstar. Nothing more nothing less.”
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Post by Nax on May 2, 2023 14:48:52 GMT -5
Nax, now caught up in the chivalry of the moment, mimicked Thalia's bow - sweeping their hat off of their head with a flourish and bending low at the waist. "Nice to meet you Thalia! Nax will fetch you bright and early tomorrow!" They watched as Thalia continued down the road, their humming echoing on the wind and through the trees. Nax held their hat in both hands still, one ear twitching agitatedly and their tail swishing every so slightly until the elven lady had almost disappeared from view.
Then quick as lightning Nax darted back to their ship, still tied off to the side of the river. They hopped aboard and with practiced precision started unloosing and tying ropes here and there, the sail unfurling on the mast and catching the wind. Nax shot up the rigging to tie off a few more strings before crawling back down to the helm as the boat started cruising easily down the river, following the direction of the lady.
They had said goodbye to the lady - but the lady wouldn't know that Nax also lived by the village! Nax was intrigued by this foreigner they had never seen before. Why were they here? What were they going to Eclipse City for? How did she learn to make pastries? All of the important questions. Nax could tie off the boat at home and sneak into the village to spy on Thalia - maybe even learn more about her! She would never be able to spot Nax while they were in their super secret hide mode! They were certain of this! After all - all of the villagers would somehow look away when Nax was sneaking around the village here and there. Almost as if their eyes were magically forced away from Nax's presence!
Nax had a gift, they supposed.
They got to their regular mooring point in the river - a little secret inlet with lower-hanging branches on the trees and tall water grasses to conceal the boat's presence. Nax deftly took down the sails and maneuvered the boat until it was in position, throwing out the anchor. The sun was beginning to set now and Nax figured they had some time to grab a quick dinner before slinking into perimeters of the village to watch for Thalia.
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Post by Thalia Fellstar on May 5, 2023 0:13:47 GMT -5
The rest of the day passed rather slowly for Thalia, walking into Moonveil Village and humming. Her guard had picked back up as she walked away from Nax, her mind on where she would be going. Thalia had almost felt bad for roping Nax into it, as mere entertainment or not. She doubted she would be all that enjoyable to interact with, the thought of seeing her father's stupid smirk as she forks over the money to him almost enraging her. Thalia couldn't let it her influence her though, shutting her eyes and taking a swig of mead from her gourd as she watched the sun set that evening.
The next morning creeped up on Thalia, like a horrid, bright ball of light had forcefully peeled her eyelids back and forced her to greet the day. (Well, that was literally what it was.) Groaning, Thalia gathered her unpacked things, remembering to refill her gourd at the nearby tavern before leaving. She yawned, rolling her shoulders back and contemplating.
"Ah, right. The kobold..." Thalia reminded herself, rubbing the bridge of her nose as she refocused on the task at hand.
She oddly felt bad at the idea of leaving them alone without a word, and after deep contemplation, Thalia walked over to a wall, withdrawing a piece of charcoal, whittled down and broken due to use. She whistled to herself a random tune as she took out her journal, writing a reminder to herself to find a place to bake once they looked close enough to the finish. Thalia then began to walk, wondering if the kobold would still be there.
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Post by Nax on May 6, 2023 10:07:05 GMT -5
Nax would never admit it outright - but humanfolk watching was one of their favorite evening pastimes. They had such weird customs that it was fascinating to watch them come together, converse, play, celebrate, and whatever else. They had hoped that Thalia would be just as interesting to watch as the other folks - considering she was new and different. However, the other humanfolk barely paid her any mind, and Thalia herself did not seem as open as she did talking to Nax. Each conversation was short and to the point, each interaction taking only as long as needed. The tall elf-lady spent some time watching the sun set. This intrigued Nax - since they also found some solitude watching the setting sun on some quiet evenings. But other than that, Thalia's visit was more like a passing breeze on a field of wheat - barely felt and disturbing nothing.
Nax spent much of the night pondering this. The woman had been so full of life and mirth when she had talked to Nax. Her smile was bright and her eyes gleamed with a mischief Nax admired. But why was her demeanor so different walking through the village? They did not know enough to say, but the question kept them up until late.
Maybe it was because Thalia found Nax attractive??
Nax blushed to themselves. No, no, no! Thalia could be toying with Nax - and Nax had promised themselves to the sea! And being a pirate! A pirate had no time for relationships! Relationships got in the way of adventure! And they were determined to get out there someday! These thoughts swirled around their head, along with dreams of cream puffs, until sleep overtook them.
They woke up as dawn started to crack - like most days. Excitement filled Nax's soul as they thought about their adventure today - and a little bit of trepidation. But Nax would not let their feelings hold them back! And a good morning first started with a good routine! They got up and had a light breakfast before grabbing their essentials. Nax usually practiced their swordsmanship outside of their cave in the mornings - to keep their fighting prowess in top shape! But they didn't want to miss Thalia in case she got up early and forgot about them! So, Nax decided to pack the ship really quick and then practice with their sword in the middle of the road out! That way, even if Nax got lost in their amazing skills, Thalia would probably seem them - maybe even become enamored with how well they practiced with the sword! Nax set up shop about a half mile down the road from the village, right in the middle of the trodden path, and started with their usual morning warm-ups, practicing as the sun continued to climb into the sky.
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Post by Thalia Fellstar on May 6, 2023 18:12:35 GMT -5
Thalia didn't have to look too hard to find Nax, as a few of the villagers had been busy whispering about the kobold practicing their skills in the middle of town. Ah, so they were aware of Nax keeping up residence nearby. She passed by a pair of older human women, hearing them giggle and titter about them swinging their sword. Thalia wondered how often they did that, wondering if Nax knew how the villagers thought of them.
Thalia smirked to herself, wistful. It wasn't likely, Nax seemed far too confident for someone who wasn't taken seriously (aka humored for entertainment purposes). She hummed to herself, following the road and turning to the right, finding herself ten feet away from the kobold. Tilting her head in brief confusion, Thalia watched Nax flail and swing their sword. Her eyes watched the movements in pure silence, content in just watching. It wasn't quite exemplary sword work, but it was still interesting to watch. She genuinely couldn't care less if Nax were a trained samurai, she was still smiling. This would be fun.
Finally though, Thalia cleared her throat loudly, her grin of mischief still stretching across her cheeks. "Am I interrupting something? Should I come back later?"
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Post by Nax on May 8, 2023 5:16:04 GMT -5
Nax had gotten much more engrossed in their sword practice than they had expected. The world had seemed to just fade away, all the cares and worries of the day in the back of their mind as they experimented and moved around - completely oblivious to their surroundings. It wasn't until Thalia spoke up that Nax was forcibly shaken out of their mental state. In fact, they jumped so hard that they accidentally dropped their sword! Nax quickly snatched it up again, a touch of a blush on their cheeks, and turned with a forced nonchalance, pretending that Thalia's "sudden" appearance hadn't actually startled them. Though their ears and tail still twitched agitatedly from embarrassment.
"Ah! Good morning! No no, you weren't interrupting, I was merely perfecting my skills with the sword as I waited for you. Impressive, yes? I happen to be the best swordsman in these here parts, so you needn't worry about your safety on this journey."
Nax, in their estimation, wasn't lying in this fact - they'd never seen any of the humanfolk in this village wielding a sword - other than small children playing pretend, and Nax was pretty sure they could beat them any day of the week! And then there was the blacksmith, but he only made swords - he never wielded them himself. So obviously that meant he didn't know how! So, by default, Nax was the best swordsman in these parts!
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