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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on May 4, 2023 22:28:25 GMT -5
“You let a child join the Force?!” The elder elf’s fussing, even in a hushed tone, is easy to hear in the camp. Ruven, the drake rider that escorted Astrid and Gerhart through their first encounter with the Remorhaz and allowed them into the guild, is currently on the receiving end of a particularly angry old man’s ranting. “She was fine,” Ruven says, holding his hands up. Bits of metal armor clink together with his movements. “In fact, she did some magic that made our fight against the Remorhaz pretty easy. Besides, I heard she already fought a few of the trolls wit–”“Who let her fight NIGHTCALLER TROLLS?!” the old man hisses. His white hair whips around as his head turns to look throughout the camp. Several other WEF members clear the area to avoid his ire. Except for Astrid, who can hear everything and is pretending not to notice the rampage across the camp. This kind of thing isn’t unusual, but she’s been here for several days and most people have accepted that she’s here to stay and has made her own impact on setting up for the Troll King hunt. Except for this guy, apparently. Ruven sighs. “Look, I get why you’re concerned, but the kid’s fine, I swear.”“Absolutely not. Her death will not be on my conscience.” The older elf shoves a piece of parchment into Ruven’s hands. “We still need more allies. Send her to collect them if she’s so capable.” Then he storms off. Taking the paper, Ruven looks at it, and his expression is pained. He looks over at Astrid who just so happens to be looking in his direction. Their eyes meet, avert, then meet again. Alright, let’s get this over with. “Heeeeyyyy, Astrid,” Ruven says in the most friendly tone he can muster. “Hey Mister Ruven,” she says, less than enthused. “Don’t worry, I heard alla that.”“Yeah, sorry about that,” he says, rubbing his head awkwardly. “He’s not wrong though, we do need more allies, so we’re thinking some folks from the guilds in Charon could be really helpful.” Astrid perks up a little bit. “I’m in a couple of ‘em,” she says. “That’ll be easy enough!”“Somehow I’m not surprised,” Ruven laughs. “Looks like we have some communications sent out for the Mage’s Guild and Golden Consortium. Are you familiar with anyone in the Fighter’s Guild?”Astrid’s stomach drops. Aw crap.
Since the earthquakes started happening across Charon, Astrid hasn’t really been to Darkveil proper except to drop by Cyran’s orphanage, which was in good enough condition. She didn’t think to bother Zarius much at the time, mostly because she was pretty busy. But now, Zarius is about the only person she knows that she can find in the Fighter’s Guild easily since Gerhart had already gone off to do some other work and disappeared from the Arid Mesa. Upon approaching the Rookery, however, Astrid finds the place crumbled to ruin. Charles pipes up, completely unhelpfully. “Mistress Astrid, report: The Rookery is in shambles. Analysis: Civilian Zarius must be located somewhere else.”Ah crappity crap crap.
Bringing pets: Spicy Pawsage Charles (does not count for NPC cap) (probably the little pixie, haven’t decided) Quest Name: Allied Forces Participants: Exactly two (you and one other, the other does not need to be interested in the guild) Location: Indicated by Hunt Dossier Post Requirements: 5 post per person, 200 words per post Reward: Quest Completion Description: Your previous efforts have awakened a response from the creatures, your base has been ambushed in the dead of night, have you prepared your fortifications properly? With your camp reeling from the attack, guild leaders have realized this hunt may be more than they are prepared for, and assistance is being requested. We need you to reach out to a member of another guild (Fighter's Guild, Mage's Guild or the Golden Consortium) and help convince them to lend a member to assist in the hunt. This can be done through letters, messengers or approaching one yourself. Make a convincing plea for assistance, as we will need all the help we can get.
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on May 7, 2023 14:10:58 GMT -5
The damage from the earthquake that struck Darkveil City is extensive. Many surrounding buildings are fully collapsed or left in such a precarious state that they are not structurally safe for anyone to enter. The Dancer's Den managed to sustain minimal damage, while the Rookery was not so fortunate.
The iconic clocked tower has sunk down a full story, having its foundation collapse and the tunnels beneath it fail to survive the tremors. The various additions to the structure survived a bit better, but there's clearly gaps and holes in the roofs and walls which have left the interior exposed to the elements and any opportunistic thieves. The lounge itself looks like it crumpled inward, the large support beams which held the roof having broken in on themselves.
There is evidence that clean up efforts have happened though. A wagon sits nearby with rubble piled up high though there are no mounts in sight to pull it. There aren't any people currently cleaning up the mess, though it does look like some of the debris was rummaged through, possibly to retrieve buried belongings and any surviving furniture.
"Hey, shortstack."
The call comes from the intact rooftop of a building across the street from the damaged lounge. Sitting on the edge of the shingled roof is an unfamiliar teenaged dark elf with lilac purple skin and black hair streaked with white. She's munching on what looks like some sort of jerky while her feet dangle over the edge.
"Don't get any ideas about rummaging around in there. Food and valuable stuff has already been moved."
The girl doesn't look particularly dangerous other than the metal laced whip at her hip and the pair of fighting knives strapped to the outsides of her tall riding boots. She's not armored and appears to be alone. Though appearances in Darkveil City can be deceiving.
The dark elf looks Astrid over casually. Weird seeing someone so young decked out in armor and carrying weapons. Even weirder seeing someone walking around with a talking tin can.
NPCs Warlord minions (3; Shael, Eirynor, Snow) Pets (2; adult drake, exotic cat)
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on May 7, 2023 14:37:11 GMT -5
As Astrid visually assesses the damage, she doesn’t need Charles to tell her the place isn’t fit for anyone to walk inside, not that there’s much of an inside left to explore anyway. She rubs her head, trying to figure out how the heck she’s going to find Zarius. The guy is pretty elusive when he wants to be, and if his business is, well, out of business, she’s not really sure where else to look.
Her finger comes up to tap on the bead in her ear[1], wondering if Zarius has something that lets him speak with people at a distance. Before she can think for too long, an unfamiliar voice says something from above. Spicy Pawsage, who had been sniffing around and sneezed at least once at the ash on the ground, turns and growls up at the stranger. Astrid turns and glances over to see who it could be. Yup, definitely unfamiliar. What’s up with Zarius finding strange kids everywhere? Or maybe she doesn’t know Zarius at all.
“I ain’t here ta rummage around through alla this,” Astrid says. “I’m lookin’ fer the owner. Do ya know ‘em or are ya a scavenger?” Her arms cross and the battle hammer on her hip clinks lightly against the metal cord connected to the end of the haft. Her war hammer is nowhere to be seen – exactly how she likes it.
Charles pipes up again. “Salutation: Greeting, unknown civilian.” His red eyes focus on Shael for a moment then he turns to Astrid. “Mistress Astrid, report: unknown civilian is equipped with weaponry. Analysis: Caution is advised.”
“Yeah, yeah, thanks, Charles,” Astrid murmurs.
1. Red Rogue’s Hood
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on May 7, 2023 15:07:20 GMT -5
Shael's eyes wander down to Spicy Pawsage and she tears off a piece of the jerky she is gnawing on before tossing it to the fiery doggo.
In response to Spicy Pawsage's growling, there's a shifting noise from up on top of the roof behind the teen. It almost sounds like metal scraping against the shingles overtop of the creaking of wood under some significant stress.
Rising up behind the dark elf is the silver scaled head of an adult storm drake. A layer of ash drifts off the large creature's back as it swings its head around to look down at Spicy Pawsage and Astrid. Its nostrils flare and there's just the slightest scent of ozone in the air, barely cutting through the lingering odor of smoke carried on the winds from Mount Drakolt.
It's a familiar smell to Astrid, and not only from her adventurers on the volcano's slopes.
The girl leans back and scratches at the underside of the massive dragon-like creature's jaw. It purrs almost like a cat, though the rumbling in its throat is much deeper and most like the distant rumbling of a far off thunderstorm.
"Easy, girl, you don't need the calories."
She pulls up one of her legs, propping her foot on the edge of the eaves and then resting an arm on her knee.
"Yeah, I know him. What business do you have with that jerk?"
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on May 7, 2023 15:21:31 GMT -5
Astrid watches Shael toss a piece of jerky to Spicy Pawsage, and while the hell hound sniffs at it, he waits until Astrid goes over, picks it up, checks it, then offers it to the hound. He snaps it up and gnaws on it. The half-dwarf pats his head then looks at Shael and the now looming drake behind her.
“I like yer drake,” Astrid says in a friendly enough tone. Not that this girl deserves it considering she’s not being the friendliest, but if she knows Zarius, then Astrid can play nice. “Can’t say any of us would be all that tasty. Definitely crunchy though.”
Turning to look back at the crumbled Rookery, Astrid looks over the situation for a moment before looking at Shael again. “Do ya know where he is? I’ve got somethin’ ta talk ta him about,” she says vaguely enough. “How do ya know Zarius? Ya don’t look related or nothin’.” Granted, Astrid doesn’t really know that much about Zarius. He tends to be pretty vague about details of his personal life, and Astrid hasn’t really been the type to ask because everyone has things they don’t like to talk about, herself included. Given Shael’s attitude, it’s hard to tell if she’s an enemy or just an irritable acquaintance.
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on May 7, 2023 15:51:45 GMT -5
"I like your dog," Shael returns the sentiment.
She eyes Astrid again, getting an off feeling about her. Like this girl has been through some shit. The elf could probably relate, life hasn't exactly been a cake walk so far and elves have so much more time to meander through. Unless they get offed early of course. Wouldn't be unheard of.
"Nope, apparently I'm not allowed to know. He says it's 'for my own safety'," she answers, mocking Zarius' accent as she parrots his words.
She gets up and teeters on the edge of the roof, tucking her hands into her pockets as she makes her way over to the corner of the building where there's a broken wall she can use to get down safely. The large silver scaled drake rises as well, carefully moving to loom over the street in a protective manner and extending out its large leathery wings to give them some cover from the falling ash.
Shael saunters up to Astrid. "The asshole and his creepy pale buddy screwed me over. Got me in some deep trouble so now I'm stuck with them. Drakes are expensive to support."
There's a moment pause before she continues. "I don't know how you know that guy, but you're probably better off not getting tangled up in his crap. There's some shady shit going on and from what I gather he's got lots of folk who wouldn't mind seeing him six feet under if you know what I mean."
It's an earnest warning from one young person to another.
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on May 7, 2023 16:03:54 GMT -5
“Thanks,” Astrid says. “His name is Spicy Pawsage. He was a gift from me gramps, who… I don’t think Zarius likes all that much.” She shrugs. Whatever Zarius and Bellighul have against each other– and it seems like it’s a pretty deep-seated rivalry –is nothing she’s particularly worried about. They don’t use her against one another… usually. Moreover, she’s the one using Bellighul against Zarius from time to time.
She looks up at the large silver drake, reminded of a fully grown Nimbus in the dimension where they fought Ziev and everyone felt quite out of place in time. “What’s yer drake’s name?” Astrid asks.
Shael not knowing where Zarius is doesn’t particularly help the half-dwarf, but she’s not being aggressive, so Astrid isn’t particularly worried about the unexpected encounter. Finding the Rookery completely demolished was pretty unexpected too. Besides, she hasn’t had many issues making friends lately. All the weirdos who like to adventure don’t pass a lot of judgment on one another, luckily. Though, the mention of Zarius’ “creepy, pale buddy” throws Astrid off guard. She can’t think of any time she’s seen someone particularly pale hanging out with Zarius. Maybe he’s made a new friend?
“Aye… tryna feed yerself is expensive enough,” Astrid says with a note of caution, trying to puzzle out who Shael might be referring to. “I’d know that well enough. Mister Zarius helped me off the streets a while back. Aye, he’s a bit shady, but lotsa folks have stuff ta hide fer one reason or another.” Gods, how long has it been since she last spoke to Zarius? It was back when they ran into each other in Dragon’s Cradle. That was some time ago.
“Well, if ya don’t know where I can find him, I s’pose I’ll ask around.”
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on May 7, 2023 16:26:10 GMT -5
"Spicy Pawsage?"
Shael isn't one to gush about cute things, but that name gets to her a bit. It's a fucking cute name, dammit, and her 'trying too hard to be cool' and 'vaguely intimidating' facade cracks. Though only for a moment before she continues with comment laced with sarcasm.
"I can't imagine why, he's just such a swell guy."
The storm drake is a pretty impressive creature. Not nearly as big as a true dragon, but still well larger than a horse. Now that it is not hidden behind the roofline, Astrid can make out a leather harness with something similar to a saddle with a few pouches on the creature's back. There's no bridle or anything adorning the head and instead just a broad band that goes across the scale plated chest.
"Her name's Indra. And I'm Shael, by the way."
She listens to Astrid's words and then sighs exasperated.
"Ah, it's already too late for you. Listen kid, people don't just give you things for nothing. Just because they haven't asked to be repaid yet doesn't mean they never will. And folk like him? You damned be sure they charge interest."
"Hold on." Shael rummages around in her pocket, pulling out a round sphere on a leather cord.[1] "Hey, bossman. There's this short blonde kid with horns and armor and a flaming dog and...a metal...person over by the Rookery. You know her?"
Astrid can't hear Zarius' answer, but judging by Shael's expression and eyeroll she must have gotten an answer.
"Yeah, she's got something real important to talk to you about or something...well, what if I want to go with her?...because I do and I think your reasons are stupid...pfft, whatever...got it."
She shoves the orb back in her pocket. "Alright, he said he's sending someone to pick us up."
[1] Talking head (reflavored)
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on May 7, 2023 16:37:58 GMT -5
A small, amused smirk crosses Astrid’s face when Shael’s facade breaks at the mention of the hell hound’s name. Sure, his name is really silly, but Astrid herself quite likes how silly it is. The small crack is all she needs to see to know that there’s an ooey gooey center of this stranger too. It’s the deflection and sarcasm that get Astrid, and she tries not to smile with more amusement.
“Nice ta meet ya, Shael. I’m Astrid.” As per her usual pleasantries, Astrid extends a hand to shake. Shael seems snarky, but she wouldn’t be the first disaffected teenager Astrid’s ever met. Regardless, she also offers Indra a bit of a wave. "Hiya Indra. Yer a real pretty girl."
Astrid’s not entirely sure what Shael means by people like Zarius charging interest. Why would he do anything for her if he wasn’t interested in her growth and development? Her head tilts with obvious confusion. Wait, charging interest… isn’t that some sort of financial term? Astrid shrugs. If Zarius wants to charge her interest for what he spent to help her off the street, she’ll find a way to pay it up – probably by bothering Bellighul or Veliky for it just because she’d find that kind of funny. After the fellblood left a dent in her buckler, though, she’s sure he won’t bring it up if he even cares.
At least Shael has some means of contacting Zarius, and Astrid watches her pull a magic crystal ball type thing out and have a conversation with what must be him. She’s seen the fellblood make use of something similar in the past – that’s how they kept in contact when they were investigating Athena’s disappearance. That line of thought makes her a bit melancholic, and she wonders if the guild has had any luck in finding her…
“So… What do ya owe Zarius?”
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on May 7, 2023 21:06:33 GMT -5
Indra tilts her head to the side, listening intently to Astrid's voice. Her throat scales vibrate with that same deep purring noise.
"I don't owe him anything," Shael retorts with a huff. "He owes me big time for screwing me over and digging the grave the Red Riders have ready for me even deeper."
She folds her arms. "His boyfriend might be a bloodsucker but that fellblood is a way bigger leech. You really shouldn't drop your guard around him. All those pretty words are just sweetened poison."
It doesn't take long for someone to approach the pair, almost as if they weren't that far away to begin with. Astrid would recognize the cloaked individual as the snow leopard catfolk who was traveling with Zarius once before. Snow waves at the pair, a friendly smile on their muzzle.
"Hello Lady Astrid, it's so good to see you again."
Shael raises he eyebrow, giving the catfolk a skeptical look. Lady? Really? Well, whatever.
"Uhm, so things are a bit...complicated right now." Snow gestures towards the wreckage of the Rookery. "But Zarius says that if it's urgent then he'll make an exception."
"Gods," Shael groans. "He's so full of shit."
Snow gives a wincing smile. "Uh...Shael...does Indra go underground?"
"Underground? She's a fucking full grown STORM DRAKE. What do you think?"
The catfolk mutters. "He said you'd say that. Well, we have to travel discreetly for safety reasons."
"Indra can be sneaky, right Indra?" Shael asks the abnormally large storm drake. The drake crouches down, making herself...flatter...ish. Shael nods approvingly. "See?"
Snow exchanges a look with Astrid. "Uhm, maybe a potion will help." The catfolk pulls a familiar vial with swirling black and purple liquid in it and hands it to Shael.[1]
"Oh great, now he has me drugging my drake."
"That's not-" Snow sighs. "Please, we cannot draw unwanted attention to where we're going."
Shael rolls her eyes, but ultimately relents and feeds the drake the tiny potion. Incredibly enough, the potion's magic even works on a creature the size of the storm drake and Indra's movements now make no noise. Snow seems satisfied enough with this small victory and smiles at Astrid again.
"Please follow me."
With that, Snow leads the group to an area where they can access the underground of Darkveil City. There are a few cloaked mercenaries standing guard, but they recognize Snow and allow the group to pass. Indra has to crawl along her belly to fit into the tunnel, but it is wide and tall enough for a wagon to pass through. The tunnels are like a labyrinth, and other than a few more guards standing watch, there are no signs of which way to go. Snow seems completely comfortable finding their way along and leads the group with confidence.
[1] Potion of Shadows
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on May 7, 2023 21:50:28 GMT -5
Since Shael likes to talk about her gripes with Zarius, Astrid just starts to open her mouth to pry when–
Wait, wait, wait, Zarius has a boyfriend???
And before she can ask for clarity on that fact, a familiar catfolk emerges. Her face is completely covered in confusion as she offers them a small wave. “Hey– wh… huh?” Wait, how do they know about the noble title?? It’s only been like… a couple of weeks!
Maybe Zarius really is involved in some shady business.
She has many questions, but they probably won’t be answered right now. “Erm, yeah, the Rookery bein’ in shambles is a bit complicated…” Astrid looks back at Snow. “I wouldn’t call it super urgent, but… Uh, nevermind, it’s okay. I ain’t seen him in a while, an’ now I got… lotsa questions.”
And as the situation unfolds before her, the number of questions Astrid has only increases. Where are they going? Why is it underground? Why is everything so secretive? Why is the passage so winding? In her pouch, her magical piece of parchment keeps notes for her on how to navigate the tunnels so she can write it down somewhere safe later. It’ll be easier to find Zarius if she doesn’t have to run into people who work for him by happenstance.
“Soooo Snow, how ya been since bein’ knocked out in an old dwarf home?” Astrid says to make small talk.
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on May 7, 2023 22:17:17 GMT -5
Snow laughs and rubs the back of their head out of embarrassment. "I've been fine. I'm sorry I was a liability during that mission. I don't know what came over me."
"What happened? Got hopped up on catnip?" Shael asks.
"No! No, nothing like that. I was under some sort of spell I think, I wasn't in control of my actions."
"Mmmhmmm, likely story."
They eventually come to a set of heavy reinforced doors with five goons posted up at it. Most of them have their faces mostly obscured, hoods up, and wield heavy crossbows, though one does have their hood down and instead has a silver rapier at their side. The one with the hood down is a a particularly tall half-elf which Astrid would vaguely recognize as Eirynor, the mute bartender of the Rookery.
Eirynor nods at the group and knocks on the door which creaks open after a series of heavy thuds. The group then enters a more open space that is bustling with activity. It's like an underground warehouse with folks moving crates and barrels around while also taking inventory of what goes where.
Overlooking the whole operation is a stone platform with a staircase leading up to it. It's up there where Astrid sees the familiar charcoal skinned fellblood currently leaning over a table and pointing out something on its surface while talking with a few other cloaked figures.
His sister, Eameia, stands back from the table with her chin resting in her hand, one arm folded under her chest as she seems to be listening or deep in thought.
Indra stands up and stretches in the larger space which does garner some suspicious and cautious looks, but no one confronts the group and just goes back to their tasks.
Zarius looks up from the table and then peers over and down at Astrid, Shael, Eirynor, and Snow. He gives a wave then make gives the figures some final instructions before he descends the stairs with Eameia hot on his heels. The pair of fellbloods meet the group as they cross the space.
"Good to see you, Lady Stormstone." Zairus gives Astrid a bow out of respect then folds his hands behind his back. "I was not expecting you to seek me out..." He seems to consider adding something to that thought but then just smiles. "It is good to see you again. And you Charles and Spicy Pawsage."
Shael just looks even more confused. "Wait, the Lady thing is legit?"
"Yes," Zarius replies.
The young dark elf just looks bowled over by that jolt of reality.
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on May 7, 2023 22:45:28 GMT -5
Seeing the sheer scale of the kinds of operations Zarius seems to run, it very quickly becomes apparent to Astrid that she severely underestimated several things about Zarius. Their encounters in the past have always been brief, rarely lasting more than a day if they even last that long. She doesn't really know much about the guy, does she?
Hearing Zarius refer to her by her title rubs her in some type of direction, and her expression flattens. "Mister Zarius, ya helped drag me off the streets, ya don't hafta call me Lady. I'm just Astrid. The title thin' is…weird." Nevermind how he got the information – clearly, he's running a large operation and has more connections than she expected. Still, how the heck did she get swept off the streets by a CEO, whatever the heck kinda rich boy Zarius is, and a broke minstrel that would eventually adopt her?
Happenstance is weird.
Her eyes, of course, dart around to look for this supposed boyfriend of his. Don't test his patience out in the open, he'll break ya in half. She meets Eameia's gaze and offers a wave, having only briefly met her at the Rookery some time ago.
Charles scans the group but only addresses Zarius directly. "Salutation: Greetings, Civilian Zarius et al. This unit hopes that it finds you well. Report: The Rookery has taken significant structural damage. Analysis: Repairs should be made immediately as the building is not fit for habitation and poses immediate danger to health and safety of living creatures."
"Yeah, thanks, Charles, I'm sure they know that," Astrid says with a sigh, rubbing her face.
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on May 8, 2023 22:45:31 GMT -5
The fellblood tilts his head a bit at Astrid's apparent discomfort with the title she has had bestowed on her. "It is recognition of your accomplishments," he points out. "But it is fine to feel weird about it too. A title like that can change your relationship with others, even if you are still the same person you were before. You do not have to let it define you. Instead, use your actions to give it the meaning you want it to have."
He pauses and his expression softens. He wouldn't deny that he had a bit of a soft spot for the young half-blood after their various interactions, regardless of how brief they were.
"That said, if Miss Astrid is preferable, that is what I shall call you."
Then he looks down at Charles. He has some mixed feelings about the construct being here. Charles clearly is one of the creations Veliky's team of nerdy tinkerers have put together, and he's hardly forgotten that Veliky said that none of them would trust him and who knows what other kinds of tricks she has hidden in between the gears and cogs. Veliky wasn't a fan of his work and seemed to think quite poorly of him. If the construct reported sensitive information, Veliky could quickly go from merely tolerable to an actual threat.
Astrid however, seems more annoyed with the automaton, so perhaps she would be more open to ditching it here while they go somewhere more private to speak.
"Thank you, Charles. We are working on it. Unfortunately, supplies lines have been troublesome to secure. I am certain you heard of Capitol Landing reaching out to Count Thada of Dragon's Cradle for assistance after all those earthquakes. Zeinav hasn't done the same. The Sultan is too damn proud to ask for any help."
There's a bitter tone as he speaks of Zeinav's leader. Their last interaction was...about as good as it could have been, but the man still put the fellblood on edge with his threats against Darkveil and it's more morally grey denizens.
He sighs and looks about the warehouse. "It is loud in here, however I am afraid that Charles and Spicy Pawsage cannot go any further." He turns his attention from Astrid to Shael, Eirynor, and Snow. "Would the three of you oversee the work here and keep an eye on Miss Astrid's pet and Charles for her? There are some tight deadlines to meet."
"Wha- hell no! I didn't come down here to do more work!" Shael protests.
"I doubt Indra would appreciate going into an even smaller tunnel. And you do not trust me or my people enough to leave her alone for a few hours," Zarius states matter of factly.
The dark elf scowls then huffs and crosses her arms. "Fine. But I am not moving crates."
He shrugs. "That is fine."
Eirynor rolls his eyes while Snow just looks uncomfortable. Eameia shoos them off and gets a few other folk to fill them in on what needs to get done before she returns to Astrid and Zarius.
The siblings exchange a knowing nod before heading over to a heavy reinforced metal door. Zarius looks back at Astrid. "Are you coming?"
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on May 9, 2023 20:42:20 GMT -5
It isn’t that Astrid is totally uncomfortable with the title that she earned, it’s just that it’s still pretty new and also not anything she ever would have imagined herself getting – at least, not as a literal child. The last year has been pretty strange. Even still, Zarius’ words resonate with her and remind her of something similar Leandros said even before she got it. Knights and nobles can use their titles to do something meaningful, and that’s what Astrid feels strongly about.
So she gives Zarius a small nod. “Aye, the familiarity feels nice,” she says. “It ain’t even been a year since we met. Lots of stuff changed real fast. Still just gotta adjust to it all.”
Astrid is well aware of Capitol Landing reaching out to Dragon’s Cradle for assistance with supplies and security. Only recently, she and Blue helped escort the requested supplies from inland to the port to be delivered. She certainly feels a bit strange about that request from the crown, especially given her interactions with…almost everyone in Sol City haven’t been pleasant to say the least. That’s part of why she decided to come to Darkveil instead of sailing to Capitol Landing to find someone from the guild.
She considers, though, that part of why Dragon’s Cradle has been doing so well is because of the uninteresting escort missions that she and Blue have diligently been doing. They have the time and energy to spare, and by the look of it, Zarius probably doesn’t. Maybe she could help with that sometime, especially since the earthquakes have taken a particularly devastating toll on the Ash Lands.
It’s a bit interesting to her that her companions can’t join them, but this isn’t largely unusual. The hell hound and BlixtbotTM tend to put people off. She thought Zarius might be different, but he’s also being somewhat vague and mysterious. “That’s alright, Spicy’s real good at keepin’ an eye on Charles,” Astrid says with a small smile.
Charles’ head tilts robotically, and his glowing red eyes seem to focus on Astrid. All in all, the bot looks somewhat curious. “Mistress Astrid, report: This unit does not appear to be in any danger. Analysis: Companion Spicy Pawsage should not need to stand guard.”
“Ya can stay outta the way over there,” she says, motioning to a clear area off to the side. “Stay outta trouble, botha ya.” With that, Astrid ruffles Spicy’s ears and looks at Zarius before following him to the big heavy door.
“Where exactly are we goin’?” she asks. “Ya don’t got an office or somethin’ in the big warehouse?”
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