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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on May 13, 2023 22:07:40 GMT -5
Zarius chuckles. “I will say, you certainly have exceeded expectations.”
He claps a hand on Astrid’s shoulder in a friendly way. “You should be proud of how far you have come. I am certain Cantio and Mister Wolfe would say the same.”
They leave the construct and flaming doggo behind as the heavy reinforced door opens with a wave of Eameia’s hand. They step beyond the heavy reinforced door into a dimly lit corridor.
“There is, however, I would prefer to go somewhere more comfortable and where we are less likely to be interrupted,” he explains.
The door closes behind them, the sound of several locks clicking into place echoes off the stone walls, floor, and ceiling.
The two fellbloods escort Astrid down the corridor. It’s strange, there’s almost a swaying to the walls and Astrid could swear that she sees glimpses of other passageways that disappear upon a second glance. The group eventually comes to another metal door which opens up into a landing at the foot of a staircase. They then climb the staircase and come to another magically locked door and step into what is a very different space. The door closes behind them and Astrid has a moment to take in the new surroundings.
The room looks like the back foyer to a very fancy home with ornate pictures frames hanging on the walls, vases with fresh local flowers sitting atop side tables lining the halls, and dark polished wooden floors that almost shine like obsidian glass.
Zarius leads Astrid down a long hallway, the sound of his footfalls muffled by the incredibly long red runner that stretches down the length of the hall. Eventually, he stops at a door and turns the curved brass handle revealing a parlor with a lit fireplace surrounded by a few plush chairs and a couch.
“Make yourself at home,” the fellblood motions for Astrid to enter the room. “Do you want anything to eat or drink while we talk?”
Eameia glances to her side as she moves to let Astrid past her but the young half-dwarf would catch that she seems to make a subtle shooing motion to something unseen in the hall.
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on May 15, 2023 20:13:26 GMT -5
“Ta be fair, there weren’t a whole lotta expectations of me ta begin with, I think,” Astrid jokes. “Hard ta expect anythin’ of a street kid.” It is a bit strange to see the stark difference in her life since meeting Zarius and the others, and she feels like Zarius telling her that she should be proud of herself is his indirect way of saying that he’s proud of her in some aloof way. So she gives Zarius a smile. “Thanks, Mister Zarius.”
It sure is a good thing Astrid not only trusts Zarius but trusts herself to bust out of most bad situations because the dark corridor would surely be spooky to anyone who doesn’t trust him. The way the locks echo especially sells the dungeonesque vibe of the hall. While they walk, she makes some small talk with Eameia, who she’s only had a brief interaction with in the past.
“Um, I s’pose I didn’t real properly meet ya before, Miss,” she says only somewhat awkwardly. In actuality, she doesn’t have an exact idea of who Eameia is at all. The woman looks enough like Zarius that Astrid is sure they’re family, but the relationship is the thing she isn’t sure of. It’s easier to focus on that than the seemingly warping walls around her.
When they enter the new space, Astrid is completely taken aback. No longer are the vibes spooky, but instead… lavish and inviting? What? And then they go down another hall into a sitting room with a warm hearth. Astrid is not very practiced at hiding her expressions. She doesn’t often find it necessary. She does not hide her expression – it’s obvious she’s completely baffled at the transition. Here she thought her house was too nice for comfort, but Cantio’s made the mansion really homey. Instead, Zarius’ place looks… Well, kind of like Cantio’s parents’ place or even like…
“This place reminds me of grandpa Bellighul’s house,” she murmurs absentmindedly as she looks around. “Just less… spooky?” It completely slips her mind that there’s some rivalry between Zarius and her disappeared grandpa when she makes the comment. It’s been a while since anyone’s heard from Bellighul.
What Zarius probably does not want is for Astrid to make herself at home, and she gives him a bit of a snarky smirk when he offers it. “Nah, I won’t get too comfy. I ain’t here ta make a mess,” she says, though she plops down roughly in one of the overly plush chairs. “I’m always hungry, ya know, so if yer alright with me eatin’ out of house an’ home, I’ll take ya up on it.”
Astrid does another look around the room. “I didn’t realize ya were a snobby rich guy,” Astrid jokes again. “I don’t feel so bad gettin’ a few handouts from ya when we met now.”
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on May 16, 2023 13:48:12 GMT -5
Zarius returns the smile. While he might have not said it outright, if Astrid asked he would admit that she has impressed him. The girl was nothing if not tenacious and she certainly would not have been able to make it as far as she has without the personal drive. Opportunity is important, but it can only carry someone so far without the individual effort to pursue greater things. Everyone in Astrid’s life may have provided her a foundation, but she is the one who has built upon it to shape her own future.
Eameia is plenty friendly. “My apologies, Miss Astrid, my name is Eameia and I am Zarius’ sister. I have heard stories of your adventures with my brother. You have my thanks for watching his back.”
The female fellblood converses with Astrid as they walk, keeping to pleasant conversation until they come into the more furnished spaces.
Zarius’ ear twitches at the mention of his immortal enemy, but he doesn’t draw any attention to it. It was probably because Bellighul kept insisting that he was of higher social status and class than Zarius that their rivalry has continued to thrive despite them having not run into one another in quite some time. It was a matter of pride. Oh and the fact that Bellighul never apologized for trying to kill him unprompted when they first met might still be a sore spot for the fellblood.
He nods in response to Astrid's acceptance of his offer. “Of course. I do not anticipate us running out of any food anytime soon.”
Eameia makes a few gestures to the empty corner next to the door with her hands which Astrid would recognize as sign language requesting for some food and drink to be brought to the room. The door opens and closes on its own as if someone unseen just passed through it. The female fellblood then takes a seat, smoothing out the skirt of her dress and coiling her tail beneath her feet.
“This wealth is not my own, but I will admit I grew up with plenty of silver spoons. I also hope I do not come off as snobby. Wealth unearned hardly feels like something to act entitled about.” He sits down across from Astrid. “And you should not feel bad at all. It was something I decided to do of my own volition.”
He takes note of Astrid's gear, its condition, the nicks and scratches from combat, the dirt stains that refuse to come out no matter how well Cantio tries to scrub it, the everyday wear and tear of travel. Rather than looking scrappy, Astrid now looks more weathered than anything. A testament to the harshness of an adventurer's life. Yet she still has plenty of energy and fight left in her. It's reassuring that their encouragement of her behavior has not led her down darker roads yet.
“Anyway, it is good to see you. I had intended to reach out to you myself, but things have been fairly chaotic recently." His sharp amber stare softens ever so slightly. "How are you doing these days?”
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on May 20, 2023 20:23:50 GMT -5
“‘Course, miss,” Astrid says with a smile toward the female fellblood. “It’s the least I can do after he’s been real nice ta me.” Eameia is the perfect person to ask about any embarrassing stories about Zarius, but there’s no way Astrid is going to do that with Zarius right here, so the conversation stays basic while they walk.
Being comfortable enough not to anticipate a food shortage must be pretty nice, Astrid thinks. Though there are no ill intentions in her thinking that, it is something that comes into her mind from time to time. It’s a big load off not having to worry about where or when her next meal will be, and while she still has the ravenous appetite of a kid who burns a lot of energy, she doesn’t quite threaten to eat people out of house and home as much as she did in the early days of her adventuring. (At least… not all at once.)
Noticing Eameia using sign language, Astrid can’t help her attention drifting curiously to see, and there’s confusion on her brow when the door opens and closes. Maybe it’s someone like the Quills who likes to stay out of sight.
When Zarius speaks up again, Astrid directs her attention back to him. “Oh, I mean, yer not snobby. I was just jokin’.” The look on her face says she agrees that people shouldn’t act entitled about it, regardless of whether it was earned or not. “Dwarves ain’t much ones fer owin’ debts,” she jests. Then she winks with a grin. “Good thin’ I’m only half, huh?”
She shifts a little in her seat, bits of metal clanking together. Since last running into Zarius, she hasn’t particularly added anything new to her collection of piecemeal armor. Each bit of equipment is well loved and well used, and it’s obvious she’s made repairs as necessary, though less obviously, these repairs are made within her own home in a workshop she’s found more and more time to make use of. Without having to worry about money so much, she gets to take more time at home, which is another big change in a short time.
“Aye, I agree, thin’s have been real chaotic what with the earthquakes,” Astrid agrees, nodding. “We’ve spent a buncha time helpin’ refugees that flooded into Sky Peak. Been a lotta work, but it’s nice gettin’ ta help folks.” It isn’t like Zarius not to have some sort of stern look to him. “I’m doin’ alright,” she continues. “Lots of stuff happened since last time I saw ya. Easy ta stay busy, ya know?”
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on May 29, 2023 16:19:32 GMT -5
“You cannot pick the situation you are born into. For better or worse, we have to make do with the cards we are dealt until we can start taking the cards we need ourselves."
Astrid has clearly worked hard and leveraged every opportunity she has been given, and has even made opportunities of her own. It was impressive, and who knew how much she could accomplish if she kept up this momentum. The question was, what would happen if she hit a roadblock too big to overcome on her own? No. There was already an answer to that. She had plenty of people to lean on, and she sure was able to make friends of all shapes and sizes. Hell, she even had a righteous goodie-two shoes knight looking out for her. She would be fine.
He chuckles. “No, they certainly are not. But there is something to be said about the resilience of dwarves. Sometimes you can put a little bit of stubbornness to good use.”
Sitting back, he crosses one leg over his other knee. Keeping up formalities around Astrid was hardly needed, especially when they were inside the family home. It wasn't often he got to sit down and relax for a bit. It is a welcome change of pace, if only for a brief amount of time.
“I have no doubts…I have been trying to keep tabs on things that have been going on across Charon. Though Darkveil was hit pretty hard and, well, it has been challenging to keep up.”
Even keeping up seemed like a pipe dream at this rate. It felt like the whole world was rushing towards something. Something big. And he was exhausted from trying to not get left in the dust. It makes him wish he had his sister’s talents with magic if only to pause time long enough for him to catch his breath.
“I cannot be everywhere at once after all. Sometimes all I can do is offer support to those who need it when they ask it of me.” He smiles. “I am glad you are here and you are well. You are well, right? You were not with Mister Wolfe last time I saw him. Is there anything wrong?”
All in all, Astrid seems okay. No doubt she had already spoken with Cantio about some of the recent occurrences, but given how delicate the bard could be, it was possible that Astrid was shouldering more burdens than she should for his sake.
At least that is what he thinks could be possible. Really, he did not know much of Astrid’s home life. It was a shame but he would have to admit that she fell off his radar for a time because of how busy he has been as of late. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Veliky served him a court sentence for negligence on top of the long list of other accusations the quarterling seemed to keep on file. The thought is at least slightly amusing.
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on May 29, 2023 17:21:56 GMT -5
It’s an interesting way to put it, Astrid thinks, the way that Zarius expands on the cards analogy. She decides she likes it. It acknowledges that some folks end up in less-than-ideal situations but also that there are opportunities to improve those situations even though one never might know what card they’ll draw next.
“Aye, guess I’m glad I’ve got a bit of dwarven stubbornness,” she agrees, nodding her head. Though maybe if she had a bit less stubbornness and resilience, she might not have waited around as long. Then again, without those things, she could be dead or have never met three people she quite admires. There are trade-offs to everything, and at least by being unmoving in some facets of her life, things have improved overall. She’s happy about that.
She does notice Zarius relax a little, sitting back and allowing himself to be slightly less on guard. Honestly, knowing now that he’s part of some big business and a well-off family, it makes sense why he is rather guarded about his personal life and doesn’t seem to… What’s the word she’s looking for? Well, he always seems to be focused on the task at hand, which is perfectly fine, but Astrid finds that rather exhausting. Sometimes it’s nice to just have some fun.
“There’s a lot goin’ on all over the place,” Astrid says, picking up a cup and taking a long drink from it. The ash of Darkveil never fails to get stuck in one’s throat, and it's been especially bad as of late. “I’m well enough, I s’pose. Wolfe an’ I don’t do everythin’ together, just most thin’s.” She winks playfully. “We’ve done a lot of stuff fer Dragon’s Cradle together, an’ then Count Thadda went an’ awarded us titles fer all our work. It’s been real weird.” The last words come out accompanied by a chuckle, then she looks down at the cup in her hands.
“Got a bit caught up in an earthquake in Sol City, but I helped some folks ta safety. Luckily, nothin’s hit Sky Peak too badly.” Astrid’s eyes turn up to give Zarius an apologetic expression. “Sorry ta see The Rookery in such a sorry state. Hope no one got hurt…”
“Besides that, I recently got involved with a monster huntin’ group! We’re settin’ up fer a big hunt in Arid Mesa, an’ that’s part of why I’m here. Figured ya’d be the easiest person ta find from the Fighter’s Guild without havin’ ta go all the way ta Captiol Landin’.” Admittedly, a trip from Arid Mesa to Capitol Landing might have been quite a bit shorter, but she hasn’t exactly mentioned to many people that she left the Fighter’s Guild, but Zarius is well-connected and smart enough to have probably realized it. Besides, she could argue that she stopped by home on her way out here. In fact, the key she has makes it quite easy to get back to this part of the continent.
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on May 29, 2023 22:07:07 GMT -5
“It was unfortunate, but knowing the history of that tower, it is not all too surprising. Old buildings and all, there is only so many times you can fill the cracks before the whole thing comes tumbling down."
There is a bit of a tone of sadness in his voice. The tower held a lot of sentimental value for Zarius as he and his sister had often snuck out of the manor as children in order to play in it. They had fond memories of hiding in the rafters and setting traps for their poor bodyguards who were sent to retrieve them by their parents. Even if they rebuilt, the tower would never really be the same afterwards.
He sighs and gives Astrid a nod. "Luckily most people who lived there were off elsewhere. Snow was injured but they have made a full recovery.”
Zarius looks a bit surprised at that news. He was certain that Astrid had joined the Mage’s Guild to study under Kamille. News that made his sister quite envious for a brief stint of time. The young fighter joining the W.E.F. must be a fairly new occurrence. It seemed like everyone was jumping at the opportunity as of late. If the leader was looking to revive the guild, they certainly have accomplished that.
“Ah, the Winged Expeditionary Force. I have also gotten involved with them, though I have hardly had any time to help with the preparations for the situation in Arid Mesa. The Nightcallers sound like quite the serious threat. I hope to eventually free up some time to assist if I can, though you coming here on the guild’s behalf does save me a fair amount of travel time.”
It’s still surprising to him that Astrid has aligned with yet another guild. While loyalty to one guild over another is not something he expects out of anyone, hell, the fact that he has remained in the Fighter’s Guild as long as he has is a shock to himself, he does wonder if there’s another reason Astrid has joined yet another guild.
“It is a shame you left the Fighter’s Guild, but I understand that recent events have made it more difficult to feel any pride in being a part of it. I ran into one of the newer members in Moonglade. Mentioning that I was part of the guild did not do me any favors with the locals, but luckily the man was a knight from Sol City so we managed to placate them. I think you may have run into him before, Sir Leandros Aurthurian?”
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Jun 2, 2023 23:12:12 GMT -5
Astrid is certainly glad to hear that no one was seriously injured, and the fact that Snow has made a full recovery makes her feel a lot better about the whole situation with the Rookery’s collapse. “That’s good ta hear! Maybe ya’ll be able to get the place back into ship shape one day,” she says with a friendly and confident smile before taking a bite of the odd jerky on the snack plate. Astrid isn’t one to turn down new things, especially if it’s food.
“Aye, the Winged Expuhdish… Expedite– Expedishiary– The WEF!” That isn’t embarrassing at all, but it’s the Force’s own fault for having such a long name. “The Night Callers are a real tough monster ta fight. Lucky I can read good enough ta read the documents, otherwise we woulda been toast. Or maybe butchered’s a better word.”
A sour expression crosses Astrid’s face as she recalls why she’s the one that got sent to find support in the first place. “Some of the geezers ain’t happy ta have a kid runnin’ around, but I bet I could take ‘em all down with one hand behind me back!”
With a huff, she takes another rough bite of jerky, partly to cover up the sad feeling at Zarius mentioning that she left the Fighter’s Guild. Sure, she could have stayed, but after what happened, she really couldn’t bring herself to. Besides, basically her whole adopted family is involved with the Mage’s Guild. It isn’t that she intentionally got into the Mage’s Guild, it just sort of happened in her quest to help Cantio get in, but being in the guild has been fine. Except for that run in with the mob. That’s a story for a later time.
“Aye, I heard a couple folks from the Fighter’s Guild got caught up in somethin’ messy in the Marsh Flats,” she says. “Ain’t a good look, huh?” But that isn’t why she left. Her brow furrows with slight confusion hearing that Leandros is a part of the Fighter’s Guild now. Maybe Shaa offered him an invitation after everything? How does Zarius know that she met him? Did Leandros tell him about the situation at the temple?
“Oh, yeah, I’ve met Leandros before,” she says in a lighthearted tone. “He helped me drag a few beached mantas back ta the water. I like him enough, he’s nice. Didn’t know he was part of the Fighter’s Guild though.” Had he joined before or after she ran into him last? Does that matter?
Ugh, she’d finally stopped dwelling on it, or so she thought.
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Jun 12, 2023 20:04:01 GMT -5
"Messy is an understatement. I am hoping Xalmann explains his actions at some point, but knowing him that is highly unlikely."
Even 'unlikely' is an understatement. Xalmann was a man of few words but also was not one who seemed to be close enough to anyone to feel that he should give an explanation for his actions. Hell, knowing lizardfolk, he probably doesn't even feel that there was anything wrong about his involvement in that raid against Lilicors. Not because he lacks empathy or morals, but just out of cultural differences. If raiders felt bad every time they raided, then there probably wouldn't be raiding bands in every corner of Charon.
"Yes, well, he joined shortly before you left and seems you left quite the impression on him. He was very protective when I asked if he knew you."
There's a tinge of annoyance and bitterness that bleeds into his tone. That knight had been stubborn and dodgy in their conversation to a point of frustration for the fellblood. It was a miracle they walked away without getting into a fight.
There's a soft click as the door to the room opens and surprisingly there is another charcoal skinned fellblood there. He's shorter and a handful of years younger than Zarius with horns that curl backwards into short rams horns. He's dressed nicely in an embroidered vest and button up white shirt with pale grey slacks. He has the same solid amber eyes that both Eameia and Zarius have. He's also carrying a tray that has some finger sandwiches, pieces of fruit, cheese, meats and crackers.
"Sorry! Hope I am not interrupting," Karize puts on a sheepish smile.
Zarius' tail twitches. "You are."
"Oop."
Eameia chuckles and gets up to take the tray, picking up on Zarius' cue. "Thank you, brother." She sets down the tray on the table then gives a nod to Zarius before hooking her arm around Karize's and starts hauling him out of the room. "Come on, I need your help with something."
"Huh? But I-"
The sound of the door closing behind them cuts him off and Zarius and Astrid are left alone.
Zarius shakes his head and looks at her. "My apologies. My brother has poor timing."
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Jun 15, 2023 20:06:31 GMT -5
Ah, so Leandros did join before she left, or at least around the same time. Shaa must have offered him a spot, not that she feels particularly bad about that. Leandros is a fine fighter and a good person as best she can tell. If anyone were to fill the gap left by her and Vikram, she’s at least glad it’s someone like Leandros. She wonders why he didn’t mention that he’d joined… Then again, she can’t recall if she or Vikram mentioned that they were a part of the guild, so he probably didn’t think much of it. There seems to be some contemplation on her brow while she thinks through everything.
“I mean, ya can seem a bit sketchy ta folks that don’t know ya well,” Astrid says to laugh it off. “He’s a real proper knight. He was probably just tryna do the right thin’. I may have done a buncha stuff, but that don’t change that folks still see me as a kid. I don’t mind much as long as they don’t talk down ta me. That’s when they get Sasstrid.”
She grins a little then takes another snack from the board and munches on it just when Karize makes an appearance. Oh, more snacks! Perfect. It isn’t like Astrid has eaten most of what’s available already. She watches the exchange before taking another handful of finger foods. If there’s a plate, she hasn’t noticed.
"Nice ta meet ya!" Astrid calls after them then she looks at Zarius. Popping a grape into her mouth, she shrugs. “I don’t mind,” she says. “Didn’t know ya had a buncha siblin’s. What’s that like? Closest thin’ I got is Wolfe.”
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Jun 17, 2023 20:23:32 GMT -5
If Zarius was anyone else he might be offended by being called sketchy. Course he is used to such statements, even if he has done nothing to warrant them. Being a fellblood with his striking appearance just came packaged with suspicion and unease. Then of course if anyone did know the kind of work he was a part of then their concerns about his trustworthiness and honor would of course be justified. It was annoying at times. He could get away with so much more if people were less suspicious right off the get go and it would save him a lot of time and effort if he did not have to work so hard to gain trust from every pawn he came across.
That said, the manipulation was part of the fun and kept his job interesting.
He chuckles at the moniker Astrid gave herself. "It is good to see that your confidence has hardly been shaken despite the challenges you have no doubt faced during your adventures."
Or perhaps Astrid was just as good at manipulating him as he was at manipulated someone like Cantio.
"That is intentional. For their safety and my own," he explains. "Eameia is a special case since she can hold her own. My brother on the other hand is not one for any form of conflict. He is a lot like your father, if that helps give some context."
He considers how to answer the question without going into too much detail. While he is sure Astrid would not go shouting in the streets of Darkveil, he could not be so certain that she would keep any secrets from Wolfe. Gods know that knight has no clue how to keep a secret. (Oh, the irony)
"I am not sure how to describe it. I have had my siblings at my side for the vast majority of my life. Their presence is normal for me, so it is challenging to compare my experience to your own. At least from what I have seen, your bond with Wolfe is likely very similar. We all get along with one another, we sometimes get on each other's nerves, we share in each other's victories and failures..." his eyes drop to the table for a moment and it feels like a wall has come down between them, if only a little. "We are very close, which I know is not the case for everyone who does have siblings. I am very fortunate."
He raises his gaze again, and that unseen wall seems to go back up with it.
"I cannot fathom what your life was like before we met. It really is admirable what you have made of yourself. It cannot have been easy. I can only hope that you know me well enough to trust you can lean on me if you do need it."
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Jun 25, 2023 19:20:32 GMT -5
If Astrid has a lot of anything, it’s confidence in most situations. There are outliers of course, times when her confidence gets her into trouble, but without confidence and support, she wouldn’t be where she is today. “Adventurin’ would be real borin’ if it weren’t challengin’, ya know?” she says. “I learnt a lotta stuff from adventurin’ like trustin’ other folks ta have me back.” So far, this hasn’t really come back to bite her, which is good, because who knows what her confidence would do if it does.
While Zarius tells her about his siblings, Astrid continues to snack, nodding along with some understanding, though she gets a little hung up on the whole “safety” thing for a moment. Then again… “If Karize is as clumsy as Cantio, I wouldn’t want him walkin’ around a dangerous warehouse either!” she laughs. “Ain’t like ya gotta keep him safe from assassins, do ya? Miss Veliky said there’s assassins after me an’ Cantio, but I dunno if I believe her now ‘cause I ain’t seen any. Well, there’s the one jerk lady from The Pits, but… nah, she’s just a sore loser.”
It’s nice to hear that her relationship with Blue is similar to a sibling relationship. Besides Zarius, Astrid can’t think of anyone else she knows that has siblings. If her own experiences tell her anything, it’s that taking care of kids is tough, too tough for some people, so it must be hard to have more than one kid to take care of. It’s a wonder Cyran and Melodia could handle so many at orphanages.
Something different in Zarius’ voice catches Astrid off guard, and the girl looks at him for a long minute while his gaze falls away. Zarius has never been unkind to her, but she always wondered if he had something to hide – most people do, so that doesn’t bother her. For a brief moment, it feels kind of nice to know that the thing he seems to hide is a softer side. Reminds her of Veliky a little bit, how it’s hard to talk about the people they might care about. Actually, if he’s so worried for his family’s safety, then it reminds her a lot about Veliky’s unwillingness to get close to people because worrying about them takes a lot of energy. The difference is that Zarius doesn’t let it stop him as far as she can tell.
When his eyes meet hers again, she smiles something of a reassuring smile, something that says that things are alright, and she accompanies it with a nod. “I get it. I’m real grateful ta have folks that love me too. Thin’s were honestly kinda lonely more than anythin’... Folks were physically close ta me when they were walkin’ around, but they were distant. Made me kinda jealous seein’ ‘em dotin’ on their kids. Guess I… really wanted somethin’ like that ‘cause I never had it, even when I was with me ma.” Despite the melancholy that overtakes her voice for a moment, Astrid picks her tune back up.
“I said it before, I’m real grateful ta have met ya. Ya took me on me first adventure an’ made sure I didn’t get eaten by bugs or totally smashed by girallons, even if ya dented me shield a bit. I hope I get ta repay yer kindness sometime.”
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Jun 26, 2023 19:45:36 GMT -5
Zarius grimaces for a moment before his expression returns to being more neutral. “I do.”
It wasn’t just assassins either. Business rivals, competitor crime families, the major syndicates of Darkveil itself, Zeinavian rebels, the Zeinav Corps, the Stablemen, and pretty much every other authority in all of Charon would have something to gain by putting him and his family in the ground for good. He’s done what he can to counteract the sheer number of enemies with equally powerful and loyal allies, but there was only so much he could ask of those he has gained trust from before the risks outweigh any reward he could possibly offer.
Part of the reason he has even become a public face was to try and make it harder for someone to come after him and make him disappear. If he did disappear now, there would at least be some people who would ask about what happened or even maybe even care enough to look for him.
He sighs. “It is difficult to go through life without making enemies, and there are times when those enemies are inherited rather than earned. Few people are born into such opulence without there being a good number of skeletons hidden in the closets.”
Not that he would complain about the situation he was born into. He just wasn't delusional about the truth behind their wealth and how they came by it.
“I am sorry you had to go through that at all. I think you are a child any parent would be lucky to have in their life. Cantio is very fortunate, and I think you are a good fit for one another. I believe his family life has also not been particularly kind to him. Though you likely know more about that than I do."
He wasn't just saying all that to butter Astrid up. The young smith has more than proved herself to not only those who made her feel lesser but also to the whole nation of Charon. Cantio on the other hand still seemed to be struggling with finding his place in the world, the shadows of his past still nipping at his heels no matter how far he runs from it. Maybe one day Astrid will be able to help him gain some confidence, assuming she hasn't done so already. He admittedly has not met back up with the red fellblood since the incident at the Marrowvine's ball all those months back.
"It was my pleasure and there is no need to repay me...I do not remember denting your shield though." What an odd comment. He does not recall touching her shield during that fight, though his memory has been a bit unreliable as of late.
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The Tinkertons
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Jul 6, 2023 20:46:21 GMT -5
Going through life without making a few enemies… Yeah, that is tough, isn’t it? As hard as Astrid tries to be on good terms with people, she does have a particularly persistent sore loser after her. She also isn’t exactly on the best terms with one of the leaders of Dragon’s Cradle, but that guy totally deserves her ire. He’s a jerk.
Nothing she can’t handle, and nothing she has to handle on her own.
Hearing Zarius apologize for the situation he found her in though makes Astrid tilt her head. Right, that’s a sympathy apology. “Well, much as it weren’t fun, I ain’t really all that sorry about it,” she says with a shrug. “Thin’s are way better now. I got a home, a job, an’ folks that love me just the way I am. That’s more than I ever imagined.” A big smile pulls at the edges of Astrid’s mouth. “Probably wouldn’t have alla that if I didn’t go through what I did.”
Sure there are times she misses some aspect of her life before being on the streets, but in recent months, she realized she wasn’t exactly happy. Things are much better now, even if it was hard getting to that. “Nothin’s worth havin’ if gettin' it weren't a bit of a challenge, eh?”
Sitting back, she shrugs a little. “Eh, don’t worry ‘bout the shield too much. I fixed it a while back. Anyway, what’s been goin’ on with ya? Stick yer arm in any places it don’t belong lately?” There’s a smirk on her face that says she knows something, but she’ll make him say it.
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Ash Rose Jackals
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Jul 6, 2023 21:13:06 GMT -5
It's hard not to smile while hearing the young half-dwarf speak about the fortunes in life she has come by either through luck or hard work.
"That is a good way to think about it."
Though really, the world had failed Astrid in several ways. Her mother by blood had failed to care for her, the dwarves had failed to accept her, and he has no doubts noble society has failed to really recognize her despite her earned title. There were things in society that were just rotten at their core and no amount of hard work would change it.
He nods. "I agree for the most part, though it is not a bad thing to accept easier times as well."
Though he's still bothered by her accusation, he lets it slide, especially when she changes the focus of the conversation back on him.
Zarius sighs and crosses one leg over his knee. "Your grandmother has been telling you stories, has she?"
He shouldn't be surprised given how Kamille acted at the Marrowvine's Black Harvest Ball.
"No, I have not. But it is inevitable when you fight with your fists. I have been keeping myself busy with other things. Business is complicated these days given all the earthquakes and creatures appearing to menace the populace. Ample amounts of work for adventurers. Ample amounts of distractions for those who would prefer to be doing literally anything else."
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