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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Jul 6, 2023 21:23:16 GMT -5
Oh yes, he knows exactly what she’s about to inquire about. The smirk on Astrid’s face widens a bit, and she mimics his posture, one leg crossing over the other, but her hands coming up in front of her so that she may steeple her fingers together. Truly, a devious child taking after a bad influence.
“Aye, she told me a few stories,” Astrid says. “Figured I’d ask ya meself since she can twist the truth ta make it a bit more juicy. Ya know how Kamille is.” Performative, as most people in her family somehow manage to be in different ways. All of these ways have rubbed off on the impressionable child. The thing is that Kamille didn't twist the truth at all, simply told her the basic information that Zarius put his arm in an ooze. It's up to Astrid to figure out how or why.
“Sure it’s inevitable, but ya figured ya’d try not ta stick yer whole arm inside an ooze,” Astrid continues with a somewhat disaffected shrug as if it isn’t so obvious that one shouldn’t take that course of action. “Musta had a good reason though, huh? Ya aren’t really the type ta do stuff without a good reason.”
If Zarius can pry for information, so can she. The difference is that Astrid didn’t exactly notice him prying for information earlier, and Zarius can be subtle in more ways than the kid. She has some learning to do.
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Jul 6, 2023 22:02:48 GMT -5
"Well I appreciate you double checking your facts. That is a good habit to have."
Especially given the sources Astrid was getting her gossip from. Kamille definitely had an agenda, even if it was just to poke fun at his expense.
He supposes there is no real reason to deny Astrid his recounting of the events. Though he would not be overly detailed. There things that had happened that need not be elaborated on or spoken aloud, even within these walls, and conversations of a personal manner not his to share.
Though it was at least a little important to confirm that he did indeed not just shove his hand in an ooze for shits and giggles.
"Mm. Basically there was an ooze in the basement of an inn I was staying at after being recruited for some research on the creatures. The owner was being difficult despite the ooze making a mess of things in the middle of the night. It had been a particularly exhausting day, so in order to have a peaceful sleep I took matters into my own hands. Quite literally, unfortunately."
It was not a fond memory, the pain from the acid eating away at his flesh was something he would never forget and rivaled all the other injuries he had gained since. He would only wish such a horrid fate on his worst enemies, which surprisingly even the preening peacock that is Astrid's grandfather would qualify as, infuriating as the pompous leech was.
He continues his recount of the events.
"My associate I was traveling with at the time and I managed to force the thing out of the basement, but it stopped at the top of the stairs. There were few other options so I tried to tempt it with a more interesting meal than the provisions it had been engorging on in the basement. After dragging it out into the open streets, my associate managed to pull it off me."
His eyes drift down to the arm he nearly lost. He flexes his fingers against the arm of the chair.
"The damage had already been done, and we were far from any competent healers. That is where Lady Kamille comes into the story. I had visited her once before and I knew her reputation as an incredible alchemist well enough to know she would be able to assist."
The first time he met the witch had been an odd encounter, one in which both of them had tried to sus out the other and figure out as much as they could without giving too much away. While the meeting ended on amicable terms, it had proven that Kamille was someone to keep a close eye on, and not someone to be loose lipped around.
"The only problem was that we had to cross the Marsh Flats and the majority of Moonglade in order to reach her home. We ran into some complications along the way and well, my injury-- despite our best efforts-- only worsened each passing day."
He sighs a bit and looks back at Astrid.
"I do not have any delusions about the reality that I very well could have died had it not been for the selfless actions of several people involved in that whole mess. That of course, includes Lady Kamille."
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Jul 11, 2023 20:41:00 GMT -5
While Zarius is giving details, he’s also being vague. How very Zarius of him. Astrid knows to expect this, and as Zarius tells her what happened, which is definitely a pretty incredible story, she gets hung up on one part like a fish on a hook glancing at another prize in the distance while being toted to its doom.
”Yer Associate?” she asks, her finger crossing her lips to hide half of her smirk. She’s not subtle. She’s not trying to be. Pressing her lips together, she leans her elbow against the arm of the chair, somehow looking like an extremely clunky Kamille. “This ‘associate’ wouldn’t happen ta be a pale guy with white hair, would he? I think Mister Beist said his name was Caedes.”
And then she exaggerates because no one would ever dare to think that Beist is a liar or an exaggerator, so clearly this must be true.
“I heard yer ‘associate’ dragged ya all the way across the continent ta make sure ya were safe an’ sound an’ cared fer. He must really like ya ta do alla that, huh?”
She can’t hide the smarmy grin that develops on her freckled face.
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Jul 11, 2023 21:42:28 GMT -5
The regret Zarius feels from retelling what he had gone through is immediate as he watches Astrid's reaction. Gods. She was taking after Kamille way too much now. He almost wishes she spent more time with the Lord of Ghouls instead. Almost. Not really. Fuck that guy.
"Yes. My associate. I have many associates such as yourself, your father, Lady Kamille, and Mister Wolfe to name a few."
He frowns. It was not good news to hear that Beist had been talking about that incident so freely. Caedes was supposed to be dead and there were still powerful people who would hunt him down if they knew he was alive. They weren't ready to face the Crimson Hand, but it is clear that the more time they take to prepare for that confrontation the more people talked and the higher the chances that any day now they would be targeted by a powerful Ashen Father first.
Zarius takes a long breath in and lets it out slowly through his nose. Astrid was not to blame, neither was Beist. They had been careless fairly early on and had Zarius not gotten hurt then Caedes would not have been seen by so many others who did not understand their situation.
"Miss Astrid, please do not jump to wild conclusions. I had only just met this associate and our talks about business were interrupted by the whole ordeal. I am certain that their only motivation for aiding me was because they wanted to ensure our business was complete. There is nothing more to it than that."
He couldn't explain everything to Astrid, not that he even wants to. It wasn't his place to share information about Caedes or affirm anything about his identity to the young smith. Though it's clear he cannot stop people from sharing information amongst their trusted allies, he can at least request that Astrid is more discreet with what information she does think she has.
"I would appreciate if you do not share the information you were given by Mister Beist, especially around Darkveil. I do not want to risk my associate's safety being compromised further."
Astrid would likely understand his request if he gave her a reason, even if that reason is fairly vague.
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Jul 23, 2023 21:06:39 GMT -5
It’s entirely possible that Astrid just truly does not understand how dangerous Darkveil can be. Despite the Ash Lands being a neighbor to Dragon’s Cradle, Astrid has only really traveled here more in recent times due to the mysterious activity surrounding the volcano (including the strange number of researchers seemingly swallowed by its lava flows). Still, seeing Zarius shift with the slightest worry or annoyance or whatever the little twitch in his brow means tells her enough that his request to keep things quiet is a serious one.
That doesn’t mean she can’t take advantage of it, even if just for fun or something she thinks is harmless.
One leg crosses over the other, and she looks Zarius up and down. “I dunno, more than one person’s suggested somethin’ more than an ‘associate’ is all,” Astrid says simply. There isn’t any judgment, she really just wants some confirmation because honestly… That’s cute. “I definitely don’t want nothin’ happenin’ ta ya or anyone ya care about, same as I don’t want no one hurtin’ me own family an’ friends. Yerself included.”
The childish smirk falls off her face in favor of a childish begging. “But c’mon, I gotta know!! Have ya got yerself a boyfriend?! That’d be real cute!”
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Jul 23, 2023 22:55:14 GMT -5
Oh boy. He did not like the way Astrid was eyeing him or the direction this conversation was going. He has no doubts that it's Kamille who is responsible for putting ideas in the girl's head. Last thing he needs is a child being nosey about his personal life. Hell, there wasn't even anything personal about his relationship with Caedes. They were just allies with common goals. That's all.
"Well, next time you see those people you can inform them that I do not appreciate the baseless gossip."
It's not like he could stop anyone from saying whatever they wanted. It was just inconvenient and annoying since such rumors had the potential to have ill consequences should that information be abused by someone. Ensuring that Caedes was not compromised is one of the fellblood's highest priorities. Who knows how the Crimson Hand will react should they learn that the assassin was back from the dead and out for revenge.
That context probably would help the young smith understand the severity of the situation, but that kind of information was not his to give and he doubts the changeling has any reason to entrust a child with that knowledge anyway. Astrid having such information also would put her at risk, but then again, anyone foolish enough to try and get the jump on the kid would be in for a very unpleasant surprise. Astrid could more than hold her own in a fight.
He sentiment about not wanting to hurt anyone garners a nod from the fellblood. "Thank you for your concern."
But then she doubles down on the awkward topic and his expression visibly sours.
"I have not" he retorts. "Nor do I have any interest in such a thing."
He's not really in the mood to elaborate further on the topic, so he shifts the conversation to something else. Or at least he attempts to.
"How are things at home with your father? I have not seen him around in my travels at all."
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Aug 1, 2023 17:35:03 GMT -5
A childish, nonchalant shrug moves Astrid’s shoulders. “It ain’t baseless if folks see a reason fer it,” she says simply. She’s danced around Veliky’s similar wording of “baseless accusations” or “baseless assumptions” enough to have some idea of how to counter it, especially if it’s all true deep down. Still, it’s disappointing that he’s denying it. She doubts that will last forever, but it’s better not to push her luck.
For now.
“Alright, alright, I just think it could be real cute is all,” she says.
Okay, that’s it.
Not that his changing the subject does much to dissuade her, but she’s more than happy to talk about Cantio. “Oh, he’s doin’ real good!” she says, pipping up excitedly. “Honestly, I think bein’ a stay at home da is good fer him. ‘Course, he worries about me an’ Wolfe a lot, but we do our best ta stay safe. I was thinkin’ about draggin’ da out fer a trip sometime soon now that I got him into the Mage’s Guild finally!”
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Aug 10, 2023 12:34:41 GMT -5
Gods. Astrid is such a brat. He supposes that her having the confidence to rib him is a good thing. A sign that she feels comfortable around him to some extent.
"People will see what they want to see, regardless of the truth of the matter or not."
How people have reacted to the revelation about the gods has more than proved that statement. So many are still in denial or are working to counteract the 'new' reality everyone has to live with. Especially the Crown.
Zarius chuckles a bit at the idea of Cantio playing stay-at-home dad. He can just picture the red fellblood wearing an apron and burning himself on the stove while trying to make Astrid pancakes. What a dork.
"That is good that you stay safe for his sake. If you do drag him out of a life of domesticity, feel free to bring him here. My brother has decided to take up playing piano and I am afraid he is in desperate need of someone with a better ear for music to tutor him."
It at least is a blessing that Karize took an interest in the piano rather than a string or wind instrument. The horrid screeching noises of a novice just starting to learn how to play would surely drive everyone in the mansion mad. Zarius has been keeping a casual ear out for someone who could give his brother lessons. Given just how chaotic things have been as of late, he hasn't had much luck in that endeavor.
Karize and Cantio would likely get along very well and Zarius knows he can trust Cantio not to run his mouth to any authorities. The two younger fellbloods have more in common personality wise and they could even bond over being teased and taunted by Zarius, plus that would give Astrid more reason to hang around so Zarius could keep a closer eye on her.
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Aug 27, 2023 0:16:35 GMT -5
“‘Spose that’s true,” Astrid says with a shrug. “Lots a’ folks think Fellbloods are all dangerous and spooky, but most of ‘em aren’t.” Her eyes cut to Zarius slyly, as if to imply he’s not guilt free. “Most of ‘em.” She sits back in her chair with a smug smirk on her face. He’s not spooky, exactly. Shady, yes, but it’s obvious he has a lot of care and heart even if he pretends to be an aloof stereotype.
Zarius’ idea of Cantio as a dad at home isn’t too far off from reality. “I s’pose I could see if he’d wanna make a visit ta Mister Zarius’ big fancy house in Darkveil!” she says. “I dunno if he can play piano, but I hear him practicin’ his violin all the time. I’m tryna help him get more confident in playin’ in front a’ folks, so he can build up a career doin’ it if he wants. I know it don’t make him a lot a’ money, at least not right now, but that ain’t ta say it can’t one day. Maybe by then I’ll be tired of adventurin’, so I can go around with him like a lil’ personal bodyguard.” A big grin spreads across Astrid’s face as she punches her fist into her palm. “I’ll make sure no one messes with him!”
As she settles down from her excitement for a future that hasn’t quite been laid out yet, Astrid remembers why she’s here in the first place. Her excitement immediately fades. How the heck does she ask this question. “Ah, right… Forgot I ain’t just here ta catch up.” For probably the first time since meeting her, Zarius sees that Astrid is looking awkward and at a loss for words. Or at least it’s for the first time since their initial meeting in Sky Peak.
She has no idea how to ask what she needs to ask. The words are simple, but she knows it’s going to lead to more questions. “Erm, anyway, about the WEF…” Her fingers twiddle together. This is going to open a can of worms. Earlier in the conversation, Astrid was more than happy for the topic to turn away from the talk of the Fighter’s Guild. “The WEF’s lookin’ fer some assistance from the other guilds fer this big hunt comin’ up, so I was hopin’ ya might be able ta talk ta some of the folks from the Fighter’s Guild ta see if they could help. Might help fix the Guild’s reputation after the mess in the Marsh Flats.”
Before she used the excuse that Zarius is the closest member to reach out to from the guild. While that isn’t necessarily a lie, coming to him is her way of avoiding the topic of the guild otherwise. How could she go back to Shaa and ask for help with this after she basically left him to clean up the mess in Sol City?
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Aug 27, 2023 10:12:59 GMT -5
Zarius just stares at Astrid. He knows she's trying to poke fun at him, and he can't even argue with her assessment and even the insinuation that he's not dangerous or spooky. Well, he could argue the dangerous point, but he won't as that would undermine the façade he has so carefully crafted. He didn't need Astrid thinking he was a threat, she's an ally after all.
"He has talent, but more importantly he has a passion for music. If he pursued such a life in earnest I have no doubts he would succeed, but not everyone wants to be in the spotlight and not everyone can take something they love and turn it into a job without growing to hate it eventually. It is good to hear you are encouraging him and trying to help him, but do be mindful to respect his boundaries."
Memories of a few comments made about the violinist by a short business-first quarterling come to the surface as he reflects on Cantio and what he knows of his struggles with performing in public. There were some comments about wasted potential, and how Cantio would be better suited for a completely different line of work. It's almost a relief to hear that the musician has not been deterred from practicing something he's so clearly passionate about despite the obstacles he has yet to overcome if he even wants to overcome them at all that is.
"I know there are those who scrutinize him, and if I had to guess that has only poked more holes in his confidence."
As much as he bullies Cantio, he does not hold anything against the man. Honestly, he only bullies him as much as he does because the musician shares so many similarities with his younger brother. Though really, he should give Cantio some more credit. Compared to Karize who has been sheltered his entire life and has never stepped foot outside Darkveil, Cantio is way more charismatic and capable.
Zarius takes note of how Astrid's expression changes and gives her his full attention. He listens to her request fully, then takes a few seconds to consider his response. The young adventurer clearly is uncomfortable, and he does not want to drive her away or cause her any distress. She came to him and not any of her former guildmates for a reason after all. He'd respect that decision and that trust.
"Of course, I do not imagine it will be hard to convince the other members to provide aid. Few are quick to turn down a good fight. Though, I would not expect Xalmann to join given his particular circumstances with the Knights of Duros looking for him."
The red lizardman is also just not one for 'helping' people most days. Altruism is not likely a word in the fearsome fighter's vocabulary.
"The guild could use all the boosts to its reputation it can get given the leader is still missing, the situation in the Marsh Flats, and the incident in Sol City."
Okay, maybe respect was too strong of a word. He still wants to know what exactly happened especially after all the headache Leandros gave him when he tried to get information out of the knight.
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Aug 27, 2023 17:28:03 GMT -5
Astrid’s awkwardness increases somewhat while Zarius’ golden voids for eyes stare at her while she stumbles over the request. Part of her is surprised that he doesn’t ask why she doesn’t ask them herself, especially since she hasn’t mentioned that she left, but… Well, people are bound to figure out she isn’t exactly hanging around anymore.
Her eyes, which have been largely downturned since bringing up this topic again, glance up at Zarius from under her brow and behind her bangs that hide her face like a protective curtain. She speaks slowly when she does speak again. “Aye, I wouldn’t ask everyone ta come help. There’s a lotta folks still lookin’ fer Miss Athena. I’ve got an official piece a’ paper ya can present ta ‘em, an’ all…”
When he mentions the events in Sol City, she visibly flinches. Try as she might to avoid it, she can’t. It’s still a sore spot. Honestly, she doesn’t even care about the temple getting busted up in that debacle. She cares a lot more about what happened to her friend. In thinking about Vikram, she’s reminded of what he told her to do when they were caught in a bad way in The Pits. Find Zarius.
“Um,” she starts, hesitating to ask and begging that it doesn’t lead down a line of questioning though expecting it probably will. “Did ya know Mister Vikram?”
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Aug 27, 2023 20:40:12 GMT -5
He nods. "Yes. I knew him. We were not close, but we adventured together on more than one occasion."
Zarius recalls what he remembers of the few encounters he had with the man. The man was proud, but not vain or annoying about it. Just someone with a strong sense of justice that unfortunately nearly led him to make a major mistake. Vikram was an earnest, simple man, compared to other adventurers he would have easily fit into a peaceful lifestyle doing anything else. What drove him to his crusade was a mystery, but perhaps it was tied to what led him to fall by Leandros' halberd.
"He was a curious individual. He nearly stabbed me in the back while we were fighting against Scern's cult in the Arid Mesa. He apologized for that later, but I never knew much of him on a personal level."
The fellblood isn't particularly sentimental about Vikram, but it was still a loss of an asset and someone he had managed to gain the trust of despite the prejudice. It was a shame.
"Hearing of his passing was surprising, but the life of an adventurer is a dangerous one. He was likely very aware of the risks."
He looks at Astrid, analyzing her posture, the tone of her voice, and any and all mannerisms to glean just a little bit of insight into how she is feeling. It is obviously a distressing topic for the young half-dwarf, not uncommon given what he suspects she was witness to.
"Death is just a part of life. There are better and worse ways to go of course, but I believe that death is harder on the people left behind than the one who has died. Once you are gone, your suffering is over, but the suffering of those still left continues."
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Aug 31, 2023 22:32:34 GMT -5
Somehow, that answer isn’t exactly one that Astrid expects given the circumstances. It’s entirely possible Zarius is downplaying their relationship since he seems the type of person to do that, but with Vikram gone, she’s not sure that he’d have a reason to do that. Her fingers fiddle together while she listens to him.
“Aye, adventurin’s dangerous…” she agrees quietly. “That’s why it’s important ta stay safe. I do me best ta stay safe fer me da an’ other folks I care about ‘cause bein’ left behind… It ain’t fun.” Astrid takes a breath to quell the welling sadness in her chest. “Um, me an’ Vikram, we fought in The Pits together fer the guild an’ we won. Weren’t an easy battle. The um… The champion’s a bit of a jerk. Didn’t take losin’ too keenly. Mister Vikram’s the reason I was safe after that, but somethin’ happened ta him. Figured I’d ask how well ya knew him ‘cause after that he told me if he ever weren’t himself ta find ya.”
Finally, Astrid looks at Zarius. There’s sadness in her eyes, but it doesn’t stop her from speaking. “Do… ya know what he might’ve meant by that?”
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Aug 31, 2023 23:03:57 GMT -5
Zarius lowers his eyes and contemplates the meaning behind what Vikram told Astrid. He isn't entirely sure, but the memory of Vikram bowing before him as an apology does cross his mind.
You are not the man I thought you to be, and have saved me in more ways than one.
Was there more to what Vikram had said that chilly day in Frost Gale than what he originally thought?
We are marionettes for several grand puppeteers...
He then recalls the light magic Vikram wielded and how that seemed to contradict the man's distaste for mages. A part of him feels foolish for not taking those words and observations more seriously. Maybe if he had, Vikram's life would not have been snuffed out.
"I am not certain. Though it seems despite his earnest nature, he had secrets of his own."
He looks at Astrid again. Seeing the sadness in her eyes, he rises to his feet and steps over next to the chair she is sitting on.
"I am sorry, Astrid. I wish I could have prevented what happened, or at least have taken your place being present that day. I cannot say that things would have turned out differently, they likely would not have, but you would have been spared any...sense of guilt about the situation."
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Sept 10, 2023 1:42:47 GMT -5
It’s hard for Astrid to watch Zarius ponder. The longer she thinks about the situation with Vikram, the more her eyes threaten to well up with tears. Sure, she’s long since discussed it with Cantio and come to some terms with what happened in Sol City, but that doesn’t mean that it’s easy to move on from it. She wishes she could think about it without feeling a deep-seated sadness. Unlike her mother, at least she got to say goodbye to Vikram.
When Zarius comes over, that’s when she breaks. A tear finally squeezes itself out from her eyes. No matter how hard she wills it not to fall, it does, and she looks down at her hands in her lap in some attempt to hide her face. But it’s obvious. Of course, Zarius knows about what happened. Shaa saw the aftermath, he would have told people what happened. Even if he left out the details, Zarius could figure it out. There aren’t a lot of children running around causing mass destruction in Charon.
She quickly wipes her eye, and her voice squeaks out, “Um…thanks… Da an’ I talked about it a bit, an’ that helped. Said it was Vikram’s choice, an’... we gotta respect people’s choices. At least he got ta choose his fate, ya know? It’s just… still real hard ta try ta go back there.” Finally, she looks up at Zarius, and he can see that more tears have pushed past the barrier of her eyelids. “I’m glad I got ta see him again an’ say goodbye, at least.”
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