Tradesfolk
IS OFFLINE
22
Renown
Faeborne
Trying to stay at peace in all its forms
305 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Nephele on Jun 12, 2023 16:39:25 GMT -5
Nephele and C'Leena stayed maybe two more days in Eclipse City, quickly cementing the old church building as one of their favorite places to go together. They got drunk once more before they left, waking up with slightly milder hangovers than last time due to Nephele recommending they take it a little easier that nigh. The result was that the nymph was a little more than tipsy, but not enough to constitute her being bedridden to her chagrin. She did force C'Leena to lay with her for another hour though, braiding and unbraiding her short hair until she dozed back off.
It was Nephele's idea to go the Crescent Isles, having wanted to show C'Leena where she once considered a home. It held some bittersweet memories, but it seemed that this region was full of them. She was fine with that though, too happy to show C'Leena the place she was mostly raised. She did insist upon covering her own head and body though, just in case she accidentally stumbled across someone she knew. The nymph wore the scarf from before over her nose and mouth, as well as a hooded cloak that covered most of her body. It looked a more suspicious than she wanted it to, but she couldn't care enough to alter it. The Crescent Isles themselves were beautiful, rife with lush with nature and rich culture. The people of the Isles usually wore robes with shades of reds and blues, typically a polite group of people. As such, it was pretty easy to pick out fellow travelers.
As most times went, Nephele and C'Leena "accidentally" found themselves in the local marketplace, making poor spending choices. The problem with the two of them shopping together (or really doing anything, Nephele lamented) was that they usually left with two times more souvenirs and useless trinkets than they needed. Whenever C'Leena would pick something up or look at something, Nephele would somehow invent a reason to buy it. It was a vicious cycle.
However, the one thing that Nephele drew the line on was buying magical items. Her general aversion to magic made her automatically sketchy of some things being sold at regular markets. As she had told C'Leena in Eclipse City, counterfeit items and illegal sellers were nothing new even in Charon, and the Isles were no exception. There was always something happening, whether it be a festival, a fair, a mass robbery, or like today, a widespread scam rally.
As the couple walked through the market, lanterns hanging and lighting their way down the crowded district, Nephele overheard a shopkeep and an older woman gossiping nearby. Apparently, there was a small group of people selling fake magical shells said to grant extraordinary power to the user...for a small price of 100 solars apiece. At least, that was typically their starting price; if you looked wealthier than that or even slightly foreign they would charge double, grotesquely enough. It was beyond ridiculous, but nothing Nephele was unused to. The guards were beginning to crack down on the licensing of goods, much more severe than in Eclipse City. She figured that C'Leena either heard the ladies gossiping or just had enough wherewithal to know that magic conches were a thing of myth, unless sold by a really powerful mage...which was honestly unlikely.
And so, against her better judgement, Nephele didn't tell C'Leena about the potential scam, figuring that she was smart enough to know that it was a bad idea. She knew that much, right?
|
|
Tradesfolk
IS OFFLINE
5
Renown
None
Past events can never be changed. Instead, change the future.
422 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by C'Leena Thomas on Jun 12, 2023 19:43:26 GMT -5
The time spent with Nephele will always be pleasant. Be it walking around the city, sitting atop the old church or even in bed. That time where Nephele was braiding and unbraiding that little hair she could on C'Leena's head, the only thing telling Nephele that C'Leena had fallen asleep was the very soft hums coming from C'Leena that replace her snoring.
That drinking night, C'Leena was far more sober than previously, sadly still able to operate but at least she remembers drunken Nephele. This is one of those memories that will always remain with her. The next morning, she was hardly forced into laying in bed with her. It was more like a light request that C'Leena agreed to.
Once they had left Eclipse City and headed to the Crescent Isles, C'Leena was excited to see where Nephele considered to be home. C'Leena had discovered a way through Cyran to be able to show Nephele her old home. That will have to wait some time, however. It's Nepheles time to shine for now. They wander the streets, buying whatever looks interesting. It's definitely going to kick them in the ass financially down the line, but oh well, thats future C'Leena's problem.
Now, C'Leena believes herself to be good with scams. They were rather common back on earth, even more so with the internet. However, anything magical is completely new to her. It was firing off many, many red flags that the price never stayed the same for these shells. One moment it was 100 Solars, the next it was 250. Now, C'Leena wanted a shell. One of two things can happen: One, it's in fact, not a scam (Extremely unlikely), and she gets those wacky powers. That would be cool as hell. Or two: She gets a pretty conch shell. Honestly, in her mind, it's a win win.
She's not always the brightest. After buying the conch shell, she was sat down on a bench, contemplating the shell. Nephele had seen a stall or something that she wanted to look at, and C'Leena took the opportunity to buy the shell. It was, indeed, not magical in the slightest, but it was very pretty. Extremely overpriced, but C'Leena has never been known for good financial decisions. By the time Nephele returned, C'Leena was still contemplating the shell, leaned forward and just staring at it.
"Before you rip me a new one - which would be 100% warranted, - I saw two possibilities with this. One is that, in some unknown way, the shells were indeed magic. That would be cool as fuck. Or the second possibility, which is the confirmed outcome: I get a pretty shell. It was a win-win either way." She looked up to the cloaked figure that is her fiancé, the stars in her eyes penetrating the darkness of the hood and scarf. She can almost feel the disappointment from her.
"Okay, okay. Now you can rip me a new one. Laugh at your fiancé's misfortune - she got scammed. I still got a cool shell out of it."
|
|
Tradesfolk
IS OFFLINE
22
Renown
Faeborne
Trying to stay at peace in all its forms
305 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Nephele on Jun 13, 2023 15:26:48 GMT -5
Nephele supposed she sometimes put a little too much faith in C’Leena. She had just bought something arbitrary from a vendor, a small calligraphy brush with a frog engraving in it when she returned to her fiancé, who was sitting on a bench nearby. Her excitement to show C’Leena her bad financial decisions dwindled as she saw what she was holding, and she put her hands on her hips.
She really should’ve known. C’Leena’s infatuation with magic was more than slightly concerning, but she thought that she would’ve at least…actually, Nephele didn’t know what she was thinking. She’d probably have to be a little more conscientious.
When C’Leena explained herself, the whole time Nephele’s hands were on her hips, blatantly judging her with a pinched expression. It was more disappointed than anything, like she was saying “I really thought you were better than this” in one disapproving stare. The shell was admittedly very shiny, which she would typically be all about if it wasn’t so expensive and very much not magical. She could have nabbed one for C’Leena off the shore. With an irritated sigh of disapproval, Nephele looked behind her, scoping the perimeter of the marketplace.
“And who, pray tell, did you get that from?” Nephele asked too calmly, instead of launching into a perfectly warranted rant. She was scanning the crowd, ready to become a little more than pissed off with someone.
|
|
Tradesfolk
IS OFFLINE
5
Renown
None
Past events can never be changed. Instead, change the future.
422 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by C'Leena Thomas on Jun 13, 2023 23:08:58 GMT -5
Nephele was far too calm for this. Despite her cloaked appearance, the disapproval radiating off her made C'Leena shrink just a little under the intense gaze. The simple fact that Nephele has completely disarmed C'Leena with a look spoke volumes. Usually C'Leena wouldn't give a damn about a disapproving look, but with it being both completely warranted and from her fiancé, it ever so slightly stung.
C'Leena, however, tried to play it off. Whether or not it worked is up for debate. She cleared her throat and stood up, looking over the crowd. Her height helped slightly with trying to find where the vendor is. After a few seconds of searching, she let out a quiet "Aha", pointing in the direction.
"Bloke is over there. Fancy looking clothes behind that stand there." She pauses a moment, now thinking on why Nephele would want to know who exactly she bought it from. "..You're not about to make this a scene, are you? Sure, I feel for the oldest trick in the book but I got a cool shell out of it! Well okay, I could've gotten a cool shell anywhere else. That would've felt better." She pauses again, thinking this through. After a moment, she opens her Space Pocket which accidentally startles a passerby.
Throwing in the shell and apologizing to the pedestrian, she looks at the vendor making another deal. "Okay yeah, you know what? Fuck this guy." She says before quietly adding "I have a vague feeling this will be mildly demeaning."
|
|
Tradesfolk
IS OFFLINE
22
Renown
Faeborne
Trying to stay at peace in all its forms
305 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Nephele on Jun 14, 2023 11:28:16 GMT -5
Nephele followed where C’Leena was pointing, eyes trained on said ‘bloke’ like a hawk. She didn’t recognize him, probably new to the trade. His clothing was fancy, wearing reds and yellows with too much jewelry and a winning grin. Nephele could practically smell the dirty money from him.
“A scene requires an audience, dearest.” Nephele responded curtly. “Pawning off fake magical items is dangerous. Thankfully it’s not magical in the slightest, but since he lied to you to sell some poorly sourced shell from the shore that was just shiny enough to get passed customs…actually, scratch my previous statement. Maybe making a scene is appropriate. Let's go.”
With that statement (and a disapproving sigh when C’Leena put the shell in her space pocket), Nephele walked right up to the man behind the stand, dragging C’Leena with her. His wares were garnering quite a bit of attention, growing a small crowd of a fluctuating 10 people. From what Nephele could tell, the crowd was mostly those of wealthier standing or younger people, likely new students of magic. Easier crowds to swindle it seemed.
“Yes, yes!” The charlatan was saying, gesturing widely with his large sleeves and grandiose voice. “These magical conches were blessed by the lord, our sun and savior Solaria by the strongest mages in his arsenal! The power bestowed upon these shells grant the owner anything, from strength unmatched to riches untold! Beauty is only an added bonus! Our fellow vendors for these magical conches are scattered all across the square, so please be sure to--”
“Pardon me.” Nephele interrupted, raising a hand to halt his incessant raving. “What business does Solaria have blessing seashells?”
The man looked confused, turning to Nephele in confusion. He was clearly trying to see if he recognized her, but came up fruitless. It was clear he was searching for a way out, and for once Nephele was glad her face was covered to hide her expression. It had been a while since she’d encountered a scammer so head on, and seeing his panic was exhilarating. C’Leena being there was an added bonus.
Speaking of her fiancé, the charlatan seemed to recognize C’Leena after a swift glance up. Putting his best salesman smile on (Simpering idiot, Nephele bitterly thought), he extended his arm with a slightly bigger shell in hand. “A-Ah, you again! I trust you’ve come back for more riches? I trust you and your friend here would find solace in another one of these powerful relics? I’ll even cut down the price for you, as such a quickly returning customer!”
Nephele slammed her palm into the stand, shaking the rickety structure and startling the charlatan for a moment, retracting his hand and shrinking backward. They were probably all of six inches apart, her gaze scrutinizing and boring into his and his bewildered. “Your conversation is with me now. Now tell me, how exactly does one enchant a conch to have such power? Surely you know; you wear the garb of a sorcerer, so you must know the tricks -- ah, pardon me -- the methods in which one goes to enchant to such a high degree. With whom do you have contacts with? I’d love to speak to them for myself. Maybe then they could explain to me why the god of the sun blessed the goddess of the sea’s creations and there weren't divine repercussions.”
Nephele was aware that the scene she was making was a little more than ridiculous, but she couldn’t help it. Magic was dangerous when trifled with, and even more so when lied about. Living with trickster spirits taught her that much. Nephele was also aware that her statement on the gods caring about what was and wasn't enchanted was low hanging fruit and not entirely true.
The question was did he know that?
|
|
Tradesfolk
IS OFFLINE
5
Renown
None
Past events can never be changed. Instead, change the future.
422 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by C'Leena Thomas on Jun 14, 2023 14:04:05 GMT -5
There was suddenly a lot going on all at once - so much so it threatened to overwhelm C'Leena right there an then. Firstly, she never mixed well with crowds. Too many eyes, too many people. Second, was that this really was demeaning. Every fiber of her being practically begged that she take control of the situation, but not only did Nephele not let her do so, she wouldn't even let the vendor so much as look at C'Leena.
Thirdly, but definitely not last, was this new side to Nephele that C'Leena wasn't entirely against. She not only demanded attention, not only with action, but with voice and body language too. Eyes landed on her almost immediately as she started questioning the vendor, and C'Leena (Somehow managing to mask it) stood with shock and a certain level of amusement. Where was this authority before? C'Leena would be lying to say she wasn't at least a little into it.
Now, while Nephele did her duty, C'Leena assigned herself as the 'Intimidating Scarred Individual'. She wasn't exactly huge on that role, but it would take away from Nephele if she didn't appear at least a little mad. Truthfully, she was indeed pretty mad, but everything else going on around her made it hard to be mad. Hell, a small part of her is panicking over the crowds, another was wanting to shrink in shame and the third was acting like a highschooler, swooning over her fiancé proving to have the authoritative presence like C'Leena demands.
Sure, C'Leena hasn't found herself in a situation where (what she calls) calm fury is warranted - at least as far as she can remember. Usually, it's calm or fury. However, C'Leena has been told she can be scary when she uses it. Now, moving onto the present moments, C'Leena is thoroughly enjoying watching the vender shit himself. It's clear that this isn't some overly thought out scam where they have answers to every question. Like jeez, call centers have better prep than this guy has.
"I uh - ahem. I am afraid I cannot share my suppliers with you.. miss." He says, clearly uncomfortable. He adjusts his clothing before once again addressing the couple. "If you do not intend to buy any of my stock, then I will have to ask you both to move on with your days - you are holding up-" The man suddenly freezes as he hears a voice in the back of his mind1. As C'Leena glares on, the man turns to make direct eye contact with her, a look of fear growing on his face.
Only a few more moments pass as the two continue to engage in a stare off, before the man finally cracks. "T-The docks. Small ship, called The Ladies Watch."
C'Leena huffs a breath before turning her message spell to Nephele. "Two things: One, you really need to do that more often, I can't believe I'm saying this but I felt myself swooning a bit. And Two, it seems scam artists never change! No qualms about pilfering money from people but god forbid you put some pressure on them - they crack like damn eggs. Now, shall we go?"
1. Message
|
|
Tradesfolk
IS OFFLINE
22
Renown
Faeborne
Trying to stay at peace in all its forms
305 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Nephele on Jun 14, 2023 14:52:53 GMT -5
Nephele was hyper aware of the scene she was making, though she would be lying if she said that she was sorry. Of course he deflected, to no one’s surprise including her own, and it was when he locked eyes with C’Leena behind her that he finally let up. It made her crack a small smirk, finally taking a step back and turning on her heel with a dismissive wave.
“Thank you, sir. I’m sure we will have a lovely conversation. Hope you meet your quota, you'll need it.” Nephele then responded to C’Leena, her voice completely different when she addressed her fiancé. Despite her words, a small laugh escaped Nephele, nearly silent to everyone but C’Leena.
“More often you say…I will keep that in mind. I’ll be honest I almost just desecrated his stash; did you see the size of that damned shell? I’d imagine it would hurt a big deal had I snatched it and cracked it over his head. Maybe he’d finally be able to use it. I mean honestly, if you’re going to scam people make it a little believable.” Nephele scoffed aloud, crossing her arms. “The guards are trying to crack down on them for this, great load of help they’re being.”
As they walked for about five minutes in utter silence, a thought occurred to Nephele, and she looked at C’Leena. Her expression still held that seriousness, but her gaze softened slightly, a little hard to tell just by looking at her eyes. “I’m sorry for dragging you with me like that. I know you hate crowds, and I know you said you liked me... acting as I did, but I do hope I didn’t make you uncomfortable. I just feel very strongly about these things and I don’t quite like it when people mess with you, especially when it comes to tricking you.”
In all honesty, Nephele didn’t really think what she did was too over the top, but she felt guilty regardless. Usually C’Leena would have more to say, maybe her energy was a little too imposing this time?
|
|
Tradesfolk
IS OFFLINE
5
Renown
None
Past events can never be changed. Instead, change the future.
422 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by C'Leena Thomas on Jun 14, 2023 18:22:27 GMT -5
C'Leena shrugged as the couple left the stand. "I'd be lying if I said I also didn't want to whack him over the head with something. While I wasn't able to hit him, I got some more bang for my buck," She flicks her wrist1 and reveals a pretty decently sized shell - very clearly not the same one she had before2. This one lightly shimmered with small crystalline clusters within the shell itself, making it sparkle slightly. "He'd totally want me to have my money's worth, right? Eh, he won't miss it." She flicks her wrist again, the shell vanishing from sight.
C'Leena found the silence to be comfortable, despite how discomforted she was being under Nepheles disapproving gaze before. When Nephele broke the silence, C'Leena huffed a laugh. "Nah, you're good. Honestly it was worse just being under your disapproving gaze," Despite her tone, it wasn't exactly fun. Oh well. "Sure, I'm not particularly fond of crowds, but it's fine," It wasn't fine, "And I'm not complaining, it was awfully entertaining watching that happen." C'Leena slings a shoulder around Nephele, pulling her close.
"Look at my lil' savior, standing up for what's right in the world! Oh, for how society would crumble without her heroics!" She says dramatically before chuckling and dropping the act. "Nah, seriously though - thank you. I can't really fault you for that cause it's exactly how I think. Not huge on people buggering with you.
"This also raises a question. I know the cloak and whatnot is to hide who you are, but wouldn't you prefer to not have to deal with it? I mean, you got me here! Big scary kinda-robot woman who happens to really like you and who also happens to be marrying you. I got you if you'd prefer to have all this off.
"I'm with you for the long haul, petal. Through even the worst of it, and this definitely counts. If you encounter someone you know, you got me, yeah?"
1. Space Pocket 2. Quick Palm
|
|
Tradesfolk
IS OFFLINE
22
Renown
Faeborne
Trying to stay at peace in all its forms
305 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Nephele on Jun 14, 2023 19:51:33 GMT -5
Nephele looked at the glittering shell that C’Leena seemed to have extracted from thin air, her eye drawn to its gleam. The part of her that disapproved was outweighed heavily by the part that reminded her that C’Leena hadn’t paid for this one, and her brow raised in intrigue. She chuckled to herself, lifting her hand to poke C’Leena’s nose playfully. “Oh you are quite sly, aren't you?”
“And I do apologize for that, I promise I’m not upset with you…I think I’m mostly surprised you fell for it.” Nephele said, the last part trailing off quietly. Nephele didn’t mind much at all when her fiancé brought her closer, nearly stumbling but catching herself easily with a huffed giggle.
She rolled her eyes at C’Leena’s theatrics, but at her next words it took her a moment to respond properly, humming under her breath. “Mmm, and I know you are, dearest, and I with you as well. I have no bad blood with anyone here, but I’d just rather not be recognized by any of my previous peers. I wasn’t the best student, and I had a bit of a…temper.”
A temper was the nice way to put it. Her temper encapsulated her impatience, confusion, irritation, and flat-out disrespect to everything and everyone she encountered in the temple. She was one angry child. Nephele shook her head, looking back on those days with a sigh. Not the best thing to be remembered by.
“In short, I’d rather not be challenged by my old peers…I’ve seen a few around today, actually.” Nephele recalled seeing maybe two or three of her ex-peers walking through town at a distance. It was interesting to see them out and about, not dressed down in their practice attire and becoming part of the crowd. “I wouldn’t be against speaking to them again, but something tells me I wouldn’t be talking to them much at all.” She paused for a moment, quickly interjecting: “And as much as I appreciate it, you wouldn’t want to see the crowd that forms if I took this off.” Nephele tugged at the scarf on her nose, a teasing grin hidden on her face.
Continuing to come up on the docks, the nymph looked up, eyes scanning the shoreline and all of its patrons. “See anything worth noting?”
|
|
Tradesfolk
IS OFFLINE
5
Renown
None
Past events can never be changed. Instead, change the future.
422 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by C'Leena Thomas on Jun 14, 2023 20:37:52 GMT -5
"Ah damn. And here I was, hoping that you could show the fact you're engaged off to your peers. Make them hella jealous." C'Leena jokingly complains. "And you had a temper? Hah, we grow more alike with each day. That actually reminds me. Remember that Cyran guy I told you about a while ago? He developed a spell called 'Dreamwalker' which allows the caster to enter and manipulate dreams. He used it on me after I had that episode, and I saw a lot of potential with it.
"So I learnt it and I wanted to ask if you'd be at all interested in me using it to show you earth? Since it happens during a dream, you'd still have the ability to manipulate it, it's just that I would be there, too and I could show you what I have difficulty explaining." C'Leena intended to ask this some time ago, and most likely wouldn't happen until later tonight if she's willing.
"And yes, I can be very sly when I want to be. Again, did this for like, all my childhood. Miraculously not arrested ahem other than that one close call." At the time it was exhilarating, but in hindsight it was extremely dumb and nearly cost her everything. It's not a good memory to look back on, and she's not exactly proud of the thievery, but it's something she had to do to even get to the life she has now. Would she still have gotten pulled here if her life went differently? Was her coming to Charon a certainty, or yet another stroke of luck? Perhaps it's not best to linger on those thoughts.
"And I didn't fall for it, I saw a win-win scenario. In hindsight it was more like Win-SemiWin, but my point stands. Ooh, maybe I should steal my money back? Hm, maybe. And you bloody well know I'm new to this magic crap, I don't know what's possible! Literally anybody would have fallen for that if they got thrown into magic bullshit land saw that." C'Leena was trying desperately to persuade herself more than Nephele. Suffice to say it wasn't working. Arriving at the docks, C'Leena scans her eyes over the docked ships. Small ship named The Ladies Watch. From this distance, it's hard to make out anything at all since her eyesight is completely trash at distance. "Darling, my eyes might be magical, but I still cannot see shit at distance. Perhaps we should take a walk down the docks themselves? It's not like it's restricted." She says in a joking tone. While her words were true, it was with feigned admonishment. She needs glasses and sadly, there are no optometrists on Charon.. As far as she knows.
Leading Nephele down toward the docks, there are a decent amount of people moving back and forth between ships and wagons, loading or unloading cargo. On the far end of the docks is a small ship with only one sail. A group of decently dressed individuals are unloading cargo from the ship, and while C'Leena cannot make anything out aside from vague shapes and colors, Nephele might be able to notice some awfully Shell-Like colors from one of the open crates sitting on the docks.
"Let me throw the question back to you: Do you see anything worth noting? I see colors and blurry shapes."
|
|
Tradesfolk
IS OFFLINE
22
Renown
Faeborne
Trying to stay at peace in all its forms
305 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Nephele on Jun 15, 2023 12:31:28 GMT -5
Nephele’s entire demeanor lit up at the mention of C’Leena showing her earth, her eyes widening in surprise and excitement. “Really?? Oh I would love to see that! I’ve always been so curious. It’s a bit hard to imagine some parts of your realm, maybe after this is said and done.”
The idea of being able to see where C’Leena comes from is incredible, only climbing her already mounting curiosity. She couldn’t remember the name of the place she specifically hails from, a long, complex name that ultimately culminated into C’Leena being considered an “Aussie”. Nephele suddenly couldn’t wait to see it.
“We truly are more alike than we think, hm?” Nephele comments absently. It’s something she was starting to grow used to, finding parallels between their lives in even the most unlikely places. It only made her more curious to what earth looked like. “And don’t worry dearest, I definitely believe you.” Nephele added at the mention of C’Leena definitely not falling for the scam, a lilt of teasing sarcasm in her tone.
Upon arriving on the docks, Nephele was right back to looking around, keeping an eye out for anything and anything suspicious moving closer per C’Leena’s suggestion. She almost made a comment on C’Leena’s poor vision, but her well-trained eyes were suddenly drawn to a crate full of shiny, almost unnaturally colorful shells nearby. Her attention then drifted to the individuals dressed down a little too precariously, unloading a small cargo ship that seemed to match the description they were given. Perfect. “Looks like four of them. Possibly more, but there’s four carrying those boxes out and what looks to be a few contractors. Come on.”
It didn’t look like they were noticed just yet, so Nephele looked at C’Leena and gestured to hide behind the nearest open crate. If they could get through this without fighting, that would be best. Soiling their supply was the easy route by far, the only question was how…
|
|
Tradesfolk
IS OFFLINE
5
Renown
None
Past events can never be changed. Instead, change the future.
422 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by C'Leena Thomas on Jun 15, 2023 18:31:06 GMT -5
C'Leena chuckled at Nepheles enthusiasm. "Tonight, then? Heh, I can't wait to show you the cool shit of earth." She says, growing excited herself. She idly wonders how she'll react to Sabaton. Or orchestra music. Shit, she might freak out with Orchestra music. That'll be pretty funny.
C'Leena made a light tsk'ing noise when Nephele 'definitely' believed her. It's the truth! Mostly! Maybe not everybody would've indulged. Ah, shit, she's a moron. How in the bloody hell did she get through medical school if she's falling for these dumbass scams in magical bullshit fuckoff world.
She's about to shoot back a retort before Nephele tells her what she's seeing. A small grin plays across her features as they move up and hide behind a crate. Her mind goes through possibilities. Combat is technically on the table, but not something she particularly wants to do. She could throw their supply into the water. Shells tend not to float and the water is relatively deep here. She could also sink the ship if she really tried. Perhaps ruining the shells would be best.
Peeking around the edge of the crate, she extends a hand and takes a hold of a shell with magic1 (She's still not over it) and flicks it over and past the people unloading the ship. A number of heads turn, which provides her with enough time to take a hold of the entire open crate and slide it across the dock where it hits the lip at the edge, tipping the crate over the side and sending the contents into the water.
C'Leena lets out a little giggle of mischief. "One down." She returns behind the crate, plotting her next move. Theres still about three more crates and possibly more on the ship. To say she's already having fun would be an accurate statement - she's having a blast, and that is obvious by the wide grin on her face. "What do you suggest we do next? I can keep throwing the crates into the water, but that might prove unreliable soon."
|
|
Tradesfolk
IS OFFLINE
22
Renown
Faeborne
Trying to stay at peace in all its forms
305 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Nephele on Jun 17, 2023 16:32:43 GMT -5
Nephele watched C’Leena work her magic (her actual, unfabricated magic. No, she was never letting this go). She let out a low whistle when she dumped the shells overboard, nodding.
“That’s good for now, it’ll be a bit difficult though…” Nephele trailed off, keeping a watchful eye on the people who were still looking around, dumbfounded. A few looked about ready to look for the source of the unrest, and the nymph hummed. That was going to prove to be irritating. She supposed she could… A smile that could only be described as sinister spread across Nephele’s face, hidden by her many layers. The only indicator that she was absolutely grinning her ass off was the upturn of her eyes, the smile lines straining as she looked at C’Leena.
“I’ve got an idea.” That much was obvious, even if Nephele had said absolutely nothing. “I’ll distract them, you do as you have been. The town guards clearly need some help. I’ll shout if I need you.” She pulled her scarf down to press a kiss to C’Leena’s cheek, before Nephele ran out from behind the crates, moving quickly. It wasn’t difficult to catch their attention, a few of them already looking her way in search.
Nephele ran forward, leaping onto The Ladies Watch with a flourish, flipping through the air. Landing soundlessly, graceful like a trapeze artist, the nymph started waving her hands, drawing attention to herself. The workers seemed simultaneously confused and irritated, three of them advancing on the woman by taking the plank and abandoning their posts. There were probably five others on the boat, brandishing knives but appearing wholly too clumsy and undisciplined to be a match against Nephele’s monk training.
She began running around the boat, bobbing and weaving and altogether playing with her food. This was something she’d rather not get physical with on the off chance that someone passes by and reports that a student of the temple had caused havoc by the docks. Then again, neither Nephele or C’Leena were well versed in the art of laying low.
|
|
Tradesfolk
IS OFFLINE
5
Renown
None
Past events can never be changed. Instead, change the future.
422 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by C'Leena Thomas on Jun 17, 2023 17:01:11 GMT -5
C'Leena likes to believe that she has most of Nepheles tells down pat. That includes when she is grinning like a mad-woman with a borderline insane plan. Despite the most common reaction being concern, C'Leena instead grins right back, almost excited to see what Nephele is cooking up in that brain of hers.
It took her a second to process the kiss, and by the time she did, Nephele was already on her way to the ship. That beautiful fucken psycho, she thinks to herself. The risk of yet another iron burn is possible, and C'Leena is concerned about that, but she has faith in her fiancé to know situational awareness enough to know when to call for her.
Breaking out of hiding, C'Leena doesn't exactly move with any form of urgency. With all the crew distracted, she simply marches down the docks, Grabbing crates using Telekinesis and hurling them either overboard, into other crates or into the ship itself. The latter causes quite a bit of damage, which in turn begins to flood the lower deck. In her mind, they can't ship goods if they have no ship.
As Nephele is actively toying with the crew, C'Leena continues to destroy crates, crushing any loose shells (and picking up a particularly nice looking one) and generally ensuring there is nothing left of use. She reaches the end of the deck in about 30 seconds of marching and kicks the last one into the water. Turning her attention back to the chaos on the deck, she thinks it might be best to hide her identity as best as possible - similarly to Nephele.
C'Leena summons her cloak1 with the hood over her head, and a bandana over her nose and mouth hide her identity pretty well. For some leeway, C'Leena also changes her eyes to their golden counterparts before joining her fiancé on the slowly sinking ship. It's not a fast sink by any means, since the holes made are small and easily repairable.
Shooting Nephele a message as she boards, she says "Fucken beautiful work, darling. Going below deck, see if I can't make this bastard sink faster. Can't ship dumb shells if you have no ship in the first place, right?" True to her word, she heads down the stairs into the decks below. The floor is covered in about an inch or so of water, not nearly enough or quick enough to be a concern.
Cracking her neck, she gets to work.
|
|
Tradesfolk
IS OFFLINE
22
Renown
Faeborne
Trying to stay at peace in all its forms
305 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Nephele on Jun 18, 2023 11:58:36 GMT -5
Nephele’s movements were as fluid as they were fast, flipping around her steadily frustrated audience like an acrobat. The attacks were wide and chaotic, mostly trying to hit Nephele whenever she dodged but being too slow to hit her. They were clearly not fighters, and their mounting irritation wasn’t made better by the whimsied giggle that escaped the nymph.
“Good, if you can find a way to sink it a little faster, I want to knock some of them overboard.” She responded, slipping between the legs of another who swung in a large arc and nearly stumbled over. “I need you above deck as soon as you get it done. I'd rather not drown you, dearest.”
Continuing their dull onslaught, one of them does manage to hit Nephele. It comes right after Nephele sends a message back to C’Leena, stepping wrong and nearly falling over. Next thing she knew, the sound of a furious shout and the white hot sting of iron in her rib alerted her to take this serious. The pain was intense as always, unable to bite back the loud cry of pain as the dagger managed to lodge itself in her leg, hissing against her skin as it burned and cauterized. That…probably wasn’t good.
Thankfully, Nephele was fast enough to spring back, snapping her fingers and pulling the knife out of her side and breaking it into frozen, shattered pieces. She shook her head, shaking off the pain as the North star in her eye sparked. Her eye twitched, and she rushed towards them, actually attacking with the intent to knock them overboard. Now that she was on the offensive, she was bound to be driven by her adrenaline and obtain more scars. Nephele was fine with that though, so long as C’Leena was doing what she needed to below deck she was fine…maybe.
|
|