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Post by Fish the Tinkerer on Apr 1, 2024 19:04:23 GMT -5
Zewala is quiet for a moment as she looks at this small avian. It was asking after her son which was suspicious, but it did save them. After a moment passes the name Fish jogs her memory and she gasps. Quickly Zewala takes the bird over to the desk and set them down.
"Karize, please fetch some bandages." The younger fellblood runs out as Zewala readies to hopefully save the young bird. "I am sorry for all of this, it has been stressful as of late. If you are the same Fish the Sneak, my..."
"Tinkerer."
Zewala tilts her head at the hand movements.
"Fish...is a...tinkerer now."
"Right...well if you are the same young bird my son has spoken of then I apologize for holding you like this. Though I am sure you understand." Zewala doesn't have much in the way of healing magic, but hopefully Karize returns soon.
As she paces the room to try and strategize, Fish falls prey to old habits. They see a sat of deadwood pens and slip one into a pouch. Fish hoped to survive and smugly show off that Fish broke into the home. Zarius would probably hear about this long before they saw Fish, but the bird was losing blood you will excuse their lack of coherent thought.
Karize does return, but with Anselm in tow. The patriach of the family brandishes a sword, ready to finish the foe, but thankfully the others step in and explain the situation. It wasn't an easy thing to make sense of nor was a decision going to be easily made. Fish was a contact of Zarius, but they had broken into their home, but they had saved the family, so what was the motivation?
Zewala begins to bandage Fish as Anselm steps to the desk. He stands ready to cut the bird down at the slightest provocation.
"Why have you broken into my home and put my family in danger?"
"Fish did not intend danger...only wanted answers."
"Answers to what?"
"Where Mr. Zarius is...People lie to Fish....won't tell Fish what happened..."
"And the other assassins?"
"Fish did not know....but Fish...did not want Mr. Zarius' family...to be hurt."
Anselm is cautious enough to not completely drop his guard, it is hard to pick up on deception through hand signals, but the bird was too weak to do anything at this point. Between he and Zewala, he was confident one bird could be cooked, but what of what was happening outside?
Speaking of what was happening outside, the elf was finding no solace in the garden fountain. She could not douse the flames and the burning no matter what she tried. The screaming woman ran past the minotaur and the naga clawing at her face before she crashed into a tree.
With his boss likely down for the count and the slaad nowhere to be seen Griff pulls his punch short, "That was my boss so....truce?" Whether or not he finished his question depended on if Shaa pulled his punch.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Apr 2, 2024 8:09:44 GMT -5
As the two fighters are about to trade blows, Shaa hears screaming from the inside. Suddenly an elf bursts from the window her head ablaze. Griff explains who she is and offers a truce before they can really begin. A flaming elf? I think I had a drink called that before. You don’t see that every day. Elves tend to be more…well not on fire. Was that Fish’s doing? That was definitely not sneaky in any way. These assassins were really making a mess of things. Then it dawned on him.
Wait. You said that you knew that Zarius wasn’t here. If he’s not here and you came anyway, who are you after? Griff sighs a bit with a bit of a snake like lisp. The contract is for the entire family, down to even the last of them. The rumor was that Zarius hassss been dead awhile backkkk. I thinkssss to that incident withssss the volaaaano. Shaa felt a drop in the pit of his stomach. He was there. There were so many fighters there and it was so chaotic, he could have missed him easily. Even after the battle, so much happened. Had he been so distracted that he lost his friend? There was no time to think about that now. It was the clue they were looking for and he had to go find Fish. But first.
If that’s true, we both had our missions royally jacked up today. Yesss. Well normally I would just call it a day butttt, if what you are saying is true, somebody paid you to murder my little buddy Karize today. Even if your plans got jacked up, that just means you are just going to try and smoke him again later and I can’t really have that. The kid? Why do you care about the kid? Meh, long story but I’m kind of his unofficial big brother. Saved him from some kidnappers, there were goblins, I got shot with a crossbow, whole thing. Anywho, I didn’t go through all of that to have a bunch of cloaked mercs come snuff him now. Hmmm a Minotaur bodyguard wassss not in the intelligence. Not so much a bodyguard as just a very big brother who isn’t going to let you touch him. Perils of missing detailssss. Story of my life. So this fight issss… yup Fraid so.
Griff shakes his head and jumps at Shaa with both his claws extended in the strike. The big Minotaur side steps the strike and pushes him over with a hard shove. The Nage rolls with the push and comes back up on his feet, ready to respond. Neither fighter still had a good sense of the other’s capabilities yet. It was a game of chess and these were the opening moves. Watching him absorb the fire, Shaa guessed that he either had some sort of fire charm or, worse, was a mage slayer which meant he would need to be more hands on with the snake man. Fine by him.
Shaa moves in and attempts to punch him in the face. Griff holds up his slender forearm and blocks the punch, countering with one of his own. The two stand toe to toe ( hoof to snake torso?) and exchange strikes with increasing alacrity. Griff suddenly swings his large tail around striking Shaa in the shoulder and slamming him roughly into the wall. Placing his hand on the wall, Shaa summons a second wall perpendicular to the mansion sending the Naga flying across the lawn. The big Minotaur rubs his shoulder and stalks after him.
The wall attack has shaken Griff up a bit but he is far from out. Minotaur’s were well known fighters and this one was no exception, he thought to himself. A fire and earth attack? You have shown your cardssss my friend, and you will sufffeerrrr. Griff makes some hand signs and marks Shaa has his sworn enemy, effectively doubling all of his damage. With another move, he places his hand on the wall and hexes the ability. No more walls for you my friend. Griff lashes back out and manages to catch Shaa in the leg. Pain shoots up quickly and he can immediately tell the difference in the power of the strike. Griff strikes at him again but this time Shaa isn’t able to dodge as quickly with his injured leg. Shaa takes the strike to the shoulder again and backs up a bit for distance. Umm owwww. Griff laughs a snakey laugh and swings his enhanced tail back around for another strike.
As he does so, a crossbow bolt lodges into his tail from the side. Griff reels back in pain and looks to see where the bolt came from. Two half naked guards were standing there, one with a cross bow in his hand. Both with several coin shaped welts on their bodies. Conrad! You saved me! No, I’m planning on shooting both of you. Booooo.
Shaa Summon Wall
Griff Spell Hex Sworn Enemy
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Post by Fish the Tinkerer on Apr 2, 2024 22:56:59 GMT -5
"I assume that the large bull creature outside make a mess of our grounds is Shaa Rhuun." Anselm looks towards Fish as he can hear the fighting continuing on.
Fish nods before sitting up. Zewala and Karize urge them not to, but Fish is still concious enough to be stubborn. They reach into their infinite bag and pull out a much longer looking firearm. The bird was too close to getting answers to wait any longer.
They had a chance to prove they are on the same side and end the fighting so they can start having a conversation. Fish braces one leg on the windowsill as they shoulder the stock of the rifle. One shot was all Fish was going to need.
Once more a loud bang rings out and the recoil sends a weakened Fish back into the desk with an oomf. The bullet whizzes between Shaa's horns and hit the naga deep in the shoulder.[1] Griff tries to move his shoulder to continue the fight, but that only causes more pain.
All Griff can do now is accept his fate. Maybe snake heaven is filled with all the bird eggs you can eat and other things snakes like.
Back in the mansion, Anselm is quick to take the musket from the ground and set Fish back on the desk. He wasn't all that familiar with firearms, but he knew enough to know how dangerous it was. As a precaution, Fish is tied up and manacled.
He looks to the window once more, "Shaa, if that is you out there, put your hands up. Your friend is captured, come inside and we can have a conversation, but any more fighting and you are to deal with me next."
1. Deep Impact
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Apr 3, 2024 11:59:51 GMT -5
Shaa shouts back up at the window. That’s what I have been trying to do all morning! He sticks his tounge out at Conrad who is putting his pants back on with Dexter. He looks over at Griff who is still moving, but slowly and obviously with a lot of effort. He holds up his hands and makes towards the window. Anselm calls out to him to tell him to use the door but it’s too late. A moment and a broken lamp later, Shaa finds himself inside a small study. He can hear the patter of several footsteps coming in his direction. Eventually an elderly woman, obviously strong despite her age, enters the room and pushes him roughly to the chamber where Fish and the rest of the family have gathered. Heyyy watch it.
As he enters the room, he sees several figures. A woman is there bandaging up Fish. Her clothes are fitted and too well made to be a servant, presumably Zariuses mother. The man shouting from the window was there. Again Shaa presumed he was the father or at least someone in authority as the guards listened to him. To his delight, Karize was there safe and sound. Hey little K! I had to stomp an assassin for you outside. You know I always got your back little buddy. Karize smiled wide and started to make a move to give Shaa a hug. Anselm shakes his head and Karize stops in his tracks, disappointed.
Anselm looks at Shaa sternly. This is the second time that you have invaded my home bull man. Just what is it you want? Shaa clears his throat and tries his best to explain. Ok, first of all, I have technically only broken into your house once and that was a delivery. And secondly, we are only here to see Zarius. I am the interim Fighters Guild captain and he is late for the meeting….by several months. My son..is not here. He says with a hushed tone. Zewala stops what she is doing and starts to sob. Then where is he? Shaa asks already expecting the answer.
Anselm puts down the gun on a nearby table and pulls an envelope out of his vest pocket. He hands it over to Shaa for inspection. Can you read? Yes, I can read. Shaa says in a whiney mocking tone. Taking the envelope in hand with a snap, he carefully opens it a removes a several paged letter. The caveat on top is what catches his attention. In case of my demise. He closes his eyes and hands the letter and envelope back without reading it. Yet another of his brothers had fallen under his watch. The all too frequent end of the people in his profession.
Looking back at Anselm he asks. Are you sure? He’s not just missing? I go missing like constantly. The teifling glowers at him and nods. We have our ways. Please take your bird and go. Shaa looks over at Fish who looked like they got into a fight with a tornado and lost. I told you to leave the fighting to me. Come on, let’s get out of here before they change their mind. Shaa walks over to Karize and pats him gently on the head. I’m sorry kid. I should have kept a better eye on him. But you call me if you need me. I’m no replacement for your bro but I’ll help you where I can. Karize hugs Shaa’s leg and quickly runs out of the room. Taking his que, he walks over to Fish. Can you walk or do need a ride?
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Post by Fish the Tinkerer on Apr 5, 2024 21:22:59 GMT -5
Fish loses all interest in the world around them when the answeres are presented. No one else in this room mattered beyond what they are learning now. Once unbound they too took the letter from Shaa's hand before it can be taken back, but do not hesitate to open it and read.
It's a mix of emotions. On the one hand, Fish is happy to have the answers they had been searching for. On the other, they didn't know what they are processing right now. Feelings are still fairly new, especially the sensitive ones. So they can do nothing but stare at the paper for a moment.
They remain quiet for a moment as they try to just work through it all. By the time Shaa approaches, Fish does not respond. They are still and quiet....thankfully they are breathing though. But the stress of the fight, blood loss, and trying to think through all of this has proven too much. As stubborn as Fish could be, they do have physical limits and it seems they have been reached at this point.
This means they cannot protest to just being picked up and carried. Even passed out, their mind races. Did Astrid losing an arm have to do with this? She was strange about Zarius....and Mei whoever she was had been cagey about. Then there was Cyran who might be the biggest problem in all of this. Fish had been definitively lied to by people who had been actively encouraging Fish not to. It seemed hypocritical to encourage them to be honest and then not return that same courtesy to Fish. There would be a reckoning, but not tonight.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Apr 7, 2024 10:43:12 GMT -5
Seeing that Fish’s last act was to snag the letter before fading into unconsciousness, Shaa picks him up gently, tucks him under an arm, and walks quietly from the room. He knew this mission was going to be tricky but honestly didn’t expect it to end so suddenly. It was always another step, another clue. They had hunted for Athena for over a year before they even got a resolution for that one. And now…it was over. Shaa swore a bit under his breath as the guards watch him exit the manor from the front door.
Shaa could have sworn that Conrad said something as they were leaving but he had caused the guard enough trouble today and decided to just ignore him. Besides, they had a couple of assassins and corpses to deal with today. They had enough to do without Shaa making it more complicated.
What was he going to do now? He would have to tell the guild for sure. Of all of the people there, he thought that Gerhart would probably have the hardest time with it as they pretty much came up together. Despite what had happened, at least he knew and he could deal with it. The why and how were inconsequential to the fact that he was gone and there was nothing he could do about it. Yes. It was that feeling of helplessness that he hated the most. Vikram, Zarius. He wasn’t there for either of their deaths. A day late and a dollar short. Well that wasn’t entirely true. He was there with Zarius fighting the great dragon. He just didn’t know he was…
Almost instinctually, Shaa felt the scars on his face and various other parts of his body. He had come close. Too close if he was being honest about it. What was it that kept him going? Was it luck, fate? He certainly had enough scars and wounds that he didn’t feel lucky. He certainly wasn’t lucky today. He had gotten his answers which was the point right? But it was still a loss.
They reached the Inn and Shaa laid Fish on one of the beds. He brought him a glass of water and some bread. He wasn’t quite sure what bird men ate but the meal was pretty ubiquitous. He sat back in a chair in the room, pulling his own drink and a dry biscuit he had swiped from a food cart downstairs.
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Post by Fish the Tinkerer on Apr 8, 2024 18:53:28 GMT -5
Being picked up is just enough jostling to awaken the bird for a moment so they can protest, though it is meaningless against Shaa. Even when uninjured they wouldn't have the strength to escape his grasp and Fish quickly finds themselves passed out again.
It isn't until the morning that the bird starts to stir again. The wounds burn pretty hard and every fiber of Fish's being says stay still. Fish is stubborn though, too stubborn to even listen to themselves. Too much was happening for them to sit idle.
They very gingerly motion towards their bag hoping Shaa would pick up on it. Chalk and slate is pulled out and words are written in a much shakier print than Fish usually does.
"Fish needs to learn how to fight....Fish got caught because Fish can't fight close range.....Mr. Shaa will teach Fish?" It is an effort to write out each phrase, erase it, then write again.
What Shaa probably can notice is the spark of fire in Fish's eyes. They are upset they were exposed like that and want to work on covering that weakness. They weren't much of a warrior, but they were determined to be better equipped next time.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Apr 9, 2024 0:18:05 GMT -5
After several attempts, Shaa finally managed to work out the intent of Fishes scratching. He thinks for a moment and nods in understanding. So it happened did it? You got your feathery ass handed to you and you don’t ever want that to happen again. I get it. I want you to hang on to that feeling. It’s going to be the feeling you will need to get you to where you need to be. You know…as soon as you can move and stuff.
As far back as I can remember, I have always been fighting. Did I ever tell you that I was raised as a slave to the Nomad tribes? It was kind of an eat or be eaten situation. It was a rough way to grow up but I learned a lot. Shaa goes on to tell Fish some stories from when he first learned to fight, covering the basics. He then spends some time writing down something special for him. Look, there is no way I can teach you to fight in a hotel room while you are all banged up. I’m writing down some things I want you to practice every day. It will be hard but, it will be worth it. When you are ready, I want you to come down to the Martial Academy and we will get you taken care of. Probably won’t get the sneaky out of you…but I guarantee that by the end of it, you will be on the other end of your next beating.
Shaa finishes writing down some basic fighting forms as well as a a couple moves he thinks will work well. With that out of the way, there was only one thing left to talk about.
So…about Zarius…
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Post by Fish the Tinkerer on Apr 9, 2024 10:26:20 GMT -5
"Fish understands that....Fish's parents lost Fish as a child..." They sign like they aren't still a child, "Fish was stealing food before being taken in by a thieves guild...Fish learned how to shoot and hide, Fish was told that Fish was too small to fight." Sharing a bit of their own history as small as it was led to Fish finding an odd kinship with Shaa in that moment.
The two of them had wildly different situations, but in a ways there were a lot of similarities. It seems the both of them did what they had to in order to survive. Fish could relate to that feeling and also helped them better understand Shaa. For a moment they put their hand on their stomach, what was this feeling? Empathy? More for Fish to process.
They look over the paper a moment already committing it to memory. It was another good reason to leave the Thieves Guild, Fish could learn more outside the guild than in it. Everyone there was in it for themselves, but here people did want ot help Fish.
"Fish is disappointed to hear Mr. Zarius is dead...though today makes the decision to keep it quiet make sense if the family is a target."
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Apr 10, 2024 7:54:02 GMT -5
As the two continued their discussion, Shaa realized that they really were not as different as he thought. He still wasn’t 100% that he could trust him as with any thief, but this certainly built some bridges. As Fish reviewed the paper Shaa gave him, Shaa himself finally relents and pulls the letter from Zarius that was left on the table. The letter read as follows:
"Dear Shaa,
If you are reading this letter, it means something dire has happened to me. It’s unfortunate to say, and it may be hard to believe, but for all the lies I have spun in my life, these words are genuine. I’m writing a letter as a courtesy, and to spare my family the awkwardness of having a minotaur knocking on the door demanding answers.
Understand that, while my brother is a fan of yours, my family’s lives are very complicated and it is not safe for you to visit. Whoops. Not that it has ever stopped you before. Accurate.
Yes, I know about your previous trespass. Duh, you got a hearts day card and a present out of it. Who did you think it was, the Red Rogue? Did little K eat the pie? That sneaky imp lol. It was no small feat to explain to my father that you are not a threat.
Writing a letter like this makes me reflect on everything that has happened over the past year. How we first met, Juggling Goblins and tossing them the missions for the guild we ran together, what seems like a never-ending search for Miss Athena. It makes me wonder how things would have been different had my own circumstances at the time been different.
I cannot go into detail about what exactly I mean by that. I have a duty to my family and their safety is my highest priority. Serving that duty is a bit challenging if I’m no longer around. Yes guard duty is much easier when you are not dead.
Darkveil grows increasingly dangerous in ways that even I cannot plan for. Joining the guild was an attempt on my part to gain some pull with authorities to keep my family safe from them and others who would wish harm upon us. I apologize for having ulterior motives, but I know you’ve seen the kinds of people who are after us and what lengths they are willing to go to in order to hurt us. I have heard of a lot worse reasons. Deterrence is the reason we get half the jobs we get.
This is all to say I have one humble request of you. If you hear anything through the guild that could bring harm to my family, please intervene. Yeah yeah, I’ll make sure Little K doesn’t become an orphan. Nobody knows how fun that is more than me.
You are the strongest fighter I know, and I trust your judgment.
Your friend,
Zarius"
Shaa folds the letter and, with a bit of concentration, ignites it in his hand. He looks at Fish and nods. No evidence. Fish was right. Maybe he shouldn’t tell the guild about Zarius as news of his death might put their family at risk. Those assassins only heard a rumor of his passing and it was enough for them to attempt an attack. The big Minotaur gets an uncomfortable pain in his gut. He hated secrets. He lived his entire life loud and mostly naked, open and obvious to the world. Searching for Athena meant rooting out information, bringing secrets into the light. Then again, he had conducted more than one sneaky tactic. Maybe keeping this secret was more of a sneaky tactic against their enemies vs a true secret per se. It sounded like a rationalization in his head and he knew it. But, it wasn’t his secret to tell. The family had opted to keep it private and he would have respect that. Whether he agreed with it or not.
Shaa stays with Fish long enough to make sure he is strong enough to take care of himself. Some food and creative magic help along the way. Soon enough, it is time for the Minotaur to head back to the guild hall. He will use the trip as time to think of excuses to stop looking for Zarius but keep him on the hall records in case anyone came asking.
Ok man, you look like you won’t fall apart. Remember, keep practicing everyday and head on over the Martial Academy when you are ready to get serious. I will leave a note over there for you in case you show up when I’m out. There are plenty of instructors out there to fill in just in case.
With that, Shaa leaves the Inn, a little bit heavier than when he had arrived.
flame breath
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Post by Fish the Tinkerer on Apr 10, 2024 9:44:53 GMT -5
Fish nods as Shaa burns the letter. Normally they would have done the same, but for some reason they betrayed their instincts in that moment. There was still a lot they had questions about in the letter they read....it was also evidence for what Fish perceived as crimes against them.
People had lied to Fish and normally that wouldn't bother them. The life of a criminal is full of lies. Fish was certain Morrigan had never told them anything that wasn't at least some part a lie. It didn't matter then, but it did now and Fish wanted to know why.
Why would all the people telling them to be more open and honest turn around and hide something from Fish? Was Fish being treated like a child? Did they all assume Fish was not ready to hear that Zarius was dead? Whatever the reasoning was, it didn't change the fact that Fish had died and the people they had begun to trust seemingly abandoned them. It has been months since they've heard from Del or Cyran leaving only Kvasir as they one to talk to about this, but that would require admitting to Fish's life of crime....though the good doctor is likely aware of that.
Fish nods again as Shaa leaves. They aren't sure how soon they should be moving with their injuries, but Fish did not do well sitting idle. They would gingerly move about the room to make sure they had everything before getting ready to leave themselves. There was going to be a lot to explain when they got back to the Desert Rose, but Fish didn't know where else to go for the moment.
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