"Can you tell my sister that I'm not a leash?" Vesra was beginning to get annoyed with her sister's attitude.
"Ummm... I thought you were both tied together?" Kayn looked between the sisters, confused. "Like you are to Ember."
"You're right, Ember, he isn't being very helpful," Vesra nodded. "Well, at least in this particular case." Changing the subject, she said, "Kayn, I need to know everything I can about being an Invoker. Help me, and Vasha, understand what I am."
Vasha frowns and pets the dog more.
"Ok!" Kayn gestures for her to sit down. "Sit with me and try these exercises." Kayn sits down in the middle of the floor, wiping an ink stain as he does. "There is an itch on his right leg," Kayn mentions, nodding toward the dog. Vasha reaches over and scratches the dog on the right leg. "Oh... gods... that feels good," Kayn says with a toothy grin. Sear flies over and lands on the dog with a little screech. "Sear is jealous."
Vasha smiles and gives the bat a bit of a scratch.
Kayn smiles his toothy smile. "You are... very kind," he says.
"Animals are... easier than people," Vasha said, curling up on the bed with the dog and the bat.
"People are merely animals," Kayn responds.
Vesra sits down on the floor, Ember hovering in her lap. "Most of the time, animals are kinder. But sometimes, you meet good ones," she grinned at Kayn.
"Very good," he smiles back. "Have you ever meditating with Vashi..a? "
"If by meditating you mean walking around in nature talking to trees, then yes."
"Hmmm..." He leans back a bit, "Lets try this then. Close your eyes." She closes both eyes. After a minute of silence, she shushes Ember. Kayn's voice goes a little low, "You're not warm, you're not cold. You're hungry. Food is everywhere, but it is the food of the forest. You drink the air, you eat the trees. You're in this room, but the room is food. The papers in the bag are food, the air you consume is fuel... Now open your eyes, and see as Ember does." He waits... hoping that it works.
Vasha rolls onto her stomach and watches this, giving little nuzzles to the dog and bat, and watches, doubtful of Kayn's methods. Certainly not how she meditates.
Vesra opened her eyes, but she wasn't where she had been when she had closed them. She was much lower, so she was looking up at Kayn, and the edges of her vision were tinged with red. She turned her head to look around, and saw herself sitting there. Her body's eyes were open, but looked to be filled with molten fire instead of her usual irises. Woah.
Kayn gestures to Vasha, "Look, look!" He looked closer at Vesra. "She can't hear us or see us..."
Vasha looks and furls her eyebrows. "Interesting. I wonder how deep she can go. Or how much she can control it. When I meditate, I can either push everything out, or choose what I want to hear. I don't see things. I'm better at listening."
He waves his hand in front of Vesra's eyes. "This must be how I look... just less squishy." He chuckles.
"She's so much more powerful than I," Vasha says, a hint of sadness creeping into her voice. "She really doesn't need me to protect her."
I do need you, Vesra thought. But she couldn't say anything; she was Ember. Alright, I'm ready to go back now. She closed her eyes tightly, and then opened them again. But she was still Ember. She tried again. And again.
"So it is like Sear..." Kayn's face lights up. "There's one more 'trick.' She has complete control as long as Ember allows her." He looked at Vasha. "It's a bond, like the one you have with her."
Vasha shook her head. "No, it's different."
"Your bond is physical, this one is mental." He turns to Vasha, "Think of it like this... if the vampire stayed inside your head since birth, you'd have to find common ground or die, yes?" Vasha scowled. After what happened last night, she'd rather die then let the vampire into her head again. "Your sister chose to live and to bond... with Ember. And it has finally shown itself."
The little elemental began to wave its hands, trying to get their attention. She needed to get out! "It's so cute!" Kayn says, stroking the fire with his hand.
At this point, Vasha rolled over and looked at the ceiling. "She really doesn't need me anymore." Vesra began to try and use Kor hand symbols, I do, she tried to say. But her hands were too small, and covered in flame. I really, really do.
"I like fire myself..." He looks back to Vasha, "She never would have survived without you... and she still needs you for what's to come. They say Invokers eventually return to Zendikar." Vasha tilted her head to look at him, upside down. "What do you mean?" Kayn shrugs, "I don't know. It's like... death for them? Imagine the Roil encompassing a mortal body... it can't handle that power."
"Are these powers going to kill her?" Vasha was starting to worry. "She survived them her whole life, I imagine it was with your help," he responds. Panic began to well up in Vasha. "I've prevented her from falling off ropes. I've... taken so much for her. But I've never helped her with these powers."
Do you know how to get me out? Vesra asked Ember. Yeah, I know. It's your first time, too.
"Oh... Vesra... you can come back now. Think of something that ties you to your body. Something impossible to live without." Kayn patted Vesra on the shoulder.
Oh, Vesra thought to herself. That was easy. Images of Vasha immediately filled her mind. When she opened her eyes again, she was back in her own body. "Thank you," she murmured. Without another word, she launched herself at Vasha and enveloped her twin in a hug. Vasha pats her sister, confused. "What's this for?"
"I do need you," Vesra mumbled into her sister's hair. This took Vasha aback. "...What?" Vesra looked Vasha in the eyes, and said, "I do still need you, Vashie. Always." Vasha pats her sister, unsure of what to say.
Kayn suddenly thinks of something ingenious. He pulls a dagger from its sheath and stabs himself. The wound is deep and begins bleeding profusely. He holds his hand out to both of the twins in a stopping gesture. Scooting backwards, he says with a grimace, "Have Ember heal me..."
"What? No, I can heal you... Ember can cauterize it, he's made that abundantly clear. But he can't- oh." Vesra focuses, and commands Ember to touch the wound. As he does so, she cast cure wounds through him. Vasha sits up, watching with interest. "That's cool," Vesra giggled. Ember flew back and gave her a high five. "You have a lot of faith in me Kayn."
Kayn smiles and looks at his closed wound, he then starts to frown... "I should have cut off my claw," he says, staring at his broken claw. Vasha watches, a small smile on her lips. While she's proud of her sister, she also feels unneeded.
"My sister asked a good question," Vesra pressed on. "Is this going to kill me? Is it going to hurt Vasha?"
Kayn stands back up. He feels crowded... but then realizes it's because the dog is sandwiched between two Kor. "I don't know," Kayn responded. "But I know who might..." At the mention of her dying, Vasha feels that panic again. "Who?"
"My master, Lillith. We should go see her before we have to meet tonight." He nods, there's things he needs to ask her as well. "At the very least she may let you borrow the tome I read through... that might help you."
"When can we leave?" Vesra was anxious to leave. Kayn grabs his small saddle and the dog hops off the bed and makes his way to the door. "Right now?" Vesra looked at Vasha again. "Can you give me five minutes to talk to my sister?"
"Of course! I'll just talk to..." he looks at the dog, "myself." They both exit the room and he begins putting the saddle on the dog."Sear!" The bat comes flying out of the room from the corner, "Why are you so nosy." Kayn shuts the door behind him. Vasha stands, watching the dog that is Kayn, and Kayn leave, then the bat flies out after. So weird. She turns her attention to her sister.
I heard your whole conversation, Vesra signed. You do know that I've looked up to you my whole life? This doesn't change the fact that I think you are the most bad-aspen person on the face of the planet.
You are becoming so powerful, I can't keep up, Vasha signs back.You control fire, talk to rocks, and now you have Ember. You get more and more powerful every day. You don't need me to protect you anymore.
And you don't? Vash, you killed a man singlehandedly, and then healed an ally. You are incredible! And I absolutely need you, every day.
Vasha shook her head.No, I gave up my chance at power when I left the Guild.Vasha threw her hands up in frustration. After a moment she continued.I nearly died killing that guy. It was stupid of me.
It was, Vesra nodded.It was also very brave. You know I would give all of this up, just to make you happy and safe, right?
But you can't, and it... might kill you.
It won't. Vesra shook her head.I won't let it.
Vasha frowns.I can't deal with thinking of losing you to this. This terrifies me.
Come on, we both know I'm going to die by tripping over a pebble and falling off of a cliff.
Vasha frowns. Dismissing the joke, she signed,Let's go find Kayn.
That was funny! Vesra signed.I feel like I deserve at least a half smile. Vasha fakes a grin, then walks to the door, and steps out into the hallway.
Kayn first takes the twins back to the dining hall for an early morning meal. There, a spread of pastries, tea, coffee, and various meats await them. In haste, he grabs a handful of bacon and hands it to the dog. The dog eats it quickly, nearly inhaling the meal. "Ohhh... it's sooo good!" Kayn exclaims. He then takes a few pieces for himself before adding, "I have two mouths to feed now..."
Before deciding to head back out, he gives time for the twins to grab something of their own. He waits for them at the door, slowly eating a cinnamon roll.
Ato sat in the quiet dining hall, he'd been there, mostly alone, since the early hours. The small sleeping chamber had felt too closed-in for him and he hadn't slept well at all. He still many questions, and his mind slowly worked through the revelations of the previous day. He'd hoped Veythe could help him answer at some of them, but she had declined his request the night before, insisting she was too tired from the day's exertions. He understood that, despite his impatience, and would approach her again at some point, or perhaps Kayn instead. Maybe he could help. Too impatient, he chastised himself, that is your flaw and serves you not well at all. Ato sighed, and continued to pick at the plate of food before him, wrapped in his thoughts and staring off unseeing at the walls.
When Kayn and the kor women come in, he stirred from his solitary contemplation. "Where did that dog come from," he asked with some confusion as Kayn brought it right to the table and began feeding it. "...and good morning. I hope you all got some rest after such an exciting day yesterday." When it is clear that the trio is heading out into town, he asks to join them. "I'm starting to feel a bit cooped up in here, to be honest, and the null just wandering around... After yesterday, I can't say I trust them at all. In any case, I thought I might ask around about our new employer a bit more, get a feel for how she's regarded in the city. Maybe seek out some of my kin back down at the docks as well and see if I can sell that spear I claimed yesterday for a lighter one more suited to my needs."
Kayn smiles at the sight of Ato in-between bites of bacon. When he asks about the dog, Kayn replies, "I bought him in the bazaar last night. You'll find he's much smarter than your normal dog." A small chuckle escapes his lips and the dog looks up at Ato and smiles. It's not what you would expect from a dog and it gives off an eerie almost-humanoid-but-not-quite vibe. "We're going into the bazaar and then make a trip to the outskirts of town to visit my guild's house. You are welcome to come, if you like."
Ato quirks his head at the goblin's comments and the sight of the dog smiling at him. Odd indeed. "Yes, thank you, I'd like that. I'm ready when you are - I brought all my gear down from my room earlier this morning." He gestures at a pack and the spear, tucked away in a corner of the room.
Vasha, too, had brought gear with her to breakfast; the two shortswords she took off Orel's body. She intended to sell them when they went into the bazaar. She remained silent while eating. Mostly because she was famished. After minimal eating last night, she shoveled food into her mouth, caring very little about manners. She devoured sweet breads and cinnamon rolls, chugging water to wash it all down. Once she was satisfied, she sat back in her chair with a sigh, and waited for her sister to finish.
Ember decided he wanted to hang out on her shoulder, and Vesra was quickly finding it difficult to say no to him. The druid grabbed some fresh fruit from the table for herself, and offered her familiar a little bit of napkin. He consumed it happily, although he made sure to tell her he preferred actual wood.
To say Vesra was a morning person was an understatement. She was an any-time-of-day, boundless energy and optimism person. "We're so happy for the extra company," she said to Ato. "We're going to have so much fun, fun, fun! When can we leave Kayn?"
There was a little jealousy as he watched Ember consume that napkin. That was just too cool! He wanted one.
"We should go now!" Kayn says happily as he mounts his dog. "I feel so light... I thought I'd be heavier," he remarks. The goblin leads the party down the halls and back to the entrance. He's got a pretty good eye for directions in confined spaces, but once he's shown a way more than once, he can usually remember the layout. Once out in the bazaar, he points out particular booths that might help the party get what they need.
"Vesra," Kayn says, sitting atop his mount like a regal horseman, "Don't be too startled by Lillith when you meet her. She will be a little like Vielara is in regard to her power, but much more kind."
"As long as she doesn't run around in my head or Vashie's without permission, we'll be alright," Vesra nodded.
She picked up Ember in her hands and looked him in the eye, a touch of sternness creeping into her voice. "I promise you, we will get to burn things later," she said softly. "I know, it's one of my favorite things too... Yes, her room is probably going to be like Kayn's with all sorts of papers lying around... Please, no burning until after we visit... Ember... Thank you."
Ato takes his time as they work through the bazaar, taking note of the various vendors. "Ah, excellent," he replies as Kayn points out the weapons stalls that should suit his and Vasha's needs. "Shall we see to these weapons then? You can sell those and see what sort of a price you can get for them, and I'll find out how long it will take to get this thing hollowed to to make it useful." He hefts the broadspear for emphasis. "Perhaps we can take care of the visit to Lillith while we wait for that."
Vasha, too, talked to the weapons vendor, and sold the shortswords she'd taken from Orel's body. She looked at the gold coins in her hand, and thought maybe Ellangil deserved some of it, as little as it were. He did help, and if it were not for his near death, she might not be here at this moment. But, there were other things she felt she needed to do. Scanning the bazaar, she pulled her sister to the side. I have some things I need to take care of. You go with Kayn, and I'll meet up with you later. She thought to tell Kayn if he didn't watch her sister, she'd do something horrible to him, but then remembered how powerful Vesra was now, and that she didn't need her stupid little sister watching over her anymore. She signed a quick I love you, then disappeared off into the crowd.
I love you too, Vesra signed, watching her sister leave. She wanted to beg her sister to come with her, because she needed every ounce of support she could get. The druid was terrified of what she was becoming, and desperately wanted to just hold her sister and let Vasha remind her that everything would be alright.
"Thanks Ember," she whispered in response to her familiar. "I'm glad I have you too."
"How much longer until we get to Lilith's?" The Kor asked impatiently. It didn't help her nerves that every three steps, Ember would ask her are we there yet?
Ato spoke with the craftsman who could modify the spear to his specifications, haggling a bit over the cost as would be expected, but in truth was in a hurry and was more interested in expediency than price. With an "expedited" price settled, he left the man, indicating he'd return to pick it up when the work was complete.
Finding the others once again, his intention was to stay together, but Vasha disappeared to see to her other tasks. "Perhaps it is best if you two go visit Kayn's mentor on your own. I have as little a place in that conversation as Vasha, and have my own errands in the city." Seeing Vesra's impatience, he urges them on his way and disappears into the warrens of the back streets himself, information as his prey for this particular hunt.
With everyone going their own way, Kayn bids both Vasha and Ato farewell, "Good luck! We be back soon." He then nods to Vesra, "We ready?"
Without waiting for an answer, his dog begins walking him towards the outskirts of Affa and towards Parleydin's House of Exotic Mounts and Pets. As they near, the smell of animals and manure is in the air, and Kayn notices it much more than he normally does. He wipes his dog's nose.
Having already been in the Open Flame Bazaar, which is situated just inside the northern gate, the group wastes no time exiting from the city and into the outer world. A group of guards watch vigilantly as people come and go, and another searches a cart trying to pass through, guided by a pair of goblins. You hear shouts of defiance and screams of "racists!" from the goblins: something Kayn would know happens all too often here in Affa, with the Lavastep tribe attacking passing caravans which travel throughout Akoum. The twin suns beat down relentlessly on the scorching ground, reminding yourselves the joys of having shoes.
Parleydin's house and shop rest about fifteen minutes away from the northern gate, along the west side of the city. Approaching the path which leads to his house, you hear the exotic screams and calls of various beasts. Reaching closer, you see a pair of lagacs [giant lizards] mating with each other on the left side, a fairly disturbing sight, though one that Kayn would be accustomed to. The group steps up the stairs to the porch of the house/shop, which Kayn knocks loudly on. A deep voice calls out, "Just one minute!" and you hear the tumbling of something being knocked over. "Rahgkur! [a common Goblin curse]" the voice sharply bellows, before the door swings wide moments later, revealing a large, burly man, with a handlebar mustache and bald head.
"Kayn!" the man calls out, picking him up from the dog and squeezing his in a bearish hug. "You didn't die! I guess that means you're in with the vampire lady, aren't you?!"
Kayn is grinning from ear to ear. Goblins don't have much of a familial circle, but he'd learned the meaning of family spending his life in Parleydin's care. "I did! We won; only 6 of us! And I did as you said too! I joined the strongest group and made friends!" He can't seem to stop talking. This is a side of the goblin Vesra has never seen before. Almost like he's a child that feels the need to tell a parent everything that happened while at a carnival.
"The vampire gets angry a lot, but we're a strong group. We stood our ground and we're in the house now! I met a merfolk man that's sneaky and fast, a giant barbarian as big as you, a bard with the sweetest voice, and two amazingly talented Kor twins! And... and... and... I bound my first animal!" He points to the dog, a huge grin on his face.
Vesra loved meeting new people, so she took the introductions in stride. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Parleydin," both she and Ember waved at the burly man. "Any friend of Kayn's is a friend of mine."
Despite her cheeriness, Vesra felt almost naked without Vasha by her side. She now considered Kayn a dear friend, but he wasn't her sister. Sensing her discomfort, Ember cuddled a little closer and gave her a thumbs up. You're right, I do got this, she thought back to her friend.
As Kayn's mouth started to whirl, Parleydin set him down on the ground and listened intently to the group's dynamics. "Well that's just great! I was a little bit worried there. And with the Grotag tribe freaking out about some exotic beast they're trying to tame, I was away on business trying to get that all sorted out. Just got back today actually, only to find that Lillith is gone! She left a note, saying that there are some disturbing reports she's received of slaughtered men... and they're the lucky ones. The unlucky ones have gone bonkers, growing new arms and stuff and attacking folk near Nimana. She teleported over there to go and see for herself, and then track down the beast to see if it could be bound..."
"And look at that!" he exclaims, his arms extended towards the dog. "You got one for yourself too. Look at you, growing up, turning into a rocky, tiny Lillith."
He nods his head to the rest of the group. "Would you like to come in? I was about to cook up some baby lagac steaks. But don't tell those two over there about it!" He laughs heartily, gesturing to the two lagacs mating by the entrance. stepping to the side of the doorframe to allow the others to enter.
"We came here to see Lilith," Vesra said hesitantly. "Kayn said she could answer my questions. Do you know anything about Invokers, Parleydin?" She took a small step toward the door. The druid didn't want to be rude, so she would not refuse an offer of hospitality. However, she desperately wanted to return and find her sister.
"Can you tell my sister that I'm not a leash?" Vesra was beginning to get annoyed with her sister's attitude.
"Ummm... I thought you were both tied together?" Kayn looked between the sisters, confused. "Like you are to Ember."
"You're right, Ember, he isn't being very helpful," Vesra nodded. "Well, at least in this particular case." Changing the subject, she said, "Kayn, I need to know everything I can about being an Invoker. Help me, and Vasha, understand what I am."
Vasha frowns and pets the dog more.
"Ok!" Kayn gestures for her to sit down. "Sit with me and try these exercises." Kayn sits down in the middle of the floor, wiping an ink stain as he does. "There is an itch on his right leg," Kayn mentions, nodding toward the dog. Vasha reaches over and scratches the dog on the right leg. "Oh... gods... that feels good," Kayn says with a toothy grin. Sear flies over and lands on the dog with a little screech. "Sear is jealous."
Vasha smiles and gives the bat a bit of a scratch.
Kayn smiles his toothy smile. "You are... very kind," he says.
"Animals are... easier than people," Vasha said, curling up on the bed with the dog and the bat.
"People are merely animals," Kayn responds.
Vesra sits down on the floor, Ember hovering in her lap. "Most of the time, animals are kinder. But sometimes, you meet good ones," she grinned at Kayn.
"Very good," he smiles back. "Have you ever meditating with Vashi..a? "
"If by meditating you mean walking around in nature talking to trees, then yes."
"Hmmm..." He leans back a bit, "Lets try this then. Close your eyes." She closes both eyes. After a minute of silence, she shushes Ember. Kayn's voice goes a little low, "You're not warm, you're not cold. You're hungry. Food is everywhere, but it is the food of the forest. You drink the air, you eat the trees. You're in this room, but the room is food. The papers in the bag are food, the air you consume is fuel... Now open your eyes, and see as Ember does." He waits... hoping that it works.
Vasha rolls onto her stomach and watches this, giving little nuzzles to the dog and bat, and watches, doubtful of Kayn's methods. Certainly not how she meditates.
Vesra opened her eyes, but she wasn't where she had been when she had closed them. She was much lower, so she was looking up at Kayn, and the edges of her vision were tinged with red. She turned her head to look around, and saw herself sitting there. Her body's eyes were open, but looked to be filled with molten fire instead of her usual irises. Woah.
Kayn gestures to Vasha, "Look, look!" He looked closer at Vesra. "She can't hear us or see us..."
Vasha looks and furls her eyebrows. "Interesting. I wonder how deep she can go. Or how much she can control it. When I meditate, I can either push everything out, or choose what I want to hear. I don't see things. I'm better at listening."
He waves his hand in front of Vesra's eyes. "This must be how I look... just less squishy." He chuckles.
"She's so much more powerful than I," Vasha says, a hint of sadness creeping into her voice. "She really doesn't need me to protect her."
I do need you, Vesra thought. But she couldn't say anything; she was Ember. Alright, I'm ready to go back now. She closed her eyes tightly, and then opened them again. But she was still Ember. She tried again. And again.
"So it is like Sear..." Kayn's face lights up. "There's one more 'trick.' She has complete control as long as Ember allows her." He looked at Vasha. "It's a bond, like the one you have with her."
Vasha shook her head. "No, it's different."
"Your bond is physical, this one is mental." He turns to Vasha, "Think of it like this... if the vampire stayed inside your head since birth, you'd have to find common ground or die, yes?" Vasha scowled. After what happened last night, she'd rather die then let the vampire into her head again. "Your sister chose to live and to bond... with Ember. And it has finally shown itself."
The little elemental began to wave its hands, trying to get their attention. She needed to get out! "It's so cute!" Kayn says, stroking the fire with his hand.
At this point, Vasha rolled over and looked at the ceiling. "She really doesn't need me anymore." Vesra began to try and use Kor hand symbols, I do, she tried to say. But her hands were too small, and covered in flame. I really, really do.
"I like fire myself..." He looks back to Vasha, "She never would have survived without you... and she still needs you for what's to come. They say Invokers eventually return to Zendikar." Vasha tilted her head to look at him, upside down. "What do you mean?" Kayn shrugs, "I don't know. It's like... death for them? Imagine the Roil encompassing a mortal body... it can't handle that power."
"Are these powers going to kill her?" Vasha was starting to worry. "She survived them her whole life, I imagine it was with your help," he responds. Panic began to well up in Vasha. "I've prevented her from falling off ropes. I've... taken so much for her. But I've never helped her with these powers."
Do you know how to get me out? Vesra asked Ember. Yeah, I know. It's your first time, too.
"Oh... Vesra... you can come back now. Think of something that ties you to your body. Something impossible to live without." Kayn patted Vesra on the shoulder.
Oh, Vesra thought to herself. That was easy. Images of Vasha immediately filled her mind. When she opened her eyes again, she was back in her own body. "Thank you," she murmured. Without another word, she launched herself at Vasha and enveloped her twin in a hug. Vasha pats her sister, confused. "What's this for?"
"I do need you," Vesra mumbled into her sister's hair. This took Vasha aback. "...What?" Vesra looked Vasha in the eyes, and said, "I do still need you, Vashie. Always." Vasha pats her sister, unsure of what to say.
Kayn suddenly thinks of something ingenious. He pulls a dagger from its sheath and stabs himself. The wound is deep and begins bleeding profusely. He holds his hand out to both of the twins in a stopping gesture. Scooting backwards, he says with a grimace, "Have Ember heal me..."
"What? No, I can heal you... Ember can cauterize it, he's made that abundantly clear. But he can't- oh." Vesra focuses, and commands Ember to touch the wound. As he does so, she cast cure wounds through him. Vasha sits up, watching with interest. "That's cool," Vesra giggled. Ember flew back and gave her a high five. "You have a lot of faith in me Kayn."
Kayn smiles and looks at his closed wound, he then starts to frown... "I should have cut off my claw," he says, staring at his broken claw. Vasha watches, a small smile on her lips. While she's proud of her sister, she also feels unneeded.
"My sister asked a good question," Vesra pressed on. "Is this going to kill me? Is it going to hurt Vasha?"
Kayn stands back up. He feels crowded... but then realizes it's because the dog is sandwiched between two Kor. "I don't know," Kayn responded. "But I know who might..." At the mention of her dying, Vasha feels that panic again. "Who?"
"My master, Lillith. We should go see her before we have to meet tonight." He nods, there's things he needs to ask her as well. "At the very least she may let you borrow the tome I read through... that might help you."
"When can we leave?" Vesra was anxious to leave. Kayn grabs his small saddle and the dog hops off the bed and makes his way to the door. "Right now?" Vesra looked at Vasha again. "Can you give me five minutes to talk to my sister?"
"Of course! I'll just talk to..." he looks at the dog, "myself." They both exit the room and he begins putting the saddle on the dog."Sear!" The bat comes flying out of the room from the corner, "Why are you so nosy." Kayn shuts the door behind him. Vasha stands, watching the dog that is Kayn, and Kayn leave, then the bat flies out after. So weird. She turns her attention to her sister.
I heard your whole conversation, Vesra signed. You do know that I've looked up to you my whole life? This doesn't change the fact that I think you are the most bad-aspen person on the face of the planet.
You are becoming so powerful, I can't keep up, Vasha signs back. You control fire, talk to rocks, and now you have Ember. You get more and more powerful every day. You don't need me to protect you anymore.
And you don't? Vash, you killed a man singlehandedly, and then healed an ally. You are incredible! And I absolutely need you, every day.
Vasha shook her head. No, I gave up my chance at power when I left the Guild. Vasha threw her hands up in frustration. After a moment she continued. I nearly died killing that guy. It was stupid of me.
It was, Vesra nodded. It was also very brave. You know I would give all of this up, just to make you happy and safe, right?
But you can't, and it... might kill you.
It won't. Vesra shook her head. I won't let it.
Vasha frowns. I can't deal with thinking of losing you to this. This terrifies me.
Come on, we both know I'm going to die by tripping over a pebble and falling off of a cliff.
Vasha frowns. Dismissing the joke, she signed, Let's go find Kayn.
That was funny! Vesra signed. I feel like I deserve at least a half smile. Vasha fakes a grin, then walks to the door, and steps out into the hallway.
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
Kayn first takes the twins back to the dining hall for an early morning meal. There, a spread of pastries, tea, coffee, and various meats await them. In haste, he grabs a handful of bacon and hands it to the dog. The dog eats it quickly, nearly inhaling the meal. "Ohhh... it's sooo good!" Kayn exclaims. He then takes a few pieces for himself before adding, "I have two mouths to feed now..."
Before deciding to head back out, he gives time for the twins to grab something of their own. He waits for them at the door, slowly eating a cinnamon roll.
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Ato sat in the quiet dining hall, he'd been there, mostly alone, since the early hours. The small sleeping chamber had felt too closed-in for him and he hadn't slept well at all. He still many questions, and his mind slowly worked through the revelations of the previous day. He'd hoped Veythe could help him answer at some of them, but she had declined his request the night before, insisting she was too tired from the day's exertions. He understood that, despite his impatience, and would approach her again at some point, or perhaps Kayn instead. Maybe he could help. Too impatient, he chastised himself, that is your flaw and serves you not well at all. Ato sighed, and continued to pick at the plate of food before him, wrapped in his thoughts and staring off unseeing at the walls.
When Kayn and the kor women come in, he stirred from his solitary contemplation. "Where did that dog come from," he asked with some confusion as Kayn brought it right to the table and began feeding it. "...and good morning. I hope you all got some rest after such an exciting day yesterday." When it is clear that the trio is heading out into town, he asks to join them. "I'm starting to feel a bit cooped up in here, to be honest, and the null just wandering around... After yesterday, I can't say I trust them at all. In any case, I thought I might ask around about our new employer a bit more, get a feel for how she's regarded in the city. Maybe seek out some of my kin back down at the docks as well and see if I can sell that spear I claimed yesterday for a lighter one more suited to my needs."
Kayn smiles at the sight of Ato in-between bites of bacon. When he asks about the dog, Kayn replies, "I bought him in the bazaar last night. You'll find he's much smarter than your normal dog." A small chuckle escapes his lips and the dog looks up at Ato and smiles. It's not what you would expect from a dog and it gives off an eerie almost-humanoid-but-not-quite vibe. "We're going into the bazaar and then make a trip to the outskirts of town to visit my guild's house. You are welcome to come, if you like."
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Ato quirks his head at the goblin's comments and the sight of the dog smiling at him. Odd indeed. "Yes, thank you, I'd like that. I'm ready when you are - I brought all my gear down from my room earlier this morning." He gestures at a pack and the spear, tucked away in a corner of the room.
Vasha, too, had brought gear with her to breakfast; the two shortswords she took off Orel's body. She intended to sell them when they went into the bazaar. She remained silent while eating. Mostly because she was famished. After minimal eating last night, she shoveled food into her mouth, caring very little about manners. She devoured sweet breads and cinnamon rolls, chugging water to wash it all down. Once she was satisfied, she sat back in her chair with a sigh, and waited for her sister to finish.
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
Ember decided he wanted to hang out on her shoulder, and Vesra was quickly finding it difficult to say no to him. The druid grabbed some fresh fruit from the table for herself, and offered her familiar a little bit of napkin. He consumed it happily, although he made sure to tell her he preferred actual wood.
To say Vesra was a morning person was an understatement. She was an any-time-of-day, boundless energy and optimism person. "We're so happy for the extra company," she said to Ato. "We're going to have so much fun, fun, fun! When can we leave Kayn?"
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There was a little jealousy as he watched Ember consume that napkin. That was just too cool! He wanted one.
"We should go now!" Kayn says happily as he mounts his dog. "I feel so light... I thought I'd be heavier," he remarks. The goblin leads the party down the halls and back to the entrance. He's got a pretty good eye for directions in confined spaces, but once he's shown a way more than once, he can usually remember the layout. Once out in the bazaar, he points out particular booths that might help the party get what they need.
"Vesra," Kayn says, sitting atop his mount like a regal horseman, "Don't be too startled by Lillith when you meet her. She will be a little like Vielara is in regard to her power, but much more kind."
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"As long as she doesn't run around in my head or Vashie's without permission, we'll be alright," Vesra nodded.
She picked up Ember in her hands and looked him in the eye, a touch of sternness creeping into her voice. "I promise you, we will get to burn things later," she said softly. "I know, it's one of my favorite things too... Yes, her room is probably going to be like Kayn's with all sorts of papers lying around... Please, no burning until after we visit... Ember... Thank you."
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PBP: Lera Zahuv in Whispers of Dissent
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Ato takes his time as they work through the bazaar, taking note of the various vendors. "Ah, excellent," he replies as Kayn points out the weapons stalls that should suit his and Vasha's needs. "Shall we see to these weapons then? You can sell those and see what sort of a price you can get for them, and I'll find out how long it will take to get this thing hollowed to to make it useful." He hefts the broadspear for emphasis. "Perhaps we can take care of the visit to Lillith while we wait for that."
Vasha, too, talked to the weapons vendor, and sold the shortswords she'd taken from Orel's body. She looked at the gold coins in her hand, and thought maybe Ellangil deserved some of it, as little as it were. He did help, and if it were not for his near death, she might not be here at this moment. But, there were other things she felt she needed to do. Scanning the bazaar, she pulled her sister to the side. I have some things I need to take care of. You go with Kayn, and I'll meet up with you later. She thought to tell Kayn if he didn't watch her sister, she'd do something horrible to him, but then remembered how powerful Vesra was now, and that she didn't need her stupid little sister watching over her anymore. She signed a quick I love you, then disappeared off into the crowd.
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
I love you too, Vesra signed, watching her sister leave. She wanted to beg her sister to come with her, because she needed every ounce of support she could get. The druid was terrified of what she was becoming, and desperately wanted to just hold her sister and let Vasha remind her that everything would be alright.
"Thanks Ember," she whispered in response to her familiar. "I'm glad I have you too."
"How much longer until we get to Lilith's?" The Kor asked impatiently. It didn't help her nerves that every three steps, Ember would ask her are we there yet?
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Ato spoke with the craftsman who could modify the spear to his specifications, haggling a bit over the cost as would be expected, but in truth was in a hurry and was more interested in expediency than price. With an "expedited" price settled, he left the man, indicating he'd return to pick it up when the work was complete.
Finding the others once again, his intention was to stay together, but Vasha disappeared to see to her other tasks. "Perhaps it is best if you two go visit Kayn's mentor on your own. I have as little a place in that conversation as Vasha, and have my own errands in the city." Seeing Vesra's impatience, he urges them on his way and disappears into the warrens of the back streets himself, information as his prey for this particular hunt.
With everyone going their own way, Kayn bids both Vasha and Ato farewell, "Good luck! We be back soon." He then nods to Vesra, "We ready?"
Without waiting for an answer, his dog begins walking him towards the outskirts of Affa and towards Parleydin's House of Exotic Mounts and Pets. As they near, the smell of animals and manure is in the air, and Kayn notices it much more than he normally does. He wipes his dog's nose.
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Having already been in the Open Flame Bazaar, which is situated just inside the northern gate, the group wastes no time exiting from the city and into the outer world. A group of guards watch vigilantly as people come and go, and another searches a cart trying to pass through, guided by a pair of goblins. You hear shouts of defiance and screams of "racists!" from the goblins: something Kayn would know happens all too often here in Affa, with the Lavastep tribe attacking passing caravans which travel throughout Akoum. The twin suns beat down relentlessly on the scorching ground, reminding yourselves the joys of having shoes.
Parleydin's house and shop rest about fifteen minutes away from the northern gate, along the west side of the city. Approaching the path which leads to his house, you hear the exotic screams and calls of various beasts. Reaching closer, you see a pair of lagacs [giant lizards] mating with each other on the left side, a fairly disturbing sight, though one that Kayn would be accustomed to. The group steps up the stairs to the porch of the house/shop, which Kayn knocks loudly on. A deep voice calls out, "Just one minute!" and you hear the tumbling of something being knocked over. "Rahgkur! [a common Goblin curse]" the voice sharply bellows, before the door swings wide moments later, revealing a large, burly man, with a handlebar mustache and bald head.
"Kayn!" the man calls out, picking him up from the dog and squeezing his in a bearish hug. "You didn't die! I guess that means you're in with the vampire lady, aren't you?!"
Kayn is grinning from ear to ear. Goblins don't have much of a familial circle, but he'd learned the meaning of family spending his life in Parleydin's care. "I did! We won; only 6 of us! And I did as you said too! I joined the strongest group and made friends!" He can't seem to stop talking. This is a side of the goblin Vesra has never seen before. Almost like he's a child that feels the need to tell a parent everything that happened while at a carnival.
"The vampire gets angry a lot, but we're a strong group. We stood our ground and we're in the house now! I met a merfolk man that's sneaky and fast, a giant barbarian as big as you, a bard with the sweetest voice, and two amazingly talented Kor twins! And... and... and... I bound my first animal!" He points to the dog, a huge grin on his face.
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"Oh!" Kayn forgot his manners, "This is Vessie!" He points at the Kor behind him and whispers, "She's an invoker."
"I told her Lillith might be able to help her. Is she here?" He asks.
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Vesra loved meeting new people, so she took the introductions in stride. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Parleydin," both she and Ember waved at the burly man. "Any friend of Kayn's is a friend of mine."
Despite her cheeriness, Vesra felt almost naked without Vasha by her side. She now considered Kayn a dear friend, but he wasn't her sister. Sensing her discomfort, Ember cuddled a little closer and gave her a thumbs up. You're right, I do got this, she thought back to her friend.
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As Kayn's mouth started to whirl, Parleydin set him down on the ground and listened intently to the group's dynamics. "Well that's just great! I was a little bit worried there. And with the Grotag tribe freaking out about some exotic beast they're trying to tame, I was away on business trying to get that all sorted out. Just got back today actually, only to find that Lillith is gone! She left a note, saying that there are some disturbing reports she's received of slaughtered men... and they're the lucky ones. The unlucky ones have gone bonkers, growing new arms and stuff and attacking folk near Nimana. She teleported over there to go and see for herself, and then track down the beast to see if it could be bound..."
"And look at that!" he exclaims, his arms extended towards the dog. "You got one for yourself too. Look at you, growing up, turning into a rocky, tiny Lillith."
He nods his head to the rest of the group. "Would you like to come in? I was about to cook up some baby lagac steaks. But don't tell those two over there about it!" He laughs heartily, gesturing to the two lagacs mating by the entrance. stepping to the side of the doorframe to allow the others to enter.
"We came here to see Lilith," Vesra said hesitantly. "Kayn said she could answer my questions. Do you know anything about Invokers, Parleydin?" She took a small step toward the door. The druid didn't want to be rude, so she would not refuse an offer of hospitality. However, she desperately wanted to return and find her sister.
PBP: DM of Titans of Tomorrow
PBP: Lera Zahuv in Whispers of Dissent
PBP: Evaine Brae in Innistrad: Dark Ascension
PBP: Cor'avin in Tomb of Annihilation