Makari-et Field Trip

Log Info

• Title: Makari-et Field Trip
• Emitter: Vaera
• Characters: Vaera, Skielstregar, Un'eth
• Place: Lower Markets
• Time: October 4th. 2021
• Summary: It was time overdue for Skielstregar to get over his apprehension of visiting Alexandria proper. With Vaera as a guide, the two make their way to the lower markets, the half-dead sith-makar nervous beyond measure. They stop at various stores, each visit making him loosen his worries of being imposing and scary (a little bit). A stop at a jewlery stall, as well as a spicemonger, even running into Un'eth along the way. Eventually leaving with a small potted plant and plans for bacon when they return to Mictlan, spirits are lifted as redscale and bronzescale seek to clear a bakery out.

Alexandria city proper, late afternoon.

Even leaving early, it had taken a good part of the day to get to the city by foot. Vaera needed some parts she had ordered. And Skielstregar needed to see the city. So she had asked him to join. The swiftclaw she had been training left with one of the handlers in Mictlan.

Vaera guides him through the city effortlessly, steering free of the large crowds, through as many side streets as possible. But there was no avoiding the sprawling business of the market district. So many people, coming and going on their business.

Skielstergar was nervous leaving Mictlan, him donning the two-toned, patched cloak and leaving some of his larger weapons behind.

For the softskins, approaching Skielstregar was akin to having a bad feeling in one's gut. It was unsettling, but none could really put their finger on what it was. Such things he didn't pay a lot of mind to, as he was a bit busy following behind Vaera like a shadow, a hand locked on Vaera's arm as they went.

"Thisss one doesssn't think thisss isss a good idea..." he rumbles nervously behind the redscale, the man's Tradespeak no where near as refined as hers.

Vaera says, "It will be fine, Skielstregar." Vaera reassures, reaching to pat him on the arm. "And enjoyable even, I believe. If any are unsettled, they may even attribute it to me. This one has that effect on others, sometimes.

She weaves through a few crowds, stopping at a jeweler's stall. The owner was not there that day, but one of their assistants was.

"Good evening." She says, pulling out a slip of paper to hand over. "I have a comission filled by the jewelrymaker who runs this. He said it would be ready for pickup?""

Skiel makes a rumbling noise in his chest, a grumble of uncertainty, but trusting in his kin to help guide him through this. They stop at the stall, the large, looking Makari having to duck down some to see what they were even looking at. Dead, silver eyes squint at the items on display. Baubles, stones, crystals...

"What isss all thisss...?" he quietly asks, purposefully keeping his voice soft to not startle the assistant. A break from his nerves, it looks like he was finally taking in his surroundings. And it was painfully obvious that he has never been in a softskin city before.

"Of course, just one moment please." The assistant replies upon receiving the letter, before they busy themselves at the back of the stall. Vaera turns to Skielstregar, and chuffs.

"This is a stall for jewelry, Skielstregar. Softskins enjoy wearing precious metals and other minerals in the form of adornments to their body. Some kin do even, which is why they make them."

She reaches down to pick up a silver ring and slide it onto one of the spines on her head, turning to show the bronzescale. "You should feel honored, that so many try to imitate the silver which comes so naturally to you." She adds with a smile.

Skielstregar must have really, really been away from the People and civilization for some time, as his head cocks to the side. He eyes the ring curiously, him reaching up to his own spineless head to brush a closed fist (it hides the long talons) atop his skull. His deathly scent mingles with embarrassment. "A-Ah, that makesss sssensssse. Though thisss one'sss sssilver isss tarnissshed." He glances to the assistant gathering Vaera's order.

"... did you get more of the jewelsss?" he inquires, subtly nodding towards the shopkeeper.

"Some put rings on their fingers instead, or hang them from pierced skin." She continued upon seeing him run a hand over their head. "Tarnished or not, it's still silver." She chuffs as she takes the ring off to set back down where it was. The assitant returns with a small bag, and Vaera pulls several dozen gold coins out of her pack to exchange for it.

"What is this about jewels?" The assistant asks, looking a bit confused.

Skielstregar shakes his head with a little chuff of cold air venting from his nose. "... true..." he mumbles quietly.

though, his attention shifts to the softskin assistant. He pulls his cloak a bit tighter around himself, him clearing his throat with a rumble. "... a-ah. Um. T... Thisss one. Wasss... wasss..."

Quickly thinking, he points to a green gemed ring with an extended knuckle. (Again, keeping his talons hidden.) "Thisss jewel... what isss it..? Thisss one is not usssed to ssseing ssso many pressscious rocksss."

Vaera says, "Oh uh, yeah, we get jewels in all the time. Some of the finest cuts in alexandria, even if there's no real shop." She explains, taking a step back from an unsettling feeling. "That ones uh, it's called emerald."

Vaera takes the pouch, and opens it to look at some of the contents. Mostly gears and rings of gild and silver. "Everything seems to be there. Thank you." She notes, before reaching to pat Skiel on a shoulder. "This one prefers paints for adornment, but even that has been some time. Perhaps this one could show you sometime?""

Skielstregar nods along, being nice as he was watching and listening to the sop keeper explain. "Ah, ssso that isss what it isss called..." he rumbles, trying to make it seem like his heart didn't drop a tiny bit as they stepped away. "It isss magnifisssent."

He shrugs at Vaera. "Sssure? Thisss one hasss not done that before."

"Well, the work done to cut the gem right is what makes it look so good. It's for sale, if you want." The assistant explains, shifting a bit on the spot.

"You would not wish to see that? This one will not push if that is the case. But, you have never done so? This one thought most have, at least at some point." Vaera replies, shrugging herself as she stows the bag.

Skielstregar folds his shoulders in to make himself seem smaller, even going so far as to kneel a touch just to making himself less imposing. "Ah... thisss one thinksss it may classsh with my colors... hah..." he weakly chuckles, covering his mouth as he does so. Trying his best. "Doesss... thisss ssstall sssell any meta- err... jewlery for tailsss?"

He looks up to Vaera, and his scents shift to a bit of sorrow. "... thisss one would wisssh to sssee it. But, thisss one thinksss that might be one of the memoriesss they have Forgotten." He affixes her with a firm look to get the underlying point across. "But would thisss one would be open to trying again."

"Ah, tail jewelry? If you would like some, we have a few, but the owner can make them to order, too." The shopkeep offers as he gestures over to a small area with jewelry more for the makari. Horn rings, necklaces and bangles, and some clearly shaped to lock over tails. At the question, Vaera looks up. She chuffs once. "This one would not mind trying again as well. If it is a forgotten memory then it can be made again. You need measurements for jewelry for your tail. Would you like me to do so?"

Skielstregar looks down at his tail. A large mass of a thing. He was larger than most sith-makar, and he was pretty sure they might not fit him. "A-Ah, then thisss one thinksss it may be bessst for the owner to do such a thing."

He glances to Veara. ".. uh... s... sssure?"

The man was just following Vaera's directive at this point, him far out of his element.

Vaera nods and crouches down after the response, her pulling a measuring tape out of her jacket somewhere. The tail lifted, and her own thumps once against the ground. "It may need to be made to order. Somewhere in the middle is probably ideal." She notes, running a hand down it before wrapping the tape around it at a few points.

"This one did not think you one for such adornments, Skielstregar."

Skiel's tail is long and heavy. Spineless, like the rest of him. And with patches missing, some spots overgrown. He glances to the shopkeeper, then away. He clears his throat.

The tail flicks a bit in Vaera's grasp as he mentions, "... thisss one isssn't. They are jussst being niccce. But thisss one isss willing to try."

"Well, it may be a pricey way to be nice, Skielstregar." Vaera notes, standing up and giving him a pat on the back. "But for what it is worth, it may look nice on you. Your tail is, and looks, strong, and jewelry would accentuate that."

She looks to the jewelry again. "What color were you thinking, in that case?"

"... oh." Skiel taps his knuckles together nervously. "Then perhapsss thisss endeavor isssn't one to explore. Thisss one hasssn't much to their name."

His voice lowers to a mumble, "... sssilver isssn't cheap..."

"Well, in that case, it will be a gift. After all, this one recently won a jousting tournament, and with that, a sizeable amount of winnings." Vaera chuckles, patting him on the back again. "Think nothing of it. Silver, yes?"

"I can get you a form if you'd like." The shopkeep offers, growing a bit less worried, especially with the prospect of a sale.

Skielstregar tightens his cloak around him and gives a small nod. "Yesss..." he reluctantly agrees. Let the People help. He glances over to the shopkeep with his dead eyes, and gives a small nod. Well, small for him, but he was a large man. "If you do not mind," he rumbles to the assistant.

The shopkeep procures an official looking document behind a counter and offers it. Vaera pulls it over on an open spot, from her jacket she pulls a pen-

She blinks and looks at it, and puts it back to pull out a different pen to begin righting out the request.

"Do you see any designs you like? If not, they can likely do a shape or engraving you would like." Vaera asks as she rights out the dimensions, taking a glance to see if she could see the necklace he usually wore.

Skielstregar glances to the the pen, him tilting his head to the side as she changes pen. He was glad that she was filling it out. He wasn't illiterate, but he doesn't have much practice. Big letters.

The man's necklace was a profile view of the dragonfather on a piece of twine, the medallion an old iron.

"Um... sssomething simple."

Vaera nods, and finds a design that seemed fitting out of the ones present, That almost looked like vines braided together. Writing this down too, she takes out a journal, and sets the paper down on it so she could write while standing. Another glance to his neck. She went on some time longer, before folding it and handing it back.

"Thank you, it should be ready in a week or so. I can send a letter back to the usual delivery point when it is ready." The shopkeep offers. Vaera chuffs, and smiles to Skielstregar. "This one hopes you will like it when it comes in."

Skiel waits there while Vaera gets him situated, him glancing to the softskin behind the stall. He considers smiling, that's what softskins do, but he abates, knowing it would be a bad idea. He pulls away, taking a step back and giving a slight bow. "Thisss one thanksss you. Peassse on your nesst," he politely farewells to the assistant before rising to his full height once more. "And thank you, Vaera. It isss an unexpected gift, but a welcome one nonethelesss."

"And why was it unexpected?" Vaera asks as she joins him away from the stall with a wave to the shopkeep. "Doing nice things for kin is not that strange, is it?"

They thump their tail once, taking a look around the markets. "Did you enjoy those pastries that time, Skielstregar? They are even better fresh, if you did. And there are many excellent bakers in the markets."

Fearing that Un'eth may come from the shadows, Skiel rubs his snout. "Thisss one isss ssstill not usssed to sssuch things. And they thank you."

He thumps his tail as well. "We can get sssome on the way back, they were deliciousss. But, if thisss one may ask. A joussst? Thisss one did not take you for partaking in sssuch activities."

"Well, in that case, we shall get some more before we return. Although, it is a bit too far to Mictlan, we may need to rent an inn room, or this one can make camp outside the city." Vaera offers. At the question though, she chuffs. "Well, my spear arm is not as good as it used to be, but it is not business this one is completely unused to. It was worth it for the experience, and the winnings, they were an added bonus. To be honest, this one was surprised they did as well as they did. You likely would have beat me, if you were there."

"Ah. Very well. Thisss one can repay your kindnesss and rent an inn room for you. The leassst they can do," Skiel mentions, nodding his head along. Though, he tilts his head to the side. He smiles weakly and rubs at the side of his face. "Ah, thisss one isss not sure, but maybe they might have. They are not usssed to riding upon mount, but they are good at running down prey."

A pause.

"Errr, not that you are prey."

"That would be appreciated, Skielstregar. We can have dinner at the inn, and retire to it after today." The redscale responds with a nod and thump of her tail.

"Then this one should take you riding swiftclaws sometime." Vaera chuckles. "So none expect you to know how, and you end up getting bit as a result. This one knows you do not mean harm, it would not be assumed that is what you meant. If you were to strike as this one has seen you capable of, it would have likely went well."

Skiel makes a rumbling sound in his chest, an appreciative one. "Very well. And thisss one thinksss that would be a good idea."

He coughs into a hand. "... this one hopes they never have to strike you as you have seen before. It would not be pretty."

"No, it likely would not be pretty." Vaera chuffs. "This one looks crimson enough, without concerns of being covered in blood as well."

Continuing down through the markets after taking one of the bronzescale's hands, she turns to look to him. "Was there anything in particular you thought you may need while we are here? Now is a good time to seek some things out, aside from pastries to be eaten."

A chuff leaves the large sith-makar, Skiel shaking his head. "Yesss, agreed."

His eyes blink with a 'snick', him glancing down to the hand held in his. Fingers twitch, and large talons close around it, stilling the near imperceptible tremor in his frame. "Thisss one isss not sssure... The People provide if there are needsss. What do you think thisss one needs?"

"Aside from a friend and companionship?" The redscale chuffs. She looks at the half dead sith next to her, up and down a moment. "Perhaps you would like some new supplies for weapons, or, this one has never asked, but is there some things you enjoy doing in time not spent hunting or helping kin?"

Skielstregar fumbles a step, an embarrassed note mingling with the dread and death. "A-Ah, yesss of course. Thisss one certainly needsss friendsss."

He scratches his neck. "Thisss one perfersss prayersss in solitude from time to time to the Dragonfather... but... thisss one isss not sssure. Thisss one enjoysss walksss in the foressst and... carves things from wood occasionally."

The redscale chuckles, reaching over with one hand to pat the massive sith-makar on a shoulder. "And you should have no trouble making such friends, this one feels. Perhaps some herbs and other flowers could be purchased to burn in offering with your prayers?" She suggest, before one brow raises. "You told this one last time that you were not well suited for woodworking. If you need tools for that, you are more than welcome to use my own, or we could see about purchasing a new set."

Now that makes a slight smile crest on his lips. "That isss... a sssplendid idea. For the Dragonfather." Skielstregar rumbles a low rumble, hmmming. "Sssome new toolsss would be good. They don't wisssh to destroy yoursss. Uh, they are not well sssuited, but they try."

"Would you destroy them? This one finds you quite gentle." Vaera chuffs, squeezing the hand to accentuate the point. "There are florists and herbalists that may have what you need. But we can check some tool makers in the market for what you may need. Is there something in particular you seek in wood carving?"

Un'eth emerges onto the roadway from the Tornmawr to the east and steps into the market. Her interest in browsing appears minimal this evening, so the area may be more a route than a destination. Her stride is unhurried, though her tail flicks briskly.

Skiel ducks his head a bit, Vaera being the taller one for once as he squeezes the hand back. "Ah, thisss one would isssn't asss dexterous asss they usssed to be. Thisss one's talonsss break a lot of thingsss."

There is a shrug. "If the wood isss soft enough, it isss easssy to use their talonsss to shape it without cracking it."

Unknowing of the approaching snout-bopper.

"How quickly do your claws grow back, Skielstregar?" The redscale asks curiously, tapping one of her own claws against an overlong one. "Perhaps if you are in Mictlan, you could file them back for work."

The sight of the incoming shaman causes them to thump their tail against the ground once. "Shaman Un'eth, peace on your nest. This one was just showing Skielstregar around the markets. Where are you off to?"

Un'eth's attention turns at the greeting and her tail strikes the ground in return as she notes the familiar scales. "Peace on your nests." The question provokes an annoyed snort. "Nowhere beyond the walls for now. Do you both enjoy the city this night?"

Skiel coughs into his fist. "They grow back overnight. Thisss one hasss tried, many a timesss."

Now he sees the shaman, him standing upright. His tail hits the ground out of habit. "Peassse on your nessst ssshaman," he greets in the Trade tongue. "Uh, thisss one isss one isss trying to enjoy it asss bessst they can."

"In that case, learning to work with them for now, would be the best. Unless this one became adept at tending to them daily." She chuckles, before turning back to the Shaman. "Well, your presence is welcome here by this one, Un'eth." Vaera chuffs to the black scaled makari. "The city is enjoyable enough, for this night. More so for showing Skielstregar, and your appearance, as well."

"There are many worthwhile offerings of the city," Un'eth notes as she nears the pair, snout and eyes turning and lifting to survey their surroudings, "or so I am reminded... I do not visit often."

A chuff from the man. "It takes an hour. It isss not worth it." Skielstregar gives a slight bow of the head. "Thisss one isss... sssurprised how much there isss here. They have never been in a sssity thisss large. And isss a bit... paralyzed by the choicesss."

"This is true, much can be done with an hour that does not need to be spent as such." Vaera nods. "There is much to be found in the city, should one look. Spices for food to lift spirits, herbs and other plants that can be difficult to find, the bounties of the land and crafts of the hand are all gathered in one place, to be shared."

"Although, it is always so strange, how everyone expects payment for their goods. No one trusts each other to look out for them. It is a bit saddening, but this one knows this well."

Finding a small stall, she gestures Skielstregar over, run by a sildanyari woman, filled with various planters of flowers, and numerous dried and fresh plants. "Perhaps there is something that feels fitting here?"

Un'eth chuffs mildly. "It is their way. They do not trust one another," she explains, or opines. "This is not unwise. All is far more simple ...outside."

Skielstregar rubs his neck at Un'eth's comments. "Thisss one agreesss with the ssshaman. Yet there are sssome things that here that Ea only providesss through people. Wordsss, information. Dessspite how they don't trussst one another."

He regards Vaera, rubbing at one of his fangs in thought. "Like Vaera sssays, all iss gathered here, like a great hut of huntsss." Dead eyes peer at the stall, doing his best to not be imposing for the far shorter sildanyari. He kneels down to be able to see the wares, looking to each of them. Familiar with the plants. "Thingsss that give flavor givesss some sssense of sssanity. For..."

He glances to the stall keeper, than back to the two sith-makar.

"... reasonsss..."

The Sildanyari seems a bit taken aback, but they nod a bit awkwardly, gesturing to what they have. "There are many herbs that can be added to cooking food here to improve the flavor. Some are still potted, so you can keep growing them, and only take what you need at a time. Care for the plants in return for what they provide." She explains, with a nod to the shaman at the end.

"If that is the case, then, you should have said something, Skielstregar." Vaera chuffs. "This one can incorporate more flavors into the food they roast, they are just not particular themselves."

"Ssa," Un'eth bobs her head and lightly thumps her tail with the shopkeep's comment. "Ea provides. As Ea flourishes, so do those upon." She concurs with Vaera as well. "If you prefer strong flavors, then enjoy them when you can. Bacon!" she adds, as if it were a secret word of wisdom. "It makes all well."

Skielstergar tilts his head to the side, then raises a scaled brow. "Perhapsss... sssomething ssstill living. Thisss one can try to keep it..."

He sheepishly looks back to Vaera. "... there are sssome thingsss thisss one doesss not ssshare for both our sssafety."

The thought of Un'eths comment draws a genuine makari-equivelent smile across his face. Amusement mingling with the death. "... thisss one hasss not had bacon in sssome time. It sssertainly doesss make thingsss well."

"If not for what the land shares with us, I would not be able to make a living." The shopkeep nods enthusiastically. "And that means that where I gather everything from needs to be cared for."

"Is not telling me that you prefer food with seasoning to make you feel better something for my safety?" Vaera asks with a raised brow. "You can share what you wish, but that does not sounds dangerous. Dangerous to ones coin purse perhaps, but even that is little."

The comment of bacon makes Vaera thump her tail. "Yes! Smoked meats are excellent, while the side of a hog does not keep after curing as well as others, the flavor imparted is quite good. We should pick some up while in town, this one can fry some over an open fire to eat."

Un'eth considers Skielstregar's latest words in context of those prior. "If there are herbs to your liking," she gestures claws to the keep's wares, specifically those in pots rather than dried or freshly cut, "acquire them. Nurture them." Her eyes shift to Vaera, as well,"Feed them and they shall feed you. You grow together, ssa?"

Skielstregar fumbles around in a bag on his hip, pulling out some coins. They slip between his fingers and talons, clattering onto the countertop. Embarrasment floods him. "A-Ah... th... thisss one isss sorry," he mumble rumbles, trying to collect the coinage together. "They will take the potted plant..."

A nod to Un'eth. "Perhapsss we can try to do sssomething like that. If you think you would be okay with sssuch a thing?"

Though, he does smile at that, too many sharp teeth on display. "Yesss. That isss a good idea. Perhapsss we can make that when we get back to camp, get sssome on the way back."

"Of course, thank you for your patronage, sir, or, madam?" The shopkeeper says as she helps gather up the coins, offering the extra back. "Anyways, if you're looking for herbs to cook with, basil is good. I've also got others if you want something else."

Vaera covers their snout to hide a snort. "It is a good idea, this one thinks you would manage just fine, miss Skielstregar."

Un'eth just looses a light snort at the multiple titles. "At least she admits her uncertainty," she notes. A compliment... perhaps? She then takes a step rearwards. "I leave you both to your exploration of the city, cooking, and ...seasoning. Peace on your nests."

Skielstregar blinks at the shopkeeper. "U-Uh... sssir, you can tell by the-"

The large makari pauses. Snicks a dead eye at Vaera, then lets a taloned hand slap itself across the front of his face. A moment passes before a staccato rumble rocks his chest, small puffs of chilled air spilling from his nose. "Yesss, yesss, of courssse, sir Vaera."

He turns to Un'eth, and bows his head deeply. "Thank you. Peassse on your nessst. Sssee you later."

"Oh! Ah, sorry, you are joking now, I think I can tell that. I mean, I think you are, unless this is even more joking?" The elf replies, growing visibly embarassed. "But, a customer is a customer, so thank you!" The clay pot is handed over with several healthy looking plants in it.

"There is, ah, peace on your nest, Un'eth." Vaera replies after a moment of hesitation. Then they chuff again, offering a hand. "Shall we be off then, my lady? We should see about finding those tools."

Skielstregar chortles and waves a dismissive hand. Fingers curled slightly to not wave the talons about. "No no, it isss fine. You have the right of it. Sssoftskinsss alwaysss have a hard time telling." He takes the pot and gives a slight bow. "Thisss one thanksss you, peassse on your nessst," he politely farewells before taking the hand and heading off with Vaera.

A loud bark of laughter, a bit too loud, turning some heads as he fires back. "Of courssse, good sssir!"

"Ah, you are joking. I should figure this out, some time. What with all the sith-makar that come to shop here." The elf laughs before waving them away. "Peace on your nests!"

Vaera takes the hand, as they walk off. "This one never thought it so difficult, until they met softskins for the first time. I still do not know exactly why it is the case."

Skiel shrugs. "When thisss one wasss with oruch tribesss, thisss one learned that sssoftskinsss do not have the nossse that we do. Sssoftskinsss rely on eyesss more. Body isss different for mammalsss."

"They do not, but they are surprisingly good with other senses." Vaera chuffs. "This one struggles at times with social ques they find effortless."

"Though even still! There are enough differences. Perhaps not obvious if you do not spend enough time amongst kin."

Now Skielstregar was in full agreement with Vaera. "Sssa! They are! Their wordsss are alwaysss twissting and turning like a river. Never ssso ssstraightforward!"

He nods quickly in agreement. "Exactly! The facesss are different, and the ssshoulderssss! Jussst like sssoftskinsss! They ssspend quite a lot of time lumping usss together dessspite being ssso good at ssseperating."

"Too much on differences, and yet, not enough." Vaera chuckles. "There is more than enough, but they do not see."

Continuing along, the redscale sighs. "Yet, we can be not much better at times as well. Not seeing a kind soul because of appearances and perceived notions."

The half-dead sith gives a long sigh, letting a cloud of frozen vapor trail behind him. "... yesss. Thisss one knowsss that all to well..."

He squeezes the hand. "No offensssse."

"This one was saying that because of their own experiences, Skielstregar." Vaera replies, reaching to pat him on another shoulder. "That they acted as such, even with reason, does not deny the hurt it causes. And for that, this one apologizes. "You are a good person, and one who deserves happiness as much as any other. To feel comfortable with kin, and in this city."

Skielstregar nods, a rumbling in his chest and squeezing the hand in his. "We have been down thisss path, and we have shared wordsss about thisss. Though, your apology isss accepted. Asss you have accepted mine."

He looks up to the dwindling sun. "... though, thisss one isss glad you are here. They do not think they would be able to be in the sssity without you."

"And yet, sometimes I worry you do not take the words to heart. But perhaps it is something that simply needs time." Vaera chuffs, looking up to the sky, and turning in the direction of the fernwood, and a nearby bakery she remembered. "This one is glad that you were able to come and see the city. It is pleasant in a different way. And it seems even those such as shaman Un'eth can be found here."

Skielstregar follows dutifully, a stranger to these roads. A sigh leaves him once more, but his armored tail gently flicks against Vaera's. "Thisss one isss ssstill trying. They are better every day, even when the Hunger hitsss hard. Wordsss take time to sssink, as it takesss actionsss to drive them deeper. So thisss one triesss. They made you a promissse, and they intend to keep it."

A chuff. "Thisss one is beyond surprisssed to sssee the shaman here. Brick and ssstone seems not to her liking."

"She must have business worth being here. Perhaps in regards to the refugees who were brought in?" Vaera suggests with a chuff. "They have kept us busy, it is surprising we managed to find time to come out here. But everyone is helping."

"You will keep trying, and keep succeeding. That the worst days are better is promising, and makes this one happy, as well."

Another pat on the shoulder, and a swish of their tail against the armored one. "Now, while we have the time to discuss, what manner of fruits do you enjoy? There are all manner that they use to create the fillings."

Skielstregar shrugs his shoulders. "Perhapssss. Thisss one'ssss armsss are sssore from all the firewood they've been making," he chuckles, fine with the prospect. "Ssstill, thisss one isss sssurprised ssso many kin came. And did thisss one hear true? A mul'neisssa-" he hisses the word with a twinge of anger "-was among thossse that ressscued them? Why?"

He gives a smile, an unsettling sight for most, but one that Vaera was used to at this point. "Thank you, kin."

He ponders the question, tapping his fang as they walk along. "... applesss are good. Thisss one can eat the whole fruit in one bite."

He blinks, putting some pieces together in his head. "... they make it without the ssseeedsss?! How?!"

Some poor barkery was going to get cleaned out reallllly soon.

-End Scene-