Tales of Scales

Log Info

• Title: Tales of Scales
• Emitter: Seyardu
• Characters: Braelnoir, Seyardu
• Place: A08 Northern Banks of the Tornmawr
• Time: October 5th, 2021
• Summary:

-=--=--=--=--=--=-<* A08: Northern Banks of the Tornmawr *>--=--=--=--=--=--=-

          In the shadow of the great Highbridge, and beneath the guardhouses, 
a stretch of river has been laid out as a public park and fishing area. Here, 
the descending landscape of Alexandria folds into the river and crafts a 
comfortable view. On a typical day, a number of small boats and picnic 
blankets dot the landscape. To the side, a small shrine to Rada the River 
Serpent, as well as a dual shrine to Althea and Daeus, in their guise as 
Mother and Father of the world.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=- 

The tornmawr river, late in the day. After Seyardu had run into the korite warrior in Quill's Repose, both there to seek out research for similar, but connected reasons. And in their search. It was a tense situation, but one that had brought some comfort to the troubled silverscale, and also a promise to meet afterwards, where Braelnoir did not frequent often. So she left to prepare, having seen the amount of coffee the korite had been drinking.

The river was churning from a chill wind in the air, and the riverbank was relatively clear. Save for the One who had a dark green blanket set on the bank, the silverscale from earlier, their armor stowed away. They had a large basket at beside them. Their tail swished idly side to side, and occasionally they took a look to the sides, though the area remained empty for the time being.

The Korite traveled enshrouded in what looked like a heavy leather cloak, with her scythe strangely absent. A green kirtle obscures her armour, while the hood of the cloak renders her hair less of likely to scuttle her anonymity.

She gives the place a thorough lookover, bordering on paranoid, then she sighs with a bemused smirk, "I got stories around here...." she comments dryly, then looks to Seyardu, "Somethin' comes callin', luv, you run like hell, alright?"

Looking over, the disguise seemed to work well enough, as Seyardu stood up, silver eyes squinting as someone walked over. When she was close enough to catch the scent of, the makari visibly relaxes, sitting back down. "It seems you have much on your mind, Brae." Seyardu notes. "I have stories of this place as well, but not as many most likely." 

She looks to the Korite, patting the ground nearby. "Only if you will as well. I will not leave you behind if it comes to that, Brae."

"Mebbe not's wierd, either." Brae snorts, then gives a little shrug and draws up alongside, "Cain't run from a fight, luv. Once th'swingin' starts, I hafta answer." she explains, folding her arms. The emblem of Kor on her demigauntlet probably has something to do with it.

There's a thoughtful sigh, then, "Always got somethin' on m'mind, luv... keepin' the right things up top's the trick."

"No, they are pretty weird, some of them. One time I was playing tug of war with a hippogryph, and another time, there were winged fiends that nearly killed me. Why can you not run? This one would not see you harmed if things were too much." Seyardu sighs. "I figured with how wary you are of late, alcohol would not be ideal. So this one brought some drinks without any in them."

The silver Makari looks over to Braelnoir. "Keeping busy is important, yes. Do you, feel you have the right things on it at the moment? Anything that you can share, or I could help with?" "Kor's will." the warrior replies softly, clapping that fist to her breastplate, then gives a thoughtful smile, "That's thinkin' ahead, Seya, thank you." She extends her hand out to the Makari's shoulder for a gentle clasp, "Still workin' out the finer points, but I'm thinin' on how t'elp Cryo... th'rest..." Her smile turns wan, "Afraid I can't. But... you got some weighty thoughts, too..."

"And it is Althea, as you call it, her will to see you safe." Seyardu responds with a puff of air as she opens up the basket to offer a bottle of apple juice to Braelnoir. 

The silverscale nods, and one arm wraps around the korite, so she can rest lightly against her side. "I, I understand that. I want to help too. There is, so much on my mind. But I can always think about helping friends." Braelnoir tucks in against the silver scales, her fingers caressing the little mirrors as a nostalgic humor shadows her features.

She hugs Seyardu with the same care of her spiked gauntlet as she had before, then, "Din't have lotta friends.... not 'fore I come t'Alexandria. Not a lotta goodwill t'ward Mercs. Not till someone needs ta hire us t'save'm from some bandits, o'whomp some other cakeeater's army. Outside th'band, yer an asset'r scum."

Seyardu sighs, returning the hug. Listening to the korite, she faces her more, and smiles. "You have at least one, if you want. Among many others here." 

The silverscale gives a gentle squeeze before she turns away to take a bottle for herself, a claw skewering the cork and twisting it out. "Mercs or not, you are a person like any other. I do not see how it is different from the adventuring and exploring guilds here."

The cleric shakes her head, and takes a sip of the sweet drink. "It seems softskins are good at trying to distance themselves from others however they can manage." Braelnoir shrugs a bit, then spends a moment uncorking her own bottle, "Bards sing from th'rafters about adventurers. Far as most common folk get, Mercs are those assholes someone paid t'come kick their nest'r stop someone else from don'."

She holds the bottle up toward Seyardu with a, "Cheers." before taking a swing, then continuing, "Think we'll just turn on someone if th'enemy offered more money."

Her hand comes up quickly, "An' they ain't without cause. Plenty o'pactbreakers out there ta sully the job."

"Well, yes, people need to find work. A town guard requires payment. And so do you. If you need to find work elsewhere, so be it." Seyardu sighs. "As long as you are not working for terrible people, I see nothing wrong with it."

"Would you like some food, Braelnoir?"

"Th'Stride weren't always workin' fer good people." Brae replies, taking another swig, "We slipped 'tween the sheets with outright monsters, but.. there were a couple bastards holdin' our coffers here and there."

She sighs and scritches at her midriff a bit, "I... yeah... I wouldn't mind some real food, luv, thank you."

A brief smile, then she sobers and continues, "I got used t'the idea that nobody outside the Stride is gonna look out fer me. Not unless we're working together."

Shrug, "An asset, right?"

Seyardu nods and takes out a sandwich to offer the korite. Smoked meats and cheese with grainy mustard. "If you are facing foes, it is important to eat and drink enough." She says with another smile. 

"That sounds like an odd way to consider things. Back home, the people are family, regardless of what is done. This one is used to those back home who always would help as able without a second thought."

"But there are those out there who care. And this one thinks you are worth caring about, truly. As a person, not some perceived value." Braelnoir smiles and nods as she accepts the sandwich, "Thanks, Sey." she says softly, setting the bottle beside her on a large stone close at hand.

Braelnoir nods, "Well, I woke up changed b'some mojo-tech gizmo we been on th'look for fer a while after a well-earned night's drinkin' at this inn, the Steelbelt. Myhands were paws, like a lion, an' I had crazy hooves. Couldn't get dressed'r anythin' on my own. Called fer th'landlady who damned near fainted, but helped me get decent."

There's a bite of her sandswich, and the Korite chews on that to let Seyardu process that visual before swallowing a little, tucking the rest into her cheek then adds out the side of her mouth, "Fell'own mhe nam thtair's."

She Takes a swig from her bottle, swishes it in her mouth, chews a bit more, then swallows again, "Then I spent what felt like all damned mornin' tryin' ta find someone'knew what ta do. Well, I ran inta a couple helpful wizard types along the way an' they... tried." By her tone 'tried' is probably just spicing up the backstory.

"So it was out of nowhere, and, you had lion paws, and hooves?" Seyardu asks, her normally squinted eyes wide, revealing the metallic color in their entirety. She take a sip of her drink, and blinks. "That is, certainly something to wake up to. I am glad you found assistance."

One of her brows raise.

"But this one feels, they were not successful?"

Braelnoir gives a little bark of laughter, "Well, funny thing about that mojo-tech.... dispel effects didn't quite work..." ahem, "As intended." The taste of airquotes heavy in the air, she smiles, "If ya didn't hit it the right way, it would cause another change, randomly. On top o'that, if ya didn't get it all, it would reinforce itself, get harder ta dispell."

Her smile fades, "Wish... Cryo's here ta lend me her toy, would lemme show ya 'least what I looked like. Anyway, imagine what I said before., now add a cat tail't splits about halfway down an' put a dragon spade tip on each end. Muck about m'knees down, get things a lot more deerlike, hoves an' all. Then cover every inch o'me cept m' my hair in little silver scales, like on m'shoulder."

Her eyebrow arches, "Funny thing about that... m'brand was the only place that didn't originally scale over." With that, she glances to the shoulder where the skull mark resides, "Anyway, m'gait's all fucked up, I'm bouncin' around on all fours, dodgin' horseshit between tryin' ta walk upright. Meanwhile, everybody's gawkin' an' carryin' on."

"Legs like a deer, this one is used to that, still, but, hair and fur, that would be bizarre, not to mention the hooves." Seyardu responds, her head tilted as she tries to imagine the sight. "And you are saying, the any attempt to fix it caused such issues?"

The silver sith-makar sighs, and shakes her head. "That people would not stop to help, this one is surprised, yet not. I am sorry to hear that, Brae." Braelnoir nods, "Oh, yeah. Bigger th'mojo used on th'dispell, the worse it come back. M'friend ended up a big, fluffy dragon... thingy."

She shrugs at the rest, "People's tryin' ta figger out if I's a monster got loose'r whatever. Anyway, I get ta th'lower Market an'... well, I end up causin' a scene. Cryo, Kaelyn, the fluffy dragon who ya probly ain't met, an' Ezil... He follows th'Mother, friendly guy, figger ya'd like him. Anyway, the come on over an' help me out. Was Cryo taught me t'walk like that."

There's a little nostalgic smile at her lips, then it sobers a touch, "Anyway, Kae's an artificer, an' the spook-tech that done us was somethin' she found, an' someone stole it after usin' it on'er. So... we head back ta th'Steelbelt, figgerin' maybe someone mighta saw th'guy done me...."

"A fluffy dragon? This one has never met a dragon that was fluffy. Not that this one has met many, really." Seyardu chuckles. "But, ah, that sounds like a bit of a mess. But this one, is glad Cryosanthia was there to help. She's a good person, and probably the best to teach something like that, given how gracefully she moves. I haven't found met Ezil before, but I shall take your word for it."

"What is the steelbelt like? Where you able to find out anything about that?" She asks curiously.

Braelnoir swirls the bottle in her hand for a moment, then takes a swig.

Looks down the neck of the bottle.

Swallows.

Then takes another swig, "Well.... we got there, alright, but by then Merek catches up with us. Well... here I am, all scaley, an' Kae's a dragon, right? So... Cryo tries ta go in an' mollify th'locaks with bullshit, right? Like we's in costumes fer a play." she laughs, "Well... it don't sell, so... shortly after we get inside.... Some yahoo... this fuckin' cakeeater's had his eye on takin' Kae fer a pet shows up with a passle of's mooks, an' we manage ta get them, an' th'whole damned bar on us. Th'goal? Capture th'dragon, an' kill the demon."

A shrug, "Well... I weren't in proper control o'my body, yet. Had claws but couldn't keep'm out, an' couldn't hold weapons so... I weren't at m'best."

Something like wonder touches her expression, "An'... not an' asset... not a partner, just.... some pain'n the ass they barely know.... an' they -stood up- fer -me-."

"It sounds like a good plan, even if it didn't work. Would be pretty strange to see something like that. But, in this case, the truth was stranger than the myths." Seyardu half chuckles, half sighs. She shakes her head. "Leave it to the, cake eater is a noble, correct? Leave it to them to have no sense of value for others."

"But, I am not surprised. I would stand up for those being harassed by nobles, just like many others would. Such injustices should not be perpetrated."

Braelnoir smirks a bit, "Cryo might give a giggle if'n ya ever ask her about that play 'The Dragon an' the Demon'."

As Seyardu understands her reference, she nods, "Yeah... 'specially the useless kind o'noble."

He expression falters a little and she shrugs, "Yeah... s'what they say, too... but that ain't how things were, before... I weren't their responsibility, an' they tried ta protect me. That.... didn't happen from anyone outside the Stride."

A sigh, then, "Anyway, the prick't started the show went an' got himself smoked by Merek." Her hand comes up, a placating gesture somewhat subverted by the grip she has on her sandwich, "He wasn't tryin' to, he just miscalculated th'threat. He rezzed'm, after."

A shrug, "Anyway... no one but family, no one but th'Stride ever stuck up fer a lowly merc like me.... so I went an' took'm in as m'own..."

"This one will, have to ask her about it some time. If there are things that could bring a smile to them, they seem worth pursuing." Seyardu smiles herself. "And for you, as well. I feel, you could use a bit more happiness in your life, too."

At the mention of the one being revived though, she sighs. "Fighting is dangerous, yes, and unpredictable. This is why I am having my polearm enchanted to make not slaying my foes easier. But, that makes sense, though I still do not understand the prejudice entirely. You are a person like any other, though I would assume, that people who stick together, share a certain kinship such as that. Like Aya, and Aryia." Braelnoir nods, working through a couple of bites as Seyardu replies. Her eyes get introspective at a couple points, but she answers once she's swallowed.

"Mebbe we get this shit all sorted out we can get us a nice day out. Th'lot of us, just..." while she doesn't specify the details, she pinches off the train of thought with a shrugged, "Ya know?"

With the conversation brushing on weaponry, she nods, "That's right prudent o'ya. Hell... wish we'd talked on that sooner, I coulda done that for ya. I gotta... gift were weapons..." without any other real way to describe it, she shrugs and holds up her Kor branded gauntlet, "I can give it a little edge so if ya need ta threaten someone inta backin' down it works a little better, or... well... this one's hard t'explain."

Hmmm, "If ya know anythin' about military thinkin', history an' all, it comes a little easier while yer carryin' something I enchant."

At the suggestion, Seyardu smiles, and gives the korite beside her another hug. "I would like that. Yourself, me, Cryosanthia, Aryia if she'd like, any you could think of. We could all use some time to just, relax, and enjoy the city, or other spots." She says, the scent of happiness perhaps perceptible. And the offer makes her shake her head. "I have not had it enchanted, yet. But I know you have much on your mind, and this one does not want to split your attention, too much."

Seyardu chuckles at that, and shakes her head. "This one, has never been one for war. Healing, aid, the divine. This one buried their mind in the more pleasant pursuits, so they would not be consumed by reality."

Braelnoir nods, eyes half lidding for a moment, then, "There's an old saying from a General... from th'Millenium Empire, I think, though th'name ain't coming ta me this second.... A little before Alexandros was founded, said 'Want peace? Prepare fer war.'" She finishes off her sandwich, chewing quickly before chasing it down with a strong belt from the bottle.

"Kor'd probably love't if everyone got in on th'action, but that ain't how us mortal folk work. We need folks ta care, ta build..." The Korite shrugs then, "We fight so other folk don't have to. If I'n keep ya outta a scrape, that'd suit me just fine. I know things don't always go how we want, so.... gettin ya a little more prepared fer shit goin sideways... well that's just bein' proper pals, right?"

"I, I know. Sometimes, people can not be redeemed, sometimes force would be necessary." Seyardu sighs, pausing to tear her sandwich into half and swallow. "But, I do not like it. I came to Alexandria, to learn to help people better. That is still what I desire."

She sets down her bottle to pull out an ash haft, with a cloth bundled blade at one end. "A way to be better prepared, it is good, right?"

Then she pauses, the smile grows again, and she hugs Braelnoir. "Pals, that is like, friends, if I am not mistaken?"

Braelnoir is momentarily surprised by the hug, but nods, moving to return it, "Tha's right, luv, like friends." The silverscale gets a squeeze and she relaxes, taking another pull from the bottle. Probably not much left in that one.

She considers the weapon, "May I?" she asks, an open hand pauses halfway toward the haft.

"Then, I would like that, Brae. To be pals." Seyardu replies, the grin and happiness only growing. She pulls another bottle of the four in the pack to offer when she sees. And following that, she undoes the cloth to show the silver, adamantine polearm head, a sharp, hooked blade on one side, with a short curved spike on the top and other side.

"It was made by the same one who made my breastplate. They seem skilled in working rare metals such as that."

Braelnoir nods, grinning to the silverscale and gives her another hug before accepting the bottle with a, "Thanks, luv." The Korite then spends a few moments considering the weapon as it's unveiled with some appreciation, "Looks lke solid work, luv. Found yerself a good one, there, I reckon."

She rolls a shoulder, then, "There's another trick I got... I can kinnnnda feel a ittle bit of a weapon's hist'ry if I concentrate on it in m'hand fer a little while."

She winks to the Sith, then looks up to the blade once more, "Not much point fer a fresh one, though."

"I do not know how good they are, though. They seemed to have marked my armor, and weapon, too, with their mark. They did not tell me, and just said, it was something they did, when questioned the next time." Seyardu notes, with a sigh. "But, the quality is good, and there are few smiths that know how make armor for sith-makar. The padding is different, and the shape slightly changed."

They grin, winking back once. "Then, this one, will have to create a good history, for those who come after to see then, right? The bill is the chosen weapon of Althea, after all. Made for defense as much as striking down foes."

Braelnoir nods, "Smith's tend to, 'specially if they're a commissioned piece. He weren't pullin' yer tail, luv." she explains, "It's a mark o'pride. Means he didn't build ya a piece o'shit. He's proud enough o'the work ta risk'is good name on the person using his gear."

She uncorks the bottle, then, "He's stakin' his good name on how well his craft serves you in whatever ya face. The armor fails, or the weapon breaks, an' someone sees that mark, they ain't gonna buy from him. Ya kill a golem with'it in some glorious battle.. well, someone's gonna be interested in him making them something o'quality, too."

She nods to the words about Althea's choice in weaponry, "They also work best in groups. If I might? Wouldn't go you amiss ta pick you up a gauntlet like this'n. If somethin' gets inside yer reach, it's gonna be hard ta get that blade on'm, and it saves ya the time wasted grabbin fer a dagger or somesuch. Ain't time ya got ta spare in those cases, savvy?"

"I have heard of those marks, but this one is, different." Seyardu notes with a shake of her head, and a puff of air. "It is not the name of the smith, it is mine, in draconic. And, there is something to it I cannot place."

"For one thing, this one never told them their name to begin with. It only came up after receiving it."

"But, it may be nothing. And you are correct. They are to protect others, together, ideally. The spiked gauntlet, that may be a bit much for myself. But this one has seen similar gauntlets and bindings for augmenting strikes with a hand. A good plan, you are correct. This one would do what they can to be as reliable as they can be. Out on expeditions and work, people rely upon me. If I may ask, how did you end up learning to use a scythe like you do?"

Braelnoir blinks and her brows knit.

"Well, now that's a differen't song, luv..." she says softly, "Sounds like ya got someone lookin' out fer ya fer some reason."

As the subject returns to weaponry directly, she nods, "They are a bit'v an acquired taste, luv, tha's true, but they're simple, plus, if ya gotta reach in an' grab somethin, they protect yer fingers just like a regular gauntlet. Takes a little more training ta use knuckle wraps an' such in that kinda clinch, ya'll open up yer guard if ya ain't careful."

The Korite spares another glance at the polearm, contemplating the ifs, then smiles a bit, "Well, there's a story..."

"Someone, for some reason. This one, does not know why." Seyardu nods, and she hangs her head to sip on her bottle. "Seems like people have their own ideas what I am supposed to do."

"It is more so that, this one is not overly violent by nature. And spiked gauntlets seem a bit harsh, if effective."

"It is a story, you say? You are a good story teller, Brae. If it is one you would like to share, this one has another drink to listen with." She responds with another smile, and accompanying hug. "This has been, very nice. To talk to you like this."

Braelnoir smirks a little and nods, "I bet they do, luv." A chuckle, "I bet they do. Still, I'n make suggestions, but's up ta you whether what I tell ya's somethin' ya can live with."

She nods, "Well, they are, that, luv. S'one of those things. Can show ya th'way, but it ain't fer me ta move yer feet, right?"

The compliment about her storytelling gets a hint of an actual blush, and she takes a pull from the bottle before she gives a little grin, "Night I met Cry, Kae an' Mer, before that other business... Cry asked me about the scythe."

She settles back against the stone and sighs thoughtfully, "I's still Bondsworn... mebbe three years back. We's workin in Myrridon, somewhere 'tween Isobar an' Perenath. Th'Brazen Stride got hired ta handle some... outta court politics if ya catch my meanin'. This... cakeater decides he needs extra muscle ta make a name fer hisself, an's opts ta solve this one guy; has a nobleman's kid I'm guessin' as his 'general'." The air reaks of airquotes once more, "Lotta drama an' 'look ma, I'm spooky'... he had a bit of a grasp on tactics."

"Apologies, Brae, I value your insight and opinions, truly, I do. I am just, I am not a warrior the way you are. Which is partly why I should take what advice I can." Seyardu notes, sighing quietly before she settles in to listen. "So, bondsworn, working with the stride.Though, this one is confused, about what you were called to do. And who was this noble that was being spooky?" She asks with tilted head. "Apologies Brae, but I am having some trouble following." Braelnoir shakes her head, "No, no, ya ain't an' that's alright. I's just sayin' all I got is what I think, an' it ain't fer me ta change ya."

She flashes a smile, "Honest, y'ain't hurtin' my feelins bein' free ta make yer choices, luv."

Her expression becomes contrite as Seyardu seems to be getting left behind in the rats nest of her tangents, and she offers a little, "Sorry, luv. Mebbe a little scattered, yet. I'll try an' keep it more on point."

Back to the story, "Some low tier noble hired the Stride. His problem was, there's some Lord flexin his muscle, stirring politics his way by controlled brigandage, mysterious raids, that sorta thing. He had the scythe guy commanding his troops. I think Spooky was some rich guy's brat, he had big money spent on gear ta look all spooly an' shit, but it was all new, barely a nick anywhere, but he knew a little bit of how ta strategize."

She gets nostalgic, then, "We went in, Scarab an' Viper PLatoons, in twos and threes over a few days, scouting things quiet like. Eventually we mustered up at a prearranged rendeavous point, an' properly rearmed, the two platoons went off ta seperate missions."

"If you are sure, Brae. This one just knows it is good to know opinions are valued." She replies with a small smile. "I will consider, getting a cestus, or something similar. And I like listening still, it is just that I am not used to all the different ways of saying things. It is something for me to improve upon."

Her gaze goes downwards, and she sighs. Another bite of the sandwich, with not much remaining. "This one read books, the way some of these nobles act, there should be no meaning to the title, as it matches no descriptor I can think of."

"You were part of the former platoon, yes? So, this person was, attempting to scare foes, and I am assuming the weapon was theirs at some point. It sounds like you prepared well, what happened afterwards?" Braelnoir nods, "I know, luv." she assures her, "It's alright, I know I don't always talk proper, neither."

There's a moment for that, then, "They gotta feel good about themselves, somehow, right?"

Then, back to the rest, "That's right, Scarab was us from our orphanage. Viper was'n older unit, another orphanage. They's solid, weren't wild like us, but weren't quite's good's us always, neither."

She takes a couple good chugs from the bottle, then, after stifling a belch, "Vipers went out an' ran a false flag, wiped out one of their bands, made it look like another group did it, sent word and moved out to a new camp we set up just fer this. Scarab split, my half went and tucked in along one o'the roads he used a lot. Rolson..." Something special in that name touches her face, something bittersweet, "Rolson took his half out ta set up the camp and put together some fake prisoners. Viper reinforced him, built mantraps around the camp, and dressed our dolls up in the captured gear, with others dressed in the made up band colors. Then they dug in an' hid."

She sips more daintily this time, then continues, "Meanwhile, we let them ride on past us on the road, and once they's outta sight, we brought down some trees to cut off their escape route an' waited."

"Another orphanage?" Seyardu asks, before she sighs. "This one is curious who was running this mercenary company. But, regardless."

"Easy, Brae." She interjects, one hand held wardingly, but the korite seemed alright, and she settles back down to listen.

"It sounds like there was a lot of planning going into this. A serious deal to be dealt with."

She thinks for a moment, and nods. "So, they had no option to return back to camp, if they went to investigate the place you set up. And, well, I imagine they were not thinking straight at that moment. The group attacked, that is. What happened afterwards, Brae?"

"Well, they went inta th'camp ta spring their guys, an' Viper an' Rol's group'em like a hammer." Brae replies, her smile vaguely wicked, "Well, them guys of his that's still on their horses are runnin' like hell... and we spring on'em."

She withdraws her warhammer, hefting it absently a couple of times, "Someone lobber a tanglefoot an' got his horse. We start maulin' his guys, an' Spooky decides he's gonna take the...."

Ahem.

She effects her impression of a slightly posh accent, even as she lowers her voice, "Deloooded fahrm gurl playing with Dahddy's sword."

She snorts, "Well.... I worked'm. Did most o'the time I's using my sword- not this one." that comes with a glance to the blade at her hip, "Short blade. SO, I finally figger I let him talk all the shit he's good for, I swept his stroke ta buring it in one o'the trees we dropped, an' said, 'Here's Mama's hammer!' an" with that, she hefts the bludgeon again, "Caught him' over the liver... busted him up good."

She gets that smile again, though her cheeks flush, "First time I took out a commander by m'self.... Rolson was... very impressed."

Seyardu squints as she hears the impression, more than usual, before she sighs, and a final large bite finishes off her sandwich. "They must have thought they were better than everyone else because they had a lot of gold to throw around. It seems to be a running theme with nobles." The silverscale grumbles. "A warhammer is good when a blade will not pierce plate, this is true. And, this was good. By eliminating the leader, I hope the rest were willing to surrender, or, failing that, were able to be taken out swiftly, with minimal trouble."

"And you took this scythe from them, afterwards?" She asks with a brow raised. "It seems like the impracticality is what lead to their mistakes."

Braelnoir laughs shortly and nods, "S'thruth!" she replies, toasting with her bottle.

With the silverscale's questions, she nods, "Mm-hmm, yup. Took me a while ta get a proper feel fer't."

She shrugs, "Mercs gotta carry all'er shit, so if I'm gonna lug something around, I need a good reason, right?"

She waves her hand a little bit, "Rest of'em weren't no trouble, an' it weren't long after we took them outta play that the big man's abition got wiped out real quick."

The Korite takes a sip, then notes, "Bein' cocky's the bigger part of't, an' like ya said, he leaned in on's money an' not enough on his own work. Scythe's not common in th'field, but it can be damned nasty, an most folks don't quite know how ta face it, or that they should take it serious."

"Yes, I can understand that. I am used to travelling with all of my worldly possessions as well, for several years." The silver makari nods, toasting the bottle back with another long sip. "It was only very recently that I was convinced to invest in a magic satchel, to keep all my things in. It works well, being able to keep weapons without being on your back, having medical supplies and potions on hand, things of that sort." She adds, wrapping up the head of the bill with cloth again and stowing it back in the impossibly large bag.

"I ah, I get what you mean. It's pretty unique looking as far as weapons go, does not quite strike how a polearm does, or a spear. And yes, this one is still getting used to fighting with things like those, and even I struggle with the follow through on things."

Braelnoir nods, "Yeah, Cry's got somethin' like that. I've... well, I had some things to work out, first. Still got m'warchest, but once things settle some I'll probably grab one o'those, too."

She takes a long pull from the bottle and settles in again, "That Bill'l punch armour like nobody's business, an' the haft'll letcha work behind a shield wall. Ever feel th'need, there's a half-orc, name'o San'chuk over around the Collosseum. he's a Warmaster an' I seen'm handle business with polearms like that."

The second bottle was made from white grapes, and was light and sweet.

"I thought it was frivolous at first, but it has proven worth it. I can keep a fully stocked medicine chest easily, with no risk of things breaking, and it makes carrying around a surgery kit and other essentials easier."

The silverscale scents a bit embarassed before she continues. "I ah, I am not the most coordinated. Not only is everyting colorless, but things can get pretty hard to see farther out, so tripping is something I am always keeping in mind. "

"San'chuk, I will keep that name in mind. I have been training with the sunguards and sentinels at the temples, since it is the favored weapon of the Celestial Nest-Mother. But, learning from more new sources, this is never a bad thing."

Braelnoir smiles and nods, "It's good thinkin', no doubt." she returns in approval, then she seems a mite concerned at the sudden demeanor change.

The confession about her visual troubles deepens her expression, but she nods, reaching out to cup her shoulder gently, "Knowin' ya got a problem's the first part o'workin' past it, luv." Her voice soft, she continues, "Probly some kinda magic doodad might be able ta help with 'least some of that, but... that's mojo I ain't... well, it ain't in m'experience. Yer a medic, Seya, an' a good one, it oughtn't be necessary ta get yer hands that kinda wet. That's our job."

A sigh, then, "Still, obviously ya know it's still gotta be a consideration if'n yer gonna go out doin' Guild work, or, hell, even doin' Temple business an' things go sideways."

There's a nod to the rest, and she gives the shoulder a little squeeze, "Different groups have different trainin', will come at the same weapon differn't ways, every little tactic ya soak up is one ya'll have ta use'r look out for. Gotcha good head on yer shoulders. Betcha do th'Mother proud."

"It is ah, it is something I have been working on for some time, Brae." The silverscale chuckles with the lingering embarassment, the laughter silenced by a swig of her bottle. "You should have seen me when I was younger, I used to get bloody scrapes and covered in dirt just wandering the jungles. And do you know how difficult it is to get a bleeding scrape through scales? Ah, perhaps you do."

"That being said, I am not afraid to get my hands wet, that is why I have been training to defend myself, and help."

Then they sigh, smiling. "At least you look just about how you should with your hair, if I believe correctly. And ah, thank you, that is kind of you to say. It is, something I have struggled with, feeling like I am doing right. I have always wished to help others, and sometimes, it feels like I am not doing much at all here."

Braelnoir smirks, "Oh yeah, I do." she remarks first with a chuckle, then settles to a somewhat more sober expression, "But, yeah. Known a few Sith have bouts o'clumsy now an' then Hell, know more'n a few humans's tha'd trip over shadows."

She nods thoughtfully in time with Seyardu's assertion about getting into the fray, a knowing smile touching the corners of her mouth.

The last bit though, gets an eyebrow arch as she returns, "There's been times folks've gotta ta feelin' like that. Sometimes wonderin' that th'fight ain't gettin' them closer ta a new workd, an' sometimes th'best we can do is keep th'bad guys from gettin' closer ta -their- new world."

"Do you now? Perhaps my view is skewed by what I have been through, but I have never seen a makari anywhere near as clumsy as I am." Seyardu sighs. "It is something I admire about Cryosanthia, with how graceful she is."

She pauses to think on the last point, punctuated with another sip of her bottle. "Those people at the docks, I felt so useless with what they were going to be put through. These nobles are running around like they are above the law, because it seems like they are. Drinking fiend blood is just a slap on the wrist for them."

The silverscale sighs. "I understand what you mean, Brae. Like it is a struggle to maintain how things are now, which is not particularly good, let alone make things better. But I can not exactly go out and make sweeping changes to how the city guard is managed, or things such as that."

Braelnoir's smile dims on mention of her sister, an introspection, but whatever touches her eyes, doesn't manifest into words.

That's not hers.

Instead, she sighs and focuses on the other matter, "Lotta cakeeaters get ta feelin' that way. Ain't th'only thing ta worry about though." She shrugs a bit and looks at her bottle as she swirls it a little, continuing, "Mourner I know, she run inta some trouble with nobles buyin' a trial. Folks ain't interested in the truth, just 'bout punishin' someone they can scapegoat."

She shakes her head and, a little disdainfully, "Corrupt guards're pretty Gods-damned low. Best b'rid of'm, honestly, but they usually got favors ta call in from them same cakeeaters that bought'm in the first place."

"Ah, my apologies." Seyardu sighs, catching the dimming smile. She covered the silence with a drink from the bottle, lingering with it empty. A claw punctures the cork of her other bottle, twisting it out.

"This is, this is awful to hear. Is there nothing to be done about that trial? Surely someone could speak up against this. One of the guards at the warehouse, they were acting confrontational when we were trying to investigate an active crime scene. Not to mention, when they were acting strange, they kept us out, and had the audacity to refuse to empty their pockets, when we were dealing with people who put mind controlling objects in peoples objects."

The silverscale sighs. "Turns out their pocket was only so full because of the amount of gold they were bribed with, that they continued to refute."

Braelnoir shrugs and shakes her head, "Naaah, luv, that ain't on you, but... thanks." she says first, smiling some for Seyardu's benefit and giving her another little clap to the shoulder.

As the other topic is less direct baggage, she turns to follow that route, instead, "They... sprung th'accused from an execution. A few adventurers were involved in th'breakout." she says before taking a very long pull from the bottle.

She wipes her mouth with the back of her hand, then, "Ain't enough crooked guards gettin' put on th'block, or doin' the dance't the end of a rope."

"I, I do not believe they deserved the block. The noble in charge perhaps, but, there is nothing wrong with the pursuit of gold for the most part, or at least, it is understandable." The silverscale sighs, though she does attempt to smile some more herself. "It is just when such pursuits come to odds with morals that there is a problem."

"So, they are holding a wrongful execution against them, then. Is there something that can be done, to clear their names? That sounds bad, and if there is a solution, this one may look into it in their spare time. Well, what spare time I have, nowadays."

Braelnoir frowns, "It's th'oathbreakin'." she says sullenly, taking another pull from the bottle.

She considers the other question with a shrug and sighs, "I... dunno. Alexandrian law ain't exactly m'strength, an' there's some parts I find fuckin' disgustin'."

She scratches at an itch near the lip of her breastplate, then shrugs, "Wanna say proving th'one who done it would do, but, then, thLaw cain't let itself be proven fallable, can it?"

Seldan has left.

"I do not see what would be wrong about that. Better to prove that something is just that fear admitting fault. I feel it would foster more trust, but perhaps that is merely naivety on my part."

Seyardu sighs and takes a sip from her drink. "I get what you mean, it is a betrayal of trust on their part, which should be held accountable. And the fact that nobles like lord Altay are given a slap on the wrist-"

The silverscale flicks her tail a bit in agitation. "It is not right. While I do not think that this one should kill them unless absolutely necessary, it feels more necessary to prevent them from harming others."

Braelnoir shakes her head, "Th'law has ta look right, or folks'll start questionin'. Folks get ta question, means soon they stop blindly obeyin'." she explains.

She looks to the toe of her boot, at the stone sitting there, and absently kicks it away, then continues, "Small towns, ya might get a reversal here'n there, they're all close knit, family ties, friendship an' neighborly bonds, things like that. Big city? Lot less time, way too many people ta make them kinda bonds."

There's a little shrug, "There's been units, officer's been dirty, exploitin' their rank fer... favors. Undermines the whole, an it goes unchallenged long enough, the unit revolts'r gets wiped out."

"Then they should question. It should not be about blindly obeying, but creating rules that should be obeyed, and making clear why they should be for the good of all." Seyardu responds, shaking her head. "If the law is wrong, it should be righted."

With a look to the korite, she nods. "Back home, everyone looks out for each other. There are not laws, so much as rules for living, to keep everyone safe. But here, laws are to stop people taking advantage, but they fail to do so at times. You are right. It is a big city, and people get lost.I know this well, as I have spent a lot of time feeding those in need, and tending to wounds and the ailing at the temple of Althea."

"I guess that makes sense. If the leader is bad, and not enough challenge it, some below them can not speak up out of fear."

Braelnoir barks a short spot of laughter, then nods, "Damned right, it should!" she concurs, but, "I ain't heard of't happening though. Not since I first come here."

She sets the bottle aside, then stretches her arms upward with a soft groan for a moment before she goes on, "There's laws meant ta keep the wrong sort from takin' advantage. Usually end up being the same ones used t'shield the ones that are."

The Korite considers he silverscale for a moment or two, then, "Good heart, luv... ya mean well."

Seyardu looks to the woman next to her for a moment, and she smiles. "Thanks, Brae. That means a lot to hear, really, it does. As I told you, I came here because I wanted to do some good for the world. And, I could not do that, sitting back in my village, unable to head out if I wished."

"You are a good person yourself, Brae. Thank you, for coming out here with me, listening, and sharing your stories. I am glad, that you were able to find family and a sense of belonging here that was missing."

Braelnoir nods, her eyes half lidding as a note of thoughtfulness touches her voice, "Only good cuz Ace, Cryo'n the others." she muses, rolling her shoulders in turn before she stans to her full.

There's a wan little smile turned up to the Sith, "Thanks, luv. Glad ya reached out ta yer freedom. S'good t'know ya."

She finishes her bottle, then, "I should get back on mission. Thanks fer th'grub, an' the ear, Seya, hope we can get all'a this sorted soon. I cain't be there... if ya wouldn't mind lookin' in on m'sister, remind'r ta keep strong..."

"That is not true, Brae." Seyardu chuffs, with a shake of her head. "Being surrounded by good people does not make a person good, it still requires the person to be so themselves. But, yes. It has been, lonely, and difficult, but I am glad I made the decision to do so. When I see my father again, I wish for it to be with pride for what I accomplished."

She takes the empty bottles, and stows them back into the basket. Pausing to look up to the korite, and nod. "I hope so too, Brae. But, I promise, that I will keep an eye on them, and be there to help them stay moving. Until you can go back and remind her yourself."

Braelnoir shakes her head a bit, "Well, sometimes takes a nudge here'n there." There's a shrug, but the Korite reaches out to clasp Seyardu's arm, "Best wishes t'ya on that, luv." whatever melancholy had crept behind Brae's eyes is lightened in the moment by her offered promise, and she nods, "Thank you. Hope ya can help th'folk ya wanna help."

She releases her grasp and claps her Kor marked fist to her breastplate, "Till then, live free'r die well."

Warriors...