Difference between revisions of "Makari Meet-up"
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+ | Tornmawr riverbanks, early afternoon. |
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+ | Un'eth had been in Alexandria for some time now Seyardu had noticed, and not always seeming to be the happiest to be there. As a manner of thanks for everything they had done recently, and perhaps as a way to cheer them up, she had invited the dark scaled sith-makar to the banks of the tornmawr. The sun was high in the sky and clear, and in a more empty area, the silverscale had set up. there were two firepits, one crackling merrily, and one turned to coals. Both wafting with the smell of cooking food far before the camp could be seen. Seyardu herself was near the river and the fires, with a fishing rod. in hand, and smelling strongly of wildflowers. |
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+ | The's something in the river. At first glance, one might be forgiven for mistaking it for a crocodile or alligator, even though they aren't native to these parts- one hears of the nobles taking them as pets and then setting them loose when they grow too large. It slowly undulates along, through the water, only eyes and nostrils visible above the surface- save for the waves it makes with its long, swaying tail. Oh, and black spines- aligators don't have spines, do they? As the figure makes its way further along the river, those familiar might come to recognize it as no alligator at all, but a Sith Makar. Sjach, specifically. It becomes even more apparent as he comes towards the shallower water, eventually his feet reaching the bottom, and he stands- rising from the water, he is carrying a stick, sharpened to a point, with a fish stuck through on the end of it, still twitching. |
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+ | The male sith is absent his breeastplate and shirt, wearing just those threadbare canvass trousers of his as he emerges from the water. |
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+ | The mighty Tornmawr is a pulsing artery of Ea, and it provides: fresh water, transportation, food, and even hygiene. The cooling waters are teeming with life, and moreso this day. For there is another ebon reptile that moves through the water in Sjach's wake. Why take an unnecessary bridge, especially when there is more than a little dust in need of washing from scales. |
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+ | Un'eth emerges up the bank from the water, not more than a half-dozen strides behind Sjach's tail. Absent her cloak, she bears only a simple belt with pouches and a pendant about her neck. She does not bear any fish, perhaps in light of the cookfires. |
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+ | "Peace on your nests." |
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+ | The fishing silverscale on the shore stops when she sees a figure in the water, and she reels in her line so as not to catch anything by accident. But the first was not Un-eth, and she squints, trying to figure out who it was. |
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+ | She blinks when the green and black Makari exits the water, shock and surprise evident in her demeanor, but any scents masked by the heavy perfume of flowers. |
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+ | "Sjach?" she asks finally, not saying more just that moment, though she looks to Un'eth, and gives them a nod. |
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+ | Sjach glances over his shoulder as someone seems to be following- seeing the other Sith he offers a dip of his head and then casts his gaze around. "Thiss one is in the city." he observes, half to himself. Just how far did he swim downstream? However, a vamiliar voice catches his attention. His spines twitch at hearing it, and he turns his attention towards the Silverscale on the shore. His nostrils flare, and he coughs. "Seyardu. Thiss one did not recognize you. You disguise your scent." he observes. |
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+ | "Ssa," Un'eth agrees before she begins to shake; a sharp quiver that ripples from her neck in a wave down her spine to her tailtip that scatters any excess water from her scales. "Did you linger in the gardens too long?" she inquires of Seyardu, mildly. |
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+ | Cryosanthia has arrived. |
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+ | Seyardu was frozen in place on the spot, blinking, and squinting at Sjach. Though as she did, her tail swished a few times behind her. |
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+ | "It has, been so long." She says, looking to him. "Peace on your nest, Sjach, Un'eth." |
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+ | Then she blinks, and rubs at her neck, with a glance to the shaman. "This one has been, wearing scents to hide others. You know this, Un'eth." She states, before looking back to Sjach. |
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+ | "Would you like to ah, to join us? This one has plenty of food, and it would be good to catch up. Have you been doing well?" |
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+ | Sjach ponders Seyardu's words then, and he glances up, "It has been but a season. Peace on your nesst." he says then, as he pads over towards the silverscale. "Thiss one thinks the softskinss sense of time affects you." a pause, "But... perhapss it felt longer to thiss one, as well." he admits. His nostrils flare again as he draws nearer. "Is it prey you hide from, or predator?" he asks, before dropping to his haunches nearby. He stabs the back end of his pointed stick into the ground, using it as an impromptu fish storage device for now. |
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+ | Away from the group is another Sith'Makar. She has not noticed them, and is not much noticed herself. She stands beside the pillar of the North Bridge, staring out at the water running beneath it. Reflecting on the reflections of the waves, and the catacaustic patterns they throw up on the nearby wall. |
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+ | Her clothing is sombre, a light grey vestment, almost clerical. Her scales match, a dull drab colour. Beside her, a small youngling is similarly dressed, grey garb, grey scales. They seem like ghosts. |
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+ | The larger female is holding a pouch that hangs from her neck, examining the multi-coloured scales within. She tips and shakes a few out, then returns all but a single blue one. This she holds in her palm for a long time, watching the water. She may have been here before the others arrived, unobtrusive in the shadows of the bridge. |
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+ | Her left hand flips through an elegant, elaborate gesture and there is a glow from her gloves, and a small paper boat appears. She sets the scale in the boat, lights and adds a candle, then places the boat in the water. She watches as it drifts on, "Carry my love away." |
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+ | It bobs, and drifts under the bridge. In a romance novel, it would be ride out to sea in a sad, poignant manner. |
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+ | Real life seldom cooperates. It is blown back into the pillar, capsizes, the candle extinquished and the whole thing sinks to the depths. |
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+ | "Sship ssink." The smaller greyscale says. The larger one sighs, "Scales." |
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+ | "This one, yes, it has felt like longer, it is true." Seyardu responds, looking up to the much taller makari. "You were missed, Sjach." She manages to add, with a light sigh as she moved a bit closer, turning to where the fire was burning, so she could flip the fish that were already roasting next to it. |
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+ | At the question, she chuffs. "Predator or prey could be interchangeable, this one might say. The scent, it is to hide from kin as this one is currently." |
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+ | The shift in movement is enough for her to catch the two at the bridge, and the somberness over there. But with the boat sent off, she waves. "Peace on your nests, would you like to join us by the fire?" She asks and offers. "There is food to be shared, and company, if you need." |
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+ | Sjach looks away as Seyardu says that he was missed- clearly becoming slightly sheepish at the topic. But his attention snaps back to her when she explains the reason for her heady perfume. "From kin? Why?" he asks, simply. "Perhapss thiss one was gone too long." he adds after a moment. |
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+ | Un'eth does not offers words as of yet, though she does curl her tail up so that she can pat it with a claw while looking to Seyardu. She then taps her own snout firmly. A message? Perhaps she's learning more from the mute mul than she'd care to admit? |
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+ | Her attention shifts at Seyardu's invitation, towards the two further away. "Ssa, there is food, others, words, if you wish." |
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+ | The pair of greyscales look up from the water, and in unison towards the two firepits. Too far away for scents, their postures still register surprise. A moment passes while the taller female considers. |
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+ | A decision is made. She strides forward. Her youngling follows, her legs running to the elder's steps. The little one seems happy enough, while the taller is summoning a cheerful mantel from within. Her steps switch from simple to bouncy. As they draw close, youngling and mother reach up beside their eyes. There's a brief shimmer. |
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+ | They remove matching wooden masks, becoming Cryosanthia and Little Fang. Cryo takes the smaller mask and slips both into her haversack. She tailthumps, "Peace on your Nests." |
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+ | "Peassce." Lily echoes, tailthumping as well, then reaching out with small claw hands, "Foods pleasse." |
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+ | The City. Alexandria. Mound of so many, many softskins. Eilf and Dawarif an Ohmani and more-- Tenoc is uncomfortable near so many people not his own; the river soothes, washes away the distreust, but still... It is a struggle. One he endures, as the stoic Hunter rumbles with a sigh of pleasure. Able to let go the idea of teaming throngs nearby; easy to let the water ease concern as he lets his feet dangle within the river. |
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+ | Half a mind considers how the Hunters must travel farther and farther for enough game for all. A sign of the Makar's own growing numbers-- success, in adapting to the new, strange, far-too-cold land! |
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+ | Tenoc rumbles. It is good. |
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+ | Seyardu blinks at the movements from Un'eth. She is chuffs, and shakes her head. |
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+ | "Perhaps, but what matters, is that you are back, and this is good." She responds to Sjach, thumping her tail once. "This one, remembers you said you would be around." |
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+ | Then she looks back to Un'eth, and chuckles just a bit. "It is, not a bad reason, Sjach. But this one has been in season for now, and did not wish it to cause trouble with interacting with those I have been healing." She states, close enough the slight embarassment, and the scent in question could be picked up through the haze of flowers. |
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+ | She looks to Cryosanthia and Lily as they are revealed, and Seyardu seems pleased to see them. "Peace on your nest, Cryosanthia, Lily! It is good to see you, now. And of course. It is a good thing this one planned to have extra food, there should be plenty." |
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+ | She reaches to take a roasted, skewered fish, and offers it to the kobold with a pat on their head. |
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+ | Un'eth has left. |
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+ | Sjach relaxes- at first- when Seyardu says that the reason is not that serious. But then his spines suddenly stand on end, and his reptillian eyes blink slowly- as close to a spittake as you're likely to see from a Sith-Makar. "Thiss-one... sees." he says, in as measured a manner as he can. Though his own embarasment is plain to see. |
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+ | He, too, looks to Cryo and Lilly as they arive- glad for the distraction. And he offers a dip of his head to them. "Peace on your nests, as well." he offers. |
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+ | Back to Seyardu, he hesitates, searching for the words. "Have there... been problems?" he finally asks. |
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+ | "Thanssss." Lily says, taking the fish skewer and a large bite. She's looking around, and points out at the water, "Lochs Monssterrr." |
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+ | Cryo's head whips around, "No... Little Fang, that is not so. Good call." She waves, believing she recognizes the scales, then turns to the group. |
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+ | In terms of scents, she is not hiding hers and tell a story, one strong with anxiety, adrenaline and sadness. "Sjach, this one has not seen you in a while. It is pleasant to. I will take some fish also, Seyardu." |
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+ | The palescale exhales a long and heavy sigh. She looks like herself now, no wing spars, a normal posture, loose clothing. "Seyardu, this one would be grateful if you gathered hers and Lily's things from the room at the Temple of Daeus." |
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+ | Lily takes another bite of fish, and comments, "the good sstinky." |
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+ | Tenoc glances up, eyes alive with a moment's glitter. Tempted to splash again, a little, just to gather Lily's attention. But the rest of duty-- a few moments more, spent washing away dibs and daubs of old paint from face and chest and scale. Fearsome, vicious, cruel, monstrous-- |
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+ | --better to leave unpleasant things behind, especially when returning to home. |
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+ | "Ssssk," Tenoc rumbles by way of announcement. Walked over from the water's far edge,. he pause at the ring of firelight, bewnding in respect. "Peace upon your nests, honored ones. May this one join for fire? ONe can offer..." He pauses, glancing down at the thin leather pouch at his side. "...sssk. Rassssspberriezzz?" |
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+ | Seyardu blinks, and sighs as what she says seems to have an embarassing effect on Sjach. She reaches for another skewered fish, and offers it to Cryosanthia. "Of course, there is stew cooking and bread baking as well. You are welcome to what you wish. And you as well, Sjach." |
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+ | She squints at the newcomer, but waves and nods to them with a thump of their tail. |
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+ | The scents were not missed. "You are back to normal, this is wonderful news, Cryosanthia. I can gather your things if you need, yes, where would you like them brought?" |
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+ | Then she turns back to Sjach, and sighs. "Not too much, save for, a few curious males. This one is sorry, if it makes them unpleasant or uncomfortable to be next to. This is why this one tries to hide it usually." |
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+ | "You are welcome to join us by the fire kin, and share our food. No offering is needed, but would be welcome. This one is Seyardu, Shaman caste." |
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+ | Sjach shakes his head and sits upright on his haunches at Seyardu. "No, it iss not unpleasant." he says then. Thetip of his tail flickers a bit, "Thiss one has just... not been in the company of a female in seasson for many, many seasons." he says theen. "It wasss... a ssurprise, nothing more." he adds. |
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+ | He turns towards Tenoc, offering a dip of his head, "Peace on your nesst." he offers in greeting to the hunter- one he doesn't know, but then, he has been away a while. |
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+ | Cryosanthia and Lilly get another glance. "Returned to normal? These ones were unwell?" she asks. |
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+ | "Rasssserberriesss!" Lily squeals happily, charging towards Tenoc and hugging his shin. She lets go to stare up at him, with big begging eyes and an up and down bounce in her posture, "Pleasse berrreiesss." |
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+ | Her little maw opens wide. |
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+ | Cryosanthia smiles, watching her foundling with Tenoc, she turns to look at Sjach, "This one... has been through a lot. A battle with herself, one against a Void demon in the Sea of Mana. I was a dragon there, an immense one, I can still be a person sized one when I wish. I developed wings. I was badly injured, parts of me rotting off." |
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+ | "This one's... this one was healed the bluescale of the Temple of Daeus, he did a great effort. Seyardu assisted, minding me. My foundling was ... nearly lost. Her aunt saved her and is lost herself." |
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+ | "Runss from Tia Ay-ayss." Lily contributes, still waiting for her berries. |
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+ | "Yes Lily, we should practice that." The edges of her mouth curl, and she glances at Tenoc in an odd way, before looking back at Seyardu, "and a couple more things. The trouble with normal is it always gets worse." |
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+ | Tenoc rumbles, nods-- unlacing the pouch and its simple contents (of blackberries! Tragically misfruitful identification), stepping forward into the firelight to offer them forward. "This one is Tenoc," he returns, chuffing a quick breath. "Hunter caste. It has been a long--mmmf!" |
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+ | Ritual and ceremony are promptly abandoned due to clinging kobolds! Tenoc's steam-kettle chortles ends with a pleased grin; he thumps his tail, kneeling down to place the satchel into the foundling's young hands. |
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+ | "Be sure to share," he faux-whispers conspiratorially, grimacing briefly as he takes a quick stretch. "Ssssk. A long hunting time. This one is grateful for fire, company." |
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+ | Tail sweeping back behind, the green-scaled Hunter settles more comfortably, eyes tracing over the others. "Sssk. The other Hunters are returned to home. They disperse the fruits of the hunt." He grins, a flicker of steam drifting from his nostrils. "We found, tracked a herd of boar-fur-things. Stubborn they were. But tasty." |
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+ | "You, do not mind?" Seyardu asks, looking up to Sjach, and swishing her tail once. "That is good, that you do not mind." |
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+ | Blink. "This one means, they do not wish to have you leave after seeing you again so shortly. Are you doing well, by the way? And your companion, I imagine they are even bigger, at this point." |
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+ | She looks back to Cryosanthia, Lily and Tenoc, and smiles with a thump of her tail. "Yes, Cryosanthia was a large dragon. It was strange to see, but they are back to normal, now. " |
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+ | "And you can change back? That is good news as well. But, your wings, they are gone. Can they return as well?" She asks. |
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+ | And a nod to Tenoc. "This is good, there are many more to feed in Mictlan with those saved from Charn. And Boars, yes? The candied bacon from their stomach meat, that would surely raise many spirits." |
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+ | Sjach's claws pick at the scales running down the back of his head, equivalent to a human scratching their scalp, perhaps. "Thiss one does not mind." he asserts to her, dipping his head. "Thiss one will be glad to remain." he adds her way. |
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+ | Turning his attention back towards Cryo as she tells her story, he cants his head to the side and listens intently. It's clear from his expression that much of it goes over his head, but the way his spines lay flat is telling of his graven expression. |
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+ | "Thiss one has missed much and more. Thiss one had heard talk of demons." |
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+ | "Okayss." The pink youngling takes the bag of blackberries and circles the firepits, 'sharing', "oness you, oness me, oness you, oness me. Oness trip, oness you, oness me." |
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+ | Cryo chuffs, "Little Fang, only one after you've made a full circle. This one does not want you sugary and up all night." |
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+ | Nodding to Seyardu, the whitescale concentrates a moment. Her clothes adjust and wings pop in behind her, which she spreads to full span. They're huge, as one would expect is necessary to bear her aloft. She curls her right one in and examines it, "Yes, just like that. There's a mark that shows up on my right, it wanders around. Oh here it is." |
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+ | She points down near her side, there are three interlocking circles, a silver-blue, a turquoise green, and a stark white." |
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+ | The adjustment of her clothing and posture makes another thing obvious, especially to Sith'Makar. She is gravid, a third or half way along. Her scents switch to one of alarm at the mention of demons, though her words are carefully controlled and even. "Yes. There are many. One that hunts me, my child and... my friends and family. Another in the Tarrace, others in the streets. This one does not want to talk of them, but they are plentiful." |
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+ | Tenoc grins at Little Fang's idea of 'sharing'; he basks in the heat given off by the fire, a moment of calm unto himself. And a gleaming, sharp watch upon the darkness outside the fire's light. Demons. |
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+ | Perceptibly he stiffens, growing stoic and stern as he gazes towards the night. "Then this one shall not," he says evenly, a sketching gestures on the air his classic gestures on evil subjects, things-- a trace of warding, old superstition from Am'shere that refuses to sneak away. And the return of pause, curious eye-- blinking in surprise as he rumbles! "Magethings?" he asks of the circles, though his eys races from wing to spar and beyond. |
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+ | "It is alright, This one does not need too many. And they were meant to be shared with Little fang first and foremost." Seyardu chuckles as she takes the offered berries. She chuffs at Sjach, and moves a bit closer by the fire. "This is, welcome." She replies, a happy chuff following the comment with a swish of her tail, brushing once against the greenscales. |
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+ | She looks back to Cryosanthia, and blinks. Squinting more before she thumps her tail once against the ground. "Cryosanthia, is what this one sees true? That you were successful?" She asks, smiling wide to her friend. |
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+ | Sjach bows his head at Cryosanthia, silently agreeing to mention it no more. His tail flicks as it comes into contact with the silverscales, and he tenses for a moment, but then settles. He watches, clearly impressed, as Cryosanthia demonstrates her wings. "Iss it magic that grantss these boons?" he wonders. |
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+ | "Okayss!" Little Fang is happy to skip Seyardu and continues a few more rounds of handing out berries, "All doness!" She says, moving beside Tenoc and showing him the pouch, which is not empty. He can confirm her deceit. |
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+ | "No, it's a divine blessing. A deed mark for a job well done. The gods were with us, that day. This one felt their power and attention." She touches each circle, "Eluna's, Ceinara's... and Maugrim's." |
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+ | The Dark Dragonfather's. It should be black, not white. "This one played him. We re-enacted the Gods sealing the void. And... ah... yes. This one was successful, and will nest soon." |
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+ | She moves to sit beside Tenoc, close, brushing against his side as she settles down, folds her wings but leaves one crossing him and sheltering her youngling on his opposite side. Her scents, her posture relaxes, she answers Sjach, "I am not sure. Magic, and something in my blood, and the experiments the Fey Queen did on me. They weren't working properly for quite a while. The magic aids the switch, and then they just are. The same for being a dragon." |
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+ | She glances around, "This one would show, but the city is much frightened of dragons of late, so perhaps in Mictlan where it would be better received." |
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+ | Tenoc rumbles softly, bowing his head with warm affirmation. And a soft snort, as he retrieves the pouch from Lily, radiant with happiness. "Also--" he says more quietly, voice low for Lily's ears. "Great Huntmaster approved of your snare-trap-thing. Said it was clever. Too small for boars, but shall see in other hunts to come." He dips his head for the young foundling, basking in the moment's joyous satisfaction. And glancing at the others witha brief, warm rumble! |
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+ | "Approval from the Gods," he remarks, nodding anew in satisfaction. Pausing, in long thought. "....perhaps blessing from Them, to undo Fey things?" He chuffs, shaking his head, fingers circling down to touch the linked rings. "A gift. From grateful spirits." |
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+ | Seyardu looks back to Sjach, and tilts her head slightly as she feels the tail tense. "Is this one too close?" She asks, her tail falling still. "Apologies, and ah, this one is probably acting odd, wishing to be so close." |
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+ | Her embarassment is quickly turned away and she thumps her tail again against the ground. "Ah! This is excellent news, Cryosanthia! This one hopes much peace on your nest to come. Cryosanthia told me of what she did. And this one believes as well, the white circle, it is a sign of acceptance for the part she played." |
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+ | Then she chuckles. "This one thinks you will make an excellent sister, Lily. And the wings appearing like such, it will make clothing much less of an issue if you do not have to button things through them." |
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+ | Sjach looks back to Seyardu and chuffs, before shaking his head from side to side. "No, it iss fine." he says then, as he settles down, though he still seems rather bashful. Then again, it should come as no surprise that a loner like Sjach is awkward in company. Still, he /had/ been getting better about it. |
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+ | "Ssshhaa, it is good." he says, on the topic of both Cryo's wings and her gravidity. "Yess, Mictlan iss a better place. For nessting." he says with a dip of his head. |
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+ | "Thansss!" Lily stares up at Tenoc in awe, her trap was appreciated! She feels technically accomplished. Her little tail waggles happily, then thumps the ground. |
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+ | "It may be so, Tenoc, and as Seyardu says. Acceptance." Cryosanthia says, awe in her voice, "This one feels more like herself than she has in a long time. As if many things were fixed." |
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+ | The whitescale makes a little trilling noise in her throat, not a call, if anything a sort of laugh. She grins, with an intent stare at Seyardu, "This one does not mean to rush you. Though yes, the clothes you provided were very helpful, this one retains them. My magic sleeves though, work best with the wings, adjusting for them." |
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+ | She rubs along her front, smoothing down the clothes perhaps more than she needs, "though I do need to practice some tumbles... carefully, my centre of balance has shifted. Mictlan, they would know what this one must do to prepare. It may be best." |
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+ | "Oh! Where to send my things! Um... hm. The Tarrace, I guess." |
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+ | Tenoc chuckles, nodding-- if reluctantly. "At least.... ssk. They have practical things." Water-steam chambers. Good food. Acceptable delights, even in the midst of a softskin domain! "Does the... Sssk. 'Tarrra-zzz-ee'? Have a safe place for things?" He glances down at himself, tail thumping with quiet rue. "One has always had so few things. Could always carry them on one's self. Sssk...." |
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+ | He leans into Cryo's wing and shoulder, a quiet steam billowing from his nostrils. "Acceptance is good. From Divines. From People. From all things." He grins, glancing with a sharp mirth. "Dragon's Blood. This is proof." |
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+ | Seyardu nods, and seems to relax again, her tail swishing a few times against Sjach's. She leans against his side, with a glance to see if he was uncomfortable again. |
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+ | |||
+ | Then Cryosanthia laughs, and Seyardu squints at them, before she chuckles herself. "This one is not in a rush! Besides, this one will busy helping you with many things, most likely." |
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+ | |||
+ | "This one agrees with the others, as well. Mictlan would be best, though whatever you decide, this one will help how they can." |
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+ | |||
+ | The silverscale nods to Tenoc once. "The Tarrace is a good spot, the baths are warm and soothing and the food always good. This one feels it is safe, and there are rooms to keep your things in. This one will bring your things there, is it alright to leave them with Sabina, if you are not there?" |
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+ | |||
+ | Sjach settles this time, managing to relax and allow Seyardu to lean against him. His spines to bristle a bit, but for the most part he's fairly relaxed. |
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+ | |||
+ | "Mictlan is better than the city in mosst regardss." he says then, nostrils flaring again. "Thiss one doess not vissit often." he admits, glancing around. |
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+ | |||
+ | Lily sneaks some berries, and settles in beside Tenoc's leg, leaning against the calf. She holds out her hands for another fish on a skewer. |
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+ | |||
+ | "The Tarrace doesn't rent rooms, but this one does their books, and there is a room Sabina has for her friends who stay over. It is okay to leave my things there, Seyardu. This one left the blankes Aryia made, and Lily's Kors-bow, and our backgammon set. There may be more. You... will see, please. Bring it all, if some Temple furnishings come this one will send them back." Cryo explains. |
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+ | |||
+ | Her tail rests on the ground, keeping her supported. "The baths are wonderful, as is the food." Cryo sighs, "This one must speak with Braelnoir, there are words to be shared." |
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+ | |||
+ | For a Speaker, she seems unhappy at that prospect. She stares into the flames. "Mictlan may be best. Lay with the other late season females, or find my own Clutch-Mothers and Egg-Watchers. This one will sort something out." |
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+ | |||
+ | "I've had a lot to think about." The whitescale's weight shifts and she finds herself leaning against Tenoc. |
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+ | |||
+ | Tenoc leans away only briefly-- just long enough to retrieve a skewer from the flames. "This one will be ready to support your choice," he adds, giving the skewer to Lily before settling back and against Cryo with a steamkettle sigh of satisfaction. Peace. And a rumble of quiet humour. "S'truth. Has there ever been a place with so many Mothers, so many Watchers, as Mictlan? I have heard... sssk. Stories of the Silver Empress' domain..." |
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+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | He considers, debates internally, glowering at his subconcious until it cowers in the dark recesses of mind. "The city smells," he finally says faintly grouchily-- but without rancor. "But, if Tarrr....rrrirr..." He snorts, shaking his head. "...if this place brings peace, calm, is safe-- this is good." |
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+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | He glances to Seyardu, eyes gleaming. "Does this one need to aid you? Are there many things to move? One load, two, many, mores?" He grins, a sudden glitter in his eye. "This one knows of several gobberkin who owe... moving favours. If needed." |
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+ | |||
+ | There is a flicker of something from the silverscale at mention of what Tenoc says, the cleric tensing up, before she relaxes, and sighs, her head resting against the side of the hunter she was next to. And a scent of confusion breaking through the wall of floral scent. |
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+ | |||
+ | "This one promises, they will gather all your things. The Tarrace is a nice place. If you would like some time, this one could take you there, Sjach." She says, offering a smile to the greenscale after a moment. |
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+ | |||
+ | "This one should be alright. Their bag can hold many things, gathering everything should be no trouble at all." |
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+ | |||
+ | Sjach seems to finally be settling down with the shorter sith leaning against him, and he even goes so far as to lean back into her a touch. "Thiss one will help." he insists then, and he thinks a moment, "Thiss one hass visited the baths. They are... good. When the weather is cooler. But they are not like the sulfur poolss of Am'Shere." he says, nostrils flaring again as he recalls the scents of home. |
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+ | |||
+ | "But thiss one will accompany Seyardu." he adds then. |
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+ | |||
+ | "This one is not sure. This one's visit to see the Silver Empress was when she was a youngling. This one remembers many courtiers, but was not taken to the nesting ziggurats." Cryosanthia replies, looking thoughtful and distant. It was so long ago. |
||
+ | |||
+ | She bobs her head, "The city does smell." A moment of wariness and she's looking around the Tornmawr banks. Things have appeared here unexpectedly. It is not safe. No where is safe. |
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+ | |||
+ | A breath, the palescale relaxes once more. She is among the People, a small circle, they will watch out. She concentrates a moment and her wings vanish. She retrieves the wooden masks, handing the smaller to Little Fang. A glance at Tenoc, "Greenscales Lily, match the mighty hunter." |
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+ | |||
+ | "Okaaays." She puts on her mask, adjusts the features on pegs, and transforms into a small Sith'makar youngling. A greenscale. Cryo does a similar thing, also becoming a greenscale female with a different horn arrangement and one hiding her condition. |
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+ | |||
+ | "This one does not want to be recognized." Her clothing adjusts to something resembling the hunter garb on both the males, "there are reasons. This one may explain later." |
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+ | |||
+ | "Thank you again, Seyardu, Sjach, for getting my things." |
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+ | |||
+ | Tenoc watches with rapt wonder, staring at the changes the masks bring-- nodding quickly as he rises, marvel replaced with stoic determination. He nods in turn, turning to bow to Seyardu and Sjach. "One shall try to be near if aid is required in moving things," he rumbles quietly. "And will be near, as needs require. Call-- I shall come." |
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+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | He rises, shifts to one knee; he opens his arms for the newly green-scaled youngling, a rumble as offers his arms to carry. And with the smallest of teasing glances. "Sssk. Without goblin-softskins." |
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+ | |||
+ | Seyardu seems confused for another moment, before it is shook out of her head, a gesture which rubs gently against the nearby hunter. At the offers, she swishes her tail once more. "This one, would like that, Sjach. It is good that you have returned. You, promised to be around, and this one was saddened you were not." |
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+ | |||
+ | Then she turns to the others, and nods. Reluctantly she leaves her seat to open a cast iron pot in the coals. She takes out a round loaf of bread and sets it down on a nearby cloth, before carving off several large hunks, one for Tenoc, Cryosanthia, and lily. She spreads some goat cheese from a pot on one slice which she offers to the kobold turned makari. |
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+ | |||
+ | "You should put some of the berries you still have on this, it will taste quite good." She offers, before turning to Cryosanthia and Tenoc. "It was good to see you both, and doing so well. Explain another time if you wish. And Braelnoir, she is my friend, and if I see her, I can bring her to see you, if you would like." |
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+ | |||
+ | "Thank you for the offer Tenoc, I will remember that. Another time, you will both have to share this stew with us. But there is still plenty for Sjach and Un'eth." |
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+ | |||
+ | Waving to them both, she takes some bowls and begins ladling out the stew for those who remain, before returning to her seat next to Sjach. |
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+ | |||
+ | The green Lily leaps into Tenoc's arms then climbs to his shoulders where she can ride. Cryosanthia likewise stands and rubs down her front, ensuring her clothes and illusion are settled properly. |
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+ | |||
+ | She takes the offered bread, holding it to her snout and inhaling. Her eyes closed, she lets the simple odor fill her. "This is good, you bake well, Seyardu." |
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+ | |||
+ | The offer makes her pause, then Cryosanthia nods, "Yes, when she is ready. This one is ready to share words." After which, she tailthumps, a proper departure, "Peace on your Nests, and thank you for the help. Tenoc, come, this one will show you the baths at the Tarrace. They are not the sulfur springs, but they are pleasing still." |
||
+ | |||
+ | The greenscales leave. |
Revision as of 05:13, 8 October 2021
Log Info
- Title: Makari Meet-Up
- Emitter: Seyardu
- Characters: Cryosanthia, Seyardu, Sjach, Tenoc, Un'eth
- Place: A08: Northern Banks of the Tornmawr
- Time: October 7th, 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. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
Tornmawr riverbanks, early afternoon.
Un'eth had been in Alexandria for some time now Seyardu had noticed, and not always seeming to be the happiest to be there. As a manner of thanks for everything they had done recently, and perhaps as a way to cheer them up, she had invited the dark scaled sith-makar to the banks of the tornmawr. The sun was high in the sky and clear, and in a more empty area, the silverscale had set up. there were two firepits, one crackling merrily, and one turned to coals. Both wafting with the smell of cooking food far before the camp could be seen. Seyardu herself was near the river and the fires, with a fishing rod. in hand, and smelling strongly of wildflowers.
The's something in the river. At first glance, one might be forgiven for mistaking it for a crocodile or alligator, even though they aren't native to these parts- one hears of the nobles taking them as pets and then setting them loose when they grow too large. It slowly undulates along, through the water, only eyes and nostrils visible above the surface- save for the waves it makes with its long, swaying tail. Oh, and black spines- aligators don't have spines, do they? As the figure makes its way further along the river, those familiar might come to recognize it as no alligator at all, but a Sith Makar. Sjach, specifically. It becomes even more apparent as he comes towards the shallower water, eventually his feet reaching the bottom, and he stands- rising from the water, he is carrying a stick, sharpened to a point, with a fish stuck through on the end of it, still twitching.
The male sith is absent his breeastplate and shirt, wearing just those threadbare canvass trousers of his as he emerges from the water.
The mighty Tornmawr is a pulsing artery of Ea, and it provides: fresh water, transportation, food, and even hygiene. The cooling waters are teeming with life, and moreso this day. For there is another ebon reptile that moves through the water in Sjach's wake. Why take an unnecessary bridge, especially when there is more than a little dust in need of washing from scales.
Un'eth emerges up the bank from the water, not more than a half-dozen strides behind Sjach's tail. Absent her cloak, she bears only a simple belt with pouches and a pendant about her neck. She does not bear any fish, perhaps in light of the cookfires.
"Peace on your nests."
The fishing silverscale on the shore stops when she sees a figure in the water, and she reels in her line so as not to catch anything by accident. But the first was not Un-eth, and she squints, trying to figure out who it was.
She blinks when the green and black Makari exits the water, shock and surprise evident in her demeanor, but any scents masked by the heavy perfume of flowers.
"Sjach?" she asks finally, not saying more just that moment, though she looks to Un'eth, and gives them a nod.
Sjach glances over his shoulder as someone seems to be following- seeing the other Sith he offers a dip of his head and then casts his gaze around. "Thiss one is in the city." he observes, half to himself. Just how far did he swim downstream? However, a vamiliar voice catches his attention. His spines twitch at hearing it, and he turns his attention towards the Silverscale on the shore. His nostrils flare, and he coughs. "Seyardu. Thiss one did not recognize you. You disguise your scent." he observes.
"Ssa," Un'eth agrees before she begins to shake; a sharp quiver that ripples from her neck in a wave down her spine to her tailtip that scatters any excess water from her scales. "Did you linger in the gardens too long?" she inquires of Seyardu, mildly.
Cryosanthia has arrived.
Seyardu was frozen in place on the spot, blinking, and squinting at Sjach. Though as she did, her tail swished a few times behind her.
"It has, been so long." She says, looking to him. "Peace on your nest, Sjach, Un'eth."
Then she blinks, and rubs at her neck, with a glance to the shaman. "This one has been, wearing scents to hide others. You know this, Un'eth." She states, before looking back to Sjach.
"Would you like to ah, to join us? This one has plenty of food, and it would be good to catch up. Have you been doing well?"
Sjach ponders Seyardu's words then, and he glances up, "It has been but a season. Peace on your nesst." he says then, as he pads over towards the silverscale. "Thiss one thinks the softskinss sense of time affects you." a pause, "But... perhapss it felt longer to thiss one, as well." he admits. His nostrils flare again as he draws nearer. "Is it prey you hide from, or predator?" he asks, before dropping to his haunches nearby. He stabs the back end of his pointed stick into the ground, using it as an impromptu fish storage device for now.
Away from the group is another Sith'Makar. She has not noticed them, and is not much noticed herself. She stands beside the pillar of the North Bridge, staring out at the water running beneath it. Reflecting on the reflections of the waves, and the catacaustic patterns they throw up on the nearby wall.
Her clothing is sombre, a light grey vestment, almost clerical. Her scales match, a dull drab colour. Beside her, a small youngling is similarly dressed, grey garb, grey scales. They seem like ghosts.
The larger female is holding a pouch that hangs from her neck, examining the multi-coloured scales within. She tips and shakes a few out, then returns all but a single blue one. This she holds in her palm for a long time, watching the water. She may have been here before the others arrived, unobtrusive in the shadows of the bridge.
Her left hand flips through an elegant, elaborate gesture and there is a glow from her gloves, and a small paper boat appears. She sets the scale in the boat, lights and adds a candle, then places the boat in the water. She watches as it drifts on, "Carry my love away."
It bobs, and drifts under the bridge. In a romance novel, it would be ride out to sea in a sad, poignant manner.
Real life seldom cooperates. It is blown back into the pillar, capsizes, the candle extinquished and the whole thing sinks to the depths.
"Sship ssink." The smaller greyscale says. The larger one sighs, "Scales."
"This one, yes, it has felt like longer, it is true." Seyardu responds, looking up to the much taller makari. "You were missed, Sjach." She manages to add, with a light sigh as she moved a bit closer, turning to where the fire was burning, so she could flip the fish that were already roasting next to it.
At the question, she chuffs. "Predator or prey could be interchangeable, this one might say. The scent, it is to hide from kin as this one is currently."
The shift in movement is enough for her to catch the two at the bridge, and the somberness over there. But with the boat sent off, she waves. "Peace on your nests, would you like to join us by the fire?" She asks and offers. "There is food to be shared, and company, if you need."
Sjach looks away as Seyardu says that he was missed- clearly becoming slightly sheepish at the topic. But his attention snaps back to her when she explains the reason for her heady perfume. "From kin? Why?" he asks, simply. "Perhapss thiss one was gone too long." he adds after a moment.
Un'eth does not offers words as of yet, though she does curl her tail up so that she can pat it with a claw while looking to Seyardu. She then taps her own snout firmly. A message? Perhaps she's learning more from the mute mul than she'd care to admit?
Her attention shifts at Seyardu's invitation, towards the two further away. "Ssa, there is food, others, words, if you wish."
The pair of greyscales look up from the water, and in unison towards the two firepits. Too far away for scents, their postures still register surprise. A moment passes while the taller female considers.
A decision is made. She strides forward. Her youngling follows, her legs running to the elder's steps. The little one seems happy enough, while the taller is summoning a cheerful mantel from within. Her steps switch from simple to bouncy. As they draw close, youngling and mother reach up beside their eyes. There's a brief shimmer.
They remove matching wooden masks, becoming Cryosanthia and Little Fang. Cryo takes the smaller mask and slips both into her haversack. She tailthumps, "Peace on your Nests."
"Peassce." Lily echoes, tailthumping as well, then reaching out with small claw hands, "Foods pleasse."
The City. Alexandria. Mound of so many, many softskins. Eilf and Dawarif an Ohmani and more-- Tenoc is uncomfortable near so many people not his own; the river soothes, washes away the distreust, but still... It is a struggle. One he endures, as the stoic Hunter rumbles with a sigh of pleasure. Able to let go the idea of teaming throngs nearby; easy to let the water ease concern as he lets his feet dangle within the river.
Half a mind considers how the Hunters must travel farther and farther for enough game for all. A sign of the Makar's own growing numbers-- success, in adapting to the new, strange, far-too-cold land!
Tenoc rumbles. It is good.
Seyardu blinks at the movements from Un'eth. She is chuffs, and shakes her head.
"Perhaps, but what matters, is that you are back, and this is good." She responds to Sjach, thumping her tail once. "This one, remembers you said you would be around."
Then she looks back to Un'eth, and chuckles just a bit. "It is, not a bad reason, Sjach. But this one has been in season for now, and did not wish it to cause trouble with interacting with those I have been healing." She states, close enough the slight embarassment, and the scent in question could be picked up through the haze of flowers.
She looks to Cryosanthia and Lily as they are revealed, and Seyardu seems pleased to see them. "Peace on your nest, Cryosanthia, Lily! It is good to see you, now. And of course. It is a good thing this one planned to have extra food, there should be plenty."
She reaches to take a roasted, skewered fish, and offers it to the kobold with a pat on their head.
Un'eth has left.
Sjach relaxes- at first- when Seyardu says that the reason is not that serious. But then his spines suddenly stand on end, and his reptillian eyes blink slowly- as close to a spittake as you're likely to see from a Sith-Makar. "Thiss-one... sees." he says, in as measured a manner as he can. Though his own embarasment is plain to see.
He, too, looks to Cryo and Lilly as they arive- glad for the distraction. And he offers a dip of his head to them. "Peace on your nests, as well." he offers.
Back to Seyardu, he hesitates, searching for the words. "Have there... been problems?" he finally asks.
"Thanssss." Lily says, taking the fish skewer and a large bite. She's looking around, and points out at the water, "Lochs Monssterrr."
Cryo's head whips around, "No... Little Fang, that is not so. Good call." She waves, believing she recognizes the scales, then turns to the group.
In terms of scents, she is not hiding hers and tell a story, one strong with anxiety, adrenaline and sadness. "Sjach, this one has not seen you in a while. It is pleasant to. I will take some fish also, Seyardu."
The palescale exhales a long and heavy sigh. She looks like herself now, no wing spars, a normal posture, loose clothing. "Seyardu, this one would be grateful if you gathered hers and Lily's things from the room at the Temple of Daeus."
Lily takes another bite of fish, and comments, "the good sstinky."
Tenoc glances up, eyes alive with a moment's glitter. Tempted to splash again, a little, just to gather Lily's attention. But the rest of duty-- a few moments more, spent washing away dibs and daubs of old paint from face and chest and scale. Fearsome, vicious, cruel, monstrous--
--better to leave unpleasant things behind, especially when returning to home.
"Ssssk," Tenoc rumbles by way of announcement. Walked over from the water's far edge,. he pause at the ring of firelight, bewnding in respect. "Peace upon your nests, honored ones. May this one join for fire? ONe can offer..." He pauses, glancing down at the thin leather pouch at his side. "...sssk. Rassssspberriezzz?"
Seyardu blinks, and sighs as what she says seems to have an embarassing effect on Sjach. She reaches for another skewered fish, and offers it to Cryosanthia. "Of course, there is stew cooking and bread baking as well. You are welcome to what you wish. And you as well, Sjach."
She squints at the newcomer, but waves and nods to them with a thump of their tail.
The scents were not missed. "You are back to normal, this is wonderful news, Cryosanthia. I can gather your things if you need, yes, where would you like them brought?"
Then she turns back to Sjach, and sighs. "Not too much, save for, a few curious males. This one is sorry, if it makes them unpleasant or uncomfortable to be next to. This is why this one tries to hide it usually."
"You are welcome to join us by the fire kin, and share our food. No offering is needed, but would be welcome. This one is Seyardu, Shaman caste."
Sjach shakes his head and sits upright on his haunches at Seyardu. "No, it iss not unpleasant." he says then. Thetip of his tail flickers a bit, "Thiss one has just... not been in the company of a female in seasson for many, many seasons." he says theen. "It wasss... a ssurprise, nothing more." he adds.
He turns towards Tenoc, offering a dip of his head, "Peace on your nesst." he offers in greeting to the hunter- one he doesn't know, but then, he has been away a while.
Cryosanthia and Lilly get another glance. "Returned to normal? These ones were unwell?" she asks.
"Rasssserberriesss!" Lily squeals happily, charging towards Tenoc and hugging his shin. She lets go to stare up at him, with big begging eyes and an up and down bounce in her posture, "Pleasse berrreiesss."
Her little maw opens wide.
Cryosanthia smiles, watching her foundling with Tenoc, she turns to look at Sjach, "This one... has been through a lot. A battle with herself, one against a Void demon in the Sea of Mana. I was a dragon there, an immense one, I can still be a person sized one when I wish. I developed wings. I was badly injured, parts of me rotting off."
"This one's... this one was healed the bluescale of the Temple of Daeus, he did a great effort. Seyardu assisted, minding me. My foundling was ... nearly lost. Her aunt saved her and is lost herself."
"Runss from Tia Ay-ayss." Lily contributes, still waiting for her berries.
"Yes Lily, we should practice that." The edges of her mouth curl, and she glances at Tenoc in an odd way, before looking back at Seyardu, "and a couple more things. The trouble with normal is it always gets worse."
Tenoc rumbles, nods-- unlacing the pouch and its simple contents (of blackberries! Tragically misfruitful identification), stepping forward into the firelight to offer them forward. "This one is Tenoc," he returns, chuffing a quick breath. "Hunter caste. It has been a long--mmmf!"
Ritual and ceremony are promptly abandoned due to clinging kobolds! Tenoc's steam-kettle chortles ends with a pleased grin; he thumps his tail, kneeling down to place the satchel into the foundling's young hands.
"Be sure to share," he faux-whispers conspiratorially, grimacing briefly as he takes a quick stretch. "Ssssk. A long hunting time. This one is grateful for fire, company."
Tail sweeping back behind, the green-scaled Hunter settles more comfortably, eyes tracing over the others. "Sssk. The other Hunters are returned to home. They disperse the fruits of the hunt." He grins, a flicker of steam drifting from his nostrils. "We found, tracked a herd of boar-fur-things. Stubborn they were. But tasty."
"You, do not mind?" Seyardu asks, looking up to Sjach, and swishing her tail once. "That is good, that you do not mind."
Blink. "This one means, they do not wish to have you leave after seeing you again so shortly. Are you doing well, by the way? And your companion, I imagine they are even bigger, at this point."
She looks back to Cryosanthia, Lily and Tenoc, and smiles with a thump of her tail. "Yes, Cryosanthia was a large dragon. It was strange to see, but they are back to normal, now. "
"And you can change back? That is good news as well. But, your wings, they are gone. Can they return as well?" She asks.
And a nod to Tenoc. "This is good, there are many more to feed in Mictlan with those saved from Charn. And Boars, yes? The candied bacon from their stomach meat, that would surely raise many spirits."
Sjach's claws pick at the scales running down the back of his head, equivalent to a human scratching their scalp, perhaps. "Thiss one does not mind." he asserts to her, dipping his head. "Thiss one will be glad to remain." he adds her way.
Turning his attention back towards Cryo as she tells her story, he cants his head to the side and listens intently. It's clear from his expression that much of it goes over his head, but the way his spines lay flat is telling of his graven expression.
"Thiss one has missed much and more. Thiss one had heard talk of demons."
"Okayss." The pink youngling takes the bag of blackberries and circles the firepits, 'sharing', "oness you, oness me, oness you, oness me. Oness trip, oness you, oness me."
Cryo chuffs, "Little Fang, only one after you've made a full circle. This one does not want you sugary and up all night."
Nodding to Seyardu, the whitescale concentrates a moment. Her clothes adjust and wings pop in behind her, which she spreads to full span. They're huge, as one would expect is necessary to bear her aloft. She curls her right one in and examines it, "Yes, just like that. There's a mark that shows up on my right, it wanders around. Oh here it is."
She points down near her side, there are three interlocking circles, a silver-blue, a turquoise green, and a stark white."
The adjustment of her clothing and posture makes another thing obvious, especially to Sith'Makar. She is gravid, a third or half way along. Her scents switch to one of alarm at the mention of demons, though her words are carefully controlled and even. "Yes. There are many. One that hunts me, my child and... my friends and family. Another in the Tarrace, others in the streets. This one does not want to talk of them, but they are plentiful."
Tenoc grins at Little Fang's idea of 'sharing'; he basks in the heat given off by the fire, a moment of calm unto himself. And a gleaming, sharp watch upon the darkness outside the fire's light. Demons.
Perceptibly he stiffens, growing stoic and stern as he gazes towards the night. "Then this one shall not," he says evenly, a sketching gestures on the air his classic gestures on evil subjects, things-- a trace of warding, old superstition from Am'shere that refuses to sneak away. And the return of pause, curious eye-- blinking in surprise as he rumbles! "Magethings?" he asks of the circles, though his eys races from wing to spar and beyond.
"It is alright, This one does not need too many. And they were meant to be shared with Little fang first and foremost." Seyardu chuckles as she takes the offered berries. She chuffs at Sjach, and moves a bit closer by the fire. "This is, welcome." She replies, a happy chuff following the comment with a swish of her tail, brushing once against the greenscales.
She looks back to Cryosanthia, and blinks. Squinting more before she thumps her tail once against the ground. "Cryosanthia, is what this one sees true? That you were successful?" She asks, smiling wide to her friend.
Sjach bows his head at Cryosanthia, silently agreeing to mention it no more. His tail flicks as it comes into contact with the silverscales, and he tenses for a moment, but then settles. He watches, clearly impressed, as Cryosanthia demonstrates her wings. "Iss it magic that grantss these boons?" he wonders.
"Okayss!" Little Fang is happy to skip Seyardu and continues a few more rounds of handing out berries, "All doness!" She says, moving beside Tenoc and showing him the pouch, which is not empty. He can confirm her deceit.
"No, it's a divine blessing. A deed mark for a job well done. The gods were with us, that day. This one felt their power and attention." She touches each circle, "Eluna's, Ceinara's... and Maugrim's."
The Dark Dragonfather's. It should be black, not white. "This one played him. We re-enacted the Gods sealing the void. And... ah... yes. This one was successful, and will nest soon."
She moves to sit beside Tenoc, close, brushing against his side as she settles down, folds her wings but leaves one crossing him and sheltering her youngling on his opposite side. Her scents, her posture relaxes, she answers Sjach, "I am not sure. Magic, and something in my blood, and the experiments the Fey Queen did on me. They weren't working properly for quite a while. The magic aids the switch, and then they just are. The same for being a dragon."
She glances around, "This one would show, but the city is much frightened of dragons of late, so perhaps in Mictlan where it would be better received."
Tenoc rumbles softly, bowing his head with warm affirmation. And a soft snort, as he retrieves the pouch from Lily, radiant with happiness. "Also--" he says more quietly, voice low for Lily's ears. "Great Huntmaster approved of your snare-trap-thing. Said it was clever. Too small for boars, but shall see in other hunts to come." He dips his head for the young foundling, basking in the moment's joyous satisfaction. And glancing at the others witha brief, warm rumble!
"Approval from the Gods," he remarks, nodding anew in satisfaction. Pausing, in long thought. "....perhaps blessing from Them, to undo Fey things?" He chuffs, shaking his head, fingers circling down to touch the linked rings. "A gift. From grateful spirits."
Seyardu looks back to Sjach, and tilts her head slightly as she feels the tail tense. "Is this one too close?" She asks, her tail falling still. "Apologies, and ah, this one is probably acting odd, wishing to be so close."
Her embarassment is quickly turned away and she thumps her tail again against the ground. "Ah! This is excellent news, Cryosanthia! This one hopes much peace on your nest to come. Cryosanthia told me of what she did. And this one believes as well, the white circle, it is a sign of acceptance for the part she played."
Then she chuckles. "This one thinks you will make an excellent sister, Lily. And the wings appearing like such, it will make clothing much less of an issue if you do not have to button things through them."
Sjach looks back to Seyardu and chuffs, before shaking his head from side to side. "No, it iss fine." he says then, as he settles down, though he still seems rather bashful. Then again, it should come as no surprise that a loner like Sjach is awkward in company. Still, he /had/ been getting better about it.
"Ssshhaa, it is good." he says, on the topic of both Cryo's wings and her gravidity. "Yess, Mictlan iss a better place. For nessting." he says with a dip of his head.
"Thansss!" Lily stares up at Tenoc in awe, her trap was appreciated! She feels technically accomplished. Her little tail waggles happily, then thumps the ground.
"It may be so, Tenoc, and as Seyardu says. Acceptance." Cryosanthia says, awe in her voice, "This one feels more like herself than she has in a long time. As if many things were fixed."
The whitescale makes a little trilling noise in her throat, not a call, if anything a sort of laugh. She grins, with an intent stare at Seyardu, "This one does not mean to rush you. Though yes, the clothes you provided were very helpful, this one retains them. My magic sleeves though, work best with the wings, adjusting for them."
She rubs along her front, smoothing down the clothes perhaps more than she needs, "though I do need to practice some tumbles... carefully, my centre of balance has shifted. Mictlan, they would know what this one must do to prepare. It may be best."
"Oh! Where to send my things! Um... hm. The Tarrace, I guess."
Tenoc chuckles, nodding-- if reluctantly. "At least.... ssk. They have practical things." Water-steam chambers. Good food. Acceptable delights, even in the midst of a softskin domain! "Does the... Sssk. 'Tarrra-zzz-ee'? Have a safe place for things?" He glances down at himself, tail thumping with quiet rue. "One has always had so few things. Could always carry them on one's self. Sssk...."
He leans into Cryo's wing and shoulder, a quiet steam billowing from his nostrils. "Acceptance is good. From Divines. From People. From all things." He grins, glancing with a sharp mirth. "Dragon's Blood. This is proof."
Seyardu nods, and seems to relax again, her tail swishing a few times against Sjach's. She leans against his side, with a glance to see if he was uncomfortable again.
Then Cryosanthia laughs, and Seyardu squints at them, before she chuckles herself. "This one is not in a rush! Besides, this one will busy helping you with many things, most likely."
"This one agrees with the others, as well. Mictlan would be best, though whatever you decide, this one will help how they can."
The silverscale nods to Tenoc once. "The Tarrace is a good spot, the baths are warm and soothing and the food always good. This one feels it is safe, and there are rooms to keep your things in. This one will bring your things there, is it alright to leave them with Sabina, if you are not there?"
Sjach settles this time, managing to relax and allow Seyardu to lean against him. His spines to bristle a bit, but for the most part he's fairly relaxed.
"Mictlan is better than the city in mosst regardss." he says then, nostrils flaring again. "Thiss one doess not vissit often." he admits, glancing around.
Lily sneaks some berries, and settles in beside Tenoc's leg, leaning against the calf. She holds out her hands for another fish on a skewer.
"The Tarrace doesn't rent rooms, but this one does their books, and there is a room Sabina has for her friends who stay over. It is okay to leave my things there, Seyardu. This one left the blankes Aryia made, and Lily's Kors-bow, and our backgammon set. There may be more. You... will see, please. Bring it all, if some Temple furnishings come this one will send them back." Cryo explains.
Her tail rests on the ground, keeping her supported. "The baths are wonderful, as is the food." Cryo sighs, "This one must speak with Braelnoir, there are words to be shared."
For a Speaker, she seems unhappy at that prospect. She stares into the flames. "Mictlan may be best. Lay with the other late season females, or find my own Clutch-Mothers and Egg-Watchers. This one will sort something out."
"I've had a lot to think about." The whitescale's weight shifts and she finds herself leaning against Tenoc.
Tenoc leans away only briefly-- just long enough to retrieve a skewer from the flames. "This one will be ready to support your choice," he adds, giving the skewer to Lily before settling back and against Cryo with a steamkettle sigh of satisfaction. Peace. And a rumble of quiet humour. "S'truth. Has there ever been a place with so many Mothers, so many Watchers, as Mictlan? I have heard... sssk. Stories of the Silver Empress' domain..."
He considers, debates internally, glowering at his subconcious until it cowers in the dark recesses of mind. "The city smells," he finally says faintly grouchily-- but without rancor. "But, if Tarrr....rrrirr..." He snorts, shaking his head. "...if this place brings peace, calm, is safe-- this is good."
He glances to Seyardu, eyes gleaming. "Does this one need to aid you? Are there many things to move? One load, two, many, mores?" He grins, a sudden glitter in his eye. "This one knows of several gobberkin who owe... moving favours. If needed."
There is a flicker of something from the silverscale at mention of what Tenoc says, the cleric tensing up, before she relaxes, and sighs, her head resting against the side of the hunter she was next to. And a scent of confusion breaking through the wall of floral scent.
"This one promises, they will gather all your things. The Tarrace is a nice place. If you would like some time, this one could take you there, Sjach." She says, offering a smile to the greenscale after a moment.
"This one should be alright. Their bag can hold many things, gathering everything should be no trouble at all."
Sjach seems to finally be settling down with the shorter sith leaning against him, and he even goes so far as to lean back into her a touch. "Thiss one will help." he insists then, and he thinks a moment, "Thiss one hass visited the baths. They are... good. When the weather is cooler. But they are not like the sulfur poolss of Am'Shere." he says, nostrils flaring again as he recalls the scents of home.
"But thiss one will accompany Seyardu." he adds then.
"This one is not sure. This one's visit to see the Silver Empress was when she was a youngling. This one remembers many courtiers, but was not taken to the nesting ziggurats." Cryosanthia replies, looking thoughtful and distant. It was so long ago.
She bobs her head, "The city does smell." A moment of wariness and she's looking around the Tornmawr banks. Things have appeared here unexpectedly. It is not safe. No where is safe.
A breath, the palescale relaxes once more. She is among the People, a small circle, they will watch out. She concentrates a moment and her wings vanish. She retrieves the wooden masks, handing the smaller to Little Fang. A glance at Tenoc, "Greenscales Lily, match the mighty hunter."
"Okaaays." She puts on her mask, adjusts the features on pegs, and transforms into a small Sith'makar youngling. A greenscale. Cryo does a similar thing, also becoming a greenscale female with a different horn arrangement and one hiding her condition.
"This one does not want to be recognized." Her clothing adjusts to something resembling the hunter garb on both the males, "there are reasons. This one may explain later."
"Thank you again, Seyardu, Sjach, for getting my things."
Tenoc watches with rapt wonder, staring at the changes the masks bring-- nodding quickly as he rises, marvel replaced with stoic determination. He nods in turn, turning to bow to Seyardu and Sjach. "One shall try to be near if aid is required in moving things," he rumbles quietly. "And will be near, as needs require. Call-- I shall come."
He rises, shifts to one knee; he opens his arms for the newly green-scaled youngling, a rumble as offers his arms to carry. And with the smallest of teasing glances. "Sssk. Without goblin-softskins."
Seyardu seems confused for another moment, before it is shook out of her head, a gesture which rubs gently against the nearby hunter. At the offers, she swishes her tail once more. "This one, would like that, Sjach. It is good that you have returned. You, promised to be around, and this one was saddened you were not."
Then she turns to the others, and nods. Reluctantly she leaves her seat to open a cast iron pot in the coals. She takes out a round loaf of bread and sets it down on a nearby cloth, before carving off several large hunks, one for Tenoc, Cryosanthia, and lily. She spreads some goat cheese from a pot on one slice which she offers to the kobold turned makari.
"You should put some of the berries you still have on this, it will taste quite good." She offers, before turning to Cryosanthia and Tenoc. "It was good to see you both, and doing so well. Explain another time if you wish. And Braelnoir, she is my friend, and if I see her, I can bring her to see you, if you would like."
"Thank you for the offer Tenoc, I will remember that. Another time, you will both have to share this stew with us. But there is still plenty for Sjach and Un'eth."
Waving to them both, she takes some bowls and begins ladling out the stew for those who remain, before returning to her seat next to Sjach.
The green Lily leaps into Tenoc's arms then climbs to his shoulders where she can ride. Cryosanthia likewise stands and rubs down her front, ensuring her clothes and illusion are settled properly.
She takes the offered bread, holding it to her snout and inhaling. Her eyes closed, she lets the simple odor fill her. "This is good, you bake well, Seyardu."
The offer makes her pause, then Cryosanthia nods, "Yes, when she is ready. This one is ready to share words." After which, she tailthumps, a proper departure, "Peace on your Nests, and thank you for the help. Tenoc, come, this one will show you the baths at the Tarrace. They are not the sulfur springs, but they are pleasing still."
The greenscales leave.