A Nice Day for Fishing
Log Info
- Title: A Nice Day for Fishing
- Emitter: Vaera
- Characters: Cryosanthia, Vaera, Mikilos
- Place: A08: Northern Banks of the Tornmawr
- Time: Wednesday, August 25, 2021, 4:23 PM
- Summary: Cryosanthia and Lily are walking along the river-shore of the Tornmawr when they come across a wooden leg. By its style it belongs to a Sith'Makar, and there is the scent of blood in the air and water. Cryo tells Lily to get back, up a tree if possible, and dives in. She follows the trail down to find Vaera fishing along the bottom, unconcerned. She makes her presence known and is about to swim up when Mikilos suddenly appears. Rescuing the Dawn Elf from several fathoms down becomes the priority of the Makari pair. Vaera grabs him and drags him up, while Cryo casts a water breathing spell and follows, letting Mikilos see her so he will be reassured. On the surface he explains he determined the identity of the Cult Speaker, which Cryo is interested in. Abruptly, he departs, leaving her curiosity unfulfilled. Lily has taken Vaera's leg into a tree like a jaguar with a prize, and is coaxed down. Vaera shares her catch and the story of how she lost her leg, though there are some odd details that Cryo notices but does not question. Conversation moves on to Skielstregar, a Sith'Makar that shows signs of being a Forgotten, the Caste and Naming Ceremony Cryo participated in, and some thoughts on Ceinara. Vaera asks how Cryo is coming with establishing her nest, and the whitescale explains it seems to be going fine. Vaera shares her experiences a Nest-Mother and the sad news that all her hatchlings died. This leaves Cryo stuck for encouraging words, there really are none. In a note, so that Lily will not see it, Vaera explains it was her cihuaa who bit off her leg, and not the Tyrant lizard of the story. Cryo also is uncertain, sharing that she drove her cihuaa away and did not expect him to return and that this doesn't give her much insight or words of hope for Vaera. Lily gets anxious about the conversational tone and interrupts, asking to go back to Mikilos' and they depart, with Cryo wishing Vaera Peace on her Mind, as there is no nest to wish peace for.
-=--=--=--=--=--=-<* 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.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Appearing, in Order -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Cryosanthia 6'9" 291 Lb Sith-Makar Female A dashingly tall, elegant white-scaled lizard woman. Vaera 7'0" 262 Lb Sith-Makar Female A tall, dark red Makari with a wooden leg. Mikilos 6'8" 180 Lb Dawn Elf Male Tall male dawn elf, rosey blonde and handsome. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- NPCs of Note =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Little Fang 'Lily' Kobold Female A pinkscale youngling in a leather dress, Cryo's daughter. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=
A day after Cryo went to the masquerade with Mikilos and a day before she went to investigate the leylines with Cesran.
It was another pleasant day in Alexandria, the heat not too oppressing, and the sun hidden often by passing clouds. Though this area of the river is much less populated, due to a combination of plant growth and more rocky shores. Though it was not entirely vacant, one could tell from the both in and out of the river. On the shore, hidden by bushes mostly was what appeared to be a sith-makar's leg at first glance, though closer examination revealed it to be a mechanical leg of mostly hardwood, expertly carved to mimic the real thing. And in the water, for a good distance, was the scent of blood.
Cryosanthia often comes down to the Tornmawr, and the section near the Northern Bridge is nicer. A better beachfront, less shipping, on the opposite side and not warehouses. She's fished, gone swimming, had picnics, flown kites and done other activities here.
Today, another hot, humid and grey day has her wanting a relaxing break, and a walk under the trees. Her daughter is let down to run around, and she keeps a watchful eye.
"Found a legsss." Lily calls from the shoreline, attempting to lift it up, managing to prop it on end and wave the foot in the air. "Isss Redss."
"Ahhh.. Ah." The whitescale's attention snaps to the pinkscale and her prize. She inhales sharply, scenting bood.
"Lily, get away from the water." Cryo orders, approaching the rocks, her clothes shifting to something more like a swimsuit, streamlined. "Climb a tree. Watch Ssasaa."
She dives in to follow the blood trail.
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls perception: (5)+8: 13 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls knowledge/nature: (4)+4: 8 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls survival: (10)+5: 15
In the water, the scent was much more clear, closer to the bottom of the river, in a particularly deep section. There was a deep red figure at the bottom, floating around, with what looked to be a spear of some sort in hand, in only scales.
Another moment to process the scent. That was fish blood, not Makari. Though accompanying that, was an almost overwhelming series of scents. Which was made all the more strange from the previous encounter with the near completely unreadable redscale.
Shock, Worry, Shame, Anger, Confusion, it was as if the bottled up emotions had been upended into the water around Vaera. She was floating still another moment before the arm lunged out, spearing a fish in the side. It seemed she did not notice Cryosanthia yet as she collected the catch, adding it to a wire in her other hand.
Swimming down, Cryosanthia had switched over to water breathing, necessitating a full exhale of bubbles, then the strong inhale of water and accompanying shock as her system switched over. Thoughts slow, a different mental state, and an altered ratio of oxygen use in her muscles. It's an instantaneous change to alternate perceptions.
The scents are detected, absorbed, analyzed, conclusions inferred more than drawn. The whitescale swims lower and watches the hunt. This is perhaps a private moment.
She makes a noise in her throat, a rumbling vibration similar to a bird's call, or a porpoise, part screech that carries underwater and signals her presence. An interrogative noise, mostly, 'you ok?'.
Finally, with the noise coming from the whitescale, Vaera seemed to acknowledge the presence, and she twisted in the water, until she was facing Cryosanthia, the spear in her hand tightened, and just as quickly relaxed. Almost immediately the scents were masked, but this did nothing for the overpowering lingering ones around her. Vaera shifted with her good leg, assisted by her tail to a more upright position.
There was something not quite right with the redscale, not covered by their usual coat. They were tall, but had an unhealthy, thin look to them. And most of their scales, on their chest, arms, legs, bore numerous scars, scales that had not grown back quite right or still more signs where injuries were made. And the stump of her right leg did not look cleanly cut above the knee, where numerous scars from rough cuts had been made.
They nod to Cryosantia, an affirmation that they were alright, despite all evidence.
The whitescale hangs in the water, maintaining her buoyancy, noting the changes in the redscale's demeanor. The evidence does not escape her, even in Am'shere the healers are skilled enough amputations are not that crude. The pattern of scales tells even more, those sorts of injuries are only received through torture, or in some cases battle where the recepient was intent on keeping them.
Usually, they wear such with pride if that's the case. This word is one Cryo wouldn't associate with Vaera's behaviour.
Her tail washes slowly behind her, and she nods, flashing her ear fins with the motion to be more noticeable. She points at herself, then up. Aid seems unnecessary, she will thus go.
Mikilos is used to showing up in odd places. Teleportation is handy, but has its drawbacks. There are safeguards built in, of course, but the spell can only account for so much. Safest to port in a few feet up above unfamiliar locations, fly to avoid hazards. But if the target is deep underwater, such safeguards might not be enough.
Long story short, there's a very wet and surprised elf much further down in the water than he'd prefer. The big grey robes aren't helping matters.
Vaera nods again, looking upward. She holds up the fish in one hand, and tilts her head after shaking their head at the suggestion of leaving. But a moment later there is an equally bizarre sight. An elf down in the river, out of nowhere. The spear is tightened, but upon seeing them struggling, they sling it across their back, take a look to Cryosanthia, before swimming over to get a hold behind them, and begin swimming upwards.
'Arrrp!' Cryo says, startled enough to vocalize, although she doesn't release any bubbles. Then the redscale swims by, to drag the dawn elf upwards. A helpful response normally, but they are deep and she knows he likely didn't catch a breath properly before arriving. It is a magic problem and there is a magic solution.
Not fireball, although that would be epic. Mikilos might even approve.
She stares blankly for a moment, recalling something from earlier in the day, then casts as she swims and catches up with the pair. Water breathing should help, and perhaps he'll want to swim after.
Mikilos is more startled than anything, flailing in knee-jerk reaction for a moment before rational thought takes over. Empty lungs aren't happy, but several steps from drowning. Just a matter of resolving the situation before those steps are taken. Several options really, though shapes moving in the water make for a second moment of panic. Elven eyes are keen, but not made for these conditions. But the white scales with blue hi-lights are familiar, as is the tingle of magic along the back of his throat. Now the hard part, getting the nerve to exhale that lungful of air, and breathe in water. Always a struggle to override instincts.
Vaera does not pause, and Cryosanthia is forced to cast on the move, but she seems to acknowledge what happened the moment Mikilos takes a breath in and doesn't flounder further. The red sith-makar snorts, and slows their pace to a much less hurried ascent.
Cryo strokes her fingers along the back of Mikilos' neck and out across a shoulder. Once, firmly enough he'll feel her scales and thick fingers nails. Enough to recognize her, hopefully comforting. She swims upwards, casually matching the pace that Vaera takes with her 'catch', heading towards the surface.
She makes a questioning noise, a 'nnnh?', another underwater squeak. She instantly regrets it. Mikilos probably speaks Aquan, he'll imagine she's trying and it will be a one sided conversation in the darkness.
The surface won't be long, already she's looking for the shoreline, attempting to see a flash of pink that indicates her youngling didn't climb a tree.
Mikilos lets himself be pulled. The wizard isn't the weakest of swimmers, but not the strongest. Movement under his own power would be slow. Hearing Cryo's inquisition, he gives a thumbs up. One thing to know Aquan, quite enough to try to talk it. And the water is too dark and murky for Handspeech. His news can wait for shore.
It was not much longer to reach the surface, though still longer due to the missing leg slowing it down considerably. Still she continues until they are above water, and the red makari inspects the elf, making sure they were okay. Once she seemed satisfied, she spun them around to face away from the shore before they unslung the spear. They used it as a makeshift crutch to hop over to the bushes where their leg was while they were faced away. She had enough knowledge to have some shred of modesty and pride, as they had been unclothed during their swim. Though if they see the pink Kobold, they offer them a wave.
Lily has taken refuge in a tree, as ordered, and just in case the artificial leg needed protecting also, she managed to drag it up into the crook of a branch as well. She likely would have started on some preventative maintenance if her Ssassa hadn't taken her toolkit down with her. When Vaera waves, she returns the wave. "Peassce on your Nessst! Have legsss."
Interestingly, she's defaulting to tradespeach.
"Lily that's... that's fine. Peace on your Nest, Vaera. Let me get that for you." Cryosanthia says. Nudity when swimming was the best option, as she demonstrates how much extra water sloughs off her because of her magic gear. She mounts the rocks on the shore, and holds a hand out to Mikilos, who has gone even further in the inappropriately dressed department.
Her head tilts curiously, "Is something wrong? What warranted an emergency contact?" Just voicing it increases her heartrate. Once further ashore, she passes Vaera's leg to Vaera and catches a falling tree-kobold.
Mikilos is elf. He wears clothing, but it's the humans who get weird about it. Struggling a little with wet robes, the wizard makes his way to the shore, coughing up a lungful of water along the way. The handup is accepted with a nod of thanks. Breathing air again, he murmurs a quick cantrip to shed most of the water weight, before turning focus to Cryo with a grin. "Ahem. Hello. Nice day for a swim." He coughs again. "No emergency, just news. I found the Cult Speaker."
Vaera looked like she was going to say something in response to the greeting, but they simply chuff and shake their head. "Peace on your nest, Little Fang. This one thanks you for protecting my errant limb, as I did not hide it well enough clearly." <Draconic>
From her bag in the bushes she pulls out a cloth to wrap around herself while she finished drying, taking a long moment due to the struggle to stay upright doing so. Only when then did they turn around, Tilting their head to the whitescale. She could tell they were somewhat on edge as they took the leg, a hand on Cryo's with the movement catching the heartrate. They were back to their emotionless stature from before, the signs left behind at the bottom of the river.
"If you are teleporting and know being underwater is a risk, you should plan accordingly. It is a good day for a swim." She states.
"This one doesn't think Mikilos planned that." Cryo says, with a small smile. She watches Mikilos while Vaera dresses, and noses Lily, giving the other Makari some privacy and the implied dignity.
"So, where is the Cult Speaker, who? Is he connected?"
The whitescale coughs, "Is he suitably important he's unlikely to gossip about any failed ruses? He was summoning some strong demons."
"Wait, how do you know Mariliths at all? Also, thanks for the save. This one gave thanks already, but, thanks thanks again."
Lily meanwhile, has no problem staring as Vaera takes her leg. She wants to see it go on. She also has no concept of privacy, "How getss sscarrss?"
Mikilos nods to Vaera. "I should. I acted in haste, without caution." he shakes his head to Cryo. "Not who, but where. Lamdin House, in the nobility district. I wasn't sure my divination would give a result. As for marilith, they are weapon masters. I'm a magical weapons dealer. We cross paths professionally on rare occasion. Seldom pleasant, but usually professional."
Vaera finished drying off, stowing the cloth and hopping in place awkwardly to pull on a pair of trousers. It was slow going for certain. The talk of demon summoning cults and mariliths mostly goes over her head, but she catches the curiosity of the Kobold. In a rare show of emotion, the spines down the back of their head raise slightly, something another Makari would note was most likely being relaxed.They set down the leg upright, reaching over to pat the pink kobold on the head.
"You wish to know about the scars? It is certainly an interesting story. This one was a hunter back in Am'shere, my homeland. The jungles are filled with dangerous beasts, and it is our job to both fend them off, and hunt some for food. But some are difficult to slay, and the best that can be done is fend them off in another direction." <Draconic>
She starts, beginning to regale them with the story with practiced ease, like a nest mother sharing stories for the young around a fire.
And as if on que, she speaks again to the others. "Would you like to join me for some food? I will get a fire going shortly, this one can tell you more Lily." They offer.
Immediately, the whitescale notes flaws that suggest it's a fake story.
"This one would love that. This one apologizes for interrupting your hunt. The Tornmawr is deep, I've seen water elementals on the bottom. Sometimes things come out of it. The blood made me concerned." Cryo explains by way of apology.
"Yesss. Foodss Pleasse." Lily concurs.
"Ah, sorry as well." Mikilos says, "I have to go. I'll tell you the rest later, Cryo."
And the now-dry, dawn elf vanishes.
The whitescale gives the redscale a long look. She's not one to question, or challenge, She'll accept the story on face value for now, although she doubts it. "This one can assist with starting fires, gathering wood, as you need."
"Then you are welcome at the fire, to share food and tales. It is alright, this one caught enough fish already, and had enough time to do so. And that is alright as well, it is good you are safe now. Please be more careful with magic in the future." Vaera nods, glancing to where a firepit had already been started on the sandy shore.
"If you would be able to, this one would appreciate it if you could gather enough wood for a fire. This one can watch Lily here, since it seems she is curious about how this leg is put on. And then this one will continue the tale when Cryo returns. Does that sound alright?" They ask, tilting their head to the pink kobold.
"That is fine." Cryosanthia says, "Lily stay with Vaera."
"Yesss," comes her little reply.
The whitescale looks through the bushes. There are some fallen branches, some even dry. Scouring the light woods for something to burn is a common practice. It takes her a little while to find an adequate amount.
While she searchs, Lily follows Vaera on her side with the artificial leg. It's got her attention, "Whatssss made of?" How will be next, why was already asked.
"This one hopes the search will be fruitful. Thank you, Cryosanthia." She replies while sitting down at the firepit. "It is made from a hardwood, oak. This one is experienced with woodworking, and so this one made it. The wood is shaped, and fitted with metal joints and various pipes which assist with movement. This one made those too, with information they learned."
She holds the leg out to Lily, pointing out the various metal joints and tubing, showing how they bent with the bend of the limb. Once the kobold was satisfied, she set it down, and began bandaging the end of her missing leg.
Lily listens, reaching out to poke at the metal joints when they are indicated. She also runs her hand over the surface, "You carvess sscaless." This detail interests her. The application of the bandage also keeps her curiosity. She finally says, "goblinsss have magnet."
She does not explain how gnomes make their artifice work.
Cryo meanwhile is crashing through the woods. This is fine. She's a city-sith but she remembers the routine, it's dryer and cooler but gathering wood is the same anywhere. Find a tree and look around. It would go smoother for her if all the easily harvest wood, hadn't already been harvested.
Eventually, she returns with an armful, and a few leaves caught on her horns and crest. Yes, she accidentally head-butted a tree.
It wasn't just scales. Small images too, patterns that were carved down the length. Some of the scales were actually blooming flowers, like one might find in the jungles of Am'shere. "Magnetic metal? That sounds interesting, this one is curious how it works. And yes, this one carved scales, patterns. It is something to do, waiting by the fire. This one may not have their original leg anymore, but this, it can be made into something this one is proud of. The bandages are to protect my leg still. And the straps and bindings keep it in place."
The noise of the whitescales returning makes her turn, while she was midway through showing Lily the various straps after pulling the leg on.
"Are you alright, Cryosanthia?" They ask, looking up to the tall makari from where they sat.
"Yes, this one is fine. Trees and I go way back. Not these trees." The whitescale says, approaching the fire and kneeling to deposit her bundle of sticks and small logs. She glances at the exposed leg, seeing both the carvings and Lily's interest. "Wow, that's really well done. You must have had some time beside a fire to get them so detailed."
"Yessss." Lily wants to show off, "sstick magnet in bone and leg clicksss on."
Cryosanthia glances at her youngling, "You can make them but you're not getting one, this one will buy you a regeneration so don't go having accidents." She looks around for something to sit on and chooses the ground, looking across to Vaera she says, "This one's cihuaa, this one's friend, a couple vendors we purchase from all have artificial limbs. Lily thinks they would be fun. This one doesn't want her too fascinated."
"Many nights in the forests." She nods, finishing the bindings and testing the fit, twisting it around a fair bit.
"This one, would rather not go sticking anything else in there unnecessarily. But an interesting idea."
"Zeke, yes? This one will admit, a wooden leg is not nearly as impressive or practical as one of brilliant crystal that can be moved like a real limb." They note. She seems to dwell on the question as she shifts to kneel on her good leg, and she faces Lily as she arranges the wood for the fire.
"Lily, these limbs are a replacement for a missing one, but this one would have their real one back if it felt right. Do not go seeking to lose your limbs. They are a poor alternative for the real thing." She explains, stern in their demeanor. From her pants she pulls out a bit of striking metal, and quickly makes a spark in a nest of kindling, fanning the flame with a breath before it catches.
"Now, this one will finish dressing, and prepare the fish, and share the tale. You are also a speaker, yes, Cryosanthia? There is something else this one would ask afterwards, important."
"This one is Speaker-Caste, yes. This one will aid if she can." Cryosanthia says, leaning back and supporting herself on her hands. Her partial wing-spars also stretch out to prop her up, looking somewhat spider-like. Her tail flops from side to side behind her. "You have met Zeke? This one did not catch your scents off him, though he does prefer all keep distant and you have excellent control of yours."
She turns towards Lily, who is still hovering over Vaera's leg and tracing a tiny claw along the edges of the carved flowers. "See Lily, they are not good substitutes. You can get beautiful armour if you like."
The whitescale smiles wanly, "Zeke only has to tell her that every other day." She seems content to sit and watch, she did come to the riverside to relax.
"This one met them, yes. This one was wary,as they were investigating an inn outside the city, and they were following for some time. But it turns out they did not even realize they had been doing so, and had merely been thinking about it being the day that meat pies were being made." They explain, watching the wing spars for a moment. The spines flatten somewhat.
With the fire established, she stands up, patting Lily on the head and gingerly removing the tiny claw from her leg before doing so. "How about this? You can suggest something you would like Lily, and this one can incorporate it into a pattern on this limb." They suggest before they gather the rest of their clothing and the fish, setting it down nearby. She pulls a knife out of her bag, gutting the fish and setting it aside, before taking a few wooden switches she set aside from the wood, carving a point on them to spear the fish.
"So, how this one got these scars. As I said, being a hunter in Am'shere is a dangerous, but important job. But it is through working together, and, trusting in your kin that we succeed." She continues anew, though she hesitates strangely at the last part. <Draconic>
"Wantsss..." Lily thinks quickly, put on the spot. "Fissh! Flying Fisssh!"
Cryosanthia chuckles, "You miss the important part, Little Fang, that we are stronger together. The people work together." <draconic>
"Yessss." The pinkscale says, lessons less interesting than watching people do things.
"This one remembers hunting. What you say is correct. This one traveled with many hunters and warriors when she was a softscale." Cryo adds.
"The meat pies are a good reason to visit." She sits forward, pulling her wing-spars closer behind her.
"Flying fish? This one thinks they could do that." Vaera offers, with just the smallest thump of her tail against the ground. "But yes, this is something to remember. But anyways, yes. There was reports of movement near this one's village. A tyrant lizard, moving dangerously close on a path. So it was decided that a group would be sent out to force their path elsewhere, across the river to another place. They are as tall as two grown sith together, and dozens of feet long. So a group was sent out to waylay them, mounted on swiftclaws. But despite that, they are incredibly quick. It was difficult enough to keep them moving once we reached them, fighting them off with spears and arrows." They begin, moving some of the coals around with a claw, not minding the heat. <Draconic>
"Uh-huhhhh!" Lily watches Vaera, then says, "Rawrrr," and waves her small claw hands around like she's a Swiftclaw.
Cryosanthia leans closer to her youngling, watching her, and turning her head to nod at Vaera, "This is a known and done thing. This one remembers. Your descriptions are appreciated for Lily, she's never seen one."
"Know where everyone is, Lily, when you are in a group.." Cryo instructs. <draconic>
"Correct, it is a common thing. There are many large creatures that must be warded similarly." She continues, watching the Kobold's reaction. "This is why the groups are sent out, as many can ward a tyrant lizard safely together. Their mouth can only be one place at once, and many spears can push it back where one cannot. Although, one must always be wary of the tail."
They swish their own tail back and forth against the ground as if to accentuate the point, before it began thumping rhythmically against the ground, in a rising tempo while she propped the fish skewers over the coals.
"In a singular swing, this one was swept off their feet when they were pushing it further off course of the village. But the spear snapped, and while processing this, this one was knocked off feet by the tail! And in another moment, this one found themself snapped up by the jaws, carried by the Tyrant Lizard!"
"Ahsss" Lily says, sitting up with a lurch. She can easily imagine being snapped up by a giant lizard. There's a white one across the fire that does it all the time. Plus, she's ridden swiftclaws. She puts both her hands on Vaera's wooden leg, "Isss thatsss when bitess off legss?"
Cryo gets a stick to poke the fire with. Nothing terribly productive, she's pushing around a few coals and scraping along a log to watch the sparks. "One does not want to be the unlucky one where the jaws are."
"This is sad, but it happens. Ssa." The whitescale sighs.
"It is a risk, but one taken to keep those such as yourself safe, Little Fang." They continue with a nod, giving the little Kobold another pat while their tail kept a steady drum against the ground, a rising tension to the beat. "This is why you keep a dagger on you whenever you are out. Or two, if you can spare. This one pulled a dagger from their armor while they chomped. There are a few ways to go depending on the situation. This one thrust the dagger into their nose, which made them roar with pain, and gave myself a chance to push out and free! But just when this one was almost out, the beast chomped back down. And this one was battered and missing a leg. But it was alright, as the pain seemed to drive them off further. One outrider stayed with me, to bind the wound, and carry me back to the village."
Finally the tail slowed down, to a more comfortable, low thrum, one used to relax troubled younglings, with an accompanying rumble from their chest. Cryosanthia was certain though, that the scars on the leg were not caused by any tyrant lizard.
"That is good advice Lily, the dagger." Cryosanthia confirms.
Lily looks between the two Makari, then hisses, "Korrsssbow."
"Yes, Kor's crossbow might be better for you, but a knife is always handy. This one forgets, as hers is always with her. I will get you one." Cryo promises.
Lily actually has lots of knives, but they're all work tools, for cutting wires.
"Attacking the nose was a good idea." The whitescale nods at the description of losing a leg. It all seemed realistic, and she had heard variations from the elders in her village. "You survived. Not all do. This is fortunate.."
"Crossbows are good, but when you are stuck next to a creature, it is hard to aim a weapon." Vaera advises. "This one is as lucky the shaman were so capable as they were that the damage was not worse. But yes, if you are not able to kill a beast, the best option is to give it enough pause so you can escape. There are many things to learn from this one's story. To trust your allies, to always be aware of your surroundings, and to always be prepared accordingly."
She reaches to the fire, pulling out a skewer in each hand to offer to the kobold and makari, freshly roasted, dark brown fish. "This one added a bit of salt for flavor."
"Oh thank you," Cryo says, taking the skewer and testing the heat of the fish against her lips before taking a bite.
Lily, essentially duplicates the maneuver and takes a smaller one. She hisses, "Thansssss."
As she chews away, the youngling is apparently mulling the story over. She finally asks, "Why no trapsss?" She holds her arms wide, "Big trapss."
"It is hard enough to build a snare or pit big enough for a tyrant lizard, Lily, much more to get one to fall into it. Your strategy to stay far away is a good one."
The only real practical advice for a kobold, who have even smaller, more easily broken spears than the Makari.
"The fish is delicious." Cryo adds, taking another bite.
"Traps are good, yes, for smaller Creatures. They are often used for catching wild swiftclaws for training. But for Tyrant lizards, they are simply too big. Any traps would require too much time, and they could simply move elsewhere in the jungle. They are smart enough that one needs to be careful." Vaera continues in explanation. "Think of the party sent out as a mobile trap, perhaps. Many hands prepared for ambush, that can move and prepare anywhere they might show up."
"This one is glad the food is alright, as this one usually cooks for themself."
She takes a skewer for herself, tearing into the roasted fish without much worry. It was still hot for the others. She is looking across at the whitescale for a moment. "You said you were preparing for a nest before, yes?" They ask.
Cryosanthia listens, nodding, and then the question regarding her nest is raised. She lowers the skewer of fish, sits up a little. "Yes. This one is in season. It does not happen as often at my age. It's not ideal timing, but waiting would be worse."
She tilts her head, "Are you seeking advice in that regard?"
"No, this one is not seeking advice in such regards." She responds with a shake of her head, and a gentle thump of her tail against the ground. The straightening was matched, and Vaera nearly sat the same height as the whitescale. "Rather, this one was wondering if they should offer advice, if you wished. You still have much time, but I understand the desire, when it comes."
It was another moment, when the spines on their head raised, relaxed. Vaera wasn't nearly as old as Cryosanthia, but she was not young either, by any means.
Oh. Cryosanthia blinks, "Well, this one is curious regarding the advice. This one has had a cihuaa for eighty years. The nest was not possible while we were in captivity, the mechanics seem well understood. What would you recommend?"
Lily, also seems very curious.
"This one had a cihuaa for two decades and a half." She says, speaking in the past tense, but near impossible to read. She takes another bite of fish before she continues. "There are a few things to be said. Just for now however. If any time, you ever feel suddenly tired out of nowhere, have something to eat, nourishing but not too much, before you sleep. Otherwise, you may wake up afterwards, and feel horribly ill. There are small things like that, that you may not think about. Though there are probably shamans around that can share such as well. It is how any village thrives, yes?"
"Yes. This one is not often in Mictlan though, but knows several Shaman-caste who are there." Cryo says, listening carefully, "The advice regarding food was not known, thank you."
"Eatss charcoal." Lily says unexpectedly, and Cryo looks at her. Lily looks back, "Sseen nesst-motherss in nesstss."
"Yes. This one had not considered that." The whitescale exhales, "My daughter knows more than I. Kobolds do have different living arrangements."
Mostly, holes in the ground.
Vaera looks to Lily, tilts her head, and nods. "This one saw your happiness, like that of a first time nest mother. Lily is correct in that it may help if already ill." She states simply, unreadable. "There are many small things to consider, and the sooner you prepare yourself, the easier things will be. For example, the oils in fish are helpful, perhaps moreso than hunted game at times." Vaera continues. But then she pauses, letting out a puff of air. There was just a hint of shock from the redscale.
"This one still had something to ask you about. It was about a makari seen the other day, outside the city."
"This one does not know all of them, but can answer regarding some. What is it you wish to ask?" Cryo says, smiling, her tail swishing behind her and ripping up grass. "Well this one hopes to be a first time nest-mother. She has been clutch-mother twice, and Egg-Watcher."
"This one will ask the Lore-Keepers then, regarding the correct diet." Mental note, another task. "Fortunately this one likes fish already, more than game meat."
"This one has done similar tasks before. Clutch-mother, nest-mother, and Egg-Watcher, all are important." Vaera nods, swishing her tail. "Trust in your kin, like the story. This one thinks you will do fine."
Though she chuffs again, shaking her head. "The one this saw the other day, this one thinks they hail from someplace dark. Their limbs are abnormally long, as is their tail, claws, and their teeth oversized. Yet they speak normally. This one shared food with them, and they ate without problem. But they wish to speak with the shaman caste, for guidance."
"Congratulations on your offspring." Cryosanthia says, "this one hopes many survived." Nestlings often die, having some is that live is a joyful encouragement to all, "this one mourns the ones that did not."
It is the description that catches her attention and causes her to straighten. Her scents change, enough that Lily looks in her direction, making a curious peep.
"That one... that one sounds dangerous." The whitescale says finally, "this one has seen such, in Charn, that grew so after being forced to eat the flesh of the People. Their body corrupts and grows stronger in much the ways you describe."
She stares, "They are often not rational, and if rational, not for much longer. Still..."
Cryo looks down, pokes at the fire with her empty skewere, her fish long devoured, "... one might seek the Shaman-Caste for aid. Did they give a name or a way to find them?"
This comment Cryosanthia shares almost seems to make the redscale freeze, and sigh. She was unable to hide the scent of sorrow. "There is all mourning." She states, with a shake of her head. She tries to collect herself, quelling the scents.
"This one knows well what the forgotten are like. About what those in Charn do. This one thought they were dangerous as well, but they spoke clearly and even enjoyed the food I offered, not like those who would starve to death before eating anything else. And this worries myself greatly. That it is possible for them to be alright. You are a speaker, and this one was hoping you could help me to speak to the shamans, so they are aware of the situation, and will not slay them on sight."
"This one cannot know but shares your sorrow." Cryosanthia says formally, exhaling slowly. It is common to lose some, uncommon and rare to lose all. She's quiet and stares at the fire.
Lily is more direct, "Ssadss, ssorriess," and hugs Vaera's wooden leg, a nice if ineffective gesture.
"Ssa, this one can do so. There are several that would listen and seek that one out to investigate." Cryo says, "They should not approach Mictlan. Do you know where they can be found? Most Warrior-Caste will warn and challenge before attacking. Most. Most would be aware and not approach too close in a hostile seeming posture."
She waves a hand, "It is customary to come close enough to be noticed, then to wait while facing away in a vulnerable position, to be approached. One showing that lack of hostility should be receive a safe challenge and a chance to explain."
And now Cryo knows why she says there is no peace on her nest.
"Your concern is appreciated, Lily, and you as well, Cryosanthia. This one, will manage." She says, hiding the sorrow again in a mask of neutrality. From her coat on the ground she pulls out a small tube of metal, and stares at it, before she put it back away. "This one thought them approaching Mictlan was a bad idea." Vaera agrees. "Their name is Skielstregar. This one offered to make them a camp outside the city, told them of a few inns on the outskirts. This one checked in, and the inn was alright. I will keep those warnings for how they may approach others in mind."
The whitescale nods, "This one will speak to the Shaman-Caste about Skielstregar, to see who might be willing to meet. This one does not wish to meet strange sith'makar in odd places with a youngling in tow."
"River Stoness." Lily says.
"Yesss, perhaps Big Brother is free, this one would consider it safe with him." Cryo muses aloud. She exhales, stares at Vaera, "This one will share a perspective. You have centuries ahead. Grieving will set you free and grief will drive you insane. This one has seen it in her mate's mother, and herself."
"You musst find a path forward and your missing piece. The past cannot be changed, and it will swallow the future if you let it."
Cryo pokes at the fire again, "This one has many shadows and not much light, but they can be overcome."
"This one understands Cryosanthia, this one would not wish to meet someone such as that, especially with a youngling with them."
She pats Little fang on the head at this, if she is still hugging her leg. Her tail thumps once against the ground. "You are not just using this to take another look at my leg, are you?" They ask, with just a hint of amusement. "Do not worry, this one will add the flying fish, and will show you when it is done."
At the second comment, she chuffs, and joins her staring at the fire. "This one worries, especially now still, if their choices were correct. And the fear of betrayal is still strong." They state.
The whitescale nods, as a piece clicks in a place and a part of the redscale's story that didn't make as much sense suddenly does, but in the words spoken. She crosses her ankles, sitting forward to rest against her knees. "There is no way to know if there was a better or worse result. The path chosen, was, and you must make peace with it. The only reason to doubt is to avoid the same mistaken choice should it occur again."
"This one made many mistakes, learned from a few. This one has companions, that do not learn, do not listen, and repeat their errors." Cryo shrugs, "Some will not be saved, some will rush in when warned, or warned incompletely. This can't be helped."
"Yessss." Lily interrupts, and knocks on wood. An act she finds very amusing.
"This one thought they made peace with it." Vaera responds with a shake of her head. "Yet this new arrival's presence throws that all around."
She thinks on the words, chuffs and nods. "But whether the choice was a mistake or not, now this one is unsure all over again. But still, it is best to watch out for others, yes? Within reason. You can do so without trusting them completely."
The leg makes a rich noise on being knocked. Vaera thumps their tail again. "Perhaps, in time. It has been long since this one has spoken openly with kin. Alone, this one was only left to stew on thoughts."
"The people are not meant to be alone for long. It does bad things to your mind." Cryo says simply, "The new one shall be found and resolved."
She leans stretching her wing-spars out behind her, then folding them up again. A moment's thought and cloth wraps them up.
Lily has also finished her meal, and is trying to carve something into her stick. Mostly, she's cutting it shorter with strokes that are too strong.
"This one can show you proper wood carving another time, Lily. Perhaps when Cryosanthia gets you a knife she is okay with you having." Vaera offers with another thump of her tail. "It takes practice, and control, so it is a good skill to learn."
Vaera looks to Cryo, and nods. "Yes, this one worries sometimes about the effects of staying alone so long. Perhaps when this one is confident again, they will call themself part of a caste. And the other, this one hopes that they are truly alright. It is always hard to find others lost."
Thursday, August 26, 2021, 2:08:43 PM
"The People's instincts are strong, and too long apart they will assert and drag you down into yourself." Cryosanthia says, her breath cool and visible as she sighs, "Do not push yourself into a pit if you can avoid it."
Her words take on a wistful tone, "This one helped with a Casting ceremony, so long ago, as young-speaker. We gathered around the hearthfire in Mictlan, beneath the bones of Sufri'gan. The elders came, and threw scales of the departed to honour them. We added our blood to the flames."
"Shaman Geir, this one, the memories in ours were strong. From mine, I saw this one's great ancestor, from centuries past, millenia past, before we shattered and became small. Became the children of the flame."
"A white dragon, aerial and flying over her frozen territories, in the blissfulness of flight. A vast empty wilderness." Cryo is reverent, speaking in awed and hushed tones, and has captured Lily's attention fully. "Ancestor to many of us, perhaps all whitescales, drawn up from within me and perhaps even, because of the experiments this one was subjected to in Charn."
Cryo faces Vaera, "the consequences of decisions, failures, may not fully show for a long time. This one's goddess, Ceinara, says to find inspiration in suffering, and the triumph in your mistakes."
"It is not easy advice, but... it has helped."
"The instincts, yes. To stay with kin, to help the whole." Vaera nods, slowly. They let out a puff of air, and listen. Listen to the words, to the story. The connection to the past is acknowledged, and her spines raise, relaxed.
"This is a memory to be cherished, to have such a deep connection to the past. You state my blood to be better, yet the one more in tune is yourself. This one understands the feeling of presence you command better." They state with another nod. Though she pauses to listen again, with another chuff.
"This one did not feel worthy of their caste. If there is inspiration to be found for what lead to that point, this one is unsure. The only triumph is that this one still breathes."
"The Castes are family," Cryosanthia says, gesturing at Little Fang who reluctantly comes over so the whitescale can embrace pink, "They take us when we leave the nest, to teach, to train, so we know we are accepted."
"Some, this one's mate, and Shaman Iuitl, are longer in their choosing. Yet accepted and embraced." She continues, "At the choosing ceremony, you present your talents, and your goals. The Caste that fits best will ask for you, often many will, you have the choice for your future. This one choose Speaker, this one's parents were Lore-Keepers."
"Every day of breath is a triumph. All make mistakes. Keep moving forward. This is all this one can say." Cryo finishes, nuzzling her youngling. "Little Fang will be a maker, this one is sure."
"Makers are important. All are." She nods to the two. And then she chuffs.
"This one chose at the time of most others. It was given up when the family was no more."
"This one is still glad to be alive, yes. To draw breath. But this one cannot call themselves a hunter, or warrior."
This one knows Hunter-Caste and Warrior-Caste. My Big Brother, River Stone, one that hunts our scale-cousins, Silence. Some Lore-Keepers, some Shaman-Caste, Seyardu and Gier, that work with the temples. Others, uncasted." The whitescale says.
"They have, almost all, suffered loss and lost of family. This one did not, not until she left her village. This one was a golden-clutch, all clutch-mates survived, no tragedy struck our village."
"That came after, when we left to the wider world. My village too, is gone." Cryo shrugs and sighs, "Such is life."
"There is family when you want it."
"Is this where all lost kin come to gather?" Vaera asks with a shake of her head. "This one understands, many seem to come here, seeking something. There is too much loss."
She chuffs, and reaches into her jacket to retrieve a notebook. In this she writes a note, and tears it out to pass over the fire in rough script.
"This one's Cihuaa hated me before the end. They were the tyrant lizard in the story." <Draconic>
Cryosanthia takes the note. Her neck straightens as she reads it. She folds it silently then slips it into her haversack. She sinks forward and exhales, a long breath. "This one drove off her chiuaa. This one had endless needs and did not care as much for him as herself. This one could never be satisfied. There was always something more. This one was as envious as a blackscale."
"This one did not expect him to return."
Her head raises, eyes meeting Vaera's, "This one mourns. This one understands. This one has no words."
"But you understand that now, yes? Cihuaa go both ways. The love given is reciprocated. Some days one may need more, but the needs of the other cannot be put off indefinitely. Zeke knows you have the love and care to return, certainly." She notes, flicking her tail just slightly. There was a note of sorrow.
"This one, tries to remember how they were before. The many years of care."
"Those are the memories to keep. The hole your cihuaa leaves in your heart never closes. At least, it did not for this one, for a year. Perhaps longer it might. This one could only look away, until a miracle happened." Cryosanthia says.
"An unexpected thing, his unexpected return, his own healing. This one is saddened. It does not sound that is possible with yours."
Especially if the cihuaa became a Forgotten. It would fit, it was not directly implied. It is not a thing to ask after, either.
Lily is squirming from the weighty subjects passing back and forth over her head. "Ssassa," she peeps, turning and putting her small hands on Cryo's chest, "Ssassa, wantss see Mikssos. Wantss go home.
"Cihuaa are not easily chosen, and not replaced when lost." Cryo shakes her head slowly, gazing into the flames. "This one hopes you will find some comfort."
Her head lifts to look upon a wooden leg with a lot more meaning.
"This one would not wish to replace, yes. But, perhaps something else, some day." She agrees, chuffs, and shakes away the sorrow. "Thank you, this one wishes you a peaceful and joy filled nest, and many happy years with your Cihuaa."
"And this one hopes you will make great things some day, Lily. Hopefully Mikilos is not too waterlogged when you see them."
Cryosanthia rises, lifting Lily up with her, then passing her over to her shoulder. There's a momentary adjustment in her clothes and a saddle appears atop her backpack to allow the little one to ride.
Lily settles in, leans over her Ssassa's shoulder, "Thansss Fissssh! Thansss sstoriess."
"Yes. This one is grateful for food and company." Cryo says, folding her hands in front and bowing slightly. "This one wishes you successs in your hunt and peace in your heart."
She grins, "hopefully he is not. This one is curious what was worth such an interruption. Peace."
She waves, and departs. Her gait more somber than usual. She is carrying heavy thoughts.
"You are welcome, Lily. You are always welcome around the fires, for stories or teaching and food. And you as well, Cryosanthia. The company of kin is, it is not bad." She responds with a singular thump of her tail. She ponders the farewell, and chuffs. "There is none, at least not now. But there is healing. Perhaps some day." She says quietly, more to herself than the departing whitescale.
