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Post by ๐๐๐ แดแดแด ๐ก๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐น๐ฎ๐ป on Jan 6, 2023 17:06:26 GMT -4
The rise (both figurative and literal) she got out of the Argonian made her smile. The creature was at least a foot taller than her, though that didn't cause her much pause. If anything, she liked it.
As he puffed out his chest, so, too, did she, rolling her shoulders back, jerking her chin and stepping forward with one foot, that sly half-grin on her lips. When he bared his fangs, she scoffed lightly, then bared hers, although her display at this current point in time was laced with amusement. As much as amusement as a coiled snake could have, anyway. She had found something to interest herself with, and it was him.
Before he broke eye contact to grab his mace, she puckered up her lips and blew him a little kiss.
"WE GO NOW! THIS ONE'S SCALES ARE DRYING WHILE WE STAND IN THE SUN USELESSLY!"
She didn't even flinch, nor miss a beat. "This one," she purred in a mocking tone, "Could help with that and push you into the ocean." Her grin widened, and she licked her lower lip from corner to corner, barely containing a chuckle.
โThatโs โฆreally loudโฆโ
Her eyes rolled. Oh right, there were others on this little... expedition. The Nord whose balls hadn't dropped yet.
Kat had no sooner turned her gaze to Krexx when the world shifted.
This, made her blink, and jump slightly. "What the actual f***k just--" growling, she straightened and looked around, doing her best to mask her confusion with annoyance. "Little f***king warning next time, eh!?"
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Post by ๊ง ๐ข๐ฑ๐ช๐ป๐ฒ'๐๐ญ๐พ๐ท๐ฎ ๊ง on Jan 6, 2023 20:15:15 GMT -4
Being used to Kat doing what she was doing, Shari only smiled weakly, shrinking under Fangs' display even if it wasn't aimed at her.
Tucking a stray lock of hair awkwardly behind a pointed ear, she turned her attention more toward the mage and Kieg, with an apologetic look.
As Kat began talking, she opened her mouth to speak, when Fangs suddenly exploded with his command. The sheer power of the yell, coupled with the suddenness of it, caused her to squeak as loudly as if someone had just stepped on her with a giant boot, while leaping almost two feet in the air. When her feet hit the wooden planks of the dock again, she was bent over cowering, large, glowing eyes darting about quickly.
โThatโs โฆreally loudโฆโ
"Y-yes..." she whimpered, rubbing both her ears, trying to compose herself, slowly standing once more. Her eyes darted between Kat and Fangs, the expression on her face screaming how unsure she was about standing so near the red haired woman now.
โSurprisingly,โ he says, โI find myself agreeing with the gargantuan Argonian. There is little to be gained from further niceties. We are assembled, so let us be about our business!โ
Shari was quick to agree, bobbing her head, and clasping her hands together in an almost pleading gesture. "Oh y-yes please! Let us go!"
No sooner had Shari gathered herself, then the world was swirling and flashing all around her. There was a startled shout in some unknown language, before she suddenly lurched forward and wrapped her arms about Kat's waist, pressing her face against the woman's back.
โIโve brought us somewhere where we can talk and plan a little more privately. I have things to discuss and reveal that it wouldnโt do for just any ear to hear.โ
The mage's words were far away, drowned out by the pounding of Shari's heart within her ears. What ever just happened, it hadn't felt right.
Trembling, she slowly peeked around, the death hold she had around Kat's waist still firmly in place.
"W-what was that?" she whispered hoarsely.
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Post by Kieg on Jan 11, 2023 15:54:31 GMT -4
((Hello, it is the writer formerly known as Dust; I'm planning on waiting another 24 hours for responses before moving the thread forward a bit. ))
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Post by Kieg on Jan 13, 2023 13:12:19 GMT -4
"Little f***king warning next time, eh!?"
Krexx arches an eyebrow, then vents a soft sigh through his nose. "Very well ...But that was nothing you couldn't handle, was it?"
"That was great!" Kieg marvels, having finally seen the kind of magic he's waited all day for. "Oh we're in Stonefalls, though.." His face falls as he looks around. "Ugh... I was just here yesterday."
He notices Shari's distress a moment later and his face tightens. He moves towards her instinctively, but pulls up short as he realizes who she is hiding behind. "Hey.. Are you all right? What happened?"
"Ahem!"
Krexx pounds his staff into the ground to regain everyone's attention. The implement still runs with rivulets of energy from the spell, and for a second seems to waver in its shape for the span of an eyeblink as it strikes the ground.
"If you're all ready to focus, I'll lay out our task."
The Archmage collects himself. "..Where to even begin...? Ah.. I suppose with this..."
With a flourish of his hand he conjures a book from the air. The tome is thick and ornate, with a large golden double lock on it's cover sealing it closed.
"This artifact has been gifted to me recently. It contains.. Mysteries... Knowledge... Information which will make my life complete.. But as you can see-" The book rotates above Krexx's outstretched finger, displaying the glinting twin locks. "-these secrets are locked away. There are two keys I must obtain to unlock it."
Krexx's visage darkens with an angry scowl. "It is a challenge, you see, as well as a reproach."
"Gallingly, conditions have been engineered such that my own power alone cannot obtain the keys. This has been done so that I must rely on others. Hence your presence here. It is said that unlocking this book will teach me 'humility.'"
He snorts. "More likely it will teach me the frustration of having to deal wit-." He coughs, bringing himself up short.
"Let me explain the challenges. I need two keys, as I said. Both are in this vicinity.
The first key is in the talons of the Flame Roc, a creature which, near as I can tell, did not exist until it was created solely to vex me. It is -completely immune- to my magics. I cannot harm it, and I cannot magically sense it's presence. From assiduous observation I know it has been constructing a nest atop the Tormented Spire, the volcano in this region which even now rains this damnable ash upon us. Somehow, ...'we' -He grits his teeth at the word.- Need to retrieve my key from this beast. The difficultly lies in that the damned thing can fly. Merely reaching the Roc will be a test of our ingenuity."
"The second Key lies in a dwemer ruin at the bottom of the ocean, again in the clutches of a mechanical golem, which, again, my magics cannot effect in any way. We can gain access to the submerged ruin via a secret passage in the Inner Sea Armature, a known dwemer ruin by the coast. This should be more straightforward then confronting the Roc, an should come down to a mere contest of arms, at which I'm sure you excel." He brushes the air dismissively.
"...There is an additional concern, however. A nemesis has also been put in my path. A so-called Guardian Mage, who will work against us as we try to accomplish our tasks. He may even seek the keys and book for himself. He appears as a wood-elf dressed in a green robe. Again, my magics cannot effect him. Should you see him, eliminating him should be your utmost priority."
"As for your reward. I have temporarily exhausted my resources in my attempts at the keys so far, but once I have attained the book and my full power I will shower you with gold, servants, whatever your hearts desire. If you ask I'll etch your names in the stars, I care not."
"So then." The Archmage crosses his arms imperiously. "Your task is set before you. You are the best judges of your own abilities, how do you propose we proceed? Which challenge shall we address first?"
"I missed all of that." Kieg says, finally tearing his concerned gaze off of Shari. "What are we doing? Can you run that by me again?"
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Post by @sylverdubs on Jan 13, 2023 18:31:44 GMT -4
Very little of what Krexx said actually registered in Bares-The-Fangs' mind. Magic was quite a mystery to the argonian though the fact that, to call him intelligent, was a dubious prospect at best also helped his lack of understanding.
Witless or not, he did manage to register two key facts which prompted his violent reaction:
''PAH! USELESS MAH-GEE-SSSSIAN! WHAAT USSSE DO WE HAVE OF YOU, SSSMOOTH-SSSSKIN!'' He shout-stated and swung his lethal weapon in a wide arc as he took a menacing step towards Krexx. He then addressed the second fact that had registered within the fog of his mind: ''NO GOLD!? NO RICHESSS? I WILL TAKE SSSNAKE-WOMAN AND THE NORD AND WE WILL CLAIM YOUR POWER FOR OUR OWN! WE HAVE NO NEED OF YOU! WE KNOW WHERE TO LOOK NOW!'' It was clear that Fangs was a mercenary through and through only a promise of payment wouldn't cut it.
Fangs, was getting riled up, his back spikes were quivering and he glared with his yellow eyes at Krexx then looked at Kat and Kieg (ignoring Shari) and gestured with his mace in a quick jerk towards the wizard that the trio should attack immediately.
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Post by ๐๐๐ แดแดแด ๐ก๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐น๐ฎ๐ป on Jan 13, 2023 20:57:03 GMT -4
Growling and grunting, Kat began prying Shari off her, finger by little bony finger. As she worked at it, she shot a glare toward Kieg, "She be f***king fine, back off! What do ye THINK happened," she jerked a chin toward the mage, "This Direnni sea-sload near fried us to death with his flashy light spells, and scared the sh*t outta this twit." The last couple words were grunted as she forcibly jerked Shari's hands off her.
She watched the tome appear, her eyes narrowed, as she listened to his words. The more he spoke, the more her lip began to twitch until she had a full sneer by the end, her arms long having been crossed tightly over her chest.
Kieg's comment, made her palm her face and roll her eyes for a moment, as she took a breath to address Krexx, raising a finger pointedly.
"So-"
Fangs' outburst made her clench her jaw, and close her eyes at being interrupted.
Smoothly, she leaned backward a little bit as he brandished his weapon and continued to spout off.
Both brows raised, blink-blinking, Kat found herself agreeing with everything he said, finding almost the same words within her own mind to be declared.
Tapping her lips with the finger she had raised to speak with, she smirked and shook her head. Her tone was smooth and low. "Calm down there, Scaley Boot," she took a few measured steps toward Fangs and Krexx, reaching her finger out to press against the handle of his mace as if it could be lowered with such a simple gesture, her amber eyes met his, before sliding to Krexx, "Gotta admit, he got the right idea, i was about to say similar, only better, of course. Although now we do have infermation where to get all the stuff to open them there locks." she wet her lips with a smile, hips swaying outward as she crossed one arm across her chest, the others elbow resting upon the wrist as she rested her chin lightly against her knuckles. "What be keeping us from just, oh, i dunno..." she glanced from Fangs, to his weapon, then back to Krexx,"killing ye, taking the book, and THEN," another pointed stare was shot at Fangs, indicating he had missed an important detail, "going to get the sh*t we need and claim everything ourselves. Cut out the middle..." her voice dropped disdainfully, "'man'."
Her head fell to the side against her shoulder, as if her neck was broken, a predatory stare on Krexx.
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Post by ๊ง ๐ข๐ฑ๐ช๐ป๐ฒ'๐๐ญ๐พ๐ท๐ฎ ๊ง on Jan 13, 2023 21:24:01 GMT -4
"Oh- I-it's ok, i-i'm ok..." she smiled weakly at Kieg as she was being pried off Kat. She obviously appreciated his concern for her.
As Kat scolded him she winced and shook her head, behind Kat, a pleading look on her face, hoping he wouldn't push it.
Exhaling, she rubbed the side of her nose, then smoothed out the arms of her robe. Krexx's magic was interesting, she too used magic that involved lightning, when she was fighting. Yet there was still something she just couldn't place, skirting around the darkest outskirts of her thoughts, about it.
Krexx's explanation of everything had her thinking, trying to decide the best course of action. There was certainly a lot to think about and consider. He had a lot against him, the poor man. He was fortunate to have so many lovely people there to help him. Surely they would be able to get the keys and-
Fangs' outburst made her wince and bite her bottom lip. There was suddenly dangerous electricity in the air and it wasn't coming from magic.
"S-Sir... Maybe you should-"
The tone Kat began to speak with made her stop talking. She knew that tone. She knew her Lady well.
"Oh dear..." glancing between Kat and Fangs, she became increasingly worried about Krexx's safety. Kat could go either way, the fact she hadn't joined Fangs in an outright attack though, meant she was fishing for more, yet was ready to strike at any moment.
Sucking in her lower lip, she began to chew on it again, sliding her way toward Kieg, whispering to him as loud as she dared, for the others to not hear her, "This isn't good..."
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Post by Kieg on Jan 14, 2023 13:12:23 GMT -4
((Hoo boy. I just want folks to know that for the purposes of this story I'm treating Krexx as an NPC rather than a player character, so I'm handling him a different way that I would one of my 'real' characters; please trust that I'm not trying to godmod or am on a power trip or anything like that. This guy does really have the power of an archmage though, so, here we go... If anyone has concerns or problems with how I'm playing this, please let me know. ))"Ugh." Krexx pinches the bridge of his nose. "So we really must start at the very basics, eh? ...So be it." Flicking out an arm, he makes a pinching gesture at the ground, then draws his wrist up as though he were pulling a thread. The earth near Fangs' bursts open and stone slabs ten feet high and three feet thick suddenly jut from the ruptured volcanic soil, forming a wall that temporarily blocks the Argonian off. ((He can easily walk around, climb over, or even break through these, it will just take a few moments.))Turning to Kat, he gives her a scowl and then tosses the book to her. "There. You have it. Now what? You get the keys without that ambulatory mudclod-" He jerks his head in Fangs' direction, "-trying to betray you along the way, and then what? You open the book. And then what? Read it?" He tilts his head condescendingly. "Comprehend secrets that are meant for an Archmage?" He raises an eyebrow. "The Prize is KNOWLEDGE. Knowledge meant for ME. You'd get as much benefit by using the pages to wipe your arse." He smirks at his joke for a second before a horrifying thought seems to occur to him, and he snaps his fingers, calling the book back to his hand. "You -could- sell it, I suppose. Surely it would be worth something. But not nearly as much as the mountain of gold I will gladly heap upon you, if only you HAVE THE PATIENCE, TO FOLLOW A -VERY- --SIMPLE-- ---PLAN---!!"
Krexx's ratty face turns down in an ugly scowl as his furious voice suddenly booms from the mountainside like thunder and his slitted eyes glint with green and magenta light. "All I'm asking..." he continues, sliding into a more reasonable tone, "Is for a little faith. Or failing that," his voice flattens out, "A little common sense." He lifts himself a foot or two in the air with a gesture, and with another reveals a glimmering, spinning ward around him. "If proof of my power is required, you have only to ask. But I hope you're smarter than to damage yourself testing my claims." "Uh." Kieg is utterly as a loss for what to do; this is one of those situations he dreads most; when violence seems imminent and he has absolutely no clue what's going on. He already knows he's on whatever side Shari'adune is on, but she hasn't seemed to pick a side yet, so next on the list was The Lad- er, Viper? "Ah sh*t," he murmurs, drawing his sword. ((For Shari, ALL of the magic Krexx is doing is being done fundamentally wrong, as far as she can tell, but is somehow still working. It's like he's scribbling with crayons but the result is an oil painting.))
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Post by ๐๐๐ แดแดแด ๐ก๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐น๐ฎ๐ป on Jan 14, 2023 23:45:21 GMT -4
((Fangs agreed to swap turns with me, so I'm going first with Kat.))
The moment the stone slabs shot up out of the ground, Kat took a wide step to the side, away from them, obviously a little startled.
With an airy cough she wets her lips and blinks slowly, "Well that was a fun trick... Ooh!-" the book is tossed at her, causing her to fumble a little bit to catch it.
Once she does she narrows her eyes suspiciously at Krexx, glancing from the book to him and back again. From the way she held it, it was clear she held very little value in the things.
"There. You have it. Now what? You get the keys without that ambulatory mudclod-" He jerks his head in Fangs' direction, "-trying to betray you along the way, and then what? You open the book. And then what? Read it?" He tilts his head condescendingly. "Comprehend secrets that are meant for an Archmage?" He raises an eyebrow. "The Prize is KNOWLEDGE. Knowledge meant for ME. You'd get as much benefit by using the pages to wipe your arse."
Her features held a serious look of contempt as the man spoke. He wasn't wrong... He had some good points. Then, no sooner had the last words left his lips then her eyes lit up as an impish smile touched her lips. Seems she was more than game to call his bluff on that one. No sooner had the thought crossed her mind and the book had returned to the mages hands.
Kat pouted, then adopted her usual scowl as his voice boomed around them.
She turned her attention briefly to Fangs, knowing he wanted to kill something, and soon. While she wanted in on that action as well, if they attacked the mage now, it might not go so well. Holding a finger up to the lizard, she then pursed her lips and shook her head.
Finally, she hissed an irritated breath through clenched teeth, focusing once more on Krexx, expression dull.
"Ye can stop with all the f***king flippidy-doo sh*t." a vague gesture was cast at him, "We all know ye sh*t lightening bolts and whatever. Yet with all that power," she drawled, "ye can't do sh*t to get them keys fer yer precious book. Has that fully sank in? I think," she paused dramatically with a sniff, flicking a bit of dust off her armor casually, "Ye need to be showing us a lot more respect. Coz if not, yer gonna loose us. And I can tell ye, ye aint gonna find no one better than-"
Her eyes darted about the group, shoulders falling slightly before she recovered with another light cough, fanning her fingers out over her collar bones, "Me."
Shaking her head she sneered, "Don't need any more proof of yer 'power'," she air quoted the last word, "What I DO need," she glanced at Fangs again, "is some kind of... something, to prove ye aint taking me fer a ride, and sh*t." Her thumb and forefinger rubbed together pointedly.
The woman's tone became droll as she rolled her head to the side, "Empty promises don't pay bills, and they sure as f***k don't keep things like him," a nod to Fangs, "happy." Her expression brightens as her tone raises into a mocking sing-song tune, "And unhappy people can't be doing the best job they can do!"
A smirk curled her lips as her voice purred, "Now can they?"
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Post by Kieg on Jan 16, 2023 12:23:22 GMT -4
(( My next post will be in about 24 hours, if anyone wants to get in before then.
To clarify: This isn't a hard deadline at all, I'm just announcing my intentions, in order to to avoid a situation where everyone is waiting for everyone else, like before my last post. : )
If you intend to post but think you'll need more time, just mention it and I'll hold for as long as you need
))
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Post by @sylverdubs on Jan 16, 2023 23:32:01 GMT -4
The very earth rises up in Fangs' path. ''RAAAAHHH!!'' The argonian screams with rage and starts pounding at the stone with his mace, sending chunks flying in every direction. He manages to break through the central pillar, raises his mace in a two-handed grip over his head, ready to bring it down, smashing on the mage's head... and stops with his weapon still head high when Kat gestures for him to pause.
He growls at the woman but, perhaps understanding that she has similar interests at heart, stops his attack. However, he swings his weapon with another shout, striking the ground with all his might in frustration. ''STOOOPID MAGE! WE KILL YOU IF YOU NO PAY!'' He growls. ''BARES-THE-FANGS NOT HAPPY! NO GOLD! NO REEESE-PECT!''
Despite his agitated state, he seems to have decided to follow Kat's lead. For now.
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Post by ๊ง ๐ข๐ฑ๐ช๐ป๐ฒ'๐๐ญ๐พ๐ท๐ฎ ๊ง on Jan 17, 2023 11:25:35 GMT -4
Shrinking with every increased volumized word Krexx yelled, Shari had made herself look as small as possible. Which, given her already slight stature, made her almost disappear entirely next to Kieg.
Little hands were then held outward, hands extended, palms down as she raised and lowered them, as if that may help diffuse things, her face strained and pleading. This would be a very long expedition indeed if they all couldn't get along before it even started.
When the earthen slabs erupted from the ground, she uttered an alarmed squeak and jumped almost two feet.
Kieg drawing his sword wasn't helping the situation, in fact, it seemed she was the only one trying to keep a cool head, though Kieg seemed still unsure what to do.
Kat seemed to be keeping her cool, however, unusually. That meant little thought, given how fast her moods could switch. When the Lady raised a simple finger to calm the infuriated Argonian, making him actually listen to her, Shari stood awestruck. A swell of admiration for the woman rose within her breast.
"Th-they do have a point, S-Sir..." she attempted, looking at Krexx, speaking in her most diplomatic, gentle tone, "Y-you are asking us to risk life and limb for you, based on your word that we will be compensated, after? It seems, Sir, you are the only one to gain anything right now. M-Maybe... if you had something of value-" she took a quick breath, "That i could hold onto, of course, and keep it safe, just as a measure of good will, where we don't know you, and those here seem to require a little reassurance on your word."
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Post by Kieg on Jan 17, 2023 20:56:32 GMT -4
Krexx again pinches the bridge of his nose in irritation, though he keeps one eye warily open. "Fine," he grouses, drifting back to the ground. "I suppose that would make a certain iota of sense. ...Though we are wasting precious time with this bargaining. This will all seem utterly trivial when all is done." He sighs, deeply. "I suppose I can consider this a sort of challenge... What of my remaining possessions do I have that can mollify characters such as yourselves...? Hmm..." He angles an eye in Kat's direction first. "How about this...?" He presses his palms together and then draws them apart suddenly. Between them appears a glimmering black soul gem*; not created, but pulled from some kind of phantasmal storage in the air itself. The black-and-purple gem glimmers with some manner of pent essence, a sign of occupation by some tormented soul or other. Krexx extends a finger and the black soul gem drifts towards Kat. "Perhaps you can find use for this, either for it's utility, or as a decoration." The Archmage turns to Fangs' next, and this time a bolus appears between his splayed fingers, a packed-together clump of what appears to be mostly compressed herbs, adhered together with wax. "This rare concoction is called king-for-a-night. Take this before you sleep, and speak out loud what you would like to dream before you close your eyes. You will experience a full night of the most vivid, believable dreams, exactly as you specify. Exercise your creativity a little and I'm sure you can find satisfaction for your instinctual urges, be they destruction, domination, or.. Otherwise. Just have a care that you speak succinctly and accurately." With a wave of Krexx's finger, this gift in turn floats towards Fangs'. "Just show me some magic again!!" Kieg exclaims before Krexx can even turn his head in his direction. The Archmage rolls his eyes and with a rap of his staff against the earth the Nord disappears in a burst of green sparks and flame. "And you..." Krexx's eyes turn towards Shari'adune, focusing in on her in minute detail as he combs through what little he knows.
"Hmmm," he intones at length. "I'm afraid nothing material comes to mind for you, so instead I offer you three questions. Ask me anything and I will answer truthfully, to the best of my considerable knowledge. I swear on this. Or else, name a desire and, if I have something appropriate in my possession, it will be yours." He turns away. "I consider these gifts as a 'down payment' of sorts, and proof that I can make good on my promises. Hopefully we can now finally start making progress towards our main goal." Krexx turns to face everyone, and for a short moment a puzzled expression crosses his face. "Oh.. Right." He slams the butt of his staff down again and Kieg reappears, shrouded in green haze, his eyes and mouth open in ecstatic glee. "That was amazing!" The Nord shouts cheerfully. "Can I go again!?" "No." ((* Weirdly, black soul gems do not appear to exist in ESO. But in most other Elder Scrolls games, they are the only soul gem capable of trapping a man or mer's soul, and are relatively rare.))
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Post by @sylverdubs on Jan 18, 2023 22:32:43 GMT -4
Bares-The-Fangs caught the clump of herbs in one large, clawed hand. The head of his large mace drifted slowly to the ground as he brought the herbs to his nose and sniffed at it.
Keeping his mace low, he strode to the mage, moving Kieg aside with the shaft of his weapon. The gesture might have felt rough but it was obvious by the fact his attention was fully on the mage that Fangs didn't intend to be disrespectful to Kieg. Maybe... Fangs looked angry all the time anyways.
He stopped in front of Krexx, his chin and nose spike mere inches from the wizard's face.
''I DO NOT ACCEPT THISSS OFFERING. SSSMELLY PLANTSSS SSSHOULD HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO THE WOOOD ELF!'' He growled and raised the packed herbs until it was just to the left of Krexx's face. He crushed it, the clump oozing through his scaly fingers then tossed the herbs carelessly in Shari's general direction.
''YOU LISSSTEN TO THE WOO-MAN.'' He pointed a claw in Kat's direction. ''FAIL TO PAY AND I MAKE A BOWL OF YOUR SKULL AND FILL IT WITH JUICY GRUBS, WEEE-ZARD!''
Fangs snarled again for good measure and strode away, growling and muttering under his breath as he swings his mace back and forth at nothing.
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Post by ๐๐๐ แดแดแด ๐ก๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐น๐ฎ๐ป on Jan 18, 2023 23:45:21 GMT -4
"Th-they do have a point, S-Sir..." she attempted, looking at Krexx, speaking in her most diplomatic, gentle tone, "Y-you are asking us to risk life and limb for you, based on your word that we will be compensated, after? It seems, Sir, you are the only one to gain anything right now. M-Maybe... if you had something of value-" she took a quick breath, "That i could hold onto, of course, and keep it safe, just as a measure of good will, where we don't know you, and those here seem to require a little reassurance on your word."
Kat found herself blink-blinking again. Everyone seemed to be surprising her today with unusual bouts of brain power, that she hadn't known they were capable of.
Amber eyes narrowed, waiting to see how the mage would respond.
The appearance of the black soul gem, perked her interest. She hadn't ever seen one, only heard about them in some of the more darker circles she lurked in.
As it landed in her hand, her face remained impassive as she smoothly deposited it into her pack. Once it was secure, she wet her lips and shrugged at Krexx, something clearly working within her mind.
Her attention drifted to Fangs as his ... prize?...was presented. It seemed to be a stretch for her to say nothing, her face twisting with disbelief and veiled amusement.
Raising a brow, she watched Fangs react, just as she expected him to, even only having met him maybe an hour ago. The reaction was anticipated, if not gentler than she had hoped for. Her head shook slowly.
At Shari's gift, she stroked her chin. So the little idiot was granted knowledge. That was valuable, or could be. If used correctly.
Kieg's request made her palm her face. When he disappeared, she piped up in a drawl, "Ye could leave him gone, I wouldn't complain."
"I consider these gifts as a 'down payment' of sorts, and proof that I can make good on my promises. Hopefully we can now finally start making progress towards our main goal."
Krexx turns to face everyone, and for a short moment a puzzled expression crosses his face.
"Oh.. Right."
When Kieg reappeared, she muttered disappointed, then focused on Krexx.
"I will take the gem, sure. But seriously. The elf," gestured to Shari without looking at her, "asked ye to give us something valuable to ye. Something of yers, that ye value that ye don't want to give us, but will, because ye want to ensure we trust ye even a very," she pinched her fingers together, "tiny bit, that yer going to PAY us, something more valuable than a glowing rock, sleepy time goo, questions to an idiot, and amusement park rides to another idiot. All those things ye gave us easily, none of it meant sh*t to ye."
"So, what are we going to hold onto fer ye?" her head leveled, "It better be-"
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