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Tales of the Faerie Guardians (between HC-Gal and MaidenRoseHeart only)
In the bustling town of Legacy Glen, there are guilds. Each guild is responsible for providing a service to that town. There was the weapons guild, the fighters guild, the farmers guild, the artists guild, the musicians guild, and even a horse racing guild. The most expensive services of all the services however are those that require magic.
Magic stored in items can be used to help with many ordinary chores, or not so ordinary. However only those with the abilities or training to control such items are able to use them. Then only those who are powerful enough or rich enough are able to even afford them have them. To own such items or weapons was not unknown, but rare. Most who did in this city were members of the magic guild. So the guild itself, though relatively small, is one of the most powerful in the city. It is known as the Dragonslayers Guild. However, every now and then some appearingly innocent person is able to go out on a mission or request and fulfill it without any magical device. For there exists a power that the guilds cannot own or control. A power the city doesn't know exists within its walls. A power that if united could be a successful opponent economically and reputationally to the Dragonslayers Guild. ---------- Katara jumped back as the panther leaped towards her. The farmers were huddled inside their house where they had hidden since they managed to post a notice in town. There was a reward for the death of a panther. Not just any panther, but one that had poison fangs. Katara whirled around and glanced at the house. All the windows were boarded up tight. No one would notice... she leaped into the air and summoned her guardian Faerie. Thep flew up and out of range of the steely cat. She had a slight headache and closed her eyes for a minute to refocus. Then holding her hands out over her head with NeoAqua mimicking her, she gathered the water droplets in the air and brought them together to form hundreds of small spikes. Then Katara brought her hands sweeping down towards the panther who crouched to swing at them, killing him in mid leap. Katara landed back on the ground and smiled to Neo Aqua in graditute. Neo, for short, smiled back and collapsed herself back into Katara's body. Katara turned and walked to the house to collect the reward. It would be tough to explain this without giving her guardian faerie away. She decided to say something about pinetrees and a lucky hit over the panthers head. Anyrate she had to hurry. She was supposed to help close her landlady's shop today and she wouldn't make it on time at this rate. |
Things weren't so action-orientated further in town, even as the soft hustle and bustle of shops being closed was occurring, a certain young man was rested outside the shop, he'd already been inside, grabbed a few basic things with most of the cash he had, mostly the materials for basic medicine, he already had a bag with him, containing a loaf of bread, he'd probably grab a drink later at the tavern, but it was a disciplined lifestyle. He didn't actuall work for the dragon-slayers guild. he didn't even have evidence of being part of them, but what he did have was a two piece set. A gauntlet, hefty, large, protecting his entire left arm, red as blood. The second piece was the sword it was linked to; a magic sabre that refused to leave the vicinity of the gauntlet, few people really knew what it was or even where it came from, but he did..
But it wasn't even his goal, this sword was a means to an end, after-all a treasure hunter like himself had dreams of something much larger, far more important. He adjusted his position slightly, the sword resting against his shoulder whilst he broke his bread in half calmly, a simple meal was enough to get him through tonight. Again the young man shifted, wrapping one half of the bread and setting it aside in the satchel he carried with him and biting into the half loaf that remained whilst he stared at the sun, it threatened to set over the vast, tree-covered horizon. It was a curious thought that crept into his mind, however, how it all looked to him. Like a small moment of perfection. He didn't realize just how much of a foreboding omen it was in some cultures to be able to stare at a setting sun like that. When a sun did not have the power to burn a man's eyes for staring at it, it mean that the light was waning, that darkness was preparing an advance upon the world. While in the metaphorical sense this was very true, there was also the literal.. Darkness conspiring against the light.. He took another bite out of his bread, happily unaware of the nature of the world changing around him. There were far more important things to worry about, like an empty belly to fill.. |
Katara arrived back at the shop. The reward of coins she had gotten earlier was carefully placed under the floorboards in her room above the shop. She hurried back down and started to sweep out the store and front porch area. The landlady, Mrs. Ginger, glanced at her before heading out back to the small home she lived in. She didn't say much. She never did. Mrs. Ginger was Katara's one friend in this place. Katara had been orphaned at a young age and sent to a temple to be a priestess. The temple had been a simply place at the edge of a lake. It's rural location as well as its reputation of being a female only sanctuary had enticed a group of bandits to pilfer the place. Only survivors had been the group of girls who had been out hiking. Katara had been one of them. The nearby town had taken them in and allowed different people to adopt or take in the mourning girls. Mrs. Ginger had taken her in.
Katara sighed. It would have been a bleak existence if it wasn't for Neo. Neo had made herself known to Katara at the death of her parents. She didn't appear often until after Katara moved into town. Then Neo had taught her how to get by. No, more than get by. How to live a normal life while training her abilities. Katara finished sweeping. Put the broom away and locked the door. Heading upstairs to her apartment, Katara tiredly wondered when she would be strong enough to control more than small amounts of water. At first, she had hardly been able to fly. So she was improving. It took work and time. Time Mrs. Ginger strangely graciously gave her. Picking up a book from her nightstand, Katara leafed through it as she started supper. Mrs. Ginger had a collection of musty, obscure books in her store that she let Katara borrow. This one had been a gift on her last birthday. Katara frowned. She didn't remember seeing this one on the store's shelves. It was a biography on a gentleman who claimed to have killed the last dragon. He knew a lot about dragons and seemed to respect them quite a bit. Katara was hoping in reading this, she would be able to understand why he killed the last one as well as how he knew it was the last one. |
Katara was getting ready to turn in for the night when she heard a dog barking outside. Curious, she glanced out the window and saw a man trying to get some shut eye in the doorway of a shop across the street. Well, had been trying. There was a dog growling at him. She sighed. Better go see if he was alright.
She turned and raced down the stairs and unlocked the store's front doors. Grabbing some pepper spray, she lightly leaped off the porch and sprayed the dog's eyes. The dog yelped and jumped away. Then after a whimper, turned and loped away. She shook her head and turned to the man on the steps. "Hey there? You planning on staying there for the night? There is a spare room upstairs if you need a place to stay." |
The young man in question didn't look entirely perturbed by the wild dog, frankly he'd seen angrier squirrels in his adventures and those things were SCARY.. Or was that just when he was a kid..? Huh.. He couldn't tell entirely as this young woman from across the street came to his apparent rescue, leaving him with a bit of a dull and confused stare as he watched the poor dog get scared off by the pepper spray.
He wasn't sure whether to thank her or tell her off for being so cruel to the poor animal, he understood the slight desperation of a hungry animal, not that he himself had hunger issues at the time. However he shifted his head a bit, trying to get a good look of her in the dark. Her offer for a place to stay was certainly a nice thing, but this seemed a little clumsy, a girl inviting a strange off the street into her home, he wanted to point out how stupid that seemed, but then again she did have that pepper spray. And an apparent willingness to use it.. The prospect of sleeping inside also seemed nice, he pushed himself to his feet, brushing off the back of his cloak, the old runic symbols reflected in the moonlight, "It's actually a very nice night." He replied, "But, if you insist," He added, rubbing the back of his head lightly before he heaved his sword onto his shoulder, "Do you make a habit of picking strays up off the street?" |
Her face colored in indignation, then her brain kicked in. Just the ones sleeping across the street. She paused and noticed for the first time his arm. Her gaze followed that up to where his sword rested over his shoulder. She whistled. You aren't a mercenary or something weird are you? I mean, you don't see stuff quite like that everyday. Your arm... Realizing she was acting like a country bumpkin, she frowned. Turned on her heels and headed back to the store. You coming or not stranger? The room is upstairs... ACROSS the hall from mine so no funny ideas.
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"I'm a treasure hunter, actually." The man replied rather proudly bumping his chest with his other hand whilst smiling, "I dont do the whole blood-money stuff," He added, just so it was clear, "The sword is just for protecting me, it would be kind of idiotic to go rooting around in old ruins and dark forests without something handy to fight off the old usuals.. Bandits.. Unfriendly knights, undead, monsters," He listed them off rather casually, keeping in pace with her,
He adjusted the satchel with the stuff belonging to him, resting it at his side, "This gauntlet and sword are just.. Something.. I don't remember really.. I know they're special and I know what they do. That usually works for me." He smirked a little bit when she told him not to get any ideas, "You're not exactly my type, I like them young and tender, they go well with a nice brandy," He retorted jokingly, "In case you get some weird psycho vibes, that was a joke." He added, knowing some people didn't go for the more dry humor, "It's not in my nature to bite the hand that feeds, or provides a warm bed. Atleast I'm pretty sure it isn't since the idea isn't exactly appealing.." He shrugged to himself, "Not sure if it matters but I call myself Dein Verzai, a few people have called me Red in the past, for garishly obvious reasons.." |
Katara glanced back at him as they were climbing the stairs, Treasure "Hunter? Never would have guessed. What is a guy like you doing outside when you could be inside this time of night? I assumed you were an adult orphan. Felt bad for you, though obviously I didn't need to worry. You look like you can take care of yourself. By the way, the name is Katara."
She reached the top. "And another question, if you don't mind a curious person too much, the back of your cloak is unique... but kinda cool. Is there something those signs mean?"Her door was on the left with the copies of reward posters all over it. They were old and long ago completed. Some had strange purple markings on them. Others had red check marks. All of them were from the last ten years. On the right was another door. Plain and brown, but sturdy. She opened it and stepped back to her own door, arms crossed. It was easy to see inside the room. It looked like a tiny apartment complete with a bed, kitchen area, desk, shelves, and table. "If you are interested in staying in town awhile, the landlady offers a good deal on her rooms. I'm the only one brave enough to stand her cold stare. So the other two rooms are empty too. She doesn't like humans very much, but respects those who are brave... and respectful." |
"Would you believe me if I said I dont actually know as much as I'd like to about myself?" Dein replied, chuckling a little at the prospect himself, "I've been living rough for about a year now, because I dont know who my friends and family are, it's not bad, I get to spend a lot of nights looking at the stars." He explained partially, following her with casual steps and looking about the place, it really wasn't too bad here, the question about his cloak made him shrug,
"Beats me, but I've had a nagging feeling I should keep it around." He rubbed his chin when she mentioned about the room being available, though really he didn't have a way to pay for it yet.. What little cash he had handy was to get him through the coming weeks. He placed his satchel inside the room, leaning the sword against the wall next tot he door, "Doesn't like humans..? Huh.." He wondered about it a moment but then shrugged, "I'm not here to cause trouble.. I just heard about there being a few ruins within a day or two's walk of here. I'm searching for five special items and whatever other artefacts I can find and sell, but using this place as a central hub would be pretty handy.." he shrugged to himself, "I only got into the Treasure Hunting trade because I cant remember my own history, may as well learn some-one else's until I can piece my own together." Dein chuckled once more, "And brave..? I'm not really sure I cover that.. Stupid perhaps..? Lacking in sense.. That about covers going into ruins with old traps and monsters residing in them.." He sighed a little, "Perhaps this isn't such a good idea, I dont want to be imposing.." |
Katara raised an eyebrow, "Imposing? Naw. The old lady is fine with a friend staying over a night. Not a problem. She might be willing to let you stay if your willing to open up shop and watch things for an hour or so for her. She isn't as young as she used to be and getting around in the mornings is tough on her. At least that is what she says. I've never seen her looking weak. She has grunt. If I did my reading downstairs to keep an eye on you, she probably claim this idea was hers in the first place."
Katara unfolded her arms and stepped back to her door. Before going in she paused, "Um, you have been doing a lot of traveling lately. I can let you borrow my maps and be your guide to some of the local ruins in exchange for information. Stories. Anything you know about dragons... and... and faeries. Please! Don't laugh. I have my reasons. It is a hobby of mine to learn obscure and outdated stuff. Dragons died a long time ago and faeries don't exist, I know that. But if you would indulge me on that, maybe we could make a bargain? |
Dein did seem a little surprised by this rather kind treatment. He certainly wasn't entirely used to it, but it wasn't unwelcome.. He wasn't sure how he could be classified as a friend, she barely even knew him, which wasn't saying much for himself either.. The treasure hunter backed into the room, though the idea of him helping around seemed fine to him, he was used to doing helpful things, that and the prospect made him feel god inside, like it was more natural for him. It made the day he woke up with no memory seem like such a vastly different contrast.
"Well.. I'd certainly help out if asked.." He stated, but the gave her a curious look, speaking of being his guide, asking for stories, not that he had a great deal to share, information, same again, dragons or faeries..? He didn't even know why she thought he'd laugh, but when she claimed dragons had died and faeries no longer existed, something in his gut denied both these statements profusely and he found himself blurting out, "Says who??" This was followed sharply by him pulling a confused look as he tried to figure out why he said it, "Well. if we do find something I dont see why I cant tell you.. Part of me doesn't believe what you said. Dragons being dead and Faeries not existing..? Neither of these things sit well with what I feel." She chuckled a bit, "Mabe I'm just a believer.. Well, seeing as I am here to stay it seems.. Is there a bathing room available..? I could use a good wash." |
Katara gave him an amused look, You must have really lost your memories or something. Everyone knows that the last dragon was killed over 50 years ago by a gentleman named Natsu. I have his biography in my room. Seems like a nice enough guy. But he is hiding something and I aim to find out what.
As for the faeries... old wives tales. Meant to encourage children." Katara hesitated. She was kind person by nature. Being an orphan showed her the value of helping others. With the priestesses of the now ruined temple she had been taught compassion and the good that comes in life from doing your best. Mrs. Ginger had in her own way shown her the importance of learning even if there is no one to guide you. But no one had told her how to know who to trust. Her faerie guardian inside of her was an added responsibility. The safety of others not knowing was important. So if she must convince this amnesia fellow faeries were nonexistant, then she would. "I'll talk to Mrs. Ginger in the morning. There is a hot room at the end of the hall. There are three tubs. The upper pool is lukewarm and easy to scrub off in. The middle pool is hot, so watch out, but great to relax in. The third pool is cool. There are clean towels in there too on shelves above any oils and soaps you might like. Enjoy." |
Dein still found the idea of dragons being dead a little hard to believe, something in his head argued the point that it was ultimately false, no matter what was said by people. While he didn't remember specific memories, he knew concepts, ideas and theories, stories and the likes, basic things, plus a whole year of learning things,
"This Natsu may want to be sure the last dragon is dead before he says it.." Dein started, still finding the whole concept personally unbelievable. Her speak of Faeries as folklore and purely stories also seemed wrong, but she seemed quite adamant, "I dont like to believe what is written, written word can be made propaganda, it ruins the magic, if we believed what people just put on paper it would be too simple. I could write that I have no skill with a sword and I'd be lying." He rubbed the back of his head softly and smiled a bit, "Sorry.. I think I have an odd streak of my own.. It's just too simple for me to say they're dead." Dein replied finally before kneeling by his sword. He reached up to his left arm, pressing against the shoulder, with a few straps unbuckled he finally slid his arm out of the gauntlet, the sword was then shifted and pressed down the length of the gauntlet as though it were a large sheath, and it did indeed hold itself in place, keeping the armoured piece rigid. He then grabbed his satchel. he had a change of clothes but he almost always wore the cloak. A good wash would help him to feel as right as rain before bed, "Until I have definitive proof, I'll keep on believing in their existence, you have to believe in something or what's the point, right?" |
Katara cringed and opened her door. So much for convincing the fellow. If he wanted to believe the concept, she would have to twist faeries into little butterfly like creatures or something. At least tomorrow would be more interesting. Night. Sleep well. Breakfast in the kitchen at 6:30am. Store opens at 7. I'll let Mrs. Ginger know you need a place to stay and are willing to open up shop. One thing you should know about her, she never lies. So she will hold you to your word. One guy cheated her and was never seen again. No joke."
Hoping that gave him something other than faeries to worry about, she slipped into her room and closed the door. Katara sighed and leaned against the door. Man was he something. A complete mystery. Her mind went back to the book she had been reading before she rushed out to "save" Dein. This gentleman Natsu had hinted at dragons having amazing abilities with a moral code. Beyond the expected flying and fierce talons though, he had been vague. If he respected them so much, why did he kill the last one? How did he know it was the last one? Dein said you couldn't believe everything you read. Katara got up and moved to the mirror puzzled. As she looked at her reflection, realization began to dawn. A thought no one had entertained for years. Dein had said that if he wrote he had no skill with a sword, that didn't make it true. So... would Natsu have written that he killed the last dragon? Even if it wasn't true? Why? Staring at her reflection and the shock on her face, Katara focused inward and asked NeoAqua to come out. Neo came up behind Katara and looked with troubled eyes into Katara's reflection. Katara sighed. Neither of them had answers. Maybe it was time to stop reading and start investigating. Ruins were a likely place. Neo knodded and gently pushed Katara towards the bed. Katara felt suddenly drowsy. Neo had a way of making sure she got her sleep, even if it was cheating with a spell. At least now she had a goal for tomorrow besides playing guide. |
The man watched Katara disappear, he wondered if perhaps he'd been too forward or rough on the subject. BUt the pulsing feeling in his chest refused to bend or buckle to the belief that Dragons or Faeries were extinct, he couldn't explain that part, surely it had something to do with his past but he certainly couldn't piece anything together. And considering the supernatural creatures he'd dealt with in his travels as a Treasure Hunter, it seemed too convenient for two species to just disappear like that.
Dragons can lay dormant for over a century, How did he know this? It could easily be why they disappeared, much like an animal going into hibernation, and Faeries were a culmination of supernatural energy with an attached will, a personality, energy could never be destroyed, only converted to affect or adapt to the world around it and along with it went the personality. As he bathed he tried to consider these things, but he couldn't seem to scrape much more from the back of his mind, after a while he got out, dried off and returned to his assigned room, closing the door and making sure he had everything back on, the gauntlet included. He laid down on the bed, but moments later found himself sleeping behind it, on the ground, he was more comfortable with the solid ground, though he'd at least nabbed the bed covers. |
Katara was up early, dressed, and downstair before sunrise. There was a dining area and kitchen behind the store. From there a back patio with a path to Mrs. Ginger's house. She was returning from there after explaining to Mrs. Ginger she had taken in another stray. This time it wasn't a rabbit or kitten, but a man. Mrs. Ginger has raised an eyebrow but after a long appraisal of Katara's honest face had allowed the arrangement. "I will take stay home for breakfast today Katara. With this young man of yours to open the store, I rather enjoy some quiet time welcoming the sunrise. It is easier to relish the sunrise when there aren't people around. You'll have to excuse me."
Katara opened the back door and slipped quickly inside. If Dein truly had been wondering around like a vagabond, then he probably hadn't had a decent meal in awhile. Though she wasn't the best cook, she wasn't that bad either. Neo appeared and helped with breakfast. She took care of the fried potatoes and onions while Katara worked on the sausage turkey and fried eggs. Katara smiled over at Neo, "I'm grateful for the company and the help Neo. Just don't hang out here too long."About ten minutes till the appointed 6:30, Neo gently hugged Katara and faded back into her. Katara smiled. She never had to worry about being alone again. She had a friend no one could take away. She opened the cupboards to get plates and such to set the table with. |
[LoL in your post previous you wrote Jolene at the start, not Katara xD]
Dein had woken up relatively early himself, but he really hadn't left the room, taking time to tidy up the bed and assure it was neat again. Though he picked up one of the covers and stared at it for a moment, there were puncture holes in the sheet where his gauntlet must have caught it. Admittedly not the best thing to do as a guest, he couldn't exactly explain it off.. After trying to tidy it as best he could he found himself at the window, staring out at the early morning streets. It was quiet today.. "Well, I cant stay up here forever.." Dein mentioned to himself, checking on his sword for a moment. And though he knew it worried some people, he didn't like going anywhere without it, the hunter hoisted the blade onto his shoulder and made his way out of the room, carefully making his way down stairs. It was at this point he could actually smell the cooking, and such a thing did make his stomach gurgle, but he'd endured worse in the past. After reaching the ground floor he stretched, so much that a few bones popped. It was oddly relaxing, so much so that he felt his limbs loosening a little. He wasn't sure if he should be calling out, with how early it was, or wandering around too much, so instead he found a place at the front door, resting his back at the side of it. He figured if anyone was going to open it up soon, this was where they would be. |
Katara had breakfast ready and plates on the table. Smiling, she decided to go wake up Dein. Heading into the shop she saw him by the front door. "Morning there Dein. Breakfast is ready."Katara came over and stood where she could look outside.
By the way, Mrs. Ginger agreed to let you open up the shop in the mornings. It is a slow part of the day so not much to worry about. The key is under the counter on a little hook. You just unlock the door and make sure people pay for whatever they decide to pick up and walk out with." She laughed at the thought of a would-be thief walking in and seeing Dein. He would probably start stammering and run for it. Yeah, having Dein here for an hour in the morning could be fun. It was a quiet part of town and in a good neighborhood, so the likely hood of thieves showing up were slim. Katara turned and looked over at Dein, "But that can wait. You ready for some breakfast? Afterward that and opening up shop we can go over a local map or two and figure out which ruins you are the most interested in. There are several to choose from. That is, if you survive your first meeting with Mrs. Ginger." Katara winked at that last statement. Mrs. Ginger was a tough cookie, but she was also really nice inside. |
"Sounds like an easy enough deal." Dein grinned slightly, watching over the shop in the morning certainly seemed a little easy, he'd certainly done far more dangerous things. He watched Katara as she spoke, even as she laughed, things seemed so natural for her. Though he briefly recalled those bounty markers on her door, evidence that she wasn't just any normal girl, not that he'd question it out loud, matters of privacy and all. Such things aside, life seemed so calm under the shelter of this place, a small piece of him yearned for such peace, but so long as he didn't know his own identity it was difficult to be comfortable anywhere.
"Actually, I already know where I want to go." He added in a rather matter-of-fact manner, "I'd planned it out before coming here, I heard there are Ruins known as the Remnants of Kabel. They were an old tribe that dealt with celestial beings. They were great healers but even they needed a champion to protect them. There's supposed to be an ancient sword hidden in the ruins. No-one has found it yet." He regaled the information almost as though he'd memorised it then thumped his chest, "But then, none who have searched for it are me." Dein remarked confidently, "There's actually four more Kabel weapons, but this was the closest," |
Katara stared at him in shock. The Remnants of Kabel. She actually knew little if anything about them, but no one in this town would admit to that. All that could be said was that sometimes you got hurt. Other times you didn't survive. And usually, only bounty hunters passing through even went out to check them out. Granted, her curious side had once taken over and had her go out to see them. But she hadn't gotten very close. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Best to just admit right now how much of a guide she could be.
She could only take him there. Inside she was of no use. Would he mind? Her own quest for the truth behind dragons could also start there. Maybe she would find something. Maybe she would find an ancient artifact that had magic in it. Then she could more legitimately go after rewards without always coming up with fictional stories to cover NeoAqua's existence. But hold on, then the magic guild would want her to join them. They were pleasant and respectful, but had a rose's thorns. He was a treasure hunter and a traveler. He would know what to do and not do there. She could guide him there with a clean conscience. If she also found anything worthwhile, then she would decide then what to do with it. I've never been inside of them. Only seen them from a distance. I can take you there, but how about some breakfast." She began wondering if there were any mention of these Kabel weapons in those books Mrs. Ginger kept around. Maybe if no one came in after breakfast, he could help her look. Mrs. Ginger would be by about an hour after the shop opened, so she didn't have a lot of time to research... or she could just ask. "What are these ruins actually like? These weapons, what makes them so special? You must really want them to have turned it into a quest. She bit her lip wondering if she was too nosy. Her friendliness and blunt questions often got strange looks from others. But how else was she to know? Deciding to take a chance, she added, "The ruins of a temple are nearby. It was destroyed about ten years ago by bandits and no one has rebuilt the place. It hasn't been long enough for treasure hunters to start snooping around, and the townsfolk revere the place too much. I'm very familiar with that area inside and out. There is just one place inside I would like to visit. After we go to these Kabel ruins, on the way back would you mind so terribly if we just dropped by? It would only take about 5 minutes. |
"What? You live in this region and you didn't know?" Dein asked her with a half shocked expression, "This land was once that of a tribal people known as the Kabel, They were master artisans, geniuses with stone mechanics and engineering, clockwork devices today were practically created to replicate many of their clever devices and contraptions. But healing was their greatest power, they could mend broken bones, mix potions that would fight disease, both normal and magical, they would fortify their bodies with defensive oils and treatments that would protect them from harm." He ran through the information he'd recited in his head for quite a while now,
"Sadly they were faced with a terrible evil force, their great heroes were able to despel it, but the Kabel people were shattered and broken. Those that were left separated out into the world, the Heroes abandoned their weapons in the temples where they were forged." Dein chuckled again, rubbing a this head, "I don't see why you can't come along, I'm certainly not going to stop you," He grinned a little, "They say all the weapons were forged in unique ways, Flaros' blade is the crystallized blood of a dragon, enhanced with rare minerals, their finest craftsmen worked diligently to make the edge sharp, they treated it so that it would remain perfectly clear, they even attempted to crush the blade once it had been forged but it remained undamaged." He spoke with awe of the weapon, "To see such a master craft is the dream of a treasure hunter, weapons collectors, blacksmiths even alchemists, knights, kings! To feel it in my hands and use it, now there's something worth searching for," He smirked, staring aside to Katara, "I just feel like this is something I have to do with my life, even if I cant remember my own past, at least I'm making something to remember, perhaps even something others will know me for." "The ruins themselves are actually dangerous if you get into the inner temples, spike pits, moving walls, swinging blades, they loved their traps, it was the best way to protect their greatest secrets. Ancient magic can keep some of their more mystical traps running for centuries. If we come back out alive, I'm sure anywhere you want to go will be a nice reprieve," He replied, chuckling again, he didn't seem to take the idea of death much too seriously, part of him was perhaps trying to warn her off about it, not wanting her put in danger on his account. "So what about that breakfast? If we want to go a whole day of trying to survive impending death at every corner we do need a healthy start off." |
Katara stared open mouthed during his Kabel recitation. Oh wow. She really was going to have an extraordinary day. If anything else, this man would be making it more than interesting. Her mind leaped at the thought of what could be in those ruins for her. So alluring... and that is why treasure hunters did what they did. She was young yet and really shouldn't be doing this sort of thing without more training and experience. But how else to get such experience? No, she would go. It would be fun and definitely something to remember.
Sounds like we are going to have quite the day Dein. Breakfast sounds good. Come on.With that she turned to lead the way back to the kitchen where the smell of turkey, potatoes, and the like were wafting through the place. Nothing like a good meal to give one energy! |
Dein followed Katara calmly, smiling when she mentioned about the kind of day they were going to have. He couldn't actually guarantee that the traps would really be functioning any more but he hoped they were, he needed the excitement, the reason to stay alive and get through. It was the great adventure of a treasure hunter like himself to go after such things no matter the adversity faced. The smell of food was filling his nose and making him hungry gain, but he knew to have manners and wait for her to serve up.
"So I imagine you can look after yourself well enough?" Dein added finally, staying out of the way and making sure his sword didn't disturb anything, he was rather nimble and alert in spit of lugging about such a large weapon, he didn't even scrap anything, "I was looking at those posters on your door, that's an impressive collection of bounties and contracts completed." Dein grinned a bit, "Kind of makes it obvious that there's something more to you, like.. You have two sides." He played on the term, "It's a curious thing, to have a hidden power inside that people dont know about at first glance.." |
Katara paused in dishing up the food, striving to maintain a calm expression. Inside her heart was jumping all over the place. Quickly she reasoned it was a normal question for anyone who knew of her abilities to go on jobs that usually required fighting skill or a magical weapon. She finished dishing up the plates of food and brought them to the table. I suppose it would seem like I have two sides to me. You probably think of me as an innocent and naive girl who randomly helps whoever comes along after I dragged you off the street. Katara took a seat and tasted a bite of the eggs before continuing. I haven't always lived here. I was orphaned when I was young and sent to a temple to be a priestess. The skills taught there and what I gained were going to guide me the rest of my life. Then that didn't work out and I ended up here. Mrs. Ginger took me in and I settled into a routine. I was angry though and maybe a bit self-destructive. I took one of the reward posters and went out on the job. Through luck and chance I actually completed it. Over the next couple years, I learned that I was incredibly lucky. I usually am able to complete the jobs and collect the rewards. Since then I have grown confident in myself and have let go of the painful emotions that come from my past. I've turned to studying old books, looking after this place, and spending my restless energy out on jobs that don't appear too difficult. Hoping that would satisfy his curiosity, she began to dig into the food. She was completely calm now and half believed her own story. She knew some of the signs of a liar and had worked to make sure she spoke naturally with inflections in the right place, meeting his eyes, and allowing at times for hand movement and turning one of her palms up. She glanced at the clock, ten minutes till time to open the shop. Pity not many customers came in the morning. She couldn't count on them to distract him. She would just have to bluff her way through with him just like everyone else, and there had been some pretty scary other people to fool too.
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Dein stared at her with a bit of a dulled expression, half confused that she'd gone on a life story of her background, but it was nice to learn a few things about her, however he took some of it with a inch of salt, it wasn't that she was being dishonest, but that she wasn't actually being open about this luck of hers, you couldn't be lucky every time, if anyone knew about having a serious case of bad luck, it was Dein. On the upside at least she had more things to remember, he'd been so concentrated on his past year and the future.
He sat with her, silently enjoying the meal but watching her as she spoke, her physical signs and movements seemed forced on a minor scale, he supposed that was where the dishonesty lay, but he knew not everyone liked to tell their secrets, if everyone did that the whole world would be a little bit more chaotic, he was sure of it. The man checked his sword as it leaned against the table, making sure it was stable before continuing with the meal, it was very well prepared and it was extraordinary to have such a good meal in his belly for once instead of bread and water. He made a muffled sound of appreciation as he took another spoonful in, wiped his mouth carefully, swallowed and smiled, "You've got an aptitude for cooking too, you're a complete package. How many men have proposed to you?" He asked with a chuckle, "If at least half the town hasn't considered it, including married men, I'd be surprised.." |
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