Zuigrii chuckles and takes a sip. 

When Sylvia asks about the rumor he rolls his eyes. “I’m not sure how many people took it seriously. I don’t know who started it but I’ve taken steps to protect myself in the future. I doubt it was a malicious thing anyway. If it was though I’m starting to develop some theories but that will come another day.”

Read More...

Storm raises an eyebrow as she listens to Nill but just nods.

"Yeah... Okay..." She shakes her head and then looks beyond Nill. "Let's go this way instead."

She steps past the pixie, her tail swishing along behind her. She glances down at Nill once more and then begins heading toward the other end of the alley, away from the center of town.

Read More...

Nill gives a small shake of her head, like she’s correcting something obvious.

“I do not have the remembering of you doing the growling, either.” She says, voice even. “You do not have to be doing the apologizing.”

There’s a brief pause, and her head tilts.

“I have not had the seeing of you since the Amphitheater, Storm.”

Her attention drifts, glancing down the alley, then over her shoulder. She adjusts the edge of her sleeve, smoothing it once, then again, and finally turns back to Storm with a nod.

“We can be doing the wandering.”

Read More...

Storm gives Nill a tentative smile when she lands and steps up. "Yeah. Honestly, probably best not to be too touchy right now. When I'm stressed, I can lash out. And I'm... Usually pretty picky about who touches me anyways."

She sighs, closing her eyes for a moment while she takes in a deep breath. She exhales slowly and opens her eyes.

"I suppose I didn't snap at you, did I? But I did growl. So I'm sorry for growling at you. You startled me and I don't get startled."

She glances over her shoulder towards the main street and then back at Nill. "I'm not really in the mood to socialize anymore. But we can't leave town right now. So... Want to wander around with me until... I dunno? I'm ready to sneak into the tavern I suppose."

Read More...

Sylvia laughs as she sets the bottle back on the counter after filling Zuiigri's glass. "You are right about that. Absolutely right about that..."

She lifts her drink and takes a sip. "Did ya ever find out who started those rumors about you? It doesn't seem like it came to much of anything. Seeing as you're sitting in the tavern having a drink with me instead of being chased out with torches and pitchforks."

Read More...

Nill studies the draconian’s hand for a long moment, then slips out of sight.

A few seconds pass, then there’s the scrape of quick steps across the roof. The pixie drops, catching a windowsill on the way down. She moves through a series of precise jumps before letting herself fall the last few feet, wings fluttering just enough to soften the impact.

She stays crouched for a moment, adjusting her hood to make sure it’s secured on her horns. Her head snaps to either end of the alley, wings flaring slightly as she scans the shadows.

When she finds nothing, her wings settle, and she stands.

Nill steps closer to Storm, but not quite within reach. She stops there, making no move to perch like she usually would.

Read More...

Storm scrunches her face in confusion. "I... Okay. I guess?" She shakes her head and then raises a hand, holding it out to Nill. "Can you come down, please? So we can talk?"

Read More...

There’s a soft shuffle overhead before Nill’s head slowly appears over the edge of the roof. Her hood casts her face in shadow, but what can be seen is deliberately neutral.

“Storm, I think you have the confusion.” She says, tilting her head just slightly. “I do not have the remembering of you doing the snapping.”

Her wings give a small twitch behind her, but she makes no move to climb down yet.

Read More...

Zuigrii nods to his glass for the next round. 

“There is no way she’s there. If she was, the gates would have been busted open and we’d be getting berated for not working right now.” 

Read More...

Sylvia smiles and clangs her class against Zuiigri's. "Here here!"

She downs her glass and slams it onto the countertop. She takes a breath and then picks up the bottle. She pours another for herself and holds the bottle over Zuiigri's glass, waiting for his nod of approval before pouring. 

"I'm sure she's bossing around the other spirits. Wherever she is. Wonder if she ended up in the Graveyard of Lost Souls?" Sylvia snorts a laugh. "Doubtful. That woman was never lost in her life. But wherever she is, I know her hammer is going."

Read More...

After leaving the tavern, Storm slips around the side of the building to disappear from view of the front door. She leans against the side of the tavern and takes a deep breath. Her nose wriggles. She lifts her head and sniffs the air. The smells of the sea, the sweat of the workers, the dust from the roads, it all fills her senses. But after some effort, she focuses and pinpoints the scent she wants. 

After a few seconds of searching, Storm follows her nose around the tavern and to the back. She looks up and spots wings fluttering way overhead but the figure attached to them is so close to the roof, she can't make out their form.

"Nill? Nill is that you up there? Will you come down?" Storm shouts up at the rooftop. "I'm really sorry for snapping at you yesterday. Please come down."

Read More...

Vesta reaches for Zukar’s hand, giving it a quick squeeze. She smooths her skirts with her free hand, and gives Stella a smile.

“Of course,” she says warmly. “Let’s go.”

Together, the three of them make their way towards the Guild of Light.

Read More...

Zuigrii picks up his glass and cheers Sylvia and then the third glass. “To the guildmistress. Let her hammer blows ring out with the thunder.” 

He downs his drink and places his glass back on the bar. 

Read More...

"You'd be right 'bout prices. Havin' to charge out me ass to cover costs." The barkeep chuckles and then slaps the counter before turning away. "Top tier comin' right up."

He turns back around and sets two tumblers on the counter, pops the cork out of a bottle, and pours dark liquid into the glasses. 

"Might as well leave the bottle, Vin." Sylvia says reaching for one of the glasses.

The barkeep nods and puts the cork back in the bottle and slides it between them. "If'n ya need me, just holler."

Sylvia picks up the glass and holds it out in preparation to cheers Zuiigri. "To Guildmistress Lyra, may her legacy live on through her work."

Read More...

Zuigrii sits down next to Sylvia. “I know supplies are low but at least start us off with 3 glasses of whatever is best. It’s not a night to spare expense.”

Read More...

Stella's smile brightens. "Oh! I was in the guild last night helping out. Which one was E'ni'cala? I'd be happy to meet her and lend a hand."

Storm pushes away from the table. "Right. While you guys go to the Guild of Light, I'll look for Nill. See ya."

She doesn't wait for a response before heading for the tavern doors.

Stella watches her leave and then turns her attention to Vesta and Zukar, who rises from his seat as well. 

"Well, I suppose I am free. Shall we?"

Read More...

The doors to the tavern swing open and two familiar people step inside. One is a human with long blonde hair wearing the Guildmistress favor for the Artisan's Guild and the other is the wolf beastkin, Zuiigri. They walk through the tavern and up to the bar, each taking seats. 

"Oi there, Vin. How is it tonight?" Sylvia asks as she adjusts herself on the barstool.

The barkeep walks up and chuckles heartily. "Same ole, same ole, Miss Sylvia. Welcome welcome. And aye, Zuiigri! What'll you both be having?"

“A healer?” Vesta’s face brightens instantly, her whole demeanor shifting as excitement slips easily into place. “Oh, that’s perfect!”

She leans forward, hands coming together lightly on the table, as if an idea has already taken hold.

“I have a friend in the Guild of Light who’s from the Elven Kingdom as well,” her smile widens. “Her name is E’ni’cala. You have to meet her, she’s one of my dearest friends. I think the two of you would get along wonderfully!”

She gestures lightly, already halfway standing.

“I was planning on heading there this morning anyway. You should come with me,” she says, expectant. “If there’s anyone who would know how you could help with all of this, it’s her.”

Read More...

Stella perks up. "I am! I'm a healer actually." She glances at Storm. "I was the healer for our party when Storm and I were traveling together. But I've learned more since then. I've gotten better."

She leans on her elbows on the table. "Since Storm has found a new party to travel with, I assume you all have a healer?"

Storm grunts, idly twisting the tankard in her hands. "Why don't you worry about your own party? We can handle ourselves."

Stella looks at Storm. "I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to impose. I just want to offer my assistance if I can."

Storm sighs and her shoulders slump. "Right. Can't turn down a healer I suppose." 

Stella shrugs. "I mean, you can. You can tell me to fuck off."

Storm chuckles. "Like you'd listen."

Stella chuckles. "You know I live to help others. I'll do whatever I can to help. People are suffering. Dying. I don't want to sit by and let it happen if there is something I can do."

Storm nods but says nothing.

Read More...

Vesta nods, though there’s a slight tension behind the motion.

“Yes,” she says, smoothing it over, “I’m working on the famine. We have leads, but it’s… complicated.”

Her gaze drifts over Stella, taking her in.

“Are you a mage?”

Read More...