Fantasy Aetherspark IC

[SilverFlight]

"I did not know one could simply decide to become ruler," Korro observed gently. "Don't you need people to...rule?" The question was perhaps a little judgemental, but not unkind.

"And you," Korro turned to the sahagin, "Aren't you a princess? What possessed you to come all the way out here? Was it only your thirst for adventure, or is there another reason?"

Now that the danger was over, Korro wanted to know the people he'd been bound to protect. If they insisted on going after the Aetherspark, then by the power of the sealing ring about his neck, he was compelled to help them. The gold ring glinted. He could see it shining from the corner of one eye and it made him uncomfortable. Most of this clothes were worn or dull. He made a point of being inconspicuous as much as he could. The ring was in loud defiance of that.

Fangs9090 Noble Scion

 

[Gummy Worm]

Denver sat in silence for a while before glancing over at Korro and the thing on his neck. "So um...what's that for?" he asked pointing to it. "Looks uncomfortable" he said as Dio sat in his lap, purring like a cat as Denver pet him. Denver wasn't all that in tune with fashion so he didnt know what to call the ring, Nor did he realize that Korro did not voluntarily wear it.

SilverFlight

 

[SilverFlight]

Korro stiffened when Denver pointed to the ring.
"Ah, it is...a symbol of...of penance. It is not so uncomfortable, it changes size when I shapeshift. It...seals some of my power."

He conveniently left out the bit where he could not inflict harm, or purposefully ignore danger for the ones who sought the Aetherspark.

"I am...to serve a sentence...for something I did."
He thought back to the time when he had told Denver he was not worth healing, wondering if the goat would think less of him now that he had the chance to explain. For some reason the thought bothered him.

"You have nothing to fear from me though, I can promise you that."

At the knight's advice, Korro offered Kyanite a cozy space under his fur cloak, dense enough to hide the mantis if he curled up.

Korro looked back at Denver, "What of your cloak and shirt? Did the acid damage them badly?"

MageMantis Gummy Worm

 

[Fangs9090]

“Well, that is part of why we came on this quest. Since meeting Adelynn, we have been traveling to find unclaimed land where we can start a new kingdom. We’ve not had luck finding a suitable place, so we seek the Aetherspark. I do not intend to simply wish for a kingdom though. That would skip too many steps and would not allow Adelynn to learn what she needs to. I only intend to wish for fertile land where we can get started. I’m still considering my words for it though. We don’t know the nature of this artifact. The wrong choice of words could result in an existing kingdom being destroyed.”

 

[Gummy Worm]

"What did you do? Ive never heard of anything like that" he said "T-that is...if you want to share. no pressure!" he said realizing that he was being noisy before looking at his clothes "hmm...No I believe im ok!" he said again. Denver looked up at the darkening sky and yawned "Its been a long day. Im exausted" he said, between the overuse of his mana and the fighting Denver was exausted.

SilverFlight

 

[SilverFlight]

Kanon brought up a brilliant point. The item held great power true, but things that granted wishes were not always as straightforward as they seemed.
Still, the idea was impressive and Korro have Kanon a look that said as much.
"What a strange bunch I have stumbled into." he mused out loud.

Denver's innocent question made his ears fold back. He glanced over at the goat with something akin to regret in his eyes. It took him a long time to answer.
"Better you hear it from me than others." Korro said quietly. "I was a general, general in an army that conquered many lands...and...terrorized many people. We were lead by my brother. I brought much pain and suffering with my actions. Now my brother is dead, and I am here, atoning for both of us...I suppose."
He watched Denver carefully, looking for resentment or repulsion in his eyes.

At the mention of being tired Korro's expression softened. "Rest then, I will wake you when we arrive."
He undid the clasp of his thick, fur cloak and draped the garment about Denver's shoulders. Ky meeped in protest, shifting to move off Korro's shoulder and back under the cloak to stay warm.

Fangs9090 Gummy Worm

 

[Gummy Worm]

Denver listened to Korro speak but he didnt become repulsed by the wolf. After taking a moment to process what he said Denver held the wolfs hand and looked up at him. "Im sorry." he said scooting closer to him and feeling his face grown warm as the wolf draped his cloak around him. "Its not right that you have to brace your brothers consequences. Besides...that was the past. everyone deserves a second chance." The goat added before laying his head on the wolfs shoulder and letting out a comfortable sigh as he closed his eyes and slowly fell asleep.

SilverFlight

 

[SilverFlight]

"Everyone deserves a second chance."

The words struck him. To think that he was even remotely worthy of that kind of compassion, yet Denver gave it freely, and without judgement. An odd feeling came over him.
Perhaps, if this near stranger could bring himself to believe in the wolf, just maybe...Korro wasn't a lost cause after all.

The wolf went rigid again as Denver leaned against him, unsure of what to do with the contact. Looking down at his peaceful expression however Korro relaxed just a little. His own face felt hot and he lifted his head up to the clouds rolling overhead.
For the first time in a very long time Korro felt...happy.

Gummy Worm

 

[Stern LuLuLu]

Lena continued, guiding her icy mountain up the tunnel. Listening to what some of the others were saying.” So some of you guys are royalty. I had no clue I was in the presence of some big shots. I will tell you though the way I talk to you guys won’t change. And my goals for retrieving, the Aetherspark I simply want to see what I can do with it and make with it. “ She paused for a moment, thinking about something else. But I suppose I want to do that with all the new and interesting things I find especially what the Aetherspark.

Warren was sitting down, enjoying the ride. It almost looked as though he was on the verge of passing out from exhaustion, but he was for himself to stay up, at least until they left. As he listened to everyone chatting regularly, he thought it was nice.”You guys all have some interesting backgrounds.” All he knew was the temple where grew up and what he discovered after meeting Lena.

MageMantis Noble Scion SilverFlight Gummy Worm Fangs9090

 

[Fangs9090]

Kanon nodded. “My family serves a group of nobles, and I was expected to do the same. I shamed them when I left, so there’s no home for me there anymore. I do not regret my decision. I could not have fought honorably for those nobles. But Adelynn, I will give everything I have.”

Adelynn spoke up. “I’m still not used to hearing that. My mother always taught me to accept what you have and be happy. ‘Be kind to others, and the world will be kind to you.’ I would never have dreamed that would mean meeting someone like Kanon.”

 

[SilverFlight]

"Hmph, it sounds like Adelynn is more worthy of your skills than they were." Korro said, making sure to keep his voice low so as not to disturb the sleeping Denver.
To the racoon woman he answered more somberly: "Given how Kanon found you, I would guess the world was not so kind. Kanon is a rare soul, and it is good she did find you."

Lena earned a half-smile from the wolf. He had to respect her honesty, and appreciated her genuine desire to advance her knowledge and skill.
"And what about you geomancer?" He glanced over at Warren. "You are beholden to the fae woman? How did that come about?"

Fangs9090 Stern LuLuLu

Gummy Worm

 

[Gummy Worm]

Dio was curled up with Denver as the two slept. Deep within the goats mind, he was replaying the events of the day and living through the horrible nightmareof watching those around him die. however, this wasent an uncommen nightmare for Denver. He'd grown used to death, not quite at peace with it but he had accepted it.

 

[MageMantis]

Gummy Worm @LustrousFox Fangs9090 Stern LuLuLu Noble Scion SilverFlight )



(The Lyrenian Knight said this a few seconds prior to Korro explaining the ring, I just deleted it since I had intended it to be a part of a larger post but accidentally hit 'enter' too early. Sorry for the confusion.) Before the icy mount took off into the sky, the Lyrenian Knight looked at the others, "The Entomancer waged war on Lyrenia because we caught and hung his murderous son centuries ago. I guess evil ran in the family." Explained he. "I also advise hiding your mantis friends until you leave Lyrenia. My people kill all bugs on sight." Warned he. Steel-Mage channeled the majority of his remaining mana into Helena, to help her have the mana for the long travel ahead.

















The Lyrenian throne room erupted in applause, as the mercenaries stood on a giant regal red carpet lined with gold. They stood before the thrones of King and Queen Luthan. Their magnificent thrones were light green and shimmered with markings of gold. The King and Queen were Human, their postures elegant and still like statues on pedestals. King Luthan's eyes had epicanthal folds, the left eye a vibrant green, and the right one scarred: A symbol of distant trauma. He had black long flowing hair and a flat and wide nose upon his face. A great black braided beard hung from his chin. On his head sat a golden crown lined with emeralds. He was draped in a bright green and golden robe. At his side was Queen Luthan, who had a nose longer than her husband and brown hair that challenged his in its length. A bright green blindfold decorated with intricate golden designs was wrapped around her eyes, her condition courtesy of the Entomancer's legions of aberrations. Light green banners outlined with gold hung from the high ceilings, and were attached to poles that erected from the ground alongside the regal carpet. The banners were decorated with the images of Anteaters, the symbol of a kingdom that had been tormented by bugs for centuries.


On both sides outside of the regal carpet that the mercenaries stood upon were endless crowds of Lyrenia's finest, and Lyrenia's most wealthiest and privileged. The vast majority of noblemen and noblewomen were Human, a quarter of them Elven, and only a few Beastkin. On the walls behind the thrones were colorful stained glass windows, each telling a story. Most depicted tales of the brave Lyrenian soldiers who fell attempting to thwart Akenian Thornbranch's hordes of monstrosities over the centuries, but one in particular stood out: A depiction of a grief-stricken king holding a sword crafted from bones, a torrent of darkness emerging from the sword and swarming everywhere, consuming fleeing civilians as it transformed them into screaming skeletons. Prior to entering the palace, Lyrenian mages casted a cleansing spell on the mercenaries, relieving of them of the dirt, bug blood, and blood that was soaked into their clothing and that had stained their bodies. The Elven Lyrenian Court Wizard had just finished reading and confirming the Entomancer's two eyeballs that Kanon had brought before them as evidence of their success, the Wizard being able to tell the validity of the eyes due to potent magic and soul-reading the Entomancer when he locked eyes with him in the flesh centuries ago, during one of the Entomancer's many tantrums that he had unleashed upon Lyrenia.


A few noblemen and noblewomen laughed and snickered at Adelynn, who was adorned in raggedy clothing. They gossiped and jested amongst each other, mocking the Raccoon-folk woman from the safety of the distant crowd whence they stood. Tonnie made sure to stand next to Helena, hoping to help craft a better future for both of their kinds. King Luthan then spoke, his voice loud and commanding,

"Today is a day of great prosperity. The greatest threat to our Kingdom, and its place on the grand scroll of history has been vanquished." Spoke the King. "And it is thanks to the mercenaries who fought and sacrificed so much, exerting their will to every ounce of their bodies to conquer the un-conquerable. From this day forth, you will forever be welcome and remembered by Lyrenia and all who call her home." Announced the King as a few servants handed each mercenary multiple bags of coins, totaling to great sums of money. “As you may already be aware, in the past months our intelligence has discovered the first ever lead to the Aetherspark.” Begun the King, a servant handing a Kanon a detailed map of the continent of Rekronia. “Our intelligence discovered an ancient temple located on a small island just off the coast of the southwest shores of Rekronia, near the Pirate-Lord Mykan Skoar’s Providence and Emporer Sh’ahn’s Domain. The trek will take you about two weeks, so we have prepared supplies to accompany you on your quest.” Informed the King, three servants carrying a heavy backpack of supplies containing food, water, camping gear, and a strange smaller bag attached to it with strange markings and a symbol of an Anteater. The servants carried them to Korro, who’s massive frame suggested he could shoulder such a burden. The Queen then spoke, aiding in informing the mercenaries,

“Amongst these supplies, is a great token of gratitude for saving our kingdom from the monster that haunted it for centuries. The traveller’s bag attached to your supplies with the symbol of Lyrenia is no ordinary bag. It is a permanent gateway to the Otherrealm.” Elaborated the Queen. The Otherrealm was well…another realm. However, it was another realm known by many to be a place of great danger and bizarre impossibilities. It was described as a place straight out of one’s dreams, in the sense that it contained liminal castle, house, and mansion hallways that seemed infinite. There are adventurers who dedicate their lives to exploring and cataloguing the Otherrealm, and all records depict that no limit has been discovered to the Otherrealm’s size. It also known that strange and vicious creatures prowl the Otherrealm, ones that don’t look like they belong to reality itself. It is also rumored to contain a library the size of five continents, with books that answer every question in existence due to the library’s books housing every combination of letters of every language. However, with so many books, 99% would likely be an incoherent assortment of letters, the secrets of life forever buried where nobody could find it, if such a library even existed. Nobody really knew how the Otherrealm began, some believe it was a place conjured by the gods to dump their mistakes, others believe it is a collection of everybody’s subconscious, others believe it be the intestines of a great eldritch being, but it seemed nobody truly knew for sure. One thing was known however: Going in unprepared was a death sentence. A few settlements existed in the Otherrealm, founded by people who had a life in the mortal realm to run from. Only a few existed, as the conditions and the creatures in the Otherrealm were rather unforgiving. The ritual to create a temporary gateway to the Otherrealm was long and complicated, and while it contained valuable materials, the risk of death…or a worse fate were high.

“The bag was enchanted by our Court Wizard and his underlings to be a permanent gateway to the Otherrealm. He is one of the most powerful wizards in all of Rekronia. It costed him…a lot, but he is still with us. The bag will take you to a part of the Otherrealm we have made safe. A hundred of our soldiers have fought and died to secure this small slice of the Otherrealm, so that someday we might reward a group of allies that have earned our upmost respect with it. It can act as a place of refuge whenever you require it, a cottage in your pocket.” Described she.

“However, I am afraid there are two things you must heed…” Added the Queen. “There must be about five people of great combat prowess to guard it at all times, for the creatures of the Otherrealm are persistent if nothing else. They will steal and curse items left there if you leave them unattended, and will attempt to overrun the area once more if nobody else is there to stop them. If you wish to have this pocket of the Otherrealm as your resource, and I really urge that you do, about five people must be there to guard it. The second warning: the slice of the Otherrealm we have given you access to is not safe to enter until two weeks have passed. This season, that area of the Otherrealm is flooded with a gas cloud. You do not want to know what exactly happens if you breathe the gas.” Ominously warned her.

“And this is all under the assumption that you all will stick together on your quest for the Aetherspark, which I recommend you do. Once you leave this city, a target may be planted on your backs. There is safety in camaraderie.” Advised the Queen.

“One final message: In two weeks, we will leak the knowledge of the lead to the Aetherspark that you all know of now, to all of Rekronia and beyond. People knowing we have coveted knowledge of the Aetherspark makes our kingdom a potential target for madmen like the Entomancer was. I advise that you all move fast.” Urged the King. “We do not know what awaits you in the temple, but we do know that it will help you find the Aetherspark. Best of fortune on your quest, and happy hunting.” Dismissed he.

The Queen adjusted her tiara, “Are there any final statements or questions?” Asked she.

 

[Fangs9090]

"A statement of fact." Kanon didn't intend to stay quiet about their methods, even with such a crowd. "We were ill informed about our task and ill prepared. You sent two hundred people. Less than a tenth has returned. None of knew the scale of the assault, and it's likely through luck as much as skill that we few survived."

Adelynn, emboldened by Kanon's words, stepped forward. "There should be a memorial. Something with the names of all the people who died for you, so they won't ever be forgotten. They deserve at least that much."

Kanon nodded. "I should hope you are organized enough to keep a record of the people you hire."

 

[Stern LuLuLu]

Warren’s ears would perk up when he heard the question about Aaliyah's journey out here to be a part of this operation.” I must say I am curious as to why you decided to join us on this venture. But if you don't want to go into too much detail, you don't have to.”


Lena couldn't help but find the ring around Korro's neck fascinating. She was itching to tinker with it, curious to see how it functioned. She also wanted to experiment on the two mantis that came back with them to see what made them different from the others she would not hide the fact that she wanted to do this even guaranteeing, they would survive. But just as she was about to dive into her thoughts, a question about Warren's connection to her caught her off guard, prompting a small laugh to escape her lips. “Oh, that's a story worth telling! It all began with his mentor and a daring rescue mission that ended up saving him and an entire village."

Before she could even begin her story, Warren interjected, his voice a captivating blend of humor and heartfelt sincerity. “To put it simply, she saved me from a rather horrible end, and in turn, she shielded the entire village from impending disaster. But it wasn’t easy—she had to dip into her inventory three times more than usual to pull it off. When I glanced at the staggering list of items she used and the total cost, let me tell you, I’m just grateful to be standing here now,” he said, his expression turning somber as the weight of his words settled in the air. “Plus, I also know she didn't do it out of the kindness of her heart.” Lena would speak up after that. “He's right I only did it to see if I could. But I still wanted to tell the story.”

Warren would take a look at all the people all around him.” Also calling me geomancer going to get confusing if there are others around. My name is Warren.T. Also if anyone is curious I don't know my last name.”


When they arrived at the capital, Lena smiled at Tony, who was standing next to her. She then would sit on Warren's shoulder instead of walking complaining about how she was tired from the trip here. But Warren was mainly concerned about making sure that Aaliyah was comfortable by giving her some water and making sure she could keep a low profile. Using the fact that Lena was sitting on his shoulder as a better way to hide her. He would agree with the memorial for the fallen. Lena will get excited when she receives the gifts from the king and queen. “This is lovely.” examining the traveler’s bag.


MageMantis Noble Scion SilverFlight Fangs9090 Gummy Worm

 

[SilverFlight]

Korro made a point to remember their names. It seemed they would not be parting ways for a while yet.
He felt Denver stir against him, yet he remained asleep. A nightmare?
Any number of things they had encountered that day would be enough to provide nightmares, he thought. Slowly he brought his free arm around and put a hand on Denver's shoulder, a comforting gesture.
"It's all right." He whispered to the sleeping mage. "You are safe."

As Korro spoke to the others he found he came to enjoy their company. He agreed to let Lena examine the golden torque about his neck, however the mantids he told her in no uncertain terms that they were off limits, and she would have to beat him in a fight to get to them. Warren's story was an interesting one.
"So you rescued an entire village, but you might not have done so had there not been enough of a challenge?" His half-smile returned. "I suppose I can't argue with that."

When they touched down in the kingdom Korro woke Denver gently. He'd already taken back his cloak and hidden the two mantis creatures safely under it. Fatigue was also beginning to set into him and he stifled a yawn as they dismounted and were escorted into the throne room. He noted the stares of mostly human eyes. Catching the judgmental twitters of the court ladies when looking at Adelynn, he shot the humans a flat-eared glare.
He did not need the evidence of their stares to gauge that they looked down upon the group, however, Kanon was absolutely correct. The information and support the Lyrenians provided was a clear statement that this kingdom did not value their lives. They were simply a means to an end.

When handed the pack Korro bristled. "Why me?"
With a growl he took it however, careful to place it in front of him, and not shoulder it just yet, lest he harm one of the bugs hidden under his cloak.

Korro wrinkled his nose at the bag containing the dimensional door. "Is this a gift or a curse?" He muttered under his breath, so only the group of them could hear it.
The information didn't please him much either.
"Ugh, I hate pirates." And they had just two weeks before half the world and their mothers would be out after the Aetherspark as well. Wonderful.

"Food." Korro spoke up, "and a place to rest for the night." After the King and queen's generous "gifts" Korro did not trust that their group wouldn't be accosted in their sleep if they stayed at a local tavern, their return on a giant iced-beetle was not exactly...subtle.


MageMantis Gummy Worm Stern LuLuLu Fangs9090

 

[Gummy Worm]

"You are safe" those words echoed in his mind and comforted the goat in his sleep. But soon the goat was woken up as they reached the kingdom. The goat would look around at the massive crowd of elites as they made their way inside. Denver stood next to Korro as the king and queen spoke, Denver sighed seeing the bigger bags knowing he would have to move everything in his current bag into the new one.

SilverFlight

 

[MageMantis]

( Fangs9090 SilverFlight )

"You are mercenaries, danger is in your line of work." Replied the King to Kanon. The Noblemen and Noblewomen that were mocking Adelynn from afar clutched their pearls and ran off whilst screaming when Korro snarled at them. "Our kingdom is very busy." Begun the King. "We did not gather all of the identities of every mercenary involved. We made the contract loose to afford the opportunity for all to have a chance to gain information on the Aetherspark. The families and friends of the fallen can pay their respects." The Queen then spoke, her voice assertive,

"The guest quarters are only reserved for individuals of higher-classes. In the supplies we have given you, is enough food so that you may all dine well tonight. If you are not content staying in one of the taverns in the city, then you have gear so that the lush forests may be serve as your grounds for slumber." Told Queen Luthan to Korro. Their voices were firm and cold, with a clear hint of their general apathy for sellswords as a whole. While they indeed did value the ones who had slain the Entomancer, they had little care for the mercenaries that had fallen. The Lyrenian Knight who had aided the mercenaries in Castle Thornbranch stared at the group with a remorseful look, powerless to vouch for his allies.

 

[Fangs9090]

“They were people!” Adelynn couldn’t hold back her voice. “This shield came from a man named Madrias. He and his friends were excited for their first real mission. His friends died during the first assault, and Madrias fought on to keep their memory alive. He made it to the end with us, but he didn’t make it through. He died for you. Over a hundred people, living breathing people, died! For you.” By this point she was shaking with how hard she gripped the shield in her hands.

Kanon shook her head. “You spend lives like you spend gold. Tossed to the wind without a care beyond what you get in return. Your cold hearts will earn a reputation, I can promise you that.”

 

[SilverFlight]

It took every ounce of self control Korro had not to lash out. He knew this kind of people all too well.

He admitted, it was always his favourite part of a conquest, once the nobles had thrown the bodies of the poor at his army and had nothing left but their own, to see them cowering under the blades of his soldiers. Pity the Sunset King hadn't set his sights further south to this place, but the poor and titleless always suffered more than the rich in every conflict.

Korro was glaring fire at the royals before them, but he reached out and put a hand on Kanon's shoulder, a gesture of support, but also to help her remember herself, and where they were. It was no use spending her energy here. They would not listen.

Also, the mages in the castle has taken care of the dirt and grime before the party entered, but Korro noted they had not lifted a finger to heal, or restore mana. They were drained and weak, and the royals knew this as much as Korro did.

"I think then, majesties, we have no more business here." Korro spoke, his voice like ice. He glanced back at his companions, to check if they had anything more to add.

Korro wanted the forests. He wanted to be out of the city and its human stink as quickly as possible. At least forest beasts were predictable. He didn't trust this king and queen to keep their promise of hospitality and welcome in the city. It was clear the party was tolerated at best.

MageMantis Fangs9090

 

[MageMantis]

The Queen lost her composure, springing to her feet with her fist clenched, “What mother would I be to leave behind a throne for my son that is infested with bugs!? The Entomancer had tormented our kingdom for generations, every assault we launched crushed, every war we waged with a body count higher than the last!” Scolded the Queen, her body tensed up. “His abominations have torn our children into two, destroyed families, we have lost so much because of him. When we sent out the contract, we had priorly launched another unsuccessful siege with our own soldiers. While we failed, we weakened his army. If we had waited any longer, the Entomancer would have escaped, infested a new abandoned fortress and the accursed cycle would have begun anew.” Explained she. “We saw an opportunity, so we took it. I do not know what to say…” Spoke she. “I suppose it is just the way of the world.” Rationalized she. “Desperation breeds death.”

 

[Fangs9090]

"Did you also leave your soldiers' names to be forgotten?"

"Kanon." Adelynn had had enough, and frankly she was almost ready to throw her shield. "Let's just go. There's nothing we can do here." Not bothering to be dismissed, Adelynn turned and started making her way out, while she still had control.

Kanon glared for a moment longer before following after Adelynn. Normally it was proper to excuse oneself and offer a bow before leaving the presence of royalty, but it made more of a statement to not do so here.

 

[Noble Scion]

Aaliyah Sh'ahn

Aaliyah would let out a soft, displeased sigh. Maybe she hadn't been as subtle as she'd hoped in regards to her origins as Korro and Lena were eager to point it out.

"... I wanted to get away and see the world outside of our kingdom, so I ran away. A story for another day. As for why i'm here, that was.. as I said, an accident. Human text is not something I can read well... and i'd thought these lands... safer than this." the sahagin would hum sheepishly back to Korro and Warren.

Pulling off her bloody cloak, she'd toss it to the side, planning to get a new one later given how many holes were now in it after all the acid being flung around, planning to get a new one once they were back in camp. Though for the time being, the sahagin and her gaudy decorations, shimmering blue scales and uniquely patterned fins, were on display.

Quietly listening to the wolf's tale, she couldn't hide the curiosity and intrigue on her face, but she wouldn't pry, though Denver didn't share the thought, not that she would complain as he'd go on. It was a little startling to hear of him as a general. She'd really thought most of the land people had been thriving with no need for war. She'd been told as much about the undersea kingdom, anyway, so it hadn't been too hard to assume the same for everywhere.

Warren's tale was equally as interesting, helping give her a bit more appreciation for the eccentric fae alchemist.

She was starting to have second thoughts about this 'adventuring' she'd been planning to do, yet at the same time, she wanted to learn more about these things she'd been lied to about.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aaliyah would be more than happy to get some water, first drinking gulps of it down thirstily, then storing it in her canteen, then even splashing the rest of it all over herself, cheered up and rejuvenated as she'd bask in the cooling water, her clothes acting as a swimming suit by design, no doubt because of her life underwater. (edited in because i missed a bit of a post)

The throne room was as shiny as her home, but much less pretty in her eyes. Their choice of gold over all the copious amounts of aquamarines and other jewels that coated her castle made her tilt up her pretty little nose with a strange smugness, her eyes flickering with a sense of "Ours is better", not that she'd say as such.

She'd hold herself with a royal level of dignity, years of etiquette training paying off, easily seen in the way she held herself as she'd recieve the gold. Most of the talk of the otherrealm went over her head, but what really caught her attention was the mention of the information they were going to leak, her face turning to a scowl. It was one thing for people to find out, it was another for them to leak the information they'd been promised as a reward, an annoyed huff slipping from her nose, especially after they'd risked their lives for it, even if Aaliyah herself hadn't been in it for such a reward.

"... So humans betray their own saviors like this, hmph." The princess would grumble under her breath as the queen would mention questions, her mood significantly dampened as the queen would let them know that the guest rooms were reserved for people like Aaliyah, but alas, trying to keep her royal identity hidden, it would be another of the privileges she'd miss out on.

MageMantis SilverFlight Stern LuLuLu

 

[MageMantis]

Quickclaw rolled her eyes, this experience only re-affirming her resentment for the higher-classes. The 'way of the world' my tail... Furiously thought she, tempted to flip the bird on their way out. Akila whispered to the others, "Perhaps we should have let the bugs tear them asunder." Suggested the bitter mummy snakefolk, her mind fantasizing about slitting the King and Queen's throat. Barracuda clenched his fists, managing to keep his composure as he delivered his first and last line to Queen Luthan,

"Then I suppose you are blind externally and internally." Lamented the Gunslinger as he turned his backs on the disgraceful King and Queen. Blestare's tail hung low as he walked out of the throne room, walking near Denver and Korro. Elixen glared at the King and Queen as she lashed out,

"Your son deserves a better mother and father." Spat she, her brazen making her temporarily uncaring to the consequences of her tongue. Blestare looked to Korro and Denver, his eyes swimming with despair as he spoke up,

"I don't get it...we helped them, why would they do this?"

 

[SilverFlight]

"For once, snake, I am inclined to agree with you." Korro said idly. He noticed the dejected Blestare walking beside him.
"I wouldn't take it personally." He tried to cheer his fellow wolf up. "Nobles are all the same, can't see an inch after their own purse strings. We got what we came for, anyway, and we have the coin and the freedom to rest wherever we want outside this tacky palace."
Korro paused, he wasn't usually this chatty, but he found he liked the company he now kept and it was easier to speak to them. "Let's focus on more important things, like what we will eat for dinner, and maybe a place that has water nearby, for Aaliyah, I am sure you are tired of dry land by now no?"

Now that the adrenaline was gone Korro realized just how sore and tired he was. He'd give anything for a good meal and some sleep.

MageMantis Noble Scion