Graded [Glyde's Pavilion][Jareth SS] Respite From the Truth

[Clyvelle]

Goals

Cast
Finneagan Huttman
Iduna (Ida) Isra
Ophenia "Du Couer Pur"
Seven

Thread Summary
Having heard of a settlement beneath the Duchy, the gang arrives for some much needed R&R. In order to enter, everyone was given a dose of Cloud. Upon receiving the smoke, they were given entry to the Pavilion. In the entry plaza, they were greeted by Ostis Mot, coordinator of the Pavilion. He gave them a hearty welcome and handed them off to a tigerkin named Duran, who would serve as their tour guide to familiarize themselves with the Pavilion. Happily taking the responsibility, Duran took the lead and marched the group through part of the city. As it turned out, their tour guide had a mind of his own as the first place he took them was the popular smokeshop Numa Numa. Inside, he introduced the party to the owner, a leopardess named Pantra. After some hinting from Pantra, Duran entered the back of the store to meet a mystery guest, while Pantra entertained the newcomers. The shopkeep went into business mode, fulfilling the requests and inquiries of the potential customers. Eventually, Duran emerges from the back accompanied by a leopardess revealed to be his niece, who had come to visit her aunt and uncle in the Pavilion. With a stern rebuke from his niece, Duran returns to his duty as tour guide. From Numa Numa, the group is paraded through the streets to the plaza situated in front of the palace. It was here that the nocturnal festivities of the Pavilion took place. Duran lead the group to a food court beside the plaza for a short break. While everyone grabbed food that was to their liking, the tour guide had a smoke break and leaked a few more details of the Pavilion, specifically the harpies that guard the palace. Even as he was divulging these things, a pink smoke began billowing out of the ground floor of the palace. Duran, catching scent of the smoke, claimed that it was time for the group to meet Glyde. Leading the group into the pink haze shrouding the palace grounds, Duran was taken aback when they came upon a harpy with misshapen wings. Humiliated and perhaps also scared that strangers had seen her, the harpy tearfully flew away. Her cries drew the attention of other harpies who arrived moments later, and, upon spotting Duran, sounded the alarm. Several harpies lighted onto the scene, their leader Xerxes quickly detaining Duran and the others. Duran took full responsibility for the infraction, and so Xerxes had Duran escorted to Glyde, bringing the others along as witnesses to what was about to transpire. Inside the palace, the witnesses gave their accounts before Glyde. The testimonies weighed unfavorably against Duran, who had a history of this sort of infraction, but the duchy guests defended him as well as Pavilion Coordinator, Ostis Mot, who arrived shortly before the trial began. After all was said and done, it was on Glyde to decide Duran's fate. At last, he reached his decision: Duran would suffer a "harpy stripe" for every eye that beheld Keesa's form. Xerxes would be the one to deliver the punishment as the room was rearranged slightly so all present could witness the administration of the stripes. Before Xerxes could lay even one stripe, however, Keesa suddenly burst into the throne room and retracted any fault or need for punishment. Xerxes was clearly upset by this turn of events and promptly left the throne room. Everyone else was in various states of shock and jubilation at Duran's acquittal. As things wound down and the guests left, Ostis bestowed upon the party badges for temporary Crested status, giving them modest discounts at select vendors, as well as the right to perform in the night celebration if they wish. Back in the plaza outside the palace, the party decides to spend the rest of their time browsing and shopping. Duran took Seven and Finn to the animal vendor Olka, while Ophenia and Iduna went back to Pantra at Numa Numa to learn where all the best clothing vendors are.​

 

[Clyvelle]

Whether openly or in hushed whispers, Duchy locals know the place to have a good time is Glyde's Pavilion. It's just the place to go when life has got you down. Located below the Duchy, Glyde's Pavilion is a "don't ask, don't tell" sort of establishment where any number of questionable activities can and do go unchallenged by any sort of authority. As Glyde says: "To enter my gate, you need Cloud, mate."

"Cloud" is a magical aerosol administered through any number of communal hookahs around the small city. It's a sensory suppressant/augmentor. Under the effects of this substance, the user will not have access to [Appraise] abilities. Additionally, all entities are given a glamour which superficially hides all monstrous traits, rendering everyone in humanoid form to the naked eye (physical inspection reveals the true form but does not negate the glamour). Aggression in all users is greatly diminished or completely suppressed. Fear related to anxiety, bias, or paranoia is greatly diminished.

If you don't mind the rule and what it implies about who, or what, you might encounter in the pavilion, you may enter and stay as long as you're able. The pavilion provides most creature comforts one might find in any "respectable" city: public baths, hookah bars, taverns, inns, and eateries (just don't ask what's in the food). Forms of payment are required, but the Pavilion is open to bartering, especially if you have a party member you're not particularly fond of...or an appendage.

Explanation of Cloud effects
Cloud does augment your vision, causing creatures with abstract forms or clearly monstrous qualities (think eye change from tokyo ghoul or vampires having fangs) to appear to you as humanoid, basically a bipedal version of it's original form. This is illusory, meaning no physical change has occurred and physical contact will reveal the facade.

Cloud does NOT hinder thoughts, good or bad. Creatures under its influence will think as they normally do. However, their emotional responses, specifically negative emotions, will be immensely muted or totally negated. Example: You got beat up by some thugs. You run into those thugs while under the influence of Cloud. You will recognize them as your assailants. You may want to get away from them as they have been a danger to you. However, the emotional response that would cause you to seek vengeance or lash out at them would not be present.

Cloud allows you to cope with things that you normally are biased against. Example: I am afraid of dark elves. I take Cloud and get near some dark elves. I see them as they are, but my anxiety over dark elves is diminished to the point I can stand being around them. I do not have the urge to lash out at them or get violent due to their presence.

tl;dr - Cloud allows logic to outweigh emotion, permitting all lines of thought but barring hostile action, or the emotions that would lead to such outcomes.

 

[Orikanyo]

Finnegan Huttman


​

It had been a rough few, espeacially for Finn. Yes, the issues were abound and the troubles... Plenty... But surely things could only go up from here! Betrayal is not the fault of the betrayed, and with swift justice brought upon the betrayer, he feels it is best to keep walking. He would keep on his quest, for certain... He would continue to believe in the good in peoples hearts...

Such was the lot of a Knight of Faith.

And so... in his solumn quest... He...

Decides it's time to take a quick stop by the pavillion he heard so much about~!

Oh yes hes heard many things that go on in there and by gods he had been saving up for weeks! Pinching his coppers. Counting each silver. Gold hidden away under pillows. His dreams of a good time aplenty!!!

And with another quick buck gained from a bit of a suprise... Uhh... Artist's commission? He guessed it could have been called, someone asked if they could use his likeness for a painting, he agreed, and he got paid handsomely for it!

It was abit suprising they wanted him to solely wear a cloth across his waist and lounge on a couch, but without incident he got his money!

Oh brilliant day, he had his suit of armor and sword packed away in a safe place for now, so he was in his civilian garb which he picked out just for this occasion!

He put on his best smile, shuffled his coat abit, and was happily on his way... He hoped to find others here, perhaps some friends new and old!

Maybe some even newer friends as well!

A lad on the prowl... Where shall he hunt first...?

Ah, he should take a look around and see what interests him, best way to do it. He had saved up his money for this after all!!

 

[Clyvelle]

Ostis Mot, Pavilion Coordinator​

Approaching the Pavilion's outer wall, everyone is stopped by humanoid tigers that make up the settlement's guard. A short inquiry was made of your business at the pavilion as they gripped the handles of their weapons. Whether nervous or nonchalant, you divulge that you're in one way or another looking for a good time. The tiger sentries level their unflinching gaze on you for a long, nerve racking moment before cracking large grins and bursting into uproarious laughter.

"Of course you are!" One bellows gleefully as they stepped aside. "Right this way, strangers! Welcome to Glyde's Pavilion!"

Entering the outer wall, you find yourself in an enclosed courtyard where a line has formed up to a singular window. In the window, a tigress holds a pipe she prepares for each guest. When the next individual approaches, she hands the smoking pipe to them. Once a sufficient toke on the pipe is had, a door next to the window opens to allow entry.

Eventually, it is your turn. The tigress smiles pleasantly at you and offers you the pipe. You notice immediately that the pipe is made of a vivid blue metal that shimmers slightly in the midday sun. With intention to enter the Pavilion, you have only one choice: inserting the pipe between your teeth, you take a gratuitous drag. The experience causes you to close your eyes as the smoke seemingly rushes into your very mind, hoisting it higher than the very clouds overhead. You slowly open your eyes once you feel the ground beneath your feet again.

You feel yourself truly relax, perhaps for the first time in your life, as a smoke-laden sigh escapes your lips. The tigress gently plucks the pipe from your hand, and you look to her. Somehow she seems...softer around the edges, beautiful even. You lock eyes for what seems like a blissful eternity before she says softly, "The Pavilion bids you welcome, friend." The door beside the window unlatches and swings open. You're sure you walked inside, but the sensation was more like floating.

Inside the door, you enter a plaza where several other creatures are seemingly "floating" along as well. Among them, you note that there is a dense population of tigers. Some have that dreamy look to them but most seem to be keen and watching. Presently, one such tiger approaches, finely dressed in a burgundy jacket over a matching pinstripe vest and slacks. A large red gem about the size of an infant's fist hangs about his neck under a bright red ascot.

"Hello, fine people!" he calls out as he draws near. "I had heard we were expecting guests from the Duchy, so I came personally to greet you all. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Ostis Mot, the coordinator here at the Pavilion, second only to Glyde, our beloved founder. I make sure our guests have a pleasant stay without interruption here within our walls. Just let me know if there's anything I can do for you. If you're interested, I have arranged for a guide to take you on a tour. Afterward, you'll be free to enjoy our finery to your heart's content. A word of warning though: save some money for the return trip home! We have so many poor souls that spend every last coin here without thought to the future. It really is a tragedy. Ah! But enough of that, your guide's name is Duran. He should be around here somewh--Aha! Duran, you scoundrel! Give that pipe a rest and come say hello to our guests!"

Duran, Pipe Connoisseur and Tour Guide​

Lounging on a shaded bench built into an exterior wall was a stout tiger daintily holding a hookah with pinky extended. He was taking a rather deep toke when Ostis called to him, causing him to inhale a bit too sharply and choke. Duran stood amidst a cloud of colored smoke, pounding on his chest as he strutted over.

"You called, sah?" Duran said with a sleepy expression.

"These are our guest from Aslan." said Ostis, emphasizing 'Aslan' in a painfully obvious manner.

Duran smacked his lips as his ribbony tongue lapped out at his jowl. Squinty eyes peaked through burning orange fur and groomed whiskers at the group of newcomers.

"Aslan, you say, sah...?" Duran said uncertainly before his eyes sprang open and he chuckled sheepishly to himself. "Oh-Oh, Aslan, sah! Yes, sah! Welcome to thee pavilion, my friends!" said Duran as he grasped the hand of the nearest individual and shook it mightily. "I am Duran, thee finest guide under Glyde's wing, yessah! Right this way my fine fellows, right this way!"

 

[VictoryatLast]

Iduna Isra​

---

It hadn't been more than a few days since the incident in the sewers... but the event had been frozen into Ida's mind for some strange reason. She had never truly felt frustration like that, and even after several attempts to clear her head of it, it refused to leave. Thinking back on it caused her to shake, and her magic to run wild once again- something that hadn't happened since she was a child...

She would sing where accepted, work the day and night away, and still grow frosty over the memory, even losing sleep as her nightmares returned to haunt her- she must've done something to make them come back- what did she do wrong…?

…

That was when it happened.

One morning- this morning, the icy songstress had woken early and walked to her room’s mirror… only to find something that made her gasp. Ice, climbing up her cheeks and neck… and several streaks of pure white hair coursing their way through her dark night colored locks.

Coming out to do her usual show, she was greeted by her current employers with worry- her condition had suddenly worsened so fast. Thus, she was pushed to join them as their guests- the renowned songstress didn’t have much choice, facing a rather powerful opera house owner…

Thus, now she was here. In front of a pipe that did very little to assist in her state of mind- in fact, perhaps it made it worse that she couldn’t have complete awareness of what was around her…

And of course she had to end up with the same ‘knight’ from previous… wearing the outfit she had been gifted underneath a white shawl- one that she most certainly would refuse to take off if asked.

With all the factors combined, as she now stood silently in front of their stout tiger guide, she doubted anything here could assist in her current dilemma.

---

 

[Orikanyo]

Finnegan


​

Well, if anybody was gonna start up a conversation, it'd be the man who has little to no tact. "Yooo! You guys look soft!" the man said to the tiger people. "In like fur, plenty of muscle! No clue what yer features are but certainly feline eh?" The fellow was quite happy, the cloud seemingly.. Only causing him to have even looser lips. if that was even possible. In truth he was only a little bit unsteady in his stance.. But.. Maybe it just went to his head quickly.

The man considered his fellow patrons and...

"Whew, where'd you come from gorgeous? Isn't everyday you get to meet a work of art, you going in like us?" it seemed, he didn't notice she was there the whole time.. or.. maybe it was the brain muddling..? Though.. His mind did remember something as he felt the light chill in the air... Ah....

"Oh, I remember... Ida, the cold magic woman, with the chatty chicken friend, shame what happened then. But, in the end, we must keep moving, no matter the bloackade against us life needs to continue. Learning is optional, but oft required!

...

Sorry, it must be the cloud.. You truely are stunning my lady." he gave a kinda smile, before his attention went back to the fluffy tiger people. "...So soft... I wish i had fur like that..."

His brain has, apparently, left the room.

 

[VictoryatLast]

Iduna Isra​

---

The young woman blinked in surprise, tightening her hold on the shawl around her shoulders and staring at the back wall. Despite her general demeanor around him and thoughts on Finn at that moment… something was alleviated, however briefly. Perhaps the pipe did something after all? She couldn’t entirely tell.

…Iduna couldn’t exactly deep dive to find the source of her concern, but if she could be glad… she’d be glad she wasn’t treated harshly upon their second meeting.

Minus the flattery, of course. It wasn’t very ‘knight-like’, if that was still what he was going for, in her opinion. Ignoring his previous comment on her looks and attempting to hide her new white hair behind her ears, Iduna looked around them, attempting to take note of what could be considered aesthetically pleasing about the pavilion. The smell was overpowering, and the lights rather bright in the smoky air. If there were a more quiet area to relax, she’d feel more at ease.

…The tiger people… did look rather… ‘fluffy’, she presumed…

“Is… is that so?”

The icy songstress continued staring forwards, away from Finn, having only found those speakable words inside the wide expanse of thoughts in her mind.

---

 

[Faynorae]

​

Flowers fly high in the skies among the clouds!
It was like... how long since that happened? Ophenia kept thinking about it. The beautiful colours those horrible sounds would make, but the implications of the noise were horrid. Disgusting even. Now that her gloves had been destroyed, she was back to biting both her nails and the skin around them, thinking about that day, lingering within her mind. How could such a creature do such a horrible thing?! Ludicrous. Horribly just... No, wait. Ophenia couldn't be thinking about these thoughts! Only corrupted people think this way! Ophenia had to focus on the real reason she was here after all!

Back in Ryke, which had been months away by now, at one of the singular fan meetups the rising star had, she had met a very particular fan who seemed enthusiastic about her performances. Told her about how he had formed a fan club which he himself called the Ofandom. He also gave her two gifts, a floor-length silken gown adorned in roses, and a satin swimsuit also adorned with two roses. He also told her about how she would probably be quite popular if she had performed in a place called "Glyde's Pavilion." It was a place located in the duchy, and she was there now! Nothing better to get your mind off of things than performing for others.

- - -​

After putting everything else in a pink-shoulder bag, Ophenia went off wearing the gifted outfit with a pair of woven-floral sandals. Tying a ribbon in her hair, she was ready to go! There was like a place to swim or something there right? Ophenia thought to herself after she had gotten inside said place. She felt much floatier than usual after intaking that weird stuff. Was it a straw? She felt... like a dandelion fluttering in the wind. "Ahh," She let out, looking around at all these soft blobs of fluff made Ophenia feel so warm and cosy. Maybe she should've worn something super warm and fuzzy instead? She suddenly felt so squished while wearing the tight satin swimsuit. Then again, it was more like a dress?

She suddenly felt the muffled voices of... Oh! People she knew! Ophenia got way more excited. "Oh, my flowers! Finny! Ida! Oh my like... uhhh Clouds! I know you guys!" She said waving her sparkling hands as she struggled to walk over. Wobbling with every step she took. "We're like friends now that we like to know each other and stuff right?" Her voice felt even more bubbly than before, and it was a bit loud as well. Ophenia, visually, was really sparkly. As if she had been doused in holographic glitter. Ophenia had also dropped her formalities, no longer referring to them as Mister or Miss. She was struggling a bit when it came to standing, but she was... alright for now.


Wobbling and barely holding her own, Ophenia would fall over at the slightest push. She looked over to Ida, "My oh my, Ida you look really nice! You looked really nice before too! We should like totally dance together or something! Ahh, but where's that birdy friend you had? Ahhh I'm so... uhhhh." Ophenia stopped, almost as if she were thinking about what she was going to say, but instead of continuing she turned over to Finn, almost falling over in the process, "Oh but Finny, you're voice sounds the same but your body looks uhhh... human. What happened to the metal carcass? Did it like rot or something...? Oh and was your hair always made of gold, it looks so shiny." the strength in her legs existed as much as the brain in her head at the moment.

Ophenia scratched her head. As she slowly tipped over. "I heard there was gonna be a watery place but I see no water. I only see... uhhh. Floor?" she said in a confused manner as she stared at the floor.

 

[Orikanyo]

Finnegan

​

"Haha! Still a chilly one eh? Well that don't bother me none." The man took no hints, it seems, from Ida's demeanor. "Words are just hot air eh? And with yea so cool yea don't make much!

Makes plenty sense!" With his roundabout logic concluded, his attention turned to another familiar face! One as stunning as the other! Actually that might be the cloud... How ling does this stuff last?

"Heyo Ophenia, names abit of a mouthy full... Uhh... I'll call yea Henny. Good to see ya Henny, even more so since yer all dressed up eh? Looking good! And sparkly even. More so than usual I'd think." He paused, her words were... wierd...

Metal carcas...?

"Oh, my armor? Those are just metal clothes lovely no need to worry about that. I can just put it back on later. Just figured i'd wear something lighter, kindly given to me by that artist I helped earlier.

Said my old ones needed washing, had a good few servants for that I think?" He paused a moment, becoming more steady on his feet more quickly, his body rapidly getting used to the state.

"Were yea always this pink Henny? Yea look like yer colored with strawberries!" Nope, he was still dumber than usual.

 

[VictoryatLast]

Iduna Isra​

---

“…Thank you?"

She couldn’t muster much else to say- the outfit was a gift, and despite her being indifferent to it, others seemed to enjoy it. To her, it seemed rather lacking- Iduna thought little about her physical appearance if it wasn't for performance- and even then, all she could think about was the way her hair curled around her face and darkened the area around her eyes in such a way that she looked like a witch, and the less then graceful way she walked- as a child she was forced to master a certain way of presentation in order to please her employer’s clients. Being on her own now made her realize how much his influence had effected her, and her image of herself.

Now watching the two of her… ‘friends’ wobble about like they were entirely drunk, the songstress began to wonder about the Cloud’s effect on her own state of mind. Was it the thing that made her think of things such as these? Was it what was alleviating her usual frosty nature into something more sincere? It was it… something else?

“The fluttering flatterer should be here… I’m not much of a dancer. Perhaps you may ask her to join you.” The icy songstress adjusted her shawl around her shoulders, looking down at her sandals and feeling rather confused… was this feeling… bashfulness?

…

It wasn’t.

“And no… Finn. I do not seem to change.” She did not look up from her feet.

It was shame, instead.

---

 

[Clyvelle]

Duran, Pipe Connoisseur and Tour Guide​

Ostis bade the group farewell as Duran led them off towards the center of the Pavilion. The tour guide swung his arms nonchalantly as he strolled, humming softly then loudly then softly again. Occasionally, he'd wave to passersby, both feline and not alike. Despite his cheerful greetings, it could be noticed that some, especially of the tigerkin, replied with disdain or ignored him altogether.

The city rose up all around the party. Sand-colored streets wound through buildings splashed with color from dyed fabrics draped from windows or fixed to scaffolding as makeshift awnings to cool off the streets below. Several arcades connected neighboring structures, creating cool places to lounge out of the heat of the day. Duran spoke with an air of pride as he walked.

"As you can see, the Pavilion is the posh cushion that upholds the gem that is Aslan. If the ducky as a gem be a source of pride, then we here of the Pavilion are a source of comfort and refuge. We are partners, the ducky and us. You see, travellers come to Aslan for whatever miracle or wonder they seek, yet many prefer to stay here in the Pavilion. Of course, we do make beggars out of most of them....Oh, uh, but you didn't hear that from me, sah! Just, erm, be sure to keep a coin or two in your boot for the way home." said Duran, whispering a word of caution at the end.

Duran escorted the party into a certain arcade where several lounging areas had been arranged. Hookahs were strategically placed within each lounging area, and a shop was nestled into the corner of the arcade. Above the counter, a mithril rod projected an illusion displaying the name of the shop: Numa Numa. A gleeful smile spread across Duran's face as he inhaled deeply.

"Ah! Here we are! Yessah, the finest smokeshop in the whole Pavilion!" he exclaimed, clearly unfazed about sidetracking the tour.

Duran hurries to the counter where a female leopardess waits. Before he could place an order, she chastises him, "Don't you have a job to do, Duran?"

The guide recoils at her rebuke.

"Pantra, my sweet, your fur is looking extra shiny today." says he with extra sweetness.

Pantra stares at him in silence as she folds her arms. Duran niddled his fingers as his cheery exterior gave way to rising anxiety.

"I-It's as you say, Miss Pantra, I've a job to do. Yes, marm. And...And I'd be sorely amiss if I didn't bring the newcomers to your shop! Yes, marm, Miss Pantra, sorely amiss! It's honest intentions that brought me here, I swears!" said Duran crossing his heart solemnly.

Pantra's disapproving stare lingered a moment longer before she relented with a sigh.

"You're full of trout as usual, Duran. The only reason I'm letting it slide is because I have a visitor in the back I know you'll want to see." she said nodding her head to a door behind the counter.

Duran's anxious face turned to glee then to one of curiosity. Suddenly, his eyes widened as he glanced towards the door then back to Pantra. She nodded towards the door again with a small smile.

"I'll entertain the guests for a moment." she said.

Duran slowly smiled at her, but his nervousness was returning. He licked his paw and slicked the fur on top of his head, then fussed with his whiskers a moment before going to the back. Pantra's eyes followed him back, then turned to the guests.

"Hello, everyone. I'm Pantra, owner of this shop. We sell every kind of smoke you can imagine made from the rarest spices you've probably never heard of. If smoke isn't to your liking, I can tell you most things about the Pavilion as I've lived here all my life." Then she lowered her voice to a whisper. "I could even tell you a thing or two about Duran, if you like."

 

[Orikanyo]

Finnegan



​

"Oh my word this place is goregous!" Finn couldn't help hinself, truely, this place was a feast for the eyes. The odd people, the oddities for sale on every corner. He truely loved every second of this, he was watching with world with wide eyes and excitement across his face. To follow the tour guide however was easy enough, his voice and cadence quite friendly, plus he liked the eay the fellah talked. Unique! He quite liked unique people.

Their little adventure stopped at the smoke shop first, seems the fellow was one track minded! He didn't mind the occasuonal smoke, but, too much dulls the hand and rusts the blade, such as his father would say. Indulge now and again, but make it a habit and i'll beat it outta yea.

So he said, but his father never beat him, only a spanking as a kid when he was particularly bad...

Though his dad was crying to and they both stopped to cry.

Gods... How he missed that man... All because of that...

...best he focus on whats at hand...

Oh, my.

"My word you are strikeing. Ah, my name is Finnegan, a pleasure to meet you! I've been dreaming of coming to the Pavillion for months now. Abit hard to get over the rumors of the cloud but... Its fine enough." He put a hand on the back of his neck, feeling a degree of soreness from all that poseing for the artist.. He rose an eyebrow, leaned his neck over to the side and gave it a nice audible crack, with things moble again, he relaxed. "Much better, so, smoke and spices huh? I can't say I cook too much but I have been looking for something fun to try... I've heard of spices that burn the tongue without so much a flame! Does that sound familiar?" The man asked the leopardess, his eyes looking around at the colorful displays!

"Such smells... Ida! Have you ever had such spices? You look like the affluent type, or at least being in such circles. Ah, how I wish I could dine so finely if you do so yourself my friend.

Perhaps we all can be treated so later on eh?

Henny you think? A exotic display of culinary arts may be fun!" Hr was certainly into this, though his hands stayed far from any of the spices despite his interest, he was a oaf, but a careful one.

 

[VictoryatLast]

Iduna Isra

---

"...I actually eat rather plainly...I can't consume gamey foods."
For some reason, Iduna had always made it a point to avoid meat at all costs- fish was a different matter. Something deep inside her... some sort of vow imprinted deeply upon her soul refused to shake. In fact, most of her personal mantras away from the occupational hadn't been from her employer...they had come from her own heart- or... what she could reveal of it. The songstress couldn't remember anything outside of the caravan.

At the least, it was clear to her that she could in fact mold her own life to her expectations if she wished it.

Taking in the many vibrant colors of the Pavillion, what caught the young songstress's eye was the fabrics. Their patterns and how they floated through the wind reminded her of flags...

For once... for once, the smallest echo of an open-mouthed response of pleasant surprise etched itself upon the usually icy cold features of Iduna, eyes glittering with possibility, but they quickly reverted as she turned to the shopkeep, Pantra, leaning in lightly with her hands still on her shawl. She had never been one to gossip, but the Cloud offered a sense of freedom Iduna had never felt before.

"Along with that- I'm not one to drink or smoke. Any sort of information or idle chatter would be preferable to either."

Her mind continued to fantasize about the lovely colored fabrics... those dreams mutated into a dreamlike image of a moonlit night, illuminated by massive icy crystals shining in all the colors of the aurora, and Iduna sitting on a snow-covered beach, wrapped in fabric of similar color...

It was such a stupid thing but--

The inner child, having been put aside and bound by those cursed red threads within Iduna reached out from her prison gleefully with an innocent wish to touch those fabrics before she was yanked back inside.

---

 

[Faynorae]

​

Flustering Processing And Fluttering.
It was nice seeing old friends! Ophenia got really excited. A smile coloured her glittering face, as she strode along the way. Henny?.... Oh was this that nickname thing humans would use? How cute! Ophenia didn't mind when people would call her anything since her name wasn't actually anything important to her. Though it definitely was important to her fans at least. As Finn complimented the borderline two-piece dress swimsuit thing she was wearing, Ophenia twirled around. "You really think so? And It's yellow even!" She said in a cheery tone.

But suddenly she was confused. Confusion then turned into excitement, "Metal clothing?!" she spouted out excitedly. The thought of wearing clothing out of metal made Ophenia quite excited. "So you weren't just wearing the carcass of a creature made of metal?! That's so cool!" Ophenia said with a bubbly tone. She was happy that her grotesque thoughts were to be proven wrong. Finn also asked a question as peculiar as hers, Pink? Coloured in strawberries? "Haha!" Ophenia laughed a bit. "Coloured in strawberries? Strawberries are too thick and full of mass to be used as a form of tint or colouring." But then she thought... "But maybe if one were to freeze them and then crush them into a powder-esque substance and use a clear or colourless thick liquid mixture it could be turned into a form of paint."

Afterwards, Ophenia stopped her out loud thinking, before wobbling over at her thoughts again, "AH! But who would do such a grotesque thing to a poor strawberry! Strawberries have feelings too you know! I wouldn't wanna be crushed up while frozen to death Ah!" She said in a worrying tone with a shocked expression.

But then they had stopped in front of a store. To be honest, Ophenia wasn't really paying attention to the tour, until she had come to a sudden halt. She then wobbled over a bit. She looked over at the cause of the sudden halt, which had seemed to be the result of them stopping in front of a store. She then saw a feline-like person. "Oh my! Why is everyone here so adorable!" Ophenia exclaimed excitedly in a pretty moderately loud tone. The store owner, named "Pantra," told them that she could answer some of their questions She probably didn't think this through though because Ophenia had questions upon questions about anything and everything. But she wasn't about to ask stupid questions, she had to strategically ask the most important questions first...

"How do you get your fur so fluffy and pretty?!" Ophenia asked excitedly and she skipped over a bit. "How long is one supposed to stay here for... Also, do you pay rent? Ah and I heard there were like pools of water somewhere, do they actually exist or was I lied to." She asked more seriously, but she still had that bubbly tone in her voice. "Ah and do you have pay to perform here? I heard from someone that people sometimes perform in these places but sometimes you need to pay to perform or have something like a license to perform in private places like this." She said even more excitedly, Ophenia's eyes were literally beaming.

"Oh. And uhh... How do you sell smokes? Do you like put it in a jar and then sell it to people? What do they use it for? Do they eat it?" Ophenia asked more curiously, she didn't study about this in her solitude in the library. To be honest, she thought people outside of the glade were quite... Weird.

 

[Etymarchen]

Pop.

---

< VII >​

---

​

Shivering, trembling, peeking out from deep within Ida’s hair was…something extra white? Chills, trembles, chattering of beak to echo through the little bird’s own little ears as she found herself to suffer just a little bit longer from the freezing cold.

“W-W-W-Warrrrmmmmttthhhh—d-d-do you have any waarrrmmm fire to invigorate th-th-thhhhhhat sssmmmoookkeeee??”

Ka-flop.

Pain. She was a complete and utter victim to have becoming the now-bitten snack thereof frostbite alone. She sought for a delicious worm, and instead only found herself in a canvas of endless black after endless black. Dejected was the bird, snowy, only in color. She was far from used to the icy, icy refrigerator that was Ida's hair. To call her a snowbird was but inaccurate in more angles than one, and for her to have a companion more suited to one made it all the more a tragedy that she would find herself in such a position of freezing cold.

​

"I...I need warrrrrrmmmt--" Her eyes would eventually shift up and over to the sight of Pantra--a tiger, panther, whatever it was that she was. She, still quite dopey with the Cloud, still figured it best to take a few more hops back to hide behind Ida's foot, glancing toward Pantra and considering her offers from the safety of her current position. Too, the seeming desires and requests of the other present party members.

Emphasis on the seeming desires and requests from the other present party members. The bird would typically find herself overwhelmed trying to parse through each and every word that came from the lips of the familiar fae songstress--dizzying from each and every new excited statement and question that came from her lips. What was this?...What sort of witchcraft was this to cause her such difficulty in comprehension? She knew the songstress capable of magical harmonies that could invigorate many, yet here she was once more expressive of discordant sound after discordant sound. At that point, she had to ask herself--was this Harlot truly an angel or was she a demon in disguise?

...Wait a minute. She didn't come to the duchy for nothing. She didn't join Ida on this trip for nothing, either. Perhaps the Cloud was entering faster into her system, but any semblance of complaints and ranteristic bants that could come from her beak would quickly quell themselves as she would realize:

This was the Pavillion, and she very much had her own reasons to be there.

"Y-Yessum," she finally muttered, "information of all sorts would be very nice, Lady Pantra...do you perhaps know of any vendors for or devices specifically that would be able to allow an individual to maintain the appearance and physique of a human?"

 

[Clyvelle]

Pantra, Owner of smokeshop Numa Numa​

Numa Numa was situated on the corner of two main streets. This afforded it much well-deserved foot traffic, for, as Duran had said, this was the best smokeshop in the whole Pavilion. As such, most of the interior was used for lounging with various cushions and blankets arranged around tables on which sat hookahs. Some tables had one hookah with a giant vase meant for sharing, while others had a maximum of three hookahs for diversity. Presently, there was a group of three human males lounging in the corner, each with their own hookah, conversating in hushed tones.

The walls were lined with decorative hanging cloths, especially over the walled in shop counter. The center of the roof was latticed to allow natural sunlight to filter in, while leaving the majority of the lounge shaded. Several ornate archways on the two street-facing walls gave the shop an open, welcoming feel, as well as allowed the infused smoke to vent out into the street.

Pantra occupied the counter behind which was a wall of shelves beautifully arrayed with colored bottles of smoke flavoring. On one end of the shelf was a doorway with a beaded curtain through which Duran had passed just moments ago. Pantra leaned against the counter as the group interacted with her.

Finnegan
She narrowed her eyes slightly at Finnegan's opening remarks.

"Oh, do tell, master Finnegan! I'm always keen to hear what new rumor the foreigners have concocted about this place and our recreations! You've come despite hearing the rumors, so I imagine they aren't too discouraging in nature.
"Hookah spice and cooking spice are nearly identical, yet the hookah side is a bit more populated as the effects are wide and diverse. It comes down to how the user wishes the smoke to behave. If you're looking for heat, then I have a few options to show you." She turned and grabbed three noticeably smaller vases of hookah liquid colored yellow, light green, and deep amber respectively. "Here we are! 'Sun's Fervor', 'Meadow Bite', and "Cinnamon". First thing you might notice is how small the vases are. Being in a hot climate here beneath the Duchy, hot items are not highly sought after. You get the odd customer every once in awhile though, so we keep a bottle or two on hand. Now, an explanation of each: Sun's Fervor uses peppermint as its key ingredient. It gives a boost of energy with a prick of heat. Meadow Bite is infused with lemongrass. Has a refreshing taste, but a woeful, lingering heat. One of our hottest items. Cinnamon is about as plainly labeled as it can get. Flavored primarily with cinnamon, this bitter spice is for a very particular type of customer. I don't often see people order this out of enjoyment, but more as a dare to their fellows to see how long they can bask in the unforgiving amber haze."

Ida
As Finnegan was mulling over Pantra's suggestions, she turned her attention to the songstress. She smiled warmly at the girl and waved a hand dismissively to her apparent feelings of being out-of-place.

"Not one for the smoke, dear? Don't you worry. You're not alone in that. I myself wasn't too keen on it when I was young. Thought it smelled downright awful in all honesty. Over the years I began to pick up the...nuance to the smoke, I guess you could say. There's layers to it, you see. Different scents. It's actually partly why I ended up opening this shop. There was more potential in the hookah than burning some dried leaves.
"Anywho, enough about me. You're wanting information, eh? That's a very vague request, m'lady, but I'll see what I can offer. Hm...well, seeing as how you're here from the Duchy, I imagine you're looking for a good time. And seeing how Duran brought you here, he's obviously dropping the ol' yarnball in a big way as far as doing his job and telling you what's what around here.
"So let dear ol' Pantra start by asking you a question: Have you ever seen "Cats" the musical? Have you ever seen a cat dance with fire by the light of the moon? You see, walking around the Pavilion in the day is only seeing the majestic lion while he sleeps. To see his full vigor and majesty, you must wake the lion, and the Pavilion only awakens...at night.
"I'm sure Duran will show you, but not far from here is a wide open plaza near the center of the city. At night, the place really comes alive with street performers and music. As you can tell, the heat here is oppressive, so the locals, as a way of thanks to the sun for setting, come alive and give it their all in song and dance. It's really a sight to behold."

Ophenia
Pantra offered a pleasant smile to Ophenia as she began to say, "Well, my dear, it's your tu--" The shopkeeper was immediately assaulted by a multitude of questions seemingly spoken on a single breath. Pantra's eyes widened as the barrage continued. When Ophenia finally stopped talking long enough to respond, Pantra turned to the others and commented, "Your friend is...very curious." The shopkeep turned back to Ophenia as she closed her eyes a moment and cleared her throat. After a moment's silence passed, Pantra opened her eyes and fired back a rolling list of answers in the same rapidfire cadence as Ophenia had used.

"I keep my fur soft with daily bathing, but I also use some oils imported from the Duchy. Foreigners can stay here for as long as they have money. I am what is known as "Crested", so I do not pay rent. No pools to speak of as our water is mostly underground to save it from the heat. All performers must be approved by Glyde. It's not the smoke, but the flavoring to the smoke that I sell, which is contained in these vases behind me. While I have heard of people chewing on the raw ingredients, I would not advise such nonsense. Smoke is used mostly recreationally but also medicinally. The Cloud infused mixture, for example, is used by many to be calm and at peace in a world that is often not so for them." Pantra inhaled sharply then exhaled slowly. "It's been a few years since I had to use that particular skill. Haven't heard so many words all at once since I worked as a tavern maid."

VII
Pantra blinked a few times as she saw Ida's hair rustle. Her eyes widened when a feathery something wormed its way out of the mop and ragdolled to the floor. Pantra leaned a bit further over the counter to look at the creature that had suddenly materialized out of a maiden's hair. It was a shivering little bird of all things!

"Oh, you poor thing! Wait right there!" Pantra disappeared momentarily through the door behind her counter. When she reappeared, she had a blanket that she handed over the counter to Ida. "Here you go! Wrap it up tight, now. How on earth could anything be cold here of all places?"

Once the bird was settled, Pantra listened more closely to its inquiries.

"Magic, you say? While it's true we have various practitioners here, none of them are mainstays of the city, much less Crested. The Pavilion deals in more...spiritual things, you might say. For example, I have heard tales of a power that could send a soul from one body to another, but I'm not aware of anyone in the Pavilion capable of such a feat. My apologies, my tiny friend."

 

[VictoryatLast]

Iduna Isra

---

She had nearly forgotten Seven had stashed away herself in her hair... hmph.

"At night..."

...How fortunate- ideas were beginning to brew in the icy songstress's head as she accepted the blanket, folding it in the form of a 'nest', and reaching a hand out to Seven to set her down upon it if she accepted. It was warm... would the other fabrics be similar? Warm and comforting in such a way? Ida's stomach fluttered at the thought. The woman before her would expertly answer their requests and questions, thus impressing the frozen girl as much as it was possible to.

"It is my fault- my magic... is rather wild- and cold. Quite cold, most would say..." She patted the nest shyly... and sighed heavily. This Cloud was becoming much of a nuisance to Iduna's rationale. It seemed to make her more... amiable to attempting new things she hadn't ever done...

Things like... joining a night show such as the one held here. It was an outlandish concept in the same place in her head as the idea of buying an outfit... or really anything made of that lovely fabric.

"Does Glyde accept singers for that... night... p-performance?" Ida felt her words stutter upon her lips. She unconsciously folded her hands in front of her, wondering if they had grown any colder with the idea of trying something different- after all, many things could go wrong.

...

But... at the very least, she could avoid sleeping. And by not sleeping... she would not suffer through those nightmares that made her magic run wild, her hair bleach, and her body ache with pain unimaginable. And perhaps she might be able to commission something made with those lovely fabrics she had seen.


"...W-w-well, it must be so, since singers are... performers..."

---

 

[Orikanyo]

Finnegan Huttman

​

Finn nodded at the explanation, but only soon after clued in she was talking smoke. He guessed it was about that, but.. well.. he wasn't fully certain... Smokeing.. he... Wasn't exactly into it. Not the worst thing out there, but he'd rather stick to substance that taste good(Ie, good enough) if he's to get somewhere with em. Drink mostly, but he doesn't go too hard... Not that he can really go too far, his body has become a oddity to himself of late. It's capabilities becoming more and more with each outing.

But... At least something distracted him for a moment.

"Oh, the chicken is back... Looks positively frosty." the man leaned down eye level at the small shivering bird... How long had it been in ida's hair...?

Was Ida that cold to do this..?

She looked to be distracted by many things herself. So.. Why not deal with the bird.

The man used a finger to lightly touch the bird, then put down a hand in the cloth to share the warmth. "There there little one... Stay nice and snug..." he gave a soft smile, one that seemed to just beam with adoration of the small cute bird.

"I'm suprised to see her come out of your hair Ida, but, odder things have happened...

..Hmm...

Say...

Pantra, love have yea seen any folks selling... Pets of a sort. i've been thinking about getting a little friend like Ida's here... Though I doubt i'd have something as speacial as a talking little cutie like this one~!" he couldn't help it, gods this bird was so cute..

 

[Faynorae]

​

Frozen food, my favourite!
Ophenia was... speechless kind of. Honestly. At the same time though, she was in awe, as her excitement began to overtake her once more, "Ah! Underground watery place?! Oils from the duchy?! What kind? I normally just let my hair soak in water for a long time... Uhhh... Ah! Usually, it's fine, but it never gets super soft looking like your fur!" Ophenia said excitedly, her bubbliness was toned down a bit. For some odd reason, she felt that something was being... disturbed by her enthusiasm. Ophenia twirled around. She was so excited. Everyone looked really soft and fluffy. She wondered if she could ever become soft and fluffy too... Whatever the not, Ophenia's mind hopped onto a different train of thought.

Foreigners could stay here as long as they have money? Hm. The sylph let thought after thought run through her mind like a carousel going prestissimo. She had... some money. "I wonder if I could pay in performances if I run out... a song or two... hm." The sylphid muttered to herself softly under her breath as she stopped to think more concisely. She put the orange painted nail of her thumb against her mouth, chewing on the tip as she lost herself in thought. What did crested even mean in this place? What did crested mean in general? She's never seen it in the books before... Actually, even the vocabulary book she had read didn't have such a word like that in there... A crest is like a symbol. Therefore to be crested is to have that symbol on thee? Ophenia gasped. Did this fluffy lady have a crest on her when she was born?! The thought kind of excited Ophenia, but a las, what she thought was probably far from the truth. On the other hand though;

Cloud... Cloud is something that calms one's mind and puts them at peace... Is it magic? Alchemy? Witchcraft! Maybe not that. Ophenia thought as she started chewing off the paint that was on her thumb's nail. I wonder if there is a magic that has similar effects... Could I make magic like so? Ophenia's head went silent for a moment. Just before she clapped her hands, and put a cheerful expression on her face. One of her nails are now in shambles, but this maiden has come to a conclusion. "Then we simply must meet this Glyde person! We can like totally do that right? A performance! we'll have colourful lights and sparkling songs! There's no way he would refuse it right?" Ophenia exclaimed a bit loudly, and she twirled around to look over at Ida. The other supposed performer right? The bird that she was with would often call her that as well after all...

"Maybe we could sin-" Ophenia stopped in her tracks as she noticed a familiar friend. For if one thinks of the devil, the devil shall appear! And this devil was a cute tiny little birdie. Watching the tiny bird flop onto the floor as Ophenia stared down at the little bird, "My oh my! Little birdie is that you? I haven't seen you in like 200 hours or uhhh... something like that! Are you okay? Are you warm enough? Do you want a hug? I once saw people hug each other while gathering around a stump in winter for warmth in a book once! So maybe if we hug you'll get super warm and cosy and you'll be so happy so quickly you won't even remember being cold!" Ophenia blurted out in a cheerfully innocent tone as she crouched down holding out her arms to the tiny one.

That book was written by an author famous for writing tragedies and light horror novels, but Ophenia didn't read very far because of its lack of visuals. Clearly, this is just proof that reading a lot does not make you a well-read person.

 

[Clyvelle]

Pantra, Owner of smokeshop Numa Numa​

Iduna
Pantra cleared her throat rather loudly when Ida mentioned her magic. She leaned forward slightly and spoke lowly.

"My dear, a little advice: don't go bragging about cold magic here. It's a highly sought after commodity in this furnace of a city. Let's just say there are some who would do anything to have such a gem locked away in their cellar." She abruptly straightened and spoke loudly, "Oh, you have an interest in the night show? Well, you should come on by after sunset. You might get the rare privilege of hearing the great Pantra play a song or two!"

Finnegan
At Finnegan's inquiry about pet sellers, Pantra gasped as her mouth gaped slightly in offense.

"How shameless, sir! Asking a beastkin for an animal seller! The nerve!" She cried throwing her hands up in the air, then resting one on her hip as she leered at him. Before the uneasy tension could go too far, Pantra chuckled lightly. "A joke, dear. Everyone knows the difference between exalted beastkin and beasts. Don't go using that as an excuse to mistreat the poor dears though!
"I do know a fellow on the outskirts of town that might be able to help you. He doesn't usually deal in...normal pets, though. Have Duran take you to Olka before you leave. He'll know the place."

Ophenia
The bubbly girl seemed to attempt to calm herself as she asked a few more questions. Pantra smiled, being genuinely amused by the girl's energy.

"The oil I use is called 'mango jungle'. It's expensive as all get out, so I use it sparingly to make it last. Keeps me from looking as mangy as some of these other cats walking about with their matted fur. Ugh...." Pantra shivered in disgust.

As Ophenia began carrying on about meeting Glyde, the sound of approaching voices came from the door behind the counter. An orange furred arm pierced the beaded curtain and pulled it aside as a gray haired catkin carrying a bundle in her arms, followed by Duran, entered the main lobby.

Duran, Pipe Connoisseur and Tour Guide
Duran looked pleased as punch as he positively beamed at the gray catkin beside him. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder as she clutched the bundle to her chest.

"It's been lovely seeing you, my dear. I look forward to your next visit." said he, a soft purr escaping his lips as he exhaled.

The catkin looked from Duran to Pantra smiling at them. Then she looked to the group huddled at the counter. She gasped and looked to Duran.

"Uncle! You didn't mention you were working! Why are you holding these people hostage?" scolded the catkin.

Duran held his hands up as her temper flared.

"I, er, uh...the kits, my dear! They're sleeping! Shhh! Mustn't wake them, yes?" he said, trying to change the subject.

The catkin's face dropped into a flat expression as she unceremoniously pulled back the flap of the bundle in her arms. Inside were two tiny kits resting soundly.

"Look, dear uncle, on your nieces who nap just as mightily if not more so than you." said the mother of two.

A nervous grin and a look of pride vied for position on Duran's face as he beheld his absolute napping champion nieces. Getting the point, however, he cleared his throat and straightened up.

"Right, then. We shall be off. I'll see you both tonight." said the tour guide with a salute.

Duran turned to the group and began corralling them out the nearest door. Back out into the sun and heat they marched.

"Really, sorry 'bout that. That's my niece, Katrina, real firewhip, that one. She doesn't live in the Pavilion, so I don't get to see her often. And she brought kits this time too! I tell you, I'm the proudest uncle in the world! Yessah! Now, then! Let's finish this tour, shall we?" said Duran, the renewed vigor apparent in his voice.

From Numa Numa, it was a straight shot down main street to their next destination. Duran called out various stores and places of note along the way. The road ended in a huge plaza. Around the exterior of the plaza was a loggia along the buildings outlining the plaza. Doorways within led away into arcades and shaded places to escape from the heat.

Throughout the plaza, unlit braziers awaited the evening festivities. Covered wells on opposing corners of the plaza provided water to the parched party animals.

"And this is where I'll be spending my evening with those two fine ladies back at Numa Numa. Yessah, haha! This is the plaza where we dance the night away. Occasionally, you get the odd vendor who only shows up at night. Main things to know is there will be music, dancing, and FOOD. Oh, yes, food! I'm looking forward to some smoked salmon, myself." said Duran as he spread his arms out and did a short, giddy twirl. "And if you look straight up the way to the far end of the plaza, you'll see the stairs leading to Glyde's palace! I'll be honest, I think I've seen him all of once since I've been here. Yes, the fellow you're more likely to see is Ostis, since it's pretty much his job to walk the streets daily to make sure things are moving as they should."

 

[Etymarchen]

< VII >​

---

​

As the Pantra cat woman would rush to wrap her in a warm blanket, the bird’s beak would continually clatter all the way through...

For a moment, she thought she had felt, not a blanket, but a sense of nostalgia wrap about her. The warmth of the fibers at hand was not efficient enough to warm her up instantly following the blizzard that was Ida's lovely, beautiful hair, but it was the thought that mattered most. Perhaps her gaze toward this lovely cat was one of admiration--appreciation, if you will. Relaxed little coos to resound as she would listen along to Pantra's response to her request--disrupted by a shock as she found herself being gently and warmly prodded by a certain large, warm appendage.

Quickly glancing over, she would be met with the sight of a soft, gentle smile--squawks of confusion to entail from her as she quickly forced herself to continue listening to Pantra--

...And their eventual calming as she would realize the vain of her question. Her purpose for tagging along for the sake of answers. The power to transfer the soul from one body to the next was, while technically something that could help her, not what she had sought. The idea of taking another person's body for the sake of her own, while acceptable, was one she realized to come with many a potential detriment if taken in immediate acceptance. At least, that was what she had assumed to herself at first.

Her status as a bird made it difficult for her to do much, but perhaps the inability to express was one that could but only be recognized a blessing in her case. As the others would continue to speak, Seven would take in and accept each facet of answers that would come her way, sighing as she would consider each discussion. Taking a deep breath, the bird would ready herself to thank the leopardess--

At least, until a spark of realization regarding this soul-transferring ability would fruition in her eyes as she would gaze up, prepared to ask another question--

That was, until she realized something amiss--an implication of a statement from the Sir Knightman. The bird's eyes shifted over toward him, almost coldly towards his endearing little smile.

“Pardon me, but I would not be a pet, and I would not be a chicken, either,” she sighed, "I happen to have a name, Sir Knightman."

Before she could state her name, however, it seemed that their tour guide would return to their party--an attentive gaze she would listen into the little remarks from tour guide to niece--the discussion of the little kits...

​

Many a question would cross the bird's mind--none of which important, she felt, to answer in that instance. That instance, or really, any following instance. Shutting her eyes, she would latch her little talons gently onto Finn's warm hand, gazing as the street would open up to the to-be-eventful plaza of the Pavillion. Her eyes, attentive, would make note of the directions thatwhich Duran would point out to them. Too, did she find herself curious regarding these evening festivities.

But one question stood out most amongst the rest. A pavillion of such excitement and eventfulness, managed by a man whom rarely showed his face. Perhaps because he was busy or some such similar...still...

"Though I understand him to be the elusive sort, what sort of man might others describe this Glyde individual to be? I ask, out of curiosity, of course."

 

[VictoryatLast]

Iduna Isra

---

"Please do not refer to her as a pet." She gave Finn a blank but slightly judgy frown. A person should be aware of their speech and what they might offend- always. Another of the many rules she had attempted to place upon herself...

That she evidently had already broken.

As soon as Pantra made her warning, Iduna was stunned to silence. She never wanted to be a pawn like that again- not after that caravan that made her feel like a trapped bird. Immediately she wiped the ice off of her cheek and attempted to hide more within her shawl.

"A-a song! Yes. That- that sounds... lovely."

Bird... The songstress paused. What had suddenly escaped her thoughts? As soon as the group began their tour once again, it hit her like lightning. How had she never asked?!

"Name...? You- you have a name, fluttering flatterer?"

Iduna had since picked up the blanket-wrapped bird as they began their journey, not thinking too much of familiar cat relations. In fact, she felt rather empty at the thought of it all and realized... that this wasn't the proper reaction to have. Why was her mind suddenly blank? Why did she not feel some sort of sudden warmth at the sight of such a loving mother and uncle?

Bah. It must've been another thing she could not understand. She should not focus on it, she thought. Rather, she should focus on the idea of performing at the Pavillion's plaza at night, and this mysterious Glyde figure that could perhaps make such a thing happen.

"I too would like to know a little more about him, if possible."

---

 

[Orikanyo]

Finnegan Huttman




​

"Well, of course I suppous she has a name, but we haven't really talked about it yet have we?" Finn gave a small shrug, but fixed his views on the matter. The bird was not a pet, in any case, which was... Okay? sure. she talked so he should... treat her... as a person...? Maybe? Hmm... He absent mindedly stroked the bird that was with him now, she was.. quite soft... He stroked the nap of the neck with two light fingers, in that gentle way one might touch a doll you are afraid to break. Quite soft... How lovely...

... Almost as cute as those kittens, goodness the guide came back with a true stars of the show! Oh they were so adorable! so cute! Gods above and below his heart melted.

But alas.. The stay didn't go for long.. they had to leave... All without Finn being able to hi to the little things. Not that he'd want to crowd them, a greetings from afar he didn't want to seem creepy but BY THE GODS THEY WERE SO CUTE!!

Their traversal down the pavillion continued, and so did the young man, he quite liked this place, and with the bird in hand, who was quite easily worth two in the bush, he gave her a slightly higher line of sight, at least eye level so she may at leats enjoy things from his angle. He wondered, perhaps he should put her on his shoulder..? No, she talked, and right next to his ear may not be pleasant...

Ah..

He knew.

With a smooth movement, he placed the bird atop his head, giving her many golden locks to hold onto. "There we go, frees up the hands." he said with abit of joviality. "Ah yea! duran! my friend, I had asked Pantra none to long ago but she gave me a name. I'm looking to get some little friends, a pet if you would. I figured the Pavillion would be a great place to find something.. Unique!

Lady Pantra gave me the name Olka, saying they were a seller of such." the man, who now had a bird placed atop his head, seemed happy at the idea of getting a small friend or two for his journeys.

"Lady Seven here is no such thing as I learned. Perchance this person may have some treats she may like though."

 

[Clyvelle]

Duran, Pipe Connoisseur and Tour Guide​

Duran led them over to one of the arcades that bordered the plaza. This one was a bit more packed with people lounging in most of the seating areas already. The smell of cooking meat wafted in from deeper in. Duran settled for a seat on a bench built into the wall near where they entered. Pulling out a pipe that was tucked into his belt, he began prepping for a smoke. Examining the bowl a moment, he turned it upside down and tapped it a few times on the edge of the bench he sat on, causing black build up to sprinkle out onto the ground. Next he reached into an inner pocket of his vest and pulled out a pinch of some dried plant material and stuffed it into the bowl. Inserting the pipe into his mouth, he began patting himself down for something to light his pipe. His eyes rolled as the grim conclusion that he had no light on him was reached.

Duran looked to his group but saw they had none to offer. Having no other recourse, he leaned towards an individual sitting nearby and asked him for a light. The individual chuckled and nodded. Duran eagerly held his pipe out while putting his lips on the opposite end. The man reached forth a finger and pointed at the bowl of Duran's pipe, causing a small but intense flame to ignite from his fingertip. Duran's eyes dilated noticeably at the bright, hot spark a mere hand's breadth from his face and timidly suckled the mouthpiece of his pipe as the smoke came quickly. After Duran nodded, the man withdrew his finger and went back to his lounging mates.

"Much obliged." Duran said sheepishly, toasting the fellow by raising his pipe. Turning once again to the tour group as he had his smoke, he addressed their inquiries about Glyde.

"Well, uh, like I said, he's a bit of a recluse, so there's not much I can say. Erm...he's...some kind of birdkin, I think. Admittedly, I've never seen anything like him among the few birdfolk I've come across. Perhaps that's why he keeps the company that he does--uh, harpies, I mean. The palace is guarded by a group of harpies, each looking more strange and bizarre than the last. Of course, the Pavilion gets its share of oddities that come through our gates. We're a, uh, haven of sorts for such creatures, you see. But, the harpies

now...they...um, how to put this...? Um, er...Oh! Right, so take us catkin, right? If you lined up a bunch of us in a row, we may have different color fur, taller, shorter, more muscle or less, but despite all that, you could tell that each of us is kin. Catkin. We're all in the same neck of the woods, so to speak, as a people. The harpies, though--and Glyde himself, even--they don't have that same look to 'em. All harpies, they be, but you can't tell which ones hatched from eggs and which ones hatched from...some kind of rotted, cursed sort of egg. They're a strange lot, which is why the harpies stay out of sight, I imagine. They watch the Pavilion from the sky, from the rooves, but most of their attention is on the palace and Glyde's wellfare."

Duran sat for a moment, puffing on his pipe, creating little halos of smoke that rose and drifted into the air until they joined the haze of others' smoke. Finn mentioned Olka, which pulled Duran out of his thinking.

"Ah, Olka, eh? His shop is near the outer wall. We can stop by while we're waiting for the sun to set." Duran said simply with a nod.

Just then, Duran's ears perked up. He turned to the doorway leading to the plaza, listening. Standing abruptly, he rushed out under the loggia, looking towards the palace. A large plume of pink smoke was issuing out of the lower levels of the palace.

Duran was about to take off towards the smoke, but stopped, seemingly remembering he was with company. He glanced quickly between the group and the smoke, then his eyes widened with a sudden epiphany.

"Alright, it's time to get moving! We're going to take you to see Glyde! That smoke is the, uh, signal to come in, you see." Duran chuckled as he began walking towards the palace.

 

[VictoryatLast]

Iduna Isra

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"I'd certainly like to know it, then." Though, as always, the voice was monotone and unfeeling, her request was sincere- which seemed rather off from the young woman, as they continued into the plaza. "Your name."

How unfortunate...

Ida would make her rounds, looking at the various wares and realizing rather quickly that she couldn't eat much of it. She wrinkled her nose at the gamey smell silently, burying the bottom half of her face in her shawl in an attempt to mask the smell. The only thing she still had on her mind at that moment was two things- the only two that were keeping her motivated to continue this tour.

One: The idea of gaining another potential client in the form of the Pavillion...

And two:

...

As shameful as it was for her to want such a thing, Ida thought, she wished to find a tailor. It was highly possible, that if there was a tailor in the Pavillion...then she could request an article of clothing made with the material she had gawked at earlier. Was it even possible for her to get it?

As soon as the 'smoke' began to waft in from the palace, the songstress raised an eyebrow in the direction of their tiger guide- was he truly that... 'excited'? What was this strange smoke about?

"Duran... I thought you said it was rather rare to meet Glyde in person? Is he truly so elusive that he uses smoke to hide himself?"

Iduna adjusted her shawl again and frowned, staring into the smoke, but not daring to step into it just yet. It was far too ominous, far too thick... and far too pink- incredibly unnatural to the icy songstress.

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